Savant: Elf Saga Vol. 2

By Charles G. Dyer

If Brie, an eighteen-year-old highborn elf girl, thought learning to be a healer and saving the elves from extinction was going to be easy, she was sorely mistaken. Her quest for knowledge frequently puts her in danger. Politics, conspiracies, muggers, rejection, murder and betrayals continue to hound Brie.

Being the adopted daughter of Princess Authiel has its advantages. A whole world of opportunities opens for Brie. She makes new friends. Romance is not a priority for her but it comes and goes and comes again, unbidden.

She continues her studies under the watchful eye of Thalion, an old wizard and attends Authiel's lectures. However, she has to juggle her schedules to study both magic and medicine. Thalion acknowledges that she has attained master's level in magic but she has a long way to go with medicine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Charles G. Dyer
• Release date: Feb 19, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310074622

Charles G. Dyer

Charles Dyer is a consulting engineer, former senior lecturer and former technical magazine editor. He creates 3D models to help with visualisation and realism in his writing.

Book preview

SAVANT

Elf Saga Vol. 2

CHARLES G. DYER

Copyright © 2014 Charles G. Dyer

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 9781310074622

Smashwords Edition

License

Thank you for purchasing this book. It remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be reproduced, copied and distributed for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to purchase their own copy at Smashwords.com, where they can also discover other works by this author. Thank you for your support.

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter_Twenty_Two

Chapter_Twenty_Three

Chapter_Twenty_Four

NOTES

About The Author

Pronunciation of Elfin Names and Words

Brieanobh = Bree-are-nov (female)

Authiel = Ore-th-ee-ell (female)

Silima = Sheila-mah (female)

Morwen = More-wen (female)

Karewen = Care-ee-wen (female)

Ahdmadwen = Ard-mad-wen (female)

Deifurwen = Day-fur-wen (female)

Gwendowen = Gwen-dough-wen (female)

Saranobh = Sar-un-nov (female)

Urlabrabh = Err-la-bruv (female)

Thalion = Thahl-ee-on (male)

Beinion = Bane-ee-on (male)

Dorsidhion = Door-sheeth-ee-on (male)

Cuculion = Koo-kool-ee-on (male)

Pectolion = Peck-toe-lee-on (male)

Varion = Vay-ree-on (male)

Gadaion = Guh-dar-ee-on (male)

Megildion = Meh-gild-ee-on (male)

Andion = And-ee-on (male)

Baralyan = Bar-ahl-yahn (male)

Herbidhion = Her-bith-ee-on (male)

Fiodorion = Fee-oh-door-ee-on (male)

Mealabhion = Mee-ah-lav-ee-on (male)

Timithion = Tim-ith-ee-on (male)

Listarion = List-air-ee-on (male)

Dialtion = Dee-alt-ee-on (male)

Brathion = Brath-ee-on (male)

Ionadion = Eye-on-add-ee-on (male)

Airgead a Crionna = Air-gee-ard ah Cree-oh-naar

CHAPTER ONE

It was an exceptionally warm day for Danu, the first month of spring. Weather had never interfered with Brie's strict training program. Rain or shine, she pitted her wits and skill against the largest opponent she could find.

I must be crazy. Why do I keep on doing this when all I really want is to be a healer? Brie wiped her brow with her forearm as she circled the giant elf. What do you think about marriage, Megildion?

His thighs were as thick as her waist. Most of his exceptionally developed muscles alternately flexed and relaxed as he twirled his staff and shuffled about in the soft sand of the arena to keep facing her. Is that a proposal?

She laughed. Gods no… She parried a vicious blow aimed at her head. Brigit's Breath, now I guess I've hurt his feelings. I mean in general, you know… um, as a way of living.

His staff blurred as his flicked his wrists and tackled her from two sides. She blocked the first strike but the second one caught her on the elbow. Numbing pain shot up her arm and she lost her grip on her staff.

Her vision blurred. Damn! "Dibir tinneas," she said the banish pain spell. The pain was gone but the numbness remained. She doubled back to assess the situation. This arm's useless now.

Quicker than blinking, Megildion closed the gap. She had anticipated the move. She jumped towards him as he lifted his staff. She used her staff one-handed as a spear and thrust it at his throat.

He jerked back in time to avoid serious damage but he gasped for breath, doubled back and spread his arms in surrender.

She waited for him to apply several spells to heal his partially crushed windpipe. Please fix my elbow.

He quietly obliged her and stood back. Haven't they taught you anything at university?

She shrugged her good shoulder. Some but I haven't done anatomy yet. Authiel taught me to heal knife cuts and the like but not this kind of injury.

Why did you not attack my diaphragm? He frowned. It was more open than my throat.

Ha, she playfully punched him in the belly, because you have so much muscle there that all I'd do is tickle you.

He nodded. I'm glad to see that you're learning and still a formidable opponent, even when lamed. He stroked his eyebrows. The movement made muscles in his face and on his arm dance about crazily. The bushy black hair above his eyes was the only hair on his person.

I hate it when he does that. Thanks for the healing and the workout, she said as she placed her staff on the weapons rack.

He gently touched her shoulder. About your question… I'm only fifty and I haven't found a girl that likes me enough to marry me. I'm the last person to give you advice like that.

Gods, now I really feel like a heel. Sorry to hear that Megildion but you must surely have an opinion, yes? She patted his hand.

He shrugged. Humans marry as young as fifteen or less but an elf of thirty is not mature enough to commit to a lifetime with a partner. We have to put up with each other for hundreds of years. I suppose there are exceptions to every rule. Anyway, that's what I think.

Brie grinned. So, you reckon I'm too young to consider marriage, huh?

I do. He nodded. You have only just come out, Princess. Relax, breathe and circulate to assess your options. That is my advice for fighting and I think it might be relevant in love too.

Thanks. She chortled. So, love is a fight, huh?

His bald head twitched to one side. The fight of your life.

She smiled. How often do you have to go to the temple to recharge your glamour belt?

That depends on how stupid my pupils are. He rubbed his throat and gave her a pointed look. Or how demonic they are. Twice a week is normal.

***

Brie's busy schedule during the week gave her no free time to chase down the leads that the chamberlain had suggested. De Sathairn was the only day of the week when businesses were open and she was free. The problem was that it was the busiest day as far as traffic went. Walking was a better option than riding a chariot or a horse. Although one could get from one place to the next quicker by horse, it often took a long time to find a safe hitching bar or stable.

She hated crowds and especially being jostled by countless strangers. This was the Outer Circle at its daytime worst. At night, the wise stayed well away. She kept one hand firmly on the hilt of her dagger and the other on her belt pouch.

The din of scores of vendors yelling each other down to attract customers drowned out the clatter of hundreds of footsteps. Chariot horns angrily blasted at pedestrians and horses whinnied their discontent. The stink of old fish, smoke, pitch and manure blended with stale bodies and sewage to the point where she felt like gagging.

Brie had deliberately selected the drabbest of her dresses for this outing. The last thing one wanted to do in this part of the city was to draw attention to one's social status. Being mugged for a purse was the least of crimes one could expect.

Authiel had a strong influence on Brie's wardrobe, so the plainest frock to be found was brown. It stood out like a beacon in the crowds of lowborn orange, human buff and slave grey. Unseen but essential was her cloak of glamour warding that would stave off any attempted attack.

Gods, no wonder servants are sent to do the shopping here. This place has a den of thieves down every sleazy alley and side street. If they aren't then they sure give that impression… She raised her eyebrows. Huh, maybe that's it. Blend in and look the part then you'll be left alone. Maybe I should've worn grey but Mom would've had a fit if I did.

The grubby hand of a beggar reached out from an alcove as she passed a wainwright's workshop. She stepped into the street to avoid him and narrowly missed being run over by a horseless chariot. The driver of the receding vehicle shook a fist at her.

At last, she arrived at the warehouse she sought. A surprisingly clean sign on a large brass plaque told her that this was the Atlantis Leather Merchant. She knocked on the wide ironbound wooden door and had to do so several times before she heard it being unlocked and bolts being drawn.

A brawny half-elf stepped back in a defensive stance as he tried to look around her into the street. What can I do for you, Ma'am?

I was told that you get furs from Seal Bay, she said.

Hmm, you'd best come in and talk to the owner. I don't know anything about that side of the business. He locked and bolted the door behind her.

The smell of new leather was a welcome change to the foul-smelling streets. Rows of racks were stacked to the ceiling with leather in dozens of colours. Magic light orbs nestled in tarnished brass pendant fittings at regular intervals along each row.

The owner's clothes marked him as highborn but he had the coarse look of a lowborn thug. He did not even have the courtesy to stand up to greet her. He gestured to the chair in front of his desk. Yes?

Brie sat down. What a pig! Could you please tell me which ships supply you with furs from Seal Bay?

He scowled at her. Why, so you can undercut my trade, huh?

She said, No, I've got no interest in this trade. I just want to go to Seal Bay.

He stared suspiciously at her for a moment and then scribbled a note on a scrap of paper. He handed it to her. That's the address of my shipping agent.

Brie thanked him and was relieved to be out in the filthy streets again. As was to be expected, the shipping agent's office was located near the docks. If anything, that was the worst part of the Outer Circle. Lecherous sailors lurked on every street corner and they were not shy about loudly voicing their crude opinions of her or what they would like to do to her.

Judging from their voices, Brie thought that half of them were drunk. Gods, how can they be drinking at this time of the day?

Wheeling gulls and crows in this quarter displaced the street vendors as the noisiest inhabitants. A vendor would have to be desperate indeed to set up shop in this unsavoury area.

The shipping agent had a dingy office in a ramshackle building overlooking the docks. In contrast to his surroundings, the elfin man was well-dressed and polite. Would you care for some tea, Ma'am? he asked as he held a chair out for her.

Yes please. She sat and waited while he ordered refreshments over his magic communicator.

How can I be of assistance? He sat down.

She told him that she wanted passage to Seal Bay. A servant brought a silver tray with an assortment of biscuits and tea. The agent poured. Seal Bay is a most uncommon destination. Ships only go there twice or thrice a year.

He handed her a porcelain cup. The shallow draught of the bay and the lack of demand means that ocean-going vessels cannot be used. Little coasters would be all that I can offer.

Brie sipped her tea. I know nothing about ships. What's the difference?

He offered her the plate of biscuits. Coasters give a rougher ride than big ships. If you're prone to seasickness, it won't be a pleasant voyage if the weather turns nasty.

She took a biscuit. How many passengers can they take?

He shrugged. Depends on how much comfort you want. For you Ma'am, I'd say four. For lesser folk, maybe six or eight. He selected a well-worn book from a pile and found a marked page. It's a five to ten day journey depending on the weather. The fare will cost you 200 Danann a head for a return trip.

How long does the ship stay at Seal Bay? she asked.

Usually not more than a week and not less than three days. You could negotiate with the captain for a longer stay. Otherwise, you'd have to wait up to seven months for another ship. He quaffed his tea.

Hmm, Brie shook her head, that's out of the question. Where could I see one of these coasters?

He shuffled through the papers on his desk until he found a particular one that he held up to the light. Quay 23 has one that's being refitted. It should be there for about a week.

I've only got the month of Grian or two months at the end of the year, she said.

Ah, I thought as much. A university student, yes? He saw her nod. I do have a vessel due to sail for the bay towards the end of Creidhne. If you make a firm booking, I could delay her departure to fit you in.

Fine. Brie rose to go. Thanks for the tea and the advice. I need to discuss this with my mother.

She had no sooner left the building than she heard muffled cries from a nearby alley. At first, she thought it best to ignore it and hurry past. As she drew level with the noise of the scuffle, she glanced down the shadowy lane. Daggers flashed and she saw four orange-clad lowborns attacking a man in green.

Gods, they'll kill him. He must be a soldier. She drew her dagger and checked her wards as she ran towards the melee. Leave him alone! she screamed.

One of the attackers turned to face her and tossed his dagger from one hand to the other as her taunted her. Come to daddy, bitch.

She kicked his knife between hands and swiped at his neck. He ducked too slowly and a deep cut to his forehead poured blood into his eyes. He staggered away cursing and groping wildly at his face.

A second thug left the victim to deal with her. He had a heavy iron bar. Well, I'm not taking any chances with that. She aimed her hands at him and the third tough. "Stad uile bogadh!" She invoked the paralyse spell.

Brie kicked the magically immobilised men out of her way. They fell helplessly to the filthy cobbled pavement. The last of the bullies gaped wide-eyed for an instant and then fled to the end of the alley where he vaulted over the wall. He was lucky that a distraction stopped Brie from hurling a lethal energy bolt at him.

The bleeding thug she had attacked first regained some vision and he was scrabbling about looking for his dagger. Brie locked him in place with a ward that used his own glamour.

She turned to the victim of the assault who was now on his hands and knees, wheezing and gasping. The elf was bleeding from several cuts on his arms, torso and head. She could now see from his dark green uniform and long trousers that he was a militia officer.

Sit down and take your shirt off, she said.

He sat back on his heels with a dazed look on his face. His eyes kept rolling back and he struggled to keep his head up. She did a quick body probe at each of the cuts, starting with the one that bled the most. At each probe, she applied the only healing spell she felt truly comfortable with, "Poncloisc," to stop the bleeding.

She finished off with the banish pain spell. "Dibir tinneas. Sorry I can't do more." I can but relying on Authiel's memories might do him more harm than he's suffered.

The officer shook his head as he got his breath back. His stammering voice was slurred. You… saved my life… thank you.

She said, Can you walk?

Gods… I don't know… dizzy. He struggled to his feet and leaned on the splintery clapboard wall.

You need to get to a healer fast, she said. You've got broken bones and wounds that I can't heal.

Chariot… I've got a chariot… he gestured vaguely with his bloodstained shirt.

The painkilling spell helped to some extent but Brie suspected that one or more blows to the head accounted for his sluggish movements. Airgead had advised her not to heal Authiel's head injuries and she was not about to make an exception for this stranger.

The officer gave her his keys and slumped in the passenger's seat. She drove with a hand on the horn and almost ran people over when they weren't quick enough to get out of her way.

A mounted guard reared his horse in front of her and demanded that she stop. She yelled out of the side window. Lead the way to the nearest healer. I've got a wounded soldier here.

The guard peered through the windscreen, nodded and rode ahead to clear a path through the crowd. Brie followed closely, pulling on the horn lever every so often as she drove through the crowded streets.

The guard led them over the bridge on the circular canal and into the relative calm of the Inner Circle streets. He turned left onto the circular road and stopped at the barracks. He stayed mounted as he directed Brie through the guarded gate.

As soon as she was in the yard, the guard leapt off his horse, shouted to nearby men for assistance and ran over to open the passenger door. Brie got out and followed them as they carried the wounded officer to the sick bay.

A healer immediately began examining the wounded man as the guard explained the situation as best he knew it. The healer said, So Ma'am, what happened?

Brie shrugged. I saw four men attacking him. I just chased them off and stopped the bleeding. I can't heal any better than that. Oh, and I stopped the pain. Can I withdraw my glamour now?

Yes, I'll take over from here, he said.

"Good, eirigh as. She cancelled the spell. Will he be alright?"

You did well to get him here so soon after the attack. These head injuries would be fatal if left untreated for too long. The healer sat on a chair next to the examination bed. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to concentrate.

Brie and the guard left the sick bay. He said, I'm sure he'll want to thank you when he's better. What's your name, Ma'am?

She said, Princess Brieanobh.

He bowed and said, Would you like me to escort you home, Your Grace?

"That's his chariot," she grinned.

Very well, he beckoned to a soldier, I will get someone to drive you home in it and bring it back. It's the least we can do to repay you for your kindness, Your Grace.

If you want to see justice done, you might want to go and arrest the men that attacked him. She told the guard where to find the thugs.

~##~

CHAPTER TWO

The footman held the drawing room door open. Captain Fiodorion of the Docks Guards.

The captain bowed and said, Your Grace, to Authiel and Brie in turn.

Please be seated Captain. Authiel gestured at a chair. I am Princess Authiel and you have already met my daughter, Brie. I trust that you have been properly healed?

He dipped his head, Yes, thank you Your Grace. Please excuse my intrusion but Princess Brieanobh saved my life and I merely wish to thank her properly.

Brie smiled. You look so different now that you've been cleaned up that I hardly recognise you.

He looked at her briefly before lowering his eyes. You Grace, I owe you a life debt. If ever you have need of my services, I am at your disposal. As you must realise, I'm not at all strong in glamour. But it seems that you are.

He took a ring from his finger and held it up. This ring is thousands of years old and it's been in my family for generations. Apparently, it's a powerful enhancement to one's glamour when properly charged. It is of no use to me but I think that you would benefit by wearing it.

He stood up and knelt in front of Brie. Please take it as a token of my sincere gratitude and loyalty to you.

She shook her head. I can't accept a family heirloom…

Please, Your Grace. He thrust the ring at her. If you hadn't risked your life to save me, those thieves would now have it and…

Take it Brie. He will lose face if you do not, Authiel said through a telepathic link.

Very well, if you insist. Brie took the ring and looked at it. Huh, it's got a sacred stone. Thank you Captain. I will wear it always and remember you by it.

He stood up, saluted and turned to leave. Your Graces.

When he had left the room, Brie said, He had three broken fingers, two broken ribs and a cracked skull as well as a dozen nasty cuts. I hated not being able to heal him.

With my knowledge, you should have managed, Authiel said.

Hmm, Brie shrugged, maybe but I was scared that I might do something wrong, especially with the head injury. I really need to study anatomy before I'll be confident enough to do anything like that.

The ring looks remarkably similar to the dragon ring, Authiel said.

Hmm, Brie nodded, it'll be useful to have another glamour store. Megildion has a huge enchanted belt buckle so that he can heal himself during a fight.

That is an excellent excuse to go shopping. Authiel laughed. We should each get such a belt too. One never knows when a large amount of glamour will be needed. My hair cannot get any whiter than it is but glamour takes so much out of one.

Mom, Brie said, I grew up thinking that all elves have glamour. I know that I haven't met many people but so few of those have much more than whisper of glamour. What's going on?

I cannot answer that. Authiel sat on the edge of her chair. University of Magic student numbers have been steadily declining for hundreds of years. Abilities such as yours are rare. Half my students are doing the course out of academic interest rather than intending to make a practical career out of it.

Hmm, Brie slipped her new ring onto her right middle finger and admired it, but the elves that play god to the humans seem to have an abundance of glamour. Has the balance of sacred stones been upset?

Authiel shrugged. That, my dear, is something you might ask Thalion.

***

Ah Brieanobh, Thalion raked a gnarled hand through his mess of fine