Child Of Promise: Elmairia Heritage

By Paul Quinn

Come and enter a magical world of enchantment called Elmairia inspired By J. R. R Tolkien and Terry Brooks.

Elmaria is a world peopled with:Elves, Dwarfs, Man, Centaurs, Minoturs, and Wolves that walk up right and talk. Alon with them is the world of fairy.

But not all is well in Elmairia, for the Dark Queen Agithia is rising once more, and it will be up to The Friendship, made up of a man a dwarf three elves and two wizards along with a gypsy woman who is called to be The Child of Promise. Travel with them as the face many danger, sarrows and joy towhat ever end they are to travel to

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paul Quinn
• Release date: Oct 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781502255471

Paul Quinn

Paul Quinn is a Certified Nurse Midwife with over 30 years of experience in women's healthcare. Holding a PhD in nursing, he is an accomplished researcher in women's health and is the author of Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Your Questions Answered, Birth Control: Your Questions Answered, and Teen Pregnancy: Your Questions Answered.

Book preview

Dedication

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To My beautiful wife Kimberly, your love and support are precious beyond words. I love you. To J.R.R Tolkien and Terry Brooks, and other wonderful authors thank you for the amazing writings that have inspired and given me many hours of reading pleasure.  Your writings set the standard, and opened up my imagination. Last and not least, praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in him I can do all things.

About The Author

Paul lives in Fresno California with his beautiful wife Kimberly and their three amazing daughters. Paul is a musician and composer as well as an artist who has been shown at Art hops throughout Fresno. He is also the Author of the children’s book The Love Flute You can down load the classical music he has composed atwww.soundclick.com/musicalpaintingsbypaulquinn  it is mp3 format and is free.

About The cover.

In the story The Child of Promise will carry a sword named Banisher, an on the sword is written in the ancient language of the elves, "Child of Promise Child of life, Breaker of Darkness Bringer of Light. The cover is a representation of the darkness being broken by the light.

Revised edition

There have been some revisions to the book as well as just plain old editing. One of the challenges to writing a book is doing what I just mentioned. So I have gone through the story line by line and this, cross my finger should fix any previous issues. Hope you enjoy reading my book. Please leave reviews so I can grow and improve as an author.

Book 1

So It Begins

Chapter 1

(1000 years later) The Becoming

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Mist rolled in and blanketed the coast in a white shroud of moisture. It had been a prosperous harvest for the elves, and the fishing fleet had brought in more than they had hoped for. Thus, the kingdom of Hennar (Hay-Nar) made ready for winter.  The elves had lived secluded in their coastal kingdom for one thousand years. It was a good and safe place for the elves to live, for here on the North West coast they had found a haven that was surrounded by steep mountains of sheer granite walls. Within this small protected alcove, the elves thrived and prospered unhindered by the outside world, yet in their seclusion they no longer had any influence on it. So life was bright and filled with much joy especially for three young elves’ who were about to begin a journey, that would take them to far unknown lands and bring them to the face of death.

Mariam (Mar-Ie Am) loud voices came through her bedroom door. It was her twin sisters, Alyia (Ah-Lee-uh) and Sundressa (Sun-Dress-uh) calling her as they proceeded to pile on to her bed squishing Mariam in their hugs. Today’s the day! they squealed in delight. Our sister is going to be in the forest guard! blurted Alyia; the twins loved Mariam, and looked up to her.  OK you two off of me I need to dress and be off. Mariam tried to sound gruff but it was hard to do with the twins.  It was not long that Mariam emerged from her bedroom, as she entered the kitchen a hush fell over her parents and her twin sisters.  There she stood dressed in the uniform of the forest guard. She wore a light green cape with a hood on it, her legs were dressed in light gray leggings, and she wore a light green shirt, encased in a light gray vest.  Adorned on the vest was the insignia of the Forest Guard, a silver crow and above the crown a single gold star, and below it twelve silver stars in an arch above a black ship with twelve silver sails and above the ships center mast a single gold star. Mariam double checked her pack, her Bow and quiver of arrows, and her sword. This was no ordinary sword, for each forest guard there was crafted a sword made just for that elf. She named her sword Aqua, for it had a blue hue to it as the ocean. Kissing all her family Mariam, made her way up to the fourth level of the city, where the High Kings Hall, and towards the Forest Guard’s barracks. It was not long before she came to Bathra’s (Both-Ra) house; he stood waiting outside the door to his house. They had known each other since birth. Their mothers were best friends, and had birthed Mariam and Bathra within one minute of each other.  Well, questioned Bathra with a mischievous grin, you over slept, didn't you? Mariam’s face flushed as Bathra stepped forward and took her hand and kissed her. I am so proud to be a forest guard with you. He smiled and tugged Mariam’s hand, Let’s go, we will be late on our first day. Mariam returned his smile and pulled him close and kissed him, she had loved him for as long as she could remember. Not only was today their first day as guards it was their twentieth birthday, and for the elves this was the coming of age. It was not a far distance to the forest guards keep, but the streets wound about and made their way to the single gate that opened to the fourth level. The forest guards’ barracks was a miniature fortress unto its self. Outside the gate stood two guards dressed in their uniforms. Mariam and Bathra approached the gate and stopped and were greeted by the guards, they saluted them and greeted them in welcome. They were informed where to go, and sternly encouraged to make haste as the ceremony of Becoming was soon to begin.  The Ceremony of Becoming was one of the most important in the elf kingdom, it was an announcement to their elf brothers and sisters of what paths their lives were to go, and that they were now of age. This Becoming had a special place in all areas of life, as some celebrated their Becoming’s as Blacksmiths, Farmers, Bakers, Fishers, Potters, and many more.

So, the Becoming for the Forest Guard began, and in a clearing of ancient trees just outside the keep the guard gathered, these were not the regular military units but much more highly specialized units that consisted of archers, cavalry and scouts and the eagle fliers.  The new ones came forth all one three hundred and twelve. The mist still clung in the air and Mariam shook from the cold and a bit of fear standing before all the guard. For several minutes the new ones stood until a tall elf in guard uniform stepped forward. Unlike the others, she wore a bright red cape with no hood, her raven black hair flowed down about her shoulders, and on her head she wore a silver crown. This was Tessa (Tess-Ah) the general and commander of the army of Hennar. Tessa began singing in the ancient language that the elves had brought with them from their home land, before the common tongue came in to being.  She sang and painted pictures above herself for all to see. She sang of leaving, and of sadness at parting with loved ones. For not all the Lumanari came east. She sang of Black ships and silver sails, of storms that shook the ground with thunder. She sang of the fairies that greeted them as they came to their new home. As Tessa sang the history of the elves unfolded, until the images became dark, and filled with terror. For in these images Agathia arose. She was among the fairest to look upon of all the elves, her golden hair flowed down past her waist, but in her eyes was darkness. The images changed to a frozen waist and armies marching upon a great fortress rising out of the ice, of winged creatures fell bloody screaming pierced with arrows from the sky, and of a man who fell as he defeated his foe. Than all went still as a beautiful elf princess stood before Agathia, all who beheld it knew it was Roaka. In a blinding flash she disappeared. All the gathering knew what had taken place. The visions changed to a forest where a small group of men and elves rode together.  Then all became confused as a band of wolfmen came out of a clearing. Seeing the elves, they howled and charged. It was in this confusion that the elves and men were separated from one another, only one of the men, and three of the elves survived, each blaming the other for the confusion. It was not long afterwards that a small band of men, a rogue group that had allied themselves with Agathia, attacked a band of elves discussed as solders from the king’s army. Feeling confused and in much danger the elves retreated to the place they now call home, Hennar. Thus for the next one thousand years what was known became legend, and legend became children’s stories. For in removing themselves the elves had very little contact with the other races, least of all man. The last of these images were the forming of the forest guard.  Softly they faded and Tessa stepped forward. Welcome all her voice was as music as it washed over the crowds’ ears. For many years the Becoming has taken place, and I myself was called in the Becoming to The Forest guard five hundred and three years ago. Mariam and the new ones looked up and all thought that Tessa could not be that old, but they knew that they themselves would be alive just as long as Tessa. I stand before my brothers and sisters of The Forest guard, and call forth those who we call new ones who have shown in their deeds and their words, and most important in their hearts, for each of you was called by name by our forest sprite friends to be Forest Guard.  The Becoming has begun, Tessa announced in a voice that seemed to boom throughout the forest. Let those who have been called come forth. One by one the new ones came through and formed a single line and kneeled before Tessa, as did all who were in attendance. Again Tessa began to speak in the ancient language. Only this time the images came only to the minds of the new ones. And as she sang the forest sprites and the other friends from the world of fairy came in to the forest amongst them and began sinning with Tessa.  The forest sprites each softly glided to the new one they had called, and alighted on their shoulders, and softly kissed their new one’s cheek.  A rush of warmth filled each new one as the hearts and minds of fairy and elf touched, and their bond and their friendship was cemented in a new generation of forest guard. And in the hearts of the new one the unbreakable oath of the forest guard was made. For all who was there to witness the Becoming, the new ones and their sprite friends emitted a soft light that the elves call the sharing. For both elf and fairy possess magic, and to be a Forest Guard one must possess the pure untainted magic of Fanair. The light faded and in one voice the forest sprite pronounced their approval of all the new ones. In the history of the guard not one new one had been turned away. Tessa again stepped forward the smile and pride on her face could not be withheld. Tonight in Hennar there is much joy, for throughout Hennar there have been many Becomings, not just amongst the Forest Guard, but my joy is made complete in the calling of the new ones, come forth each and receive your badge of rank as first guards of the king. One by one each elf came forward to receive their badge; Mariam could not contain her tears of joy.  As the last new one received her badge Tessa stood tall and announced, The Becoming has come, it is time to feast and celebrate, give thanks to Fanair, dance sing , and rejoice in his goodness.. The crowd cheered and the families of the new ones made their way to each other. Thus The Embracing began and fairy and elf celebrated their friendship.

Mariam’s mother and father were the first ones to reach her followed by the twins and her other three sisters who were in the king’s regular army, the twins were only 12 and had seven more years before their Becoming  her father Landen scooped her up, in a bear hug, he was unusually tall for an elf and towered above the others, this is where her mother Dainar said Mariam got her height.  And where is Bathra? her father inquired Mariam blushed and fumbled for an answer.  I-I haven't seen him in several minutes she answered. Her mother pointed behind her father as Bathra stepped out from behind him. He was wearing the guard uniform, but his cape was a dark jade, and he wore a silver helmet with a golden Bow and arrow on its forehead.  Her breath was taken, she had always found him handsome, but in this new uniform, he was like an elf prince. I see congratulations are in order, Landen (Lan-Din) stepped forward and grasped Bathra's arm in a strange grip, each gripping the others elbow. It was a greeting Landen was well acquainted with. I will be seeing a lot of you Landen stated. Mariam looked puzzled. Her father turned to her, to explain, but Bathra took her hand and said, I have made it into the rangers! The ranger were the elite amongst the archer, it is said they can hit a flying sparrow from one mile away.  Mariam hugged him, she was so proud of him. He tilted her chin up to him and kissed her fiercely. Her face went red as she was unaccustomed to such displays in front of her parents. Her mother laughed, Do not think that your father and I have not seen how you look at each other, it is much the way I still look at your father and he at me. At this Landen took her in his arms and kissed her. Mariam and Bathra laughed. Your father and I are greatly happy for the both of you, her mother stated. For a moment, all were quiet, until Bathra chided in with, Mariam you have not told me about your placement. Mariam suddenly lit up her face grinning in a big smile.  I have been appointed a flier, it came more as a blurt from her mouth. She could still hardly believe it when the Forest sprite told her this. Bathra's mouth hung open in surprise, a flier, was all he could say the surprise evident in his voice. The twins came running forward and ran to Mariam, in one voice they announced, our sister is an eagle rider! Well not until tomorrow Mariam answered, that is when I will be meet my mount, his name is Jaden, He already speaks to me in my mind, he says he eagerly awaits our meeting, and wants you all to know he will take good care of me.  He better, interjected Landen, but enough of parents and family hanging around, you two go enjoy this celebration, your mother and I will have your bed ready and waiting when you come in, remember you begin your post with the guard tomorrow morning so do not stay out to late. 

The two young elves sat at their favorite spot. It was on a bluff overlooking the harbor. The two had often gone there in their child hood, and had slain many Bandar, and had vanquished Agathia numerous times. This time they held each other close and watched the sun set. Mariam felt a pang in her heart as Bathra had no family there at his becoming.  Both his parents had been lost in storm out at sea with the fishing fleet. Such accidents were very rare but, the sea is unpredictable and even an elf can be claimed by its icy depths.  Do you think of them often? asked Mariam.  Think of who? came Bathra's reply. Your parents Mariam answered. Minutes passed by in silence until he answered, his voice cracking All the time, I so miss them, I have dreamed of this day since we were children, how I wish they could have seen my becoming. Suddenly a wave of grief washed over him and the tears came out, and Mariam took him in her arms and held him, as she did the day the news came to them of his parent’s death. Slowly the tears subsided, and the two lay on a blanket and watched the stars. It was an unusual night for no fog had rolled in to the coast. For hours the two lay there talking of their dreams and hopes for their life in the guard, and for their lives together.  I always knew you were the one, whispered Bathra, I cannot remember a time when I did not love you. Nor I, came Mariam's reply. Quicker than they knew the hour was late and it was time to say good night and thus the day of becoming ended with a tender kiss and sweet dreams of things to come.

To the North.

While the world of elf and fairy were celebrating, and filled with joy, a different picture was playing out in a small village of man in the far north. A storm had rolled in blanketing the village in a freezing blizzard. It was unusual for such storms to reach outside the frozen water. It was a small trading post at the base of Mount Kronas. Its population was a mix of humans, dwarfs, and other outcast. At first it was thought just a bad storm until the screaming and bloodletting began. Things flew in the snow, pale white creatures with yellow eyes carrying spears and deadly blades. The sound of doors being broken carried throughout the settlement. It was truly a night of terror. When the storm receded and the dawn broke the few survivors that were left came out to a sight that none would forget. The dead lay about the streets, impaled by spears, or hewed down by cruel blades.  At the head of the path to the village many were found impaled on long pikes. Yet there was more horror to be found, for in the village center the children that had been killed were found in a heap, their face looking up with empty eye sockets, their chests cut open leaving empty craters where their hearts had been.  It was despair beyond imagining, and it was late in to the night when the last funeral pier was lit and the inhabitants fled the nightmare their lives had become. Surely in Jasper they would want to know of what has happened.

Morning came all too soon for Mariam, it was the twins that woke her bright cheery faces, kissing her cheeks. She dressed in her guard uniform, put her hair up, and grabbed the sack lunch that her mother had prepared for her and headed towards the door when a voce softly spoke to her mind. Good morning sweet one, it was Jaden her eagle I was just about to wake you but your twin sisters beat me to it, you best hurry you do not wish to be late on your first day. Mariam hurried and made it just through the keeps gate in time, there standing and waiting for her was Bathra. He laughed almost late again. She ran and jumped into his arms and kissed him. We best get moving she said pulling him by the arm. Bathra stopped, Sorry, I am gong the opposite direction, remember you are a flier, I'm just an archer. Just an archer, Mariam whipped, you are a member of the Kings elite, Bathra cut her off, We best be going. Waving goodbye, the two went off to their new post. Mariam’s walk was a bit further, the eagles’ nests and the barracks for the riders were high above the city in the cliffs facing out over the harbor. For over three thousand years the elves had been riding eagles. Mariam arrived at rook. There were twelve new riders in line awaiting their commander. They waited for what seemed a long time. It was much colder up here than down in Hennar proper. Mariam shivered as did the elf next her, she recognized her neighbor Nadda. They had never been close. Nadda was shorter than Mariam, an unlike Mariam her hair a golden yellow. At last the commander arrived. He was the tallest elf Mariam had ever seen. The uniform he wore was different than rest of the Forest Guard. He wore a brown leather jacket and matching leather pants; on his chest was a picture of an eagle soaring high in the sky and underneath his name and rank. He was the General and Commander of the wing riders. Greetings and welcome, the general began, Today you begin your training as riders. You have been given a privilege that few guards can even dream of, and that is to become eagle riders. You see I do not wear the typical forest guard uniform, this is what you will be wearing also, wearing those thin cloth outfits is fine for the forest, but when you are flying you will be grateful for the warmth your new uniforms will provide. You will be dismissed to your quarters where you will find your bed, and your uniforms waiting for you, your sizes have already been sent us so your uniforms will fit. You have one hour to change and be back here, late comers will be cleaning out the rooks, and I tell you it is not a fun job, dismissed! Mariam made her way to the barracks, followed by Nada. It ended up that the two were in the same barrack. What is your eagles name Nada asked shyly? Mariam turned to answer Jaden is his name, have you spoken with your eagle? Of course she has all the fliers and eagles have spoken to each other. I’m sorry Mariam thought, I did not think of that. I am Sorry Nadda I should have known all the riders would have done so, what is your eagle's name? Her name is Yawynie (Yaw-Wah-Nee) came Nada’s answer.  She tells me that she is Jaden’s other. Nada smiled it looks like we are going to be good friends. The two found their uniforms and quickly dressed, and put on their new boots, they came up just below their knees, and laced up the front. It took longer to lace the boots than dress. At last the two were ready and made their way back to the rook. Nobody arrived late; they were all in fact early much to the general's delight.  I am impressed, this is the first group I have ever had to all make it back in time, I’m general Haidden, (Hayd-Den) and I once was a new flier like you. Today we are going to meet your eagles. They are more than birds to ride on they will become your best friend, your protector. I know they have spoken to all of you, my eagle Krin bids you all welcome she wishes you all good health and many years of flying. Now if you will follow me I will take you up to the high rook where your eagles await you. The group followed the general closely, the new ones were grateful for the warmth of their uniforms, as they climbed higher. At last they reached the high rook. Before the new ones were the eagles, they were easily twice the size of a horse. They were beautiful to behold, they raged in color from a light grey to almost a silver color, each having a white head with brown eyes, and a very sharp golden beaks and claws. All had seen them in flight but rarely up close like this. The new riders stood quietly as the general came to the front. Today you will meet your eagle, it will be two weeks before we begin flying The disappointment was evident on the new one's faces. The general called them in to a line, and had the all sit quietly. Your eagles call you forward one by one, quiet your mind and calm your hearts and listen. All the riders became very quiet and sat quite still. Soon an elf boy got up and walked over to the far right; he lifted his hand hesitantly to an eagles face and touched it, than another and another rose and walked to their eagles. Finally Mariam heard Jaden speak to her and then she got up and looked at the center eagle, he was a beautiful silver, she walked to him oblivious to all else and reached to touch his face. His feathers were quite soft. It is so good to finally meet you sweet one came Jaden’s (Jae-Din) voice,you are indeed beautiful". Mariam Looked down and blushed, she noticed Nada standing next to them Yawynie was also a beautiful silver. This was truly turning out to be a dream come true.

About one thousand feet below Bathra and the new archers were gathering at the target range. It was much warmer on the valley floor. There were thirty five new archers, gathered, and around the twelve hundred archers that made up the corp. The archers would be the first line that any enemy would face. There were no archers among the races that were better than the elves, not even the fairies. It was not long until an elf woman came out and stood before them. Her beauty was breathtaking, her hair was white, with a single stripe gold that ran across the crown of her head into a long braided pony tail. She began to speak; her voice had an entrancing quality much like Tessa. I am Sairin, (Say-Rin) the commander of the Archer’s Corp. You have been selected and it is my job to make you into the deadliest archers in the land. You will be schooled in archery, but in addition to this your education in the histories of our peoples will continue in addition you will be trained in the healing arts. Should we be required to defend our home or march to war, these skills will be needed. Great, muttered Bathra, more schooling! When I call your name, you will come forward to get your bow, and quiver. This is no ordinary bow, and these are no ordinary darts. These are the bows and arrows of the Archers Corps. They have been hand crafted for the individual archer, as you become accustomed to it will be as part of your own body. You will also learn to make your own darts. We begin in the target range, archers line up, and march. The group made their way to the range, where targets were set at different ranges. New ones to the right the rest you know where to be the order barked out of Sairin's mouth.  The archery range was immense and held all the archers easily. Bathra looked out at the targets; they seemed awfully close he had hit targets much further away than this. Archers, nock your bows The order came. Bathra reached down and pulled out an arrow and put it to the string and pulled. To his surprise, it was much harder to pull this own hunting bow, he strained as he aimed. Loose the command echoed down the line of archers. Finding his mark Bathra let the dart fly. It went well high of its mark. This bow was much more powerful than anything Bathra had used before. His next shot went wide right; it was not easy pulling and aiming. He made ready to pull again when soft hand covered his, it was Sairin. Let the bow do the work her voice was like a mother’s soft  and reassuring Feel the bow as it yields to your pulling, and when you feel the soft zone aim and release. Her hand guided his as he pulled, and to his surprise he pulled, and suddenly he felt the soft zone. His hands no longer shook, he aimed and let loose. The dart flew swift and true and hit center of the target.  Well done new one came Sairin’s  approval. The rest of target practice went well as Sairin went up and down the line instructing the new ones; by the time midday came all the new ones were well worn. They would have a two hour break and then classes.

Kran and Pairin

It had been a long day trekking through the Lokar Mountains, the two friends knew these paths well, and knew where the deer they hunted traveled. They had taken down and butchered four stags and their horse were laden with as much meat as could be carried. For eight years Kran and Pairin (Pair-In) had been friends, they were indeed an odd sight for most to see. Kran short stocky dwarf, his chestnut brown hair showing streaks of grey and white, on his belt he wore his battle ax Thandor. (Than-Door) In contrast Pairin was tall just over six feet, he had raven black hair that when let down flowed to the middle of his back, his skin was a dusky brown, he was a bit on the lean side, yet was stronger than most men.

The two had met as Pairin had fled Jasper for his life perused by the governor’s son, and a small band of the Strom, the governor’s personal guard. They perused Pairin deep into the Lokar Mountains, and had trapped Pairin in a raven, when Kran spotted him. Pairin had already incapacitated several of the men perusing him with non- lethal shots from his bow. Kran watched as the rest were dealt with in the same way, and Pairin slipped away from them. There was something about Pairin that intrigued the dwarf and he decided to follow him. For two days the dwarf tracked Pairin until one moment the man was in his view and than he was not. Kran was stunned when in the blink of an eye the man was behind him knife held to his throat. Who are you? a whisper came in to his ear, why are you following me?  I mean you no harm, Kran gasped in reply, I spotted you, as your fellow men perused you, I saw how you did not shoot to kill them, and I had to know why. Then you have not been sent by the governor to kill me questioned Pairin, Indeed not dwarfs do not work as hired assassins for men Kran snorted. Pairin released his grip and Kran, fell to the ground rubbing his throat. You almost cut my throat, the dwarf protested. Had I wished to do so you would be dead, I knew you were following me for the past two days, you breath so loudly I could have shot you in the dark. Kran humphed, So what is it that has brought you from Jasper, and why were these me perusing you, to your death? Pairin sat on a fallen log, and sighed. It is a long story my friend. Well I have tracked you for two days and it seems you do not have any place to hurry to, so let’s hear it boy. Kran laughed.  Kran's laughter washed over Pairin, it was rich and deep and filed with mirth, and Pairin could not help from laughing himself.

It was the governor’s son Seth that has caused this. I was the First General of the governor’s army.  Seth envied me for his father treated me as his own son, and Seth feared that his father favoring me would ask me to seek election as the new governor rather than himself. So he plotted to have me framed and hired some men to kill the governor’s guards.  He put a sleeping potion in my wine at dinner, and while I was sleeping he stole my bow and quiver, and had the guards outside the governors and first ladies chamber killed, he then had a man masked and dressed in one my uniform brake into the chamber and tried to shoot the governor. Kran gasped, He tried to have his father killed?  No not killed Pairin answered," He left an arrow from my quiver in the bed post, and fled, but he was wounded by a perusing guard’s blade across his left shoulder. I was awoken and yanked from my bed and thrown to the floor, the governor stood over me his face enraged; it was then that the pain hit me and I reached and found my left shoulder cut open.

It was all Seth needed to put his plan into motion. Seth brought his acquisitions, and I had no alibi, for being unmarried I had no one to vouch for where I was. But there were still many within the army who believed me, including my most trusted second in command Renee. It on the morning of my execution my escape was accomplished. But it did not go unnoticed for long and thus the pursuit began, and you came across me in the mountains. I had no wish to kill my fellow solders that is why their wounds were non-life threatening, they should all recover well. Well indeed" laughed Kran. It was from there that Kran brought Pairin with him in to the dwarf kingdom of Dannor. He was not welcome at first and it took much debate before Pairin was left to walk free amongst the dwarfs.

Kran turned to Pairin, it has been eight years to the day that we met my friend, and I thank Fanair for the blessing your friendship has brought me and my kind. Your words warm my heart my short friend Pairin laughed, but enough sweet talk we have much needed meat to bring back to many a hungry dwarf’s mouths, and you know how well you dwarfs like to eat Pairin laughed as he patted his stomach.  It was a day’s trek to the tunnel entrance and a half day in to the dwarf city. Despite being deep underground the dwarf city was filled with abundant light from shafts tunneled up through the rocks  that allowed the suns light to come in. Lining the wall was baskets filled with a moss that glowed brightly, and hanging from post and walls about the city were globes filled with what the dwarfs called fire bees. They made their hives in theses globes throughout the city, and the dwarfs provide them with warm safe feeding ground in their underground gardens, in return the bees provided light for the dwarf kingdom, and sweet honey. The bees not having stingers found the dwarfs keep a predator free life. Dannor lay in an immense space that the dwarfs had come upon by chance; it could easily hold three Jaspers.

Pairin never got tired of the incredible view as they entered the city the tunnel ending at a sheer drop of a thousand feet looking down in to the dwarf city. Steadily the two made their way down the winding path until they came to the cities gate. They were greeted by the meat market merchants who inspected their catch, with much approval. Pairin and Kran were well known for their hunting ability, and for bringing home the best meats. Yet the typical bartering had to take place. Pairin let Kran handle this; he had never become accustomed to the shouting and bantering back and forth of the price of the meat. He knew that the meat they brought was well worth the price. In the end the two always got their asking price. But not all their meat was set for sale; just under half of the meat was set aside, and taken to the lower clans, where those who did not possess the monetary resources of the upper clans would be given the meat that they otherwise would not be able to buy. 

This being done the two friends made their way to their favorite ale house, for other than mining and forging, the dwarfs were famous for their brewing of ale.  Pairin and Kran took their seats at a table just outside the kitchen door; Kran loved the smells of the cooking that wafted thought the door. It was not long before a young dwarf girl came running to their table her name was Blossom. It was a very un-dwarf like name and had been given to her by Pairin who helped her mother deliver her just three months after arriving at Dannor. Blossom jumped in to Pairin’s lap and hugged him. She was slender for a dwarf, and taller than most.

Today was her sixteenth birthday.  Uncle Pairin she blurted out, what did you and Da bring me?  Pairin grinned, closes your eyes and tells me what you see. Blossom closed her eyes, the expression on her face changed to a frown Nothing came a soft sad reply.  Well than that is what I brought you, Pairin laughed. Blossom looked at him tears beginning to well up in her eyes; it was more than Pairin could take. Ok hold the tears you should know I would never forget my beautiful flowers birthday. Pairin reached in to a pouch and brought forth a beautiful blue gem the size of a large acorn; it hung on a delicate gold chain. Blossom’s face exploded in glee, an all in the ale house stopped to take notice of the gift. Uncle Pairin I love you, Blossom threw her arm around her and kissed him on the cheek.  How, where did you get such a stone, it is too much it must have cost you a fortune. Blossom asked her voice quivering with excitement as Pairin handed the jewel to Kran for him to put it on his daughter.  " I have been saving this for some time, it was given to me as a reward by the governor’s wife for outstanding service the day I was promoted to First General, I can think of no better place for it to be than about the neck of a pretty young dwarf than yourself.' Blossom’s face reddened at Pairin calling her a pretty young dwarf.