Alcandhor

By L. S. King

A collection of three previously published short stories about Alcandhor, one of the main characters of the novel Sword's Edge:

"Alternate Path" originally published in Deep Magic, July 2005

"Bitter Storm" originally published in Deep Magic, January 2004
Deep Magic's December 2003 cover, "Bitter Chivalry," by Todd Lockwood , provided the inspiration for this writing-challenge winner.

"Petition" originally published in Residential Aliens, November 2010

• Language: English
• Publisher: L. S. King
• Release date: Jul 19, 2015

L. S. King

L. S. King has been published in Deep Magic, The Sword Review, Dragons, Knights & Angels, Digital Dragon Magazine, Residential Aliens, and more. Two of her stories were selected for The Sword Review's "Best of..." Anthologies. She has worked as a submissions editor and a copy editor on several magazines and was a founding editor of the online magazine, Ray Gun Revival.She currently is working on novels in the Deuces Wild series and the Sword's Edge Chronicles.

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Alcandhor

a collection of three previously released short stories in the Gifts of the Elders series

by L.S. King

Copyright 2005 - 2018 L. S. King

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Alternate Path appeared in Deep Magic, July 2005

Bitter Storm appeared in Deep Magic, January 2004

Petition appeared in Residential Aliens, November 2010

crypt image courtesy of Whit Andrews

https://www.flickr.com/photos/whita/

Alternate Path

appeared in Deep Magic, July 2005

Alcandhor gulped as he entered the conclave chamber. The clan Chiefs sat at the table, their gazes fixed on him. What could they want with a mere stripling Ranger having thirteen years? He walked to the end of the table and faced them, his mind racing through possibilities of adventures and pranks, dismissing one then another. He had done nothing wrong, er, very wrong—at least, well, surely they would not call conclave for that, and anyway, that had been more Haladhon’s escapade than his.

Alcandhor, we have brought you here as this concerns you, Saldhor said.

With a nervous swallow, Alcandhor met his father’s eyes. Aye, sir?

Saldhor looked down with a sigh, as if he did not wish to speak. Your brother wishes to be passed over as Thane and let heirship go to his son, if he has one. If not, Thaneship would go to you.

His stomach lurching and falling to his feet, Alcandhor stared over at his brother Valdhor. For once, he seemed more humbled than arrogant.

T–to me? But, but Valdhor is the one who has studied for it. He is a much better Ranger than I could ever be!

You would be undertaking the same studies as you continue your stripling Training in any event, Alcandhor, as do all Chiefs, his uncle Lamadhel said. Unfortunate events could land any one of us as Thane. You must be prepared.

Alcandhor knew this, but Thaneship seemed safely far away with his brother standing between him and the Thane’s chair. He could not imagine Valdhor ever being killed. He was too good a Ranger. Even though young, he could best men much older than himself and had become a standard that the striplings strove for.

But, why? Why is he giving it up? Alcandhor asked. He thought of the recent incident where his brother had beaten Lantalan’s child. Many in their clan had expressed rage and demanded sanctions against Valdhor. Is it because of Marcalan?

That is my business, Valdhor said.

It is Ranger business, Saldhor said, turning to his elder son, since it affects our whole clan. Do you wish to explain, or shall I?

Valdhor grimaced, staring at the table. He licked his lips and said, I do not feel I would be a good Thane. I...have not the temperament for it.

Aye, ’tis because of Marcalan. Alcandhor gritted his teeth, his anger rising. ’Tis easier to give up Thaneship than try to control yourself and earn back respect?

Valdhor stood, glaring at him. Exultation shot through Alcandhor at having goaded his brother for once as they locked eyes.

Alcandhor! Valdhor! Saldhor rose to his feet. Enough! Sit down, Valdhor.

Alcandhor’s brother sank into his chair, strong jaw set. Alcandhor bored into Valdhor’s grey eyes, unwilling to lose this battle. Valdhor finally looked down. Alcandhor drew in a breath at his victory,