Conspiracy (12 page)

“I don’t know how everything will work out. I do know that when I first met you, you scared me. You were rough and coarse. You bossed everyone around and acted angry all the time. Plus, you never shave,” I said, smiling at him. I ran my fingers over his short beard and he captured my fingers, holding them pressed to his cheek, looking down at me with an unfathomable look in his eyes. “This is what I
do
know. When I’m with you, this is all I want.” I moved my hand from his cheek to the back of his head and pulled him down to me, kissing his lips gently and lightly, touching his tongue with mine in invitation.

Gregor closed the small distance between us, wrapping his arms around me and deepening the kiss until my legs could no longer stand. As our bodies merged, our minds instinctively reached out to touch, and I felt Gregor’s pain and sorrow at the day’s tragic events. I used my mind to sooth his agony and heal the grief he felt. His arms tightened around me as he understood what I was trying to do. Love flowed through the bonds joining us, and my heart beat faster with desire and need for everything he could give me.

A voice came from the door. “Excuse me.”

Haslane stood in the entrance, looking embarrassed to intrude. I stepped away from Gregor and Haslane entered.

“Queen Eimile has returned to the Western Realm to get Michael. She wanted him to be here this afternoon when we resume our discussions. They’ll be back shortly. And Father has asked to speak with you, when you have a moment.”

“Thank you, Haslane,” Gregor said. He then pulled me back against his chest. “Can we resume
this
‘discussion’ later?”

I exhaled a deep sigh nodding assent. But my fear was only momentarily abated. Mick was coming.
Holy crap
.

Chapter Thirteen

The Southern Realm

Mallorie responded to the soft knock on her door.

“Come in,” she called out.

Eimile entered the room and saw that her daughter was prepared to resume the meetings with King Orleon. “I’ve just returned from the Western Realm. Michael has come with me. I thought he should be present, since he is acting as regent. As to our current situation, I hoped to take a moment of your time before we met with the king. Have you given further thought to his offer of help?”

Mallorie looked at her mother for a long moment, frustration apparent in her face. Then she took a seat on the far side of the room. “I don’t agree with his thoughts of our uniting under his rule,” she replied, a harsh tone remaining in her voice.

“I don’t believe that is his intention.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Mallorie pressed. “
I
am the ruler of the Eastern Realm and I intend to remain as ruler until my son assumes the throne.”

“Are you certain he will?” Eimile asked.

Mallorie shot her mother a withering look. “And why would he not accept his rightful role?”

Eimile bristled at the tone of the conversation, suddenly angered by her daughter’s arrogance. “Perhaps because he sees that you did not accept yours as his mother.”

“What do you mean by that remark?”

“Mallorie, I don’t wish to argue with you. This is the first time the young man has ever met you. He has known of his Elven heritage for mere hours. He is, from what Reagan tells me, about to become the most powerful man in the human world, the president of the United States. How does that compare with ruling—with a soft hand, mind you—a kingdom of ten or twelve thousand elves who exert no international influence? And what obligation does he have to you? He just met you.”

“You are rather direct, Mother,” Mallorie spat out. “Antonio is our next king, and I will persuade him of his duties.”

“If he comes, it will be by his choice, not your persuasion. Now to more important things—your rule of the Eastern Realm. How do you intend to assume your role without accepting King Orleon’s help? You have no standing army. The only military force in your Realm is the
Olc,
and they are not about to cede authority to you.”

Mallorie rose and gathered a woolen shawl, wrapping it around her shoulders. “I think we should leave for the meeting. We have nothing further to say.”

“Yes, we do,” Eimile voiced, her tone firm. “I know this has been a difficult time for you. Aegir’s death, Alisha’s disappearance, and the inability to fathom the extent to which life has changed, but if you don’t reason this out in your mind and accept that you need help, you will lose everything. I suggest you give that possibility the consideration it deserves.”

With that, Eimile turned and left the room. Ian and Michael were waiting in the corridor. She walked past them and together, they proceeded to the building behind the residence where they had met that morning. When they arrived, King Orleon, Queen Cassandra, and Princes Gregor and Haslane sat around the table. The two additions were Genevieve, who sat next to Gregor, and a very old man, even by elf standards, who sat at the far end facing the king.

After Eimile, Ian, and Michael sat, Mallorie entered the room and took a seat at the far left of the table, to the right side of the older man.

King Orleon spoke first. “Welcome, everyone. I’m glad to see that Michael has joined us. I understand that he serves as regent in your absence, Queen Eimile.”

“That’s correct. He is my nephew, as is his brother, Ian.”

Orleon turned his attention to the far end of the table. “Queen Mallorie, have you given further thought to our offer to help you regain your throne?”

“I have decided to return to the Eastern Realm, where I will negotiate with the elves who have temporarily assumed control of my Realm. I thank you for your offer, but decline.”

“I see. Why do you feel the
Olc
are prepared to negotiate for control of what they already possess?”

“I have support within the Realm,” she stated flatly.

“Queen Eimile, are you in concurrence with Queen Mallorie’s intentions?”

Before Eimile could answer, Mallorie responded. “My Realm is of no concern to my mother or her Realm. Her permission or concurrence are not required.”

“King Orleon,” Eimile said, her tone controlled and determined, “it is my belief that members of the Western Realm are involved in a conspiracy with the darker forces from the Eastern Realm and the overall objective is to control both. Therefore, since we have limited ability to resist, being a peaceful people, we accept your gracious offer of assistance. My nephews and I have discussed the issue and they are prepared to go with your forces to the Eastern Realm, despite my daughter’s rejection, to wrest control from the
Olc
and prevent them from exploiting the situation and achieving their objectives.”

Mallorie slapped her hand on the table. “So despite my rejection, you intend to invade my Realm. Is it your intention to rule
both
, Mother?”

“I would hope that you would come to your senses, but if you continue to oppose our only course of action, then yes, I will rule both Realms until such time as the Grand Council appoints a new king.”

Silence enveloped the participants around the table for a long moment, and then Mallorie pushed back her chair and stood. “Unless I am a prisoner here, King Orleon, I shall immediately return to my Realm.”

“You are free to come and go as you choose, Queen Mallorie. I implore you to join us in this venture. We would much prefer to help you to regain your kingdom rather than oppose you in the process.”

“Well, that seems to be my mother’s role. Thank you for your hospitality,” she said, then turned to leave.

“Perhaps you would grant me another moment of your time,” Orleon said. “I believe you should hear what our patriarch has to report.”

Mallorie paused, looking briefly at the older man to her left, then resumed her seat. “As you say,” she replied.

“Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce William the Elder. William’s family has provided the patriarch to the Southern Realm for over eight thousand years. William is the fifth patriarch in that long line. I believe what he has to say to our assembly this morning will be of utmost importance. As each of you have been surprised to discover the presence of the Southern Realm, it is now time that you learn the full extent of our Elven presence on this planet. William, I turn the meeting over to you.”

The older man looked slowly around the room, making eye contact with each person at the table. When he reached Mallorie, he smiled gently and nodded his head.

“Queen Mallorie, I can appreciate your concern and indeed reluctance to participate in a military intervention in your Realm. However, the history of the Elven people has not always been peaceful. It has been my family's responsibility, as King Orleon has said, to serve as patriarch to the Southern Realm. As such, we have maintained the Book of Kings, which is essentially the history of the Elven people.”

William paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts, then gave a slight cough and continued.

“King Orleon is aware of the responsibility placed upon the patriarch, which includes maintaining the confidentiality of historic records. Some of the history I am about to reveal will be as much of a surprise to the royal family as it is to the rest of you. King Orleon, with your permission?”

The king gave a slight wave of his hand and nodded his approval and then, as an afterthought, added a brief clarification.

“Centuries before The Long Wars, my great-great-grandfather decided to assure that the patriarch maintained our records in confidence. At that time, there was a great debate over who would succeed the king, a debate that evolved into open warfare, the first time in our history. The tradition of the patriarch maintaining the Book of Kings has continued to this day. William now holds that responsibility, and in light of the potential of civil war in the Eastern and Western Realms, I have requested that he reveal some of the history that would be pertinent to our resolution of this issue. Please continue, William.”

William nodded his acknowledgment of the king's direction and resumed his explanation.

“In the years prior to The Long Wars, there was great dissension over who would rule following the death of the head of the ruling family. No agreement was reached, and a war ensued. If I might be permitted to wax philosophical for a moment, there is an old adage which has served well for centuries. It is important that you understand this concept because what I am about to tell you will make more sense.

“Concisely stated, ‘The winners are the patriots, the losers are the traitors.’”

He paused a moment as those around the table considered his statement.
“
As it applies to The Long Wars, once one faction of the antagonists was victorious, the followers of the other two factions were banished, and called traitors. In all candor, I must advise you that two of my great-uncles were among those who were banished. Even King Orleon, to my knowledge, was unaware of my family’s participation in that ancient battle.”

Gregor and Haslane were visibly surprised at his words. In particular, Gregor looked toward his father for explanation, but none was forthcoming. Neither Queen Eimile nor Queen Mallorie gave an outward sign of concern. After a moment to catch his breath, the old man continued.

“The question on your mind is obvious. To where were the traitors banished? You will be relieved to know that the so-called traitors were not sent to either the Western or Eastern Realm. There is, however, one further Realm. It has been occupied solely by the families of those who were banished from the Southern Realm. For over three thousand years, these families have resided in what we call the Northern Realm. Yes,” he said, smiling at the people assembled around the table, “the mythical fourth Realm is a reality. The portal is known only to the Southern Realm patriarch. Even the occupants of the North are unaware of the location of their portal. They can neither enter nor leave. This is the penalty of their banishment. Over the centuries, they have created a wonderful environment and a democratic society, but it remains a virtual prison.”

Gregor raised his chin in a questioning fashion and William paused. “Do you know this for a fact, Patriarch?” he asked the older man.

“I do, Prince Gregor, but I will explain more later. I hasten to add that the occupants of the Northern Realm are not evil people. They are the descendants of those who had a political difference with the king. Perhaps therein lies the solution to our dilemma. I suggest that it is time for representatives of the South, West, and East Realms to visit the North and discuss a mutual accord. A reunification, philosophical if not geographical, of the Elven people.”

Having been quiet throughout William’s presentation, Mallorie visibly perked up at his suggestion they visit the Northern Realm. She turned to look at King Orleon.

“Your majesty, how long have you known about the Northern Realm?”

“I've always known, but the location of the portal has been a closely guarded secret. I am in full agreement with William’s proposal that perhaps it is now time to revisit the entire situation. Queen Eimile, Queen Mallorie, are you prepared to accompany my son to the Northern Realm and put forth a peace proposal?”

“If you think my presence would be of assistance, I will gladly provide any help I can offer.” Queen Eimile replied.

“I believe it is time,” King Orleon said, “that we reunite with our brethren in the North. Whether they determine to relocate to one of our realms or to retain their independent location in the Northern Realm will be up to them. However, several generations have passed and perhaps we can bury these old animosities. Having the rulers from the other Realms present will add credence to our visit. Do I have your support in this endeavor?”

Eimile nodded her approval and then turned to look at her daughter. With only a moment’s hesitation, Mallorie also acknowledged her support. “I presume we will all have to travel through this secret portal.”

“Exactly,” Orleon responded. “And it will then be secret no longer. So it is agreed. We shall form a delegation consisting of the rulers of both Realms and Prince Gregor as heir apparent to the Southern Realm. William will lead the delegation. As he has only recently explained to me, he has been to the North previously.”