Elfsorrow

Ilkar unclasped the pouch and sniffed. He smiled. 'Coffee.'

'That comes under critical equipment, does it?' Darrick's head had snapped up at the word.

'Indeed not, General, but any that think I shouldn't have it can relieve themselves of the trouble of drinking any.'

Ilkar laughed into the silence. 'Is there room for one more pot on there, I wonder?'

They made room, and soon, with the smell of the grounds pervading every nostril and steaming mugs in every hand, Ilkar spoke.

'At the core of elven life on Calaius is their belief in the balance of life. The closest translation is "harmony". They believe that all elements – air, earth, fire, water and mana – exist in this state of perpetual harmony and that it is a delicate balance that must be protected. I can't emphasise enough how deeply these beliefs are ingrained in the elves who live here and the energy with which they uphold them. To this end, every elf believes him- or herself to be a guardian of the harmony to a greater or lesser degree and that is why you should be mindful of loose comments or careless actions.'

'And what happens if this harmony is disturbed?' asked Denser.

'Well, that depends what you believe. There are writings that predict floods being sent to cleanse the land, or cloud shrivelling the canopy before allowing the sun through to grow new life. There are also writings about the demise of the elven race but, when all's said and done, you have to take all these things with a pinch of salt. They're just warnings to look after the land, if you want my opinion.'

Beside him, Ren was nodding. 'Most elves use the teachings to educate the young to respect the forest. It provides their food, clothing, shelter… everything. Abusing it is not an option.'

Ilkar resumed his explanation. 'Take Kayloor, for instance. He felt your clearance of even this small patch of forest clumsy at best and an affront to the harmony at worst. That's why he doesn't like you; because you don't understand and never can. It's nothing personal; no stranger can. So we had to accept certain conditions before he'd carry us.'

'And pay him over the odds, no doubt,' said Hirad.

'No, Hirad, you're missing the point. We've paid him a fair price for his time and the use of his boat. He doesn't want any more. People like Kayloor live to serve the rainforest families, not the port paymasters. Like I say, you don't understand and, coming from Balaia, you never will.'

'And what were these conditions exactly, Ilkar?' The Unknown said quietly, meeting the Julatsan's eye. 'We may not be risking our lives here but that doesn't mean you can keep us in the dark about anything that might be material.'

'I know and I'm sorry,' said Ilkar, acknowledging his transgression by raising his hands. 'But it was either acceptance then and there or a very long and uncomfortable walk. If you refuse one guide, you refuse them all.'

'Even so, your negotiation was last night. The Raven don't do things that way.'

Ilkar nodded. 'Point taken, but the conditions aren't in any way onerous. Common sense if anything. We've undertaken to respect the lore of the forest, not to cause wanton damage, to kill only for food or to avoid death, to make reparations as we go and to leave the lands of any family or village should they require it.'

There was little reaction bar the shrugging of shoulders.

'So we shouldn't swat any flies, then?' asked Hirad, doing exactly that.

'Absolutely not, Hirad,' said Ilkar. 'And you'll burn in hell for that.'

'Really?'

'No, not really,' said Ilkar. 'What do you think? There are a million flies for each one you squash. The ratio is altogether smaller for snakes, rabbits and jaguars. Just use your judgement.'

'Hirad doesn't have any judgement,' said Denser.

'Let me do the jokes, Denser,' advised Hirad.

'You've said that before.'

'And until you're funny, I'll keep on.'

'Another mature debate begins,' said The Unknown, silencing them both. 'Presumably, this balance and harmony structure has its roots in religion.'

Ilkar nodded and leaned forward to refill his mug. Ren took over.

'There are Gods at every conceivable level but there's little temple worship outside the larger towns and cities.'

'Mind you, the grandest and oldest of them all is out here,' said Ilkar.

'Mainly, houses have shrines to their favoured Gods and most elves believe the forest to be temple enough for worship. At the top of the tree, if you'll pardon the term, is Yniss, God of the harmony, who pulls all the elements together. Beneath Yniss there are Gods and lords of the canopy, its roots, the animals, the wind, rain, death, fire… You name it. The ones you'll mostly hear about are Tual, who controls the animals, including elves, by the way, Cefu, God of the canopy above, Gyal, who sends the rain, and Shorth, the death God.'

'There are hundreds of minor deities,' said Ilkar. 'It's all rather well structured for an ancient religion, if a little complex. The point, I suppose, is don't underestimate the power of these beliefs and the lengths some elves will go to to protect what they have in the name of that religion.'

Hirad shifted and drained his mug. 'Funny thing, Ilks. In all the years I've known you, I've never once heard you use any of these Gods' names.'

'That would have been hypocritical,' said Ilkar. 'After all, if I really believed, I'd have come back to do my part, wouldn't I?'

'Was that the idea, then?' asked Hirad.

'Something like that,' said Ilkar, feeling suddenly uncomfortable. 'Look, can we leave this for now?'

'Ilkar's got some embarrassing secret, I take it,' said Denser.

Hirad nodded. 'Must be.'

'Can we? Please?' Ilkar's raised voice caused Kayloor to shift in his slumber, but he didn't wake and it served as a timely reminder.

'Another long day tomorrow,' said The Unknown.

'Yes,' said Ilkar. 'Look, can I suggest that you put the nets over your hammocks. It'll feel a little odd but you'll thank me in the morning.'

With a little grumbling, The Raven and Ren took to their beds, leaving Aeb to take the first watch and bathe his face. After him, they'd watch in pairs.

Lying in his hammock, shifting to try and find a modicum of comfort, Ilkar felt the anxious silence around him as an alien night closed in around the group. He could sense his friends straining to hear danger now that the camaraderie of the campfire was broken. But all they'd be hearing was the rasping, croaking, buzzing, rustling and cawing clamour that came from every direction.

'Doesn't this ever stop?' asked Hirad.

'Never,' said Ilkar.

'Wonderful. Could have told us to bring ear bungs or something. I don't want to have to sleep with my fingers rammed in my ears.'

'Believe me, Hirad. Not hearing things is altogether worse than hearing them.' Ilkar smiled to himself. 'Sleep tight.'

'Fat chance.' In the grey light of dawn, Selik could see the smirk on Devun's face. He'd been wearing it ever since they'd ridden out of Understone, like a child who'd escaped punishment for some misdemeanour.

'So,' he said, finally addressing Devun. 'You've been itching to tell me ever since we rode out of that slum. What was it you did to that mage that so changed his mind?'

Devun laughed. It was an uncomfortable sound, without humour or soul. Selik sighed inwardly. Like most of the Black Wings Devun was useful muscle but eminently dispensable. Of Callom and Edman, he hoped for better things.

'The threats weren't working,' said Devun. 'He didn't believe us, I don't think he ever would have. So I told him the truth.'

'Which was?' asked Selik, not sure he wanted to hear the answer.

'That Xetesk was so intent on control of Balaian magic that they would march on Julatsa when and if they beat Dordover.'

Selik looked at him with a little more respect, wondering if he'd misjudged the man. 'Well, it's a view rather than the definite truth,' he said, smiling a little. 'It's not exactly the message I had in mind for him to take to Julatsa, but still.'

'Oh, I don't think he'll be taking it there.'