“You speak of them in the past,” said Skeld. “Are they no longer to be found?”
“Most of them were destroyed long ago,” replied Arconn, sounding troubled. “The few who were left were scattered. Now most have faded away, overcome by the sorrows of the mortal lands.” Arconn’s eyes returned to the sword. “Men, goblins, even dwarfs, desired weapons and armor made by dark elves, as there has never been any better. Dragons hated them because not even their scales could protect them from a dark elf blade. The dark elves were wise, however, selling little of what they made. When they did sell a weapon, it was only to trusted friends.”
“Do you know any more about this sword and its history?” Bregnest asked.
“Moon Slayer was the sword of many great warriors, but I’ll not trouble you with their names and deeds,” replied Arconn. “I also know that whatever price Blackburn asked it was nothing compared to the sword’s true value. Indeed, in the elfin kingdoms, a treasure as great as a dragon’s hoard would be given for such a sword.”
“Then you made a good bargain,” said Alex, looking at Thrang. “You paid for this sword, and I cannot claim it as my own.”
Thrang looked at the sword and then at Alex. He seemed a little nervous, almost afraid, when he spoke.
“The sword is yours,” said Thrang, his hand automatically stroking his beard. “I have no claim on it. You have chosen it—or perhaps it has chosen you. I offered to stand good for you, that is all. I won’t go back on my word.”
“You show great wisdom, Thrang Silversmith,” said Arconn, nodding to the dwarf. “This sword chooses its own master, and it is clear it has chosen Alex.”
Alex felt pleased that such a famous sword would choose him as its master. He hoped he would be able to live up to the ancient tradition of the sword, though he still had some doubts about his skill as a warrior.
“For as long as you carry Moon Slayer, you will find honor among the elves,” Arconn said. “Keep it well, and it will keep you.”
“Thank you,” said Alex, bowing to Arconn. “You have told me a great deal. I see the wisdom of the Oracle in having me ask you about my sword.”
“As do I,” Arconn replied, glancing up at the tower.
Alex returned the sword to the sleeping house, though he was reluctant to leave it there. He placed it carefully beside his magic bag, then quickly rejoined his companions.
“A warrior anda wizard,” said Skeld, slapping him on the back and grinning broadly. “You’ve come a long way in a short time, little brother.”
The others laughed at Skeld’s comments and so did Alex. He knew he was not a wizard or a warrior—at least not yet—but somehow, he knew he would be both someday.
As the shadows started to creep across the courtyard, Rothgar appeared, carrying a large book. He bowed politely to Bregnest before addressing the group.
“The lady Iownan asks for your forgiveness, as she cannot dine with you this evening. She asks also that I deliver this book into Master Taylor’s hands. She thanks you for your kindness and bids you all a good evening.”
When he finished speaking, Rothgar bowed to Alex and handed him the large book. The others crowded around Alex as Rothgar departed as quickly as he had appeared.
“Another gift from the lady? You must have made a great impression,” said Skeld, looking over Alex’s shoulder.
Alex waved him off but didn’t say anything. The fine leather cover of the book was blank and he wondered what it might contain. He opened the book slowly and a note slipped out from inside the front cover.
My Friend,
Please accept this gift. It will aid you on your future journeys. I’m sure you will find it useful.
Iownan
Alex handed the note to Bregnest, who read it out loud while Alex examined the book more closely. The pages were covered with tight, spidery writing and there were drawings of different plants and animals, many of which Alex did not recognize.
“The lady calls you friend,” Tayo commented, sounding impressed. “It is a great honor for an oracle to call you friend.”
“What’s the book then?” asked Thrang, pushing toward Alex.
“I’m not sure,” said Alex, looking up. “I can’t read what’s written in it.”
“What?” said Thrang in surprise. “You don’t know how to read?”
“I can read,” Alex protested. “But the writing in the book is like the magic book that Arconn gave me.”
“It’s elfin,” said Arconn, looking over Alex’s shoulder. “This appears to be a book of herb craft and healing potions.”
“Elfin?” Alex asked in wonder. “Is the magic book written in elf too?”
Arconn smiled at Alex’s question and looked at the note that Bregnest handed to him.
“The other book is a magic book, one not written by elves,” replied Arconn, handing the note back to Alex. “Though many people use elfin letters in their writing because it is easier to express your true meaning with them. You have not looked at the magic book for a long time now, have you?”
“I haven’t really thought about it,” said Alex, feeling ashamed that he had neglected Arconn’s gift.
“Then we shall make time from now on,” said Arconn firmly, patting Alex’s shoulder. “I will teach you the elfin letters so you can read this book and the magic book as well.”
“You are most kind,” Alex replied with a bow. “I am in your debt.”
“Not at all,” said Arconn, returning the bow.
Alex took his new book back to the sleeping house. Carefully, he tucked Iownan’s note inside the front cover, and then thumbed through some of the pages.
“You are eager to start then?” questioned Arconn from the doorway.
“Yes,” replied Alex, looking up at Arconn. “I have a lot to learn.”
“As do we all,” said Arconn. “Shall we begin?”
“Yes, please.”
For the rest of the evening Arconn sat beside Alex in the sleeping house teaching him the elfin way of writing. By the time Thrang called them to join the rest of the company for dinner, Alex had already learned the names and shapes of most of the elfin letters as well as how the letters joined to form words.
“You’ve done well,” Arconn beamed at Alex. “I have never seen a man take to the elfin language so quickly. Most humans have great difficulty with the ways of elves.”
“It seems natural,” said Alex. “It’s like this is something I already know and only need to remember.”
“I’m not sure I understand,” said Arconn in a thoughtful way.
“And I’m not sure I can explain,” replied Alex. “It’s like when I first saw my sword. I thought I could read something written in the swirls of gold, but when I blinked it was gone. What you’re teaching me now is like that, only different.”
“Then let us hope what you learn today is not gone tomorrow,” said Arconn with a laugh.
Alex followed Arconn out of the sleeping house to join the rest of their companions in the second house. It was almost dark, but the moon was rising in the east. Alex looked up at the tower as they walked and wondered why Iownan could not join them. He felt sad and a little troubled that she could not be with them.
After eating another grand meal, Alex walked to the stables while the others headed to the sleeping house. Bregnest was telling them about his first adventure, but Alex wanted to see Shahree.
Shahree whinnied as Alex entered the stable and moved toward him in her stall. Alex stroked her forehead gently with his fingers but did not speak. He gazed into the horse’s eyes, remembering how they had once scared him. Now he found comfort in those eyes, the comfort of a trusted friend.
Alex hoped Iownan would appear in the stable again, but she did not. After several minutes of waiting and thinking, he patted Shahree’s neck and said goodnight to the horse. He walked out into the moonlight and looked up at the White Tower. Alex knew he and the others would soon leave this place and the thought made him sad.