Mirkk's Tale (short story)

This is a creative work set in the world of Elanthia, attributed to its original author(s). It does not necessarily represent the official lore of GemStone IV.

Title: Mirkk’s Tale

Author: Mirkk Timbertree

First published on the 10th day of Fashanos in the year 5119

In mid Ivastaen 5121, Mirkk admitted he was the mystery poet and had confessed his love for Rohese. Immediately afterward, he departed for Vornavis for a short time, uncertain where things with Rohese would lead. He wrote several more poems and left them for Rohese, to which she leave her replies. Mirkk returned to Ta'Illistim from Vornavis in late Ivastaen. As he perceived her fondness for him was growing, he was elated. Then, in Lumnea 2021, things took a turn into what some would call “Mirkk’s Tale.”

Timeline of Events

Date	Event
4th day of Lumnea	In late evening, Mirkk returns to the secluded glade in Sylvarraend for the night after having spent the day with Rohese in Veythorne Gardens. His uncle’s men lie in wait, seize him, and take him by force after a scuffle, but not before Mirkk is able to leave a note on the limestone altar. [Big Trouble in Little Sylvarraend]
6th day of Lumnea	Rohese, having not heard from Mirkk in several days, goes to the glade in Sylvarraend to discover signs of a struggle and the note left on the altar. [Stars] Mirkk awakens in a cell beneath the keep in Gallardshold, stripped of most of his possessions. His guard, Jensur, is less than hospitable.
7th day of Lumnea	After the conclusion of devastation in Mist Harbor, Rohese lights four candles at various places in the town, for grief, for courage, for memories, and for love. [Five Candles: Part 1] She places the fifth candle on the altar on the glade in Sylvarraend, for hope. [Five Candles: Part 2] Mirkk is escorted to his uncle Donnavan who is breaking his fast. Donnavan discloses to Mirkk that his rightful place is in Bourth as Lord of Viridian Manor and as bannerman to the Caulfields. Mirkk disagrees, but is informed by Donnavan that he will begin training as a Greensman of the Deep. Mirkk acquiesces under the condition he get some of his possessions in return.
8th day of Lumnea	Rohese is sitting in the glade, wishing to leave a note for Mirkk. Once she pens it, she departs to the drop location. Cainoyen, a monk that works in Gallardshold, agrees to deliver a letter for Mirkk and drops it off on a shelf in the Mist Harbor Library. Rohese passes a monk on the way to the Library, dropping her note and surprised to find one awaiting her.
10th day of Lumnea	Mirkk begins his training beyond in a field between the keep and the Wyrdeep Forest. Rohese keeps vigil at the glade in Sylvarraend.
11th day of Lumnea	Mirkk continues his training in the field. He considers running into the forest, but before he can, he is shot by an arrow and killed by one of his uncle’s men, his body lying at the edges of the Wyrdeep. Rohese, still holding vigil in the glade, hears Mirkk’s voice faintly whisper her name and sees the candle of hope burn out.
11th day of Lumnea	The Greensmen stare in shock as the monk Cainoyen walks out of the gates of Gallardshold and drags Mirkk’s body into the Wyrdeep Forest. Just inside the trees, several Wyrdeep Elves are waiting to help with the body.
15th day of Lumnea	Mirkk finds himself in the Pale, with only the Ebon Gates to give him solace. Donnavan discovers his men allowed Mirkk’s body to be taken and demands the Greensmen dispatch troops to all possible passes in order to intercept if Mirkk somehow escapes. In the storerooms of Gallardshold Keep, Donnavan has a meeting with Jensur, informing him to abduct or otherwise eliminate Rohese, and to keep it a secret. Rohese, in a state of despair, refuses to leave her chambers in Sylvanfair Manse. Her maid Aavia tries to help, but only makes matters worse.
16th day of Lumnea	Mirkk, losing sense of time, pleads to be released from the Pale. He musters all the energy he can to cry out. Rohese has the inclination to attempt higher magic to reach out to Mirkk. She goes to the glade and performs a ritual and believes she hears him cry out.
18th day of Lumnea	In eternal darkness, Mirkk is losing his sense of self, questioning his own sanity. He believes his only hope of seeing Rohese again is by walking through the Ebon Gates. He walks into a warm light and awakens in a room surrounded by Wyrdeep Elves. Orómar the elder informs Mirkk that he is safe. Mirkk hastily writes and sends a letter to Rohese by way of the monk Cainoyen. Rohese, lying asleep in her bed, his preyed upon by Jensur. She awakens and sees that the windows are open. She realizes it is time to let go of Mirkk. In Gallardshold, Donnavan demands an update but receives no good news regarding the recovery of Mirkk’s body, and no word from Jensur.
20th day of Lumnea	Ceyrin, having been dispatched several days earlier at Rohese's request, arrives in Gallardshold with Corlyne to make inquiries as to the whereabouts of Mirkk. [Ceyrin]
21st day of Lumnea	Rohese participates in the Ceremony of Remembrance on Cysaelotar glacier. [Memories] Mirkk, feeling recovered enough, ventures outside of his room in the Wyrdeep to observe his surroundings. Cainoyen delivers another letter to the Mist Harbor Library on behalf of Mirkk. [Fireflies at Night]
22nd day of Lumnea	Ilizzaro, Mirkk's chaperone, gives Mirkk a tour of the city among the trees where he is being kept. He writes a letter to Rohese to describe it. [Midst the Mighty Oaks]
23d day of Lumnea	A courier from the Wyrdeep arrives in Ta'Illistim, delivering a letter from Mirkk to Sylvanfair Manse for Rohese. [A Letter Delivered]
24th day of Lumnea	Rohese discovers the latest letter from Mirkk dropped off by the monk Cainoyen at the Mist Harbor Library. She also receives the letter delivered by the Wyrdeep courier, and writes her reply to him. [Why the Dragonfly?]
25th day of Lumnea	With hope returned to her, Rohese heads to the Sylvarraend Glade where she is accosted by Jensur and his three men. As she calls forth magic to temporarily blind them, River leaps out of the woods and stands by her side, causing the men to flee. Mirkk meets with Orómar the Elder who confronts Mirkk about his past and challenges him on the decision he must make between Rohese and his family's legacy. Donnavan still seeks word of both Mirkk and Rohese. [A Time to Decide]
28th day of Lumnea	Donnavan doubles down on his attempts to capture Mirkk at one of the choke points and sends one of his best men to the Locksmehr River crossing. [Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men]
29th day of Lumnea	Marilla, the Wyrdeep Courier, is blocked at the Krinklehorn Pass by men who are now camping there and is unable to deliver correspondence. [Obstructed] Rohese and her maid are murdered by Jensur in broad daylight at the Sylvanfair Manse. Rohese is able to call upon Lorminstra and resurrects herself. On the move, Ademir, one of Jensur's men, chides him by reminding Jensur that killing Rohese was the last resort, not the first. Three Elven rangers depart Ta'Illistim in pursuit of Jensur and his men.
1st day of Koaratos	Mirkk plans with Orómar and Ilizzaro to return to Ta'Illistim. His most recent letter is returned. Meanwhile, Jensur crosses the Locksmehr River and finds Degmir on the other shore. [Undelivered] Across the river, the Elven rangers watch.
2nd day of Koaratos	Merelle and the other Elven rangers track Jensur and company to a tavern in Gallardshold where the discover Corlyne. After a brief exchange with Merelle, Corlyne discreetly stabs Jensur, killing him. Merelle sends word to Rohese that "The Deed is Done." [The Deed is Done]
3d day of Koaratos	Donnavan discovers Jensur's body, realizing his problems may be closer to home. [No Code to Live By]
4th day of Koaratos	Mirkk, aided by several Wyrdeep Elves, makes an evening departure from the Wyrdeep. [Departure]
6th day of Koaratos	Mirkk, again with the assistance of the Elves, manages to sneak past Donnavan's men in River's Rest to teleport to Mist Harbor. [Sleight of Hand and Turn of Head]
7th day of Koaratos	Mirkk and Rohese are reunited in the Mist Harbor Library. [Together][Wishes Do Come True]
8th day of Koaratos	Mirkk attempts to pass the Locksmehr River Crossing, but finds Donnavan's men waiting. [Perils of the Road]
12th day of Koaratos	Degmir informs Donnavan that Mirkk has escaped to the Elven Nations. There seems to be a division within the ranks of the Greensmen of the Deep. [Division]
15th day of Koaratos	Rohese and Mirkk spend some much needed time together and with friends [Retreat] Mirkk recounts conversations with the group as he prepares to accompany Rohese to Revelia Carnivale [Whirlwind] Donnavan begins to become unraveled. [Craze]
20th day of Koaratos	Rohese struggles with loss as she prepares for her journey with Mirkk to the Landing for Carnivale. [Faith, Hope, and Love]
21st day of Koaratos	Rohese struggles with bad dreams and sleep while attending Revelia Carnivale. [Doubt]
26th day of Koaratos	Mirkk's anxiety manifests through his own nightmares. [At the Oars]
29th day of Koaratos	Mirkk writes a letter to Oromar informing him of the plan. [A Letter Sent] Rohese reflects on things as the two prepare to travel to Solhaven.
30th day of Koaratos	In Solhaven, Rohese sneaks out at midnight to seek wisdom from a willow tree. [Willow] Ceyrin reflects on the road ahead and the decisions that the group will have to make. [Preparation]
31st day of Koaratos	Merelle and company feel the pressure of the Greensmen near Gallardshold. They are forced to leave after an altercation leaves several Greensmen dead. [Cat Among the Pigeons]
1st day of Phoenatos	Rohese and Mirkk share a sunset at Brisker's Cove. [Sunset]
2nd day of Phoenatos	Early in the morning, Mirkk has another nightmare. [Blood and Soot and Mud] Later that morning, Mirkk requests a favor of Ceyrin as the group prepares to leave River's Rest for Gallardshold. [Tempest]
3d day of Phoenatos	Early in the morning, Mirkk has another dream about his past. [A House Divided] Rohese and Corlyne talk about choices on the road to Gallardshold. [Dilemma] Corlyne helps Mirkk to realize that Rohese needs him as much as he needs her. [A Step Ahead] Rohese informs Ceyrin she is aware of Mirkk's plan to keep her away from conflict. [A Step Closer]
4th day of Phoenatos	Donnavan receives word that the group of four is heading toward Gallardshold. [Let Them Come] Rohese and Mirkk share another moment on the road as they struggle with the idea their time together may be short. [A Silver for Your Thoughts] Rohese collects her thoughts and begins writing them in a diary. [Afraid of the Dark]
5th day of Phoenatos	Early in the morning, Mirkk has another vivid dream. [Contain It] Ceyrin continues to reflect on tough choices; the whole group struggles with sleep that night. [Abeyance]
6th day of Phoenatos	Mirkk makes his last request from the group, which most seem to disagree to. Ceyrin notices they're being followed. [End of the Road] The group comes face to face with Gallardshold and Donnavan. Mirkk commits to a fight to the death with Donnavan. [Let Weakness Be Strength]
10th day of Phoenatos	Degmir, Donnavan's lieutenant, writes a report to Lord Caulfield regarding Donnavan. [Report]
11th day of Phoenatos	After the long journey home, Mirkk meets with Corlyne to arrange a deal. [Epilogue, Part 1]
12th day of Phoenatos	Rohese reflects on the past few months and past and future love. [Epilogue, Part 2]

All works added with authors’ permission.

4th of Lumnea, 5121

Big Trouble in Little Sylvarraend

Nearing the Hour of Ronan, Day of the Huntress

It was late when Mirkk went to his secluded spot to rest for the night. He had been on edge all day, and it had taken its toll on him. This spot near Sylvarreand was a comfort to him in its seclusion. Aside from Mirkk, rarely did anyone trespass here. Still, the leaves rustled differently tonight and he could not understand why. And then he heard it.

The sound of several longbow strings being pulled taught was all he needed to know. He had been reckless recently - he had said too much to too many people. Though he was always careful when he came here. How did they find him here? Did she…? No, she did not. He recently spoke openly about this place, so they could have overheard. He did this to himself.

“Mirkk Timbertree of Bourth,” a voice called from the shadows.

Mirkk grinned slightly, his hand gently touching the pommel of his longsword. “I suppose it depends on who is asking,” he replied.

He had to be careful. His blades would not be able to stop the longbow arrows. He counted at least four bowstrings. There may be more.

“Mirkk Timbertree of Bourth, our orders are to escort you back to your uncle Donnavan. Back to Gallardshold, where you will be kept as a … guest of the Greensmen of the Deep.”

Five shadows emerged from the surrounding trees. Mirkk let out a slow, deliberate breath. The five Greensmen moved closer toward him, and one had ropes in his hands.

“Guest of my uncle, I presume?” Mirkk asked flatly.

“A guest of your uncle, aye,” said the one with the ropes.

At that moment, a blue-eyed white tiger leapt from the shadows, gripping the arm of one of the longbowmen in his maw, shredding the longbowman’s arm. The man cried out in pain and fell to the ground. Two of the other men turned their bows toward the tiger. Mirkk gave the tiger a glance and the tiger understood. The tiger complied with the request reluctantly and darted into the woods, but not before a bowman released an arrow, striking the tiger in the front right paw. Mirkk winced.

The presumed leader of this squad bent over and picked up the ropes from the ground. “Somebody clean him up,” he said to the other men. He cautiously approached Mirkk with the ropes. “Let us not spill any more blood tonight. Our orders were to bring you back unha-“ he paused. “In one piece.”

Mirkk slowly backed up and felt the limestone behind him. He deftly pulled a piece of folded paper out of his pocket and placed it on the altar, and then extended his hands to the man with the rope to not arouse any suspicion. He hoped she would find it there.

The group’s leader punched Mirkk in the gut, doubling him over in pain. “That’s for giving us so much trouble these past few days,” he grumbled. The leader used the opportunity to force Mirkk down do his knees and bound his hands behind his back. He then took Mirkk’s longsword and short sword out of his swordbelt and tucked them into his own.

Mirkk looked up, still trying to regain his composure from the punch, only to receive a swift kick to the jaw, knocking him out cold.

“That is for Jensur. He’ll probably lose that arm and never use a bow again.”

---

Stars. Stars through the trees. One bright star out shined all the others. That is all Mirkk saw as he raised his head with a groan. He was being carried on someone’s shoulder. And then he saw different stars as someone clubbed him over the head, drowning him in the unconscious.

6th day of Lumnea

Stars

The sun was setting behind the high stone walls, casting a warm golden glow over the dense forest beyond. She failed to find joy in its spectacle this evening though, feeling a sense of dread as she watched the shadows of night encroaching on the garden below, its ominous talons clawing their way towards her.

Her heart sank again as she recalled that there had been no whispers on the wind today. Hadn’t he said he would be in touch? Lowering her gaze, her hair fell like a curtain across her face, shielding her emotions from the maid busying herself around the chamber.

“Thank you, Aavia. You may go now.” It was all she could do to keep her tone steady.

The maid bobbed a small curtsy and hurried out of the room. She waited for the door to close behind her before allowing herself to weep softly, quiet tears falling from your eyes. Her thoughts drifted over the last few days, remembering the words spoken and kisses stolen. Pressing her fingers gently to her lips, she suddenly wondered if his earlier voiced concerns had been realised; River had been behaving erratically, after all.

He had mentioned a glade!

Without any thought to propriety, she quickly reached for a robe and ran out into the twilight, oblivious to the fact that she was barefoot and dressed only in her shift. An owl’s hoot nearby seemed to be warning her to take care so she kept to the shadows of the trees as best she could. Keeping her hood up to conceal her identity, she made her way through the hamlet of Sylvarraend and towards the wooded garden.

Entering the secluded glade and stepping between the white stones, she noticed dark smears of what looked like dried blood and patches of scuffed ground. Something had definitely h

appened here recently! It was then she caught sight of a sheet of silver-edged paper on the altar and ran over to it. Her fingers trembled as she opened it and read the hastily scribbled lines.

She sank to her knees in the grass, clutching the paper to her chest. Tears welled behind her closed eyelids but she bit down hard on her bottom lip to stem their flow.

Do not fret for me, my Eternal Star.

For one transitory moment, a shooting star arced across the night sky, just visible through the tree canopy. The drifting breeze, fragrant with night-scented stock, lifted her hair and she swore she could hear her name being whispered on the wind. She knew then that she would come here every night until he returned to her.

Just like a shooting star

You've shown me that

Something could be brief

And still be beautiful

Meanwhile, in Gallardshold…

Mirkk shifted slightly. He felt the presence of cold stone beneath him. He could smell the scent of straw and the thick air weighed on him. His head hurt too, but he wasn’t sure why. He opened his eyes slowly. Iron bars came at precise intervals from the right, meeting the large, flat stone surface on the left. Beyond was another cell. And then what looked to be another.

Pressing his hands to the floor beneath, he slowly raised himself to a standing position. He wasn’t ready for it and became lightheaded, forcing himself to grip the bars and lean into them to steady himself. He closed his eyes and the moment passed. Opening his eyes again, he looked around the room. He was in the first of four cells lining the far wall. Three more cells stared gloomily back at him from the other side of the room. Directly across from him was a doorway with stairs leading up. Next to the door, hanging from a peg was his satchel. He saw no sign of his swords. At the far end from him on the wall was a single torch, and underneath it was a man sleeping in a chair. The man had bandages on one arm and he was missing a hand.

Turning around ever so cautiously as to not get lightheaded, he examined his cell. There was a thin opening no wider than his hand on the far wall. Beyond it, was more stone. Underground, he thought. He moved to the small opening and realized he was just below ground level, and that he could see the sky from this thin vertical window. He pressed his face hard into the cold stone wall, trying to look up.

The stars. If I can just see them…

He pressed harder into the stone but saw no stars. Dawn was about to break and the sky was getting lighter. He grunted pushed his head even harder into the stone, desperately trying to look up to the heavens.

Just one…

“Looks like somebody is awake,” a voice said from behind.

Mirkk sighed and closed his eyes, easing his head away from the wall. He turned and opened his eyes. It was the presumed guard, the man with the missing hand.

“I’m sorry about your hand,” Mirkk said in reply. The guard said nothing, only sneered and spat on the ground. "Will I be seeing my uncle soon?"

The man with the missing hand responded, "Your uncle is unavailable and will not return until late tonight or tomorrow morning. Best get comfy in your new accommodations."

"If you wouldn't mind - would you get the quill and paper out of my satchel? I'd like to write him a message for when he returns."

Mirkk watched the man with the missing arm glance between the satchel and the cell, uncertain. Then, with an aggravated demeanor, the man moved to the satchel hanging on the wall and rummaged through it, producing a quill and a single piece of paper. Mirkk backed slowly from the door of his cell as to not make the man think he was up to something. The man set the paper and quill cautiously on the ground and slid them under between the bars with his foot and backed away.

"Thank you. Would you be so kind as to hand me the stick of wax?" Mirkk asked with a smile.

The man spat again and, rummaging in the satchel said, "What wax? This wax?" and proceeded to take the wax over to the torch and let it melt slowly onto the floor. Mirkk sighed. At least he now had the paper. The man gave Mirkk another glare and sat back down in his chair and closed his eyes. Mirkk waited a few moments until he was sure the man was asleep and scribbled a few lines. He folded and addressed the paper and then quickly moved back to his tiny window to the stars, but by now it was daytime and he could hear folks moving about.

There must be a street above me.

He pushed his hand as far as it would go, hoping some kind passerby would notice his hand. As a reward for his actions, his finger was stepped on by some street urchin who ran off. Mirkk winced, but muffled his cry of pain as to not wake the guard. He heard someone quietly snickering behind him. He turned and saw what appeared to be a young monk standing in the doorway holding a tray of food. Mirkk rushed to the cell door and begged the monk to come close. The monk obliged and Mirkk whispered a message in the monk's ear. The monk nodded once and Mirkk slipped him the note. The monk took the note and slid it into his robes and gestured for Mirkk to stand back. Mirkk walked backward slowly to the back of his cell and sat down on the hard stone floor.

The monk walked over and placed the tray of food gently on the floor next to the gaurd. He gently placed a hand on the guard's shoulder, and the guard startled awake. The guard muttered and nodded to the monk, and the monk turned to walk out. Before heading out the door and up the stairs, the monk glanced in Mirkk's direction and gave one swift nod of his head, and then exited the room.

Mirkk looked at his captor and asked, "Is that for me?" The man with only one hand looked at him and laughed.

So much for hospitality.

7th of Lumnea

Five Candles

Part 1

Rohese walked around Mist Harbor, solemnly taking in the desolation and damage to life and property around her. Word had reached her of the evening’s events and her heart ached at the thought of all the pain and suffering her friends had gone through to protect their beloved Isle. She felt totally inadequate; her family responsibilities had kept her in Ta’Illistim of late and she had been unable to come to their aid when they needed it the most. But she had to do something; even if it was selfishly for her own peace of mind. She was then reminded of a ritual her grandmother had taught her when her mother had died.

I shall light five candles: one for grief, one for courage, one for memories, one for love, and one for hope.

Finding herself in Gardenia Commons, the heart of the Isle, Rohese resolved to start there and duly placed a candle on the bench. With a quick flick of her fingers, a small flame appeared and drifted over to the wick. Her skills with such simple incantations were thankfully improving despite her recent lack of study.

Gazing into the flickering flame, she whispered, “This candle represents grief. The pain of loss is intense but reminds us of the depth of feeling.”

Heading west along Oleander Avenue and into Hale Hall, she stepped through the doors into the Administration office. Taking a moment to remember Ilsola, she placed a second candle on the desk and lit it.

“This candle represents courage - to confront our sorrow, to comfort each other and to change our lives for the better.”

Continuing into the Western Harbor, Rohese walked sedately along Seathrak Way and entered the Stumbling Pebble Bar. She could hear Greth moving around in the backroom so quietly placed a candle on the bar and lit it.

“This candle is in memory of the times we all laughed, the times we all cried, the times we were all angry with each other, the silly things we all did together, and the joy we all shared.”

The choice of the fourth location was easy: the library; her beloved library where they all gathered during more peaceful times and where they had first heard the name, Katillios. Closing her eyes, Rohese exhaled and hoped that everyone didn’t hold her responsible for the subsequent actions of that misguided half-elf. The mere act of entering the dimly-lit foyer lifted her spirits a little. As if by habit, Rohese wandered first into the west wing where she trailed her fingers idly along the shelves of the bookcase and noticed something that made her heart skip a beat. Pulling a book from the shelf, she quickly pocketed it and adjusted the remaining volumes to conceal the gap.

With the trace of a smile on her face now, she returned to the foyer and reverently placed a candle on the desk.

“This candle is the light of love. Day by day we cherish the special place in our hearts that will always be reserved for you.”

With her hand in her robe pocket, she tightened it around the book and knew exactly where she would place the fifth candle.

Part 2

An elf owl swooped low, startling her a little as she made her way into the glade. The sun had set some time ago and the air seemed to be filled with all manner of unsettling noises this evening. Stepping through the circle of stones, she felt a sense of serenity wash over her as she knelt before the limestone altar.

Placing a candle on its smooth surface, she deftly lit it with a quiet snap of her fingers and whispered into the wind, “This candle is the light of hope. It reminds us of love and memories that are ours forever. May the glow of the flame be our source of hopefulness now and forever.”

With a slow exhalation, she rose to her feet, brushing away a few blades of grass when something caught her in the darkness of the surrounding trees. There it was again! A glint of blue and flash of white. Holding her breath, she stayed as still as possible but couldn’t make out what was lurking in the shadows. Biting her lip, she backed away slowly, taking flight as soon as she had stepped out of the circle.

Meanwhile, in Gallardshold…

No daylight peeked through the small hole of a window now. The noise and commotion of the passersby had died about an hour ago.

It is probably more for ventilation than it is anything else.

Mirkk raised from his position along the adjacent wall and moved over to the window. He pressed his head firmly into the stone wall and cocked his head so that his left eye could gaze up into the celestial expanse. And then he saw his shining, eternal star.

His sense of hope and resolve was renewed in that very moment. He had not lost faith - not at all- but rather he recommitted then and there that he would make it back. He would make it back home. He gazed at the star for a long, long time. It was now well into the night.

The lack of sleep the past few days along with the lack of food started taking its toll. Though he struggled, he could no longer fight it. Ronan, the god of dreams, overpowered him and his will, and he slid to the floor and fell into a slumber.

---

‘Wakey, wakey,” was all he heard. Something was poking him firmly in the ribs. It did not hurt, but it was enough of a discomfort to wake him. He started, and sat up, turning to the direction of the irritation.

Through the cell door he saw the man with one hand poking him with a long stick.

Jensur. That was his name.

Mirkk smacked the pole away and slid back to the far wall of his cell, unwilling to take the provocation any longer.

“Awww. You’re not ready to get up?” asked the man. “Big day for you today, sleepyhead. Your uncle is back, and would like a word. You’ll be joining him to break his fast.”

How long was I asleep?

Mirkk would normally never sleep past the first coos of the mourning doves at dawn, and that was if he was sleeping late.

---

Within the hour, two men Mirkk did not recognize came down the stairs. They were both dressed as Greensmen and armed with short swords. One of the men motioned to Jensur to unlock the cell. Jensur did not hesitate to do so, but did bring his pole to prod Mirkk back as he opened the cell door. Mirkk stepped forward and the two men nudged him forward toward the doorway. He started walking toward the stairs across from his cell and took them slowly. He did not want to move too fast and lose consciousness. He knew he was weak. The guards followed closely behind him.

At the top of the first flight of the stairs was an archway and the two men instructed him to proceed down a long hallway. There were no windows along these walls. Mirkk wasn’t sure if that was because they faced out toward the Wyrdeep, or if they were interior walls that forbid the pedestrians from looking in. They passed several large doors along the left side of the passage until they came upon a large maoral doorway with doors already opened. Light shone through. Mirkk had to shield his eyes until they adjusted. As his eyes became more focused, he could begin to see a large fireplace with a heavy stone mantle along the left wall and windows along the back wall that stretched upwards to the high ceilings. The sun shone down on a large, floral patterned green and crimson rug. On the rug was a long dining table that had several bowls of fruit, baked goods, and sausages placed in dishes at the near end. Seated, oddly not at the head of the table, but just to the right of it, he saw his uncle Donnavan who was breaking his fast.

The men pushed Mirkk forward and both took up their places as sentries flanking the door. Mirkk stepped forward toward the light of the sun and toward the darkness of his uncle. He stopped about six paces away from where his uncle sat. His uncle Donnavan had aged over these last twenty or so years. His beard was now almost fully grey with only a few spots of dark brown left. His hair was also grizzled, but still there was enough there for him to slick back, and he kept it long enough that it started showing its curls along the back of his neck. He was wearing a heavy green cloak with a ruby clasp. He looked healthy after all these years, just older.

Without looking at Mirkk and between bites, Donnavan said, “Have a seat, boy. Eat.” Mirkk continued to stand. Donnavan stopped eating and sighed. Finally, he raised his head and stared at Mirkk. “I need you healthy for training. I need you to eat.”

‘Why am I here?” Mirkk asked in reply.

“You are here because here is where you belong. Not out playing rogue or whatever it is that you do with whomever it is that you do it. You have a duty here, remember?”

Mirkk couldn’t help but laugh slightly. He turned his gaze out the window and said, “I do not have anything here.”

“You are incorrect,” Donnavan said calmly. “You have a duty to your people here. By all rights, Viridian should be yours and you should be a bannerman for the Caulfields.”

So that’s what this is about. He wants to grow his own power and influence, and he wants to use me to do it.

Mirkk snorted. “Whatever you think, you’re wrong. That was just some silly story a mother told her son before bedtime that-“

“Your mother believed it!” Donnavan interjected. “And your father knew it. For whatever reason, you have decided to not do your part for the barony. And so that is where I come in. It is my job, as your uncle, to make sure you stay on the straight and narrow and fulfill your duties and responsibilities."

"Responsibilities to the Caulfields?" Mirkk asked. "The same Caulfields that raised their banners 500 years ago and slaughtered thousands in the name of the Empire? And not just soldiers, but women and children! No thank you, Uncle. I'm not interested in playing out whatever fable or story you believe."

His uncle slammed his hands on the table loudly! "Boy, do not think for one moment that I do not have ways to convince you," he sneered.

Mirkk looked away from the window, bypassing looking at his uncle directly, and looked at the fireplace. This time of year, there was no fire. Leaning against the wall between the fireplace and a servant entrance, he saw his two swords wrapped together in his swordbelt. He turned back toward his uncle. "There is nothing you can do to convince me."

A dark smile crossed his uncles lips. "Greensmen crossing into Elven territory to grab one of their own is one thing. We know about the woman. We have been watching you for some time."

Mirkk's instantly felt a knot in his stomach.

That doesn't make sense, though. Even he would not risk a war with between the Empire and the Elves over me. And he knows that would be viewed as a hostile act.

This thought brought Mirkk a sense of relief. His uncle was bluffing, and he knew it.

He changed the topic to steer the conversation how he wanted it to go.

"So then, when does this training start?" he asked his uncle.

His uncle leaned back into his chair and grinned. "I reckon it will tomorrow afternoon. We'll see if you are still as good with the bow as you were as a boy," his uncle replied.

"So be it," Mirkk said as he reached for an apple from the fruit bowl nearest him on the table. "And this will be all I wish for breakfast this morning, Uncle." The last word he emphasized with a biting tone.

I know a horse that would like this apple..

Donnavan, now having what he wanted, nodded his head and said in an affirming manner, "So be it."

"I do have a request."

"What is that?" his uncle asked.

"I would like to have my things back, my satchel at least. And a change to my lodgings would please me."

"You'll get your satchel, but not your blades. And no gold rings, to be certain. As for your lodgings, you'll stay in the cell until you prove your willingness to cooperate."

Mirkk nodded once, turned, and started to walked out of the doorway, followed by the two guards. As he did, his uncle said clearly, “Do not think I will not accept the risk with the Illistim elf.”

“Gosaena take you,” Mirkk shouted as he turned back toward his uncle. The two guards grabbed him and and forced him back into the hallway. He could hear his uncle laughing in the room he just left.

At the bottom of the stairs, the two escorts handed Mirkk back over to Jensur, then both turned and walked back up the stairs. As Mirkk was walking into his cell, Jensur said from behind, “Oh, there is one more thing.” Mirkk turned around and stared at him with anger filled eyes. Jensur grabbed Mirkk’s right arm, pulled it out straight, and with all the force he could muster with his leg, kicked the cell door, slamming it into Mirkk’s right arm with a loud CLANG and the sound of a crunch. Mirkk fell to the ground in pain.

“We’re not even close to being even,” Jensur snarled.