Veiled Secrets

For every one decision made several options are discarded. Mankind often did not look at all the options before them. Their lust for power and their unending greed often blinding them. They would war amongst themselves. Many smaller nations fighting for more and more control. It had been this way for many of their generations. Until one swallowed another whole. Converting them before taking still another and yet another. These nations grew into 4 main ones. They held a frail balance of peace and power.
The time for many wars had seemed to come to an end. Until one of the nations. The Harditians who bordered the elven lands sought to conquer the elves. Wanting their power to add to their own. To shift the frail balance to their favor. The one thing they were not counting on was General Anastasius. He took his battle hardened soldiers to the boarder ahead of their army. Moving at night and in secret. Why? Only the Elves would know this.


Anastasius looked at the lush tree line with a wary deep blue eye. His other was covered in an eye patch. Having long since been lost in a bloody battle with the northern Kingdom of Edlewyn. His soldiers were 20 yards behind him. Useless to him should the elves choose to attack. He left them there for a purpose though. He wished to show he was not here for the intent of killing. His dark hair showing white though he was not old. The ornate armor gleaming brilliantly in the morning sunlight. His black warhorse pawed at the earth nervously. Sensing its riders own emotions.

Gwen stood at the crest of a hill, watching the riding, sensing his intent upon her lands. The shear silk that graced her slender form billowed and danced in the morning breeze. The sun rose at her back, framing her golden mane like a halo. Her emerald gaze sharpened as the war horse began to paw the ground. Was this to be another war or was he really there to bring peace? It was a question she could not answer for the emotions that washed off this one were twisted. His heart spoke of great bravory and yet a great sarrow.

Carefully she began to make her way towards him. It was best to approach this warrior without the others as their words could be sharp. He'd not been the one that had attacked years before, but the mere fact that he was human was enough to put her people on edge and her king on the verge of calling for war.

He watched the approaching Elven Female. Some men could not at first glance and long distance tell them apart. He though had an eye like an eagle. He studied her beautiful figure. His heart ached just a little with the bad news he carried with him. He did not wish to bring any distress to one such as her. He dismounted from his steed but left his hands well clear of his weapons. The last thing he needed was an arrow through his one good eye. He knew the skills of the Elven people.
His stocky build did not hinder the grace that he had come to learn and encompass. Truely an army of one he had earned both rank and title of General. Though now he was throwing it all away. The men behind him loyal to him and not the corrupt king. His helm had been removed already and rest upon the back of his saddle. When she drew closer he bowed low enough to show her he respected her more then normal humans would. All the men upon horseback dismounted and bowed low as if with one mind. She could hear them as if one voice, "Honor to the elves!"

Her gaze wandered his form, watching for the slight hint of deception. But none came. He even lay his helm on the back of his saddle as he dismounted. He was brave or very foolish. Of course she was just a woman to most humans. Little did they know whom they were facing. For as long as she could remember there had been whispers that she was born of a dragon and mothered by a witch. It was known that there was no father and perhaps that was where the gossip came from. But like her mother she did have the sight and a few other gifts, such as her beauty. She did not see this for herself and this lack of insight was the reason she refused the offered hand of the king years before. Telling him she was to beneath him to marry. In truth she just didn’t love him as he wished and would not marry for any other reason than that.

When she’d barely made it halfway down the hill they all bowed and cheered, shocking her a moment. This was not part of her sight, but then not everything was always pictured clearly. Her eyes moved over his troops and then over him. Why give her such an honor? A soft smile curled her lips as she waited for him to rise.

He rose from his bow to gaze more strongly upon her. He held no fear now. They had sent an emissary out to meet with him. He knew they had guards along their border with his former kingdom. They were not so foolish as to think the majority of humans had learned a live and let live policy with the elven people. He cleared his throat and spoke in his strong voice. One use to giving orders and having them obeyed.
"I am called Anastasius Focht. I lead the Dark Horse company that you see behind me. We bring grave news and have rode all night in order to reach your lands safely. I request an audience with your great and noble king. I also ask that you or another of your people spread the word I bring."
He hesitated before continuing. She was so beautiful it made it hard to continue. Especially when he just wanted to wrap his arms around her and taste those perfect lips. Stare longingly into the vibrant green eyes and bare his soul for her to see. He blushed a little before continuing. Certain she had seen what his thoughts were in his mind.
"The king of the Harditians moves against the elven lands. He seeks control of them and wishes to enslave all elves to shift the balance of power to his kingdom. He has become mad with power. Our company could not stop his edicts though we tried. We are banished by now for we left without permission. None in my company nor myself could follow his order to attack your beautiful . . . ummm your people."

She swept back the skirt of her gown and bow gracefully to him as he introduced himself and his men. She was taken aback by his tone, but there was warmth within it as well as command. He was not use to speaking to women it seemed, but she let that pass with a warm smile.
His words were shadowed for a moment by the thoughts that ran through his mind and were echoed in the depth of his sapphire gaze. It was a fleeting shadow, but she’d seen enough to understand the blush that had given his flesh a warm glow. But as he pushed forward with his news her once still hands fell upon her chest causing the silk of her gown to gather and drape about her soft bosom.

“That is troubling news Sir Focht. I am Silivrenniel, though in your tongue it is simply Gwen. I shall take you to the King and see that your news travels. Come...I believe he shall be waiting for us already.” She’d seen the hawk fly away swiftly and knew that they had been watched. She called out softly into the wind in her Elven tongue and turned to lead them.

He watched her walk a short distance. her beautiful figure and perfect cuves creating thoughts he did not think of for some time. He blushed just a little harder before signaling his men to follow. He did not remount but chose to walk along beside her. He could smell the scent of her clean form on the wind and he felt the heat of his desire growing with each passing second. He had met elves before and they never affected him like she was.
"Gwen, A beautiful name." He smiled awkwardly. She was light on her feet and barely made a sound. Not like him. Tromping along in his full plate. The company of soldiers behind him, a full legion strong were not any quieter.
"What is it you do within your own lands. If you do not mind me asking My . . . . ummmmm lady Gwen?" He almost said she were his lady. He only hoped that she would not be offended.*

She could feel his eyes upon her form, but didn’t bother to turn and confront him. Already her mind was turning from him and his lust. She wasn’t for a man’s lust but for ones heart. But with thoughts of the coming war Gwen could not allow her attention to be drawn away, even by this one. He was intriguing though and when his voice intruded into her thoughts she didn’t mind.

Her gentle laughter rang softly about them. “I am no lady, but it is kind of you to say so. I am...a servant of the King you could say. I have been gifted by the dragons themselves with sight.” At least that’s what she liked to call it. As for being a servant it was no lie, just not fully the truth. Her kind did not believe in slaves, but that hadn’t stopped him from keeping her. When she’d refused his hand he’d given a quite order that if he could not have her none would and she would never leave him. Even now she could feel the eyes of her own guards watching just how close this brave man came to her. A deep breath rose and fell her breasts as she led the way.

The path that lay before only her eyes would lead them over a few hills and then deep into the woods only to be stop at the edge of a canyon. Within the canyon amongst the trees was hidden her city. Most humans could not even see without guidance.

He could have been walking to his death and never known it. Not with her standing before him. He heard her soft laugh and beautiful way of speaking. It warmed his heart and made him feel a little braver. He looked away from her and spoke a little softer.
"Lady Gwen, I would ask that my troops remain outside of the city. I would not wish to place myself above anyone's station here. I request only to have 10 honor guard accompany me further."
The last thing he wanted was for the king or his citizens to think they meant to invade. Especially with the reputation of his company. Known for fighting the impossible odds against superior forces and achieving victory. The masses of Orcs to the north. The defense of Fenraad's gap where they were outnumbered 6-1 and starving. Yet they held the land until reinforcements could arrive.
He gestured towards a part of the forest close to the valley. "Perhaps my company can set up camp there if it pleases you and your kin?"

Gwen smiled softly into his eyes. He stood above her and in his full armor he seemed like a towering statue of metal. Her gaze was cast over the canyon once more as she thought about his request.

"You are wise Sir. I think it would please the king to have your men set up camp here. It would add to the protection of the city...for now. As for 10 of your men...I would think 5 would be more fitting. I do not mean to dishonor you, but with your...size I think it might worry my people a bit less."

Of course she didn't say anything about the stories they'd have heard already of his men and the great warriors that they had become. It would make everyone feel much safer if he left more behind.

"Yes, 5 would be most fitting."

She gave him a warm smiling, holding his gaze with her own a moment before she began to wander down another path. It was hidden until she placed a foot upon it. Before that brush and tree a like seemed to grow in a thick bounder around the edge of the canyon.

With a bow of his head he gestured two quick commands. The first was to point at his second in command, A woodland elf who had left his people long ago, to take the men to the spot and set up camp. Then he held up 5 fingers and motioned forward. 5 of his usual 10 honor guard strode forward easily. All their horses taken by comrades where their tents would be set up for them.

The group of them were surprised by the sudden appearance of the magically hidden path. They strode forward confidently but their eyes wondered over the surroundings. He began to mentally prepare for the meeting with the king. He had an offering though part of what he wanted in return was starting to change. His blue eye hardly every strayed from her form. He wondered if she could feel his heated gaze upon her.

He shook his head and tried to clear his mind. He did not know her or even know if she held any interest in him. He was a simple human after all. Far beneath the notice of these immortal beautiful and graceful people. But still his eye would return to gazing upon her and thinking of being with her.

Her gown fluttered in her wake as she slowly lead the way down the path. It twisted and turned constantly, it was the makers design so that if someone not known to the Elves entered the forest they would become lost very quickly.

From time to time she would feel his eye up on her and it made her wonder what he saw when he did look to her. She was sure it was the sight of a woman enslaved to her king and less than he was. But Gwen did not allow her thoughts to betray her as she moved them deeper into the forest.

It took some time to reach the city, stepping from a forest path into the heart of it. She glanced about, smiling softly as she lowered her head, bowing it softly as she continued to move. It was not in her to see what others held for her in their eyes. It wounded as deeply as a dagger in her heart would.

Soon enough they were standing before the king and she was knelt, speaking in her elvish tongue, explaining the tale that brought these great men to his thrown. Anyone could see the pleasure the king held as he looked to Gwen kneeling before him. It was his wish that she never stood before him as others were allowed, another punishment for refusing him.

He stood before the elven king with pride and confidence. His eye looked to the bent form of Gwen and noted the looks other elves were giving her. IF they held daggers she would certainly be lifeless. He wondered if perhaps he should say something on this matter but it was not his place to do so. This was not his former court where his voice carried great weight.

"Honorable and wise king. I am Anastasius Focht. General of the Dark Horse company. Former high protector to the now corrupted king of the Harditians. I bring forth a message and an offer."

He bowed low to the king when he finished this speaking. Waiting permission to continue speaking. His 5 honor guard bent knee but never took their eyes away from the surrounding elven people.

The king nodded towards the new comer, yet never took his eyes from Gwen. Most said he was bewitched by her, but as she never asked or stood at his side people were content to merely gossip about the matter.

"Go on...I'm sure you have more to say then that."

The king stepped from his throne and moved to stand before Gwen, listening to the tale the knight spoke. His hand rested on her head as if she was nothing more then something to lean on. But if you watched closely one could see his fingers trailing through her hair.

Gwens shoulders stiffened and then sagged a bit at the touch. She knew he was making sure that none would ever look upon her with anything but jealous contempt.

He watched the kings movements with curiosity. But he kept his voice firm. What he had to say was important to all of their survival. His eye caressed her form and he imagined it were his hand playing through her soft hair. Her reaction to the touch was first what appeared surprise and anger followed quickly by submission or surrender. For some reason that angered him.

"Lord, My former human king is moving his vast army against your nation. You need to mobilize quickly before they arrive at your door step. They bring fire to burn your precious homelands down. My company are loyal to me and to the peace of our people. Not to a king who wishes to enslave innocent ones."

He smiled at a thought before continuing on. Perhaps this next phrase would prove the double edge sword to cut enough slack to free the lady Gwen. He certainly hoped it would be so. Her beauty and intelligence definitely being wasted in such a show as this.

"We do not follow or aid any lord or king who would enslave any innocent one no matter what the reason. Your nation needs to be prepared and we come to offer our assistance to your forces."

Again his eye dropped to look upon Gwen. How could she remain so submissive like this. The other elves obviously hated her having the unwanted attention of the king. He considered the thought of carving his way out of here with her to regain her freedom. But he would lose and everything the company had worked for would be undone.

The king listened, never noticing the looks that were given to the small group or the ones the knight gave to his Gwen.

Carefully he held her chin between his thumb and finger, lifting her eyes to meet his. "And what say you Gwen? What do you see when you hear all this?" She turned her eyes till she met his gaze and smiled warmly at her.

Gwen sighed softly, but her words were soft, never changing as she spoke. "My king I see a great war if we lag in preparing. I also...I see burning trees and children crying for mothers that lay...beaten upon the ground." A single tear spilled and the king himself leaned down and removed it with a kiss. "Don't...you know I can't stand that." His voice was filled with saddness as if the mere act of her crying wounded him. Carefully she slid her chin from his grasp and lowered her gaze once more. "Lord...I'm sure you are wise enough to know when a great friend stands before you...offering you aid."

He watched the exchange between both the king and Gwen. He seemed to want her as his. She was a seer and she was his counsel. She did not shy away from him but she also did not return his love or affection. Caught firm in a trap. How could he spring her free when she did not wish to betray her king? That much was obvious. Perhaps time will tell. An opportunity would present itself. Patience, it not only won battles in war but battles in court as well. He knew of politics.

"Honorable king, We offer you 1000 lances. We will sweep away what we can of the enemy and stand at your side. If this is agreeable please allow me to return to my men with a guide so I do not become forever lost. I will prepare the soldiers for the corrupt king will surely be on the march already. It was why we left at night. His anger at us will never be satisfied until his death or ours."

He lowered his head as did the 5 honor guard behind him. The only time they showed a lack of duty to protect him. The only time they showed their trust and faith in the elven people not to betray them.

"Men will fight and men will fall,
A corrupted king to lead them all.
To replace the king that is on high,
Does the duty fall to you or I?

Forever a loss shall his passing be,
His line ended by you or me.
Anointed from gods ancient and bold,
To lose the power he doth hold.

We swore oath to serve our land,
Power sought and wealth expand.
Broken our hearts and shattered our faith,
The burden on our souls does us chafe.

We swear to protect and serve this land,
To deliver it out of the corrupted hand.
Until we earn our place in the grave,
We stand tall, proud and brave."

He knelt to the king with the swearing of the oath. It was the only oath they knew and one that would bind them to this land as certainly as it bound them to the peoples of Harditian. They sought a way to remove the corrupted king. A way that would not break their oath to its citizens. But Anastasius spoke the oath to Gwen. Not to the king. Though only he knew this.

Her ears filled with his voice as he pledge his oath. The king only had one weakness and she prayed that her being there did not weaken him now. These men were of honor though their king was not. In her a spark lit and she glanced at the now kneeling knight. About him shown an aura that shimmered brightly.

"He speaks with such honor Lord. It would only bring honor to his people and ours to allow him to defend against a king who's heart had hardened to his people." Her voice was but a whisper, but she did not fear him not hearing her. Gwen could be across a busy room and she knew he would hear the instant she spoke.

Carefully she lifted her eyes to her king to see him watching her. Within his eyes love shone brightly and he nodded. "Yes Gwen, these are brave and honorable men. I would be honored for them to serve at our side. But they will need supplies and a guild. You will make sure they are given all they need and then return here to tell me what else you see."

With a nod she slowly began to rise, knowing that he would be only a breath away from her. She felt his breath upon her neck as she spoke again. "Make sure the word is spread that these men are loyal to our people and send the captain of the guard in to me." She heard him breathe deeply of her scent before he turned from her.

Gwen kept her eyes cast down and slowly turned, gliding out of the court room to wait for the knights.

He waited until they had spoken the words and the 6 of them stood and saluted. Their fists banding loudly on their breastplates. "HONOR!" they called loudly to those in the court. Then, with purpose filled strides they caught up to Gwen just outside the hall. He stopped close enough to catch the scent of her. He studied her form and imagined holding her in his arms. Whispering softly into her ear. Speaking of things only lovers would speak to one another. He was captivated by her.

"Lady Gwen, We are thankful for your wise counsel to your honorable king. I am thankful." His men behind him shifted a little nervously. The last time he had spoken honestly to a woman and bared his heart she had tore it out and spat on it. They did not interfere though with what he spoke.

His next words were a little quieter. "Perhaps if we have time you could show me the lovely areas in your city?" Yes he was thinking of perhaps setting up a chance to be alone with her. Despite the oncoming war that he may not even survive. But that hardly phased him.

He removed a metal gauntlet and gently took her soft hand in his calloused one. Bending over it he kissed the back of her hand gently. Not prolonging such an act. The taste of her smooth skin and the scent of her form drove out any thoughts but of her. He only remained bowed over her hand for a short time after the kiss. To collect his senses before he stood straight and tall before her.

Gwen paused as she heard them behind her and smiled softly up into his eyes. He was handsome even with the patch over his eye. It made her wonder how he'd lost it, but she was to kind to ask such things. Besides it wasn't her place. Surely he had a lady waiting for his return.

It did not go unnoticed when his men seemed more then uncomfortable as their leader spoke, but she wondered at the cause. Perhaps she wasn't as bright as she thought. Her emerald gaze softened as she listened. "It was merely the truth though Sir."

Her eyes widened in fright as he took her hand and kissed it. Such a tender act and one that touched her, but one she feared the king would see. He seemed to know all that touched her or spoke to her. He even knew what they spoke of. Softly she sighed and when he rose once more she slid her hand behind her and looked up to the king’s chambers.

"Yes, I think there may be time for that. If your men would like we can stop at the armoury first?"

He smiled at her. "We are fully equipped already lady Gwen. I just require you to guide me to my men that we may set up a defensible position and a place to attack our common foe when they arrive." He noticed her hesitation and spoke softer. "Are you in danger of any kind?"

The five guards were watching around them and two of them moved with their shields to provide some sort of cover. Obscuring both sound and sight with their movements though it looked absolutely natural for them to stand where they were. The other three watched for any listeners close by. Their sharp eyes having been trained to search out assassins as stealthy and elusive as elves were.

She shook her head. "I can not. The king has asked me to return and to have another guilde you back. I will not send you with anyone that would lead you wrong." She lowered her eyes at his words, wishing she did not have to leave him just yet.

When the men moved her heart paused with the kindness. "I am not in danger...though you put your life there by lingering with me. Please...I must take you to your guilde and then return her. "

She turned from him, not wishing him to see the few emotions that ran through her with the words they had spoken to each other. It was a blessing that she did not feel the kings eyes upon them, but he didn't always have to be the one watching. Others would tell them of what they saw and tell him.

Carefully she slipped away, moving slowly till they followed.

He followed along with her. He was curious as to her seemingly wanting to protect him. "I would not have another guide me lady Gwen. I only want you to guide me." He strode a little faster and gently caught her arm to stop her from walking. "Tell me this true and I will respect your answer."

He breathed deeply and closed his eye a moment before continuing on. His guards looked more protective. But not of those around them. It was more like they wanted to protect him from what she may say. As if they could put their shields between her words and his heart. But they knew they could not do either.

"Do you love the king as he seems to love you? Am I wasting my time in trying to show you that I find you so amazing and intelligent and beautiful? Am I mistaken in finding that my heart yearns for your attention. Even if it is just a simple glance? Should I kill my heart now and forget of you?"

At his touch she stopped and looked about for those that might be watching and spotted a little maiden watching and moving back towards the way they had just came. She turned to him, blushing softly at his words. It warmed her more then she thought it would and found that she longed to ease his worry, but she also knew better. Carefully she dropped her voice.

"I....I will go speak with the king and bid him to honor your request, but I can not promise he will agree." She looked down at his hand that rested on her arm and then back to him. "I do not love him as he loves me. For that reason alone you put yourself in great danger in touching me. Never has a man said such things to me...and it ... it effects me in a manor that I dare not speak of openly. I can not say not to risk what you already do. I can see it in your eyes, but it is all I see." She took another breath and slipped from his hold. "He will never let me go. No matter what anyone says or does. He claims his love to me with words and actions till most hate the mere site of me. Most call me witch, but never to my face. Please Anastasius...spare yourself. I am worth none of this." Her hand fell to rest softly on the breast of his armor and then quickly fluttered away as she turned back towards the kings chambers.

"I will return shortly with his answer." Her emerald gaze was misted with emotions unspoken, though the further she moved away from them the better the control she had.

He would not let her go so easily as this. He was quick for a human and though he could very well die for what his heart wanted he knew to deny it would be stupid. He did not place a hand on her to stop her this time. instead he stepped by her and stood before her. His knights once more concealing them from view as he spoke.

"In our life time as humans it is often said we will regret what we know our heart wants until the day we are accepted into the warm embrace of the earth. I want to get to know you better. I want to know just how deep my heart belongs to you. I do not fear death for expressing my feelings. I only fear not being heard. You go to your king and ask that you be our guide my lady. But remember he may already know of what I have spoken here as you claim. I do not ask you to defy your king. I ask you to follow your heart."

With that he stepped to the side and left her way clear. His knights moved to stand behind him once more. His back to the king's chamber. They knew a battle was coming. One of them asked "Is this wise? should the elves shun us we have no where to go."

He answered his fellow knight without hesitation. "I cannot and will not risk all of you for my love. Should I be called to some sort of judgement of death I will hand over control to Tathallas. He is a good leader and will not forget his oaths to the company." They were not satisfied with this answer. They did not want to lose their greatest General and leader. But they did respect his decision.