Siren's Song III (updated)

Before the we get to the topic that has brought us all here, tell us Captain about this girl that the whole town is talking about.” Daylon asked.1

Crispin shifted uneasily in his chair, knowing that this question was directed towards him. Inhaling sharply he leaned forward to speak.2

But the answer came from another. “I have seen her.” Derry quickly interjected. “She has this amazing ability to bring forth images. Fabulous pictures that bring a smile to that faces of the people who hear her sing. And she’s beautiful to look at too. I have seen her only once, but the memory of her will haunt me forever.” Derry sighed and sat back. 3

“I have not seen her as of yet. But what I’ve heard is that it’s a sort of magic that takes your fantasy and brings them alive.” Wendell said leaning back in his chair.4

The conversation went around the room much in the same manner as before. Ravenlocke just looked on smiling to himself. Musing over Siren's captivating voice and splendid looks he kept his thoughts to himself.5

Ravenlocke!”6

Crispin was brought out of his thoughts. “Y-yes?” He stumbled.7

Daylon leaned forward in his chair, his plump chest resting against the polished table. “What are your thoughts on this girl, this Siren?” His face took on a serious look. 8

Crispin straightened his back and looked the Leader in the eye. “My thoughts sir?” Pausing briefly, “Well my thoughts on the Lady Siren are as much as these fine gentlemen’s thoughts are. I have seen her many times and what has been said is true. She can bring images to the minds eyes and she is very beautiful. Beautiful, but mysterious at the same time.”9

The Leader seemed satisfied with Crispin's answer and sat back to think about his response. After sometime he sat straight and replied, “Well I think it is time to bring this alluring young woman to the Stronghold to hear her sing.”10

Darion interjected, “I would think that would be impossible.”11

“Why is that?” His father asked.12

“Because I’ve heard that she sings where she wants and not where people want her to. I’ve also heard that she only sings to the working people.”13

“No one has ever denied my request for entertainment! Why is it that she would not come here and sing for me?” Daylon’s face took on a scarlet color and his voice rose to a higher pitch. “Ravenlocke, what is your opinion on this matter?”14

“Sir, it would seem that Lord Darion is correct. I, myself personally have not been able to get past her name. She tells nothing about herself or why she does what she does. I thought perhaps tonight I would get further only to be interrupted for this meeting. If you would like I would relay your message to her. I could also try to convince her to compromise. Maybe we could come up with a solution.”15

“Well met Captain. See that it is done. Now lets get on with why we are here.” There were nods all around the room. Daylon stood up and gestured, “We have been informed that the Treemen are searching for a talisman. It is said that this item holds great magic. Our informant tells me that the Treemen want to use it to take over the Northland. With that said I come to you to ask that we to search for this talisman, this symbol of power. I ask that a small party be sent into the Eastland country to find it before the Treemen do.” Daylon sat down, folded his meaty fingers and waited.16

Crispin’s eyes scanned the five men sitting before him. All shifted nervously in their chairs. No one spoke and no one looked at the Leader. Silence hung in the air as they waited for someone to speak first. Only the sound of clothes rubbing was heard. 17

“Well,” Daylon’s voice broke the silence. “Has no one an opinion? Nothing to ask?” Still no one spoke. “I do not need your approval, but I would like it.”18

Hegel was the first to speak. “Who is this so called informant? How reliable is he? How do we know this is accurate information? These are the question running around in my head. I would hate to send fine men out there if the information was inaccurate.” He stopped suddenly as if he didn’t want to ask the next question.19

But the next question came from Wendell, “Hegel is right. But I have another question. What if the Treemen find this alleged talisman? What are they going to do with it? I know that we have been at odds with them as of late, but what would they do?”20

“These are all decent questions. Maybe we should bring in the fellow who has brought this to my attention.” Everyone nodded his head, everyone except Crispin. “Fine. Waynew.” He called. Waynew appeared out of the corner. “Waynew please send in Forthroan Teals.” Waynew bowed and departed for the door, slipping through them quietly. For several moments no one moved. 21

* * *22

The streets were quiet as Angel padded silently towards the towns center. Her orange and white fur flashed in between the houses as she followed the trail of glowing purple footprints the captain had left behind. 23

Quickly and silently she ran through the streets. Pausing once or twice when she heard a rodent in a nearby refuse container. She felt the pull of her instincts to pursue the tiny morsels but refuse to be dragged.24

Finally the counsel chambers came into view. She slowed and waited for an opening. Angel’s eyes flickered about seeing the night sky for the first time since taking this evening walk. The stars twinkled in the heavens like diamonds floating in a bowl of water and the crispness of the air chilled her nose while she waited patiently. She kept a cautious eye out while she groomed her face and paws. Around her the night’s symphony continued to play as the wind blew threw the trees. Angel watched as one man walked up to the iron doors and spoke to one of the guards. The guard eased open the door and she took off. Slipping in unnoticed under leather boots she scurried down the long hall came to the heavy doors at the end and sat down in the shadows to wait.25


* * *26

Forthroan Teals paced the floor before the main chamber doors. He had the look of a young boy coming into manhood. His face was without wrinkles and scars. Blue eyes twinkled below thin blonde eyebrows and a straight nose lead to thin lips and a cleft chin. He wore a dark green tunic and matching pants with irregular shaped shoes. A cinnamon colored cloak hung down his back. 27

The heavy doors swung open and Forthroan entered followed by Waynew. He walked up to the square table and drew his hand out in greeting and waited. A gasp rose from the men who were seated.28

* * *29

As the doors opened Crispin Ravenlocke turned to watch Waynew usher the stranger in. A flash of color caught his eye. It streaked past Waynew’s leg and disappeared for a moment. A second later the color appeared under his legs. “Angel?” He thought with astonishment. “How did you sneak in here?” Angel wrapped herself around his legs and started to purr. Ravenlocke reached down to pet her.30

At that moment the stranger greeted the leader. Instantly Crispin and Wendell were on their feet with their short swords drawn, Angel was forgotten. Chairs clattered to the floor along with collective gasp from the three other men.31

Daylon rose in greeting. “Captain, Commander, gentlemen withdraw your weapons at once!” Then turning to the stranger, “greetings Forthroan Teals.”32

Crispin and Wendell put away their swords but remained standing reluctantly. Tension showed on their careworn faces. Muscles in their necks were pulled taunt as they waited, ready to pounce.33

Forthroan Teals seemed unaware of the two men’s hostility. His attention lay on Daylon. “You ask that I remain, so I am still here. What is it that you need from me?”34

“In time my dear Forthroan, all in good time.” Daylon noticed that all eyes were directed towards Forthroan’s hands. “I see you have noticed my friend’s strange fingers.” Daylon remained standing. Crispin’s hand stayed on his sword, as did Wendell’s. “Forthroan Teals is a Treeman. His fingers are longer than yours or mine. As are his toes.”35

Outcries erupted from the room. Daylon settled his massive bulk into his chair to watch and await the scene to unfold.36

* * *37

Angel backed farther under the table using it as cover. All around her feet shuffled and chairs scuffed the floor. Voices from the men rose in protest. Angel’s eyes watched the feet nervously as her ears and tail twitched around straining to hear.38

* * *39

Wendell and Crispin had their swords drawn again. They inched closer to the Treeman.40

Daylon was on his feet at once. “Gentlemen please! Put your weapons away.” Crispin looked suspiciously at the Leader. Daylon nodded, Crispin and Wendell withdrew. “Thank you. Now Waynew?” The man materialized next to Dalyon’s chair. “Bring another chair please. If you please gentlemen let’s get down to business. Sit everyone.” He waited patiently. No one spoke as they took their seats. Sly glances past between the men sitting. Once everyone was settled he began. “Forthroan Teals is as I’ve said before a Treeman. But unlike most Treemen he is on our side. He has been my inside man, so to speak, to their comings and goings. For the past twenty years he has kept me up to date on their plans. Nothing of importance has been reported until last week. Here’s where I need you Teals. You may finish.”41

Six pair of hostile eyes turned to him. He untied his cinnamon colored cloak and draped it on the back of his chair. Slowly he folded his slender fingers on the table. “What Daylon has said is the truth as I know it. I am obviously a Treeman. But I do not approve of their thinking or way of life. I don’t feel it necessary to declare war on the other races of the land. I see no reason why we cannot live in peace with each other. That is why I am an informant for your Leader. Enough of that.” He shook his head. “One week ago two strangers came to Old Oak and requested to see Ugna, our leader. No one saw their faces but they wore a painted dragon on the backs of their cloaks.”42

“The Dragon Legion,” whispered Crispin.43

Teals nodded his head. “Yes the Dragon Legion, Captain. Ugna dismissed me from the meeting immediately, but I guarded the doors to his personal chambers. I only heard bits of the conversation. But what I heard I did not like at all.” He paused, “the talisman is said to give great strength to the person who has possession of it and to all that believe in that person. I did not hear the rest of the conversation nor did I see the strangers leave. I was called away to help strengthen a bridge. But when I returned Ugna was preparing a party to begin this journey.” Forthroan stopped.44

Darion stood up to pace the length of the table. “A few question if you please Fothroan Teals. Do you have any idea what Ugna wants with the talisman? And why did the Dragon Legion come to the Treemen?”45

Forthroan watched Darion pace. “I believe that Ugna will use it to declare war against the Groundmen, your stronghold to be precise. He clearly dislikes the Breazeale
reign. As to your second question, the Dragon Legion and the Treemen have always been allies.” Darion sat down to ponder his answers.46

Hegel banged his fist on the table startling everyone. “I don’t like this!” He boomed, “I don’t like this at all. Where is this supposed talisman located?”47

Quietly Forthroan answered, “in the mists of the Great Alders.”48

“That must be why the Dragon Legion went to the Treemen instead of searching for it themselves. They needed their tree climbing skills.” Blurted out Crispin.49

“Exactly my thoughts,” Daylon said. “So you see why we must, immediately, start our own expedition.”50

There were murmurs from the table. Hegel interrupted the conversations, “I have a concern. If we do find this talisman, what are we going to do with it?”51

“That is a good question First Minister. I expect nothing less of you.” Daylon paused as if thinking over the question, “we would do nothing with it…” He held up his
hand to calm the outraged cries, “until it becomes necessary to do other wise. I have no desire for war.”52

“What makes you think there really is a talisman? We have only the word of a Treeman!” Derry said then spat on the floor. Distrust clouded his face as he sneered at Forthroan.53

Daylon turned to Derry, amusement played on his lips. His massive chest pumped up and down with exertion. “What have we got to lose if we do go my boy?” He looked him straight in the eye, “nothing and everything to lose if we don’t.” Derry quickly dropped his eyes to this lap. 54

Crispin took this opportunity to ask his question. “Who is to go on this quest?” He had already decided to offer himself.55

Daylon’s heavy body sighed from relief. His anger momentarily extinguished. “Twelve strong soldiers should go. Forthroan will go. His questionable absence from Ugna will make it impossible for him to return. Crispin I think it best that you go also. I would like you to pick four good soldiers. That makes six. Who else?” He looked from one son to the other. They both looked away.56

“I will go also.” Wendell volunteered.57

“I think not Gothgo. I need you here just in case trouble comes. But I do think you should pick four men.” Wendell nodded. “That leaves two left.” Again he looked at his sons. “Which one of you would like to represent the family?”58

Both Derry and Darion looked at their father with wide frightened eyes. Neither said anything but continued to stare wide mouthed at him. 59

Daylon’s cheeks turned crimson as his anger erupted. “You both disappoint me. Are you both cowards? Does your land and its people mean nothing to you?” He banged his thick fist on the tabletop. “I should send both of you.”60

Suddenly Darion was on his feet. His chair tipped back landing on the floor with a solid thud. “I will go.”61

“That’s my boy!” Daylon stood up and whacked Darion roughly on the back causing him to fall forward on the table.
Crispin rolled his eyes and tried not to laugh at Darion’s misfortune.62

“I would also like a seer to accompany the group.” Daylon advised, “find me the best.” 63

“But father,” Derry spoke up. “Waynew is the best.”64

“Well find me the second best!” He roared.65

“When are we to leave?” Crispin asked. “If the Treemen have a weeks head start I suggest we leave in the next day or so. I can be ready by nightfall tomorrow.”66

“So the matter is settled. Make it so. Now lets all get some sleep."