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Chapter 18: A Knock on the Gate
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2023-08-18 14:06:07Related chapters
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 19: A Surprise Visit
The half-elven Lord could read the look in his adoptive daughter's eyes."Let's start by going inside, " Lord Tigherneach raised a hand towards the Keep's Great Hall. "You can rest while we talk… it is good to see you."Niamh nodded and smiled eagerly. Horsemaster Taron was already taking care of her group's many horses, and Shandalar was already talking to the Keep's kitchen workers. She looked up, and seeing her falcon circling overhead, she raised her arm. Every Elf looked skyward and watched the elegant bird of prey soar gracefully to Niamh's waiting arm. "Now, we can go," Niamh said to Captain Shobryne, who led the way.As she entered the hall, Niamh noticed her steps sounded strange on the familiar floors. "Have I been away that long? Have I changed that much?" she asked herself. Lord Tigherneach, Captain Shobryne, General Aengus, Roedrian Boru, Lady Enid, and Eithne all sat in the small room used for settling disagreements. "Should I include anyone else?" Lord Tigerneach as
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 20: Follow the Falcon
Fergal let out a loud screech before swooping down to land on Niamh's arm. Breathnach looked at her in surprise."You have an Ohta Fion," he observed.Niamh reached back in her mind to her training in the ancient tongue of the Elves. He called Fergal a "War Hawk." She turned to General Aengus. "I was told he was a falcon," she said quietly.Lord Breathnach raised an eyebrow, "It is a name we give to the most honored of Birds of War. Having such a bird is only suitable for such a Queen."He bowed reverently, and Niamh glanced at her general. She caught Aengus quickly rolling his eyes. Quickly she dipped her head to kiss Fergal's head so she could hide her smile.Breathnach seemed to know how to flatter an elfmaiden, or at least win over a Queen. Any other Elven Queen may have been won over by the noble Elflord's charms, but Niamh was focused on her mission. The noble elf had impeccable manners, and his speech was clear and precise."This is a wonderful surprise," he said amiably. "Let
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 21: Into the Darkness
"Where is King Lorcan?" demanded Niamh."Why do you think he's here?" questioned Breathnach."You foolish Queen," snapped Naero. "You are accusing us of having that tyrant of a King within these walls with a piece of cloth as proof.""You are the fools," replied Niamh. "To think it would be easy to hide this from your Queen. Lord Beluar had a report from an outrider of your strange behavior. You never showed me you had a dungeon, and now we find this?""What kind of Queen needs to see the dungeon?" Breathnach questioned loudly. "Are you crazy?"Naero shook his head laughing."If you have nothing to hide, then show me," Niamh stood firm."No," Breathnach refused. Fergal lifted his wings and flapped aggressively. Breathnach shifted uneasily. General Aengus scanned the walls carefully with his elven eyes."Take me to the dungeon!" Niamh began to lose the kind tone in her voice. "No.""You are saying no to your Queen," said an agitated General Aengus.General Naero took a step towards Ni
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 22: Return to Life
After Niamh called out, the dungeon came alive. Fergal had stayed with Shandalar at the front of the dungeon, where he took it upon himself to scream and flap at every elf who tried to enter. Aengus had to drag an exhausted Queen back to the daylight as the elves lucky enough to make it past Fergal took care of the King. Niamh was shaking from the cold, damp air and unsavory conditions of the dark dungeon, and the emotion of the moment had taken the last of her strength. "You can see him again when we get outside," the general promised. "You must make sure we get the rest of the King's loyal, fighting elves out of there too," Niamh coughed, and then fell to her knees. Aengus called to Shandalar, "The dungeon is too cold for the Queen, let Fergal fly while you help with the Queen."At those words, Naimh drifted off into a deep sleep. She felt strong arms loop under hers and lift her up, then she felt herself being carried across uneven ground. The last she heard before the deep slee
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 23: More than Wounds to Heal
The falcon's cry tore Niamh from King Lorcan's bedside."Mind the King," she called to the caretakers as she ran outside. Lord Tigherneach was up on the Keep's wall, looking out over the main gates. Niamh joined him, almost smiling because she had never been allowed to stand on the walls when trouble was near, but now, no one in Tigherneach Keep could make her stay down. As she took her place between General Aengus and her adoptive father, she felt Lord Tigherneach's eyes rest on her. "Your falcon has a keen eye," he said. "Thanks to him we are ready to welcome a small force from the capital."Niamh watched as Elven soldiers approached the modest Keep. They wore the armor of the King. "They've come to escort their king home," General Aengus informed her. "Some will stay at Breathnach's stronghold until after the trial.""Trial?" Niamh asked."Lord Breathnach's and his general's trial," Tigherneach explained. "The King's first sentence when he regained consciousness was to capture th
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 24: A New Beginning
Tears filled Niamh's eyes, but she fought them bravely. "I didn't know if he had you!" she blurted.Lorcan flinched in surprise at the force of her words."I didn't want him to kill you, me, or anyone else. I wanted to put an end to all these wars, all these petty arguments and forced respect. I had to put an end to pointless suffering."Niamh took a breath."Did you know all Lord Beluar wanted was his family's land? So, yes… I did negotiate. Now Lord Beluar has his lands and you have full access to the Tamneath bridge and Wynather River."King Lorcan opened his mouth, but Queen Niamh was not done."You, unfairly, left your new bride on her wedding night to run a kingdom. I did the best I could, and will continue to do so when I am needed."Lorcan's jaw tightened and he came so close to Niamh, their faces were mere inches apart. He was breathing heavily. "I am King of the Elven Realms, not Niamh Aidhne Tigherneach! I make the decisions as to what is best for the kingdom."A single
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 25: A Stop at the King's Pub
The early morning sun crept over the horizon and through the only spot the curtain of the traveling box didn't cover, shining directly into Niamh's eyes. She stirred softly, discovering Lorcan's long, muscular arm still embraced her. Niamh looked at him with a sort of disbelief in her eyes, remembering the night before."Well, that was unexpected," Niamh said to herself. Although she was Lorcan's Queen, Niamh didn't expect to develop feelings so quickly, and for such a complicated King. Lorcan opened his eyes, "Is it time to rise, Niamh?"The use of her name made her blush."Yes," Niamh stretched. "I hear movement outside."Lorcan sat up slowly and paused. "I'll let your handmaidens help you get dressed. I need to speak to the General."Before Niamh could speak, Lorcan had thrown on a set of clothes."We will ride soon," the King muttered and exited the traveling box.Maeval and Moidrin entered, casting confused looks over their shoulders. "Did the night go well?" Moidrin asked car
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 26: Return to the Throne
Niamh held her breath."I beg your pardon?" King Lorcan asked the drunken elflord."I said," swayed the elf. "You can't be our King, no matter how handsome you are. He has an ice-cold heart that longs for war. No elfmaiden would marry such a King.""You are handsome," Niamh agreed quietly. King Lorcan's eyebrow twitched. "Indeed," he said.Then, suddenly, Lorcan clapped the elf on the shoulder laughed, and turned to leave.General Aengus caught Niamh's gaze. "Let's go," he mouthed. Niamh nodded and General Aengus began to gather the group to leave. The Queen located the pub owner where she originally found him, behind the counter and handing out his best ale. "Leaving, my Queen?" Shandalar said gustily. "I wish you the best on your return to the palace.""Thank you," Niamh replied. "I am so very grateful to you for all you have done.""I am grateful for what you have done," Shandalar replied heavily. "May your days be bright, Your Majesty."Shandalar's family came to wave goodbye
Last Updated : 2023-08-18
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Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 50: Sunshine after the Storm
The sun broke through the morning clouds above the town square where just moments before, a falcon took down an Elven General. Trading had stopped. Errands and tasks were forgotten. The townsfolk stood in awe and shock. The King and Queen of their realms stood weary and triumphant in their modest town square, the falcon that had just attacked with the ferocity of a dragon now sat calmly on his Queen's unwavering arm. "Kind townsfolk, we apologize for the disruption of your peaceful day," Lorcan spoke in the most kingliest of voices. "We had to apprehend a traitor to our realms, and now that he is in our hands, we will let you get on with your day.""This isn't the town for traitors," an elflord glared at General Konnyr."I know him," a tall, elf maiden with long golden braids called out. "He sat in our pub and brought in mercenaries! Never paid what he owed!""Sounds familiar," Shandalar said casually.Niamh found a smile playing on her lips. The mumblings of discontent with the Gen
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 49: Eye of the Storm
"General Konnyr would be over there," Lord Beluar pointed towards a small group of warriors by the distant trees. "We wanted to keep him separate from the others."Niamh knew what Lord Beluar meant by "others." He was talking about Tormil and the rest of the council. Their fates would be decided shortly. "Let's deal with this traitor," Lorcan decided. He glanced at his Queen, who nodded in agreement.Lord Beluar rode ahead, leading Lorcan and Niamh to the General's position. As they watched, however, Lord Beluar suddenly dismounted and ran forward."Oh no," Niamh breathed.Lorcan groaned low and almost silently. They, too, began running, and when they reached Lord Beluar's side, they were faced with a disheartening sight. The four warriors guarding the traitorous General were sprawled unconscious at the scene of what obviously was a short, violent struggle."He removed his ropes somehow," Beluar kneeled beside one of the warriors, picking up the sawed-through ropes that had once hel
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 48: The Strength of the Storm
Niamh began riding her horse forward, Fergal gripping her shoulder. The growing company began moving forward picking up the pace as Lord Beluar moved towards his warriors and raised his hand. The warriors fell in line with the rest of the company and they moved forward like water in a stream. Now, the Queen's warriors rode hard. The forest opened up once again to allow Niamh and her warriors to pass through. They made incredible time. It was still daylight when the warriors began covering the familiar ground of Niamh's childhood. She began dreading what the next corner would bring. The forest ended suddenly and the Plains of Kren Ennore spread before them. The battle had already been raging for some time and the King's company stood tired and losing hope. She could see the exhaustion in their movement. Niamh looked desperately for the King."Keep riding!" Niamh ordered. "Don't stop!"Ithril turned to his warriors and they proceeded along the river, Niamh and Taron went to the right
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 47: The Queen's Command
Niamh, her falcon, and company rode through the broken palace gates and onto the paths leading to her old home, Tigherneach Keep."My Queen," Ithril rode on her right. "We feel your need to get there as soon as possible, but the horses can't keep this pace for the whole journey."Niamh blushed and slowed her mount. She turned to see the long line of riders and wagons behind her. The sight gave her strength. They were making good time.They traveled steadily and smoothly through the forest, and as time moved along, Niamh began noticing something she had never seen before. "Horsemaster Taron," Nimah whispered to the rider on her left. The Elflord turned his head, and Niamh continued, "Have you noticed anything about this forest… these paths?""They seem like smooth, well-traveled paths, my Queen," Taron replied. "The forest is old, I can feel its strength.""The forest is old, yes, and the paths too," Nimah looked at the silent trees that surrounded them. "But that's just it. These path
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 46: The Plains of Kren Ennore
Niamh stared at the pub owner in the front courtyard. Shandalar tried to calm his fractious horse, but the scared beast continued to spin nervously. Shandalar ended up jumping off the horse, and approaching the Queen.Ithril leaped in front of Niamh and Shandalar stopped, glaring and the warrior."I need to speak to the Queen, the King and his company are in danger!""Stand back, Ithril," Niamh said with a wave of her hand. "Let him speak."Shandalar wiped the mud from his face and tried to catch his breath, "The King rode through my village with a small company, when I inquired if he needed refreshments, he only asked for provisions for his warriors. Just a few hours ago, a large army rode through my village headed in the same direction as the King."There were nervous whispers behind Niamh and she turned to see the Great Hall's doors open. The Elves inside were curious to hear what the owner of The King's Pub had to say. Worried faces peered out into the early morning.Niamh began w
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 45: Gathering Clouds
Niamh's sadness at Lorcan's leaving disappeared momentarily at the sight of the old horsemaster from her youth. Paying no heed to status or etiquette, she ran through the courtyard and wrapped her arms around Horsemaster Asamar Taron. Smiles spread quickly across both their faces.Tears of happiness mixed with tears of grief as the old horsemaster and the young queen welcomed more Tigherneach Keep refugees. Niamh took her place with others helping hand out blankets and food to the exhausted travelers. Seeing the familiar faces, and hearing their heartbreaking stories of how they were put under siege with flaming arrows and balls of fire, and having to run for their lives, made a dark fire burn in Niamh's usually gracious and kind heart."I feel like this is my fault," Niamh took a heavy breath. "Could I have stopped this somehow?"Taron shook his head and sighed, "It's not your fault at all, my Queen. Trouble was coming for a long time."Niamh frowned, "How do you know?"This time the
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 44: When Traitors Come Together
A heart-wrenching wail escaped Niamh's very soul."Why?" She cried. "Why are they attacking everything dear to me?"Lorcan took his queen immediately into his arms."When you say 'they,' do you mean the council?"General Aengus swallowed and slowly nodded, "They have joined up with the treacherous General Konnyr."Niamh broke away from Lorcan's arms, fury dripping from her voice, "But why my home? Why not a more strategic target?""Because you are strong," Lorcan stepped closer to Niamh to stand at her side. "You fought to bring me back, your father was powerful, your adoptive father is loyal, and your falcon listens to you alone. You are more of a threat than I am."The Queen thought of Fergal. Niamh had spent little time with the falcon since they returned from the temple, but he had always kept himself near. She raised her arm and waited."Call for Lord Tigherneach. He will be resting with the Lady Enid in their chambers," she ordered. "They must know."As the Tigherneachs were summ
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 43: Council of Traitors
King, Queen, General, and noble Elf stood still while the young Elven council member continued to tremble under the unwavering gaze of King Lorcan in the early hours of the night."Answer the King," General Aengus nudged Wynbalar. "Where is Tormil?"Wynbalar looked at Queen Niamh, who gave him a sympathetic smile and nodded. "Tormil, and those who agree with him, disappeared into the night shortly after the end of the meeting." The Elflord looked down at the ground. "They became afraid… I do not know where they went but they couldn't have gone far."General Aengus sighed loudly in frustration and glared as Wynbalar stood sheepishly"Why didn't you come to me right away?" Lorcan questioned. "Perhaps he feared for his own life," Niamh gently placed a hand on her husband's arm, "He came to us now. I am glad he came to us at all, we can still act."Wynbalar exhaled gratefully. Lorcan paused, then lifted his head and said, "That is true."There was sudden activity in the courtyard outsid
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 42: The Offer
Niamh stared at the Elflord beside her.Lord Beluar didn't even blink. He looked at her seriously and calmly as she stared back at him in surprise. The young queen could not believe what Lord Dafiel Beluar had just asked her to do."What?" Niamh whispered hoarsely. "What did you say?""Leave with me tonight. Be my queen. Leave King Lorcan to destroy himself."She turned to look at Lord Beluar fully. He stood still and confident in the evening air."I am giving you another chance at happiness my Queen," Beluar stepped closer. "I have fought your King, and won. I saw how he spoke to you today, at the feast and at the palace. I have heard how he treated you when you first married. No King does that… no good Elven King."Niamh's mind was racing. Lord Beluar was not wrong, Lorcan did treat her poorly at the beginning, but she felt he was desperately trying to change. She thought about the reasons Lorcan had revealed to her over time, and how he had apologized. Was Beluar correct, though, wo
