LOGINShare
Chapter 33: Breaking Breathnach
Last Updated:
2023-08-18 14:06:07Related chapters
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 34: The Emenasari Mountains
Niamh looked at her gasping advisor."Where? Where is Lord Tigherneach?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.Roedrian Boru gave his head a shake, and looking at Lorcan in disbelief, "They were sent to the Emenasari Mountains.""Did he say where in the mountains?" Lorcan asked. "It will take us an eternity to find them if we have to search the entire range."Niamh's heart pounded in her chest, she felt a lump in her throat.In the distance the mountains were a dull, gray border between the sky and the ground. Clouds and snow covered the very tops, and pale green grass grew around the bottom. Icy-blue flowers were sprinkled throughout the mountains, but nothing grew near the peaks, except what the priests and priestesses nurtured at the temple. There was a slender, fast-flowing river that ran past the temple grounds and flowed throughout the mountains until it reached the waterways of the riverlands. The Temple, although made of black rock, blended in to the side of the mountain, allo
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 35: An Unexpected Ally
"It is good to see the daughter of Nildrian visiting her father's home, and the Emenasari region rejoices to be visited by our High King and Queen," The Elven priest in the pale-blue robe bowed low.Heads turned to look at Niamh, then at Lorcan. "Please tell me you all have heard of my father and his homeland!" Niamh whispered over her shoulder to her company reproachfully. A few warriors looked away in shame.Lorcan stepped forward, "Who are you?""My name is Kharis Traeliorn," the priest placed a hand on his heart and dipped his head. "High Priest of the Emenasari Mountain Temple.""What happened here, Priest?" Lorcan looked at the sword in the elf-priest's hand. "Who attacked you?"Kharis looked slightly confused, "Attacked us? Oh, My king, it is not a long story and you shouldn't worry. Those who live here are not as helpless as we look, we have the light of the Elves within us."Lorcan was now standing, stone-faced, before the priest."Who busted down your gates to get in here? W
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 36: The Waters of Emenasari
Niamh's heart fell when Tigherneach asked about her falcon."General Konnyr struck him with his war bow," she answered tearfully. "We don't know if Fergal will survive."Eithne took Niamh's hand and squeezed it gently."Are you able to travel?" Lorcan came to stand by Niamh's side, dismissing the others behind him.Lord Tigherneach looked doubtful, but Lady Enid spoke quickly."He was beaten severely, your Majesty," she said firmly. "The priests and priestesses had to work long and hard to keep him with us.""We do recommend he stay another day or two to recover fully," Kharis spoke softly from the doorway.Lorcan nodded respectfully to the priest who had healed the loyal half-elf."I can travel as soon as you need me to," Lord Tigherneach insisted.The elven king waved his hand as if to clear the air."We can travel when you are ready. You will need your strength," Lorcan gave Tigherneach a knowing look.Tigherneach looked back, "You've caught them? Breathnach and his general? What of
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 37: Time to Return to the Palace
Lorcan and Niamh turned to see Kharis, the Emenasari High Priest, walking smoothly towards them. "The waters have been known to cleanse weary souls that have become so full of bitterness and regret, among other things, allowing the soul to shine through.""Why didn't you tell us at the very beginning?" Niamh asked breathlessly, a little annoyed at the bravery of this priest. Kharis replied with a shrug, "Would you have tasted the water? Many who need to drink don't, as they are reluctant to change, to cleanse themselves of the emotions that are holding them back."Lorcan had remained silent, but now, as Niamh watched, a tear filled his turbulent, blue eyes, then run down his thoughtful face. Naimh cast a worried glance at Kharis, but he smiled gently and motioned with his hand to let the King be. "A meal has been prepared. Come and eat when you are ready," the Priest then bowed to the Elven King and Queen and left."Lorcan went to the wall and leaned against it heavily and sliding
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 38: Changes for the Good
The mountain wind was refreshing, and the sun was warm, as the company of Elves left the Emenasari Temple. The journey back to the heart of the realms was uneventful, even after Lorcan stopped in village after village to do a quick search for General Konnyr. "Perhaps we have heard the last from that traitorous elflord," muttered Lorcan after one empty-handed search.Tigherneach and his family rode in their traveling box until they reached the palace and Niamh found it wonderful to be around her family again. While Lord Tigherneach rested, Niamh received a message stating her falcon, Fergal, was being tended to in the palace aviary. She dashed down halls and up stairs to finally step foot in the aviary, Fergal called out as soon as he laid eyes on Niamh and she tried not to burst into tears.Niamh carefully scooped up the falcon in her arms, "Fergal! Oh my darling!"The falcon tried to flap his wings with excitement"Oh, hold on my friend," Niamh stroked Fergal's head to calm him. "Don
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 39: The Approaching Storm
The King of the Elves looked sternly around the room."I was summoned to a meeting and I doubt it was about my clothes. What is the meaning of this sudden gathering?" Lorcan leaned on the table, his gaze never wavering.Trajyr gave a dry look to Tormil and spoke, "While you and the Queen traveled to find Lord Tigherneach and his family, the council sent riders and scouts out through the villages and forests, but we cannot find General Konnyr. We do not know where he is hiding. The council recommends you and Queen Niamh stay close to the palace and have guards until he is found."Lorcan rolled his eyes, "I'm sure we will continue to be as careful as possible, but we will not be contained to the palace. Eventually, Konnyr will show himself.""Could he be dead?" Wynbalar questioned.General Aengus stepped forward, "That is highly unlikely. The Queen saw him escape with her own eyes."There were harsh mumblings from around the council table. "The only injuries he had were inflicted by Fer
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 40: The Calm Before the Storm
The ride to Shandalar's village was as pleasant as any ride could be when traveling through the Elven realms. Sunlight filtered through the dark green leaves onto the forest paths, and a gentle breeze blew across the few small clearings. Streams ran lazily along, adding their song to the forest's. Birds lifted their joyful songs to the air as the group rode beneath. It was easy to forget the troubles stirring in the realms. Niamh rode quietly beside Lorcan, listening to the forest and letting its energy soothe her worried soul. They arrived at Shandalar's village and were greeted warmly. Elves came running to throw flowers along the path. The village itself looked refreshed, and the forest around it, renewed. The village leaders were eager to show the King and Queen around, describing how fast the forest responded to the ancient Elven songs. When they reached the freshly-repaired King's Pub, they were met with a familiar face."Your Majesties," Lord Beluar rose from his seat and bowe
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 41: Thwarting an Assassin
As Lord Beluar raised his arm, Niamh ducked instinctively. There was a flash of silver and a metallic sound as the Elflord deflected the item with his bracer. Lord Beluar twisted and grabbed the Queen's arm, and keeping her behind him, backed out of the doors they had just entered. "Beware, my King!" he bellowed. "Traitors are among us!"Something flew past Niamh's face. Lord Beluar kicked one of the heavy palace doors, and as it swung shut, an arrow embedded itself into the wood. "Niamh!" Lorcan's face paled and his eyes found Niamh's. The King lunged towards his trembling Queen.Before she could call back to Lorcan, Beluar shoved her to the side. An arrow shot through a window high on the palace wall and narrowly missed Niamh, grazing her arm and causing her to cry out. "Niamh!" There was fear in Lorcan's voice. "Get her out of there!"Lord Beluar wasted no time in lifting Niamh to her feet and covering her with his body as they made their way to the King, blood flowing down the
Last Updated : 2023-08-18
Latest chapter
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
