part 2 of chapter 6

the continuation from the previous:

“My Lady, he’s just a little lowly human. What is the matter that we fear him?”
“Silence!” ordered Queen Khoo suddenly, and all voices of arguments died down. “I know of the Archknight, he was once my student. Now that he’s riding to us, no point we despise him. Don’t underestimate him, as I heard that he can combat 11 Dragon-lords at one time. Can you do that?”
This statement effectively silenced Lord Timothy, and now Lord Afdal spoke, “My queen, it’s true that this Archknight is a strong adversary of the Dragon-lords. He’s a combination of swordsmaster, mage and ranger. Formidable is his defenses and nigh invincible.”
“What the?” asked Lord Jerome, who looked surprised. “The Order of the Knights in Koruskan is strong, well-famed, but a Grand Master of this aptitude is somehow unexpected. I shall meet him in person.”
“He may be powerful, but do not underestimate those whom followed him. The Archbishop Master Ran is a master of staff using. The Light is with him and he’s like a paladin. The healer of the Five, his help ensures the survival of his troops, even in the direst situations.”
“Well, Lord Timothy, you’re right. Coupled with our princess, the Five will surely survive the incoming ordeal. What of the lady who follows them? I heard big rumors of her.”
Concern was apparent on the face of Lady Chie Kuan. She wished to know about Lady Yen, as she felt that the latter was equivalent to her, one whom both Queen Khoo and King Ashvin would not look upon her lightly. Even Queen Khoo now lent her full attention, as she desired to know about the greatest leaders of the Kingdom of Ossir, long her neighbor since the foundations of the Kingdom were laid by the first High King about eight centuries ago.
“The Head of the Order of the Magi in Lithorien is the protector of the high seas far in the southern lands. Her powers over the arcane and nature are significant, in which not even the Druids of Karazhan or the stronger Knights of Koruskan can underestimate.”
Immediately after Lord Jerome finished his word, a guard entered the Citadel, waiting to report.
“My Queen, our guards saw a great white light. We think that it was emanated from 20 leagues south of here. It may be that we’ll have visitors coming here very soon.”
“Great,” replied Queen Khoo, and she held her scepter and sent out another beam of light, so bright that it can be seen far away. “You have my leave to go now.”
The light stunned everyone, and Lord Timothy asked of the happening.
Queen Khoo said nothing, only muttered a few words, “The Archknight… he’s coming soon.”

A day later, the four riders arrived at the gates of Istarugah. As the one leading, Master Shang called forth, “I, the Archknight of the Kingdom of Ossir, together with three companions which include your princess, hereby requests entrance to the city.”
Reply came from Lord Jerome, “Our Queen expected your presence long ago. She ordered that we welcome you to the Ithilien Palace.” He then opened the gate, and they entered.
“I’ve not seen architecture of this kind.” said Lady Yen, who never set foot to this elven capital before, was stunned upon looking at the great spires that rose above the buildings. The lights were lit, not by lamps, but by wisps that shone like torches. “It seems to me that… that they… are alive.”
“The elves have great power in magic of all forms. They’re druidic in nature, but their mastery in the arcane is no less either. The five of us were once tutored here,” said Master Ran, but Lady Valerie added on, “We have little tolerance for insolence, as in your city. Her Royal Majesty though, has a great sense of humor.”
“Oh yes…” asked Lady Yen, “is Istarugah the elven capital for the last two thousand years? Who is the de facto ruler? What is the structure of the elves?” She wished to ask more, but Lady Valerie just answered in a way that made her face red, “These… ask your Archknight to answer for you. He dwelt here for almost 20 years, should know what is all these about.”
“Inner Sanctum,” said Master Shang, as they passed through another wall. The Ithilien Palace was in sight now, and all except Lady Yen were deep in thought, recalling memories years ago. The Five, under the tutelage of Queen Khoo, became very powerful in their respective fields. They then left Istarugah to join the Order of the Knights, now becoming the leaders of it. The high winds of time were indeed swift, a decade gone past since they left.

next post comes on the 29th december...