Return to Chestme

Chapter 1: To Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Eddipus, once a wise old elven sage, found himself standing in the great hall of Seaside Alchov, his heart pounding in his chest. His youthful, handsome face scanned the grand entrance, waiting for his dear friend, Val, the governor of Alchov. Now, he looked like nothing more than an elve of thirteen, his age reduced by the Master's hand so that he might join the fight ahead.

Eddipus's eyes darted, taking in the intricate carvings on the walls and doorways, each one depicting tales of valor and sacrifice from Seaside Alchov's storied past. A fireplace fire glinted off polished armor and steel, casting long shadows throughout the hall. The scent of aged leather, fresh herbs, wood, and salt water filled his nostrils as he stood silent in the chamber.

The tapestries on the walls depicted scenes from the victory over the Rapha Raiders, making him feel both awed and humbled by his friend's accomplishments. He heard murmurs about the young boy standing before the throne, some whispering about his youth, others about how strange it was to see an elve in Alchov. He couldn't help but give a soft chuckle at how others perceived him; once so old and wise, now so young. He retained some wisdom, a handful of memories. Yet, other thoughts were withal a fog.

Val's raspy voice cut through the chatter and clatter "Who awaits my presence?" He descended the grand, wooden stairs carved with intricate detail. Rugged and bald with a jagged scar running across his face, he exuded an air of authority even without sitting upon his royal seat. His eyes took in Eddipus, confusion etched on his face before his eyebrows furrowed at the oddity of seeing a young elven boy standing in his great hall.

Through a painted window, Eddipus could see the sun begin to rise over the coastal village, painting the room in hues of warm orange and gold. Eddipus squinted against the light, watching the beam illuminate Val's seat as the governor sat. Eddipus's heart swelled with joy. The room went silent for a moment.

Lady Raven watched from a balcony as her husband sat. She couldn't help but feel curious. Curiosity of who the boy was. She turned to greet a man, who had awakened from his quarters and walked to her. He had grown so much since she'd taken him in; he was no longer the scared messenger boy, but a strong, determined twenty-year-old man. "Come, Isaak," she said. "Let's go down to the hall and see who this boy is."

Isaak followed her down the grand stairs. Servants bustled about, lighting candles as Raven took her throne next to Val. Raven leaned over and the two kissed then returned their gaze toward the boy. Isaak stood behind his parents.

Eddipus felt a lump in his throat as he bowed his head respectfully before the three. "Governor Val," he said. "I am here to offer my services."

Val's eyes narrowed, studying the boy before him. He could not shake the feeling that something about this child was hauntingly familiar.

The bustling hall was once more a symphony of movement and sound. Servant girls in flowing blue robes flitted about, their graceful steps moving on the polished wood floor. The air was thick with the scent of the exotic perfumes they wore, mingling with the other aromas wafting about.

Eddipus's youthful good looks drew envious glances from the maidens as they passed.

Val's voice echoed through the hall, calling for quiet and the room went still again. Everyone stopped and turned to face them.

"So," Val began, eyeing Eddipus warily. "What brings you here, boy?" His voice was commanding yet tinged with curiosity. Eddipus grinned, recalling the time when Val jumped from a window... He was sure it was Val.

"You remember when you told me about your parents' death?" Eddipus asked. Val's face clouded over momentarily like he'd seen a ghost. "How could you know this?"