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Chapter 13: Betrayal from Within
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Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 14: Riding for Help
For a moment, Niamh could only breathe. She closed her eyes for a moment to collect herself before she answered."We had such a grand time," Niamh smiled faintly.Lord Beluar frowned and dismounted. He kneeled beside Aengus and Boru and took in the Queen's condition. He signaled to one of his elves and sent him to get a small carriage to retrieve his guest. Fergal voiced his displeasure regarding his bundling and stretched his wings joyfully when Boru released him. The falcon took to the sky. For a moment, the group watched in silence, the only sound was the distant rushing water. "Why are you here, Queen Niamh?" Beluar asked pointedly. "What brings my newest ally to my secluded woods by the rivers?""General Konnyr betrayed me," Niamh finally managed. She swallowed, letting the knowledge settle and trying not to lose control of the rage that was simmering deep down. Captain Aengus and Boru got me out of the Palace without one scratch."Beluar's gaze went quickly to Niamh's riding w
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 15: A Visit to the Village
The aches and pains of her previous riding were forgotten with this unwelcome knowledge. "Do you know where he went? How long has he been gone? Can we follow him?" Niamh stormed stiffly into the palace, where she was greeted by a jubilant Maeval and Moidrin.Niamh's rage was softened at the sight of her handmaidens."Oh my precious friends," She said as she embraced them together. "So brave, you were so very brave.""It was nothing," Moidrin smiled. "We had a rather brilliant time leading those traitors on a wild chase.""It was hardly nothing," Boru bowed to his queen. "These two elfmaidens kept most of the insurgents confused for most of the night."Naimh looked at her handmaidens warmly, "You will both be rewarded. For now. You have my deepest, most gracious thanks. That goes for all of you."A loud cheer rang out in the Palace's Great Hall. "Now," Niamh said grimly. "Let's hunt General Konnyr. Maeval elbowed Moidrin, and motioned to the Queen.Niamh noticed, "What is it, Moidrin
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 16: Village Talk
Niamh dismounted as Lord Beluar and General Aengus charged forward."No, my Queen," Aengus pointed back towards the horses. "Stay there."Niamh rolled her eyes and followed. The moment she pushed open the door, Niamh realized her general may have been right. Countless faces turned her way as the door shut behind her. The only sound was the scuffling of both Beluar and Aengus as they subdued the Elf in the general's cloak. General Aengus rolled the cloaked elflord over, and everything became still. With a sinking heart, Niamh heard Aengus say, "It's not Konnyr.""Where did you get this cloak?"Aengus demanded quietly.They released the Elf and helped him up. The Elf rubbed a shoulder and shook his head, "I got it from an elflord in the middle of the night, he traded it for some food.""Did he give his name? Do you know which way he went?" Aengus asked quickly.The elf shook his head with a short laugh, "We all know who he is. He would ride through our struggling village and never loo
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 17: Plans, Paintings, and Good Meals
The disbelief, anger, and shock in the exclamations in the council chambers made Fergal screech anxiously. Niamh walked away from the table with the bird on her arm, smoothing his feathers and shielding him from the chaos with her body. Several council members blurted out their thoughts."That's impossible. Valun Breathnach is a loyal supporter of the king!""Loyal! There is nothing loyal about him, except his forces.""Just because a noble Elf refused entry to a stranger doesn't mean he is hiding the King.""We can't just march up to Breathnach's gate and demand our King when we don't know if he's there or not.""No," Trajyr reasoned. "We cannot simply march in, but may I recommend paying Breathnach a visit, My Queen?""He'd be less likely to refuse to let you in," Aengus nodded. Pelleas Wynbalar tapped his chin with his finger, "A visit wouldn't hurt, but he will wonder about the sudden interest in his home.""I will visit on the pretense that I am the new queen and I am getting to
Rising Storm in the Elven Realms Chapter 18: A Knock on the Gate
Niamh couldn't help but smile as she took in the sight of Shandalar taking charge of the food for the journey.She stopped General Aengus as he walked by."I see you convinced him to come," Niamh said. "I was sure he'd say no."Aengus shook his head, "He said yes before I was even finished asking."The General crossed his arms and looked at the Queen."Although he has no love for the King, Shandalar says he owes his queen. It seems his youngest son and his daughter were playing near the palace recently, and a kind elfmaiden with "fire hair" threw them apples from her balcony. The only balcony on that side of the palace is the King's… and yours."Niamh jumped, startled at the connection Those little elflings outside the palace walls that one night were Shandalar's children."He says he owes you many thanks. Food was very scarce for weeks, and their elflings were hungry," Aengus bowed and continued on his way.Niamh stood blinking tears from her eyes, a smoldering fire warmed her heart.
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
Rising 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
Rising 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
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