The Alterra Histories: The Fire King Read Online Free Page A

the other.
    This invitation, the first of its kind, came as quite a surprise to most, and the Council of Scholars was quickly convened. The Council, led by the King, was comprised of the wisest and most learned minds in the realm. Because the Èolar valued knowledge above all else, the Council always presided over matters of great importance. The King, naturally, held the deciding vote.
    Aincor was not at all surprised by Wrothgar’s offer to talk of peace “We have been battering Wrothgar’s legions for years untold,” he said. “The Dark forces are scattered and weak. Wrothgar is only wanting to make peace because he knows that we are about to overwhelm him. I have not allowed him a moment’s respite; any time his foul servants poke their heads above the ground, I have cut them down.”
    Faelani’s brother, Vathan, sat beside her. “You had some help with that,” he muttered. Vathan still disliked Aincor’s arrogance, but could not help but respect him. For that, and for his sister’s sake, he followed Aincor’s commands.
    The three Asari—Léiras, Baelta, and Kotos—stood by, ready to offer their opinions to the Council. Kotos, who was especially perceptive, shook his head, his handsome golden face veiled with doubt. “It is not like Wrothgar to humble himself thus,” he said. “I cannot believe he has come forth to make peace merely because he is weary of war. Always before he has retreated to his lair, building up his strength in secret. There is something else at work here.”
    Aincor scowled. “Do you doubt the ferocity with which my warriors have quelled him? He may have realized that it is useless to resist us further, though I would trust no peace he would offer. If we do not agree to meet with him, he will think us weak and afraid.”
    “One should be afraid of Lord Wrothgar,” said Faelani. “His powers are ancient and terrible. I fear him to the depths of my bones.”
    “So must anyone with an ounce of sense,” put in Vathan, earning him a black look from Aincor.
    “Have a care, Vathan, that your good sense does not bring you any closer to insulting me.”
    Vathan bowed his head, spreading his hands in a gesture of contrition, but when he looked up again, his eyes told a different story. He drew a deep sigh as Faelani patted his arm.
    “I’m afraid I must agree with Kotos,” said Léiras. “Yet there is no way to be certain of anyone’s real intent, let alone Lord Wrothgar’s. What answer shall we give? There is some merit to the King’s suggestion that we not appear weak or fearful, yet I worry that Wrothgar is setting a trap.”
    “If he is setting a trap, he has chosen a very bad place to do it,” said Aincor. “The Anvil is too open to allow any subterfuge. All forces will be clearly visible. I have used it as a place of negotiation before.”
    “Possibly the very reason he has chosen it—to lull you into complacency. Your negotiations were with men, not Dark Wizards,” said Léiras. “Of all the enemies you have faced, Wrothgar must not be underestimated.”
    Aincor rose to his feet. As with many High-elves, very strong conflict or high emotion would sometimes cause a flickering halo to envelop him— the “Inner Light” of his ancient heritage. He could summon this light as a weapon if needed, flaring up like a blue-white star, driving back his anguished foes. Now his strong form began to emit an ominous glow, which it tended to do when he was frustrated or when people contradicted him.
    “I am weary of argument. My decision is to do as Wrothgar requests, meeting him for talks of peace. If he appears weak enough, and his forces are in decline, I say we should then attack and finish him! It’s the perfect opportunity.”
    A collective gasp went up from the council-chamber. Was the King actually suggesting that they attack Wrothgar even after negotiating terms of peace?
    “Could you do such a thing?” asked Kotos, his black eyes hard, yet filled with sorrow.