Bloodfire Quest (The Dark Legacy of Shannara, #2)(54)

“When the search for the Bloodfire was conducted last, in the time of Eventine Elessedil, the girl and the boy who carried the Ellcrys seed were given the Elfstones by the Druid Allanon.” She paused. “Without them, the effort would have failed. The Histories are quite clear on this.”

Her grandfather shook his head. “The High Council will not agree.”

“Nor will Phaedon,” Ellich added, drawing his brother’s attention. “Emperowen, you must give her the Elfstones yourself. This matter should not be brought before the High Council. If it is, there will be endless debate and constant delay. You will be forced to stand up to them all and to your son, as well. You know this to be true.”

It was a bold statement, one tinged by confrontation and demand. The King stared at his brother, and for a moment Aphenglow caught a glimpse of fury in the aged eyes.

But when her grandfather spoke, his voice was calm. “You wish me to simply give the Elfstones to Aphen? To ignore the Elven High Council and Phaedon entirely?”

“No, my King, I wish nothing of the sort.” Ellich held his brother’s gaze. “But I think it is necessary.”

There was a long pause as they eyed each other, and then the old King nodded slowly. “I suppose I do, too.”

Ellich turned to Aphenglow. “How will you go about this? Whom will you and Arling take with you?”

“Cymrian,” her sister declared at once. She gave Aphen a stern look. “Don’t you agree?”

Aphen nodded. “We will use Wend-A-Way as transport. She will serve our purpose well enough. She’s small and quick and easily handled. The less notice we draw, the better.”

“Which is a valid point,” her uncle said. “We can’t assume that whoever was trying to kill you earlier has given up. We have to assume there are those who might try to interfere with what you are attempting to do, possibly without even realizing what they are risking.”

Aphenglow saw the wisdom in his warning. She couldn’t be sure that whoever sought to stop their search for the missing Elfstones wouldn’t try to stop this search, as well. Not because they sought to prevent a renewal of the Ellcrys—which they likely knew nothing about—but perhaps solely because it would go a long way toward putting an end to the Druid order. If Drust Chazhul was behind this, certainly he would support such an effort.

“I think we must assume that the Federation and Drust Chazhul will offer us little help,” she said. “He has demonstrated his intentions where the Druids are concerned by attacking Paranor. There is no reason to think he will behave any differently toward the Elves. He hates and fears the magic, and he would see it destroyed.”

“I don’t know about the Federation, but the Prime Minister is no longer a concern. He was killed in the attack on Paranor. A new Prime Minister has been selected, and Edinja Orle is an avid believer in magic’s uses. We are watching her closely to see what she does.”

Aphen was surprised. “I hadn’t heard that. Maybe this changes things.”

“When will you leave?” her grandfather asked.

“As soon as the Ellcrys gives Arling her seed.”

“And you, Arling? Are you determined to go with her? Can you do what the tree is asking of you?”

Arling glanced momentarily at Aphen and then nodded. “I will see this through. But I will not lie to you, Grandfather. I do not accept that I am the one she needs. I am not settled on that. But I will go with Aphen and find the Bloodfire and see that the Ellcrys seed is immersed and brought back again. Then we will see.”

There was a long silence, and for a moment Aphen thought her grandfather might rescind his decision to release the Elfstones without a stronger commitment from Arling.

But the old King only nodded. “I will wait until after you are gone to advise the Elven people of what is happening. They will have to be told, but not right away.”

“The High Council and Phaedon as well,” Ellich added.

The King nodded reluctantly. “Agreed.”

“Grandfather,” Aphen said. “One thing more. I know how the Elven people feel about the Druids. But you might have need of us, and we might be able to offer help. Even as few of us as are left. Let me speak with Seersha. She is skilled in the use of magic, and I will ask her to do what she can to help protect the Elves and Arborlon. A few of the others who came back with me may choose to help as well. Embrace their efforts. It would be a grave mistake not to make use of their experience.”

Emperowen Elessedil smiled. “You sound so serious in giving me this admonition, Aphen. So I will take it as seriously as you clearly wish me to. I will see to it that the Elves make the best use possible of your friends if they are willing to offer their help.”

“And I will see to it that you have the weapons and supplies you need for your voyage,” Ellich added quickly.

Aphen rose. “Then we should say good-bye now. We have a lot to do before we can leave.”

Her grandfather held up one hand to stop her. “One minute. You must have the Elfstones to aid you in your efforts. I will entrust them to your care and ask only that you keep them safe until your return.”

He left the room, and when he returned moments later he placed a small pouch in Aphen’s palm and closed her fingers about it, patting them gently as he did. “There. It’s done.”