Outcaste, page 10
part #1 of Alterra Undiscovered Realms Series
Several of the Council-members started to speak; it was unthinkable that Shandor would deal out death to Errno, who had come to ask for help, before their very eyes. It made them see Errno in a different light.
“Be silent—do not interfere!” said Shandor. “I warned you not to contradict me; your votes have been tallied and your opinions heard. Now is the time for judgment.”
A blade appeared on the table near Errno’s hand—Shandor’s blade, with a hilt of cold white dragon-bone carved in the shape of an eagle.
“You have one final choice, Ulca,” said Shandor in a pitiless tone. “You may take your own life now, or I will release you to the wild. Die by your own hand, and we will leave your people to their fate. Perhaps they will find a way to survive; we will not interfere with them. Abandon your courage and we will hunt them down, for they are as unworthy to live as the rest of the Ulcas. The doorway is open and no one will detain you, but we will exterminate every single one of your people when we find them. I assure you that we will. Choose now!”
Errno wept now with terror and shame. He had never expected that Ordath would allow this terrible fate to befall him—not after months of gentle guidance and education. Yet now she stood passive, allowing Shandor to make his terrible pronouncement without opposition. Errno looked with longing at the wide-open doorway at his left. If he escaped, he could at least be reunited with his family for a while before they were all hunted down. But then…what if Shandor uses me to get to them? If the Elves track me, they will find us all…
Errno looked down at the floor and closed his eyes, gathering himself. All his efforts would come to nothing, yet he could not let his courage abandon him. When he raised his eyes again, there was fire in them.
He reached for the blade, wincing a little as he grasped it, for it was a blade of power. He took a step toward Shandor, wishing for just a moment that he could bury the dagger in his cold, pitiless heart, but he knew there was no point in attempting it. Besides, he was no killer. “Such a shame to have wasted all that fine education, my lady,” he whispered. Trembling, he turned the cold steel toward his own heart, regarding the circle of now horrified spectators.
“WE…ARE…NOT…ULCAS!” he cried, thrusting the dagger into his own breast.
Cries of grief and outrage went up from several in the circle, but Errno did not fall. He stood instead with an expression of astonishment, for the blade had vanished. Shandor held it, and his smile, though still aloof, was now benevolent. “Congratulations,” he said in a gentle, approving voice filled with strength. “You have passed the test of humanity.”
He turned to the Council. “Now I would ask if anyone here has ever known of an Ulca to perform such an act of courage and self-sacrifice. Would any of you care to change your vote, given what you have seen?”
Despite his redemption in the eyes of the Council, Errno was in no condition to remain there. He was taken back to his chamber by Lady Ordath, who actually turned down his bed for him. “Your heart holds more courage than even I had imagined,” she said gently. “I was merely hoping for indecision, or protest…I never believed you would actually try to take your own life. Your honest choice places you on a level above many Elves and men of my acquaintance.”
“So…you knew this was going to happen?” muttered Errno, who was now so exhausted that he could hardly keep his eyes open.
“If I had not known you were to be tested, I would not have permitted such a judgment to be made, and neither would Lord Shandor. No guest of Mountain-home would ever be so ill-used. It may be awhile before I regain your trust, but this was a thing that had to be done. The Council had voted against you, and Lord Shandor thought quickly.”
“Lord Shandor terrifies me,” said Errno with a shiver.
“He terrifies most everyone when he intends to be terrifying,” said Ordath, smiling. “Shandor is not known to be approachable, warm, or embraceable. He can be of great comfort, however, if he is your friend. I suspect he is your friend now. Therefore take heart, and sleep well.” This last was entirely unnecessary, as Errno was sleeping already.
Ri-Aruin ran his fingers through his long, dark hair before shaking his head in confused frustration. “Though I am now convinced that the Outcastes should be protected, I will have a difficult time convincing the rest of my people. Not only that, but it is nearly impossible to tell them apart from ordinary Ulcas. How are my hunter-scouts supposed to know the difference? We are not about to start telling them to stop killing trespassing Ulcas.”
“Your point is well taken,” said Airan. “The Outcastes will draw Ulcas to the Greatwood, should it become known that they are residing there.”
“They cannot reside in the Greatwood!” said Ri-Aruin.
“Could they not be quartered belowground?” asked Hallagond. “I have been told that the excavations below the Elven-hold are extensive.”
“Not all that extensive,” said Gaelen. “They would not accommodate the needs of hundreds of Ulc—I mean, Outcastes. Our people have need of those facilities, too.”
“What about the deep-caverns?” asked Ri-Aruin, looking over at Fima, Farin, and Ula. “The realm of Grundin is vast indeed. It would be a long while ere the Outcastes were discovered there.”
“And then what? That realm is the perfect place for a huge, Ulcan army to try to invade. At least you’d see them coming if they tried to march through the forest!”
“One point has not been made,” said Rogond. “Errno is the most distinguished representative of his people, and I believe he may be the only one who is educated. We should not expect a thousand more like him…most are probably far less civilized. We don’t really know what we’re dealing with yet.”
Gaelen shivered, along with several of the other councilors, as she considered Rogond’s point. They had met Errno only after he had spent six months in Mountain-home, and he still managed to raise the hair on her neck. What must the rank-and-file be like?
“Grundin will never agree to such a foolish decision,” said Farin, to which both Fima and Ula assented.
“What about the Realms of Men?” asked Fima. “Or, should I say, what about a former realm? Tuathas is being rebuilt and recolonized. I’ll wager the Outcastes would be quite useful there, if they would then be allowed to remain as inhabitants.”
Duinar shook his head. “That is a fine idea but, unfortunately, it makes far too much sense. Tuathas will be the first place Wrothgar will look should he ever get wind of the goings-on here.”
“Well, then perhaps we should place them in the last place Wrothgar will look,” said Fima. “Tal-sithian would be that place, I’m thinking.”
“They would not be happy in Tal-sithian,” said Airan. “Although Lady Arialde would bow to the Council and make them as welcome as possible, placing a thousand of them on an island with an equal number of High-elves would be most uncomfortable for all. I would not bring war to the island. My people have earned a respite from war.”
“So have we all!” cried Estle.
“The Northern Mountains are already infested with Ulcas,” said Beori, secretly glad that there was finally an advantage to be gained from it. “The Outcastes cannot settle there.” Gowen folded his arms again and smiled.
Galador stood next. “The Outcastes, it would seem, are unwelcome in any existing realm, and I, for one, am not surprised. What they need, in reality, is a realm of their own.”
“But there is no such realm here for them,” said Astor. “Wrothgar will surely find them if they are left on their own…that is the whole purpose of their seeking sanctuary. We will have to help them. ”
“Wrothgar will not find them if they are far away,” said Gaelen. “I mean…how far would he pursue them, do you think? I don’t know how far his influence extends, but I do know this: ordinary Ulcas are reluctant to get too far away from Wrothgar’s influence. They draw their strength from him.”
“How would you know that?” said Galador.
“That is well known to all learned folk,” said Fima. “Any who are paying attention, that is.”
“You are suggesting the Outcastes go far away from Wrothgar…far away where?” said Nelwyn, looking her cousin in the eye and hoping that Gaelen would not say what she was surely about to say.
“I don’t know,” said Gaelen. “But I believe the only solution to this problem is to find a place where Errno and his people can live in peace, away from Lord Wrothgar’s influence, and continue on whatever course Aontar has set for them. If such a place can be found, it will be far away from here. I was thinking…east?”
There were several chuckles heard from the circle, as Gaelen could not help but sound naïve.
“Why east?” asked Hearndin, who wanted to hear more. “‘East’ is a very big place, and there is almost nothing known of those lands…perhaps they are a barren waste?”
“Well, I might have suggested west, but there’s the small problem of the great ocean being in the way,” muttered Gaelen.
“We know there are people there,” said Nelwyn. “Some of us have met them. And they told stories…there are tales recorded within these very walls. The lore-masters know it. Obviously, we don’t know what dangers lie beyond our borders, but I don’t think those lands are entirely barren...”
“So, how far does Lord Wrothgar’s influence extend?” asked Hallagond, turning to Lord Shandor. “You will know if anyone does.”
“I’m afraid that is unknown,” said Shandor. “Yet I believe that his attention is focused primarily on our own western lands. This notion has merit—if Wrothgar believes the Outcastes have gone, he might turn his attention elsewhere.”
“The hour is late, and we are weary,” said Ordath. “We have been debating this matter for hours. I do believe that the idea of helping Errno discover a homeland for his people is the best course we have come up with. Let us retire for the night and continue our debates tomorrow. I would leave you with this question: If it is decided that a homeland should be sought, who will seek it? It will be a journey into little-known lands—even unknown—both a marvelous opportunity and a perilous quest. Consider alternatives if you will, but know that, should this course be chosen, I will be asking for volunteers. A pleasant night be to all, and a fruitful day tomorrow.”
“Oh…wonderful. Another quest! This night will be ever-so-restful now, I’m sure,” muttered Estle, looking with concern at Hallagond. She was worried for her family and friends. They been reunited…would they now be torn apart?
It would take a lot longer than a day to decide on anything, yet there was some urgency in beginning the quest, particularly from Errno. Now that he had been unmasked, he had become quite the object of curiosity among the people of Mountain-home, and he was rather painfully aware of it as he stood before the Lady Ordath.
“Please, my lady,” he began, “I would ask leave to return to my people and tell them that you have agreed to aid them. That will give them hope. Besides, I am…not comfortable here any longer. Everyone looks at me wherever I go. Please, might I have leave to seek my people out and tell them?”
Ordath shook her head. “I’m sorry, Errno, but I fear you must bear our company for a while longer. There is no real plan as yet—what will you tell them? Please allow us to plot our intended course before you leave us. When the time is right, I will send you to them. You will return with several of your best and bravest to aid in this quest— it should not be undertaken by my people alone.”
“Of course,” said Errno. He sighed and turned to leave, not knowing which was worse—those who were still staring at him, or those who were merely pretending not to.
“He is quite understandably ill-at-ease here,” said Shandor, after Errno had gone. “It is best that we get him on his way as quickly as we may.” He shook his head. “The thought of a thousand of Errno’s folk wandering Tal-sithian…now there is an absurdity!”
“Regrettably, the thought of a thousand of them wandering Mountain-home is equally absurd,” said Ordath. “I had thought myself open-minded, and yet even I leaped at the suggestion that we should move the Outcastes to an unknown land…get them far away from us. It makes me wonder if we are only pretending to care about keeping them safe.”
“I would say that the one who has spent the past six months caring for and educating Errno has nothing to apologize for,” said Shandor. He approached Ordath and took her in a comforting, fatherly embrace, stroking her silky, dark hair with an ivory hand. “You have done well. Your powers of discernment are growing ever stronger—it was a lucky day for Errno when he arrived here. Still, you will need to mount your expedition quickly. Do not worry…the right people will come forward.”
Even as he said these words, Shandor knew that there would be those in Mountain-home who would not care one bit about making Errno’s people safe. It was best that the quest begin as soon as could be managed, for once it had left Mountain-home behind, the wisdom of it would not weigh so heavily on the minds of those who doubted.
The Council met again after several more days of debate. “The membership of the Company who will embark on the journey of discovery will be decided today,” said Ordath. “I know you will not take this lightly, for the fulfillment of your task may take years, and will no doubt span great distances. You will not see your homes again for quite some time. Therefore, choose well.”
“Will all councilors please stand? We will go ‘round the circle. Those who will accompany Errno please remain standing. The others may sit. Please feel free to explain your choice if you so desire. It is obvious that the Lords of Tal-sithian, Dûn Bennas, the Greatwood, and the Northern Mountains cannot be taken from the leadership of their people. Therefore, all assembled at the head table may be seated.”
Everyone at Lady Ordath’s table now sat facing their worthy friends and councilors. They looked first to Astor, Chief Lore-master to King Hearndin.
“I appreciate your even considering me, rather than stating the obvious fact that I am much, much too old to attempt any such quest,” said Astor with a smile. He bowed and sat down as Ordath smiled back at him. They had all known this would be so.
Galador remained on his feet. “I will go with the Company,” he said, “for reasons which shall remain my own for the moment.”
Nelwyn smiled. “He goes because our daughter, Gwynnyth, greatly desires membership in the Company. Her father will not allow her to go forward without his protection. Needless to say, I must also be included.”
Fima was already sitting, his face red, his eyes full of sorrow and frustration. “I am torn apart,” he muttered. “You will see what I have never seen, and learn what I can never learn. You will face perils without me beside you. Curse my age and my weakness!”
Nelwyn turned to lay a hand on Fima’s shoulder. “And who says you will not learn those things? It’s your responsibility to see that our tales and notes are properly transcribed and recorded when we return. You are much too valuable to risk.” Fima squeezed his watery blue eyes closed in an effort to quell the emotion that Nelwyn’s heartfelt empathy had evoked in him. Fortunately, Hallagond’s next comment broke the moment.
“I suspect Galador is only going because he wants to protect his daughter from my son, Azori, who has also requested membership,” he said. “I would go with the Company for a time, but I must return to my family before the onset of winter. My little girls should not be without their father for too long.”
“Not to mention that you’re getting pretty long in the tooth yourself,” said Fima. This was true—Hallagond would see his hundredth year before long. He gave a lopsided smirk at Fima, and then ignored him.
Farin spoke next. “I’m no lore-master, but our people must be represented in this effort, and I do love a good adventure.”
“I also will represent our people,” said Ula, “for this expedition will need a lore-master, and as yet, it has none. I believe my brother Tuga also intends to undertake the quest, though I cannot speak for him.” She was fairly trembling with excitement, and at the audacity of her decision. Yet no one, not even Fima, raised a voice against her.
“For obvious reasons, I must decline,” said Estle. She looked over at Hallagond. “And I will expect your return long before the onset of winter, as we agreed.” She sat glumly back down. These events did not please her in many respects.
Gowen bowed. “Since the Company now has the services of at least one lore-master already, I will refrain,” he said. “It’s just as well, for my heart is not yet convinced of the wisdom of this course.” He sat rather heavily beside Estle.
Rogond remained standing, as did Gaelen. “You will need men among you,” said Rogond, “and therefore I will stand with Hallagond.”
Gaelen simply shrugged. “Where Rogond goes, Gaelen of the Greatwood will follow.”
For a moment, the entire council sat looking around the circle. Then Ordath spoke. “If we add Azori, Gwynnyth, and Tuga, the total number is ten, including Hallagond, who will be returning at summer’s end. If we then add Errno and a few of his hand-picked representatives, there may be thirteen or fourteen. That seems a fair number…yet there is something missing.”
All eyes turned then to Ordath’s right hand, for Duinar had risen to his feet. “First we must travel to the Outcaste stronghold and collect the representatives from among them. I would at least go along that far. The Outcastes are my children, too, in a way. I would very much like to see what they have become.”
As Duinar cast his benevolent and venerable gaze around the circle, everyone relaxed, becoming entirely comfortable with whatever choice he or she had made. With Duinar’s inclusion, the future of the quest looked a whole lot brighter, though even he did not know whether he would see the Outcastes all the way to their new land.
“Very well then,” said Ordath. “The membership has been chosen. It is a worthy assembly, and we will all hope for its success. When all are ready, the first task will be to accompany Errno to collect those of his people who will join in the effort. You will be able to spend some time observing them, as well…this should be helpful to our plans later.” Ordath had planned this from the beginning, for even she had not been treated to first-hand knowledge of Outcaste society. This was important in order to determine a suitable homeland, and to reaffirm that their course was wise. Having said these things, she dismissed the Council.
“Be silent—do not interfere!” said Shandor. “I warned you not to contradict me; your votes have been tallied and your opinions heard. Now is the time for judgment.”
A blade appeared on the table near Errno’s hand—Shandor’s blade, with a hilt of cold white dragon-bone carved in the shape of an eagle.
“You have one final choice, Ulca,” said Shandor in a pitiless tone. “You may take your own life now, or I will release you to the wild. Die by your own hand, and we will leave your people to their fate. Perhaps they will find a way to survive; we will not interfere with them. Abandon your courage and we will hunt them down, for they are as unworthy to live as the rest of the Ulcas. The doorway is open and no one will detain you, but we will exterminate every single one of your people when we find them. I assure you that we will. Choose now!”
Errno wept now with terror and shame. He had never expected that Ordath would allow this terrible fate to befall him—not after months of gentle guidance and education. Yet now she stood passive, allowing Shandor to make his terrible pronouncement without opposition. Errno looked with longing at the wide-open doorway at his left. If he escaped, he could at least be reunited with his family for a while before they were all hunted down. But then…what if Shandor uses me to get to them? If the Elves track me, they will find us all…
Errno looked down at the floor and closed his eyes, gathering himself. All his efforts would come to nothing, yet he could not let his courage abandon him. When he raised his eyes again, there was fire in them.
He reached for the blade, wincing a little as he grasped it, for it was a blade of power. He took a step toward Shandor, wishing for just a moment that he could bury the dagger in his cold, pitiless heart, but he knew there was no point in attempting it. Besides, he was no killer. “Such a shame to have wasted all that fine education, my lady,” he whispered. Trembling, he turned the cold steel toward his own heart, regarding the circle of now horrified spectators.
“WE…ARE…NOT…ULCAS!” he cried, thrusting the dagger into his own breast.
Cries of grief and outrage went up from several in the circle, but Errno did not fall. He stood instead with an expression of astonishment, for the blade had vanished. Shandor held it, and his smile, though still aloof, was now benevolent. “Congratulations,” he said in a gentle, approving voice filled with strength. “You have passed the test of humanity.”
He turned to the Council. “Now I would ask if anyone here has ever known of an Ulca to perform such an act of courage and self-sacrifice. Would any of you care to change your vote, given what you have seen?”
Despite his redemption in the eyes of the Council, Errno was in no condition to remain there. He was taken back to his chamber by Lady Ordath, who actually turned down his bed for him. “Your heart holds more courage than even I had imagined,” she said gently. “I was merely hoping for indecision, or protest…I never believed you would actually try to take your own life. Your honest choice places you on a level above many Elves and men of my acquaintance.”
“So…you knew this was going to happen?” muttered Errno, who was now so exhausted that he could hardly keep his eyes open.
“If I had not known you were to be tested, I would not have permitted such a judgment to be made, and neither would Lord Shandor. No guest of Mountain-home would ever be so ill-used. It may be awhile before I regain your trust, but this was a thing that had to be done. The Council had voted against you, and Lord Shandor thought quickly.”
“Lord Shandor terrifies me,” said Errno with a shiver.
“He terrifies most everyone when he intends to be terrifying,” said Ordath, smiling. “Shandor is not known to be approachable, warm, or embraceable. He can be of great comfort, however, if he is your friend. I suspect he is your friend now. Therefore take heart, and sleep well.” This last was entirely unnecessary, as Errno was sleeping already.
Ri-Aruin ran his fingers through his long, dark hair before shaking his head in confused frustration. “Though I am now convinced that the Outcastes should be protected, I will have a difficult time convincing the rest of my people. Not only that, but it is nearly impossible to tell them apart from ordinary Ulcas. How are my hunter-scouts supposed to know the difference? We are not about to start telling them to stop killing trespassing Ulcas.”
“Your point is well taken,” said Airan. “The Outcastes will draw Ulcas to the Greatwood, should it become known that they are residing there.”
“They cannot reside in the Greatwood!” said Ri-Aruin.
“Could they not be quartered belowground?” asked Hallagond. “I have been told that the excavations below the Elven-hold are extensive.”
“Not all that extensive,” said Gaelen. “They would not accommodate the needs of hundreds of Ulc—I mean, Outcastes. Our people have need of those facilities, too.”
“What about the deep-caverns?” asked Ri-Aruin, looking over at Fima, Farin, and Ula. “The realm of Grundin is vast indeed. It would be a long while ere the Outcastes were discovered there.”
“And then what? That realm is the perfect place for a huge, Ulcan army to try to invade. At least you’d see them coming if they tried to march through the forest!”
“One point has not been made,” said Rogond. “Errno is the most distinguished representative of his people, and I believe he may be the only one who is educated. We should not expect a thousand more like him…most are probably far less civilized. We don’t really know what we’re dealing with yet.”
Gaelen shivered, along with several of the other councilors, as she considered Rogond’s point. They had met Errno only after he had spent six months in Mountain-home, and he still managed to raise the hair on her neck. What must the rank-and-file be like?
“Grundin will never agree to such a foolish decision,” said Farin, to which both Fima and Ula assented.
“What about the Realms of Men?” asked Fima. “Or, should I say, what about a former realm? Tuathas is being rebuilt and recolonized. I’ll wager the Outcastes would be quite useful there, if they would then be allowed to remain as inhabitants.”
Duinar shook his head. “That is a fine idea but, unfortunately, it makes far too much sense. Tuathas will be the first place Wrothgar will look should he ever get wind of the goings-on here.”
“Well, then perhaps we should place them in the last place Wrothgar will look,” said Fima. “Tal-sithian would be that place, I’m thinking.”
“They would not be happy in Tal-sithian,” said Airan. “Although Lady Arialde would bow to the Council and make them as welcome as possible, placing a thousand of them on an island with an equal number of High-elves would be most uncomfortable for all. I would not bring war to the island. My people have earned a respite from war.”
“So have we all!” cried Estle.
“The Northern Mountains are already infested with Ulcas,” said Beori, secretly glad that there was finally an advantage to be gained from it. “The Outcastes cannot settle there.” Gowen folded his arms again and smiled.
Galador stood next. “The Outcastes, it would seem, are unwelcome in any existing realm, and I, for one, am not surprised. What they need, in reality, is a realm of their own.”
“But there is no such realm here for them,” said Astor. “Wrothgar will surely find them if they are left on their own…that is the whole purpose of their seeking sanctuary. We will have to help them. ”
“Wrothgar will not find them if they are far away,” said Gaelen. “I mean…how far would he pursue them, do you think? I don’t know how far his influence extends, but I do know this: ordinary Ulcas are reluctant to get too far away from Wrothgar’s influence. They draw their strength from him.”
“How would you know that?” said Galador.
“That is well known to all learned folk,” said Fima. “Any who are paying attention, that is.”
“You are suggesting the Outcastes go far away from Wrothgar…far away where?” said Nelwyn, looking her cousin in the eye and hoping that Gaelen would not say what she was surely about to say.
“I don’t know,” said Gaelen. “But I believe the only solution to this problem is to find a place where Errno and his people can live in peace, away from Lord Wrothgar’s influence, and continue on whatever course Aontar has set for them. If such a place can be found, it will be far away from here. I was thinking…east?”
There were several chuckles heard from the circle, as Gaelen could not help but sound naïve.
“Why east?” asked Hearndin, who wanted to hear more. “‘East’ is a very big place, and there is almost nothing known of those lands…perhaps they are a barren waste?”
“Well, I might have suggested west, but there’s the small problem of the great ocean being in the way,” muttered Gaelen.
“We know there are people there,” said Nelwyn. “Some of us have met them. And they told stories…there are tales recorded within these very walls. The lore-masters know it. Obviously, we don’t know what dangers lie beyond our borders, but I don’t think those lands are entirely barren...”
“So, how far does Lord Wrothgar’s influence extend?” asked Hallagond, turning to Lord Shandor. “You will know if anyone does.”
“I’m afraid that is unknown,” said Shandor. “Yet I believe that his attention is focused primarily on our own western lands. This notion has merit—if Wrothgar believes the Outcastes have gone, he might turn his attention elsewhere.”
“The hour is late, and we are weary,” said Ordath. “We have been debating this matter for hours. I do believe that the idea of helping Errno discover a homeland for his people is the best course we have come up with. Let us retire for the night and continue our debates tomorrow. I would leave you with this question: If it is decided that a homeland should be sought, who will seek it? It will be a journey into little-known lands—even unknown—both a marvelous opportunity and a perilous quest. Consider alternatives if you will, but know that, should this course be chosen, I will be asking for volunteers. A pleasant night be to all, and a fruitful day tomorrow.”
“Oh…wonderful. Another quest! This night will be ever-so-restful now, I’m sure,” muttered Estle, looking with concern at Hallagond. She was worried for her family and friends. They been reunited…would they now be torn apart?
It would take a lot longer than a day to decide on anything, yet there was some urgency in beginning the quest, particularly from Errno. Now that he had been unmasked, he had become quite the object of curiosity among the people of Mountain-home, and he was rather painfully aware of it as he stood before the Lady Ordath.
“Please, my lady,” he began, “I would ask leave to return to my people and tell them that you have agreed to aid them. That will give them hope. Besides, I am…not comfortable here any longer. Everyone looks at me wherever I go. Please, might I have leave to seek my people out and tell them?”
Ordath shook her head. “I’m sorry, Errno, but I fear you must bear our company for a while longer. There is no real plan as yet—what will you tell them? Please allow us to plot our intended course before you leave us. When the time is right, I will send you to them. You will return with several of your best and bravest to aid in this quest— it should not be undertaken by my people alone.”
“Of course,” said Errno. He sighed and turned to leave, not knowing which was worse—those who were still staring at him, or those who were merely pretending not to.
“He is quite understandably ill-at-ease here,” said Shandor, after Errno had gone. “It is best that we get him on his way as quickly as we may.” He shook his head. “The thought of a thousand of Errno’s folk wandering Tal-sithian…now there is an absurdity!”
“Regrettably, the thought of a thousand of them wandering Mountain-home is equally absurd,” said Ordath. “I had thought myself open-minded, and yet even I leaped at the suggestion that we should move the Outcastes to an unknown land…get them far away from us. It makes me wonder if we are only pretending to care about keeping them safe.”
“I would say that the one who has spent the past six months caring for and educating Errno has nothing to apologize for,” said Shandor. He approached Ordath and took her in a comforting, fatherly embrace, stroking her silky, dark hair with an ivory hand. “You have done well. Your powers of discernment are growing ever stronger—it was a lucky day for Errno when he arrived here. Still, you will need to mount your expedition quickly. Do not worry…the right people will come forward.”
Even as he said these words, Shandor knew that there would be those in Mountain-home who would not care one bit about making Errno’s people safe. It was best that the quest begin as soon as could be managed, for once it had left Mountain-home behind, the wisdom of it would not weigh so heavily on the minds of those who doubted.
The Council met again after several more days of debate. “The membership of the Company who will embark on the journey of discovery will be decided today,” said Ordath. “I know you will not take this lightly, for the fulfillment of your task may take years, and will no doubt span great distances. You will not see your homes again for quite some time. Therefore, choose well.”
“Will all councilors please stand? We will go ‘round the circle. Those who will accompany Errno please remain standing. The others may sit. Please feel free to explain your choice if you so desire. It is obvious that the Lords of Tal-sithian, Dûn Bennas, the Greatwood, and the Northern Mountains cannot be taken from the leadership of their people. Therefore, all assembled at the head table may be seated.”
Everyone at Lady Ordath’s table now sat facing their worthy friends and councilors. They looked first to Astor, Chief Lore-master to King Hearndin.
“I appreciate your even considering me, rather than stating the obvious fact that I am much, much too old to attempt any such quest,” said Astor with a smile. He bowed and sat down as Ordath smiled back at him. They had all known this would be so.
Galador remained on his feet. “I will go with the Company,” he said, “for reasons which shall remain my own for the moment.”
Nelwyn smiled. “He goes because our daughter, Gwynnyth, greatly desires membership in the Company. Her father will not allow her to go forward without his protection. Needless to say, I must also be included.”
Fima was already sitting, his face red, his eyes full of sorrow and frustration. “I am torn apart,” he muttered. “You will see what I have never seen, and learn what I can never learn. You will face perils without me beside you. Curse my age and my weakness!”
Nelwyn turned to lay a hand on Fima’s shoulder. “And who says you will not learn those things? It’s your responsibility to see that our tales and notes are properly transcribed and recorded when we return. You are much too valuable to risk.” Fima squeezed his watery blue eyes closed in an effort to quell the emotion that Nelwyn’s heartfelt empathy had evoked in him. Fortunately, Hallagond’s next comment broke the moment.
“I suspect Galador is only going because he wants to protect his daughter from my son, Azori, who has also requested membership,” he said. “I would go with the Company for a time, but I must return to my family before the onset of winter. My little girls should not be without their father for too long.”
“Not to mention that you’re getting pretty long in the tooth yourself,” said Fima. This was true—Hallagond would see his hundredth year before long. He gave a lopsided smirk at Fima, and then ignored him.
Farin spoke next. “I’m no lore-master, but our people must be represented in this effort, and I do love a good adventure.”
“I also will represent our people,” said Ula, “for this expedition will need a lore-master, and as yet, it has none. I believe my brother Tuga also intends to undertake the quest, though I cannot speak for him.” She was fairly trembling with excitement, and at the audacity of her decision. Yet no one, not even Fima, raised a voice against her.
“For obvious reasons, I must decline,” said Estle. She looked over at Hallagond. “And I will expect your return long before the onset of winter, as we agreed.” She sat glumly back down. These events did not please her in many respects.
Gowen bowed. “Since the Company now has the services of at least one lore-master already, I will refrain,” he said. “It’s just as well, for my heart is not yet convinced of the wisdom of this course.” He sat rather heavily beside Estle.
Rogond remained standing, as did Gaelen. “You will need men among you,” said Rogond, “and therefore I will stand with Hallagond.”
Gaelen simply shrugged. “Where Rogond goes, Gaelen of the Greatwood will follow.”
For a moment, the entire council sat looking around the circle. Then Ordath spoke. “If we add Azori, Gwynnyth, and Tuga, the total number is ten, including Hallagond, who will be returning at summer’s end. If we then add Errno and a few of his hand-picked representatives, there may be thirteen or fourteen. That seems a fair number…yet there is something missing.”
All eyes turned then to Ordath’s right hand, for Duinar had risen to his feet. “First we must travel to the Outcaste stronghold and collect the representatives from among them. I would at least go along that far. The Outcastes are my children, too, in a way. I would very much like to see what they have become.”
As Duinar cast his benevolent and venerable gaze around the circle, everyone relaxed, becoming entirely comfortable with whatever choice he or she had made. With Duinar’s inclusion, the future of the quest looked a whole lot brighter, though even he did not know whether he would see the Outcastes all the way to their new land.
“Very well then,” said Ordath. “The membership has been chosen. It is a worthy assembly, and we will all hope for its success. When all are ready, the first task will be to accompany Errno to collect those of his people who will join in the effort. You will be able to spend some time observing them, as well…this should be helpful to our plans later.” Ordath had planned this from the beginning, for even she had not been treated to first-hand knowledge of Outcaste society. This was important in order to determine a suitable homeland, and to reaffirm that their course was wise. Having said these things, she dismissed the Council.
