"Fragments - The Broken Bonds" - Chapter 9 - Galen of the Elves

Paris was hesitant to step out into the open streets but knew he had no choice. Everything was normal now as if nothing happened earlier, but he could still notice some murmuring and suspicious eyes glancing at him from all corners.

"Is he the one? A voice said from somewhere across the street along the marketplace. A woman in a wide brimmed hat stood there in her deep green jerkin and brown cloak, talking to another merchant.

"Yes, Galen that is the man. The merchant whispered, pointing at Paris. "Do be careful with him¦he is not from around here and you have seen what happened to the butcher.

"Do not worry about me. Galen replied, removing her hat, revealing a clear, unblemished face that expressed an eternity of youth, long, golden hair and pointed ears. "I have not been around for a century or so just to fall into the charms of a simple knight. Elves have their ways around humans. No offense of course. Here, for your troubles. She gave a sweet smile to the merchant, flipping a silver coin on the table.

"Ah, you sure know your way around us, milady. The merchant replied, clasping the coin. "It was a pleasure doing business with you.

The elf-woman made her way towards Paris, careful in keeping her cloak gathered about her. "Hail, sir knight. She greeted. "Might I be so rude as to introduce myself?
"Since when did female elves take to picking up humans? Has the world changed so much? Paris said in a joke. Galen's brows met and formed a frown. It was not a joke she appreciated. "Oh I am terribly sorry, milady. Paris retracted. "I was simply being lightheaded after all the troubles I had this day. You may call me Paris Ironheart. I am no knight as you assume me to be, but what can I do for you? I do not think Lord Troy has an elf in his payroll¦now, does he?

Galen nodded, totally missing Paris' point, but pretended she understood. "I am an elf of Iluin forest, Galen by name, an elementalist of sorts. I am here to ask of you a favor.

"A favor? Paris replied. "Right. Since every freaking hood in Jurom seems to be in the habit of asking me for a favor¦why not add an elf?

"You are not interested? Galen asked, putting her hat back on. "I can assure you handsome rewards if you aid me retrieve a certain bauble we seem to have lost. Say¦more than enough to get you out of your troubles whatever they may be.
"Fine. Tell me about it. Paris conceded. He wasn't exactly too excited about his upcoming meeting with the hellknights. "Maybe we can strike a bargain somewhere.
"You have heard of the legendary Elemental Eye? Galen asked.

"The heart of Iluin forest? " Paris replied. "Of course. It is a requirement for soldiers of the Lion army to study earthlore. It is supposedly something to enhance elemental magic, right?

"I thought you said you were not a knight? Galen asked again, observing his every word as though evaluating if he can truly be trusted.

"Not yet. Paris said with a slight disappointment. "Nor will I ever be. I have incurred a highlord's wrath by rescuing a villager from unjust punishment.

"A worthy feat. Troy Eisenhart is one to do such a thing. Galen replied, half expecting Paris to be surprised. "You are indeed one of chivalry¦and rescuing a young thief from the marketplace earlier too. It is a great honor to meet you.

"You really snoop around pretty good, don't you? Paris remarked. "How did you come to know all this? Are you a spy from Asphenaz?

"Do not judge an elf too quickly, sir Ironheart. The elf said with a slight jest. "We know of Troy Eisenhart's corruption with the Black Sword. A big wave of darkness is coming and everything is falling into place. Prepare yourself for great things, Paris. The oracle elf of Iluin rarely makes mistakes.

The Black Sword. Twice now he heard confirmations of its existence. "What is the Black Sword? It truly exists? We never saw Lord Troy wield the blade, let alone carry it.

"He fears its power. Galen replied. "The Black Sword requires a willing soul to be sacrificed to it every time it is used. He keeps it under lock and key somewhere, communing with the lord of darkness when he desires, but we do not know where. Otherwise, the elves of Iluin would have long ago made a move to destroy the sword of Gaul.

"Gaul? The dark immortal? Paris asked. "How did he get involved in all this?

Galen gathered her cloak about her and began to explain. "A long time ago, during the early years of Asperah, before the floating cities were ever set aloft, magical items and artifacts were scattered all over the land. Among these are the Elemental Eye of Nabis and the Black Sword of Gaul. The Black Sword was made by Gaul's own hands, forged in the darkness of his spirit. Recently, the Elemental Eye had been stolen from Iluin by some magical means. The oracle elf tells of a coming tide which shall shake Asperah like never before in all generations. We need the Elemental Eye back.

"And you wish me to find it for you? Paris said, half suspecting he was to be hire off another job before he could finish his business with the guild of thieves.

"Actually, no. Galen replied. "I already know of its whereabouts, but I am not strong enough to take on a group of highly skilled mages alone. I need trustworthy people to aid me in retrieving it from the Carithe'.

"Mages? Paris didn't even think twice. "I'm sorry, milady Galen¦but I believe I am due to meet the hellknights any moment now¦ Personally, Paris preferred being chained and tortured rather than being a target of fireballs and lightning bolts.
"So young, and yet so cowardly. Galen smirked, and then turned to leave. "I was actually considering giving you this sword as a reward.

The elf held a beautifully crafted blade in her hand, obviously of elvencraft because of its apparent lightness. Its sheer brilliance almost made Paris squint as he reached out to feel its blade. "Beautiful¦ Paris gasped, as though entranced by some sort of strange power.

"All people are mercenaries these days¦ Galen sighed. "I thought you were not interested. Have you changed your mid all of a sudden?

"The sword. Who made it? Where is it from? Paris asked, his face still a mirror of awe.

"This is the Xeno blade, made by an elven metal shaper known as Xeno Xebrian. Galen began. "It possessed a certain¦magic, which was not appreciated by elven soldiers, so it was never used. I have always kept it with me, since the oracle elf once foretold that one who would willingly wield it¦would bring about great changes in Asperah.

"And what magic might that be? Paris inquired some more, now feeling the sword in hi hands. It was indeed very light like all blades of elven design, but somehow, it felt very familiar in his grasp. "Is it a curse of some sort? Tell me.

Galen shook her head. Paris was actually accepting it hook, line and sinker. It was done. After this, he would surely help her retrieve the eye. "The sword possesses the ability to increase your fighting prowess¦at the expense of your sanity.

"My sanity? I'm afraid I do not understand¦ Paris asked, now more curious than ever. How strong can it make him in battle? This would be the perfect tool to exact his revenge.

"All you have to do is to hold the sword in your hands and invoke its power. Your sanity will greatly decrease, putting you into a berserker rage. The more you try to increase your fighting skills, the more sanity you lose. Galen explained. "It will die down soon enough however, after you have calmed yourself down, your mental state shall gradually return to normal, provided you did not snap your nerves by overdoing it. Mortals do have their limitations. Help me and the sword is yours to keep.

"Agreed. Paris instantly replied. He didn't have much to lose anyway, tending to get lost in battle far too often. "Where do we go about searching for this¦clan of mages?

"They will be having another gathering tonight¦in the forest of mists. You must accompany me there¦and be not afraid to spill blood. Galen answered warningly. He did not want the soldier to get cold feet in the middle of it all. "They will be armed with magic, but we will have the advantage of surprise. I will back you up with whatever elemental magic I can muster, but you must be ready for whatever they may throw at you.

"I simply need to get close enough. Then, there will be no trouble at all. Paris boasted, confident of his skills.

"They most probably are on the alert for elven presence, knowing that the high elves shall not stop until they have recovered the eye. This is one of the reasons I cannot expose myself too close until you make your move. Galen warned him again. "I shall stay a good distance behind, and rejoin you once confusion had erupted.

"Understood. Paris nodded. "I guess the dungeon visit will have to wait.

"Pardon me? Galen asked, rather surprised.

"Oh, don't concern your head about it. Personal business. Paris said, half laughing. "We must get moving or we will miss the party. Do you have any means of transport?

"We walk. Galen replied. "It is good exercise.

"Oh¦ Paris could only grumble, sheathing the elven blade in the place of his old sword.