The Tomb of the Dark Paladin Read Free Page B

this council. 
    "Prince Crystoph, even with the power of our ancient allies behind us, how can we stand against such terrible darkness with no other armies to aid us?" asked Llew, still unsure whether he should believe that the real Prince of Angels was standing in this very chamber. "Even the mighty dwarves have long since abandoned this world!"
    Crystoph glided across the floor to stand beside Prince Llew who was so awed by the presence that he went pale. Crystoph placed a hand on Llew's shoulder and the elf calmed instantly.
    "I did not come here to speak of dwarves who cannot fight by your side. I came to speak of men that  will  fight by your side."
    The elves glanced at each other in uncertainty. Llew had just finished listing all of their enemies; it seemed that there were none left to stand with them. Yet this newcomer was telling them there was an army that might join them. 
    "The army I speak of fights for no country, they have no king. They are an army unto themselves, committed to fighting evil and restoring Zuhr's own place of prominence among the people of Llars."
    "Great One, that ancient and noble army of Zuhr has fallen into darkness. The Zuharim have become meddlers in death and dealers of disease."
    "Do not presume to know my mind, mortal Prince of Red Wyrm!" thundered the powerful Cjii. The power he commanded was palpable and the room felt charged with the energy of his conviction. This great being would brook no argument from the gathered princes of Alfheym. "You are the Watchers, you are the Fyrbold! Alfheym was once the pride of the world! In military might there was no equal, not even in Erestonin. In trade, no nation had farther reach; and in diplomacy none were as in tune with actions of every government on Llars as Alfheym. Your ancestors have done you a terrible disservice by withdrawing from the world. Do not follow the path of the High Elves into irrelevancy. Your reach into Llars should be so great that what I came here to tell you should not be news! So it should have been for the chosen people of Zuhr!"
    None spoke, the rebuke was clear. Although it was the ancestors of these great elves that had begun Alfheym's shift toward insignificance, they had done nothing to reverse it.
    "The time has come. You will call upon the ancient allies. For you may be certain that the enemy has already done the same." Crystoph gazed at each with intensity and each one felt their mettle being tested and weighed. Finally, the great Cjii nodded. 
    "A human who has been entrusted with the Sigilstones has taken refuge among the Hand of Zuhr--"
    "A human?" gasped Dalfrija scandalously. The menacing gaze in the angel's eyes and the crackling of lightning dancing across his fingers sent her quickly into meek silence.
    "A human," he said pointedly, daring another interruption. "He is a Cklathman from Hybrand and he has power over the Tides. He was chosen by Zuhr to return the Sigils, and I believe he will do exactly that. However, the forces of the Shadow hunt him fiercely. Should the stones fall into the wrong hands all would be lost." 
    Llew sat silent, letting it all sink in. That a human could truly use the Tides was shocking enough, but a man that could use more than one? It took great strength of will for the elf not show offense at this thought. Fear that the angel might deem him disrespectful was all that kept him in check. Still, it challenged his spirit and it galled him. How could Zuhr give that honor to a human? How could a human be responsible for spreading that power across Llars? It was the height of irresponsibility!
    As if he were reading the elf's thoughts, Crystoph swung his gaze to Llew. As their eyes met, the angel's hidden message became clear. It was pride and hubris that had brought Alfheym down, and the pursuit of such sins would ensure the permanence of its end. Llew vowed he would not let pride interfere with what must be done to save Alfheym, and the world. Crystoph nodded, seemingly