The Hart Of Telendaria An Elven Love Story

Princess Terra watched out her bedroom turret window of Castle Glen Haven as the second line of defense of her father’s army was breaking.

The Goblins and Trolls along with their brood of Trogs were now into the castle garden and pulling down the statues and turning over the cairns of those she loved and her many ancestors.

She could not keep from having tears form in her emerald green eyes at the sight of it.

My Lady, the King wishes you to make haste, they have brought your armor. The long blonde haired maiden bowed her tall thin frame.

Yes Elsbeth, I will hurry. Princess Terra quickly put the metal breastplate over her long sleeve shirt made of woven leather and died a dark green which matched her trousers.

Lady Elsbeth helped to fasten the breastplate and shoulder guards.

She brought the Princess her studded leather belt with the sheaths for her broadsword and knife.

Princess Terra looked at the sword, pausing for a moment to remember the mother who once wielded it, and then placed it within her sheath at her left hip.

She picked up her long knife which had a white handle with the carving of a Hart. It was said to be once owned by her namesake, the first Queen Alterra, and was crafted with great care by her Pixie grandfather. She placed it in its sheath at her right hip.

Lady Elsbeth knelt down and tied Terra’s dark green leather boots which laced up to her knees, and then helped fasten her shin guards.

Thank you Elsbeth. Princess Terra smiled slightly.

You are quite welcome. Elsbeth also gave a slight smile with understanding of how hard a day it was for Princess Terra to leave the castle. Now let us braid that mane of yours, she giggled.

Yes. Princess Terra gathered up her long red curling locks and pulled them behind her for Elsbeth to comb and braid. The Princess could hardly keep her Elven ears from poking out of her hair. She tapped her small foot as she tried to patiently wait.

A loud screech was heard across the room where a broad-winged Hawk with brown and white speckled feathers danced upon its perch.

It will not be long now Jig and we will travel to the hunting cottage across the River Whitebeard, Princess Terra said sadly knowing she was never to return.

It only caused the Hawk to dance all the faster and he began to twirl around.

My lady, you have truly named him well, Lady Elsbeth let out a slight giggle.

Terra gave a half grin and nodded her head in agreement, but still had the eyes of sadness. It seemed like she were living a nightmare. All of her Grandmother Queen Adalay’s prophecies seemed to be coming true.

Terra only held onto a thread of hope for her, her father and their people.

***

When Princess Terra reached the stables, her father was already there and had saddled her Horse with provisions himself. Quickly Terra there isn’t much time, they’ve nearly broken the third line of defense.

Oh Father, she said as she went and hugged him.

There, there, I will see you and our people later. Now you must hurry and bring our people safely to the hunting cottage across the River Whitebeard.

Where is Elsbeth?

I’m not sure; I will find her and send her to you quickly. I’ve already saddled her Horse. Where is Jig?

I sent him to meet me at the hunting cottage, as I always do, but I doubt he will stay there.

He may sense danger and come back to you.

Father, I only hope he is not struck with an arrow.

"Don’t worry Terra; I doubt they could strike him. You must not turn back; no matter what you hear, you must continue to bring our people safely to the cottage. I will send as many guardsmen as I can spare to guard the rear. Be brave for our people, I will be with you soon."

With that King Royce gave his daughter one last hug and watched her mount. He slapped the end of her grey Horse Thunder as he galloped out of the stables down the dirt path with a steady stream of others following closely behind the Princess.

King Royce knew they would be hard pressed to keep the enemy back till nightfall and then they must themselves form defense lines around the hunting cottage to protect all who remained of his household.

***

The journey was long; Princess Terra tried to keep a steady pace for the others to follow. She pulled on Thunder’s reins, telling him to slow to a gallop as they neared the Whitebeard Bridge; it was made of wood and had stood strong through the ages.

The river roared white beneath it; it passed on to the coast lands.

Any other time, this would have been a journey of pleasure. It was fall of the year and the forest was colored with scarlet, orange, gold and dotted with green from the Pines. Now it was passed twilight.

Terra and Thunder began to cross when out popped three Trogs.

Although Trogs were usually smaller than a Troll and larger than a Goblin; these were young. They were clothed much like their parents with crudely made animal hides. Their hairless skin was dark blue and scaly which was perfect for hiding in the night if it were not for their glowing golden eyes.

The Trogs hissed reaching out their clawed fingers and showing their jagged teeth trying to bite Thunder.

Terra quickly drew her sword and slashed all of them.

The Trogs were cut and screamed as they ran away on all fours whimpering to their Goblin and Troll parents back toward the castle.

Terra looked to see her people following her in the Moonlight and she finally spotted Lady Elsbeth. She let out a breath and turned back to the bridge as Thunder now crossed; "On Thunder like the wind!" she yelled as she kicked him.

Thunder bent back his ears and lowered his head as he swiftly ran across the bridge and onward down the thin narrow dirt path which led through the Whispering Forest of Pine, Oak, Dogwood and Maple trees and on towards the little hunting cottage.

The cottage was made of stone and had been used since the days of the first King and Queen of Glen Haven.

A loud screech was heard above them as Jig now flew circles overhead.

"To the cottage Jig!" Terra yelled.

The Hawk flew to the cottage as he had a hundred times before, beating Princess Terra in their race.

Now the cottage came into view in the Star filled sky; the large stone chimney rose above the sheltering trees and Blackberry garden hedge. It was made of grey river stones with a red door in the front and had a thatched roof.

Terra reined in Thunder to a gallop as she spied the area, making sure none of the Trogs or their parents had made it there.

Everything looked secure and Terra brought Thunder to a quick stop with a pull on the reins and she leapt from the Horse and quickly went into the cottage to make sure all was well.

She came out as the others were dismounting their Horses.

One of the guardsmen her father had sent behind them now came to Terra with a torch, Princess Terra, how may I assist you?

We must gather as much wood as possible for fires to keep our people warm and we must set up the tents in the Northern part of the garden, furthest from the entrance for protection. The briar hedge will help to guard the adults. The children may stay in the great room of the cottage by the fire.

Yes Princess Terra, the guardsman bowed and then went and gathered any of the men who could assist the few guardsmen and they began to put up tents and set fires around the perimeter inside the garden’s hedge.

Terra got all the women together and they began to prepare a cold meal from the provisions they had brought as well as some stocked inside the cottage.

King Royce had been storing up goods and treasures at the hunting cottage since the beginning of the Goblin and Troll skirmishes across the land; knowing it was just as Queen Adalay had foretold.

***

Princess Terra allowed herself a few minutes of silence within her bedchamber inside the cottage. She could not help but think of her grandmother Queen Adalay and the years she had lived there with her. Those were happy times for Terra, even if she did not see her father as often as she would have liked.

Her fond memories were also tinged with sadness as she remembered the day her father cast her grandmother out of the land and sent her to her Elven kinsmen in Telendaria. Terra could even now hear her grandmother’s last words…

"Remember Alterra, you will go to the city of Telendaria and marry the Elven Prince."

I wish it to be so Grandmother, but how? When? Terra thought.

Jig screeched from his nearby perch.

Terra came back to her senses, hush now Jig.

She looked down at her small leather satchel in the candlelight and took out a silver ring. It was one of her favorite possessions her father gave her. The ring had an antlered head of a Hart with green gemstones for its eyes; he gave it to her upon her sixteenth birthday, nearly six months ago. It was said to have been crafted by the Elves long ago.

It reminded her of the many hunts she and her father took together and she could not keep from crying as she thought about him and prayed he would be safe and soon arrive at the cottage. She also prayed all of her people would be safe and that this nightmare would soon be over.

There was a tap on the adjoining door to Lady Elsbeth’s room.

You may enter Elsbeth.

Forgive me Princess; I wanted to know if you might want a cup of tea?

Yes Elsbeth and bring one for yourself so we may take this time together. Terra smiled.

Yes, I shall join you when I return, Elsbeth said with a bow and went out her door.

Terra noticed Lady Elsbeth did not smile as she always had before.

Terra put the ring back into the satchel; for now was not a time for adornments.

Elsbeth returned and tapped once more as she entered with two earthen mugs of hot tea with cream.

It smells divine. Terra gladly took the offered mug. Is all well Elsbeth?

"Forgive me my Princess, but no, for my mother was killed this day as some of the Trolls entered the castle kitchen." Elsbeth’s tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Oh Elsbeth! Princess Terra quickly set down her mug on the side table and then hugged her. I am so sorry Elsbeth; I knew you must have gone to find her."

King Royce said there were at least twelve killed when the Trolls caught them by surprise while they were packing the last of the provisions. Elsbeth cried into Princess Terra’s shoulder.

What a black day this is, Terra said as she held her and looked out her window wishing to catch a glimpse of her father.

***

When the Moon rose full there was a Wolf’s cry heard nearby.

It is Lord Fuil, he and his Wolf pack are hunting the Goblins and Trolls in the forest, said Princess Terra to the Captain of the guard which her father had sent on.

We can certainly use his help. Captain Galen gave a wide grin. Ease your heart my Princess, your father was right behind me.

There was the sound of approaching hoof beats and Terra once more let out a breath with the hope her father had finally arrived.

When the Horses came into the garden, Terra saw it was her father and he was injured.

Princess Terra ran to him, "Oh father, are you badly hurt?"

No my Terra, do not worry; just a sword wound to my hip.

Quickly bring a stretcher to take my father inside to his bedchamber. Terra held his hand as they took him.

The midwife was called to clean and wrap his wounds; there was no surgeon near enough to help King Royce.

Terra sat in a chair next to her father’s bed and prayed for him to be well.

Lady Elsbeth sat in a chair on the other side of King Royce’s bed, sponging the King’s forehead. Then she stood up, Forgive me my Princess, I need to go and get another pitcher of cool water.

Yes Elsbeth, I can also take turns with you.

Whatever you wish, my Lady. Lady Elsbeth gave a bow and left the room with the pitcher in her hand.

Terra bowed her head to pray again, Oh Suthainn, will you not hear my plea? Terra felt a presence and looked up to see Lord Rambleton seated across from her in the other chair.

He had on a dark green cloak over a brown robe tied with a rope. His hair was long and white as well as his long beard.

I came as quickly as I could your Majesty, how does the King fair?

He has a sword wound upon his hip, it seems very deep.

"How does the Princess Alterra fair?"

I am well, only concerned for my father, please excuse me. Princess Terra got up as tears ran down her cheeks and hot anger rose within her.

Why did he not come sooner, why has my grandmother not sent guardsmen from Telendaria to help! Terra thought. She ran deep into the garden where she could be alone and sat down upon a stone bench and cried until her anger subsided.

***

In the morning, Lord Rambleton walked in the garden and gave encouragement to the people of Glen Haven as he visited with them from tent to tent.

Princess Terra had slept in the chair next to her father’s bed and didn’t see Lord Rambleton again. Now as the morning dawned, she felt sorry for the way she acted and sought him out.

She found him as he was leaving one of the tents. Lord Rambleton, may I have a word with you?

Yes, you may speak Princess Alterra.

"I am sorry Lord Rambleton; I should never have treated you in such a way. I have been beside myself with worry for my father; but, it was no excuse."

"You must know all of the forests and lands from the West to the East have been caught up in the battle; many of us were needed elsewhere," Lord Rambleton said tenderly.

I am sorry; I have only thought of my Kingdom. I suppose I have had some resentment towards my grandmother for knowing what was coming and then not helping to stop it.

"You must remember this Princess Alterra, knowing a thing does not always mean you wish for it to happen, or even you have the power to stop it. Your grandmother Adalay warned your father in hopes he would turn from that path and choose another; it was his choice to make.

Sometimes we think we ourselves can force a different outcome, even when we can see the path leads to destruction. Your grandmother only told him out of love for him, you, and all of the people of Glen Haven, Lord Rambleton spoke with such love.

I miss her so; I cannot wait to see her once more and all those in Telendaria.

"You must also know Princess Alterra; the time is come when all of the Elves in the Western lands are leaving and headed to the Northern coast lands, where many Elves have already gone to make their homes centuries ago.

Your grandmother is leaving with the last remnant of Telendaria to go to those lands, where she will be welcomed.

"Then is there no hope?" Terra asked with tears filling her eyes.

You can choose to go with me now and I will take you to Queen Adalay before she leaves Telendaria.

But Lord Rambleton, my father is not fit to travel such a distance.

He looked to her seriously and said, No, he is not I am afraid, and therein lies your choice.

"I will not abandon my father in his time of need, not even for the Elven Prince!" said Terra with strong conviction.

"His path is not yet set; there may still be hope for the two of you. Do not give up on the hope of your heart; your destiny may still come to pass. He has his own choices to make as well," Lord Rambleton said with a half grin and a wink.

******

Chapter 2

QUEEN ALTERRA

The people of Glen Haven survived the harsh winter and still the King had not recovered his grievous wound. Then in the spring of the second year, King Royce became frail.

Princess Terra also became thin and pale. She had carried the weight of a King upon her shoulders as she cared for her people since the first night they left the castle a year and a half ago.

King Royce called for the crown of Queen Alterra to be brought to him; it was Princess Terra’s birthday. It was as Queen Adalay had foretold; he would crown his daughter Queen upon her eighteenth birthday and would send her and his people to the Elven City of Telendaria.

Terra came into his chamber, Yes father, I am here. She had guessed why she had been summoned along with the remaining council members, but her heart hurt to know the reason.

"It is time for you to be crowned Queen Alterra and lead our people to Telendaria." Her father smiled and then couldn’t keep from coughing.

Father, please not yet.

Yes Alterra, it is time, he said softly with love in his eyes.

By the command of the Sovereign King Royce, we the council of Glen Haven do crown you our Sovereign Queen Alterra, said one of the members and he gently placed the silver leafed crown with a green gemstone set in the middle upon Terra’s head. All of the councilmen bowed on one knee.

She could not keep her tears from flowing as she knew what it meant; her father was giving his last command before he was to pass from this life. I shall try and be a good Queen father, she sniffled.

I know you will Alterra, I know you will. He smiled and then had another coughing fit.

The council members bowed as they quietly left the room.

Lady Elsbeth came in and bowed before Terra, Your Majesty, may I get you or the King anything?

No Lady Elsbeth, we are fine for now. Terra forced a smile to her servant; her friend.

Her father looked to her and said, I love you so Alterra, you are so much like your mother and yet, you are much like your Elven grandmother Queen Adalay also.

Terra could not help but to smile, they were the two women she admired most in all of An Domhan.

I know the Elves will gladly welcome the Queen of Glen Haven and her people, her father said, but also began coughing once more.

Yes father, now you must rest.

Terra had never told her father the news Lord Rambleton had given her, but she knew Glen Haven was no longer a good place for her people and they deserved a better life.

She would cross over the Dubh Mountains to the West and follow the Abhainn River as it passed the Sidhean Forest. Then across the Leana which was a swampy meadow and she would cross the Frithe which was wide and flat.

Finally across the Fionn Bridge to the Lochan Gorm which was a deep blue lake, similar to the Blue Lake in her own land. It was said that it joined the river which nearly surrounded all of Telendaria and then branched off toward the Western Glas Sea.

Her grandmother had told it to her so many times Terra knew the way by heart. Queen Adalay had visited her Elven kinsmen in Telendaria once when she was no more than a girl in the way of Elves.

The King did not survive the night.

Captain Galen gave Queen Terra a piece of parchment her grandmother had instructed her father to give her upon her crowning. It was an old hand drawn map with instructions for crossing the narrow path through the Dubh Mountains.

Queen Terra commanded the guardsmen to bury her father in his finest garment and with his crown upon his head. They were to place him in the garden.

There was not time enough to bury him justly and so a simple stone cairn was piled upon his grave to mark that none may disturb his body.

This was one of the hardest days for Terra. She knew she would not look upon his face or grave again.

That very day, the people of Glen Haven packed up all they owned and followed their Queen with the promise of a better life in the Elven City of Telendaria.

***

Queen Terra with Thunder, and Jig following above, led one hundred and twenty-eight of her people upon Horses and wagons up to the rolling hills following the River Whitebeard which led to the Dubh Mountains.

When they reached the base of the mountains, they would have to leave the wagons behind; they could not travel the narrow path.

It was now twilight of the second night and they took rest beside the Blue Lake near the river.

Terra refused to sleep inside one of the tents and slept by the fireside beneath the Stars.

Her guards camped some distance gathered around the outer perimeter of the tents with the animals in between.

The Lady Elsbeth looked after Jig within a tent which held much of the Queen’s things

Queen Terra looked up to see the Moon rising in the night and the Stars twinkled in the dark blue velvet sky. She whispered, Lord Rambleton, how I wish you were here to guide our way. My people are tired and frightened of the unknown; help me to be strong for them. And if it is possible, help the Elven Prince to be in Telendaria when I arrive. The Queen closed her eyes and thought on the vision of the Prince with such love.

Once more she saw the vision of the Elven Prince with long golden hair and a silver crown upon his head. He had eyes as blue as the Blue Lake. He had on a light green shirt with silver leaves embroidered all around his collar and down the front. He smiled brightly.

Then the words of Queen Adalay were heard once more, "Remember Alterra, you will go to the city of Telendaria and marry the Elven Prince."

Grandmother, I wish it to be true, but I have a hard time believing it is true, she thought and then closed her eyes with a dream of the Prince.

***

Now it was well before dawn and a mist had covered the Blue Lake and the camp. Queen Terra was asleep and woke as she heard the mournful cry of a Wolf in the Whispering Forest down the sloping hills. She knew it was Lord Fuil; he knew she was leaving the valley of Glen Haven never to return.

With the hearing of it, Terra began to second guess herself. Am I making the right decisions for my people? Am I willing to leave all I have ever known for a place I have never been? What if the Elven Prince has left forever for the Northern coast lands?

Fear began to grip her and she worried for a future in Telendaria without the Prince. Lord Rambleton, how I wish I knew if I were making the right decisions? Terra whispered.

The vision came to her mind again with her grandmother’s words.

"Oh Grandmother, how I wish I could hold onto that dream, but I must accept it may not be; but I know in my heart my people deserve a better life than what is left them in Glen Haven. I will go forward and lead them to a better home in Telendaria, even if there will be no Prince for me," Terra whispered decidedly as she closed her eyes once more and slept.

***

The next morning all of the camp was packed up and the wagons were left behind. Now Queen Terra and her people gathered near the base of the Dubh Mountains where the way was blocked by Blackberry briars at least fifteen feet high and as far as the eye could see.

Captain Galen asked, Your Majesty, do you wish my men to hack through the briars?

No, my grandmother has given me instructions. Terra moved closer to the briars and as loudly as she could she called out, "Make way for the Queen!" She waved her hand.

Just as in the days of old, the briars began to separate and untwist and bent backwards to reveal a long winding path up through the mountain pass.

Lady Elsbeth drew a deep breathe in shock at such a sight, My Queen!

All of the people were astonished as well and began whispering to themselves about the legend of the first King and Queen of Glen Havens crossing and knew there was no doubt Queen Alterra was their descendant.

Come, let us move quickly through the pass and stay closely together, the pass will close behind us, said Terra as she mounted Thunder once more.

Elsbeth held Jig with her leather gloved hand and passed him to Terra.

On Jig! Terra said as she tossed the Hawk into the air.

He spread his wings and screeched as he felt free to fly atop the ridge of the mountains.

The people of Glen Haven did move quickly, for fear the briars might close before they could cross.

***

Terra enjoyed traveling up the mountain path; she saw so many beautiful views of her valley below and it tugged at her heart. She held her back straight in her saddle as she looked onward up the Dubh Mountains and imagined what the land of Fairies and Elves was truly like.

She tried not to think of the Prince, but her heart beat all the faster as she reached the pinnacle.

When the last of the Horses came through the path, the briars once more stood aright, entwined and closed the path off.

Terra had to smile to realize she really was the Queen as her grandmother had foretold.

They camped near a stream with a moss and grass area large enough for them. The air smelled sweet and fragrant with wildflowers dotted here and there; some were pink Twinflower, white Heather, a few Bluebells and purple Primrose near the stream.

Terra already felt light hearted and smiled in passing as she looked about the camp. This day had eased the grief of her father’s death. She now felt like she had made the right decision in bringing her people thus far.

Jig loved the mountain flight so much; he settled in one of the tall Pines above the camp for the night.

Terra allowed him to roost there; she knew he must be enjoying his freedom.

Are you well my Queen? Elsbeth asked as she walked up to her.

Yes, I do believe I am getting well. This place already seems so magical; it has lightened my burden.

May I get you anything?

No, not now, I am just enjoying the fellowship of our people. Terra smiled.

Then I shall turn in, goodnight my Queen. Elsbeth smiled with a bow.

Goodnight Elsbeth.

Terra visited a few hours more and then laid down to rest near the campfire her men had made for her near her tent. Terra knew in the morning they would begin their descent down the mountain pass through the craggy Dubh Mountains.

They would then continue to follow the Abhainn River as it passed the Sidhean Forest; this was a place Terra wished to see, for her grandmother told her it had a high hill where the Fairies dwelt.

She hoped she might get a glimpse of one near the river, but she would not take time to visit there until after she got her people safely to Telendaria.

***

The Horses were packed up quickly after daybreak and they all began their descent.

Terra hoped they would reach the base of the mountains by nightfall. She gave Thunder his lead loosening up the reins as he climbed down the narrow path where many rocks jutted out.

Jig now flew overhead circling them.

The terrain was rougher as they made their way down. Grasses were sparse and even fewer flowers. The mountains did seem to be made of black rock as they stretched out in a long line of ridges on either side of them. The wind had picked up, but they at least had some shelter through the rocks.

Thunder began to slide down the gravel path.

Easy Thunder. Terra let loose more of his reins as she nearly bent backward to adjust her weight as they traveled down the steep rocky path.

There was no time or space to stop, so each person took out their small parcel of food and water as their Horses slowly and cautiously followed behind their Queen. This proved most difficult for the parents of children.

They had made good time and it was now twilight when Queen Terra began to exit the path near the bottom of the mountains.

Terra was not prepared for the terrible sight she beheld; there were at least thirty Goblins and four Trolls camped not far from the path.

One of the Trolls looked up and sniffed the air with his large nostrils, then looked at Terra with his hollow dark eyes. He bent over his giant grey body and swiftly began running towards her on his large hands and feet; he let out a ferocious growl.

All of the other Trolls and the green wave of the Goblins quickly followed after him.

Terra drew her sword and her knife as soon as she could. She realized this was going to be a slaughter if her people came out of the path one by one. Terra moved so the others could exit and screamed, "Hurry, Trolls, Goblins!"

As quickly as they could get there, Queen Terra’s guardsmen came and encircled her to try and protect her.

Soon after, many of her guardsmen were killed or dying on the ground below her.

All Terra could do was fight as many as she could for as long as she could and hope to spare some of her people.

Jig screeched in the air as he dove down and clawed any he could, but to them he was but a fly.

Terra was not able to see behind her as she was now fighting the enemy.

Then she heard a Wolf’s cry up the mountain. "Yes, please come help us Lord Fuil!" she screamed.

On top of a large boulder above her, a huge black Wolf appeared and leapt down upon the Troll which was fighting the Queen. He snarled and opened up his mouth closing it upon the Troll’s head.

Other Wolves quickly joined him from his pack.

Queen Terra slashed all the Goblins who came against her with her sword and knife.

Lord Fuil and his pack killed all of the Trolls and then began to kill the Goblins.

Many of the Horses were cut down by the Goblins first, knowing the men would be easy prey on foot.

It seemed an eternity, but was such a short time, when Terra realized all of the Trolls and Goblins were dead, but at what cost?

Thunder survived with a few cuts and scrapes.

Terra herself had only slight cuts, but she knew it was the bravery of her guardsmen who had saved her life. She did not know how they made it to her so quickly.

When the dead and dying were counted, it was nearly more than Terra could bear; only sixty-three people survived, and of them, only twenty of the guardsmen remained.

***

Not knowing if there would be more of the Goblins or Trolls in the area, the dead were quickly buried in a mass grave next to the boulder Lord Fuil had jumped from. They piled up stones so none may disturb the dead.

Terra swore an oath; one day she would return and give a proper song of lament for the lost.

Before they continued on, Captain Galen put up two wooden posts on either side of the path. One post held the head of a Troll and the other post held the head of a Goblin, warning them to leave the area.

The remnant fled as quickly as they could with few