Elvenshore: 03 - Elf's Bane by Clark Graham

I wonder how that will bode for us and all of Elvenshore.”
    “The wars were a long time ago. Now that we have peace in all of the land, I think that they will join us in our peace,” Sarchise replied.
    Ermort smiled, “At least up until the time that they find the Dwarf cities and forts in the Westwood.”
    “True,” Sarchise replied . “That might come as a little bit of a shock to them.”
    There was the sound of a trumpeter echoing through the city. “It is time for the meeting of the leaders of the land,”   Ermort said. The three of them headed down to the Governor’s hall to be in attendance.
    The Governor was standing next to his chair at the far end of the table when the three of them entered the room. Amlius had come in behind Sarchise as he didn’t want to be the first person that Gideon laid eyes on.
    Gilead had been meeting with the Governor, so he was already in the room when the meeting was called. He had wanted to be there to greet all of the leaders of the land in hopes of finding solutions to most of the Elves current problems.
    King Therin was the first to enter the room, Gilead bowed low, the common greeting of the Dwarf, The King bowed in response. “I am Gilead from the land of Far Shore. Thank you for coming, King,”
    “I am Therin son of Kyle, King of High Mountain. I bring greetings from the Dwarves of High Mountain,” responded the King.
    “Thank you, oh gracious King.”
    Next in was Ermort and Ives, they just gave the Elf a knowing bow and he acknowledged them the same way.
    King Mortimer entered the room. He had traveled the furthest to get there and had only made it that morning , thanks to the Valkyrie of the Hidden City giving him and his commanders a ride on their horses.
    Fawn entered next . Gilead was taken aback by her beauty. “I did not know that an Elf woman had been left behind,” Gilead said.
    “I am Fawn of the Valkyrie, not an Elf.  I do have some Elf ancestors in my line, however,” replied Fawn.
    “I thought that all of the Valkyrie had died off,” he exclaimed. He was ignoring the part about Elf ancestors.
    “Not dead, just hidden,” Fawn explained as she moved on.
    Sarchise was right behind Fawn, he gave the deep bow of the Dwarf, which totally confused Gilead. “I am Sarchise, sixth born to the King of High Mountain, Prince to the King of the Mountains of Iron.”
    Gilead stared at him for the longest time and then said, “You are the tallest Dwarf I have ever seen.” Everyone around started to laugh, which only confused him more.
    Amlius knew he was not going to be well received so he just walked past Gilead and sat down.
    "Elf Slayer? What is he doing here?” Gilead protested.
    The Governor replied, “He is one of the leaders of this land now, and his voice will be heard.”
    Gilead just shook his head in disgust.
    and went and sat down at the end of the table.
    The Governor started talking, “We are meeting here because the Elves have requested our help in their time of need. We here will decide if we will or will not help the Elf, and if we do help, what form will that help take.” The Governor turned to Gilead, “It is your turn to speak, and tell us of your needs.”
    Just then the door opened and three Elves entered the room . It was Fannor being helped by two of his men. He sat down against the wall and not at the table. His men sat next to him.
    Gilead looked over at Fannor, but Fannor just nodded at Gilead to indicate that he had the lead on this.
    “We need more tents and food to feed us while this crisis is happening. We need troops to reinforce ours,” Gilead replied.
    “How about we move you to the Lost City, if the Valkyrie would allow it,” Amlius proposed as he watched for a reaction in Gilead’s face.
    The reaction was not long in coming as there was fear in Gilead’s demeanor. “The Lost City, it has been found? No, that will not do at all.”
    Sarchise knew what Amlius was doing, but he did not agree with tormenting the