we use in daily life. Humans and demi-humans that wield magic use different varieties of this technique by twisting different dialects of the elven language with the common languages. Powerful wizards have studied these languages for years and have unlocked the power of the Ru’Ach. Wizards are always trying to steal words of power from the elven ekahals, who are the most powerful wizards in Kraawn. The term to describe this theft is called Nis’Tai, which means ‘dishonorable’.”
“So Malbeck used god magic to try and conquer the lands of Kraawn many years ago?” asked Fil.
“Yes,” replied Landon. “He also used god magic to create the six Banthras and other lesser minions. He trapped a group of cavaliers who had attempted to enter Banrith and destroy him. The legend goes that he spent years corrupting and twisting their bodies into his most powerful warriors.”
“How could one man trap six powerful cavaliers?” Fil asked.
“I do not know exactly,” answered Landon. “I have heard that when they entered his lair, where Gould’s power was the strongest, that they were somehow shielded from their own god’s power. But I don’t know if anyone knows the truth of it.”
“But if their hearts were pure, how did he corrupt them?” asked Jonas.
“That is a good question,” replied Allindrian. “Unfortunately we do not really know how he did it. As I said before, almost all men have a speck of darkness in them. Maybe their hearts were not totally pure. Maybe their energy left their bodies and left a corruptible shell behind. We do not know. All we know is that a Banthra is almost undefeatable, only a powerful cavalier would have a chance at killing one.”
“Airos killed one,” stated Fil.
“Airos was a first rank cavalier. He was the best. There are only a few first rank cavaliers left now that he is dead. As I said, his death is a huge loss to all that is good,” Landon added solemnly.
“So, what are the rumors of Malbeck’s return? How was he defeated and how could he be back now after so many years?” Jonas asked.
Landon let out a deep breath and smiled at the inquisitive boy. “That is a long story, young man, a story for another day. Besides, I do not know all the answers to your questions. My caravan is going to Finarth. We are two weeks out and it would be my pleasure to have you both as my guests. Would you like to travel with us?” the heavyset merchant asked, smiling warmly. Jonas and Fil looked at each other, eagerly nodding in agreement.
“We thank you, sir, for your generosity, and would very much like to be your guests,” Jonas responded with a smile.
“That is good news,” replied Landon standing up from the fire. “Now, let’s get some sleep and save some of our stories for the trip to Finarth.”
Everyone stood and went about getting ready to lie down for the night.
Allindrian smiled at the boys; her perfect white teeth sparkling in the moonlight. “Come with me, ogre slayers, you may sleep at my fire,” the half-elf said with a grin, moving back to her fire away from the others. They followed her and laid down their bedrolls by the flickering flames, basking in the warmth of the little blaze. As Jonas wrapped himself in his wool blanket he looked up at Allindrian who went back to sharpening her knife.
“Landon said that Airos was almost as good as you with a blade. That must mean that you are a very skilled warrior,” stated Jonas.
Allindrian smiled at him and her eyes sparkled with something that Jonas recognized as pure confidence in her abilities.
“Will you teach us?” asked Jonas.
“We shall talk in the morning, young Jonas. Now get some sleep. You have had a long day.”
Jonas smiled at the lovely warrior and stretched out on his back. He looked up at the sparkling stars, sighed, and closed his eyes. For once things seemed to be going their way. They were with a group of armed men who were willing to take them to Finarth and he was sleeping next to a beautiful half-elf warrior who might teach him how to use a sword. It could be worse he thought, as fatigue overcame him and he fell asleep.
***
The first week with the caravan went by quickly, and Jonas and Fil soon fell right in step with the hardy travelers. Landon was a gracious host, allowing the boys to eat with him at night and sharing with them