Chapter Three

The bright Sun gleamed over the mountaintops of Darhad, streaming light down on the valley below. The early morning dew was ensconced on the blades of green grass. The small rivulets branching off from Runnye River trickled past a small house nearby.

Pete Draenen rubbed his eyes, brushing the sleep from them. He went into the kitchen where Guerthe, his mother, was making breakfast. Reclining in one of the chairs at the table, he questioned her.

"It is high time I finished my education. Would it be too much to ask if I could attend the college of tradesmen this year?"

"Never mind that, Pete. We've still got the crops to get in, and you know your father is very highly thinking of teaching you metallurgy here at home. You know the Corps needs such work, and that it is profitable enough," she said.

"But profit is not my aim," Pete said with a frown. "Metallurgy is so boring. Why does he want me so badly to be a welder, concerning myself with something I have no interest in doing? Isn't it bad enough that I have to stay here on the farm for another year? I knew nobody would care about my dreams."

Guerthe paused at the stove, where some eggs were already done. "You know how much it means to your father. I'd hardly suspect we could spare you this year, anyway."

Pete looked up meaningfully. "I guess it doesn't matter what this education would mean to me."

Serving the eggs and a nice side of bacon, Guerthe said, "I know this is something you have in your heart, dear. Why you want it is beyond me. But I hear you, and I understand it is important to you. Just one more year..."

This was the way it always went, Pete thought. He supposed he just had to buckle down, and finish the year out. That's what they had said last year, though. It was going to be hard for him to do again, he thought as he munched on the crisp bacon. He mulled it over for a while, then got up and went out to the fields.

High in the hills, a ways off, he heard a high whistle. He immediately perked up, and began running over to the old oak tree. When he got there, he panted for breath and put his hands down on his knees.

Standing next to the tree was an old man in blue robes. Clasped in front was a metal buckle. The man was taller than Pete, which was not saying much, and he had white hair and a moustache. He looked at Pete in a mysterious way. Pete wondered what it could be that he was summoned for.

"Welcome back, Charles," he said with his features puzzled, his eyebrows raised.

"Thank you, Pete. I only came to tell you I'll be leaving soon." said the wizard.

"Well, what is that to me? You're always off on some adventure or other," Pete said with a grin and began laughing. "I'm surprised you didn't come to tell me you were back from another one." At this, Pete paused, and began to wonder. "Unless there were some reason you needed to tell me before you left. What's on your mind?"

"Yes, Pete. Yes. I've come to tell you that I'm off on a mission. The mission is my own, but I need you with me. Do you remember what I told you about the ancient elves? Something important has happened. I cannot tell you all of it, at first. But I do need you to come along, this time. Do you think you can manage it?"

Pete looked doubtful. Then he began to think. If he left, his parents would need him. But he really didn't want to stay here on the farm, where life was so boring. He was young, and full of life, and an adventure sounded like just the thing he needed. Not only would it be fun, he could also learn something. Something about the elves. That alone excited him. He was always fond of elves.

"I'll take you up on it," he said. "I can meet you after nightfall."

"Thanks for this, Pete. I'll meet you by the running brook. Bring a pack of clothes. I'll supply the food. And your broadsword. We'll need it."

Broadsword? This adventure was getting better, minute by minute.

"Right," Pete said. "I'll be there. Just use your whistle, and I'll find you."

With that, LeFleur left and Pete went back to the farmhouse. Yes, things were beginning to change.