The Coral Kingdom - Douglas Niles [53]
Evermeet! To Alicia-to all the humans-the knowledge might as well have resided on the moon. That mystical isle was hidden somewhere in the mists of the Trackless Sea, reputedly death to any sailors who dared approach. The greatest navigators of humanity disagreed vehemently on its location or even its very existence.
Keane spoke softly, but his voice and his presence-he was the tallest person, man or elf, in the room-commanded the attention of the Synnorian Elders. "It is said-also in legends, of course, though I have heard it from those who call it fact-that there are ways known to the elves, paths that lead to Evermeet from across the Realms. Is there such a way you could employ to aid us?"
There was no mistaking the pain that flashed across Erashanoor's face, and Alicia felt a surge of suspicion. Had the wizard guessed at the secret of the Llewyrr? As quickly as that, her suspicions were replaced by hope. Did that mean that there was a route to Evermeet? Could her father be saved?
"That route is closed," Brigit said, unable to conceal her grief. She turned and spoke to the Serene Matriarch, who gasped in shock at Brigit's words. "The Ityak-Ortheel corrupted the Fey-Alamtine-smashed the passage beyond recognition. Evermeet can no longer be reached through the Synnorian Gate."
"So much corruption, such evil… and our islands are so small," observed Ate'Niah after a somber pause.
"And shared by our peoples together," observed the queen of the Ffolk. "It is not unreasonable to believe that the forces sending the Elf-Eater against Synnoria are the same dark ones who hold my husband hostage."
"Quite possible, Noble Queen," replied the matriarch of Synnoria. "But alas, it does not change the fact that, so long as our path to Evermeet is closed, we cannot aid you in the rescue of your husband."
The hope that had blossomed in Alicia's mind wilted with this revelation, and despair threatened to claim her. Her father was lost, in truth. There would be, could be, no rescue.
"Evermeet is an island, correct?" asked Brandon, speaking for the first time. His voice was gruff, as if the words came forth only with difficulty. He, too, had been forced to unusual lengths of self-control to maintain his silence.
Erashanoor and the matriarch both nodded somberly, watching the Prince of Gnarhelm carefully. If the Llewyrr regarded the Ffolk with cautious hostility, the northmen they had considered blood enemies for many centuries.
"An island not impossibly far from here, from the Moonshaes." Brand turned to face his companions, his words warming to the topic. "Well, we could sail there! It can be no longer a journey than a dozen of my ancestors have made at some time or another!"
"Impossible!" snapped Erashanoor, appalled.
"It cannot be done. You would not survive to reach the island's shores!" confirmed Matriarch Ate'Niah.
"Begging your pardon, Your Royal Matronship, but I can take a ship a good many places others have said a ship was never meant to go!" Brandon pursued.
"You don't know what stands in your path," exclaimed Brigit, her eyes wide and her tone serious. She looked at Brandon with sympathy, but shook her head. "There are magical cyclones that rise from the sea, crushing ships into kindling. There are the Warders, great sea beasts who spend their lives ensuring that no vessel can approach the elvenhome."
"Sea beasts and cyclones!" Brandon laughed, although admittedly the sound was somewhat forced. "Nothing I haven't faced a dozen times before!" Alicia had to admire his bravado. As he spoke, she found herself believing him, wanting to sail with him against these foes.
"And even if you survive the barriers-an unlikely occurrence, assuredly," offered the matriarch, "you would be slain as soon as you stepped ashore. Humans are not welcome on Evermeet."
"Perhaps… but perhaps not," noted Robyn thoughtfully.
"What do you mean?" inquired Brigit, intrigued in spite of herself.
"Perhaps we could land safely if