Ancient Prophecy

"Good," declared Jenneva.  "As soon as Egam arrives, we can begin talking about the rest of our honeymoon."

"What do you mean, the rest of our honeymoon?" asked Alex.  "I should be returning to Tagaret soon."

"You have no need to return to Tagaret yet," answered Jenneva.  "Mitar and David have the Rangers and Red Swords under control.  Besides, I asked King Byron to excuse you for an extended period of time and he was very accommodating."

"Even still," asked Alex, "what does that have to do with Prince Elgorn and Egam?"

"Egam will be going with us," responded Jenneva.  "King Gondoral also wanted us to wait until Prince Elgorn returned before we left because Prince Rigal will be going with us."

"An elf Prince and your Master are going with us on our honeymoon?" asked Alex.  "Why is this beginning to bother me?"

Jenneva laughed as the two elf Princes joined the discussion.  Prince Rigal sat with a frown upon his face.  "Don't worry, Alex," he stated.  "It bothers me, as well.  I have heard that we are going to have to suffer a dwarf with us."

"Prince Rigal," Galdan offered, "this trip is being made to promote dwarf-elf harmony as well as other reasons.  If we are to live in peace with our neighbors, you must make an effort to understand the dwarves."

"I understand dwarves just fine," the dark Prince spat.  "They are warlike and evil and desire for themselves what is ours.  I would wager that only one of us returns."

Galdan frowned and Alex asked, "Why is it that everyone knows where we are going except me?  Are we going to visit the dwarves?"

"Perhaps," Galdan replied.  "We hope that you are going to visit the elves, but maybe you will find dwarves instead."

"There has been no reason to discuss the trip yet," interrupted Jenneva.  "We are going to try to reach the Universe of Elderal, land of the elves.  Egam is out now, searching for the entrance to the Universe.  He will be leading us on this expedition.  Prince Rigal is going as the representative of the elves.  The dwarves are sending a representative because we do not know what Universe we will actually be going to.  Egam and I have theories about where we will end up, but nobody really knows."

Alex was stunned.  He looked around the table to see if they were playing a joke on him, but everyone appeared serious.  "I have to believe that going to another Universe entails a certain amount of risk.  Why would King Gondoral send one of his sons on such a dangerous mission?  Couldn't we just tell him if we found this Elderal?"

"This trip is really for the benefit of the elves," answered Galdan.  "The Medallion of Prince Geltim is to be taken as proof that his descendants still live.  Only those of royal blood can carry the medallion.  Prince Rigal or Prince Elgorn must be part of the expedition and Prince Rigal volunteered."

"That was before I knew a dwarf was going," conceded Prince Rigal.  "Still, elves are not afraid of danger.  Were the expedition canceled, I would still go alone."

"Egam and I would not let this opportunity pass," added Jenneva.  "We welcome the company of Prince Rigal.  I hope that you will come also, Alex.  I do not wish to part from you, but this is something I cannot miss.  I need to understand what I have read in the Book of the Beginning so that I can determine the threat of Sarac returning.  I have explored the histories of the elves and the dwarves and I believe we have discovered their origins in this Universe.  Our expedition will prove or disprove my theory.  Do you understand?"