Making Musical Stories - January

Steps to Enjoy Blog

1. Listen to the song. Think about what story you feel the song is telling you.

2. Read my short story.

3. After reading, listen to the song once more.

4. Tell me what you think! AND let me know what song I should do next!

Disclaimer: This has not been edited. I wrote this as I listened to the song, so be prepared for run-on sentences, missed commas and apostrophes and other grammar issues.

SONG TITLE: Carol of the Bells

ARTIST: Lindsey Stirling

Ding…Ding…Ding

There it was again. The bells had been ringing all day. It made concentrating on anything all but impossible. That was Vican’s struggle. He truly did try to sharpen the weapons, but those bells just kept taking him away from his duties.

Ding…Ding…Ding

That was it. There was no other choice. Dropping his items down on the counter next to him, he quickly wrapped his cloak about him. He had to know what the elven elders were discussing and why the bells would not cease their ringing.

As he reached for the door to leave the room, there was slight huff in the corner, “They aren’t going to tell you anything Vican.” said a young elf who was polishing up a steel shield. Micah was the other unlucky elfing who had been forced to join Vican in cleaning and organizing the equipment.

“Says you,” grunted Vican.

“You're just like the rest of us young elves. We aren’t meant to know so there is no point going to bother them. Just stay here and get the rest of the chores done,” Micah grumbled back.

Vican pushed open the door letting in a rush of cold air enter. His cloak fluttered gracefully as he spoke, “I am nothing like you. I was meant to be a warrior and a warrior is who I will be!” and he ran out the door into the frosty, winter air.

***

The young elf ran through the elven city searching for the sound of the bells.

Ding…Ding…Ding

Looking through this particular city, you would think that all elves were children. No adults could be found. They had all gone to the bells. To the elven meeting place on the upper floors of the city’s tallest tower, Alturis. The young ones were not allowed to join, it was only meant for the experienced fighters, the long-lived learners, and their wise, old leaders.

Though Vican was the best fighter in his age group, the highest test scorer in his class, and in his mind, the wisest of all the elves, he was not allowed to join due to his youth.

Utter nonsense. Or at least that was what he believed. Age was just a number, and he knew that he deserved to be part of these meetings. At least that is what he told himself.

Ding…Ding…Ding

He was getting closer now.

There! Only a few feet away was the Alturis. He found himself, staring at the front double doors. No guards, thankfully. Then again, there was no need. Everyone knew their place in the city and whether they were meant to enter this most sacred tower. Well, almost everyone.

Vican pushed his way through and ran up the stone steps. Thousands of stairs encircled Alturis, but it was no problem for someone so young and agile like Vican, He charged up them as if they were nothing, not even breaking a sweat as he reached his final destination. Arcemus. The great elven meeting room which had also been known as the final stronghold of the elven city. Its initial purpose was as an important gathering space for the elves, but it also housed a secret passageway into the northern mountains. It was the one and only escape if the city were to be attacked.

Slowly he reached for the door to pull it open and announce his entry, but then a sudden shout caused him to stagger backward. Vican nearly stumbled back down the many steps that he had just spent so much time climbing.

“Leaving the city unguarded is unheard of!” came a loud, brusk voice.”We cannot leave it defenseless.”

“There is no other choice,” responded a much calmer and soothing voice, “And it would not be completely unguarded. We would, of course, leave enough to hold off most attacks. As well as keeping the barrier up to provide another layer of protection.”

“Outrageous,” came the loud speaker once again.

“It is done, by tomorrow we will all be heading to Brocker Fields to assist in the defeat of the Dark Prince’s army.”

Suddenly the door burst open, and a large, bulky elf stomped his way past Vican, nearly knocking him over the tower's center railing.

“He is more troll than elf, that one,” the voice from behind Vican made him jump.

It was Ditor. He was a young elf, but had just recently been granted the right to join these meetings about a year ago. Though it frustrated Vican that his friend, only two years his senior, was allowed to join the meetings, there was still an inseparable bond between them. The closeness he felt for Ditor was similar to the feelings he once had for his family that he had lost so many years ago. They may not have come from the same blood, but they were brothers all the same.

“Well we all cannot be skinny twigs like you,” Vican put his hands together so they nearly touched and then gestured towards Ditor.

He laughed at his friend's comment then ruffled his hair, “You were trying to sneak into another meeting weren’t you?”

Vican can only nod with a sly little smile.

His friend shrugged, “Well sorry to say you have missed it all. Decisions have already been made if you hadn’t noticed from the brisk exit of our giant friend,” Ditor waved at the other elves leaving the room, “Most of our armed forces will be leaving to join the human armies in battle against the Dark Prince.” Then he pointed at himself and Vican, “We, however, are the lucky ones and will be tasked to protect the elven city.”

“What?” groaned Vican, “I never get to join in the battle!”

Before Ditor could respond, one of the elderly elves had stepped into between the two young ones. The elder stared down at the Vican who in turn took a long gulp. He was no ordinary elf. Before them was one of the select few elves chosen to lead the Council of Four, the leader of the elven city, and the best fighter known throughout all elven history – well at least in Vican’s eyes. This was Igneick, the great elder elf, and surprisingly enough, Vican’s mentor.

“Novice Vican, what makes a true elf?” he asked with his stern, but yet still kind voice.

“I can’t recall Master,” Vican managed to squeak out.

The old elf sighed, “A true elf does not seek out conflict, but rather tries to be the solution.”

Vican had no idea what his mentor was trying to say, but not wishing to be reprimanded, he nodded in agreement.

As if the old elf could read what Vican felt within, Igneick shook his head, “There is a lot of promise in you Vican. It would not surprise me if you were written into our histories, but for now you must learn how to help your people rather than just yourself.” He started to walk down the stairs, but still continued on, “You both will stay behind and help protect this city and then when I return we will talk more about your training.”

There was no argument, but as soon as Vican believed Igneick could no longer hear the young elf, he let out a groan that could rival even a constipated dragon.

***

By mid-day most of the elven warriors able to fight were sent away. There were only about fifty that remained to guard the walls, towers, and the crystal that powered the elven city’s protective barrier. Vican put it upon himself to join those on the outer walls of the city, though not by choice of the guards. Groans could be heard across the stony platforms as the young elf found a new protector to pester.

“Vican can you pl

ease just leave me in peace,” said one of the frustrated elves on watch, “Or if you are going to be here, stand quietly and stop bothering me about being left behind.”

“Sorry,” apologized Vican as he tried to say still and silent. After a moment, he noticed the guard relaxed a bit. The young elf just could not stop himself, “But honestly though, I really should have…”

“Vican!” growled the elf as he stared down at the young elf.

“Oh well, it looks like I came up at the right time,” Ditor walked over with a tray of drinks, “Just thought I would bring some refreshments to keep all those on watch hydrated. Please take some.”

Grunting in approval, and the elf that nearly strangled Vican snatched a cup from the tray and turned back to looking over the wall. Vican reached to grab one for himself, but Ditor slapped his hand away.

“Hey!” shouted Vican while the other elf spit up his drink.

He continued to laugh uncontrollably at the scene. Vican glared back at him.

“How about you make yourself useful, Vican, and go hand out the rest of the cups to those on the wall.” added Ditor pushing the tray into Vican’s hands.

The young elf tried to argue, but he could feel both of the elves staring at him. It was finally obvious to him that he had overstayed his welcome. Sighing, Vican walked across the stone pathway and handed out cups to everyone he could find. He got lucky with his last stop. The guardian requested Vican’s company, surprisingly.

“Thanks a lot, little one,” said the elf as he raised his cup towards Vican then gulped it down, “I have been parched standing up here all day.”

“I am not a little one,” grumbled Vican.

“Right, right, you are the one that is constantly wanting to go out and fight. Well you aren’t the only one, Ditor begged to be allowed to join, but he was refused,” the elf wiped away the drink from his upper lip and then handed the cup back to Vican.

“Why wasn’t he allowed?” questioned Vican.

He shrugged, “Would be a bad call to have someone whose family was captured join the fighters. He would be emotional and unable to fight properly.”

Vican was shocked, “His family was taken? By who?”

“About a week ago, “the elf said nodding, “Ditor’s mother, father, and two sisters with some other elven families were taken by the Dark Prince’s as ploy to convince our clan to switch sides.”

“That is unbelievable, he should have every right to fight for his loved ones return,” Vican smashed his fist down on the stone ledge.

“Well of course you would say that,” added the elf, “It is the whole reason you are not allowed to join the fight. You would get all emotional about your fam…” he quickly stopped himself, “I am sorry Vican it was just a slip of the tongue.”

Vican kept his head down. The young elf had never really known his family. They had been killed by some followers of the Dark Army on their pilgrimage to the elven city. Luckily Vican had managed to escape and was brought up as an orphan with the rest of the elven children. His loss had fueled him to be the best fighter he could be, but his heart dropped to hear that his emotions were what was keeping him away from his destiny.

“Oi, what is that off in the distance.”

Vican groaned, “Come now! Do you really think I am that gullible to fall for…”

The elf guard grabbed Vican’s face and turned it towards the direction of the setting sun. Only a few kilometers in the distance, the young elf could see a large group of armed men making their way to the capital. His heart began to pound and he instinctively reached for his sword.

“I have to sound the alarm,” the guardian reached for the horn on his belt, but before he could grab it, the guard began to sway back and forth.

He looked at Vican confused, “What was in that drink you gav…” collapsing on the floor, the elf was unable to complete his sentence.

Vican dropped to his knees and checked the pulse of the guard. It was still steady and strong, but he was out cold. As Vican reached down to examine the cup, he saw that it wasn’t just his conversing companion that had fallen asleep. Across the entire wall, elves were falling all over themselves. Panic rushed through Vican as he climbed down the wall. There had to be someone left. Someone that was not incapacitated.

Racing through the entire city, Vican made an awful discovery. There was not one adult elf left standing. Every last one was fast asleep at their posts. By each fallen elf, there was a cup. The very same cup that Ditor had given Vican.

Ding…Ding…Ding

It was the bells! What else could have gone wrong?

The bells were only meant to be rung on three occasions: meetings for the elder elves, use of the barrier, or removal of the barrier. As these thoughts passed through Vican’s mind, he looked up to see the silvery elven barrier slowly collapse on itself. Shouts of despair and fear spread throughout the city as those awake began to see their guardians incapacitated and their last line of defense taken away from them.

Everything began to spin around Vican as his breathing became agitated. He felt as if he was about to faint. Before he fell to the ground, somebody grabbed his hand, “Careful now. Just breathe slowly.”

He did just that, taken one deep breath at a time. His vision began to clear and he finally saw who had come to his aid. Micah!

“Better?”smiled the young elf.

Vican nodded.

“Good! Then it's time we figure out what we are going to do next because the Dark Prince and his troupe will be here in only a few moments.” Micah noted.

WIth the fog from his mind lifted, the gears in Vican’s brain began to turn. A plan began to form.

“Gather up the fallen guards that you can carry and have the rest of the younglings join at the elven meeting room, “ Instructed Vican, “There is a tunnel there that goes into the mountains. I will go check on the crystal that upholds the barrier myself and see if I can determine the issue and raise back up our defenses. If I can’t, then we will take the path into the mountains and make our escape from Brocker Fields to the location of the elders.”

Micah nodded and ran off to gather the rest of the young elves to assist. Seeing his plan in action, Vican knew it was his time to get to work. Taking one last deep breath, he made his way to the tower stairs.

With the barrier down, the elven city was quite dark. It was difficult for Vican to navigate through the streets, especially with all the panicked young elves. Even so, he did make his way to the tower. He stared up and down the tower as he tried to recall the location of the crystal. Personally he never had the privilege to see it, but he knew that the room that holds the barrier crystal was at the very top of Alturis.

Vican huffed and puffed his way up the stairs. It was hard to believe that the day before he had bounded his way up these steps as if they were nothing. Since night had come upon them leaving them in this terrible situation, Vican could feel his energy ebbing away. These flights of stairs were now taking a toll on his already exhausted body. But that did not matter. He had to reach the crystal. It was the only way. With the guards incapacitated, there was no way the young elves could take on a whole dark army. They were doomed without that barrier.

It had taken him longer than he wanted, but Vican had finally reached the door to the barrier room. Just as he had expected, the guard here was fast asleep like all the others. As Vican opened the door, he found that he was not alone.

Next to the darkened crystal was an elf. An elf that Vican knew all too well, and sadly proved all his assumptions correct.

“What have you done, Ditor?” yelled Vican.

His friend only looked at him with shame in his eyes, “I am sorry Vican, but this is the only way I could save my family.”

“I don’t understand…”the words choked Vican’s throat.

Ditor ran over to his friend, but Vican drew his sword, preventing the older elf from getting any closer.

He raised his hands as he continued to speak to Vican, “Please listen. They promised me that they would return my family safe and sound if I let them conquer the city. And not just my family. They promised they wouldn’t harm all those within the city walls.”

“You can’t trust a human!” snapped Vican.

“I can with this,” Ditor raised his hand and showed a red and black cross mark on the palm of his hand. “The Dark Prince and I agreed to a blood oath. If he breaks it, his collateral will be lost and the same would go for me.”

“What was your collateral?” growled Vican.

Ditor looked down and gently massaged his scarred hand, “Myself, my family, and all the elf younglings.”

That was when the screams came. It was too late. The Dark Prince and his armies were already within the city walls. The barrier would no longer keep them safe.

Anger took Vican. He turned around and punched a hole in the wooden door. There was so much force in the punch that it caused it to break free from one of its hinges and lean awkwardly against the wall. Ditor reached for his friend, but Vican slapped it away with his sword. He then slowly raised his weapon right to his friend’s chin, “I can end this blood oath by taking your life, isn’t that right.”

The elf did not nod his head. Instead he let out a deep gulp as he stared down the glistening blade. Vican slowly moved the sword closer and closer to his friend's neck.

As he did so, Ditor closed his eyes and pleaded, “Please Vican don’t. I just wanted to save my family. You know what that is like. Please Vican, don’t kill me.”

The sword stopped, only a tiny drop of blood rolled down its silvery edge. Vican yelled out in rage as he attacked the crystal. A crack spread against its surface. It was not destroyed, but without the proper elven menders, it would be useless at forming a protective barrier.

Ditor stared at the broken crystal in horror, “What are you doing, Vican? The Dark Prince will be furious when sees what you did.”

The anger was slowly ebbing away from Vican as he spoke one last time to his friend, “I will not let you doom us Ditor. Stay here and join with your dark prince, but I will not let our enemy use our defenses against us. I shall do what I can to save our people. No blood oath needed.”

There was nothing more to say. Vican could no longer stand looking at the face of the one who used to call friend. He ran out the door leaving behind the traitorous elf with his scarred palm and useless broken crystal.

***

Shouts and cries were coming from all over the city. Vican could hear them from every direction as he made his way down the tower stairs. Fear began to grow within. That was until he reached Arcemus, the meeting room. There was a great number of younglings piling into the doors opening. A hundred of them had situated themselves as best they could inside the now crowded room. Even more were coming up the stairs. His spirits began to lift as he found Micah amongst those climbing up the steps.

Vican pulled him in for a hug, “Looks like you were able to get quite a few.”

Nodding, Micah replied, “Well I can do more than polish you know? You need only ask. And the crystal?”

Vican just lowered his head, but Micah patted him on the back, “Well no matter, I guess it's the tunnels we go to.” He grabbed Vican’s hand and pulled him through the crowd of elves. This was not an easy task. More and more of them were piling into the room, making it exceedingly difficult to move around. Thankfully they found their way to the far end of the chamber that held the tunnel. But there was a problem. Their one and only exit was blocked by a large stone slab.

“Well this is an issue,” sighed Micah. He looked over at Vican, “Do you know how to get in?”

He shook his head, “All I know is that you have to use a particular phrase, but I was never told. Only the council heads know it.”

“I know it,” chimed in a squeaky voice.

Both elves turned around to see a little girl elf with braided hair and large twinkling eyes. Seeing she had gained their attention she added, “My grandfather is on the council and when he falls asleep on the settee he will say it in his sleep.”

Without being asked, the little elf glided effortlessly across the stone floor. She put both hands on the wall and carefully lifted herself on her tiptoes

.

She spoke so quietly that both Micah and Vican had to move in close to hear her, “Open Please My Dear Friend.”

A loud groan echoed throughout the

room, as a rush of dust spewed from the opening as the stone moved itself across the stone floor, revealing the makings of a tunnel. The wind

whistled through it as all the elf younglings stared down the dark expanse. No one moved except for the elf with the braided hair. She stepped into the tunnel and looked from top to bottom and then she turned to look at everyone. Smiling, she waved at the rest of the elves to join her. They all did as they were told and followed the little one. Soon a line formed as all the elves from the stairs made their escape out of the city.

Vican pushed Micah into a group of exiting elves. Before he could argue, Vican waved him away, “Don’t worry, I will be right behind you. I just want to make sure we get as many of us to safety as possible .”

Screams echoed in the tower. All the elves in the room rushed toward the tunnel, forcing Micah down the tunnel pathway. Vican shoved his wave through all of the frightened elves, and he ran out the meeting room doors and peered over the tower railings. His heart sank. The Dark Army had made their way into the tower and they were grabbing elves as they made their way up the tower stairs. Panic ensued from the elves still climbing the steps. Vican tried to calm the others, but it was pointless. Soldiers were coming and they were coming quickly.

Calm was not possible anymore.

“Hurry and get through the tunnel. They are coming!” He yelled over the cacophony of hysteria.

The elves that were still left on the stairs rushed into the room, making their best efforts to get through the tunnels. But there was no way they were all getting through. Except for maybe one course of action. Vican pulled out his sword and gestured to the last elves scrambling up the stairs. Once all in, he closed the door and placed the wood bar in desperate hope of a miracle.

“Through the tunnels now! Hurry!” he shouted over the cries of the elves in the chamber. Someone started to pound on the door.

Bang!

Vican saw the wood splinter. He tightened his grip on the sword as he held out.

Bang!

The hinges began to loosen and the nails fell to the floor. The elf took one deep breath after the other as the elves attempted to flee through the secret passageway.

Bang!

That was it. The door fell to the ground in front of Vican’s feet and the soldiers piled into the room. All the young elves screamed in fear as the black armored knights pushed their way through into the chamber. Seeing Vican with his sword raised, they immediately raised their own weapons and pointed them at the young elf. Vican tried to remain calm, but he could see that his arms were shaking and no matter how much he told them to stop they still moved without his control.

“This is where it all ends,” he thought to himself trying to accept his fate.

But before he could feel the brush of steel from the enemy', a shout came from the stairs.

“Sheath your swords you morons, you know the rules.”

The soldiers listened and returned all their swords to their scabbards. They moved aside to let one more into the room.

He was tall for a human, and the pure black helmet with black feathers in the center did add to his height. Every step he took rattled from the black chains that he had wrapped around his body. Their purpose was unknown, but it did make his appearance much more ominous. Following him closely was a tied up Ditor. Vican glared at his old friend, daring him to look up, but Ditor refused and kept his head down as he accompanied the helmeted stranger.

The human ignored his henchmen and the elf traitor. Instead he walked all the way to where Vican stood who still had his sword drawn–albeit a bit shaky. Once his chest was level with the elf’s sword, the man removed his helm. It was the Dark Prince himself.

He smiled at the young elf as he spoke, “You are a brave one, but killing me would be a terrible idea.”

“It would break your blood oath.” growled Vican.

The Dark Prince clicked his teeth, “Now…now…now, that would be a bad idea. Yes the oath would be broken, but then none of you would be protected. My army would decimate you all and still take over the city.”

“So then why make a blood oath for a city if you can’t kill us?” asked Vican.

Wagging his finger, the Dark Prince responded, “Now you're not thinking things through. You see, now that I have taken over the city, I can use all you young elves as hostages. Then when the adults give themselves up to save their children, I will kill them. Once that is finished, I wil return Ditor’s family to him and make the rest of younglings my slaves. Blood oath complete.”

All the soldiers sniggered in the background as they listened to their ruler reveal his ruse. The Dark Prince turned to his people and gave a slight bow. Vican’s entire body began to tremble causing the sword to tremble in his hands.

An evil grin spread across the Dark Prince’s face as he saw the young elf shake, “Scared little elfing?”

He wasn’t. Vican was furious and containing his anger had become extremely difficult, but with a few breaths he was able to calm himself. This couldn’t be the end of his people. There must have been something he had missed. The human needed to keep talking.

“A blood oath requires an equal trade. Ditor gave himself, his family, and all of us young elves in exchange for you to capture the city. How were you able to reach such a level when you care naught but yourself and the power you can gain?” growled Vican.

The Dark Prince made a stabbing motion to his heart, “You cut me deep elf, but you are right. I have no loved ones or any true friends that would be worthy of such an offering. But what I do have is an army.” he gestured to all those around him, “I swore on my oath that Ditor, his family, and all you young ones would be unharmed for the exchange of myself and my army.”

“So if one of us die…you all die?” Vican tilted his head as he pondered his own question.

Tapping his mouth, the Dark Prince responded, “I suppose, but making you into slaves won’t be harming you so I haven’t broken the pack. So no death for me.”

He lowered his head back and let out a loud, bellowing laugh that was soon followed by his men. The elves still in the room cowered in the corners. Not Vican. He remembered something his Master had told him.

“A true elf does not seek out conflict, but rather tries to be the solution.”

The Dark Army were so distracted by their own antics that they did not notice Vican turn the pointed end of the sword towards himself. With all the force he could muster, he shoved the sword into his stomach. His body immediately gave way to the steel that seamlessly went through the tissue that held the young elf together. Vican screamed in agony as he made a final push of the weapon, and fell to his knees.

Everyone stared in shock as they saw the young elf fall to his knees. The sword had gone through his front and could be seen emerging through the elve’s back. Blood flowed like an ominous river from the entrance and exit of the sword, pooling up at Vican’s feet.

The Dark Prince tried to reach out for the elf, but it was too late. The blood oath had been broken. As blood continued to pour from Vican’s wound, he saw the Dark Prince burst into ash. His army howled in fear as they too began to follow their master’s path. Gray clouds filled the room as one human after another became nothing more than a pile of dust

Ditor ran to his friend, tears streaming down his face as he held Vican in his arms, “Why Vican? It should have been me, not you.”

Vican’s vision began to blur and sound became distant, “You did what you thought was right for your family,” he coughed and then he grabbed his friend’s hand, “and I did the same for mine.”

He looked up and smiled. Then suddenly he heard something resonate all around him.

Ding…Ding…Ding

“The bells,” Vican sighed happily, “I hear them.”

His friend looked at Vican confused. The bells were not being rung in the city.

Ding…Ding…Ding…

But these were not the city bells These bells were guiding him home.

Ding…Ding…Ding…