by Donald White
The elf stretched out his hands. "There are fields like these, but they are more green, covered with flowers of various shapes and hues. There are trees, and we build our cities in the midst of them." He lowered his hands, feeling the pain of his wound return. "It, too, is a beautiful place."
She became concerned. "Galen?"
The elf stated. "The pain has subsided."
"Maybe we should go back, Galen."
He held up a hand. "All is well. The warmth of your land soothes me. I do not wish to retreat inside."
Flora nodded her understanding. She gazed off into the distance. "It seems your land is as wonderful as we have heard." She sighed heavily. "Soon, you will be able to return to it."
Galen placed a hand over his wound, glancing down at her. "The war goes on without me."
Flora asked, "Are you going back to it?"
He replied, "As you are needed here, I am needed there."
She stopped kicking, and rested her feet on the fence. "Your treatment is going well, Galen. In a few more days, you should be strong enough to return..." The woman turned around suddenly.
The two Dark Hunters hidden nearby were startled. Sharu thought, She looks this way, but not at us. He turned around just enough to see the two boys hiding near the road. He glanced at the other Ranger, and nodded slowly.
Flora jumped down from the fence, and the two boys darted off. She turned to Galen. "We should go back."
The high elf nodded in agreement.
She smiled up at him. "Still, I hope you enjoyed the exercise."
"The walk was pleasurable," he glanced down at her, "as was the company."
She blushed slightly and looked away.
***
Near the Androtopian border, Richard waited anxiously for John to return. Deep inside, he was terrified of these strange creatures who now demanded to enter his land. He thought to himself, There is such a coldness in their eyes. It is as if they have no soul. He struggled to remain calm, feeling those eerie green eyes bearing down on him. They have the look of predators. If their leader gave the order, they would pounce on me, and tear me limb from limb.
The leader stood a short distance away, conversing with his subordinates.
Richard bit his lip. What are they talking about? Why do they look at me like that? And where is John?!
A short while later, a large group of men came walking towards them. Each wore plate mail and had a sword sheathed at his side. There was a steel shield slung on their backs. One emerged from among them, removing his helmet. He was moderately built, with a short beard that covered most of his face. He approached warily, watching the elves carefully. For a few moments, he did not speak. Then, he boldly stepped forward. "My name is Michael. I am the captain of the nearby garrison." He pointed at John. "The guard tells me that you wish to cross the border and enter our land. I cannot allow armed soldiers to cross into our kingdom."
Sir Devaro nodded to his subordinates, and approached. He looked down into the man's eyes. "Peace, human. You have naught to fear." He pointed at the flag that his knight held. "We have no quarrel with you. When we have the murderer, we shall depart."
Michael stood firm, staring up at the towering figure. "I cannot allow your forces to pass the border. I will send word to the nearby village of your request. Maybe they will release the high elf to you."
The dark knight leaned down. "Very well. Then, I shall accompany you, and make the request myself."
Michael beckoned for the other garrison members to approach. He replied to the dark elf, "One high elf has entered our land. Only one of your people may enter to make such a request."
Devaro stood up straight. "And who is man that I should place my life in his hands?"
The captain of the guard was incredulous. "Excuse me, sir?"
Devaro answered, "I neither know, nor do I trust you or your people. I require an escort, to ensure my safety."
"Sir, I cannot allow..."
The dark knight glowered at him, and the man grew silent. "Your permission is not necessary, human. As I have said, you have naught to fear. Suffice it to say, that at the hands of man, I have much whereof to be afraid." Sir Devaro pointed at three of the dark knights. "They shall be my guardians in the land of men." He waved to the rest, and they mounted their horses and moved a short distance from the border.
Within, Michael gave a sigh of relief. He turned to a few of his subordinates. "You will guard me."
The guards took their places next to the captain.
Sir Devaro gestured for them to proceed.
Michael spoke loud enough for everyone to here. "No one else will be allowed to pass the border." He pointed, and the remaining garrison members took their places beside the border guards. He whispered to a few of the guards next to him, who then moved behind the dark elves.
The dark knights glared down at the men.
Sir Devaro cocked an eyebrow.
Michael took a deep breath. "You wish to enter our land, bearing arms. The villagers will be terrified by your mere presence. I have to take precautions. If we truly have nothing to fear, then this won't be a problem."
Sir Devaro stared coldly at him. "Lead on, human."
With that, the men escorted the dark elves into Androtopia.
***
Elsewhere, in the midst of a dark elfin camp, the lesser fay witch Lady Delshess sat in her tent, reading. A trio of fay archers stood guard outside. The witch heard one of them say, "Good evening, Reverend Sister."
The guards stood aside, and the priestess entered the tent. She too, was a sprite, but carried a staff whose end was carved to look like an elfin hand, holding a blue crystal. "Lady Delshess."
The witch stood up. "Serena. You are not subordinate to me. Such formality is unnecessary."
Smiling, the priestess drew near. "Your title was granted to you by merit, dear friend. I would not rob you of that honor."
Delshess bowed. "Very well, Reverend Sister."
Serena giggled. "That does sound rather formal."
The witch sat down once more, offering the priestess a place next to her.
Serena nodded, seating herself beside her friend. She gave Delshess a light kiss. "The day was eventful, Delshess. What a fierce battle we found ourselves in."
The witch bowed her head. "Though we won, it was not without loss."
Serena took her hand. "Our beloved queen warned us of this, Delshess. Our lives are given in sacrifice to her. This is to our joy, though we weep for those who have felt death's touch."
Delshess smirked. "The Usurper's elves suffered this day, more so than we. I am comforted by that."
Serena raised her friend's head, and stared deep into her eyes. "There is darkness in your aura, Delshess. What troubles you?"
"I am concerned for Felicie, Serena. She has not recovered from her own loss."
Serena hugged her friend close. "We have done what we can for her, Delshess. Though the wounds of flesh can be healed, and the trauma of the mind can be soothed, the grieving of the spirit is in her hands alone."
Delshess scowled. "The Usurper's knight did this. Though three springs have past, Felicie's pain has not faded. Rather, her suffering has taken root deep within her. I would wish to burn it, until not a trace remained."
Serena released the witch. "To set it ablaze would be to burn Felicie with it: for it is her own heart which grieves her so."
Delshess hissed, "Is there nothing we can do?"
The priestess took her hand once more. "We can only do what we have done. We have gone to her. We have comforted her. We have listened to her heart. Take heed to the words of the Reverend Mother: "When your love has been poured out in full, your consolation is in knowing there is naught that you have withheld."
Delshess softly squeezed her friend's hand. "You have proven your love to me, Serena. I only hope that Felicie will embrace it, as well."
The priestess thought for a moment. "I have often wondered what Felicie's pain feels like."
> Delshess replied, "You have the sight, Serena. Have you not looked into her eyes, and felt what she experienced?"
The priestess stared ahead. "Yes. I have seen what the Usurper's knight did. I saw it through the eyes of Felicie. I felt it through her emotions. But I wish to feel it in my own heart. And that is one thing I cannot do."
Delshess frowned. "You could not feel what she felt?"
Serena shivered. "I felt everything. But in order to know her pain, I would have to experience it."
Delshess became incredulous. "Serena, what are you saying? Would you sacrifice your little ones to know her suffering?"
A few tears streamed down the priestess' cheeks. "I cannot. My pixies are dear to me. My heart would shrivel in my chest, should any harm befall them."
Delshess placed a hand on Serena's shoulder. "Then, you are aware of what Felicie is feeling, though you have not experienced it. Fret not. My own little ones are as precious to me. I would rather have my heart pierced by a dagger, than to suffer the pain of losing even one of them."
Serena raised her head. "Reverend Mother Cassondra says that pixies are a gift from our beloved Queen. When they are born, they are placed in the care of those who will love them the most."
The witch sighed. "We do love them, dearly."
Sister Serena hugged Lady Delshess close, as the tears once more began to fall.
***
Galen lay resting on the bed, when the door opened. Flora came into view. "Galen?"
He opened his eyes. "Hello, Flora."
She gave a nervous smile. "Are you hungry?"
"Yes, I would like something to eat."
She asked softly, "Would you join us for dinner?"
The elf stared at her for a moment. "Are you entertaining guests?"
"No. Me, and Ayla, and Cindy... We cooked dinner for you."
Sir Galen sat up, painfully. "Then, it would indeed be rude of me not to partake." He stood. "Come, let us eat."
She giggled, and led him down the hall.
Cindy and Ayla were seated at the table, as he approached. Ayla jumped to her feet and pulled a seat up for him.
He nodded at her, "My thanks to you."
She stammered, "You're... welcome."
Cindy left, and came back with a platter. Placed on it, was a roasted bird.
Flora clasped her hands together. "A patient of mine gave me this, in exchange for my services. Although, when she gave it to me, it was still alive."
Sir Galen sniffed. "It has a pleasant aroma."
Ayla commented, "The cooking takes awhile."
The elf cocked an eyebrow, "Fascinating."
Flora asked nervously "You do eat meat, don't you?"
"Yes."
Cindy breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, we hope you enjoy it."
Ayla spooned vegetables onto a plate and then tore off a piece of meat. Grinning, she placed the food in front of the elf.
Each of the girls fixed plates for themselves. Flora took hers last.
Galen picked up the meat with his fingers and began to eat.
The girls glanced at the utensils, which lay unused beside his plate.
Flora frowned at her assistants, and shook her head.
Sir Galen continued eating.
"So," Flora began, "how did you like your first day out of bed?"
The elf glanced at her. "It was enjoyable."
Ayla asked, "How did your walk go?"
Galen looked over at Flora. "It was delightful."
Cindy noticed redness in the doctor's cheeks. "So, are you feeling better?"
The elf nodded. "Your care has benefited me greatly. Soon, I will be strong enough to return to my people."
Ayla looked at him, confused. "Why would you want to go back? There's a war going on over there."
He answered, "My services are needed."
Cindy asked, "Aren't you afraid that you might get hurt again?"
"I am a knight of the Blessed Court. I have pledged my life to the defense of my people."
Flora took another bite. "What is it like to fight in a war?"
The girls looked questioningly over at the elf.
Galen took a sip of his drink. "Fear, though it can be an ally, is often the weapon of the enemy. Your fear will keep you alive. It will also cause you to hesitate, and thus, to perish on the field of battle. In a war, you must fight the enemy, on the inside, as well as without."
Cindy asked, "Why are you at war with the dark elves?"
Galen answered, "The False Queen is attempting to ensnare of all of Elfland. We fight to ensure she will not succeed."
Ayla trembled. "The dark elves are scary."
The elf responded, "We were once one people. But their pride has rendered them blind. They have attempted to wrest the kingdom from its rightful ruler. We are forced to defend it."
Cindy gripped the edge of the table. "Do you kill people?"
"Only when I must."
Everyone grew silent, for a moment.
Flora sighed. "It is sad to see what people will do to each other. We work so hard to keep them alive, but they are determined to kill one another."
Cindy nodded.
Ayla bowed her head.
Galen replied, "The fear of man is a dangerous foe. It is like a beast, lashing out whenever it is provoked."
Flora stared at him. "What about you? You kill people, too. How is that any different?"
"We are the people of peace. The heart of man is filled with strife. When the fighting has ended, he will begin anew. The difference is clear."
The woman frowned disapprovingly.
Ayla and Cindy did not speak.
Galen silently finished his meal.
Chapter 5: "Under a Flag of Truce"
Darkness descended on the village of Lanor. Those outside gaped in awe, as a group of soldiers led tall shadowy figures through the streets. Mothers hastened their children indoors. Men halted, feeling the coldness of those who had entered their midst. A few of the onlookers rubbed their eyes in disbelief. There were murmurs and whispers throughout the village, and more people ventured a glance at the strangers.
Sir Devaro smirked, sensing the fear all around him.
One of the dark knights turned and scowled at a human who had ventured too close.
The man stumbled backwards.
Michael, the captain of the guard, retained his composure. He thought, "These dark elves are trouble. We have to get them out of this village... before it is too late."
In response to the knocking, Mayor Reilly opened his door. "Yes, what is..." The mayor stared dumbfounded at the looming figures now standing outside his home. "Michael?"
The captain of the garrison saluted. "Mayor Reilly of Lanor..." Michael paused, struggling to remain calm. "Sir, these dark elves have come under a flag of truce. They request to..."
The dark knight Sir Devaro stepped forward. "I shall make my own request, human." He turned and gazed down at the mayor. "My name is Sir Devaro, a knight of the Queen. There is a murderer in your midst. We have come for him."
Mayor Reilly eyed Michael closely. "Who are these people? Why did you bring them here? What is this all about?"
The captain of guard sighed heavily. "We are sorry to trouble you, sir. However, these dark elves have passed the border under a flag of truce... in order to arrest the high elf."
Mayor Reilly swallowed hard.
Sir Devaro stared down at him. "He is a murderer of our people. For the sake of order, you shall give him to us.”
The mayor held up his hands. "Hold on a moment. Now, I haven't met this high elf. I do know that he was near death when he was brought into our village a few days ago. But now, you are accusing him of being a murderer? I will need some proof, before I can release him to you."
The dark knight leaned down. "I saw what he did with the very same eyes that now behold you, human. My witness is all the proof you need."
Mayor Reilly shook with fright. "Re-re-regardless, I can-no-no-not give
him to you on your word alone."
Devaro curled his lip. "Are you accusing me of lying?" He gripped the hilt of his sword.
Michael's eyes went wide, and the rest of the guards reached for their weapons.
The mayor fell to his knees. "Please, sir! Please, I accused you of no such thing. But you must understand, in our land, someone is innocent until they are proven guilty. We haven't even heard what the high elf has to say about this matter."
The dark knight smirked. "Call him forth. Let us hear the wretch attempt to defend his deeds."
Mayor Reilly stood up shakily. "He is still being treated for his wounds. I will have to speak with his doctor, first. If you take him now, he might not survive the trip."
Sir Devaro chuckled. "I would much rather bring him back alive. There are those who would wish to bear witness to his death."
The mayor's face went white. "The doctor. I must speak with the doctor."
Sir Devaro smiled. "Perhaps, I should speak with this 'doctor.' I might convince them to make the right decision."
Mayor Reilly stammered "No... No, please. She is not a part of this. She merely..."
The dark knight grinned. "She? Is this 'doctor' a woman?"
Mayor Reilly's blood ran cold. Had he just betrayed Flora to the dark elf? "I can't allow her to be put in harm's way."
Sir Devaro glanced at the other knights, and then held his arms out to the side. "We have not come seeking a woman. We merely seek the slayer of our people. She shall not be harmed."
The mayor stared fearfully at Michael. "How can we be sure of that?"
Sir Devaro responded, "You shall watch our conversing. My knights will observe you."
Michael spoke, "How do we know that we can trust you?"
"This is not a matter of trust, human. You and your men surround us, now. Your distrust of me mirrors my distrust of you. But you have your men. Place them nearby. My knights will be close by, as well. My words are for the woman doctor. If I do aught against her, then you have the right to slay me. However, if I harm her not, and you still threaten me..." He stared down at the men. "Then, my knights shall come to my aid. This is the arrangement that I make with you. Is it acceptable?"