by Donald White
Michael stared at the mayor.
The mayor eyed the captain of the guard. Finally, Mayor Reilly spoke. "I will contact the doctor. And see if she will speak with you."
Sir Devaro nodded. "I shall await her response." With that, he and his knights receded into the darkness, with the human guards following them.
***
Later, Flora heard a loud knocking on the front door.
Ayla called out "I'll get it."
The doctor went back to her sewing, muttering to herself. "Do you have to be so loud? Galen is trying to rest."
"Uh, doctor? It's Hank. He says he needs to talk to you."
Flora sighed, set aside her needlework, and proceeded down the hall.
There were four men standing outside. All of them were members of the town guard. The one named Hank nodded when he saw her. "Good evening, doctor."
"Hello, Hank." She peered out at the men. "What can I do for you?"
The town guards looked at her, and then at Hank.
He gave a nervous smile. "We need you to come with us, doctor."
She looked at him, confused. "If this is about the elf, then you are wasting your time. Mayor Reilly left him in my care. And he will remain in my care, until the mayor himself tells me otherwise."
Hank shook his head. "Mayor Reilly sent us, doctor… but not for the elf, this time. We have come for you."
Flora stepped back. "Why?"
Hank held up his hands. "Calm down, now. This isn't an arrest. The mayor sent us to get you... because there is someone that wants to speak with you."
Flora held a hand against her chest. "Don't scare me like that, Hank. Of course I will speak to them. But why didn't you bring them here?"
Hank grew silent.
One of the other guards nudged him. "Tell her. She has to know."
Hank scowled at him. Then, he took a deep breath and turned to Flora. "Dark elves have come seeking your patient, doctor."
Flora clasped her hands tightly, trembling slightly. "Dark elves?"
The man nodded slowly. "They've come under a flag of truce. They want to speak to you."
She asked softly, "Why are they here?"
Hank looked over her shoulder and down the hall. "I told you, they've come for your patient. Now, the mayor is not going to force you to talk to them. But things are going to get a lot more difficult if you don't."
"Difficult?"
The man looked directly at her. "These creatures mean business, or they never would have crossed the border. I don't know exactly what they're up to, but I know it isn't good. But hey, don't worry. We'll be right there with you. If those dark elves make a move..."
Flora glanced back into the house.
Hank said, "Don't worry about him. I brought a couple more guards, just to be on the safe side."
She nodded and turned to her assistant. "Ayla, you and Cindy should go home for the evening."
"But doctor..."
Flora gave her a withering look. "Please. It will be for the best."
Ayla pouted, "What about the patient? If we leave, there will be no one here to take care of him."
The doctor thought for a moment. "He will be fine. But I really think you girls..."
Ayla grabbed her by the arm. "Doctor, the guards are here to protect us. Me and Cindy should stay to watch the patient."
Flora looked into those wide, pleading eyes. She bowed her head. "Fine. Stay with him. But I want you to do exactly what the guards tell you."
The assistant nodded. "I will do my best, doctor."
Flora smiled, placing a hand on the girl's head. "I know you will." The woman grew silent, staring back down the hall. She thought, "If I don't go, there will be trouble. But I have no idea what I am dealing with." She wrapped an arm around her small assistant and kissed her on the forehead. "Take care of the patient until I return."
Ayla nodded.
Flora released her and stepped out into the night.
***
Outside, the trio of Dark Hunters watched from concealment, as the woman was led away, escorted by two men. One of the Rangers looked at Sharu, speaking softly. "The woman doctor is leaving. Could this be part of the knight's plan?"
The lead Hunter thought for a moment. "She is accompanied by men. And two more have been left to stand watch. It does indeed seem that Sir Devaro has caused this."
The third Ranger asked, "What should we do?"
Sharu glanced at each of his fellows. "The murderer is within those walls. And he is well guarded. We must continue to watch, lest he move when we are unawares." He turned to see the guards standing in their places. Then, he observed each window. "If he attempts to escape, we will halt him."
The other two Hunters nodded, and they each turned their attention to the house, watching for any sign of the enemy.
***
The high elf opened his slanted eyes. Galen glanced out the window. Darkness has fallen on the land of men. He stood up, letting out a groan of pain, and peered out into the night.
The door opened, and the dark-haired assistant poked her head into the room. "Galen, are you all-right?"
He turned and stared at her. "Cindy. Yes. All is well."
The girl went to leave.
Galen asked, "Where is Flora?"
Cindy did not look at him. "She went out. She'll be back soon."
The elf cocked an eyebrow. "Did she not tell you where she was going?"
Cindy shrugged. "Ayla said she left a little while ago. I was in the other room, so I don't know when she left."
"Cindy." Galen stared down at her.
She avoided his gaze. "Well, I have work to do. So if you don't need anything..."
He spoke in a deeper, more serious tone. "Speak, girl. Tell me what has transpired."
The assistant trembled, and answered, "Ayla said the town guards came for Doctor Flora. They mentioned something about dark elves..."
Galen stepped forward, "The servants of the False Queen?"
Cindy recoiled. "Ayla just said that a few had passed the border under a flag of truce. One of them asked to talk to the doctor."
The high elf grew somber. "They have come for me."
Cindy grew nervous. "The town guards were with Doctor Flora. She should be fine, right?"
Galen glanced out the window. "The False Queen's elves have no interest in her. I am the one they seek."
The girl spoke softly. "What can we do? If you leave, would you be able to escape?"
"Perhaps. But that is not my concern. Flora is in grave danger."
"But you said they weren't after her."
Galen grew close. "I am indeed their intended prey. But they will attempt to use her, to get to me."
"Then, maybe we should get you out of here."
He held up a hand. "It is not her flesh that is endangered, but that which resides within."
The girl's eyes went wide.
Galen placed a hand on her shoulder. "Peace child, I will go to her."
"But Galen, you haven't recovered fully..."
He gently placed his fingers over her lips. "The heart of woman is precious, but it is fragile. In the hands of the enemy, it would be a mere plaything. Only a dark knight would risk entering the kingdom of men seeking me. The knights of the False Queen beguile women with their speech, all the while seeking to ensnare their hearts." He pointed at his chest. "This wound will heal. But if Flora's tender heart is turned against her, she will know a pain that will never leave." He slowly removed his hand from the girl's mouth. Then, he started to put on his armor.
Cindy just stood there. "Doctor Flora took Ayla and me as her assistants. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to help people. And working with the doctor, I have been able to do just that." Tears welled up in the girl's eyes. "And now, she is in trouble, and I can't help her."
Galen turned to her. "You can assist me. And I will assist her."
The girl looked at him, confused.
He glanced out the window
, thinking, "No dark knight could have found me here. Only the False Queen's Rangers could have done such a thing. And I do believe they watch us now." He turned back to the girl. "The village guards watch over us still. They might interfere with my departure. Fetch little Ayla. Tell her what I have told you. Bring her here, and I shall instruct you as to what can be done."
Cindy nodded and left to find the other assistant.
Galen winced, tightening the straps on his armor.
***
Flora shivered, as she approached the tall, dark, alien creatures. She no longer felt safe, though armed men surrounded her. When she first saw the high elf, she had been afraid. However, the closer she got to the dark elves, she became terrified. Their skin was darker than that of the high elf, and their hair was black. Their eyes were green, like Galen's, but without his kindness. Theirs was an icy stare, threatening to overwhelm her. But one thing scared her more than anything else. They are... beautiful.
Hank the town guard looked at her. "Don't worry, doctor. We won't be far away. Just say the word, and we'll deal with them."
She clasped her hands together tightly. "Thank you, Hank." Flora saw the men of the local garrison standing between her and the dark elves. She took a deep breath.
One of the elves smiled at her, beckoning her to approach.
Something deep inside, forced her forward, until she stood just across from the towering creature.
The dark elf outstretched his arms... and bowed. "Peace, fair woman. I am Sir Devaro, a knight of the Queen."
The town guards eyed the dark elves nervously.
Men of the local garrison did the same, ready to act should the dark elves make a move.
Sir Devaro gave a grin, and then turned to his fellow knights, gesturing for them to withdraw a short distance. He glanced down at the humans, and nodded. "I have been true to my word, guardians of men. Be true to yours."
The captain of the garrison, Michael, stepped between Flora and the dark elf. "We will allow you to speak with her. But if you threaten her in the least..."
Sir Devaro held up a hand. "Peace, she shall not be harmed."
The captain motioned to his men, and they took their places. Some held bows and focused their gazes on Sir Devaro. And some watched the other three dark knights, lest they do aught to interfere with the proceedings. Michael turned, and motioned to the town guards.
Hank whispered into Flora's ear. "You are not alone, doctor. Remember that." Then, he gestured for his men to fall back. He patted the doctor on the shoulder, and then withdrew to join the guards.
Finally, the captain of the garrison stared up into the dark knight's eyes. "Your sword will defend you against us." He pointed at the archers. "But it will not save you from them. Bear that in mind."
Sir Devaro grinned at him, amused. Then, he nonchalantly waved him away. The dark knight gazed down at the terrified woman. Her soft, round features combined with her large, heaving bosom made her quite attractive. He thought, She now stands alone, helpless before me. He bowed once more. "Peace to you. I am Sir Devaro." He looked directly into her eyes. "Now, tell me your name."
"Flora," she blurted before she could stop herself. She thought, His voice is rich and resonant, like Galen's. But it is even more compelling. Can I refuse him?
The dark knight gave a satisfied smile. "Woman, are you the doctor who tended to the high elf's wounds?"
"Yes. My... patient is still weak. I do not believe he would survive the trip back..."
Sir Devaro grinned, showing his teeth. "It is not merely for my sake that I have come to your land. It is also for you," he gestured at those all around, "and for your people. You know not what has come into your midst."
Flora gave him a questioning look. What did he mean? Over the past few days she had come to know Galen...
The dark knight frowned. "The elf now in your care, is a murderer."
Flora swallowed hard. She clasped her hands even tighter.
Chapter 6: "Something More"
Meanwhile, Sharu and the other Dark Hunters observed the pixie-slayer’s place of refuge. The light in his room had gone out, and all had grown quiet. Sharu noticed the four guards standing dutifully, carefully watching everything around them. Inside, he chuckled. They believe their eyes to be keen, but see very little. They are like the wary prey, knowing not that the predator is already nigh.
The front door of the house opened, and out stepped the two girls who attended the wounded elf. The Hunters watched them carefully, curious as to their purpose. They stood, conversing with the guards. The smaller one, with the golden hair, was chattering away. While the dark-haired assistant stood nearby, nodding her head. The men seemed to be somewhat annoyed by their interruption. Sharu wondered within, It is not their custom to distract the men from their duties... He turned to his fellows and gestured for them to watch the back entrance.
One of the Rangers saw movement near the house, and then aimed.
Galen stumbled away into the night, thinking, The Hunter's arrow just missed me. I must hasten my departure.
Ayla squeaked, hearing a slight noise on the other side of the house. "What was that?"
Two of the guards ran to investigate.
Cindy opened the door and dragged the other girl back inside.
The Dark Rangers moved quickly through the grass, in pursuit of their quarry. They heard men shouting behind them. Sharu became irritated. He has gone, and we know not where. Had not our attention been diverted, the pixie-slayer would have surely perished. The Dark Hunter could still hear the shuffling in the grass somewhere ahead of them. He cannot evade us entirely.
***
Elsewhere, Flora stood in shock, wondering at the dark elf's words. "What do you mean?"
The dark knight replied firmly, "My meaning is clear. But ignorance has clouded your judgment. Take heed to my words. For you know them to be true."
Flora became indignant. "I know no such thing! How can I trust the enemy of my patient?"
Sir Devaro bowed his head. "You are fond of him. It is understandable. I, too, was once his friend."
She stared aghast. "His friend? How can you claim to be his friend, when you obviously want his blood?"
The dark elf did not raise his head. "Galen and I were indeed companions. We ate together and sang together. We eyed the lovely nymphs. Those were happy occasions." He raised his head just enough to see her. "But something transpired, from which my heart will never recover." He paused. "I beheld little Felicie, cowering before him." Sir Devaro scowled, "And the bodies of three little nymphets, lying all around."
Flora's eyes went wide, and she covered her mouth with one hand. "Galen? Galen did..."
The dark knight's eyes were pleading. "I did not want to believe it. But I could not deny what my eyes had seen. Felicie was screaming and begging, down on her knees as if she were a commoner. I stared at the little forms, lying unmoving on the floor. Such pretty, little ones." At that, tears began to stream down his cheeks.
Flora stood there, not knowing what to do. This looming creature, was now weeping before her. She stared dumbfounded, feeling the compulsion to rush to his side and comfort him. But she managed to stand her ground.
He stared at her longingly, wiping his eyes. Devaro stood up straight, biting his lower lip. "I lost a friend… my closest one. How could he do that, Flora?"
Her mouth was dry. She struggled to speak. "Oh Devaro, I didn't know. But, are you sure he killed them? Maybe... maybe it just looked that way."
The dark knight nodded slowly. "I could not discern that. When I saw him threatening Felicie, I reacted in her defense. Galen left swiftly, speaking not a word to me. Nor has he ever attempted to explain his actions." Devaro stepped forward, bowing his head. "I do not expect you to trust me. I know how your people view mine. It is a terrible thing to be misunderstood. But consider this. If I pursued Galen out of hatred, or even madness, would I have endangered myself and those of my blood by venturing forth from my own land?" He loo
ked at the men standing all around. "I am completely at their mercy." He pointed at the archers. "They could kill me in an instant. And very little stays their hand, even now." He knelt down, and looked up into the woman's reddening eyes. "Would I risk myself, and those with me, if I did not believe in the righteousness of my quest? I ask you woman. No. I beg you, to release the murderer. Worry not; he will not be needlessly harmed. For I remain his friend, though he has forsaken me. I merely expect that he stand trial for his crimes against my people." Sir Devaro stood. "I await your response." He bowed low, and then backed away.
Flora stood trembling. Inside she was pleading, Is it true? Is Galen really a murderer? Have I done all I could to preserve someone who should have died? What have I done? I thought I was coming to know him. Has he been deceiving me all this time? He said he only killed people when he had to. Was that a lie? She stood there for several moments, pondering these things. But she could feel something slowly entering her heart... doubt.
A rich, resonant voice called out, "Devaro!"
The dark knight turned, watching as the wounded elf approached. "Galen." He eyed the breach in the other's armor. "My heart is gladdened to see that you survived."
The men standing all around stared in shock, seeing the elf that had been among them for the first time.
Galen drew his sword. "This matter is between the two of us. Let these villagers depart, that we may end it."
The dark knight stared at him. "You wish to fight me, Galen?"
Flora gazed sadly up at the high elf.
He nodded in realization. "What words have you poisoned her with, Devaro?"
"Merely the truth, Galen. I told her all that you withheld, though it sorely pained me to do so."
Galen stared down at Flora. "Woman, the doubt in your eyes is evident. I fear he has indeed poisoned you against me."
She trembled and wept. "He said... he said... you were a murderer, Galen. Is it true?"