Raddington: "I’ve been thinking that something's not right here.” He said, as his voice trailed off.
And if not for Theo anxiously waiting for him to continue, he would’ve stopped talking on the matter altogether.
Raddington: “The last three battles we’ve had against Aelaa were too easy. Simply put, they're not hitting us with their main force. I've already sent out scouts in every direction, and I’ve heard no word of any large army nearby… Nevertheless, I fear these are but feint attacks, meant to keep us distracted somehow. I must be missing something!" He said while looking forward again, holding his chin contemplatively, as he wrestled with his thoughts.
Having a notably more positive outlook on the situation, Theo responded reassuringly.
Theo: "You're probably just overthinking it. It’s hard to imagine the Aelaans accepting so many defeats willingly." His comment didn’t seem to help dissuade Raddington's worry in the slightest while they made their way to camp.
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When the two arrived back at their camp, they noticed there guests. Two elves waited impatiently under a hastily constructed tent, along with a pair of strange and enlarged deer like creatures with saddles atop of them. A little ways off, just behind the two elves were their personal guard. Nearly a hundred elves in total, just like the soldier had previously said. It didn’t require much thought on the matter, to know that the two guests who’d arrived were of some special significance to require so many defenders.
One of the two elves was a woman, wearing a long and delicate looking white dress. She also had strange golden jewelry that touched her skin and face. The unusual jewelry had its fair share of similarities to that of intricate tattoo designs, exemplifying a graceful appearance, as it covered her skin.
The second elf was a man that stood at the ready alongside his female counterpart. And although it seemed at first that he might also be a bodyguard to the she-elf, his armor seemed far too detailed in unnecessary decorations. Besides his attire, he also seemed to be carrying an air of superiority, which one would imagine would be far above the station belonging to that of any guard.
After seeing the elves, Theo was genuinely surprised to see the stories he had heard were apparently true. As he’d been told, he noticed the elves were both very attractive in their own right, but their magic capabilities, and their display of superiority above the other races, were yet to be seen.
Raddington approached his guests with Theo shortly behind. The general dismounted before properly saying his greeting to the elves.
Raddington: "When I heard an elven emissary had arrived, I certainly didn't expect someone as illustrious as you, Almahiel. What business does an elven princess have here, I wonder?" The rough man said in an overly welcoming tone, which didn’t suit him.
The general’s rather radical change in demeanor just made Theo all the more curious of their guests. And once Raddington offered his greeting, with an inpatient look, the she-elf responded.
Almahiel: "Do you normally keep your guests waiting this long?"
Raddington looked away from Almahiel to pat his horse, but Theo could see he was really just trying to conceal his annoyance. He was almost relieved to see that the hardened man was only putting on an act. Getting over his quick frustration, the general turned back to his guests.
Raddington: "I’m sorry to have kept your highness waiting."
But lacking any sense of proper etiquette himself, Theo wouldn't have any of that. As he interrupted the conversation to reply to the elf’s obnoxious remark.
Theo: "You know how it is. We were only fighting for our lives in a battle against Aelaan forces. I’m sure if we knew you were coming, we would’ve tried harder to win the battle a little bit faster, so as not to keep you waiting. My sincerest apologies!" He said jokingly, with a slightly grandiose yet taunting bow.
It was a hefty dose of sarcasm that the elves instantly took offense to. Particularly, the elf in armor, glared daggers at Theo.
Appalled, Raddington looked directly back at Theo, giving the young man the kind of look as if he wanted to punch him. But at the same time, he appeared slightly conflicted, since he was also in full agreement, even if his subordinate had spoken out of turn. The general then turned his attention back to a very unamused Almahiel, and spoke with a forced smile.
Raddington: "I almost forgot! I hadn't yet introduced our champion here. Theo's been with us for nearly a month now. Impertinent though he may be, never have I seen a greater fighter in my life. But he still has much to learn about manners." It was a rather obvious hint to Theo, who reluctantly raised his hand in acknowledgment that he'll behave himself.
Even though Raddington got Theo to settle down, Almahiel still gave them an irritated expression. And with an unashamed condescension in her tone, she spoke down to the two.
Almahiel: "For hundreds of years, I've been watching over you humans. I’ve seen it for myself, for one reason or another you're kind will always have an excuse to be in a perpetual war. Conflict is in your very nature." She finished saying with a distinct sadness in her voice, as it seemed she spoke from experience.
Quickly regaining her dignified composure, the elf continued speaking with authority.
Almahiel: "But I digress. The Aelaans advance hasn’t gone unnoticed by those in the elven realm. I have been tasked by my king to analyze the war, but do not get your hopes up. My father has made it very clear to me, he has no intention of being dragged into yet another one of your wars." Confused at her claim, and now clearly upset, Raddington dropped his façade outright as he started asking her demandingly.
Raddington: "Well, what is it then?! What are you even trying to achieve here? Why even bother coming at all?!"
Theo was genuinely surprised when he looked at the general. By the tone of Raddington’s voice, it obviously didn't take long before he forgot his so called precious decorum he’d just spoken of.
And the disgruntled general’s complaints immediately bothered Almahiel, but particularly her companion, who started walking forward.
Confronting the human general, the armored elf said, "How dare you speak to her highness as such! It’d be bad enough for someone in the kingdom to show such disrespect, let alone a human!" But Almahiel reached her hand out to impede the other elf from walking further, as she said.
Almahiel: “Calm yourself, Aidelin. Nothing good can come from us showing one another such lack of regard…” Her words helped Aidelin remember his place, as he diligently became stone faced, saying nothing.
Even though she stressed her companion restrain himself, Almahiel needed just a small moment before continuing to speak. And trying to remain dignified, she asked of the general.
Almahiel: "Auric, did you forget with whom you speak?”
It seemed at first to be just another arrogant comment from the elf, but as Theo observed the two, he noticed it seemed rather personal. There was some history between them, but he didn’t have time to dwell much on it, as she continued speaking.
Almahiel: “My father, and my people may have grown weary of your people’s plight over the ages, but that does not mean that their opinion is shared by all of my kind.-" And with a little bit of smugness, she sincerely said, "-That is why I'm here. I've seen you humans repeat the same mistakes over the centuries. And against my better judgment, I still find it within myself to care what befalls your kind. For all the bad, there is some good. And for all the mistakes you humans make, there are still those who seek to make things right.” And with her personal reasons aside, she continued speaking with conviction.
Almahiel: “That is why I intend on making an account of the atrocities of this war. All of which is depending on what Aelaa may, and will likely do. If I can provide enough evidence of their barbarity, I believe my father may yet see fit to intervene, as he's done before.”
After a somewhat drawn out pause, it seemed that Almahiel was done speaking, but something seemed to weigh on her mind greatly, as she th
en said with a hint of fear.
Almahiel: “However, the Aelaans are not all that concern me… For some time now, I along with others of my kind, gifted with the ability to see what lies hidden, have felt something greater at work here. As if there’s a lingering evil working its way in the shadows, that’s been using this war as a means to an end." And without another word, Almahiel started to head directly for an elven tent, leaving the others to ponder her last words.
As she was walking away, Theo seemed all the more unnerved that someone else would confirm his suspicions. With so much to worry about concerning the war alone, it seemed rather daunting to consider another greater, and unnatural threat was present. And noticing Theo’s slightly detectable shaken state, the other elf spoke.
Aidelin: “So you know of what my lady speaks?-“ He said before pausing slightly, awaiting a response that Theo didn’t immediately return before saying further, “-Does even the mention of it send you quivering like a child? Is this really the courage I should come to expect from a champion of your alliance?” And shaking off any outward fear he showed, Theo smiled when he answered.
Theo: “Do I look worried to you?” He said sincerely, in high hopes, but the elf eyed him down for only a second before responding.
Aidelin: “Yes…” He said sternly before also taking his leave.
Smiling, Theo thought it was slightly funny how the elf acted, but he couldn’t help but shake his head in disappointment. And when out of hearing distance with the elf, he spoke with the general.
Theo: "Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate they’re here to help, but I would’ve never thought elves were so full of themselves. They really do match the stories I heard when I was younger."
Raddington: "Kid, you have no idea! In all my years, I've always thought that Almahiel was one of the more reasonable elves I’ve met." It was a particular shocking comment, as Theo nearly gasped in disbelief before replying.
Theo: "Wow... Sounds like they’re really fun people." The general just shrugged.
Raddington: "As long as she's here to help, I don't really care one way or the other how she acts. And you may have already noticed, but the other elf that was with her wasn’t just some ordinary bodyguard. He’s one of the commanders of the elven army. Light knows how she managed to convince him to tag along. But while they’re with us, I need you to play nice! I don’t want anything hindering our potential chance at receiving aid from the elven realm!" Theo let out a small sigh, he certainly wasn’t thrilled with the idea of making nice to such pompous people.
CHAPTER 39 – THE FINAL TRIAL
Far away to the northwest of Theo, and back in the Order’s courtyard, Obi was beginning his preparations to leave. He was particularly annoyed while he was loading up his cart. Noticing his frustration, Cherise started walking up to him before asking in a slight concern.
Cherise: "Something the matter, uncle?" And just noticing her, he looked back with a faintly disgruntled expression.
Obi: "Still going on with the uncle thing, huh?” He said before rubbing his head contemplatively, as if weighing his option.
And making up his mind, he spoke to her in an upset tone.
Obi: "I don't know what’s gotten into the old man's head, but he told me almost a month in advance I'd be gathering the supplies for the coming month again… I’ll have you know, this task isn’t mine alone. We’d normally split this duty between me, and a few others here in the Order. I wasn’t scheduled to do another supply run for three whole months! Really, for being all about tradition, and keeping everything orderly, I'm honestly surprised Keller would make it my duty two times in a row." He said before adding in a few choice words, Cherise didn’t need to hear.
Wasn’t that around the same time when Theo left?... I wonder if Keller is disciplining Obi for that.
She grimaced at the thought.
Those two bring uncle so much trouble. I’ll have to help make it up to him someday.
While looking at the ground, Obi then started shaking his head in confusion before looking back up to Cherise.
Obi: "I don't like being the bearer of bad news, but I probably should’ve told you earlier this morning. Just last night, Keller told me that you'd be accompanying me on this supply run. We’d normally have three months’ notice! But it didn’t matter what I said, the old fart was surprisingly adamant about his decision. Geez, I have no idea what's gotten into him!" With how sudden the news was, anyone would be surprised, and Cherise was no exception.
Well, it looks like I’ll be getting a head start on making up for the trouble the others have caused Obi! I wouldn’t have minded a little bit longer of a warning, though.
Another matter came to her mind, which she felt the need to clarify.
Cherise: "Isn't it normally a week's journey round trip to Merchant’s Pass and back? I haven't had time to prepare." He shrugged before giving a grumbled response.
Obi: "That's right. I seriously have no idea what he was thinking." He said while partially grunting, and forcefully strapping down boxes.
She was about to leave to make her own preparation, but she wanted to address one final thing.
Cherise: "Before we go, I have to tell Ira I'm leaving."
It was a short lived search. When Cherise turned around, she saw Ira was actually walking right towards her, smiling, as he waved to her.
In an attempt to smooth things over, Ira had gone back to wearing the Order's attire properly. And having a long way to go to make things right, among fixing other shortcomings, Ira was earnestly trying his best to keep the peace with the others in the Order. At bare minimum, it required avoiding Nolan like the plague.
Just like Obi was, Cherise couldn't help but be upset herself at her recent task. And as Ira was approaching, she spoke aloud.
Cherise: "Oh Ira, I was just about to go looking for you. I wanted to tell you what I just heard.” And seeing she had his full attention, she continued.
Cherise: “Keller told Obi that both of us have been tasked to go gather the supplies for the Order. I’m sorry to tell you this so suddenly, but I also just found out myself." She was certainly not surprised that the news bothered Ira, as he asked her for confirmation.
Ira: "Wait, are you sure? I would’ve never taken the old man to do something so sporadic." Cherise only answered him with a disappointed expression, and a reaffirming sound.
After seeing how much it bothered her, Ira tried to hide his own frustration and disappointment at the news. Trying to lift her spirits, he spoke with a reassuring smile.
Ira: "It’s going to be boring here without you, but I'm sure it won't feel that long. You’ll be back in no time." And seeing how little his reassurance did, to make Cherise feel better, he continued to say with a heartfelt smile.
Ira: "How’s this?... When you come back, I'll have a surprise for you. So you’ll have something to look forward to while you’re gone." That seemed to do the trick, as her expression lit up.
Cherise: "Really?! What is it?! How long have you been planning something like this?" She said with an anxious smile, hardly being able to control her excitement.
His first thing he thinks about after hearing the news, is to do something for me! Behind that tough attitude he puts on, he can be so thoughtful.
Seeing how giddy she was, Ira couldn’t help but laugh before saying teasingly back.
Ira: "If I told you all that, it wouldn't be much of a surprise." He said playfully.
And even though he avoided her questions, Cherise was too happy to really care. However, during their conversation, she noticed around ten men of the Order behind Ira. For one reason or another, they were purposefully walking straight towards them.
Oh no… What exactly are they planning on doing?
With a hint of fear, Cherise anxiously looked on at the men with curiosity. Her continued stare convinced Ira also to turn his attention to his back. But as Ira looked, he couldn’t hope to find what exactly had unnerved her so much. But without her gift,
he never really had a chance.
Among the ten men was Oland, whose hand was never quite the same since the incident. But Oland being among them was the least of her worries, as she gazed on.
Cherise saw it all too clearly, all ten of the men were accompanied by the dark fiends, lingering at their backs. The hatred, and malice she’d always associated with their presence, was more than enough reason for her to be on edge. The ten only stopped walking forward when they were close by, with the eldest among them still approaching closer to speak to Ira.
The Elder: "Iranagi Ishida, Keller has finally decided to continue with your trials. Today we’ll begin your final test. And if you should succeed, you will have officially joined our ranks." Initially worried of their presence, Ira’s tension was relieved after the man explained himself.
Ira: “Really? What does the old-“ And quickly correcting himself, “-I mean Keller, have in mind?" He said, pleasantly surprised.
The Elder: "Because we had just recently heard reports of a dragon’s attack, Keller has decided today with be a good fit to start your trials. Word is that the winged serpent has been eating the livestock of a small village, just three days northeast of here. We’re going to kill it.” And seeing Ira’s anxious, yet curious expression back, the man further explained.
The Elder: “Now normally, we in the Order wouldn't meddle with outside affairs, but Keller's decided to make an exception this once. The monsters hunting grounds are simply far too close to our temples grounds to go ignored. And from what he told me, the timing of the reported dragon attacks seemed to fit well with when he was deciding you'd begin your next trials. That’s why he came to this decision."
Ira's interest was clearly piqued, as he grinned with excitement at the prospect of defeating such a grand beast.
In all our years here, we haven’t heard of any dragon attacks, and it happens now of all times? They must be up to something…
Eavesdropping on their chat, Obi heard everything said. And jumping into the conversation, he loudly asked them.
The Shadow of Death Page 28