by Nicole Sloan
Chapter Eleven
It’s a quiet trip back through the Deeproot Forest, as we’re all moving as fast as we can. I know the King and Queen are going to be distressed once they hear the news about Narissa.
When we do finally get back, after what seems like twice the trip from the day before, Laderic and Calina go to break the news to their parents. I stay down with Drakoe, Alex, and Jenn. We start to gather of all the Wood Elves together so we can break the news to them.
Once we get a sizable audience, we wait for the King and Queen to join us. I see the distressed look on Nytril’s face as he walks down the stairs. Korla’s in tears. Once everyone’s together, we begin our meeting.
“As of now, if you have not heard the terrible news, our very own Narissa has been kidnapped to become a slave for the Dark Elves. This breaks my heart and from what I have put together, a plan of attack has been formed. It requires that all of our allies here join arms and go against the Dark Elves. We need every able body that we can get. Zac here,” Nytril gestures in my direction, “is Yazen’s unicorn-bound; he has been chosen to lead us in victory and is a sign of hope for us. Thus I ask that you trust him, as he has proven himself a friend of the elven people. Zac, please tell everyone what our plan of action is,” he says while nodding to me.
I get nervous once everyone turns to face me. I’m not good at making speeches, let alone being the center of attention to this big of an audience. I can start to feel a drop of sweat come down my forehead and under normal circumstances I would have buckled. I have to do my best, though, as Narissa’s life hangs in the balance, so I decide to stand up and step beside Nytril so everyone can see me.
“As you have heard, Narissa has been taken captive. The Dark Elves have seen me with the Unicorn and from what I hear that’s bad news for us. Once they know that I’m bound to it, they’re going to want to destroy me and anything in their path. I have Drakoe with the Dwarves as we speak, trying to recruit the Halflings in Turnip Town and the other Dwarves at Great Forge. We’re to try and get the Centaurs and Fauns at Last Hope to help us as well. Once we get everyone together, we have to bring any supplies that can help us to the Great Forge, as that is our staging point. The Dwarves are going to supply us with weapons, armor, and shields and as the plan stands for now we’re going to catch the Dark Elves by surprise when they’re least expecting us. It’ll be to our advantage and will give us the best chance of winning. The Unicorn has told me that it will help the best it can and I will do whatever it takes to help get Narissa back!” I say with my voice becoming somewhat trembling from fervor.
There is complete silence for moments before everyone cheers and agrees. We split ourselves up, half of us going to recruit the others while the rest get the supplies ready for our journey to Great Forge. Alex and Jenn decide that they’re going to help with the supplies. I decide to go with Laderic and the Wood Elves to go and recruit the Centaurs and Fauns.
We travel rather quickly, making it to the East side of the Deeproot Forest and finally to Last Hope on quicker time than I thought possible. The Centaurs and Fauns are at the Last Hope, stationed outside the barricades, just like how it was when I left. When they see our force approaching, we stride out ahead and ask to speak with Kolin and Rowin. One of the guards immediately heads back inside to fetch him and they both appear not much longer after.
“Kolin and Rowin, can we speak to you for a moment? It’s really important,” I ask them.
“Hey, Zac, I didn’t think we would see you again,” Kolin says, smiling faintly at me.
“What have you been up to? What brought you back to our side of the woods?” Rowin asks while taking in the size of our host behind us. He stands nervously and has a frown on his face.
“Narissa has been kidnapped by the Dark Elves and they know that I’m bound to the Unicorn. They saw me with it and raced back to their castle and we’re trying to get everyone together to fight them to get Yazen back. We’re trying to save Narissa and the other slaves they’ve captured and we need as many people as we can get. Will you join us? Everyone is bringing supplies to Great Forge, and the Dwarves are going to supply us with weapons, armor, and shields,” I explain to them.
Kolin and Rowin look at each other with serious reservations. I’m not sure if they’re going to agree to this and I hope the news of me being bound to the Unicorn isn’t too much of a shock to them.
“When did you become bound to the Unicorn? Why didn’t you tell us this before?” Rowin asks.
“It happened the next day after we stayed with you. It came to me when I was in need of protection,” I reply.
“Hrm. Alright Zac, let us discuss this. Stay here while we talk to the others and try to get consensus,” Rowin says with concern and doubt in his voice.
“Do you think they’ll go with us?” I ask Laderic.
“I think they’ll go with us. With you being Yazen’s Unicorn-bound, they can’t deny it and I know in their hearts they want things to go back to how they were in the past; they’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this. I bet they’ll join us,” Laderic says.
We wait for a few more minutes until Rowin and Kolin return. They each have a serious look on their face. I notice everyone is watching us now. It’s nerve-racking.
“Zac, if you believe that an attack on the Dark Elves will work, then yes, we’ll go with you. I fear for all of our lives, but I have an even greater fear of what could happen to us if we reject a call to arms under the Unicorn’s guidance. What do you need us to do?” Rowin asks.
“We’re heading back now to help finish packing and then we’re meeting up at Great Forge. We want to attack them before they attempt to attack us to throw them off balance. Please meet us there as soon as you can. Bring any supplies that you think could be useful in the fight against the Dark Elves,” I tell them.
“You can count on us, Zac. With all of us finally working together and with fate on our side, I’m sure we can find a way to win,” Kolin adds.
As we travel back through the woods, I make a slight alteration in our path and pass by Beldis. She appears to still be crying.
“Beldis, are you alright?” I ask her.
“I’m doing okay but I hear that we may have some trouble from the Dark Elves,” Beldis replies.
“Yes, they took Narissa and we’re going to try and join forces to save her. The Dark Elves saw me with the Unicorn protecting me and now know that I’m bound to it. We’re expecting them to come after me and anyone else that gets in their way,” I explain to her.
“Zac, if what you’re saying is true and you’re bound to the Unicorn, then you are a very special man indeed. You’re stronger than you realize and it’s very important to remember to keep a clear and focused mind; it can help save your life one day. I wish you the best and I wish I could help more but I know that you have to go now. Get Narissa back safely; you’re stronger than you may realize. Good luck, Zac,” she says.
“Thank you, keep yourself safe Beldis,” I tell her.
I wonder what she meant by I’m stronger than I realize and I have to learn to clear my mind. I don’t have time to think about it right now, as we have to get moving. We begin to head back to the Deeproot Forest and rejoin the rest of the Wood Elves. Hopefully they’ll have all of the supplies ready to go.
When we arrive, there are three wagons full of supplies. Two carts are full of fruits and vegetables. The last cart is full of clothes, boots, and other supplies. All of the Wood Elves look ready to go, and the King and Queen are waiting by the stairs. We head over to them to let them know of our success.
“How did it go?” Korla asks. I can tell she is really worried about Narissa and the impending conflict. Her face is red and flustered from worrying.
“We were able to get them to help and we are going to meet them at Great Forge. Do we have all of the supplies we need ready to go?” Laderic asks his mother.
“Good work, boys. Thank you for assistance and getting them to help. I really do hope
Narissa’s okay and that they’re not hurting her. Let’s get going; I want to get her back as soon as possible,” Nytril says.
I head over to the wagon full of fruit to get something to eat because I’m starving. As I’m leaning against the wagon, I hear scratching inside the cart. I can’t tell where it is coming from and I’m looking through some of the food. I suddenly feel a pinch on my arm and look down to notice some very small group of people standing there. It is the gnomes. Curiously small and grouped together, they’re not much taller than a squirrel. There appear to be quite a few of them, but they’re seemingly skittish. One stands out closer to me, by my hand holding onto the cart.
“I overheard you say that Narissa was kidnapped. Is this true?” one of the little gnomes asks me.
“Yes, it’s true. We’re all going to try and save her from the Dark Elves,” I tell him.
“Can we travel with you? We would like to help as well,” he asks.
“Yes, of course,” I tell him as I smile at him, “You can travel on the wagons; we can use all of the help that we can take,” I say.
We all gather the wagons up and head toward Great Forge. Jenn and Alex meet up with me and I tell them the good news. We travel along the base of the Mistpeak Mountains, toward the Dwarven City. Our trip goes rather quickly, as everyone seems determined and we make good time. I see Ovvar, Vondek, Dolgar, and Felldar standing outside waiting for us as we near the entrance to the city. There are two camps set up nearby and I’m relieved to see the Centaurs and Fauns have made it there as well. I also see Halflings spread out with them and it lightens my mood. I’m glad that they came as well.
“You made it! Thank you for bringing supplies; we were able to recruit the rest of the Dwarves and also the Halflings, as you can see,” Ovvar says.
“We were able to convince the rest of the Wood Elves, the Fauns, and the Centaurs to join us as well,” I inform him.
“I’ll have a few of you come in at a time and get the armament that you would like to use for our battle. Zac, Alex, Jenn, Nytril, and your family, you may go in first. Follow me,” Ovvar says while walking into the Mountain Lair.
As we walk into their home, we first walk into a large open room. There are stairwells everywhere going up and down. Their home is absolutely huge; much more spacious and taller than anything I would have imagined.
“How many levels is your home?” I ask him. I’m amazed by the layout of their home.
“It goes up roughly 15 floors and more than 50 floors down. We have many floors dedicated to production and smithing. One whole floor is dedicated to making armor. Another whole floor is just for weapons, and so on. Let’s head to the armory first,” Ovvar says.
We follow him down about three floors. There are hundreds of weapons everywhere with many different weapons to choose from. I have no idea what to pick. I can see bows and arrows, swords, spears, maces, axes, and many more weapons all lined up.
“It’s a real shame our populous isn’t what is used to be. I want you all to pick out any weapons that you would like to use. If you are able to take more than one, please do so. After everybody gets a weapon here we’ll go to the armor room next. We’ll rotate everybody through so everybody gets the proper equipment. Now, let’s pick out our weapons,” Ovvar says.
I walk up and down the aisles and look at all of the weapons that are set up alongside them. I’m overwhelmed on what to choose but I end up picking up a long sword and examining it. It’s made out of steel and it has colored gems on the handle. It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like this before in my life. It is not very heavy and is lighter than I would have thought and it’s pretty easy to swing. I decide to take it with me and continue looking.
I look over at Alex, and he is looking at all of the bows. He has taken a liking to them ever since he has learned how to shoot them properly. Jenn looks petrified and lost so I decide to walk over and help her out.
“So what do you think you’ll use?” I ask her. She looks at me, and I can tell she is not pleased.
“I have never used a weapon before besides the bow and arrow, which I’m not very good at. What do you think I should use?” she asks me.
I look around to see if I can find the best weapon that would be good for Jenn. I pick out a small sword and a small axe, handing them to her. She seems to think it’s a joke, that she would ever use anything like that, but I make sure I show her how to use them and how to hold them. She’s at least smiling now.
“Thank you, Zac, for helping me. I’m really scared and all I really want to do is go back home. But I know if we don’t go fight this battle, we’ll never get the Yazen gem and make it back home. I really miss Brad and I wish he was here with us,” Jenn says.
“I understand, Jenn, I feel the same way. You’re still one of my best friends and I’m really glad you came on this journey with me. If I had to do it all over again, I would still ask you and Alex both to come. I’m sorry that we are stuck in this mess but I promise I’ll get you back home to Brad,” I tell her.
I take a second sweep through the weapons and I decide to get a really good bow with broad-tipped arrows. This bow is heavier than the one the Wood Elves had me practice with. As I’m looking over my bow, Alex comes over and shows me the bow that he has chosen. His looks nicer than the one I choose, and it has nice design work on it.
“So are you ready for this? I think we’re going to kick their butts,” Alex asks.
“I think this is going to be a lot harder than we expect, but with as many people as we have I think we have a good chance of driving them back. I really want to find the Yazen gem so I can get you and Jenn back home safely,” I tell him.
Laderic, Drakoe, and Calina all get a bow and some arrows, with small, short swords for their back-up weapons. Nytril and Korla pick out large swords. I see the Dwarves mostly all pick up axes and maces. After we all pick out our weapons, we go down another floor to the armor section.
There are tons of outfits to choose from. There are whole suits of body armor and also different pieces of armor for different parts of your body that you can choose from. Some of the armor looks like chains, some is made out of metal, some is made out of gold, and some is made of silver. The armor is made for all different sizes.
We all start picking up different types of armor and trying them on to see what fits us the best. I find the metal armor that covers my entire body except for my face. It is very comfortable and easy to move around in but it’s heavy. Alex picks out a chain top, chain pants, and a helmet that covers his entire head. Jenn finds a nice gold accented armor outfit that fits her well. All of the Elves and Dwarves get suited up in their armor as well and then we head down another floor to the shields.
Most of us pick out a shield to hold to help protect us during battle. Not everybody decides to take a shield, depending on their weapon choice I suppose. I decide not to take a shield since I will need two hands to swing my sword.
Ovvar takes us down another flight of stairs to a huge cafeteria. We get to eat as much as we want to fill us up for our trip through the Mistpeak Mountains. I try not to fill my plate too high so I don’t get a stomach ache but it’s hard not to with all of the food to choose from.
“How far of a trip is it to get to the castle in the Dreadlands?” I ask Nytril.
“If we leave by tonight we should get there in two days. It’s not too far of a travel through the Mistpeak Mountains. When we go to fight them it will be early and I hope we’ll catch them off guard. Thank you for bringing all of us together to try and help us save my daughter. You’re a true champion, and I can see why the Unicorn has chosen you to fight for Yazen and its people,” Nytril says.
“I feel honored that you trust me to lead you and your family. I’m still very grateful for all of your hospitality and kindness that you’ve shown me,” I tell him.
I notice Alex and Jenn are both chowing down on their food like they have never eaten before. Once we are finished eating we head back outside and
let the others eat their dinner and finish getting their supplies.
“Are you ready for this fight?” Korla asks Drakoe. She seems to be holding up a lot better than she was before.
“Not really, but we’re going to save Narissa. I promise,” Drakoe tells her while holding her hand. I can tell he’s hurting just as bad as Korla.
I see the Halflings with swords, and the Centaurs and Fauns with spears and shields. Everyone looks well prepared.
Out of nowhere the ground begins to shake, and the wind begins to pick up. Is this an earthquake? What is going on? I see Jenn hold on to Alex out of fear.
“So much for the element of surprise. The war has officially started; the Elementals have been called upon. The Dark Elves must have told the Dark Lords that Zac is here. We’ll have to work together now and be careful, as they can attack us at any time,” Nytril yells.
At this time everyone is gathered outside watching as a big storm begins to brew in the sky. A bright light, miles away, is lifting up to the sky barrier and has broken a huge hole in it. One of the Dwarves comes running out from their home yelling, “The lava is rising and starting to flood our home!”
“Laderic, what is an Elemental? I have never heard of it before,” I ask him.
“There are five Elementals that can be called upon by one of the aspects of the dark arts that the dark elven Dark Lords know. There’s an Earth Elemental that can attack us that’s made out of rocks and trees. The Water Elemental is a liquid apparition that can attack us as well. The Air Elemental can cause damage through strong winds, rain, lightning, and tornados. The Fire Elemental will attack through fire and lava. The last Elemental is the Aether Elemental, which comes from space. We are normally protected from the Aether Elemental by the protective barrier that engulfs our planet but as you can see, they seem to have broken our barrier to allow the Aether Elemental to come in. I have heard that the Aether Elemental can attack with comets and asteroids. I have never seen the Elementals myself, but I have read bad stories about them,” Laderic says.