Defiled

by Elskidor Xell

  "It is nothing I haven't considered. I just don't - My brother is odd." Magus rolled his eyes, thinking about Edward and let out a light moan as he considered how he’d go about this. "It would take more than a letter. I would need to travel all the way home and hope he would lend me his ear, and then we would need to come all the way back. This would be a long time. That's a great deal of sailing and a far stretch to assume he would even listen to me. "

  "The longer we wait, the more dangerous this becomes. Do you think you can persuade King Edward?"

  "We are no longer speaking hypothetically, are we? You are asking this of me?" Magus asked, but he knew the answer.

  "I would propose you weigh your worth. What good is one man with but a few dozen volunteer highlanders versus an army of such caliber as northern Murnia? Your brother single-handedly holds in his hand a potent weapon. If you weren't bluffing, then under the Dawnhand dynasty, along with clans of your Pallaecious Highlands, you possess within your grasp 50,000 strong and relief for this Eastern disaster. Now knowing what you do, Magus, how could you not act?"

  "You must think me stupid or selfish. But you are correct. I struggle over this. My fear is I will go all that way and maybe have no influence on his decision. It might even end a brotherhood already standing crooked," Magus said, now upset at the thought of his brother.

  "If you do not, you stand to lose much more than a brother. I would advise you do what you can. Make him understand. If the East falls, I promise you, this nightmare will come to Murnia next. None of us are safe. We stand together, or we stay divided and fall."

  "I'll think about it," Magus said as he grimaced in discontent.

  Chapter Seven

  Head Commander

  Amaud had done his part by reaching out to Magus and giving him a small push in the right direction. After months of observing Elzeenor playing this same game many times, Amaud trusted the power of a persuasive suggestion. Moments after their conversation, escorts came to summon them both for counsel.

  The two men followed through the nearby forest into an ample flourishing bush dripping with berries and covered in tangled vines. This was no ordinary bush. Here the Head Commander made his quarters. He had just finished meeting with many of his captains, and men and women exited as Magus and Amaud arrived. The two took a seat upon the ground in front of Elzeenor. The shelter extended further around them, where cream-colored cloth covered the boundaries in the shape of a rectangle and acted as the four walls. Other than a single lantern hanging from a staff, the space was vacant.

  Sitting cross-legged upon a tree stump near the light was Elzeenor, cloaked and hooded, elevated from the rest. A map lay before him on the grassy floor. His head was bent, and his face shadowed by the generous olive hood shrouding him from Magus, Amaud, and two others who waited patiently.

  The additional attendees sat in a pair to the right of the hooded figure. These two elves, also dressed in green cloaks, presented their pointing ears, and defined flawless features. One was a male with braided golden hair draping down his back. The female also had the same golden braided hair, and both had glowing magnificent emerald eyes. The pair were identical twins and sat with knees bent up, hugging their legs, eyes locked on the spokesman. All four watched the hooded one and listened intently to their instructor.

  "I understand none of you realize what we are doing. A retreat to base is in order, but much more than that too. There's been no time to explain, but I am relying on each of you. What happens next is very important. You all are leaders, and I rarely need to instruct any of you. I respect you for your past deeds, but tonight I give tasks to each of you." Elzeenor rose, his head high as the soft voice faded out. His deep silver-lit eyes stood out from the shadows of his hood. His voice was soft yet bold. Elves, like all races, had their language but followed the common tongue for communication between races. "We must retreat by the Queen’s and Kings’ demand."

  "We do good work here," Magus said, interrupting his commander. "There is no way they can pass us. We move about the land and foil their every chance to advance. Why leave now?" Elzeenor's face was now lit up by the lantern hanging above them. Pure white like snow, his face now glimmered. He was not dark and intimidating when out of the hood's shadow. Instead, his smile was gracious and a warm aura surrounded him. He took Magus's words as a compliment.

  "Still, I am the High Counselor to Queen Haelleenia and Head Commander of the Kaelliakie alliance. I do as ordered, Master Magus. We all answer to someone," Elzeenor explained. "I dare not betray the alliance, but that does not mean we depart without leaving our marks. I've received information that justifies their wish for our retreat from Urnen plains and offers us an advantage." His listeners waited for him to finish when, after a short pause, Elzeenor said a single word. "Albatros."

  From behind the elf counselor, a rustling in the tapestry summoned everyone's attention. "Do not fear; he is an ally," Elzeenor reassured the group as this particular visitor would alarm any in this company. The ground vibrated as the gigantic minotaur, covered in thick gray hide with protruding sharp horns and beady yellow eyes came before them. He towered over them almost the height of a troll, wearing his Lamisdorian armor with his hefty two-edged ax strapped upon his back. Magus had thought himself to be a big man, but he was not half Albatros's size. This group had seen many minotaurs in recent weeks, enemies all.

  "What is this?" Amaud said, as he leaped to his feet on the offensive. This was an enemy as far he was concerned. Still, after Elzeenor's introduction and both hands raised in the universal sign to halt, Amaud stopped in his tracks, but he did not take his seat. Elzeenor hastily explained further.

  "He is not with the Lamisdoria minotaurs who fight against us. He is an old friend and ally," Elzeenor said. Albatros glowered at Amaud and gave a loud, grisly huff as steam rolled from his nostrils.

  "Then bring his purpose here to reason," Amaud said, unsatisfied.

  "I just did. He is a friend and fights with us. Albatros also brings a message of alarm. Three nights from now, the enemy will raid the valley during the night with part of their forces. Three armies are beginning their march, and we will be attacked along the way while Orzo is now the primary target," Elskidor said. Amaud, normally restrained, could not fathom allying with one these beasts.

  "How can you trust a minotaur?" Amaud never took his eyes off Albatros even as he demanded answers from his leader, but Elzeenor’s guest spoke instead.

  "My kind are just as infected as Divoxian men and women. I am not your enemy. After watching this sickness in Lamisdoria grow and seeing my people turn into mindless, twisted beings, I left. Those are not my people. They are but phantoms or some form of evil. Surely you can tell I am not like them," Albatros said. Both his words and his calm rational manner brought Amaud reassurance. Although he looked like a monster, his behavior was unlike the minotaurs he had seen of late. "Trust in me, Amaud," Albatros finished. Amaud may have trusted him, but this monstrous minotaur still consumed him in rage.

  "What causes this sickness that turns people into creatures of such hate and malice?" Magus asked. “What are the designs of these different abnormalities and the collaboration of fiends?"

  "Magus, we don't know for sure. Queen Haelleenia confirmed that the Dark Realm bears responsibility," Elzeenor began. "Hidden by a spell within Tragmont of Murnia, its enchantment broke. When the seal was broken, all Damia's ancient enchantments of wicked intent returned as they once existed. An ancient horror reborn. Perhaps old Divox and Lamisdoria were cursed in those days. Freed for a time yet cursed once more as the spell was broken," Elzeenor finished. His explanation was familiar as Magus had heard the account of Damia and the underworld. Out here in the East, everyone seemed to be more aware than Murnia dwellers. However, even most easterners thought these mere myths, until the last year swayed their opinions.

  "Nobody knows. Only cruel questions remain. Some of us were left untainted. But the masses are gone," Albatros said, his tone saturated in sadness. />
  "It is unclear still what infection took the mortal and the minotaur. There are only theories. These creatures are all different. The pulsling kind is death. I don't find they are infected at all. They are death doing what they do and serving Damia, I imagine. If they had no master, they would still be dangerous, but likely killing their now-allies along with anyone else," Elzeenor said, sharing what he understood. "The dratzel and the troll-kind are unlike the pulslings and serve their master willingly. They possess minds of their own, although they are dim-witted at best. They talk, walk, argue, and do things we do, but in their own fashion. It is who they are, and they serve their creator. The trolls especially are imbeciles." Magus nodded and smiled in agreement, and Elzeenor continued.

  "The dratzel, while of greater intelligence, are still simple-minded and easy to manipulate. If these creatures are foolish enough to continue to chase us and run deliberately into my traps, then I will continue to exploit their foolishness. Now, the drymraith is another oddity. For whatever reason, they seem kindred to the mortal and minotaur as they are bent entirely against their will and appear to be nothing more than mindless slaves. Albatros learned this as he tamed one of them." Elzeenor nodded to the minotaur then resumed speaking. "Using his natural ability and communication with animal folk, he restored the sanity of this creature. Now while I have not figured out how this could be used to our gain as the minotaurs are against us, we must wonder if we might bring back the minotaurs and mortals lost to us. Save them somehow." Elzeenor paused a moment to look over the group.

  "Magus, Amaud, Prugranna, and Prigrinna." Each of them bobbed their heads simultaneously, affirming their attention. "I shall give each of you a task." Elzeenor stepped upon the stump and now stood as tall as Albatros. It was apparent he had a slender build even under his cloak and colorful robes. "You will undergo different missions." Elzeenor hopped from the stump and passed Albatros, then went behind the wall and left the room. Still, within earshot of the group, Elzeenor continued to explain. "We use the elements as our greatest ally. Amaud, your destination is back at Nerrott compound," Elzeenor said, as he returned from the back room carrying a trunk. "Bait and run tactic. Rather simple." He walked in front of Amaud and dropped the chest at his feet then lifted the lid exposing Laelliandir's sinister set of black armor. "This is your gift. You've earned it."

  "This is enemy armor. A magnificent set. From one of their captains?" Amaud asked. He was confused at the gift, but impressed by such a splendid collection of steel. Elzeenor looked to Albatros for an answer.

  "From a captain I captured. An old friend of mine sailed in, and since I was on the border watch, I ended their advance and captured him. He's being sent to Haelleenia to see if she can heal his mind," Albatros explained.

  "Is that possible?" asked Magus.

  "We are uncertain, but as a gesture to Albatros, and as an experiment, we shall try," Elzeenor answered.

  "Who is this Haelleenia, and what makes her so special?" asked Magus. Elzeenor smiled.

  "Enough questions, curious Master Magus," Elzeenor pointed at the armor and continued his explanation. "This suit of steel is a marvel. Similar to elf make, it is incredibly durable yet light. I've no idea what was used to forge such a stunning piece, but it is easy to carry and it conceals and protects every crevice of your body when in its entirety. I suspect it would take an unimaginable amount of force to penetrate it. Perhaps the foes will follow you seeing the suit alone, but if not, it will keep you safe. Amaud, the black knight Ujero,” Elzeenor revealed.

  "Such a gift for one man? What do you expect of me this time, commander?” Amaud said, a slight cheer in his voice.

  "One hundred elves in suits of gold Divoxian metal wait for you at the edge of the south forest. Take your armor and a key to the treasury of Nerrott. Similar to before, you will lure them into a trap. I'm hoping the enemy may follow you by your colors alone. You leave tonight. When you reach outer Old Pass, you'll wait for the first sight of enemies and race for Nerrott. Entice them into the compound and open the treasury. This will do two things. It will lift the gates to our empty hall of funds and slam shut the gates of the entrance. This will trap you with the enemy. Use the key again to gain entry through a secret compartment, and my elves will escort you the rest of the way. Beyond that, you'll cross through a tunnel that will lead to the dam above the city. You'll break the dam and drown the pursuers. If done perfectly, the pursuers will be locked in the compound. The pulslings will survive, but they'll be trapped. The others will die. Don't stop and do not wait. Ride on directly for Orzo." Amaud went over it all in his head, unsure how he was supposed to do this.

  "And if they see through the illusion and pursue? The horses may tire which would give them a chance to catch up?" he asked.

  "They won't. They feel no weakness, and the horse's strength will not wane," Elzeenor said, but paused when Albatros grunted.

  "Elf medicine. Alchemy. They will be poisoned to give increased performance," said Albatros.

  "Poisoned?" asked Magus.

  "Albatros exaggerated. They will be blessed with strength."

  "Until they surpass their limits and collapse and die," Albatros argued. He disapproved experimenting on animals.

  "Caution your words, friend. They can maintain for days. They will retire and receive a well-earned rest in Orzo. We all must do our part, horses too. Perhaps it may be needed to give our soldiers the same treatment one day." Elzeenor said, even though he was unsure of the side effects elf medicine might have on people.

  "That's fine as long as it works." Amaud agreed with Elzeenor. They were in this together, and the horses were already in danger. Elf trickery was no different to him than battling. If anything, it was far safer than riding into combat.

  "You people are inventive," Magus said aloud, his eyes sparkling.

  "As always, my trust lies with you, Head Commander," Amaud said.

  "Speed is needed now. The elves who accompany you have been briefed and are waiting. You'll be escorted when you leave my quarters. Take the trunk with key and metal suit if you have no further questions."

  "None, Head Commander." Amaud smiled as Elzeenor reached out to shake his hand. Amaud gave a firm nod and grabbed the trunk, taking a quick glance at Magus. He wondered what Elzeenor planned for his friend, but as ordered, he waited not. "Blessed fortune to you, Master Magus," he said, before taking his leave.

  "Same to you." Magus was eager to hear what his role would be as he’d assumed he would work with Amaud. Elzeenor turned his eyes upon the cloaked elves and Magus next.

  "Magus Dawnhand. These two captains I held counsel with before you arrived. They know a mixed faction of dratzel, pulsling, troll, and minotaur are moving in to attack us. We are not retreating. Not yet. We wait and let them think they ambushed us, but we will be ready to flee to a location of my choosing. We will allow them to pursue us. You three will join me. When we arrive, I don't want to be looking for you, so stay near the lead. I will explain the plan from there. I need you to gather your supplies and your horses and be ready that night. That is all for now. On that evening, we may go over some other details," Elzeenor concluded.

  The two elves of golden hair wasted no time upon their dismissal. They stood and gave a quick bow to Elzeenor, then vanished from the exit of the tent.

  "What about him?" Magus pointed to Albatros, not so quick to listen and obey.

  "I leave back out tonight with my agenda and know Elzeenor's plans and what to avoid." Pumped with excitement, Magus smiled and shook his head as he jumped to his feet, still wanting to learn more about Elzeenor, Albatros, and the plan.

  "Why me? Is it my fighting ability?" Magus played with his fists, pretending to hit the air. "I only ask because none of the men I came with are alive anymore. They fled or fell in battle or are mixed up in another regiment. I'm only trying to understand." Elzeenor gave him an admiring smile.

  "Because you stay, when you don’t need to is something I respect about you. You have pure inte
ntions. I would not have blamed you if you had left with the others. I've been trying to figure out where to put you. You are also a potential king should anything happen to your brother, and for this, I wish to keep you safe and close. I plan on utilizing your skill soon enough."

  "I'm only here to help. Tell me what you need, and I shall do it." Magus hoped to learn more, especially about his role.

  "I just did. You'll learn the rest when the time is right. Get some rest, Master Magus." Magus nodded and stepped forward to give Elzeenor a bear of a hug. The hug did not last but a couple of seconds before Magus trotted out of Elzeenor's temporary abode to prepare.

  Chapter Eight

  Retreat

  Shortly after sunset, three nights after Elzeenor's counsel, the lookouts spotted a towering shadowy figure roaming through the forest. By his side, shorter pulslings strode with their nasty aromas and weapons. As Albatros had forewarned, the forest filled with foes, short, tall, and monstrous-sized, creeping through the woods toward the camp. Quiet and sneaky, thousands of darkened figures approached with some high in the trees pouncing from branch to branch.