by Dale Britton
Meanwhile, one of the birds had oriented on George. Ollie could see that Ian and Jordan wouldn't be able to get to their friend in time to help him, and Sarah hadn't seen the danger. Johnny was still trying to find his balance. It was up to Ollie. He acted instinctively. It was a little tricky, trying to work magic on a wild horse and under pressure, but a feeling of calm came over him. He spoke his formula, calling forth the power needed to create fire. A ball of flame formed over his hand almost instantly. He sent it along a channel of energy on a collision course with the razor bird.
He scored a direct hit. The bird burst into flame only a few feet beyond the place where George sprawled on the ground. In moments all that was left of the creature was a pile of black ashes and a disgusting odor.
"Yes!" Ian shouted, brandishing his sword.
There were two birds remaining. Johnny finally managed to get a shot off with his bow. It was a horrible shot, wide by a mile, but moments after the arrow left the bow it swerved toward one of the birds and cleanly sliced off all three of its heads.
After that, the final bird lost its taste for the battle. It flew off into the sky and quickly disappeared from view.
"Sarah," Ollie shouted. "Do you think you could catch the other horse?"
In response, there was a blur of motion as Sarah took off down the trail.
Jordan had climbed down from her own horse and was helping George to his feet.
"I'm sorry, guys," George said. "I just couldn't hold on." He picked up his glasses and examined them. By a small miracle, they were still intact. He shoved them back onto his face.
"Not your fault," Ollie said. "That horse of yours is a maniac."
"I hope Sarah can catch him," George said. "He's crazy, but I kind of like him."
While the group waited for Sarah to return, Johnny tended to the poor packhorse. Its back was covered with blood where the razor bird had sliced it with its talons and beaks.
"Is he going to be alright?" Jordan asked. The sight of the poor animal's wounds brought tears to her eyes.
"I think so," Johnny said. "We need to clean these cuts and cover them up somehow. He's not going to be able to carry anything for a while."
"Look," Ian said. "Sarah caught it!"
They could all hear the approaching horse now. In moments Sarah arrived, seated unsteadily in Frisky's saddle. The horse had a few minor cuts, but it had survived mostly unscathed.
"Faster than a speeding horse," Johnny said. "That ring's pretty cool."
"I caught him about a mile down the path," Sarah said breathlessly. "Killed another bird. The other one flew away. Those things are..."
Sarah abruptly slumped over, slid off the horse, and fell motionless to the ground.
Chapter Forty-One
Stupid. How could he be so stupid? Hadn't he been studying a magic book for over two days now? Ollie knew how magic worked now, at least in theory. The energy to work magic had to come from somewhere. For his fire spell, he could pull energy from his surroundings and mix it with his own. But a ring? The energy to power a ring could only come from the user. How much energy had Sarah expended chasing down a racing horse? It had to be a lot. Enough that she was now lying on the ground in a coma.
Jordan came up and sat down beside him. "How is she?"
"No change," Ollie said. "Still breathing steadily, but doesn't respond to anything I do."
"You like her, don't you?"
"Everyone likes her."
Jordan grunted.
"Well, except maybe you," Ollie said. "What's your problem with her?"
Jordan looked away. "I didn't trust her. I thought she might be trying to hurt you."
Ollie chuckled. He couldn't help it. "Just looking out for me, huh? Don't you think I can take care of myself?"
"You're really smart, Ollie, but there are still a lot of things you don't know much about."
"Like what?"
"I'm going to go take care of Frisky," Jordan said, and stood up without another word and started to walk away.
"Jordan, hold on a sec." Ollie was just smart enough to realize that something was bothering his friend, and he started to get up to follow her.
But just then, Sarah's eyes fluttered open.
"What happened?" Sarah's voice was weak, almost a whisper.
"You're fine." Ollie kneeled back to her side. "You just used a little too much magic at once. It was my fault."
"I feel woozy," Sarah said. "Is everyone alright?"
"We're all fine. You just need some rest to get your strength back. You did a great job, Sarah. You saved the horses."
Sarah smiled and fell back to sleep.
About twenty feet away, Jordan started to walk again. This time Ollie didn't notice.
Chapter Forty-Two
A few hours later, Sarah was strong enough for the party to continue their journey. They were only able to travel for a few more hours before the sun began to set. They had to move slower now because the healthy horses were carrying more weight. Everyone was on edge, half expecting another attack, watching the woods and the sky equally for signs of monsters.
"Are we still close enough to make it by tomorrow?" Ian asked.
"I think so," Ollie said. "It's hard to say for sure. We're going in the right direction, at least."
The best that they could find for a camping site that night was a wide clearing near the main trail. They built another fire and kept a watch. The night was long, but it passed without trouble.
The following day was hot, and even in the endless forest with the shade of the trees, the temperature became almost unbearable. The horses plodded along without much energy, and the trail stretched on forever. Even Frisky was subdued, not even trying to knock George off. Everyone was sore from riding for so long. It was hard to believe that back home it was the dead of winter, while here it felt like a hundred degrees.
So, it was with great relief when, toward the end of the day, they turned a corner and were confronted by the sight of the elvish settlement. It looked nothing like the human outpost. It was much larger, for one. There were actual towers made of stone. There was a high wall surrounding a great number of buildings. All of the trees within a hundred yards of the wall had been cut down, and people kept watch on the walls and in front of the open gates.
No. Not people. Elves. Actual, real-life, honest-to-goodness elves. When George saw them, he almost fainted with joy.
The group rode up to the gates and were greeted by an elf who stood guard. Not surprisingly, he looked exactly as they all imagined an elf would look. Tall, slender, pointed ears, regal demeanor, he was perfectly stereotypical. He could have walked right out of Johnny's sketchbook.
The elf studied them carefully as they approached. He waited to speak until they had stopped in front of him and climbed down from their horses.
"Greetings, young human travelers." His voice was lightly musical. "Welcome to Lilenoree. Please identify yourselves and tell me what business brings you to our fair settlement?"
Ollie looked sidelong at Ian, who shook his head. They were both thinking the same thing. They had never given the elvish settlement a name.
"Lilenoree?" George said, "That means 'lonely'. What a wonderfully appropriate name!"
The elf raised his eyebrows. "You are familiar with the elvish tongue? That is very rare for a human, especially one so young."
"Oh, I'm very familiar with the elvish language," George said. "I keep telling my friends they should learn it, but they all think it's a waste of time."
The elf chuckled. "A waste of time indeed. So, what is it that brings such an interesting party to this lonely corner of the world?"
"My name is Oliver," Ollie said. He went on to name his friends before continuing. "We were summoned by Father Peter of the human outpost to the southwest. He used a ritual to call us to this land. There have been strange events occurring in this region, and he was seeking help."
"I am familiar with the good father," the elf said. "A great hum
an. Does much good for the inhabitants of this land." He studied the travelers with even more interest. "And you are the answer to his magical summons? Very strange indeed."
"I'm afraid so," Ollie said. "We're supposed to end the threat of evil that plagues this land. We were told by Father Peter that we will be unable to return to our home until we've accomplished our task."
"A major summoning then? That is gravely serious. And I can see that your journey has not been without peril." He glanced at the injured packhorse with a look of sincere sympathy.
"We were hoping that somebody here could help us," Ollie said. "We really don't belong here. And we have information about the evil that could help you to fight it."
"We are well aware of the danger," the elf said. "Our dwelling has been under siege for a fortnight. You are fortunate that you arrive before nightfall. In but an hour, the forest will be replete with dark creatures whose provenance is unknown."
"Ollie, translate please," Johnny said.
"The forests will be full of demons in an hour," Ollie said.
"Oh," Ian said. "Great."
"I believe it would be best to bring you to the council," the elf said. He turned and whistled, and another elf appeared. This elf was much younger than the first, or maybe just not as experienced.
"Nelallenore, take my place. I must escort these travelers."
The new elf nodded and placed himself in front of the gates.
"Come with me," the first elf said. "We will tend to your horses and call forth the council. I believe that we will have much to discuss."
The party followed the elf through the gate and entered into a wonderland. The settlement looked like a picture of Disneyland. There were dozens of fountains, beautiful buildings, and flowers everywhere. Elves strolled along the walkways, moving with purpose, and many wore worried expressions. It was obvious they were very concerned about the evil that threatened them.
"Come with me to the stables," the elf said. "Oh, and I apologize that I have not introduced myself. My name is Lylor, Captain of the Western Guard."
Chapter Forty-Three
All six travelers stopped cold and stared at the elf.
"What did you say your name was?" Ollie asked.
Lylor actually cringed at the words. "Yes, I know that my name is not a typical elvish name. My parents claim that it was whispered into my mother's ear by a fairy on the day of my birth. I tend to disbelieve that assertion myself."
"No," Ollie said hastily. "It's not that. It's just, well, we've heard of you."
"Is that so?" Lylor said. "Has the good father been telling tales again?"
"No," Ollie said. "Well, not like that. Actually, he has a lot on his mind right now. His wife isn't feeling well."
"Greta is ill?"
"She has the dark malady," George said. "Father Peter isn't able to heal her."
"That is disturbing news, indeed." The company was passing through a large courtyard filled with blossoming trees. The fragrance was almost too pleasant to bear. "We also have been afflicted with this evil. Our healers have yet to discover the source of the malady."
"We might have some answers for you," Ollie said.
They reached the stables, and Lylor handed the horses off to the stable hand on duty.
"Take good care of these animals. Two are in need of medical care. Also, send the travelers' belongings to my quarters."
The stable hand nodded and took charge of the horses. Ollie felt sure that they were in much better hands now.
"Now, " Lylor said, "on to the council chambers. I know that you would like to rest and prepare yourselves, but I feel that your appearance is something that should not wait. I sense a great urgency in our situation."
Ollie shared a glance with the others and then nodded. "That's probably a good idea." It was true that they were tired and hungry and probably smelled like horses or worse, but they also needed help, and the sooner the better.
"Very well then, weary sojourners, come with me." Lylor led the way toward the center of the settlement where a large building stood in the middle of a plaza. It reminded the teens of a miniature castle, and it seemed like their logical destination. They passed many elves who each nodded at Lylor with respect and looked at the teens with curiosity. None of the elves spoke to them, however.
"I see that you are carrying a silver bow," Lylor said to Johnny as the group passed underneath a trestle covered with beautiful red and violet flowers. "Do you mind if I handle it?"
Johnny shook his head and handed the weapon to the elf. Lylor took it and examined it closely.
"This is a beautiful bow," Lylor said. "Incredibly rare. This was made by the fairies of old. I've heard rumors of these weapons, but I've never had the fortune to see one." He reverently handed it back to Johnny. "However did you acquire it?"
"We found it in a treasure trove outside of the outpost," Ian said. He didn't mention that he had planned the trove himself, including what kinds of items would be found there. "We also found this sword." He showed the magic sword to Lylor, who regarded it with stunned silence.
"Of ancient elven fabrication," he said softly. "I have rarely seen the like. I know some who would pay a small fortune for such a treasure."
The friends glanced sideways at each other. Ollie looked at Sarah's finger and shook his head. Everyone nodded. They would not say a word about the ring.
After a moment, they arrived at the large building. Two elves stood outside the massive doors. They nodded to Lylor and watched the travelers with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity.
"I can vouch for the humans," Lylor said. "I need to bring them before the council. They may hold the answer to our troubles."
The elves silently moved aside, allowing the party to pass.
"This is our meeting hall," Lylor said. "The council should be present in their chambers at this time. Come. We will introduce you and then hear your story."
Chapter Forty-Four
The council chamber was a large room with a domed ceiling. The walls were covered with tapestries displaying scenes of battle between all sorts of fairyland creatures. The council was seated in a semicircle on a raised dais in the middle of the room. It consisted of six elves who looked wise, if not old. In the game the elves were a long-lived race, often surpassing three hundred years of age, and they were vigorous throughout most of their lives. There were rings of chairs spreading out in half circles from the dais where the council sat, and several of these seats were occupied.
Lylor spoke to the visitors in a hushed tone. "I must warn you, not all of the council members approve of me. I have a bit of a... a reputation."
He led the party down the center aisle to stand in front of the council. The six teens stood uncertainly in a group a few steps behind him.
"Revered High Council," Lylor greeted, "I present to you travelers from afar. I feel that they may hold information that can aid us in our present troubles."
"You have the audacity to bring armed humans into our presence?" The speaker was the youngest of the elves on the dais. He wore a scarlet robe, where the others were dressed in more subdued tones. A large gold pendant formed in the shape of a dragon hung around his neck. The impression he made on Ollie was of a person who craved attention. He obviously wanted to be noticed.
"I felt it was important that they be heard as quickly as possible, Elallin," Lylor answered. "They may hold the key to our survival."
"Human children," Elallin said with a sneer. "You may as well bring us a troop of gnomes."
"I wouldn't underestimate gnomes," George whispered to the others. "They can be really nasty." Ollie shushed him.
"Let him speak," said another council member. This elf had an air of authority about him, and the other elves deferred to him. "I know you have your issues with Lylor, Elallin, but he has served this people well."
"He is reckless," Elallin said. "He has defied the council in the past. He will do it again. The people may be enamored with him, but I know the truth."
"Please," Lylor interrupted. "These humans were Summoned by Father Peter of the human outpost." The capital 'S' in the word was discernible to everyone. "He was seeking aid to combat the evil that has befallen our land." There was a murmur in the room at this news. A summoning ritual was obviously a big deal. The council now regarded the strangers with more interest and scrutiny. The teens shrunk back from their intense gaze.
"I am Imoneas, the chairman of this council," said the elf who had spoken before. "From whence have you come, travelers?"
"Very far away," Ollie said. "It's hard to explain."
"But you were brought here by magic," said the elf.
"More like by accident," Ian said. "We really don't belong here."
"If you were Summoned by the priest, then you are meant to be here."
"Dear humans," Lylor said. "This community is under siege. The sickness spreads. We have been unable to identify the true enemy that we face. If you have any information that may help us, we beseech you to share it."
"I'm sorry," Ian murmured, almost to himself.
"You face a terrible enemy," Ollie said. "One that may be insurmountable."
"Will the wise humans deign to elucidate us?" Elallin said. "Who is this unbeatable foe?"
"His name is Alakabal," Ollie said. Gasps filled the room.
Lylor stared at the humans and slowly shook his head. "It is as I feared. A demon lord."
Chapter Forty-Five
The room erupted into near chaos. A demon lord. Many of the elves in the room had memories of the last demon war. They remembered the terror of that time, when the entire world had stood at the precipice of destruction. If those days had returned...
"Silence," said Imoneas. He did not speak loudly, but the chamber quieted instantly. "We must remain calm. We do not know if they speak truth." He stood abruptly and motioned to Lylor and the humans. "Come with me. We will move to a private chamber."