Jaylen’s attack had its intended results. The snow-elves and orcs answered the alarm and began rushing in the direction of their attacker. Satisfied that no one was looking in their direction, Landis called for the others to climb out of the well. Once they had all exited, and as the orcs and snow-elves ran in the opposite direction from where they wanted to go, Landis called out, “Run!”
The eight of them ran as fast as they could, trying to keep the well and ruins between them and the dozens of orcs that were racing towards Jaylen. Landis hoped that his father would be able to tell when they had made their escape and flee in the other direction.
“Humans!” They heard a garbled voice shouting in the common tongue of the region, and knew that they had been discovered. Landis looked to their right and saw three orcs in the distance. Their alarm had caught the attention of others who turned and saw the fleeing intruders. The companions had covered enough ground that they knew that they could escape the boundaries of the city, especially since none of the nearby orcs were armed with bows. But the creatures would not give up their pursuit at the edge of the city. Knowing that they needed to put as much ground between them and the orcs as possible, the eight of them raced on as quickly as they could.
* * * * *
Jaylen continued shooting arrows into the approaching crowd until the last arrow had been fired. The elf had counted twenty-two shots and was satisfied that twenty-two snow-elves and orcs had been felled by him. Now he was out of arrows and it was time to make his escape. Jaylen did not believe that he would make it out of Sedau alive, but he was going to give it his best attempt. The elf did not mind dying if it meant that his life would pay for the safe escape of his son and the others. And that it would be useful in returning the Sword of Alexon so that Petra could become Queen. Jaylen also surmised that this was as good a place as any to die, for by rights he should have perished in Sedau nearly three centuries earlier when his fellow Sabodine and the heir to the Delindean throne had fallen during the taking of the city. No, Jaylen was not going to give up, but he was ready to die, and if it had to be tonight then so be it.
He moved to the back of the building and jumped down to the ground below. He thought about throwing Landis’ bow aside but decided against it. Instead he slung it over his shoulder. He knew that it was foolish to hold on to anything that might slow him down, but he could not bring himself to dispose of Landis’ bow and decided to carry it so that a part of his son would be with him as he fought. It made no logical sense, but Jaylen wasted no more thoughts on the subject as he ran towards the eastern end of the city, hoping to outrun his pursuers. If he could make it to the forest then he stood a much better chance of survival. The snow-elves—who were easily outdistancing the orcs in their chase of Jaylen—were from the White Wilderness of the north and may not possess the abilities to track him in the forest as any Delindean Elf could do.
Realizing that the younger elves were gaining ground on him Jaylen began searching out the area ahead, seeking a place to make his next stand. He spotted the remnants of the gatehouse. Perfect, he thought. The gatehouse at the entrance to the city was the very place where Jaylen had watched his compatriots and their charge die. What better place for him to make his last stand?
Jaylen’s hands reached for a pair of throwing knives, pulling them from the brace of knives across his chest. With all of the grace of a ballerina the elf jumped in the air, spinning his body in a full circle as he tossed the two knives at the two nearest elves. Both of the snow-elves fell dead as Jaylen’s feet hit the ground still running and not missing a step. The sudden move made the snow-elves that were chasing him hesitate for only a moment. But it was a moment that Jaylen needed as he attempted to plan his defense at the gatehouse.
The gate that had once blocked the road entering the city was gone. It had long ago been claimed by the dirt where it had fallen after being broken by the invading army. Jaylen was not interested in simply running through the opening. He could have run around the gatehouse had that been his intent, for there was no wall standing on either side of it. The elf needed something to give him another edge and he hoped that the gatehouse would provide what he sought. He hit the stone steps leading up to the top of the structure in full stride. He risked two more knife tosses, leaving two more of the snow-elves lying in the dirt at the base of the stairs. Jaylen reached the upper ledge and looked down. The elves at the bottom remained where they stood and directed the orcs to swarm up the steps after him. Jaylen peered into the room that once contained the gears that controlled the gate. It was empty and had no window or opening. Jaylen knew that this room would become his tomb if he made his stand there so he continued on. There was another ledge going around the outside of the room so the elf followed that way. Drawing both swords, he turned to await the approaching orcs. The creatures rounded the corner after the elf. They had not been prepared to find him standing his ground and were unable to approach in anything more than three abreast, due to the wall on one side and the drop off on the other. Jaylen’s swords met the orcs as his skillful art of swordsmanship cut them down as they pressed onward. Blood spilled out onto the stone walkway as Jaylen cut down their numbers. He slowly began backing away, his eyes continuously looking for an opening. He saw the end of the wall. It was broken and descended at a sharp angle, but there was nothing below them at this point. Jaylen stabbed two orcs simultaneously then spun on his heals and ran to the end of the ledge. He leapt across the opening landing on the wall and ran down the broken stones, somehow keeping his balance in a way that no human could ever attempt. The orcs behind him screamed in rage at the loss of their intended prey.
Jaylen could see the remaining snow-elves who had been standing by the stairs. They watched his descent down the wall and rushed in his direction. He judged the distance to the forest and knew that the fight was not yet over. His right hand returned his sword to its sheath and grabbed another knife, which he threw at the group of snow-elves as he continued running. Jaylen was not sure if he could survive this fight, but he had drastically reduced their numbers. And he was positive that the others had escaped the city by now.
* * * * *
The eight fleeing companions crashed through the woods that had been undisturbed by two-legged creatures for hundreds of years. Landis made his way through with ease, but the humans—and even Weslocke—stumbled about in the darkness as they followed the half-elf. Behind them they could hear the shouts of the orcs who chased after them. They ran so long that all of them could feel their chests straining as their lungs fought for air. The adrenaline rushing through their bodies kept them moving forward, knowing that death waited if they stopped to rest. Finally the woods fell away and the sight of the Birhirmian River came into view. The eight of them ran north, along the river bank, hoping to reach the ford before the orcs could catch up with them. Landis knew that this would give them a chance to put more ground between them and the orcs, for orcs were notoriously afraid of deep water. If they could cross before the orcs saw them then perhaps the creatures would not know that they too could cross easily. If pursuit did come before they reached the ford then he would choose to swim for it. The current would be swift and cold but it would be better than facing the orcs hounding them in the darkness.
“There it is.” Weslocke panted as he spotted the place that he knew the river could best be crossed.
“Are you sure?” Jordan called out.
“Positive.” The dwarf assured them.
They hit the water without slowing down. It was cold as expected, but they were so tired from running and their bodies in such survival mode that the cold did not affect them. The water rushed over the rocks that provided a means across the river. It was up to their hips for all, except Weslocke who was pushing through the water that was over his chest in places. The dwarf had to be more careful than the others as his dense muscular body made swimming very difficult for his breed.
They made it across the river and began running northward again just a
s the orcs came into view behind them. The beasts shouted as they spotted their prey. The sight of the river made them stop until a few of them began testing the waters. Eventually they splashed into the rushing water to continue their chase, but by the time they had crossed their quarry was once more out of sight.
Chapter 12
The eight tired companions ran throughout the night, never seeing the orcs behind them but knowing that they were still in too much danger to risk resting for more than a few minutes to catch their breath before continuing on. They followed the rocky pathway leading northwest into the hills that Jaylen had promised would be a shortcut back to the river somewhere to the north, and would eventually lead them to the natural bridge across the water. They were taking a brief, but much needed rest along an outcropping of rocks when Landis’ ears picked up a sound that made him feel as if he had been punched in the pit of his stomach.
“Horses.” He told the others.
“I hear them too.” Weslocke confirmed.
Soon the rest of the group could hear the pounding hooves coming from the path behind them.
“Looks like we better keep running.” Eric said as he forced himself to stand. His legs—as were everyone’s—felt like blocks of stone.
“We will wait here and hold them off.” Trevor offered, this time he would not take no for an answer.
Konik drew his two-handed sword. “Agreed, I for one am tired of running. It is time to stand and fight.”
Landis looked at the two men who were offering to sacrifice their lives in the same manner as his father had done. “Maybe we should make our stand here while we still have the strength to fight.”
Natis disagreed at once, “Landis, we have to get the Pearls of the Elf Lords, and the Sword, to Birhirm.”
The half-elf turned on the mage. “No, Nate. We do not need to complete the journey. But some of you can do so. You, Jandelie and Eric should take everything to Birhirm. Trevor, Konik, Weslocke, Jordan and I will stay here and fight. If we succeed then we will follow you, and if we die, well perhaps the snow-elves will believe that we are all that are left and not continue after you.”
Jandelie rushed forward to embrace Landis. ‘No, come with us. You are needed to carry the Sword of Alexon.”
Landis pulled the sword from where it hung in its makeshift sheath. “I am certain that you three can carry it. If the legend is true, then it is probably only necessary to have the blood of Alex Sergius running through your veins to use it in combat. Not to carry it.”
He handed the sword to Eric. “See.” He said when the Prince of Birhirm accepted the sword without any difficulty.
“I should stay with you.” Eric offered.
“No, Eric. You must return home. You are needed to help aide Petra by becoming her husband.”
“Even more reason to stay and fight.” Eric said, trying his best to lighten the moment.
Landis kissed Jandelie then broke free of her embrace. “Get moving. We will buy you all the time we can.” He said as he turned his back on Jandelie.
“Come on.” Natis insisted. “Farewell, friends.” He said to the five who were already preparing for battle as he turned to leave.
Trevor Kahn took the initiative of placing each of them into position to await the riders who were chasing after them. They waited in silence, using the time to rest up as best they could while preparing for the fight to come. Satisfied that every moment they had to wait was also being used by Eric, Natis and Jandelie to escape. The horse hooves echoed throughout the mountains as they approached, making it difficult to determine just how far behind they really were. Then all too quickly they became loud enough to reveal that the riders coming behind them were only minutes away. Each of them held their weapons ready, waiting for Trevor Kahn’s signal to pounce on their pursuers. The sound became louder and Landis gripped his sword tightly. It was almost time.
“Halt!” Trevor yelled; stepping out into the path just as the horses came into view.
It was not orcs or snow-elves riding after them. It was Jaylen. The elf leaned forward on the lead horse leading six horses behind him.
“Father!” Landis exclaimed as Jaylen rode into view. The elf looked battered and worn. His green cloak was torn and the leather brace crisscrossing his chest was empty of throwing knives. The elf was bleeding in several places but none of the wounds looked to be serious.
“You failed to get away unnoticed,” Jaylen said as he dropped down from his horse. “I ran into a band of orcs a ways back that I had to fight my way through. I had to sacrifice three of the horses in doing so.”
“How far back are they?” Trevor inquired.
“Far enough,” Jaylen informed them. “They cannot catch us if we ride hard. And the few snow-elves back in Sedau do not have any horses and cannot catch up to us either.”
“Where are the others?” He asked.
“We sent them ahead. We thought that you were the snow-elves coming after us and decided to hold you off and allow them time to escape like you did for us.” Trevor explained.
“How did you escape?” Landis asked his father.
Jaylen instinctively checked his swords. “It was not easy. But I managed to fight my way into the forest and from there I was able to escape. While they sought after me looking east I headed back north to find our horses, and then rode to the river and followed after you.”
Landis found his bow hanging from the saddle of Jaylen’s horse.
“I am afraid that I used all of your arrows.” Jaylen apologized.
“I am certain that they were used well,” Landis said as he claimed his bow. “Besides, I have four more in my saddlebag. Hopefully we will not need them.”
The Half-Elf swung his body up into the saddle. “Let’s catch up with the others.”
They climbed atop the horses, with Landis leading the lone rider-less horse behind him as they began to ride.
“I guess Eric and Natis will have to fight for the last one,” Konik declared, “I am sure that Jandelie will find room riding behind Landis.”
Feeling more relieved than they had since before their first fight with the orcs and snow-elves as they neared Sedau, the companions rode onward after their friends.
Chapter 13
Eric and Natis crouched behind a large boulder listening to the sound of horse hooves beating against the rocky path. Eric looked back as Jandelie made her way onto the natural bridge crossing the river gorge. The stone outcropping that crossed the river was little more than as wide as two men of Konik’s stature laying end-to-end, but it was sturdy. The river raced nearly a hundred feet below the solid thirty foot thick rocky surface that connected the two sides of the cliff over the Birhirmian River.
Along with her own belongings, Jandelie carried the Green Staff, the Sword of Alexon and the knapsack containing both the bracelet and broken staff of Aaron Sergius, as she rushed across the lengthy expanse in hopes of reaching the other side before the riders arrived. Despite Landis’ instructions to do otherwise, Eric and Natis had both agreed that they would stand their ground here in hopes of permitting Jandelie time to escape. The sound of the horses approaching meant that their friends had likely perished, or were captured by those who were after them. Natis believed that with the use of his magic and Eric’s sword that they could buy Jandelie a little more time.
The horses crested the ridge and both men jumped to their feet at the sight of the six riders approaching. “Jandelie, they are alive!” Eric yelled to the thief who was more than three quarters of the way across the natural bridge.
Jandelie could barely make out the Prince’s voice over the sound of the rushing water echoing below her. But she was certain that she had heard the word ‘alive’ and that could mean only one thing: Landis was still alive. She turned around and looked back, watching the mounted riders coming over the ridge and recognized Landis riding ahead of the others. “Son of a troll, they are all alive.” She said with glee at the sight of Jaylen riding with them. Jandelie began
walking back to greet them, feeling her legs growing more tired with every step. She felt lightheaded and wondered if the hours of continuous running had finally caught up with her. Then she sensed something behind her. Jandelie turned to see what it was.
Eric and Natis greeted the six riders and were elated by the news that the orcs were well behind them. Eric quickly explained what they were doing and where Jandelie was. It was at that moment that they all heard the female scream.
“Jandelie is in trouble.” Landis said, kicking his horse forward. He could see Jandelie on the walkway high above the river, backing away from something. Whatever it was, the half-elf could not make it out clearly in the early dawn.
“I’m coming, Jandelie!” He cried as he forced his horse to run faster.
Jandelie heard Landis and turned to run in his direction. She made it to the middle of the expanse when a fire abruptly appeared, blocking her escape. She turned around, dropping everything in her hands as she pulled her sword.
“What in the Abyss are you?” she called out in fear at the creature approaching her. Her eyes widened in horror at the sight of it. All that she could make out was more shadow-like than anything else. She could see what looked very much to be rotting flesh hanging from its body. She turned to run but could not pass through the fire that consumed much of the natural bridge. There was no grass or anything else that was flammable, leaving Jandelie to believe that the creature—whatever it was—had used magic to create it. It really did not matter what started the fire, the result was still the same: Jandelie was trapped. Terror gripped her as she held her sword before her and prepared to fight this mystical creature.
Elf Lords: 01 - Pearls of the Elf Lords Page 10