by Lana Axe
“I'll find some things to eat,” he said as he headed off.
Oli removed his rucksack and opened it. Inside was hard bread and cheese. He passed these items out to his companions who began munching hungrily. Only Thinal was uninterested and graciously declined. She sat chewing on seeds until Mel returned. He was carrying a large leaf filled with berries, roots, and a few leaves.
“Well, this looks delicious,” Byord said sarcastically.
“Shove it,” Mel said. “Next time I'll bring you a special surprise.” He smiled a wicked smile and set the provisions on a stump. “There's plenty for everyone else.”
Mi'tal reached over and took a few berries. He smelled them first and then gave one a try. “These are very good!” he said without hiding his surprise. He grabbed a root and crunched it. “Not as flavorful, but it's quite filling. Have some,” he gestured to the others who slowly took a few pieces of food.
“The roots will settle your stomach if the berries are too rich,” Thinal said.
“Are the leaves for wiping our asses?” Byord said, laughing.
“They're for cleaning your teeth afterwards,” Mel replied. “Unless you want to walk around like a purple-mouthed idiot. The purple would be a change for you at least.”
“Byord, don't speak for the rest of the journey,” Mi'tal said. “I tire of your childishness.”
Byord rolled his eyes but remained silent. Mi'tal was his commander, and he would obey whether he liked it or not.
“This is delightful, Mel. Thank you for bringing this to us,” Mi'tal said as he finished eating. He looked over at Loren who was greedily licking his plump fingers.
They sat a few moments more and then continued on their way. The break was short but very welcome. The day had grown warmer, and the dense forest air was moist. A gentle breeze rustled the green leaves around them. All was silent except for the lazy whistle of a yellow bird.
On they walked through the afternoon until Mel silently held up a hand for them to stop. He looked to his right and still remained silent. Suddenly, they heard a loud thwack. Mel had drawn his bow and shot a squirrel on the ground. Mi'tal jumped, startled by the sound. He was standing next to Mel but had neither seen him grab his bow nor knock an arrow.
Mel looked at him and said, “One.”
Thinal took a step forward and nudged Mel with her elbow. She pointed up in one of the trees.
Thwack! Another squirrel fell from above.
“Two,” Mel said to Mi'tal and smiled.
Mel gathered the two squirrels and removed their guts. Then, he hung them from his belt by their tails. Loren's expression was one of disgust. Tonight would be his first dinner that included rodent.
Mel noticed his expression and said, “They're really good. Maybe we can catch a few more.”
Thinal giggled, and the group began moving again. Along the way, she picked a small blue flower and tucked it behind her ear. Her movements were light and playful as if she had never had a care in the world. She bent slightly to kiss her mate on his cheek. He smiled back and grabbed a white flower which he offered to her. She took it and quickly popped it in her mouth. Those flowers had a particularly sweet, honey-like taste, which had always been her favorite.
Evening approached and the group began looking for a place to bed down for the night. Mel had managed to catch two more squirrels which meant there was plenty of food to go around. A few wild herbs would set the meat off nicely.
Mel led them to a copse of trees on a small hill. This was a good location to stay the night. The trees were tall and wide and strong enough to hold them all.
“We'll camp here tonight,” Mel said, loosening his quiver and setting it at the base of the largest tree. “I'll build a fire and get dinner started.”
Thinal removed her scabbard and set it next to Mel's quiver. She pulled the bone pin from her hair and shook her head side to side. After running her fingers through her hair a few times, she rose to search for some herbs. Mel already had the fire started and was removing the fur from the squirrels.
The men unpacked their bedrolls and laid them on the ground.
“The trees are safer,” Mel said, still skinning a squirrel.
“Safer for what?” Loren asked.
“Safer for sleeping,” Mel replied. “No dangerous animal in these woods can climb trees.”
“Well, we prefer the ground,” Loren said snobbishly.
“Suit yourself,” Mel shrugged. “If I hear screaming in the night, I'll know to stay in the trees.”
Thinal returned and handed Mel some herbs she had found. He rubbed them into the meat and skewered it before placing it over the flames. He moved back to sit next to Thinal and took a sip from his waterskin.
“Dinner smells lovely,” she said. “Too bad there are no evergreens near. Some pine needle tea would go lovely with it.”
“When we get to Enald you can have some of that blended tea that you like so much,” he said.
“Oh, I had forgotten about that,” she said with a smile.
Mel went over to check on the meat. It had cooked thoroughly and was giving off a pleasant aroma. He pulled it into pieces and laid it on the rocks nearby. “Eat up,” he said as he grabbed some for himself and Thinal. She sat next to him and took a piece of the meat. Tasting it, she nodded her approval.
Mi'tal ate before the others would try it. Once he had tasted it, they felt safe to have some as well. Loren, however, still refused to touch the food. He would only eat the bread and cheese they had brought from their homeland.
“You really should have some, Loren,” Mi'tal said. “It's insulting to our host to refuse his generosity. It may not be what you're accustomed to, but it's quite good.”
Loren scowled and chomped on the tough bread in his mouth.
“No worries,” Thinal smiled. “It leaves more for the rest of us.”
“You're always so upbeat, Miss Thinal,” Mi'tal said. “It's very refreshing to see someone so carefree and truly happy.”
“I just don't see any reason to be unhappy,” she said, shrugging. “Some people sit and worry, but I don't. I just go with it. You might as well try to make the best of every situation. Sulking isn't any fun anyway.”
“Sulking is my job,” Mel said. “I'll sit in the rain, and you can stand in the sunshine.”
“Aww,” Thinal said and rubbed his shoulder. “My poor sweet Mel. He worries enough for both of us.”
He rolled his eyes and looked at the ground. She ran her fingers through his sandy hair and kissed his lips. Wrapping an arm around his neck, she pulled him in close. He nestled his face in the curve of her neck.
“Anyone up for a game?” Oli asked producing a deck of cards.
Thinal jumped up, startling Mel. “I'd love to play if you'll teach me,” she said.
“Then have a seat here, my lady,” Oli said as he took a seat cross-legged behind a stump.
Mel watched her walk away and then looked over at Mi'tal, who was rubbing a cloth along his war hammer. “Why do you carry a hammer instead of a sword?” Mel asked, moving to sit next to Mi'tal.
“Better for smashing heads,” he replied, laughing.
Mel laughed as well and nodded. “Most of your kinsmen carry swords, though. I've only heard of dwarves fighting with hammers.”
“Axes too, if I'm not mistaken,” Mi'tal said. “But I've never encountered a dwarf myself. My father used a war hammer, and he taught me. I studied swordplay a few years in my youth, but I never really took to it. Hammers are slower, but they're very efficient in a fight.”
“Did you fight in the War of the Wildlands?” Mel asked.
“I did,” Mi'tal replied. “I was in King Aelryk's personal guard. Though, he was Prince Aelryk at that time.”
“Did you kill many of my kind?” Mel looked him in the eye.
After a pause, Mi'tal said, “A few. To my shame they were mostly women. I was never within range of any of your archers, but I encountered your swordswomen on a few occasion
s. They are formidable opponents and even more so when they're fighting for their homeland.”
He looked at Mel and drew a deep breath. Mel looked away and remained silent.
“I have many regrets from that war,” Mi'tal admitted. “I followed my king's command, but in my heart I knew it was unjust. We could have lived together in peace. I'm sure of it.”
“The wars ended just a few years before I was born,” Mel said. “I've heard many stories, of course, but never one from the enemy's side. I would agree my people did some less than honorable things in those times, but most of our actions were justified, I think.”
“After staying a few days with your clan I'd say you've made the best of a difficult situation. Your people have thrived in the Forests of Viera.”
“We have, but there is little room to grow. I don't take to strangers easily, Mi'tal, but I think you are as honorable a man as I have met.”
“Thank you, Mel,” Mi'tal replied. “I know very few Wild Elves myself, but I find you honest and respectable.”
Mel nodded and turned to watch Thinal playing at her card game. She had won another hand and gave a little clap. Yawning, she stretched her arms high over her head. She stood and walked back to Mel.
“Ready for bed?” she asked.
Nodding, he stood and took her hand. With a boost from Mel, she climbed up in the tallest tree and settled on a wide branch. He followed closely behind her. The sounds of their love making filled the camp as the others settled into their bedrolls.
* * * * *
Dawn broke, and a breakfast of nuts and berries already awaited the men who had slept on the ground. Mel and Thinal were ready to head out, but they waited as the others had their breakfast and packed up their gear.
“We'll be at Enald by this afternoon,” Mel said. “That is if we ever get moving again.” Finally, the group was ready to set out again, and they walked noisily through the woods.
“Why don't we walk a little bit louder!” Mel shouted, obviously annoyed.
“Who cares about the noise,” Loren said. “We aren't hunting.”
“No,” Mel replied, “but something may be hunting us.”
The men began to tread more lightly after that. They had all seen firsthand the work of these dark creatures, and they did not enjoy the thought they may be nearby. They traveled all morning and straight through mid-day to reach Enald as quickly as possible.
Finally, the village came into view, and the Na'zorans were relieved to see it. It was a small market village at the border of their country, and the bustle observed from a distance suggested business as usual. There were no signs of an attack by the monsters.
Upon arrival, Mi'tal was immediately recognized by a courier. The courier had been drinking at an outdoor tavern and slammed his mug down on the table. He ran to Mi'tal, wiping his mouth with his sleeve.
“My lord, Mi'tal,” he hiccupped. “I've been waiting for you, sir, to bring you a message from the king. He requests that you and the elves you've employed meet him up north at Duana. You'll be traveling to the Westerling Vale.”
“The Vale?!” Mel exclaimed angrily.
“The Vale!” Thinal echoed excitedly. “Can you believe it? I've heard so many stories of the Vale!”
“Bedtime stories,” Mel said sharply. “The place is a myth. It's the make believe home of Mistonwey, God of the Rivers.” Mel shook his head and sighed. Convincing Thinal not to go to a land of myth would be harder than chopping down a tree with his teeth.
“Why the Vale?” Mi'tal asked the courier.
“No idea, sir. I'm just supposed to make sure you head that way immediately. Horses are available for you at the livery.”
“Thank you, young man. Please get a message to the king that we are on our way.” Mi'tal flipped him a coin and turned to face Mel and Thinal. “I hope this isn't too much of an inconvenience for you. I know this wasn't what you expected, but there must be some pressing matter regarding the Vale. Perhaps that's where the creatures are coming from.”
Mel sighed, and the group followed Mi'tal towards the stables. “We'll be needing horses for six,” he told the stable hand.
“And a pony for my little friend here,” Byord added and patted Mel on the head. Mel, who had had enough of Byord's stupidity, quickly turned and punched him in the crotch. Byord doubled over and moaned.
“That was hardly worth it, was it?” Mi'tal said. “Six horses, please. We're going to have some lunch, and I will expect them to be ready when we've finished.”
“Yes sir, my lord,” the stable hand said and went off to tend the horses.
The six of them headed along the dirt road to the inn for a quick bite to eat. The food was hot, and the ale was dark. Thinal asked for a glass of tea and was delighted when it arrived. Mel downed two mugs of ale and belched at Byord.
Once they had finished eating and drinking, they headed back to the stables. Six brown horses were saddled and ready to go.
“To Duana, then,” Loren said as he mounted one of the horses.
“It's only about a day's ride along the road from here,” Mi'tal told the elves.
“Let's get going,” Mel said, offering Thinal a hand as she mounted her horse. He hopped up on the horse next to hers, and the group set out riding north.
Chapter 10
“Twit!” Ulda shouted as he slapped the young elf across his face. “I asked for skilled sorcerers to join me, not inept morons!” The young elf cowered in fear. “If you can't learn these skills, then I'll use you for a test subject.”
“Please, master,” the young elf pleaded. “I will try harder.”
Ulda took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Apparently training his special force of Soulbinders would be more difficult than he had anticipated. Still, he was going to need their help, so he would have to learn some patience.
“Look, all of you,” he turned to face his group of twenty-five sorcerers. “You are some of the finest sorcerers of Ral'nassa. You have joined me for a very special purpose, and you must pay close attention to these lessons. The slightest lapse in concentration will cause the binding to fail and destroy the gem. We have very few of them to waste, so I expect you to work hard.”
He motioned to the skinny young boy standing at the door. “Slave, sit here on the floor.” He pointed to the center of the room in front of the sorcerers. “You there,” he said, pointing to a dark-haired sorcerer in a red robe. “Bind this one. Use his fear.”
The sorcerer stepped forward, his palms raised facing the boy. With his thumb and forefinger, he held a small purple gem. A deep purple glow began to materialize on his hands as he adjusted the angle of the gem. Suddenly, a beam of purple light shot from the sorcerer, through the gem, and into the boy's chest. The boy screamed with fright and was slowly lifted off his feet. He threw back his head, and his entire body jerked wildly. As quickly as it had begun, it was over. The magic faded and the boy dropped lifelessly to the floor.
The sorcerer held the gem high and inspected the pale light swirling within it. He turned and held the gem out for his colleagues to observe.
Ulda applauded the student. “Well done! That is exactly the process I am trying to teach you. The next step is using this essence to power other enchantments.”
He walked to the door, opened it, and called to someone outside. A few moments later, a cage containing a large spotted wildcat was wheeled in. Its yellow eyes scanned the elves present in the room.
“I'm sure you all recognize one of Ral'nassa's beautiful wildcats. I've had enough brought over for each of you. Using a human consciousness to power the enchantment, you can turn this savage beast into a most impressive mount. They are sturdy, swift, and will fight fiercely on your behalf. I will demonstrate.”
Ulda went behind the caged animal and plucked a few hairs from its tail. The cat swatted and hissed at the sorcerer. A smile spread across Ulda's face as he inspected the hairs closely.
“Shed hairs do not work as well since they rarely contain
a living cell. Plucked hairs work quite nicely for this next step. Follow me.” He led his students to the large metal table with the orb at the center. As he touched his hand to the orb, it began to spin. Gently, he placed the hairs inside.
“Your gem, master Soulbinder,” Ulda said as he extended his hand. The sorcerer in red quickly handed over the filled gem. Ulda placed the gem inside the orb and placed both hands just above it as a purple glow filled the sphere. In a blinding flash of light, the gem burst, and the light shot out into Ulda's fingertips. He turned towards the cat and fired the magic towards it, hitting it full in the face.
“This cat is now yours, Soulbinder,” Ulda said, smiling proudly at his student.
The students stood in awe of this new magic. It was unlike anything they had seen before. Such power was unheard of using the magic they were taught at the college.
The red-robed sorcerer walked boldly up to the caged wildcat and released the latch on its door. The cat walked out calmly and licked his hand. Purring softly, it proceeded to rub its face all over the laughing elf.
“Marvelous,” he said. “Simply, marvelous.” He stroked the cat's head and neck as it stretched and purred.
“The rest of you must practice until you have mastered the binding. Later, I will show you how to combine the essence of a beast with the essence of a man, creating a new creature in the process. For now, practice on the slaves I've provided, and try not to waste them. I don't have many disposable citizens yet. Not until we've taken Na'zora.”
Ulda strode out of the room leaving his pupils behind to master this new art. He was certain they would pick it up quickly. They were eager to learn and to succeed.
The stone corridor echoed with his footsteps as he headed towards his throne room. Tapestries had been hung by his command along all the walls. They featured colors from all the schools of magic except for white. Ulda did not care for the healing arts. They were a waste of his valuable time. Mystical bindings had always been his strong suit, and he was pleased to be bringing them to a whole new level.