Elemental Betrayal
Page 49
He stopped and looked around. They had entered the dark forest. How had he gotten here? What had made him come here? He felt Lilith quiver beneath his touch and suddenly he felt it too; that debilitating fear, that had gripped him while he had tried to rescue the prisoners from the Vampyre camp.
“Go, Lilith, get away from here,” he told her and then watched as she ran back onto the open plains.
A plan was forming at the back of his mind. He was consumed by emptiness and pain. What if he could replace those feelings with something else? Something that would make him forget, at least for a while, the ache within him.
He drew his weapons and carried on deeper into the forest. Suddenly, he was spoiling for a fight. He needed the distraction. As he progressed deeper into the forest, so the fear intensified. He wondered how the Riven managed to project such fear upon others, but he was grateful for it. For the moment, the pain was forgotten and all he could think of was the fear. He carried on regardless.
Suddenly a black shadow crossed the narrow gap between the dark trees ahead of him. His heart raced. He readied his blades. All his senses were alert, but the danger seemed to come from all sides. He spun, trying to see into the thick undergrowth of the forest. Even during the light of day, the forest was almost completely dark. He strained his eyes, but the creature was so well hidden, that he only saw it when it leapt down on him from a branch above.
If asked, he would have been unable to describe the creature to anyone. It was black, but at the same time, it was the colour of the forest around it. Its hide was smooth, yet had the texture of tree bark, or moss, or river stones. It had four legs, then two. It had claws, then wings. It had fur, then feathers. The image of the Riven changed a hundred times in the blink of an eye; and it moved just as quickly.
Blaid had the presence of mind to raise his blades as the creature leapt and it hissed, or growled, as it connected with his swords. He spun, searching for it, but it was hiding again.
“Come on; fight me like you mean it,” he yelled at the beast.
Faster than should have been possible, the Riven swept down from a tree and slashed its tail, or whip, across Blaid’s legs. Screaming, he fell to the ground. He felt the blood oozing out of the gashes on his calves and with it came a burning sensation, such as is felt when poisoned.
Grimacing, he struggled back onto his legs. He turned wildly, swinging his swords. The Riven roared, or screamed, and with one smooth swipe of his arm, or wing, slashed his rib cage open.
Blaid pushed his hand against his chest, but his hot blood poured over his fingers, dripping dark red to the ground. He was having trouble breathing. The forest spun before his eyes. A raven, or a bear (he was obviously not thinking clearly) suddenly knocked him to the ground. Teeth sunk into his neck and the weight on his chest stopped him from breathing.
Then it flew, or crawled, away. The world around Blaid had gone completely black. He could feel the blood leave his body, felt the poison spread through his veins, heard the faint beating of his heart.
Ba-bum, ba-bum, ba-bum…
He was getting weaker. His hands were slick with blood. His veins burned as if they were on fire. His heart slowed.
Ba…bum, ba…bum…
He thought of Maia. His last thought. With him until the end.
Ba…bum.
Shadow Hall
The Royal House of Longshadow
Jarra Longshadow - Maia’s great grandfather, father of Jadae
Algen Longshadow - Maia’s great grandmother, mother of Jadae
Jadae Longshadow - Maia’s grandfather, father of Jagaer
Ikari Longshadow - Maia’s grandmother, mother of Jagaer
Jagaer Longshadow - Maia’s father, Lord of Shadow Hall & Elderlord of Grildor
Malyn Longshadow - Maia’s mother & wife to the Lord of Grildor
Jaik Longshadow - Maia’s twin brother, prince of Grildor & Commander of the Guard
Maia Longshadow - Princess of Grildor & Life Elemental
Wolf - Forest Wolf, honorary member of the Longshadow family
The Noble Houses of Birkenheart & Elderken
Maël Birkenheart - Maia’s grandmother, mother of Malyn
Alandrien Birkenheart - Maia’s grandfather, father of Malyn (deceased)
Kian Elderken - Maël’s life partner
Danyar - Giant Hare, honorary member of the Birkenheart-Elderken family
The Noble House of Chesterfort
Emrik Chesterfort - Maia’s great grandfather, father of Maël
Maraël Chesterfort - Maia’s great grandmother, mother of Maël
The Noble House of Moonswain
Ramaer Moonswain - Elder & father of Riker
Lilonda Moonswain - Wife of Ramaer
Riker Moonswain - Son of Ramaer & member of the Guard
The Noble House of Nightshield
Silas Nightshield - Healer, Elemental, royal advisor & mentor to Maia
Elders of Shadow Hall
Jadae Longshadow
Emrik Chesterfort
Ramaer Moonswain
Lamar Oakencrest
Dictennia Hollowberg
Eilin Shallowaters
Livarion Summerlot
Janeke Oldenrift
Beccithalia Nordenfall
Falorien Deepsword
Baltor Owen
The Guard of Shadow Hall
Jaik Longshadow (Commander)
Argar Fairwen (2nd in Command)
Riker Moonswain
Boron Flowersfield
Filithrin Overmer
Munnar Shallowaters
Tallson Robynreed
Royander Dragonthorn
Somas Birkenstock
Aari Fyrlane
Glark Gnarkstrov (Dwarf)
The Warrior Houses of Shadow Hall & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Jaik Longshadow
The Regiment - Commander Rowlean Ridgewell
The Legion - Commander Calemir Willowbay
The Sentinels - Commander Livan Summerlot
The Night Watch - Commander Herrod Goldsbane
The Scouts - Commander Aduial Mellowood
The Horse Guard - Commander Caran Kastenbrink
Death
Blaid Elderbow - Death Elemental
Braérn
The Noble House of Swiftfisher
Kyreon Swiftfisher - Lord of Braérn
Amandel Swiftfisher - Wife of Kyreon
Kanarel Swiftfisher - Son of Kyreon
The Noble House of Sparrow
Elothrin Sparrow - Elder of Braérn
Soniana Sparrow - Wife of Elothrin
Siya Sparrow - Daughter of Soniana & Jaik’s love interest
The Noble House of Falconfall
Burindor Falconfall - Owner of The Falcon’s Nest guest lodge
Selest Falconfall - Wife of Burindor
Selena Falconfall - Daughter of Selest
Elders of Braérn
Solara Coldfire
Kaidan Darkblood
Florian Moongloom
Ciël Ravenken
Ilaya Countbay
Asgarr Redbrook
Zevrion Hightop
Atras Eaglesea
Ikanin Ebongrove
Athras Locklan
Pilasan Lowilds
The Guard of Braérn
Liatriël Sweetsky (Commander)
Masa Frostwell (2nd in Command)
Shiril Forgehammer
Menna Havenvoid
Kenyla Silverson
Fille Lyrpalm
Josrion Redwallow
Huralan Countbay
Namall Fallhill
Ashavan Cavevault
Uthorim Emberbury
The Warrior Houses of Braérn & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Liatriël Sweetsky
The Regiment - Commander Lenall Neverstar
The Legion - Commander Ghenon Bridgeburgh
The Sentinels - Commander Nenren Millshear
The N
ight Watch - Commander Misa Freyfair
The Scouts - Commander Pasiara Rosehaven
The Armada - Commander Ihsh Drymore
Thala Yll
The Noble House of Hazelwatch
Skylor Hazelwatch - Lord of Thala Yll
Kariana Hazelwatch - Wife of Skylor
Sky Hazelwatch - Son of Skylor
Elders of Thala Yll
Emorion Sunwell
Sasuna Timberhold
Kaneki Rimesalt
Nerube Stormfreeze
Brivra Farmeadow
Fenlen Overland
Lerdon Pondmaw
Javen Horseborn
Savin Oxenyoke
Vardor Oldgardens
Ashalora Grimcall
The Guard of Thala Yll
Elandor Arkenbay (Commander)
Riro Feyhorn (2nd in Command)
Harsan Lavender
Leron Redstalk
Alaros Wiseowl
Teneroc Dierhall
Aelythri Thunderdrum
Agwar Brinkwater
Genhanon Sunfer
Mithari Horseborn
Aracil Oxenyoke
The Warrior Houses of Thala Yll & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Elandor Arkenbay
The Regiment - Commander Evandeor Hollowdale
The Legion - Commander Lyandor Eastmire
The Sentinels - Commander Owenden Lightfrost
The Night Watch - Commander Venarel Swiftfalls
The Scouts - Commander Ranhorn Quickchill
The Dragon Guard - Commander Vrayla Oldpeak
Alea Yll
The Noble House of Plainspar
Durinn Plainspar - Lord of Alea Yll
Alena Plainspar - Wife of Durinn
Dalton Plainspar - Son of Durinn
Elders of Alea Yll
Ebligon Duskstar
Vyrlynag Wildecoast
Sminda Treeburn
Brila Cloudcrest
Panon Freyspell
Lemmaêl Shieldall
Riondon Blossomtree
Lensas Brownhawk
Ganala Oldwood
Vasawyn Haretrap
Onnesh Southall
The Guard of Alea Yll
Cencaur Blackcloak (Commander)
Folwin Shortstep (2nd in Command)
Iliphar Foxwell
Gormarden Oldwood
Veallahan Freyspell
Sayia Snakefield
Imucia Woodland
Leyran Wyrmwood
Kuchan Cattlecreek
Dighyll Southall
Myuen Onyx
The Warrior Houses of Alea Yll & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Cencaur Blackcloak
The Regiment - Commander Kayverii Thornbird
The Legion - Commander Libraanich Redcloud
The Sentinels - Commander Layciel Pondgrass
The Night Watch - Commander Nithroël Snowfield
The Scouts - Commander Imperion Redrun
The Wolf Guard - Commander Adorellan Hillward
Tarron Heights
The Noble House of Tallson
Cinaed Tallson - Lord of Tarron Heights
Mikana Tallson - Wife of Cinaed
Mekindra Tallson - Daughter of Mikana
Elders of Tarron Heights
Reandor Lothbrooke
Haemir Sailbill
Kymeron Evergreen
Thalar Carverer
Varkin Lynxcape
Theondal Shrew
Para Deerfall
Lanné Winterhare
Fiora Bluepyre
Merrinna Ravencroft
Sorsser Storkbill
The Guard of Tarron Heights
Erendal Baywater (Commander)
Arabas Winterfoe (2nd in Command)
Argon Strongsteel
Lemren Cattbar
Ylthorn Molewright
Zathraël Bergen
Taevin Treadfast
Balaras Oakenkin
Grendor Creek
Iolas Yellowfields
Kellam Northfolk
The Warrior Houses of Tarron Heights & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Erendal Baywater
The Regiment - Commander Briedenley Bluetop
The Legion - Commander Lirethorn Shadowbourne
The Sentinels - Commander Panthius Houndhill
The Night Watch - Commander Vichelle Crowlake
The Scouts - Commander Ziaan Farseer
Rathaés
The Noble House of Firestone
Hanno Firestone - Lord of Rathaés
Medina Firestone - Wife of Hanno
Minna Firestone - Daughter of Medina
Elders of Rathaés
Bronsen Firehold
Aghtias Burnwood
Avatey Hotstone
Lintey Bogden
Minaam Coalmill
Sukitaan Flameshield
Abantus Ironstar
Evera Whitecross
Shigtaan Boneshell
Cait Crystalvault
Muisay Lavarun
The Guard of Rathaés
Annitue Burnwood (Commander)
Xiveral Greywolf (2nd in Command)
Tenninas Pygmyant
Suzari Sprinpost
Beetran Fyrhound
Sira Flameshield
Trialan Pyrehill
Rumivah Steamguard
Keathlen Hotwell
Soavira Brownkite
Esolla Inkstar
The Warrior Houses of Rathaés & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Annitue Burnwood
The Regiment - Commander Dorius Bloodaxe
The Legion - Commander Aladon Ironstar
The Sentinels - Commander Buroden Sourwater
The Night Watch - Commander Beyth Blackbear
The Scouts - Commander Lyva Dawnyard
The Burning Spear - Commander Luriaan Nightadder
Dragonfort
The Noble House of Middleclaw
Elgan Middleclaw - Lord of Dragonfort
Tannina Middleclaw - Wife of Elgan
Ethran Middleclaw - Son of Elgan
Elders of Dragonfort
Mikitaan Wyrmhole
Sayren Treehelm
Souguh Darkwood
Rorikus Dragonhood
Kay Slaygrove
Picharen Pinenymph
Llantey Raspberry
Veruen Wildbean
Sichaani Lizardrift
Shelline Logvale
Kainen Fyrmoss
The Guard of Dragonfort
Divari Woodfort (Commander)
Liinay Springforest (2nd in Command)
Ruzia Dragonhood
Korshius Silverwing
Eblamey Mothcroft
Nishaan Oldenoak
Yltran Willowroot
Hagen Redweed
Mallek Primrose
Thildor Elderflower
Varin Wildbean
The Warrior Houses of Dragonfort & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Divari Woodfort
The Regiment - Commander Terikus Elderflower
The Legion - Commander Gviraan Riverfloat
The Sentinels - Commander Nerki Oldenoak
The Night Watch - Commander Onitey Deepfalls
The Scouts - Commander Osaria Claybeetle
Stoneloft
The Noble House of Brimstone
Lothri Brimstone - Lord of Stoneloft
Hellena Brimstone - Wife of Lothri
Lurin Brimstone - Son of Lothri
The Noble House of Gemsson
Ender Gemsson - Noble of Stoneloft
Melindil Gemsson - Wife of Ender
Elders of Stoneloft
Killian Granitson
Leth Brimstone
Thurvah Marblehall
Anaar Firestone
Larius Hardrock
Thiborn Underfelt
Shay Stonecroft
Vorus Eversmooth
Sigil
ah Hammersbay
Laylee Lintel
Evosirah Flagstone
The Guard of Stoneloft
Sioryn Hammersbay (Commander)
Rilodaan Darksky (2nd in Command)
Agrador Lovemore
Vird Bluebird
Lerikan Hardrock
Eldaren Softleaf
Kagu Goodsmith
Theros Underfelt
Vianten Eversmooth
Keachay Featherpen
Raiken Marblemoss
The Warrior Houses of Stoneloft & their Commanders
The Guard - Commander Sioryn Hammersbay
The Regiment - Commander Amandray Riverken
The Legion - Commander Charen Dewdrop
The Sentinels - Commander Skyver Minedeep
The Night Watch - Commander Eman Softleaf
The Scouts - Commander Pheylaar Coversmoke
Crook Harbour
The Noble House of Silverman
Argur Silverman - Lord of Crook Harbour
Natala Silverman - Wife of Argur
Arun Silverman - Son of Argur
Elders of Crook Harbour
Evon Fishawk
Lethron Eelwright
Eya Silvershell
Zifaan Ria
Sumon Lettergood
Thiolus Seadragon
Keytay Waverider
Aren Smoothsailor
Meylah Goodfisher
Lovden Isledown
Efketeri Sanderson
The Guard of Crook Harbour
Lavangen Isledown (Commander)
Evoslen Fishawk (2nd in Command)
Averi Summerbay
Verioma Crabnet