Archer of the Lake
Page 27
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"What is your name?" asked the heavily armored man who sat behind a desk with a large map pinned to its surface.
Caelfel said nothing. ?The circle of soldiers had managed to herd her to their main encampment, which had not been truly difficult on their part as Caelfel was without weapons and outside the protective enchantments of the forest. ?She could admit that it was her own folly that put her in this situation but if she was going to be held captive, she refused to give her captors the satisfaction of gracing them with a response.
"She's been silent since we found her, my lord," Lisiek explained to him.
"Maybe she is a mute elf, then. ?My dear, I am Admiral Grimault. ?You may hear some call me the princeling. ?I am the commanding officer of this army. ?You are probably wondering why we have plucked you from your woodland home to bring you with us. ?That's right. Now that we have you, there is no longer a reason to stay. ?We do not want war with your people, but we are more defensible at my castle, should anyone come looking for you."
Caelfel arched an eyebrow at Grimault. ?As much as she did not like to admit it, Caelfel knew no one would come looking for her. ?Once Grimault's army left, the elves would retreat further into the Fey Forest, not risking a mission to rescue her.
"Lisiek here will be your personal guard. ?We will do our best to cater to the needs of an elf, but please, understand if we must resort to unpleasant measures to secure your safety."
Caelfel drummed her fingers against the hardened leather of her armor impatiently. ?She did not appreciate condescending or cryptic remarks from anyone, much less her kidnapper.
"Forgive me," Grimault said, rising when he noticed her drumming. ?"You must still be wondering why you're here. ?Well, my dear, that's because you are possibly the most special elf there ever will be in elven history."
His smile was open and encouraging, but Caelfel only gave him a blank stare.
"You shall understand later. ?Now, we have a long journey ahead of us through the desert."