Light Chasers (The World of Lasniniar Book 0)
Page 66
Valanandir gave a savage cry and threw himself into the fray. All his bitterness and frustration over the desperate measures the dark creatures had forced the elves to take, he channeled into his attack. He knew he wasn’t the only one who fought like an elf possessed. The drakhalu were taken aback by the elves’ new ferocity, having assumed their victory was assured.
As Lodariel and Daroandir had predicted, many elves had chosen to remain behind to make a last stand. It had made Valanandir’s heart bleed to ask it, but their grim acceptance of his suggested plan shamed him. The elves were not children to be protected. They were brave warriors who would give all they had to ensure the survival of their race. It had brought tears to his eyes.
Even now, he felt tears running down his face as he fought alongside those he would soon leave behind. He had insisted on leading the final strike before he slipped away with the rest of the refugees. It was the one honor he could pay to those who would stay.
A hand grasped his shoulder from behind and he whirled to meet his assailant, knife drawn. It was Lodariel. She held both hands up to show they were empty and waited for him to recognize her in his battle rage. Before he could blink, she pulled a stake from her belt, slamming it into the chest of a drakhal that lunged at him from behind. It fell at her feet.
“It’s time to go.” She grabbed his arm to be sure she had his attention.
Valanandir nodded and ran beside her, away from the battle. Cries of agony and death filled the air behind him, punctuated by war cries. Running away was the most difficult thing he had ever done.