Legends Lost Tesnayr
Page 32
Chapter III
Listening
Drizzling rain formed a mist around Serein as she crept through the orc encampment. Her gown flowed around her blending expertly in with the damp and dreary surroundings. Deftly, her bare feet touched the soggy earth as she walked toward the command tent.
A noise alerted her of approaching danger. Instantly, Serein froze melting into the scenery. Seven orcs marched past oblivious to her presence. Serein slowly rematerialized and continued toward her destination.
A lone lamplight shone in the distance illuminating where she wished to be. She headed for the open marquee as voices spilled from it. Serein hunkered just outside next to a gnarled tree allowing its shadow to conceal her.
“Where is the supply line?” roared the growling voice of an orc.
“It hasn’t arrived,” answered another orc, squeamishly.
“It hasn’t arrived? Did you bother to find out why?”
“No, commander,” said the second voice.
“Then find out.”
A man dressed in red strode into the meeting, his sword clinking by his side. “You asked for me?”
“Yes,” replied the commander, “We have been here for over a month. Explain to me why we have yet to conquer this land.”
“The dwarves are not easily found,” said the man.
“You may have helped us take over your own kingdom, Blynak, but don’t get too secure in thinking you are above reproach.”
“I am here only to serve Galbrok,” said Blynak.
The commander grunted. “What are you still doing here,” he shouted at the other orc. “Get out!”
The lower ranking orc scurried away.
“I have never failed before,” said Blynak, “I will find the dwarves’ weakness.”
“And yet you let Tesnayr escape.”
Blynak’s face flushed.
“At least there is a plan to deal with that loss. You better succeed, human, or Galbrok may grow tired of you.” The orc commander left.
Fuming, Blynak swept his hand across the table sending maps, quills, and other articles flying before storming away.
A piece of parchment caught Serein’s eye. Gently, she placed her hand on the slimy trunk of the tree. A leafless branch reached out wrapping itself around the parchment and placed it in the fairy’s outstretched palm.
“Thank you,” whispered Serein taking the paper. A map.
Serein hurried away diving deep within the forest away from the orcs. She released a soft whistle. The note floated upward through the trees carrying her request.
A soft flutter of wings sounded above her. Smiling, Serein put out her hand allowing a cardinal to land upon it. “Hello, my friend,” she said.
The cardinal chirped.
Serein held up the folded map. “I need you take this to Tesnayr within the Perili Mountains. Let the wind guide you.”
The bird chirped again before taking the map in its beak. It darted away flapping its wings as fast as it could.