by Ed Montalvo
Interview with the hatchling, by the divine priestess.
“You will be treated fairly,” Broah-vock shouted into the corridors, small patches of fire burned on straw mats of harpy nests.
“You will turn on me as your mother has done to others!” Matriarch Vannah accused.
“I shielded your daughter from the fighting as proof, I am not my mother. You will be one of her lieutenants under my command. Your abilities as a commander are an asset.”
She weighed his words, in her head he sounded true, “As you say,” and cautiously stepped out. “My life is in your hands' great prince,” she said trying to mask her obvious fear.
Broah-vock stood in the center of the large chamber with his talon hands on his hips portraying a powerful but sympathetic presence. One of his mother’s harpies stood at the ready. All attention was on the matriarch and ensured no one saw her securing the extended armor talons.
Broah-vock studied her with a gentle smile, “There, you see no harm done.”
“I am yours,” she approached lowering her head and lifted her wings, exposing her back.
She waited until the matriarch stepped beside her, “Weapon! Protect the prince!” she shouted and leaped into the air to attack. Harpy’s screamed and screeched, filling the cave from both clans. The matriarch couldn’t retreat to the safety of the crevasse, she was trapped.
The defeated clan screeched for her to retreat. Broah-vock’s harpy’s screamed, adding to the confusion. Fifteen harpies immediately surrounded the prince. Surprised, he guarded against his own troops, then realized what was happening, “She has no weapon!” he managed.
The instigator cried and swooped. The frightened matriarch tried to retreat into the crevasse when the traitorous harpy struck. Broah-vock shoved one of his harpies aside and saw the extended armored talon gashed the matriarch below her ear. Long gushes of bloodstream from her vein.
“No!” he shouted then glanced at the matriarch’s daughter, a little princess. Her eyes were wide with fright. Her guardian pulled the child closer to shield her eyes. The matriarch fell trying to use her wings as a shield. His guards realized what happened and stepped away looking in silence. Their prince advanced beside her, grief masked his face. He gently lifted her head while trying to bind her mortal wound. Broah-vock looked into her eyes sadly, “Forgive me… this was not…” he started.
Her eyes fixed on his, “I believe…” her voice faded and stared at him with dead eyes.
As she died in his arms, Broah-vock controlled his rage. He tenderly laid her down, “Where are you?” he said sternly. His deep voice filled the cave.
The cavern was silent as she stepped forward, facing her prince. Her stance appeared defiant, a measure of controlled insolence. Harpy’s have one law, hurt no one in your clan, for we are sisters. “You killed her deliberately,” he accused.
“No my prince, I…” she started.
“Silence!” he boomed, his voice carried, echoing throughout the cavern startling the harpies, forcing her to step back, “Why?” he asked softly.
She could see in his eyes his bloodlust for her actions, “Prince, I beg you…,” being his mother’s firsthand, she hoped that would curve his wrath.
He denied his anger it's due, even though it was justifiable. He stopped before her and studied the defying harpy. With incredible swiftness, he grabbed her arm-wings and forced them open. Frightened she clawed at him. He released one then flung her against the rock wall in defense. With a solid thump against the stonewall, the harpy plopped down in a daze. Broah-vock stepped on her talons and shook her back to consciousness.
The Harpy’s lazy eyes cleared, then stared at him. He forced her elbows backward until they broke, making her cry out, then yanked, as she pleaded forgiveness. The harpy screeched as her shoulders and elbows cracked and clunked. He released an arm-wing to secure her torso and pulled as the flesh stretched. The harpies backed away as the prince punished their sister. None dared interfere for fear he would curve his anger against them.
Moments later her skin broke and blood seeped out followed by her hideous cry. It didn’t take long for her flesh to tear. Once the flesh broke free, Broah-vock slapped her with her own arm-wing several times. The harpy fell back with a shocked expression looking where her arm-wing once was. Had he not stood on her talons she would have tumbled back. Her ankle and knees popped out of place.
He mercilessly glared at her, grabbed the other wing and tore it off. Again, her horrible shriek filled the cavern. The harpy assassin laid there with a dumbfounded look as the muscles twitched and pulled from the displaced tissue. Broah-vock wondered why his mother wanted the matriarch dead.
He lifted her by her legs and displayed her for all to see. This is what happens if you betray my word. The exposed muscles twitched rapidly, as though she was trying to fly, her expression bland.
Fear filled the cavern as he stepped back. Many turned away. “This is a merciful death compared to the next bitch that dares betray me.” He pulled her leg until the joints popped out of place, then dropped her, to live, or die slowly. “Anyone aiding will suffer her fate,” he boomed.
***
Upon touching Dregous, the Grey Elf priestess felt as though she was pulled into a dark and dismal world. Leafless gnarled trees dotted the landscape. Sharp peaked mountains oversaw the scene with a seemingly dismal stare. She noticed a large tree resembled the Elven tree of life, but it was void of the vital essence Elves hold so dear, life. A thin mist crept upon the ground, adding a layer of eeriness to the already bleak scenery. The panorama looked frightfully familiar then gasped. The lifeless world seemed like her home, the Elven forest. With a broken heart, she gazed in dumb amazement. Dead grass matted the turf wherever she looked. The gloomy grey sky blotted the sun, making it look like the moon.
She stared at the Dark Elf prince before her. He laid on a thick mat of evergreen leaves and moss. It was the only living plant life she could see. Then he studied her surroundings again, trying to get her bearings, trying to understand what happened and why the only living plants formed his bedding. A sudden coldness from behind filled her to the core, nearly paralyzed the priestess with fear. She barely managed a glance over her shoulder.
An above-average height female with long curly hair and fair complexion stood at the foot of the bed. Her light brown eyes were pleasant and greeted the priestess warmly.
To her left, the priestess saw a female Drouwen fleeing from other Dark Elves. Her cries to spare her children and of her unborn infant went unheard. They brutally murdered the toddlers in front of her as Dregous slept the sleep of the dead. Then they beat her and had their way repeatedly. So vile the act, it shattered the priestess and wept.
Her heart went out to the Dark Elf female. No woman should experience such an assault, not even a Drouwen. “Shameful as it is, worry not, she is already dead,” the woman said.
“Who was she?” she replied.
“His wife,” she chinned at Dregous. “Those Drouwens…” she glanced at the Dark Elves after they had their way with her, “…committed the gravest sin in their existence… the killing of children.”
“What…?” she breathed with shock, “I must tell him.”
“He senses it… though he does not understand it… …yet.”
“How can he not understand?”
“He has not seen but felt it. It is strange from his experience, thus cannot understand what is happening to him… but he will.”
“Something must be done!”
“Nothing can be done, his path is set, the hatchling has awoken.”
“Hatchling?”
“When he fully understands his situation, he will return to the Empire and destroy everything that had a hand in the worst crime in their history.
The priestess’s stunned expression caused the woman’s head to tilt curiously. “Surely there must be something I can do?”
She looked at her thoughtfully, “Nothing can be done.”
She di
dn’t want to accept that, “Why… it is a vision.”
“No, what you see is what he feels my dear, his family was killed under the new phase of the moon. His father, mother… everyone murdered… The famed house Von’negrous has fallen, and from the ashes of their blood, the great beast will arise,” the woman explained.
The priestess gasped, “Oh heavens… so he witnessed this?” she asked.
“That is not important. What is, he sacrificed much to come and warn your world of the dark empire.”
The Elven priestess’s brows creased, “For what?”
“To reclaim their ancient rite.”
Her brows raised involuntarily and wondered what ancient rite those dark souls claim. “What rite is their claim?”
“A rite denied their children,” she said. The priestess was about to speak. “You will learn the truth in time. For now, know he lost much for your benefit.”
She knew, if there was any truth to this, it would be found in the ancient archives within the temple. The words came back to her of his sacrifice. Then it became clear, he put the safety of his family before everyone. Her heart pounded deep and painfully with every beat. “He risked all to warn us?” she breathed, then tears formed.
The witch studied her warmly. The priestess saw other visions of Dregous saving the princess, the town, the children and their families, the regret he felt for hurting Rem with his latent talent. His sacrifice broke her heart and wept. “Am I feeling his pain?” she whispered. The pain of his nightmares, the way the town’s people treated him even after all he’s done. All of it paraded before her.
Another vision suddenly rushed in. A horrible blackface with many eyes around the head, and spider legs where the neck should be lunged. One of its fangs caught her cheek as it flew past into the darkness.
On the other side, Dregous battled to save a friend. The fight was one-sided, she pitied him. The powerful demon sucked the mage into the ground. As he descended, he continued frantically fighting until he vanished into the earth.
The Grey Elf glanced at the woman. “Who are you?”
“I was cursed long ago. He was the last to see me when I was liberated from my torment. In return, I guide him until he needs me no more.”
“Cursed… by who’s hand… where?”
“You must go. The demon queen is aware of you.” She waved her hands, shooing her away. As the scenery faded the woman spoke. “He must not learn this… not yet…. it is too soon…….” Her voice faded in the distance.
***
Tatiana studied the priestess and saw a tear run down her cheek. She didn’t understand what was happening. Then saw Dregouss’ wounds quickly mend.
She pulled away from the Dark Elf with a jolt, tumbling back. Lehoneh caught her. “My lady, what happened… are you well?”
Tatiana was surprised. She wasn’t sure what caused her reaction, “I am well,” she said, as Lehoneh aided her.
“What happened?” he asked.
“I am uncertain,” then glanced at Tatiana. “It took courage to stand beside him when the humans threatened to kill him.”
The princess lowered her head with a slight blush. “He has done more than…”
The priestess interrupted, “I know, he has sacrificed much and receive little in return. Except for you princess, you are the light in…” Dregous's groan silenced her.
“Dregous?” Tatiana breathed, and stroked his hair.
He moaned, then suddenly sat up with wild eyes ready to cast a spell. “Mother,” he muttered.
“Woo woo woo, easy, easy. It is me, Tatiana, remember?” she gently took his hands in hers.
He blinked against the brightness then studied her near-white eyes, “Angel…”
“It is me,” she gently caressed his cheek.
“Where are we?” he enjoyed her touch.
The Grey Elves glanced at one another wondering why he called her angel. Seeker studied Rem when she heard Dregous. The Elves were watching the couple, with obvious uncertainty.
Tuke knew she wished Dregous’s affections, “That is what friends are for… is it not?” he said.
Their momentary bliss was fleeting as the couple glanced at Tuke. The two smiled warmly, “Words to live by dear Tuke,” Dregous saluted weakly.
“Here here, Tuke, that is what friends are for,” Tatiana repeated as she unconsciously squeezed Dregous's hand.
The priestess momentarily wondered, then realized Tuke must be empathic. She knew he guarded her feelings from the Dark Elf. But all in all, the group accepted the Drouwen for what he was, a friend.
The priestess addressed Tatiana, “You will join us for our days' end meal?”
The princess glanced between Dregous and the priestess as she stood. “Of course,” then glanced at her friends.
She smiled understanding her meaning, “I trust your friends will join us,” she continued.
Tatiana gently clasped her hands to her chest, “You are most generous and kind, my gratitude.”
Then glanced at the Dark Elf Prince, “Lord Dregous Von’negrous, will you honor me to sit beside me?”
Dregous maintained a cool expression, she surprised him, “On the contrary Great Lady, you honor me,” he addressed her with the same protocol from his world.
“Great lady?” she mused. “Is that how Drouwens address their ladies?”
He was grateful for his dark complexion, otherwise, his bright blush would have been noticed. “Forgive me I meant no insult,” he tried to stand.
“What are you doing?” Tatiana gently held him.
“None taken my Lord… now rest. You will need your strength,” she gingerly pushed him back. Tatiana helped lay him down. “Though the title sounds majestic…, it is too grand for me,” she said gently. The priestess recalled what the woman in her vision said about Dregous resting.
“Lady, I am no…” he paused a moment, “…Dregous will do.”
She contemplated, “I understand, but protocol must be maintained…. Now rest, I will see you on the night…” then addressed the others, “…all of you,” she walked out of the room so gracefully, she appeared to float by. Seeker stepped aside allowing her to pass. She noticed Rem step aside from the priestess as she came away.
Mirehnah silently followed her out. Lehoneh addressed the group, “Excuse me,” and exited.
Rem nervously bowed his head, trying to stay calm. The priestess mistook his behavior for her status. When she was gone his wristband burned. “Great gods, what do you want?” he whispered.
“Kill the Grey Elf priestess,” the voice ordered.
Rem felt the bronze book slightly flicker as though pages flipped under the false bandage. He faced away and discretely looked. It revealed the priestess’s likeness. He grimaced with regret, “Gods, what have I done?” he whispered. The only ones that could help him were Tuke and Dregous. Asking for their help would reveal his betrayal.
“Indeed…,” it chuckled, “Now you belong to me,” the eerie voice whispered.
The priestess walked across the limb walkway and descended a slight spiral ramp, “Lehoneh,”
“My lady,” he caught up.
“Inform the king what happened on your return.”
“As you say,” he stepped onto the landing and rerouted to the kings’ chambers.
“Mirehnah, share your thoughts of the Drouwen,” she asked.
She explained from the moment they met until they reached their city. The story fascinated her. What she saw in her visions matched Mirehnahs’ experience with the Dark Elf, “Did you see something?”
She Studied the princess. “This Drouwen intrigues me,” she said. Her people will misunderstand the meaning of her vision and wish the Drouwen dead.
“Intriguing he is.”
The priestess stopped in the middle of the ramp. “There is more to him than what we see.”
“Truly?” she was surprised.
“He sacrificed much to help others….”
Mirehnah’s eyes wi
dened, “What did he give up?”
She studied her knowingly, “In time, and you are not to speak of this to anyone, understood?”
“As you say my lady.”
“Good. Now inform your brother I will join the king shortly to clarify.”
“My lady,” Mirehnah bowed and departed with the message.
***
Lehoneh entered the throne room and bent a knee before his king, “Father.”
“I prayed your safe return.”
“Gratitude.”
“Now, where is your sister?”
“She is with our lady.”
The king mused, “Interesting.”
“Also, I have other guests.” The king arched a brow. “In fact, had it not been for them, Mirehnah would have been taken by Orks.”
He straightened on his throne, concern filled his voice, “Taken…? explain?”
“She is safe. One of them risked his life to save her.”
“One among who?”
“A group she was fortunate to cross their path.”
“Then, you sure she is well?”
“Truly, she is well father.”
“Good… then who are the warriors that risked themselves for my daughter?” he approached his father with a smile. “You smile, why?”
“If I was in your place, I too would ask that question. However, her savior was not a warrior… but a mage,” and gave a weak smirk.
“A mage? What in the name of the gods' was he thinking?”
“I agree. When we found them, he was wounded and weakened from casting,” Lehoneh’s expression grew somber.
“What ails you…, tell me he did not die?”
“No father, he lives…,” he paused.
“Speak?”
“My archer’s nearly killed him.”
“What?” stunned, “He saves your sister and we repay him with near-death?”
“Father, allow me to continue.”
He considered his son, “Very well.” Lehoneh explained Dregous's situation. The Ayrian was adamant of a Drouwen member, was different. He arched a brow at the mention of an Ayrian and Drouwen. Silence followed and awaited his father. “A what?” he leaned forward on his thrown. “A Drouwen and an Ayrian?” he finally asked.