RONN
These lands are older than any of us. That was what the wolf said, when I had led her down the river towards the plains between Citadell to the west and Tussel to the east. The wolves used to roam these fields in packs, unhindered, when men had not known war. It all changed when an elf channeled power from a plant, and shared this knowledge with his people, and the elves grew stronger. Men, in their fear, learnt theirs, but the creatures they turned to, were the wolves. We both agreed it's ironic, that men would turn on the creatures that showed them the way.
When I finally let her go, she bounded away without hesitation. A real morgan she must be.
Returning to camp, I couldn't find Keilen. The girls closest to her hut say they haven't seen her since the day before, and neither had Argell or Veesa. 'You know Keilen', Gylen said while we had lunch near the creek, 'She's a wild wolf. She's probably somewhere in there, doing Lupion-
SAELYNAFareedah wraps a shawl around my hair and stands back to admire her work. Her black eyes lit up with admiration. 'You look fabulous', she says, clapping her hands. I pull at the robe and then the shawl. I don't entirely feel comfortable in these. 'Are they really necessary? I mean, it looks a little….too much'. Too restrictive, too celebratory. Fareedah waves a hand. 'You don't know what you're talking about. That's what they wear at the festival, innit?' she says, wrapping a shawl around her own neck. I don't correct her, because that's what they wear. I just go with a shirt and trouser and sometimes, Cyran's coat.I look around the place as we step outside my hut. 'What?' she whispers. 'Where's Cyran?' I ask. 'Off with the boys, I 'spect. On nights like this, they drink always and sing those damned songs till sunrise'. I prick my ears, straining for the sound of music, but I hear none. 'I'm…I'm worried, I should go check…' F
RONNI lead the way, because Gylen insists on staying close to Cyran. But the scent is weak, and it takes a lot of effort to remain on the trail. Cyran follows his phantom tracks easily, even though I have issues finding them.It all leads back the way to the cliff though, and Gylen curses as we crest the outcrop. 'Fucking hell. Not this place'.Cyran stares down the drop at the fortress with the look of an interested learner on excursion. Better not tell him all there is to know. 'It looks…abandoned', he mutters. Gylen looks at him incredulously, and looks back at the city. 'You do know that's Citadell, right? The forbidden fortress?' Cyran pales a bit but shrugs. 'I mean, I know Keilen is the stubborn, wild wolven, but why come here?' 'This is where the scent ends. She was here with someone. I don't know who, but I'm sure they weren't talking about manicure', I reply as Gylen runs a hand through his hair, cursing under his br
CYRANThey are wolves.Or at least, they look like it. Four of them emerge from the shadows of the decrepit buildings around us, as tall as my shoulder and twice as wide as I am. They are of the darkest black I've seen, like they are nothing but shadow. Their eyes gleam a violent ruby, set on the three of us as they inch forward with low growls.'I think I'm getting a little tired of this routine', I mutter. 'This isn't the time, elf! On guard!' Ronn barks and we form a circle, our backs to each other. We are completely surrounded though and outnumbered 3 to 4.I release my arrow at the one closest to me and it bounces off its skull. A low gasp escapes my lips, and I step closer to Gylen as I notice something else. 'They have horns…deer antlers', I whisper.He's about to say something, but he pushes me to the ground as one of them lunges at us and he takes the attack. Another leaps on R
CYRANI never thought the sight of the forest would gladden me as we flee the cursed city. I cover the rear, while Ronn carries Keilen. I relish the the cool night air on my face, the normal sounds of trees dancing in the wind and the smell of grass; and I promise myself never to return to that place. Something tells me there are worse things than demonic hybrid wolves, a dragur and an annis within those walls.Annis. The word makes my skin crawl; gooseflesh still rises on my neck when I think of her voice and that screech. Ronn said they were witches, dead elven witches, worse than the mages that still lurk inside those walls. The fact that we escaped relatively unscathed by her is the greatest miracle I've ever known, even though he says I am to thank. I'm sure my magic was just a slap in the face, nothing major to a creature like that.We cross the field faster than we had done when we came this way, but I feel my lungs start to gi
CAIVANI haven't had nightmare in two years, but last night's dreams pack a punch. I keep seeing people getting oanced by arrows; Veesa, Gylen, Saelyna. I couldn't sleep for a long time after that, for the some reason, the sight of that arrow passing through her head was more terrifying than the others.I sit up on the bed, and for a while, the darkness disorients me. I blink twice and adjust my vision, before I notice Palma beside me and I begin to recall the aftermath of the riot yesterday, and that I am at her apartment.I drop my feet to the ground with a sigh and try not to think about it. Impossible.Who were those men on the roof? If they were Palma's men, why did they try to kill me? Perhaps they took me for one of the king's courtmen and they are not wrong there, but why did they shoot only after Lionel was killed? Why was Lionel killed?I shake my head. It's one big jum
CAIVANI tell guards assigned to be my escorts to fuck off as I leave the court hall. I have to warn Palma, that is my top priority, but I'd be hard-pressed to do it without being detected. Things are moving too fast, too undetected for me to follow and there's no way there's anything good in it.I turn the corner and the first thing I see before I run into him are pointed ears and a pair of blue eyes. 'Apologies…' I stop as I realize…Blue eyes.A mage. This one bears no resemblance to the one I'd killed in the forest, even though they all have the same pointed ears and dead sapphire eyes. He wears a long black robe that seems to suck the light, and he stares at me like they all do, like the damned souls that they are.I take a turn around him when he makes no sign to move and continue on my way. I don't even want to know what he's doing in the courtroom. Honestly, I'm glad the king gave me the leave. The atmosphere of the palace is getting a little too toxic for my taste, and I'm beg
RONNVeesa says she'll live, but needs her time alone with her. I pause, unsure. 'There are larger things to fear, Ronn, than leaving Keilen with me. Unless you have something to hide, I suggest you leave me with my patient. Now', she says quickly, staring me down. I can't argue with her, so I take one last glance at her sleeping form before I leave the hut.Outside, Gylen stands a few feet off, leaning against a tree. He looks up as I come out and his face takes on a suspicious expression. 'I need a moment with her', he says, walking towards the door. 'Veesa says to leave her alone', I reply, placing a hand on his chest. He scoffs. 'I'm not touching, or even speaking to her. Just need to check something out'. 'Well, don't', I snap, my claws shooting out. He tilts his head. 'You're seriously willing to walk down this road again?' he says, baring his fangs. 'Try me'.Someone tuts nearby and I let him go as Argell steps forward, shaking his head. Sera stands beside him, head lowered and
RONNThe sharp smell of magic hits my nose with its characteristic itch that automatically makes me sneeze; almost immediately, I regret it, as half a dozen glares are thrown my way. I hold up a hand in apology. 'Magic, it's thick in this forest', I whisper. Argell nods and points slightly to my left. 'The king's glade should lie somewhere down that path. What you smell are his wretched rexume, grown by the elves he conquered and subjected to his whim', he says with a bitter twist to his mouth. Staring at those maroon eyes, I don't think there's any one else who hates the deer-demon-king as much as Argell. 'Press on', he says and continues down the uneven forest path.When Argell had mentioned "ranging", I didn't exactly have this in mind: the alpha of the Eldad pack leading six wolvens on a hunt of sorts. Or scout, depending on what Argell felt like calling it. Gylen wasn't allowed to come, Argell saying he can't risk any more injuries. Apparently, the rest of us can afford to.Pedra
Reflections Their progress was slow, and the constant motion did little to lessen the stress that weighed heavily on their hearts. Each minute brought them closer to the witch, closer to the woman who threatened the safety of the people of Eriu and their future. Every inch took them further away from home, further away from their families and their friends. Time was running short, and soon enough they would be forced to make a choice. Either they could save their Kingdom or die trying. They had lost track of the number of times they had narrowly escaped the clutches of the witches; yet, none of them gave up hope. A feeling of uneasiness settled inside of them, an uncertainty that they were approaching the center of the witch’s domain. Finally, the group reached an intersection, and all eyes turned in unison towards the hallway that split down the middle, one path leading to freedom and the other to destruction. The Queen raised a trembling hand towards the rightmost passage, ta
Their progress was slow, and the constant motion did little to lessen the stress that weighed heavily on their hearts. Each minute brought them closer to the witch, closer to the woman who threatened the safety of the people of Eriu and their future. Every inch took them further away from home, further away from their families and their friends. Time was running short, and soon enough they would be forced to make a choice. Either they could save their Kingdom or die trying.They had lost track of the number of times they had narrowly escaped the clutches of the witches; yet, none of them gave up hope. A feeling of uneasiness settled inside of them, an uncertainty that they were approaching the center of the witch’s domain.Finally, the group reached an intersection, and all eyes turned in unison towards the hallway that split down the middle, one path leading to freedom and the other to destruction. The Queen raised a trembling hand towards the rightmost passage, taking a deep breath,
With the amulet clutched tightly in his hand, Caivan rejoined Saelyna and Gylen, his expression determined. “I’ve found it,” he declared, his voice filled with a mix of hope and determination.As Cyran continued to engage the witch in a fierce battle, Saelyna stepped forward, her eyes meeting Caivan’s. “Give me the amulet, Caivan. It will amplify my magic and weaken her grip on the Queen.”Caivan nodded, passing the amulet to Saelyna with care. “Use it well, Saelyna. We’re counting on you.”Saelyna held the amulet close to her chest, feeling its power resonate within her. She took a deep breath, channeling her courage, her determination, and the collective strength of her friends.In that moment, time seemed to stand still. The air crackled with anticipation as Saelyna prepared to confront the witch head-on, armed with the ancient incantation and the newfound power of the amulet. The final battle was about to begin, and Saelyna was ready to seize their chance at victory.The room puls
Caught in the crossfire SAELYNAQuain let out a long sigh, he was very curious, but, seeing how I answered, he thought he didn't want to disturb my concentration. I tried to concentrate as I thought about the sentences I had read from Gylen's writing.The sound of the door opening made Quain and I turn our heads. Caivan had just come out in the clothes he had changed into."Quain," Caivan called, causing Quain to raise half an eyebrow in surprise. "Me, Saelyna, Cryan, and Gylen are leaving. I trust you to take care of the others. Stay alert and keep an eye on the surroundings. Don't trust anyone except Prince Charles. I'll be back in a little over an hour, but if we're not back in an hour, I authorize you to take the others with you. Caivan gave Quain a message, then reached for me. "Leave the stone the queen gave to Quain, so he can access it if anything happens to us."I immediately nodded in understanding, it was only fitting that Caivan became an Alpha, famous for his ruthless wa
Walking togetherCAIVANThe one I've been waiting for has finally arrived. Saelyna and Cryan came into my room."There's Gylen too," Cryan said to himself, then Gylen told him to sit by his side while Saelyna sat next to me."Why are you all here? Are you having a little meeting?" Saelyna asked with a half-raised eyebrow in surprise."No, we're just having a little discussion," I replied, standing in for Gylen.While Saelyna just nodded in understanding. "What about when you met Prince Charles? What did you talk about?" Saelyna suddenly remembered and asked me and Gylen."I'll explain it to you, but first I have to ask you," I grumbled as I looked at Saelyna from the side, then I picked up a map and some notes we had made because it would be useful for Saelyna and we didn't have to go too far in explaining it. It was all done by Gylen before the two of them came to my room."Everything is summarised here. I'll explain later. But where are you going?" I said, wondering when I saw that
An unsolved mysterySAELYNA"Are you called the Queen?"I nodded my head as Caivan asked. "I will see her now." I quickly closed the door to the room as Caivan made way for me. Maybe Cryan had told him. "When I get back, tell me what happened while you were talking to the prince."Caivan followed my footsteps towards the room where the Queen was. "Of course, you must be careful. I will be waiting for you in the room." When we reached the centre room, with the Queen's room in front of it, guarded by several soldiers, Caivan told me to leave and that he would return to his room.Feeling my heart pounding, I steadied myself before walking over. The soldiers made way for me to pass, apparently they had been informed by the Queen that I was her guest."Excuse me Queen, it's a pleasure to be here and thank you for inviting me." I bowed slightly and waved my hands in front of my stomach.The Queen, who was in her seat, smiled at me and then told me to sit down in one of the empty chairs she
An unsolved mysterySAELYNA"Are you called the Queen?"I nodded my head as Caivan asked. "I will see her now." I quickly closed the door to the room as Caivan made way for me. Maybe Cryan had told him. "When I get back, tell me what happened while you were talking to the prince."Caivan followed my footsteps towards the room where the Queen was. "Of course, you must be careful. I will be waiting for you in the room." When we reached the centre room, with the Queen's room in front of it, guarded by several soldiers, Caivan told me to leave and that he would return to his room.Feeling my heart pounding, I steadied myself before walking over. The soldiers made way for me to pass, apparently they had been informed by the Queen that I was her guest."Excuse me Queen, it's a pleasure to be here and thank you for inviting me." I bowed slightly and waved my hands in front of my stomach.The Queen, who was in her seat, smiled at me and then told me to sit down in one of the empty chairs she
First mission CAIVANI saw the Prince's legs move, he was about to turn and face us. This was the first time we had met, and I had sent the Prince a letter before we had spoken by telephone."Yes, you are my people. And we should protect you if you need our help." The Prince smiled broadly, he was quite handsome and authoritative. He shook his robes back, then walked over to me. I sat up and looked at him seriously. "Have you looked around your room?" he asked again as we faced each other."I have, Your Honour." I wasn't the only one who answered him, my friends in the back also replied."All right, just call me Charles. Are you the leader of them? Is your name Caivan? It's good to see you here, I hear you're a great fighter. If you are not tired from travelling and have more time, perhaps we can have a chat first. Or if you want to bring your deputy with you, that's fine too.I smiled broadly at that, then nodded briefly. "At your service, Your Honour." Then I turned to look at Gyle
Prince's welcome SAELYNAI don't want to, he must be very tired. And who really needs to be carried by Caivan? We decided to walk together. Five minutes was not too far and long, we could observe each other's surroundings and make small talk."Later we will come to a village where people live a simple life and we have to be friendly, don't make any noise. Be polite if you want to pass through their area, when we walk again we will meet the market before entering the city park and there we can see the huge city of Lexington. Then our goal is to find one of the kingdoms there, the kingdom of Brahzeil is the largest and has a lot of knowledge we can seek. There is a prince there who will help us, I hope you don't make a fuss. This prince is called Charles". Gylen explained to the others as Caivan's representative, while they all nodded in agreement. There are ten of us on this journey. We had a well thought out plan and had made sure that we would not betray each other.After about five