* * * * *
On the other side of the forest, an elf sat by himself, a strange sense of peace washing over him. He was home. Even if he was only within the outer edge of Sharia, it was the closest he had been in years. Yet he refused to turn around. Instead his eyes fell upon the road, watching as diligently as possible. But it wasn’t to protect his companions. They were safe regardless of what showed up outside those trees.
Since Lanyan could remember, the elders had placed a magickal border around Sharia to keep unwanted visitors out; mainly roving patrols and those eager to use the forest’s bountiful resources for personal gain. To enter—even the outer edge—someone would need the spell.
No harm would come to the group, even without him watching.
Yet that was not what was forcing his eyes outside rather than in. He knew that if his eyes went, his body might soon follow. His will to resist temptation was stronger than the urge to see his family, to retrieve a new weapon. Perhaps he had time before Grahamas and Elryia returned, but he would not risk it. Such an act would make him look irresponsible and immature. As much as he wanted to use his bow again, he did not want the rest of his companions lost or injured as a sacrifice to get one.
He had enough trouble as it was. Gort had not stopped complaining since he entered and Gnert, as usual, was nowhere to be found. He often wondered where the little fellow ran off to. Since their capture, he had remained close by and Lanyan knew he would not venture too far away. Still, it puzzled him. Gnert acted most days as if he had something very critical to tend to.
More than his fear of Gnert getting lost in the forest or Gort never staying quiet, was what he would do if they were attacked. He knew that it was impossible here, but between leaving Sharia and heading to Mt. Forgas, it was entirely probable. With no weapon the only thing he could accomplish, successfully, was alerting the others. He knew it was perhaps trivial to allow something like that to rob him of his livelihood, and he tried his best…
“here…”
He was so deep in thought, he actually believed he was hearing voices. He shook his head, focusing on the road again.
“Here…”
He heard it again, louder this time. He turned around quickly to face the direction it was coming from. Behind him, Gnert was crouched over, both of his hands extended and a large, very strange looking object was in them. Gnert blinked and pushed it closer, prompting Lanyan to take it. When he had a moment to analyze it, he discovered what it was: a crossbow.
Rather, it looked like one.
Yet as he scrutinized it, the Elf realized it was far more. Not just one, but two bows: one above the other on a much larger wooden base than normal. The middle had a long line carved through it to allow the second bowstring movement. The long butt, typical of most crossbows, had been removed—save for an inch or two. That part had been drilled through, bolts on either side connecting a long, thick piece of metal from the shortened stabilizer to a bracer. The armlet was about a foot long, the top half made of metal and the bottom half of leather, laces crossing along the length of it.
“This…is amazing.” Lanyan whispered as he examined it.
Without saying a word, Gnert took the weapon back and then grabbed Lanyan’s left arm, sliding it through the brace. The top fit snugly against his forearm and Gnert synched it down with the leather ties. With one hand on top of the crossbow, his other hand wrapped around Lanyan’s, forcing him to take the handle that came down from the base of the weapon, his index finger fitting against the trigger. Lanyan held it in front of himself, looking down it with one eye. He was curious both about the two bows and how he would get a bolt into the second track, “Why two?” Lanyan asked, knowing he may regret it.
Gnert blinked slightly, “First, could you let go?”
Lanyan, confused, did not respond.
“I wish to show you one of the many enhancements I have made to this particular weapon can you please release your grip?”
Lanyan did as he was asked and the two pieces of metal spun, the spring-loaded rivets connected between the bracer and weapon snapped back, the top of the bow now an inch away from his bicep.
“Move your hand forward fast enough and the bow will travel into your grip as it was before you let go of it.”
Lanyan flicked his hand and the crossbow arced into his grip, forcing a huge smile on the Elf’s face.
“The weapon itself is designed to require very little preparation during battle as I have added other modifications to show you.” Gnert bent and started rooting through his bag, eventually pulling out two thin rectangular boxes. The tops were open and Lanyan saw what looked like a dozen bolts in each one.
Lanyan first imagined that Gnert would load the bolts one at a time. Instead, the gnome pulled the crossbow forward—arm and all—and clicked one box into a notch on the top right side so it was attached horizontally to the weapon. The other box he attached to the left side near the bottom, closer to the second bow. He released his hold on most of the weapon, turned it so it was no longer pointed at him and then gripped the tip and yanked, forcing Lanyan to flick his wrist to the left. A bolt clicked out from the right box and dropped onto the track. “If you could please fire the weapon, I would appreciate it.”
The Gnome watched anxiously, Lanyan—looking just as excited—aimed the crossbow at a nearby tree. He felt a rush of adrenaline as goose bumps broke out on his skin when he pulled the trigger. The top’s track string catch fell, launching it forward. The string tucked into the bolt, firing it from the bow. Halfway through, the string caught a metal latch on the top track and pulled it forward. The latch went all the way to the bottom, ending with a hook just like the one at the top. As the upper half of the latch moved forward, the lower half slid back—catching the second string and pulling it back to lock in place; all with no effort from Lanyan save for pulling the trigger.
The bolt drilled into the tree with incredible velocity and Lanyan’s eyes expanded, as did his grin. “Amazing…”he whispered. His curiosity and intuitiveness overcame him, spinning faster than Gnert could speak. The Elf flicked his arm to the right and a bolt clicked into the bottom track—just as it had with the top—and the Elf fired again in the same fashion. As it had before, the bottom string caught onto the spinning latch and pulled forward as the top half caught the high string, once more locking it into place.
Lan was awestruck for a long time, but he turned back to the Gnome—still searching for the words to show his appreciation for such a wonderful gift. “You have to be the most inventive, most ingenious soul I’ve ever met.” Gnert’s eyes lit up. The Elf could not have given a better compliment. “Thank you,” Lanyan continued as his fingers traced down it, eyes staring at the weapon like a beggar to a gold coin, a desert wanderer to an oasis, “Truly, thank you.”
The Gnome nodded appreciatively and the Elf bowed respectfully.
Lanyan, for weeks, had been torn with regret and longing. Now, that piece he felt had been missing was returned—emphatically. He had a weapon again—a great one. And that would benefit him more than he could even comprehend. His purpose had returned, his ability to help and protect his fellow companions was now strapped to his forearm. Lanyan felt worthy again.
He was at peace.
In A Time Of Darkness Page 44
