Ravenmane stood up and looked in that direction. At first, she saw nothing but thick forest covering the landscape. Occasionally she saw branches swaying in the breeze and heard the hooting of an owl in the distance. But as her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she saw it. Deep in the woods she sensed movement and a large shape lumbered between the trees.
“Draknoir.” She said unsheathing her dagger. “Looks like he's alone.”
“A scout?” Siegfried whispered.
Ravenmane nodded. “The rest of the force will be less than a mile away.”
“Then we'll finish him here before he alerts them,” Siegfried said. His bow already had an arrow nocked. He sighted the Draknoir with his bow and prepared to fire, but Ravenmane placed a hand on his forearm to stop him.
“No, don’t kill him. They’ll be expecting him to give a report every hour. If he doesn’t show up, they’ll know where he went last and easily pick up our trail,” she explained.
“What do you suggest then? He’s getting closer to our position. I could outrun him without being noticed in these woods. But you...” His voice trailed off and she knew what he intended to say.
In her condition, running was not much of an option. She could try to move quickly through the forest with Siegfried, but she doubted her movements would be as silent as the elf. The Draknoir were not particularly sensitive to sound. Their sense of smell and nocturnal vision were their greatest assets in a hunt like this. But why give them another advantage by stumbling around in the dark with a half-burned leg?
"We need to hide. Perhaps in the trees?" She suggested.
“Do you think you can climb a tree with that leg?” Siegfried asked incredulously.
He was right of course. She could barely stand on her feet right now let alone scale the trunk of the tall pines around her. Her mind raced as she thought of something else.
“Ravenmane, we don’t have time to argue. If I kill him now that still gives us an hour’s head start from the rest of them. We can lose them when we’ve reached the Dulan River.”
She sighed heavily and conceded his point. An hour head start would be better than nothing, but they were unaware of how long it had been since the scout had reported to his party. For all they knew, he had been hunting for the better part of an hour and would return to the camp soon. That would give them much less time than Siegfried hoped for. She explained this to the elf and noticed his shoulders tense in frustration. Meanwhile, the Draknoir traveled several feet closer toward them. He was still a few hundred yards away and the thick foliage near the stream provided sufficient cover for them. But it was only a matter of time before the beast would pick up their scent.
Ravenmane glanced at the stream. An idea formed in her mind when she noticed the water was deeper than she first believed. “Can you make straws out of those leaves you used for the cup?”
Siegfried frowned. “I suppose so. Why?”
“We can use the straws to breathe underwater if we lie down on our backs in the streambed. The water will disguise our scent and he will pass on without discovering us.”
“You’re sure of that? He'll likely smell the embers of the fire and search the area closely.”
“He might. But the Draknoir are not fond of water and he might believe we’ve moved on from here. If you have a better idea, please share it.”
Siegfried sighed then shook his head. The elf moved towards the bush with the oblong leaves and twisted them into long straws while Ravenmane watched the Draknoir’s progress through the woods. When the straws were ready, they both quietly walked into the stream and lay down in the water. The water was frigid and caused her body to shiver as she submerged underwater. She put the straw in her lips and held her breath instinctively before exhaling. It took several minutes for her to get used to the cold temperature and the numerous rocks poking her back on the streambed. But she remained calm and breathed evenly through the straw. Beside her, Siegfried was in a similar position and she sensed the elf was much calmer in this predicament.
Through the swirling current, her eyes had trouble seeing despite the pale moonlight overhead. She hoped that the bright moon would reflect clearly on the surface of the stream and obscure their bodies to the Draknoir’s eyes. After a few seconds that seemed like hours, she noticed a misshapen mass appear near the bank. Her heart pulsed quickly as she watched the Draknoir pace up and down the bank. Her hand fidgeted with the dagger at her belt, knowing she could easily take the creature by surprise and kill him. But she willed her body to ignore her assassin’s training and wait patiently.
After several minutes, the dark mass beyond the water disappeared. They waited for what seemed like another hour. All the while her body shivered uncontrollably. Her breathing quickened and more than once, she nearly lost her grip on the straw. A sudden touch on her right arm alarmed her. She turned her head and saw Siegfried emerging out of the water and tugging at her to do the same.
Ravenmane rose from the stream and gasped as she gulped air into her lungs. Her body trembled incessantly as she moved toward the bank. Behind her, Siegfried didn't seem fazed by the ordeal spent underwater. She shuddered while crouching near a tree to survey the surrounding woods, searching for any sign of the Draknoir.
“How... did you know...he was gone?” Ravenmane asked, her voice stammering from the cold.
“We elves have a superior sense of sight, even underwater. I could see him marching off toward the south. Away from the stream. I also knew that if we waited any longer, you would catch your death of cold,” the elf said with a hint of a smile on his face. “We should find somewhere to build another fire to warm you up.”
Ravenmane shook her head angrily. “I’m fine. We need to move on. There’s no guarantee he hasn’t seen our tracks or plans to double back.”
“You’re sure?” He had an expression of concern as he took stock of her. With her soaked clothes, bandaged leg, and chattering teeth she looked rather pathetic. But she had endured worse. Siegfried was merely trying to help her, but she grew tired of feeling weak under his constant care.
“Yes. Let’s pack the cooked venison and press on.”
“As you wish. I gather it should take us another day to reach the river—”
The elf’s voice trailed off suddenly as he turned to his left. Ravenmane followed his gaze and felt her heart catch in her throat. The Draknoir scout emerged from a cluster of bushes several feet away. He made a growling sound then charged toward them without hesitation.
The scout brandished a scimitar and sped toward them on the bank. Siegfried reacted first. He grabbed an arrow from his quiver, hoping to let off a quick shot at their attacker. But the arrows were slick from the water and in his haste, the elf lost his grip on the first arrow. Sensing he would not have a second chance at the beast, Siegfried held the bow in both hands like a staff. The Draknoir lunged with the scimitar and Siegfried dodged the attack. He reared back and struck the reptilian warrior across the face with the bow. It struck hard on the creature's skull, sending him reeling.
Ravenmane used the opportunity to step into the fray. She thrust at the creature's abdomen, but as she made the stroke, her foot slipped on the muddy surface of the bank. Instead of driving the blade into the creature's gut, it cut a gash across his unprotected stomach. The scout leveled an obscenity at her, stepping back a few paces. Siegfried grabbed another arrow preparing to nock it when suddenly the Draknoir turned and fled.
Ravenmane and Siegfried both hesitated, expecting the creature to double back through the trees. But it dawned on her that the creature meant to escape and alert his comrades.
"Shoot him!" Ravenmane ordered.
Siegfried obliged her command and released an arrow from the bowstring at his target. But his aim was slightly off do to the damp bowstring and the slick arrow. The projectile flew across the stream into the trees and ricocheted off the scout's shoulder armor. The elf picked another arrow, drew back the string, and released again in a second. But as before, the arro
w missed its intended target and sank into the trunk of a tree along the scout's path.
Ravenmane sighed heavily. "That went well."
"Let's get out of here," Siegfried said. He ran towards their makeshift camp and packed the venison into a sack he had created from moss hanging from the trees. "How far do you think their camp is from here?"
"If they haven't changed their tactics recently, I'd say we have about ten minutes before these woods are swarming with Draknoir warriors," she replied, tucking the dagger into her belt.
"I see. Well, that means we get to find out how much better that leg of yours is doing."
Ravenmane glared at him before they took off into the woods. Several minutes later, a Draknoir horn sounded in the distance.
Chapter 6
The snow in the northern borders of Joppa had nearly melted away. In many places along the road leading to Marsolas, tiny shoots and clumps of grass were beginning to poke through the gray landscape. Three days had passed since Lucius and the Drachengarde had set out from Aldron with Avani and the Numan elves. His legs were beginning to hurt immensely from being in the saddle for so long. His horse, Pennalyta, had noticed her master's discomfort and seemed to trot along easier on rough terrain. He had grown fond of the mare and, if he wasn't such an average rider, he might have actually enjoyed the trip.
The scouting party had only stopped to camp once along their journey which gave Lucius and Avani time to converse. Avani's duties during the war had made it difficult for them to spend any time together these days. The same problem seem to plague Silas and Violet, but they somehow fit in planning a wedding in their busy schedule. Although Lucius had not considered that progression in his relationship with Avani, it certainly wasn’t out of the question — at least in his mind. They broached the subject a night ago when he shared a moment with Avani near the campfire.
“It’s wonderful news about Silas and Violet,” Lucius had said.
Avani nodded, keeping her gaze fixed on the crackling flames near them. “Yes. Violet seems very happy with her royal suitor," she replied
“And what about you? She seems to be a very close friend. Are you happy for her?“
“Of course. Although I can’t deny that her marriage will mean we see each other less. In a way we’ve become like sisters. Things will certainly be different now. But I am happy for her. King Silas is an honorable man and I can see how much she loves him."
Lucius nodded. "And what about you and me? Will our relationship be changing anytime soon?" He smiled at her in a devious way.
"That remains to be seen, Ellyllei. This... is all very new to me."
"I know what you mean. I have never cared for someone in the way that I do for you, Avani."
She gave him a warm smile. "Yes. I feel the same way. But just as Silas and Violet are enduring the scrutiny of their relationship, we too must be mindful of what may come if we..."
She let the sentence hang in the air and chose not to finish it.
Lucius frowned, understanding what she meant. "You think others will scorn the pairing of a man and an elf?"
"I know they will. My fellow Numans would be incensed at the thought. And your people—your people will cast you out for such a thing."
Lucius smiled. "My people don't know what to make of me, Avani. I did come back from the dead, you know. I was also raised by elves, so I've got that going for me."
Avani laughed softly. "You are an eccentric one, Lucius Nostra. But then so am I. The elvish princess who moonlights as a swordsmith. We’ll make quite a pair won’t we?"
"We will indeed," Lucius said. He discreetly reached over and held her hand. Everyone else in the camp was sleeping around them, but he didn't want to chance anyone knowing about their mutual attraction.
Avani was much more daring. She gripped his hand tighter than leaned in to kiss him. It was a short kiss, but he cherished it all the same. He thought fondly of it now as they rode through an overcast morning. Lucius looked to his left and saw Avani riding several feet away, leading a party of ten Numan elves. She caught his glance and returned a smile before putting on that serious, determined face that commanded attention.
The Dulan River was a few miles north of their position. Most of the land in this part of Azuleah was a vast woodland speckled with grass prairie and rocky outcrops. It was tranquil and majestic, yet also boring after riding for so long. The company of twenty crested a hill overlooking a copse when Captain Dudley called for everyone to halt. Lucius guessed it was about an hour before noon, but with the sun obscured behind gray clouds it was difficult to be certain. He wasn't sure if Dudley meant to make camp on the hilltop for a rest or if something was amiss. The Drachengarde commander dismounted his horse and retrieved a map from a satchel hanging on his saddle. Avani and Lucius followed his lead and also dismounted.
"Is something wrong?" Darius asked.
"No, just trying to get our bearings," Dudley said, studying the map.
"We're headed in the right direction. The Dulan is close and we can follow it north to Arkadeus." Avani explained.
"I know that. But I'd like to avoid any confrontation with Draknoir scouts in this area if possible. Don't need to alert Memnon that we are here before we've gathered any useful intelligence," Dudley said.
"But that was always the risk. It's why Silas assigned such a large scouting force for this mission," Lucius said. "If we encounter any hostility, I doubt it will be more than a handful of Draknoir."
"First rule of scouting, Ensign Nostra—never assume anything. I've been on enough scouting missions to know that an enemy never plans the way you intend. If Memnon is hanging all his hopes on his stronghold, I'd wager my inheritance on the fact that he's got scouts all around that fortress. After all, he's got enough warriors for the task and more than a few dragons."
"So what are you proposing?" Darius asked.
Dudley tapped his chin thoughtfully as he studied the map. "I'm proposing we split our forces in half to cover more ground and to avoid being seen. Avani, you and the Numans can continue northward along the Dulan. The Drachengarde can cross the river and head east for a closer look at Arkadeus. We can meet back here in a day or so and exchange what we've seen and heard."
"I don't think that's wise," Avani said. "You just said that it's likely Memnon's scouts are much more numerous than we think. If there's less of us in a skirmish, their numbers will overwhelm us."
"While that may very well be, retreating a force of ten instead of twenty will be much easier. We'll be quicker to react against an attack."
The statement took Avani off guard. Lucius knew as a Numan elf, she was well-trained in combat and warfare. Unlike the scholarly Evingrad elves, the Numans were a class of warriors who fought honorably even against wicked foes like the Draknoir. Retreating from battle instead of fighting to the end was a cowardly tactic that her people would not accept.
“I will not run from the Draknoir and dishonor my kin. They are proud fighters, bound by oaths to my father,” she replied.
“You would lead them into battle even if it meant certain death?” Dudley asked.
“Yes I would," Avani said. “Would you not ask your Drachengarde to do the same even if the odds were against you? This may very well be the case if Silas attacks Arkadeus.”
“I suppose so. But we needn’t lose capable warriors on this mission when we have a greater fight ahead of us,” Dudley said.
Before Avani could give her reply, one of the elves in Avani’s group yelled out to them. Lucius was the first to turn to the elf, whose name was Ormond.
“My lady, I see movement at the edge of that copse below us,” Ormond said.
Lucius and Avani both looked toward the area where Ormond indicated. The elves had keen eyes and, though Lucius believed Ormond had seen something, he could not make anything out among the unchanging greenery of the forest. From her surprised expression, Lucius deciphered that Avani had seen something as well.
“What is it?” Lucius aske
d.
“Two people. They’re traveling close together.”
“Do you think they're scouts?” Dudley asked, squinting his eyes, hoping to see the possible threat.
Avani didn’t answer him. Her attention stayed on the interlopers.
"I think one of them might be an elf," she said finally.
“Siegfried!” Lucius blurted out. But he didn’t wait to confirm her answer. Instead, he dug his heels into Penna’s sides and galloped down the hill. Behind him, he heard Dudley’s protests, but he didn’t stop. As he barreled down the slope, he yelled out Siegfried’s name, though he still couldn't see anyone. Penna’s hooves slapped the wet snow with a melodic thrum as he reached the bottom of the hill. Drawing near to the forest, Lucius now saw two silhouettes emerging from the woods.
“Lucius? Is that you, brother?” His brother's voice called out.
Lucius reined in Penna and dismounted the saddle just as the elf came into view several feet away. The realization that for months both he and his brother had thought the other dead dawned on him. He walked tentatively toward Siegfried when he recognized the other person alongside him. It was the assassin — Ravenmane, King Alfryd’s killer.
“Have I died? Is that how you stand before me now, Lucius?” Siegfried asked, walking slowly toward him.
Lucius shook his head. “No, we are very much alive, Siegfried.”
Siegfried furrowed his brow. There was hesitation on his face for a moment, but then the elf broke out in a run and threw his arms around him. Lucius exchanged the tight embrace and he could feel his brother sobbing quietly as he held him.
“I thought you were gone. I thought I failed you,” Siegfried whispered.
Lucius swallowed hard. “I failed myself, Siegfried. You have no reason to blame yourself.”
After a moment, Siegfried released him from his grip and held him by the shoulders at arm's length, a broad smile on his face. Lucius sensed movement behind him and heard rather than saw of Avani and Dudley sidle up beside them.
Keep of Dragons (The Azuleah Trilogy Book 3) Page 6
