«LAEGON!» Brégen’s voice roared through the elf’s mind like thunder, his warning of danger so strong it could no longer be ignored.
Sighing, Laegon drew away. “Forgive me,” he apologized, well aware of Irewen’s irritation. “It is Brégen.”
Irewen nodded curtly before turning her head away.
“What?” he asked Brégen with both annoyance and alarm.
Instead of answering his question with words, Brégen flashed an image through Laegon’s mind. The prince’s heart skipped a beat. Walking away from the corpse of a Protector and her dying Guardian were a group of heavily armed warriors.
«Are you absolutely certain?» Laegon asked, not wanting to believe what he knew to be true.
«Aye.» Brégen confirmed. «Zurland transmitted that image to all the Guardians mere seconds before he died. There were twelve in total that passed over our border from Dargon. They happened upon Zurland and Drylenda by chance. The two of them fought valiantly despite the fact that were heavily outnumbered. They were too far away from the watchtowers for anyone to lend any aid. Even so, they managed to kill five of the intruders before they fell.»
Ignoring Irewen’s questioning stare, Laegon tenderly placed his right hand over his heart. “Neryn la pün,” he whispered.
«You are in danger, Protector,» Brégen continued, knowing this was not the time to grieve for their lost kin. «I have been tracking their movements since receiving Zurland’s warning. Whether by accident or intent, they are heading straight for you and the princess. Despite the harsh conditions, they are moving at an unnaturally fast pace. They should reach Dremond’s Cave within the hour. I have informed Drell. He and Halthed are the nearest to you and are coming as fast as they can, but even so, it will take them more than an hour to reach you.»
Laegon gradually extended the range of his Sight until he sensed the men. Though he hadn’t doubted the Guardian’s words even for a moment, he was still taken aback by how quickly the intruders were moving. Brégen’s description didn’t seem to do them justice. There was something driving these men. Something almost inhuman. But he couldn’t decipher anything more and didn’t have time to waste in pondering the strangers further. His immediate, and only concern, was Irewen. One thing he did know with absolute certainty: these men were not headed in their direction by mere chance.
“What is wrong?” Irewen asked, her voice hoarse with fear at seeing the anxiety flickering in his eyes.
He took hold of her hands. “Our location is known,” he said quietly.
“How many?”
“Seven,” he replied, completely taken aback by the calm acceptance in the princess’s voice. “Five were killed by a fellow Protector and her Guardian, whom they encountered purely by chance. The remaining seven will be upon us in less than an hour.”
She could not ask him to risk his life so needlessly. “I release you of your oath to me, Laegon,” she said softly. “Go.”
His voice was hard as iron. “You may have released me, Irewen, but I will never release myself.”
“Please, Laegon,” she begged. “Do not do this. Save yourself while there is still time.”
“I am not staying because I have to. I am staying because I want to. There is nothing you could ever say or do to make me change my mind.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, hardly able to form the words. At least now she would go to her grave a happy woman.
“As long as you stay inside the cave, you will be safe,” Laegon assured her after he’d finished securing his fine leather quiver around his back.
“How?”
“It is too much for me to explain at the moment. Right now, all you need to know is that as long as you remain within the mouth of the cave, you will be protected. Though your heart may tell you otherwise, you must not step outside the entrance.”
His statement was met with absolute silence. Abruptly, he knelt by her side. Running his fingers through her hair, he gazed into her eyes.
“Do not worry about me, Irewen. Though I am only one, the situation is not as dire as it may seem. Unlike Drylenda and Zurland, I will not be taken by surprise, and I will have the advantage of higher ground. Drell and Halthed are on their way, and though he is still in Silverden, Brégen will be able to lend me his strength and protection. You must trust me, Irewen. Promise me that no matter what you hear or see, you will not step one foot outside this cave. Promise me.”
Silence descended upon them. Irewen stared at the elf prince, his brow furrowed with concern. She wanted to tell him she would do nothing of the kind, but she bit her tongue. It would only be a distraction. She didn’t want to cause him greater worry. In any case, what good would she be? Though she was much stronger than the previous day, her body was still laden with weakness. She doubted she’d be able to make it to the cave entrance if she tried. Even if she was fully recovered, her skills with any sort of weapon were nonexistent. She would do nothing but get in Laegon’s way. That was something neither of them could afford.
Finally, she nodded her head. “I promise.”
Laegon smiled with relief before kissing her lightly on the cheek. Hurriedly, he stood and began checking his weapons. Once everything was positioned exactly where he wanted, he grabbed his bow and headed for the entrance. Pausing in the mouth of the cave, he turned to glance at her once more before disappearing from view.
“Please, let him live,” Irewen whispered, even though there was no one to hear her prayer. “Let him return.”
She huddled beneath Laegon’s cloak and touched her cheek. Willing the warm sensation of his lips to linger on her skin, she prepared for what she knew would be the longest and most strenuous hours of her life.
•••
Dusk descended upon the land. Brilliant shades of red and purple light streaked through the sky, reflecting on the thin sheet of ice covering the snow. The warriors’ dark figures were just visible on the horizon. Laegon forced himself to clear his mind of Irewen and focus on the task at hand. He’d decided to make his stand as far away from the mouth of the cave as possible and took advantage of the coverage provided by one of the trees on the hill above the cave.
Crouched in the snow, he studied the approaching figures, even more certain than before that there was something abnormal about the men. Though on foot, they moved through the deep snow almost as quickly as if they were on horseback. Nothing seemed to faze them. Not the cold. Not the wind. Not even the weight of their armour and weapons. They ran as surely and as easily as if they were bounding through an open field on a pleasant spring afternoon.
Despite the enemy’s impressive speed, Laegon knew he had a few minutes before they were within the range of his bow. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he carefully expanded his Sight with the intent of examining the outer reaches of their minds. His senses were immediately ambushed by a demonic hatred so violent it knocked his breath away.
He clutched his chest in sheer agony as an intense burning pain wracked his body. It was all he could do to keep himself from screaming. A faint nagging sensation told him to withdraw his Sight, but he found he no longer had the ability to do what was normally second nature to him. Spasms tormented his body. He fell to his side, completely unaware of Brégen calling his name.
Suddenly the pain vanished. He felt Brégen’s familiar presence as the Guardian shielded him from whatever wicked being was present in the men.
Panting, he pushed himself up from the snow. «Thank you, Brégen. I don’t...»
«I do not know what it was either,» the lion admitted. «But I am now much more apprehensive about this upcoming battle than I was a few minutes ago.»
«Aye. Even taken completely by surprise, twelve men should not have been a challenge for Drylenda and Zurland. They were both quick-witted and powerful. I could not understand why they were only able to eliminate five of their opponents. Now I know. These warriors are not mere humans.»
The Guardian looked through Laegon’s eyes, carefully scrutinizing t
he intruders as they barreled through the snow. «Their pace has quickened,» Brégen noted. «They know you are waiting and are hungry for battle. They will be upon the cave sooner than we expected. Halthed will not reach you in time.»
«I will take as many as I can with me when I fall.» There wasn’t a hint of fear in Laegon’s voice when it floated through his Guardian’s mind. The prince had resigned himself to his fate. As long as Irewen remained true to her promise, Dremond’s cave would protect her. She would live. That was all that mattered.
«If you are going to abandon all of your faith in me so quickly,» Brégen interjected reproachfully, «I have a good mind to leave you to your own devices. If you go into this battle prepared to die, you will. Nothing I, or anyone else can do, will save you.»
Laegon smiled. «You are quite right, my friend. Forgive me.»
«If you live, I will,» the Guardian snorted. «Now, pull yourself together and have faith in your Guardians.»
«Guardians?» Brégen’s use of the plural did not go unnoticed by the prince.
«Aye. Both Drell and Silevethiel have generously agreed to lend you their aid.»
«Well met, Prince Laegon.» The Dame’s soft purr resonated through Laegon’s mind. Immediately, he understood Irewen’s frustration at Silevethiel’s absence. He lost himself in the sweet purity of her voice. Even though his connection to either Guardian would never be as strong as it was with Brégen, Laegon suspected he would harbor the same disappointment as Irewen when both Silevethiel and Drell were no longer with him.
«It is an honor, Dame Silevethiel and Guardian Drell,» Laegon answered after a time, finally finding his voice.
«We are glad to be of assistance,» Drell answered. «We know this is a strange and rather overwhelming sensation for you, Laegon. Feeling our presence and hearing our voices, even outside of battle, is distracting. Henceforth, we will not speak to you directly. We will assist you through Brégen. Focus on him as you always do, and concentrate on the task at hand. To you, it will seem as though nothing has changed, except that perhaps Brégen’s presence will feel stronger.»
«I understand. Thank you both.»
He felt the two Guardians retreat and transfer to Brégen, strengthening his connection to the lion. «Perhaps they will be able to keep you in check.»
Brégen grunted defensively. «It is you who needs to be kept in line, Protector. I was not the one who was caught only seconds away from kissing his patient. Heaven knows what would have happened had I not intervened.»
«We will never know, will we?» Laegon retorted. «But I am certain it would have been significantly less entertaining than whatever is in your imagination. I shudder to think what scenario you have conjured.»
«I have a mind to let you fend for yourself after that remark.»
«Oh come, Brégen. You would never do such a thing. Who would you have to ease your pains when Silevethiel discovers you referred to her as a ‘sly fox’?»
«Shall we get this battle underway?» the lion asked, ignoring his Protector’s banter. Though still too far away for the elf prince to use his bow, Brégen sensed the enemy’s steady approach. His own hunger for action was heightened by Drell and Silevethiel’s voraciousness. Due to their enormous size and intense ferocity, Guardians were formidable opponents and would stop at nothing to defend Lord Brandir and the Wood Elves with their lives. No bond, however, was as strong as that with their Protectors. In a situation where any Protector’s life was in danger, the Guardians’ fortitude and tenacity increased tenfold. Though the enemy would not see Brégen, Silevethiel, or Drell in person, they would feel their wrath just the same.
«No, wait,» Laegon interrupted, trying to suppress the lion’s growing impatience. «Some of them are changing course. Three are heading directly for the cave entrance.»
«Irewen is safe, Laegon,» Brégen reminded him soothingly. «She knows she is too weak and defenseless to be of any use to you. She will remain inside the cave. Dremond’s spirit will protect her.»
The Guardian waited for Laegon to relax before continuing. «This is actually a rather fortuitous change of events. We are now only faced with eliminating four of the intruders. And with your exceptional bow skills, you should only need to face two or three in close range combat.»
Laegon didn’t waste any time reacting to Brégen’s not so subtle hint. The intruders were just within range. He expertly nocked two arrows to his bow. Slowly he stood, ensuring he remained somewhat concealed behind the snow-covered evergreen. On the chance that the three running toward the cave entrance would come to their companion’s aid once the battle began, he wanted to make sure they were far enough away so he could bring down at least two of the remaining four before they were able to converge upon him.
Taking a few precious seconds, Laegon scrutinized the quality and placement of the invaders’ armour and analyzed the fluidity of their movements. Zurland and Drylenda had proved that although influenced by some sort of uncanny being, the enemy was still flesh and blood and quite capable of being killed. Even so, Laegon knew his abilities would be greatly tested. He wanted to eliminate the strongest and most nimble of them with his bow, leaving the clumsier foes to face his swords. Not to his surprise, none of them were particularly ungainly. Nevertheless, it didn’t take him long to single out the first man who would fall victim to his arrows.
A good foot taller than the others, Laegon’s target was the most heavily armored, yet was somehow able to move with the most ease and grace. Despite his immense bulk and towering frame, the man’s feet seemed to glide atop the snow, barely sinking beneath the thin covering of ice as he ran. Laegon knew instinctively that the man’s strength was far superior to his own. He couldn’t risk fighting him at close range, especially while facing at least two others at the same time. If that situation occurred, even the three Guardians would be of no help to him.
Taking a deep breath, he focused on the man. It was a risk to target the narrow slit of cream-colored skin exposed on the warrior’s throat, but he had no other choice. The man needed to fall as quickly as possible, preferably instantly. Shooting him in any of the few remaining areas left uncovered wouldn’t do enough damage. His armour was too thick. The arrows wouldn’t penetrate deep enough.
“El a Lün kíra mé gílanen,” Laegon whispered. Raising his bow, he smoothly pulled back the string. He felt completely at ease when his draw hand came in contact with the bottom of his cheek, almost at the corner of his mouth. The familiar soft twang of the string’s vibration reached his ears when he released the arrows. His eyes never left the man. Reaching back with his right hand, he expertly pulled two more arrows from his quiver. He had already nocked them on the string when the first two arrows found their mark.
The man collapsed in the snow, two dark brown fletchings protruding from his neck. Laegon raised his bow once again, already focused on his next victim. «One down.» He spoke for Brégen as much as himself. «Let us hope our luck holds.»
7
IREWEN HUDDLED WITH HER BACK AGAINST THE FAR wall of the cave. It was the first time she’d ventured from the modest camp Laegon had constructed near the entrance. Expecting the height and width of the cave to remain constant, she’d been surprised to find them expand the deeper she went. To her amazement, the cavern had almost tripled in size by the time she’d reached the back wall.
Unfortunately, the light from the fire didn’t penetrate this deep. Subsequently, neither did its warmth. Crouching in the shadows, she pulled her knees closer to her chest and wrapped Laegon’s cloak tightly around herself. It was no use. The thick wool did nothing to alleviate her discomfort.
Squinting in the darkness, she turned her attention away from the cold and concentrated on the enemy. Like the dark clouds gathering before a storm, she could sense the men approaching. She didn’t see how merely remaining within the cave would keep her safe, but she’d promised Laegon she would do just that. It was a promise she intended to keep. The relief in the elf prince’s deep b
rown eyes and the memory of his lips brushing against her cheek were all she needed to keep her back plastered against the cold rock wall and her bottom securely rooted on the ground.
Abruptly, her surroundings changed. The already freezing temperature dropped further, leaving an unearthly chill clinging to the air. The unmistakable scent of roses filled the cave. A faint sound of rushing water emanated from within the thick rock behind her.
This cannot be happening. Irewen closed her eyes, willing everything to go back to the way it’d been only moments before. It must be in my imagination.
Eventually working up the courage to open her eyes, she gasped in terror at the sight of an apparition of a young elf hovering silently before her. The shade stared at her, his green eyes calm and soothing.
“Do not be afraid, Irewen,” it said. “Within this cave, you are safe. I will not harm you.”
“Who are you?” Despite his nonthreatening character, her voice quivered with fear.
“I am known as Dremond. I protect the weak and defenseless who take refuge in this cave. I was surprised when you were brought here. It has been many years since someone has sought sanctuary in my domain. There are not many who even remember I exist.”
“How long have you been here?” she asked.
“Time is of no use to me. I have lost the ability to count the years.”
“What happened, Dremond?” she asked softly, her heart overflowing with compassion and sadness for the shade.
“I was a boy, only seven, when I received permission from my parents to accompany my older brother, Delion, on a hunt. Though I was young, I proved to be a much better shot than Delion. By the time I had killed my fourth hare, my brother remained empty-handed. Jealousy consumed his heart. He shot me in the back while my attention was diverted. Much to his chagrin, I did not die instantaneously, though with his terrible aim, it should not have come as a surprise to him.
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