by Tyler Wild
I tried to ignore him.
"My sword will make a vow to you. He will not kill another elf in the Lorewood Forest."
"You're not really serious, are you?" Asgoth asked. “I will make no such vow!”
She scoffed. "You expect me to trust a vow made by a demon?"
"You have my word,” I said.
"What makes you think I would trust you, much less your sword?” the princess protested. “Besides, I'm not sure who's the master of whom? Your blade seems to have a mind of its own, and I'm not sure you can control it.”
My eyes narrowed at the enchanting elf. I liked her spunk, but my patience was wearing thin. “You expect me to travel through this forest defenseless? Knowing full well there is a dragon who would like to see me dead?”
“Perhaps if you were dead, the dragon would no longer be a threat?”
My eyes narrowed at her. “It’s only a matter of time, sweetheart.”
She didn’t like my condescending tone. “I’ve stated my terms," the princess said. "Take it or leave it."
I grimaced.
“Fuck that nonsense," Asgoth said. "We don't need these pointy-eared freaks. Let's kill them and be done with it. Elf blood tastes SOOOOO good!”
"Hush," I grumbled.
"Excuse me?" the princess muttered, not able to hear Asgoth.
“Nothing. Asgoth is telling me he will be on his best behavior."
She rolled her eyes. “Is that what the little voice in your head told you?"
I sneered at her. But when she put it that way, it sounded crazy.
Asgoth rarely allowed anyone else to hear him. I implored him to convince her. He grumbled in my head for a moment, sighed, then muttered, “Fine.”
An instant later, he addressed the princess. “I swear to you that I will bring no harm to any elf in the Lorewood Forest from this day forward.”
The princess arched a curious eyebrow. “You murdered two of my friends!”
“I did nothing,” Asgoth said, innocently. “They chose to wield a power they did not understand.”
The princess clenched her jaw. Her cheeks flushed with anger, and the veins in her neck bulged.
“Reassure her,” I grumbled. ”Apologize.”
“What?” Asgoth replied, nonplussed.
“Apologize,” I said through gritted teeth.
Asgoth sighed again. “I’m sorry that your friends used me inappropriately.”
I smacked Asgoth against the tree trunk. The blade chimed.
“Ow!” Asgoth winced. “Okay. Fine. I’m sorry. It was totally my fault. I shouldn’t have done that. But I was acting in the best interest of my master. Loyalty has to count for something?”
“I am not inclined to trust a demon,” the princess said. “Especially a smart-ass one.”
“Behave,” I muttered to the blade, sensing his coming response.
“I have never broken a vow in my entire life,” Asgoth said, his voice thick with indignation. “And I have seen no less than a thousand seasons.”
The terrifying screech of the dragon echoed across the forest as Aurora circled back around.
All eyes glanced skyward.
It was enough incentive to make the princess accept Asgoth's vow. "Fine. Let's get moving. But I swear to Devinia, if either of you break your vow, I will kill you both and throw the sword into the fires of Mount Zarnak.”
She said the words with such intensity that there was no mistaking her commitment.
We waited until the the sky was clear. The princess stormed north, and I followed. Borvam took up the rear.
The princess’s svelte form moved definitely effortlessly through the verdant forest. Her light footsteps didn't make a sound. She cut through the trees with the nimbleness of a fox. It was all I could do to keep up with her.
We would occasionally have to take cover as the dragon continued to circle. But fortunately, we managed to avoid detection.
We moved through thick underbrush, crossing streams, weaving through tall trees. I breathed in the sharp scent of the forest. The chirping of birds filled the air, and the majestic rays of sunshine pierced the canopy of trees, painting patterns on the ground. It was a lush paradise in danger of destruction.
“What’s your name?” I asked.
“Bitchy McBitchface,” Asgoth muttered.
“I can still hear your sword,” the princess said. “It would be in his best interest to shut up.”
“I’m sure he meant it as a term of endearment,” I said.
“Cassandra. My name is Cassandra.”
“I am Kron, and this is Asgoth.”
She ignored me and continued marching.
Soon, we reached the majestic city of Zenduria. It was an architectural marvel that merged with the forest in perfect harmony. Meticulously crafted dwellings rested high in the trees. Like all things Elven, it had a magical quality. I was likely the first human to see the famed city in over a generation. Faces stared at me with a mix of wonder, confusion, fear, and anger.
The princess led me through the city to Veldrick’s palace. Made from wood with curvaceous, fantastical shapes, it was the pinnacle of Elven design and craftsmanship. It looked as if it was growing out of the trees, a hundred feet above the ground.
A series of interconnected bridges spanned various structures. Staircases spiraled around thick tree trunks. The city was a sight to behold.
The palace guards drew their swords as I approached. Their bodies stiffened and their eyes narrowed as they prepared for battle. It didn’t matter I had been escorted by the princess.
"It's okay," Cassandra said. "Lower your weapons."
“Man is not allowed in the sacred city, much less the King's palace. He is armed no less. Why have you brought him here?"
Cassandra’s face tensed. She didn't like being questioned. That was easy to see. "I suggest you stand aside. Or have you forgotten who I am?"
The guards frowned. Their eyes flicked to the princess, then to me, then back. After a tense moment, the guards lowered their swords and stood aside.
I couldn't help but flash a small grin as I strolled past them, stepping into a structure that no man had ever entered.
The grand interior was awe inspiring. The artistry on the engraved walls exquisite. There were more wide eyes and astonished faces as we strolled through the Great Hall. It was like a large wooden cathedral.
Veldrick didn't look too happy to see us. A scowl lined his face, and his blue eyes narrowed at me. "What is the meaning of this?"
A cadre of elite Elven warriors stood ready to defend him from this barbaric human that had entered their sacred land.
Veldrick had a thin angular face and raven black hair that flowed past his shoulders. It was hard to tell an elf's age—they could live for hundreds of years without showing so much as a wrinkle.
"I am Kron, son of Tyrek. There is trouble in my kingdom that affects us both.” I explained the situation to him.
His eyes surveyed me with curiosity. “I fought your brethren in the Great War. Watched my kind die. Saw this forest drenched in Elven blood. And now you seek my help?”
“I was not yet born during the Great War. I hold no ill will toward your kind."
“You are a descendant of the murderous thugs who sought to enslave my people and take our land!”
This conversation wasn’t going as well as I’d hoped. “Did my grandfather not negotiate peace? Have we not abided by the terms of the treaty?”
“Yet you stand before me in violation.”
“I would not have trespassed on your land had the situation not been so dire.”
“You brought this on yourself," Veldrick said “It was foolish of you to steal the dragon from GreyLake.”
“Lady Nefria is a tyrant,” I said.
“And your brother is not?” Veldrick replied.
I sighed. “Regardless, it is the situation we have to deal with. It will affect us all, sooner or later."
He was silent a moment. "Even with
the entirety of my army, we would fail. There is only one way to kill a dragon."
“I seek the counsel of a sorceress beyond the grasslands in the Dark Forest. If the dragon is left unchecked, the Lorewood will be nothing but ash.”
“What is it you want from me?" Veldrick asked.
"I need food and supplies. A little money to procure services. It is a long journey to the sorceress.”
Veldrick was silent a long moment. ”I will not give you what you ask. As a matter of principle, I refuse to help a man.”
I grimaced.
"But I will provide you with an escort and supply the escort with everything you need to reach Locsava. From there you can make your own way.”
A surprised look washed over my face. "Thank you."
Veldrick’s gaze turned to his daughter. “Cassandra, make sure he travels safely through the Lorewood and reaches his destination. Once he has procured the necessary items to complete his journey, you may return."
Her face tensed with anger. It was clear she wanted nothing to do with me. "But—“
“Do as I ask," Veldrick said in a stern tone.
"I'm sure there is someone else better suited to this task," Cassandra said.
"Are you not my best warrior?" Veldrick asked.
She wasn't going to deny it.
“Then see to it he makes it to Locsava.”
"I don't think this is a good idea," the princess grumbled under her breath as she moved close to her father. “That man is dangerous. He carries a demon blade. Favion and Meldolin are dead because of him.”
"Are you not able to handle yourself?" Veldrick asked.
The statement poured fuel on her fire.
"I am more than capable of taking care of myself! You know that. But Elven magic is no match for that of a demon.”
Veldrick's solemn eyes stared into his daughter. "I can see you're not up to it. I will send someone else to guide him."
Cassandra grimaced. Her cheeks flushed. "That won’t be necessary. I'll see to it he reaches his destination."
She spun around in a huff and marched toward me.
"She's kind of cute when she's angry," Asgoth said, forgetting that he had already made his voice known to her.
"I can still hear you," she grumbled. "Tell your sword he hasn't seen angry yet."
She strutted past me, her hips swaying with determination.
My nostrils filled with the fresh scent of her essence. My eyes were drawn to her assets—I couldn't help but be transfixed by their glorious sway. Her skintight leathers left nothing to the imagination.
“I’ve changed my mind,” Asgoth said. “Hottie McHotterson is a better name for her.”
Cassandra called back over her shoulder, “Follow me. I'll show you to a place where you can bed down. We’ll leave in the morning. The Lorewood can be particularly dangerous at night."
“Bed down? I like the sound of that,” Asgoth whispered in a lascivious tone.
"I'm not afraid of anything in the forest,” I said.
“I’d like to see her forest,” Asgoth whispered.
"You should be afraid,” Cassandra said.
“20 silver pieces says she keeps it shaved clean,” Asgoth wagered, still muttering in my ear.
Cassandra grumbled, “And if I hear one more perverted word out of the demon’s mouth…”
I shrugged. “He’s a demon. What do you expect?”
“I expect you to control him.”
She led me across a skybridge to a small bungalow. “You can sleep here for the night."
"Where are you sleeping?" I asked.
"Far away from you." Her cold eyes blazed into me.
"Trust me. I'm not interested," I lied.
She scoffed, knowing better. "We'll leave first thing in the morning."
"Whose place is this?"
"Don't ask."
She spun around then marched away, traversing the skybridge.
I stood in front of the structure for a moment, regarding its design. I stepped inside and surveyed the cozy space. It was comfortable, well appointed, and functional. Handcrafted with typical Elvin style. Carved wooden furniture and upholstery. I didn't want to think about it, but I had a sneaking suspicion that the dwelling belonged to one of the elves Asgoth had killed.
There was a small living area, kitchen, and a bedroom. I figured this may quite possibly be the last night I slept in an actual bed, and I planned on enjoying it.
The bed was just the right balance between soft and firm. The Elven sheets were smooth and comfortable, and the comforter provided the perfect degree of warmth.
Elven materials always seemed to have magical qualities. I was asleep by the time my head hit the pillow.
I slept like a baby.
My worries and concerns faded away, and my dreams were pleasant. Until I heard footsteps across the wooden floor.
17
Kron
A silver knife glimmered as it entered a shaft of moonlight.
I pried my eyes open and could barely make out the shadowy figure approaching. For a moment, I wondered if I was dreaming.
The blade slashed toward my throat.
Definitely not a dream!
I blocked the blade, grabbing my attacker’s forearm. The blade hovered inches from my face as we struggled.
A shaft of moonlight revealed my attacker was an elf-girl. Her slender forearms and narrow upper body were no match for my strength. I tossed her aside and rolled on top of her.
She grunted and groaned, struggling against my size.
I slammed her wrist against the wall several times, finally knocking the blade from her grasp.
She bucked and writhed. A growl escaped her plump lips, and her face scrunched up with rage. She had long dark hair and brown eyes. The moonlight made her Elven skin glimmer. It had that smooth porcelain quality that all Elves shared.
She was attractive, no doubt about it. But she obviously didn’t like me for some reason.
She spit in my face. Her hot slobber splattered against the corner of my eye and dripped down my nose, back onto her.
She continued to twist and turn underneath me, finally managing to slither aside and escape my grasp.
I rolled over, snatching the knife from the bed before she could get it.
She squared off against me with wide eyes as I clutched the knife. I had her cornered in my bedroom.
Cassandra's stern voice filled the air. She stood in the doorway. “Yevia! What are you doing here?"
"Trying to kill me," I said, answering for her.
Cassandra’s eyes narrowed.
Yevia protested, “He killed Favion!”
"No, he didn’t,” Cassandra said.
“Explain to me what happened?" she cried.
The princess sighed. "It's complicated."
"And now you are helping him?" Yevia asked, incredulous.
"We are all in danger,” Cassandra said.
"His mere presence creates danger. Every second he spends in this forest is an abomination."
"Revenge is not the Elven way,” Cassandra chided. “It’s not becoming of you."
Yevia sulked.
"I suggest you return home,” Cassandra said in a stern voice. “Don't attempt this foolishness again."
Yevia skulked out of the bedroom, brushing past the princess.
I placed the knife on the nightstand. "Well, she's friendly."
Cassandra glared at me. "Her boyfriend is dead because of your sword."
“Do we have to get into this again?”
Cassandra glared at me.
“We wouldn't have gotten into this mess had you been a little more… compassionate,” I said.
Cassandra clenched her jaw. “I am compassionate!”
Deep down inside, I think she knew she had overreacted when we first met. She had let her rage get the best of her. Her hatred for mankind overwhelmed her in that moment.
There was a long pause. "I think we both made mistakes. But I'm will
ing to clear the slate. It is in the best interest of both our peoples."
I agreed.
"I don't think it's safe for you here,” she said. “We should begin our journey now."
“That's fine by me."
I gathered my things and followed the princess from the bungalow. We spiraled down the wooden staircase that rounded the trunk of the tree.
Cassandra had nothing but her sword, a small satchel, a bow, and a quiver of arrows.
“Aren’t you going to pack any supplies?” I asked.
“I have,” she said.
My face twisted, quizzical.
She motioned to the satchel. “It’s a bottomless bag. It’s got everything we need.”
I had never seen a bottomless bag before. “You mean, you’ve got food and supplies in there?”
“Do you doubt me?”
I shrugged.
She decided to put the debate to rest. She reached into the bag and pulled out a large Elven blanket. It was larger than what should have been able to fit into a bag that size. After that, she dug out a loaf of bread, a bottle of whiskey, and a crystal.
Now that I was satisfied, she stuffed the items back into the bag.
The village of Elves slept as we marched into the forest. The sound of crickets filled the night air. The breeze was thick and cool. The pale moonlight filtered in through the canopy of leaves, dotting the ground.
”Once we reach the edge of the forest, it's two day's journey to Locsava,” Cassandra said. "With any luck, you can acquire horses and additional supplies in town."
“I have no money.”
"I have gold."
I arched an impressed eyebrow. “I’ve heard the riches of the Elves is unsurpassed. Is it true?"
"Money is of little value to us. Perhaps that's why it is abundant.”
We walked a moment in silence. The north side of the Lorewood had an eerie vibe to it. We reached an area where the crickets stopped chirping. There was almost no sound at all.
I wasn't one to get easily spooked, but I did have some concerns. "You mentioned something earlier. Something to be wary of in the north forest?”
A thin smirk curled on her lips. "Yes, I did."
"Do you mind sharing?"
“Maybe,” she said, coyly. “Does it make you uncomfortable?"
