And then he pulled the dagger from his belt and rammed it deep into the belly of the guardian. Icy liquid ran across his hands, and the fist around his neck loosened as the thing howled in horrible agony. Jerek twisted the blade, then let it go. The creature pulled back, and in that pause, he slipped from its grasp and bolted for the forest’s edge. Screams of pain followed, and then rustling footsteps as it gave chase. It was close, too close. He imagined the claws slicing into his back, the shadow wrapping around his body and pulling him into the forest, deep into the chasms beneath the mountain to feed. He felt the cold of its breath on his neck.
But no claws came. No pain. Nothing but an exhilarated cry as he leapt out from the forest into the tall grass of the outlying fields. He rolled across the ground, unable to run another step. His breaths came in vicious gasps. He turned back to the forest, and just as he’d hoped, the guardian stalked at the edge, snarling in anger.
“I beat you,” he said. He felt another mad laugh building in his chest. “That’s right. I fucking beat you, you damn demon!”
The guardian tilted its head, pulled the dagger out from its waist, and then flung it.
Jerek shoved himself back, the dagger piercing the earth just inches beside his neck. His smile waivered. Defeated, the guardian turned and vanished into the deep recesses of the Stonewood Forest. For several long moments Jerek lay there, his eyes closed and his heart racing. When at last he caught his breath, he pushed himself to a stand.
He was hardly surprised to see the elf standing at the forest’s edge, Mira at his side.
“I got out,” he said to Evermoon, his voice lacking any real triumph.
“A shame,” said Evermoon. He put a hand atop Mira’s head. “But I have what I wanted. I am old, human. I need an heir, and I can think of no better than the daughter of a Goddess. You are one of few to have ever survived the snares of the guardian. Make something of your wretched life. Perhaps Celestia, in her infinite wisdom, had reason for your escape.”
He took Mira’s hand and led her back into the forest. Before they left, Mira glanced back and waved.
“Tell daddy I’ll miss him!” she shouted.
Then they were gone. Jerek shook his head, stunned by the audacity of the elf’s lie to the girl. He felt a pang of guilt for Mathis, and an even stronger one for Dan.
“I’m sorry,” he told the forest. His hands shook as his adrenaline faded. “I’ll be back Dan. I swear it. I’ll burn this whole forest down if I have to.”
Trewick was a long two days from Stonewood, but he’d manage. He wouldn’t die now. Revenge in his heart, he said goodbye one last time and headed for home.
BOOKS BY DAVID DALGLISH
THE HALF-ORCS
The Weight of Blood
The Cost of Betrayal
The Death of Promises
The Shadows of Grace (coming soon)
WORLD OF DEZREL
A Dance of Cloaks
Guardian of the Mountain
Note from the Author:
Enjoy the story? I hope so. If you want to check out more by me, feel free to swing by www.facebook.com/thehalforcs. You can also swing by my website at ddalglish.com. Want to drop me a line? Feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]. I promise to respond to every one.
Thank you for your readership. I hope I gave you a nice chill.
David Dalglish
September 27th, 2010.
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