The Dark Elf

by C C Morgen

  “Not until you give us an answer.” Leonidas bounced me up and down again.

  “Who was the greatest warrior?” Achilles approached me with taunting eyes.

  “Ok!” I huffed in anger. “Leonidas will have to win this argument. Can you please put me down?”

  “Thank you,” He finally let me go and he set his massive arms around my shoulders, squeezing me in gratitude as he chuckled. I tried to push his arm away, but he didn’t budge, so I gave up and leaned against him in defeat. “Someday Ali, your name will reach all the realms and you will become a legend. When that day comes, I will be proud to say that it has been an honor to fight along your side. You have never failed us. And I will always be grateful when you voted for me to be the leader, when we swore under the Princess. You could have been a leader with your victory against the Demon lord, but you declined the position, regardless.”

  I gazed off to the side “You were better for the title.”.

  “I can say this now—your father would be proud of the noble warrior you’ve become.” Achilles added. “I don’t know where we would have been if we didn’t follow you into battle.”

  I stood in silence to their compliments.

  “Come Achilles—we need to head to the dining hall. I’ve earned quite an appetite after our duel.” Leonidas rubbed his stomach as it growled.

  . “I still think I was the better warrior.” Achilles nudged him as they strolled out, leaving me alone to my thoughts. It was sour listening to their words as if I was this bright figure to trust. They only have shown support all this time for my effort, but now it has become shame in my heart, knowing that everything will change soon enough.

  I sat at a round table, outside an open stretched balcony that viewed the enchanted garden. It was my usual spot during the day, so it already had a quill and parchment set and ready when I needed to write. The others sometimes used my area to write to their companions and children, so there was crumbled up notes scattered on the floor and ink stains along the table surface.

  It wasn’t a surprise to see the mess left behind. I just sat in the chair and gazed off into the horizon. Only blissful thoughts entered my mind, viewing the old oak tree in the rose garden. There were so many memories to reminisce when it came to Angelica. My heart pounded as if it was speaking to me for the first time, saying what needed to be expressed in words that became clear in my mind. I wrote what I heard. The words of love flowed through my hand and onto the paper. Time was of no essence to my hand moving to my heart.

  Minutes turned to hours until it was done. The long letter in my hand gave me satisfaction. She will love these words. I know it.

  I folded it with care and sealed it with a wax seal. I took a deep breath and slouched back into the chair in relief. At the same time, I had no idea how to give it to her. I contemplated heavily, trying to develop the courage to get up from this seat.

  Suddenly, Leonidas barged into the chamber. Achilles and Eric followed him in, stumping frantically. They had stern gazes as if they were ready for war.

  “There you are,” Eric called out.

  I stood up. “What’s wrong?”

  “We were summoned,” Achilles, answered.

  Ethos, Romulus, and Gabriel entered soon after. Gabriel carried with him a letter with the king’s signature and handed it personally to Leonidas. He snatched the letter and read it briefly.

  “What are the orders?” Achilles tried to see the letter, hovering over him, impatiently.

  “There’s an uprising in the north.” He looked at us after reading. “A small Demon army has united against the king. They have gathered hordes and are conspiring to assassinate the princess. Scouts have confirmed this matter with great haste after receiving a message from an unknown source that they are held up near the troll diamond mines.”

  “What are the numbers?” Eric spoke first in curiosity.

  “Nothing that we can’t handle, men.” Leonidas had confidence in his tone. “We have dealt with worse before. We will face Ghoul and trained warriors, so I need you all focused. Sober up and be ready for a fight.”

  “We will reign hell on them in the dead of night, when they least expect it,” Achilles stated. “They will be at a disadvantage. Taken off their guard.”

  “Have you forgotten Demons are at their strongest at night? They might not expect us to act so carelessly, but we will also be at a disadvantage,” Eric pleaded.

  “You are right. Both sides will be at a disadvantage,” Leonidas answered. “However, Achilles is right. It might be better to have an element of surprise since we will face both Ghoul and Warriors. There will be archers and scouts. The dark will shroud us from being seen. It reduces our chance of being easy targets. They will expect us to attack by day as we always do. I’m sure they have figured out our habits by now.”

  “So, you are saying they will be unprepared if we act off a whim,” Eric didn’t seem convinced it was a good idea.”

  “We can easily sneak in,” I said. “You and I are quick on our feet and I can see well in the dark to take out the scouts.”

  “Do we all agree—to attack at night?” Achilles spoke out, wanting the discussion to end.

  “It’s settled then,” Leonidas degreed the plan. “I suggest we say our goodbyes and pack up. We leave at dusk.”

  Eric still had the look on his face he didn’t agree with everything. The worry in his eyes didn’t sway my decision to go against the orders. This is the reason why I didn’t become the leader. I didn’t want to take the responsibility for their lives. I’m sorry Eric. This has to be done.

  The men exited the room and Leonidas stayed behind with an even more worrisome expression than Eric’s. I took notice and had to ask. “What bothers you, General? You seem troubled by this mission.”

  “I trust you Ali,” he sighed. “Achilles and I have known there might be a traitor among us.”

  “What has brought this to attention?” His answer didn’t shock me. The coldness in me grew stronger seeing him struggle to speak.

  “We—we believe that someone has been conspiring to change the hand of power within these walls.”

  “Does the king and princess know of this? That you have suspected one of us committing treason.”

  “No—not yet. I’m still searching for proof before approaching the king about the matter.” He set his hand on my shoulder that gave me discomfort. “I’ve been observing from a distance, but I believe I have an idea who it might be.”

  “Are you certain about this? If it’s true what you say—one of us is helping the enemy to overthrow the king. If so—who?” I wanted him to reveal whom he suspected. My hand drifted behind my back, waiting for his answer.

  “I can’t say it right now. It’s not safe to speak within these walls. I’m only telling you this, because I want you to keep your eyes open and don’t let down your guard for a moment.” He backed away from me, distancing himself as if he was ready to leave. “Spend your time well. I expect you to be at your best this evening.”

  I moved my hand away from my back and bowed my head. “Yes, general. I’ll be ready.”

  “I’ll see you by the gates at dusk.” Leonidas exited the room right as Angelica entered hastily. The sad expression on her face told me that the news had spread around the castle. She approached me with her eyes glazed over like she wanted to shed tears.

  “I heard from my sister that you and Eric are leaving tonight.”

  “New orders from the king. Unfortunately, there’s an uprising being held up in the Troll Mountains,” I answered truthfully. “We have to leave soon.”

  “I have a bad feeling about this.” Angelica grabbed my hand and crossed her fingers between mine. “I sense death…”

  I held her hand and pulled her close to me until she was a whisper away. I glanced at the silver locket dangling around her neck. “You always wear this now. It compliments you well…” I wanted to kiss her, but I just stared at the locket. “Your beauty never seems to leave my
mind.”

  Angelica gazed into my eyes. “I’ve never stopped wearing it since you gave it to me. It’s the only thing I have when you are away most of the time.”

  I lifted it from her chest and opened the seal. The memories locked inside played in my mind of the first time we connected in the enchanted garden under the old oak tree, and the old days when she taught me the dark arts. They were all good memories that she cherished deeply as I could feel how she felt in the pit of my heart. The laughing, the tears, the love; it was all there in this simple piece of jewelry.

  “I keep all our memories together inside. So, I’ll never forget every moment in time. It will always be here.” She placed her fingers on the locket, tugging it away and sealing it shut once again.

  “It was pleasant to see all those memories,” I smiled. “They’re comforting.”

  “I wish my sister and I can say the same right now. Claudia is in utter grief over Eric. He’s desperately trying to calm her down, since she threw a fit the moment the word got out. I wanted to act the same. This gives me no comfort at all.”

  “Angelica.” I tried to stop her from speaking any further. She gazed into my eyes with tears forming and ready to fall. “I’ve been thinking a lot since this morning—about something important.”

  “What is it? Is everything all right?

  I finally had the courage to reveal the letter. “I need to talk to you, but I don’t know how to say what needs to be said.” I started breathing heavily in a panic.

  “Ali—calm down,” Angelica held me in her arms when she saw my distress. “Don’t overwhelm yourself. Just keep concentrating on your breathing. In and out.” She rubbed up and down my back. “You are too stressed. Please relax for me.”

  I began to calm down to her warmth. “I’m nervous about tonight.”

  “Ali you haven’t been yourself in a long time. You’re nervous out of the blue. What’s going on really? I’ve known that you’ve been hiding something from me.” Angelica pushed me away. “Tell me.”

  I held the letter and tried not to look her in the eyes. “You know me too well. Don’t be angry with me.”

  “Then tell me what you need to say.” She sighed. “You promised—no more keeping things from each other.”

  I took her again by the hand and placed the letter between her fingers. “Don’t read this until after I leave. Because what I want to say is in this letter.” Angelica grasped it and embraced me. “When I get back. I’m telling you everything. Anything you want to know—I won’t hold back. Just like you always do for me.”

  She kissed my cheek and leaned her forehead on mine. “I will always await your return.”

  Eric entered the room unexpectedly. “Excuse me—Ali.”

  I glared at him for disturbing us. “What is it?”

  “The princess has sent for you.”

  “Ugh—the princess again. She always needs to see you.” Angelica became frustrated and pouted.

  “Thank you, Eric. I’ll meet with her soon.”

  He nodded his head and exited.

  Angelica looked livid with the anger in her eyes and she bit the bottom of her lip. “Well…Go to your princess then.” She sounded more jealous than ever before. I tried to touch her face, but she smacked it away, enraged. “No!” Her tone became sad. “Just go.”

  I stood there in silence not knowing how to comfort her. She cast her eyes away, waiting for me to leave. “As you wish, milady.” I drifted away, leaving her behind to sulk. There was nothing I could do right now. I hope that when she reads the letter, things will be clear.

  I made my way down the corridors and visited the armory first to gather my gear. The blacksmiths handed me my Elven armor, and I could put it on before they gave me my sword. The blade curved and sharpened finely, to cut through whatever dared to confront me. I strapped it to my back with my quiver, filled with arrows. Then finally, they handed me Valora. I whispered to her. “We have another fight. Guide me to victory old friend.” I strapped her to my back, crossed with my other sword, and then strolled upstairs through the main halls, where the security was active. The royal halls were filled with heavily armed guards, more than this morning. I knocked outside the door of the princess' chambers.

  She called out. “You may enter.”

  I creaked open the double doors and entered inside, closing it shut again behind me. “You summoned me, your highness?” I stood straight with my hands behind my back.

  “I see you are ready for another battle.” The princess turned to glance at me. Her eyes beat red and swollen from crying. “I wanted to wish you well before you leave. I’m sorry for all of this. I know Angelica and Claudia are not in the best mood seeing you and Eric off once again.”

  “Thank you, princess. I’m sorry too. Angelica wasn’t too happy about my orders.”

  “Is it true? —that they are planning to assassinate me? My father lacks to inform me of the matter. So, they want the throne.”

  “It seems so, princess,” I answered.

  “It’s a curse at times to be born into this madness. I’m the heir to a throne that has endless scandals.” She gazed off at the sunset outside the balcony. “So many wants to take my place and seize the power, but for what—to bring back the dark ages.”

  “They just believe what they want to believe.” I responded with no care in my voice. “They believe the mundane are unworthy of the third realm.”

  “That’s where they are wrong,” she retorted. “Every being deserves to decide their fate. Where others only see destruction, I see hope for humankind. They, like all of us, deserve to exist. We shouldn’t deny them that right. We are all more alike than you think.”

  “It’s difficult to understand your views on humanity. Either way, your father has ordered me to annihilate anyone who does you harm. I kill them where they stand in an instant if they were right here before me.”

  “My dear Alucard—violence is not always going to solve everything. I want a world where I don’t have to fight for my life all the time. Maybe one day you’ll understand that certain things need to change to get better. Those Demons you are going to fight tonight don’t know any better. They just think about themselves and what’s offer to them in return for helping such a cause. They just crave for power and status. It’s a hunger to have. If I were in your place, I would no longer have to worry about such a grim fate of receiving the throne.” She approached me and kissed my cheek. “Enjoy your life well when you can. Hopefully, another wedding invitation.”

  From the balcony, I could see the sun nearly disappearing over the horizon. “It’s time, your highness.”

  “Ali—please be safe.” She hugged me as a goodbye.

  “I will.” I bowed my head and hurried to exit the room and into the hallway. Waiting at the end was Claudia. She leaned against the wall with an impatient expression as if she had been there a long time. Her black her tied up and her eyes bloodshot from crying, when I approached her. The moment I was within arm’s length, she shoved me into the wall as she always does.

  “May we have a word?”

  It didn’t bother me as she pinned me against the wall. Her hand pressed against my chest, making sure I didn’t move. I knew she was just upset about Eric leaving, but it couldn’t be helped. We had this last mission before their wedding. Eric had already told the king after he weds Claudia that he would serve only the Nigrum family. He wanted to be a good husband and have a family with her. Everything she dreamt of, he wanted to make it happen. However, it still lingered on me she was my twin soul. That’s why I let her do what she pleases with me. She was strong and hard to turn away when she was upset and needing something.

  “I’m all yours, Claudia.”

  “You are Eric’s friend—that’s the only reason I trust you.” She was stern and moved her hand to my neck where she squeezed it in a tight grip. “I’m going to tell you this now—make sure nothing happens to him. Make sure he comes home safe.”

  “Claudia—I…”
Her facial expression became aggressive, but I could feel it in her soul the pain she was going through. She was terrified. Even her grip loosened to where I could speak. “If it will make you feel any less worried. I’ll keep my eye on him.”

  She leaned her forehead on mine. “Thank you, Ali.”

  “I know how much Eric matters to you. I’m happy for you both. Stay strong for him until he gets back.”

  Claudia caressed my face suddenly. “Why do I feel this way with you?” She said faintly, running her fingertips through my hair. “Like our energy connects us in some way. As I know, you would do anything for Angelica and me. I always hated that feeling, because I don’t like you one bit. I’ve only tolerated you this long, because you protected Angelica and you saved my life. You are Eric’s best friend, so I tolerate you for now. However, this feeling. This feeling is wrong when I’m in love with Eric. But every time I’m near you and touch you like this, I suddenly crave for things I shouldn’t.” Her face became close to mine. “Ever since we kissed so long ago. That feeling has etched inside me.”

  “Just don’t pay attention to it.” I turned my head away. “You have found your mate. Loving words and all. It was very romantic how your relationship started in the first. Whatever feelings you have for me—it’s not worth it. Just continue hating me like you always do and let it be as that.”

  “You know what I’m talking about—I can feel it. You know everything don’t you?”

  “It doesn’t matter Claudia. It’s better this way.”

  “I want to know what power this is. Why do I want to touch you? Even being this close now I can feel your heart beating and how nervous you are. I can sense you have been hiding things as well.”

  “Claudia—I have to go.” I tried to move away, but she gripped my arm firmly.

  “What are you hiding from us Dark Elf? My sister trusts you, does she? I’ve seen you two together discreetly like I wouldn’t notice. How she catches glances of you and grins like a girl in-love.”