Elemental Betrayal

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Elemental Betrayal Page 49

by Toni Cox


  He stopped and looked around. They had entered the dark forest. How had he gotten here? What had made him come here? He felt Lilith quiver beneath his touch and suddenly he felt it too; that debilitating fear, that had gripped him while he had tried to rescue the prisoners from the Vampyre camp.

  “Go, Lilith, get away from here,” he told her and then watched as she ran back onto the open plains.

  A plan was forming at the back of his mind. He was consumed by emptiness and pain. What if he could replace those feelings with something else? Something that would make him forget, at least for a while, the ache within him.

  He drew his weapons and carried on deeper into the forest. Suddenly, he was spoiling for a fight. He needed the distraction. As he progressed deeper into the forest, so the fear intensified. He wondered how the Riven managed to project such fear upon others, but he was grateful for it. For the moment, the pain was forgotten and all he could think of was the fear. He carried on regardless.

  Suddenly a black shadow crossed the narrow gap between the dark trees ahead of him. His heart raced. He readied his blades. All his senses were alert, but the danger seemed to come from all sides. He spun, trying to see into the thick undergrowth of the forest. Even during the light of day, the forest was almost completely dark. He strained his eyes, but the creature was so well hidden, that he only saw it when it leapt down on him from a branch above.

  If asked, he would have been unable to describe the creature to anyone. It was black, but at the same time, it was the colour of the forest around it. Its hide was smooth, yet had the texture of tree bark, or moss, or river stones. It had four legs, then two. It had claws, then wings. It had fur, then feathers. The image of the Riven changed a hundred times in the blink of an eye; and it moved just as quickly.

  Blaid had the presence of mind to raise his blades as the creature leapt and it hissed, or growled, as it connected with his swords. He spun, searching for it, but it was hiding again.

  “Come on; fight me like you mean it,” he yelled at the beast.

  Faster than should have been possible, the Riven swept down from a tree and slashed its tail, or whip, across Blaid’s legs. Screaming, he fell to the ground. He felt the blood oozing out of the gashes on his calves and with it came a burning sensation, such as is felt when poisoned.

  Grimacing, he struggled back onto his legs. He turned wildly, swinging his swords. The Riven roared, or screamed, and with one smooth swipe of his arm, or wing, slashed his rib cage open.

  Blaid pushed his hand against his chest, but his hot blood poured over his fingers, dripping dark red to the ground. He was having trouble breathing. The forest spun before his eyes. A raven, or a bear (he was obviously not thinking clearly) suddenly knocked him to the ground. Teeth sunk into his neck and the weight on his chest stopped him from breathing.

  Then it flew, or crawled, away. The world around Blaid had gone completely black. He could feel the blood leave his body, felt the poison spread through his veins, heard the faint beating of his heart.

  Ba-bum, ba-bum, ba-bum…

  He was getting weaker. His hands were slick with blood. His veins burned as if they were on fire. His heart slowed.

  Ba…bum, ba…bum…

  He thought of Maia. His last thought. With him until the end.

  Ba…bum.

  Shadow Hall

  The Royal House of Longshadow

  Jarra Longshadow - Maia’s great grandfather, father of Jadae

  Algen Longshadow - Maia’s great grandmother, mother of Jadae

  Jadae Longshadow - Maia’s grandfather, father of Jagaer

  Ikari Longshadow - Maia’s grandmother, mother of Jagaer

  Jagaer Longshadow - Maia’s father, Lord of Shadow Hall & Elderlord of Grildor

  Malyn Longshadow - Maia’s mother & wife to the Lord of Grildor

  Jaik Longshadow - Maia’s twin brother, prince of Grildor & Commander of the Guard

  Maia Longshadow - Princess of Grildor & Life Elemental

  Wolf - Forest Wolf, honorary member of the Longshadow family

  The Noble Houses of Birkenheart & Elderken

  Maël Birkenheart - Maia’s grandmother, mother of Malyn

  Alandrien Birkenheart - Maia’s grandfather, father of Malyn (deceased)

  Kian Elderken - Maël’s life partner

  Danyar - Giant Hare, honorary member of the Birkenheart-Elderken family

  The Noble House of Chesterfort

  Emrik Chesterfort - Maia’s great grandfather, father of Maël

  Maraël Chesterfort - Maia’s great grandmother, mother of Maël

  The Noble House of Moonswain

  Ramaer Moonswain - Elder & father of Riker

  Lilonda Moonswain - Wife of Ramaer

  Riker Moonswain - Son of Ramaer & member of the Guard

  The Noble House of Nightshield

  Silas Nightshield - Healer, Elemental, royal advisor & mentor to Maia

  Elders of Shadow Hall

  Jadae Longshadow

  Emrik Chesterfort

  Ramaer Moonswain

  Lamar Oakencrest

  Dictennia Hollowberg

  Eilin Shallowaters

  Livarion Summerlot

  Janeke Oldenrift

  Beccithalia Nordenfall

  Falorien Deepsword

  Baltor Owen

  The Guard of Shadow Hall

  Jaik Longshadow (Commander)

  Argar Fairwen (2nd in Command)

  Riker Moonswain

  Boron Flowersfield

  Filithrin Overmer

  Munnar Shallowaters

  Tallson Robynreed

  Royander Dragonthorn

  Somas Birkenstock

  Aari Fyrlane

  Glark Gnarkstrov (Dwarf)

  The Warrior Houses of Shadow Hall & their Commanders

  The Guard - Commander Jaik Longshadow

  The Regiment - Commander Rowlean Ridgewell

  The Legion - Commander Calemir Willowbay

  The Sentinels - Commander Livan Summerlot

  The Night Watch - Commander Herrod Goldsbane

  The Scouts - Commander Aduial Mellowood

  The Horse Guard - Commander Caran Kastenbrink

  Death

  Blaid Elderbow - Death Elemental

  Braérn

  The Noble House of Swiftfisher

  Kyreon Swiftfisher - Lord of Braérn

  Amandel Swiftfisher - Wife of Kyreon

  Kanarel Swiftfisher - Son of Kyreon

  The Noble House of Sparrow

  Elothrin Sparrow - Elder of Braérn

  Soniana Sparrow - Wife of Elothrin

  Siya Sparrow - Daughter of Soniana & Jaik’s love interest

  The Noble House of Falconfall

  Burindor Falconfall - Owner of The Falcon’s Nest guest lodge

  Selest Falconfall - Wife of Burindor

  Selena Falconfall - Daughter of Selest

  Elders of Braérn

  Solara Coldfire

  Kaidan Darkblood

  Florian Moongloom

  Ciël Ravenken

  Ilaya Countbay

  Asgarr Redbrook

  Zevrion Hightop

  Atras Eaglesea

  Ikanin Ebongrove

  Athras Locklan

  Pilasan Lowilds

  The Guard of Braérn

  Liatriël Sweetsky (Commander)

  Masa Frostwell (2nd in Command)

  Shiril Forgehammer

  Menna Havenvoid

  Kenyla Silverson

  Fille Lyrpalm

  Josrion Redwallow

  Huralan Countbay

  Namall Fallhill

  Ashavan Cavevault

  Uthorim Emberbury

  The Warrior Houses of Braérn & their Commanders

  The Guard - Commander Liatriël Sweetsky

  The Regiment - Commander Lenall Neverstar

  The Legion - Commander Ghenon Bridgeburgh

  The Sentinels - Commander Nenren Millshear

  The N
ight Watch - Commander Misa Freyfair

  The Scouts - Commander Pasiara Rosehaven

  The Armada - Commander Ihsh Drymore

  Thala Yll

  The Noble House of Hazelwatch

  Skylor Hazelwatch - Lord of Thala Yll

  Kariana Hazelwatch - Wife of Skylor

  Sky Hazelwatch - Son of Skylor

  Elders of Thala Yll

  Emorion Sunwell

  Sasuna Timberhold

  Kaneki Rimesalt

  Nerube Stormfreeze

  Brivra Farmeadow

  Fenlen Overland

  Lerdon Pondmaw

  Javen Horseborn

  Savin Oxenyoke

  Vardor Oldgardens

  Ashalora Grimcall

  The Guard of Thala Yll

  Elandor Arkenbay (Commander)

  Riro Feyhorn (2nd in Command)

  Harsan Lavender

  Leron Redstalk

  Alaros Wiseowl

  Teneroc Dierhall

  Aelythri Thunderdrum

  Agwar Brinkwater

  Genhanon Sunfer

  Mithari Horseborn

  Aracil Oxenyoke

  The Warrior Houses of Thala Yll & their Commanders

  The Guard - Commander Elandor Arkenbay

  The Regiment - Commander Evandeor Hollowdale

  The Legion - Commander Lyandor Eastmire

  The Sentinels - Commander Owenden Lightfrost

  The Night Watch - Commander Venarel Swiftfalls

  The Scouts - Commander Ranhorn Quickchill

  The Dragon Guard - Commander Vrayla Oldpeak

  Alea Yll

  The Noble House of Plainspar

  Durinn Plainspar - Lord of Alea Yll

  Alena Plainspar - Wife of Durinn

  Dalton Plainspar - Son of Durinn

  Elders of Alea Yll

  Ebligon Duskstar

  Vyrlynag Wildecoast

  Sminda Treeburn

  Brila Cloudcrest

  Panon Freyspell

  Lemmaêl Shieldall

  Riondon Blossomtree

  Lensas Brownhawk

  Ganala Oldwood

  Vasawyn Haretrap

  Onnesh Southall

  The Guard of Alea Yll

  Cencaur Blackcloak (Commander)

  Folwin Shortstep (2nd in Command)

  Iliphar Foxwell

  Gormarden Oldwood

  Veallahan Freyspell

  Sayia Snakefield

  Imucia Woodland

  Leyran Wyrmwood

  Kuchan Cattlecreek

  Dighyll Southall

  Myuen Onyx

  The Warrior Houses of Alea Yll & their Commanders

  The Guard - Commander Cencaur Blackcloak

  The Regiment - Commander Kayverii Thornbird

  The Legion - Commander Libraanich Redcloud

  The Sentinels - Commander Layciel Pondgrass

  The Night Watch - Commander Nithroël Snowfield

  The Scouts - Commander Imperion Redrun

  The Wolf Guard - Commander Adorellan Hillward

  Tarron Heights

  The Noble House of Tallson

  Cinaed Tallson - Lord of Tarron Heights

  Mikana Tallson - Wife of Cinaed

  Mekindra Tallson - Daughter of Mikana

  Elders of Tarron Heights

  Reandor Lothbrooke

  Haemir Sailbill

  Kymeron Evergreen

  Thalar Carverer

  Varkin Lynxcape

  Theondal Shrew

  Para Deerfall

  Lanné Winterhare

  Fiora Bluepyre

  Merrinna Ravencroft

  Sorsser Storkbill

  The Guard of Tarron Heights

  Erendal Baywater (Commander)

  Arabas Winterfoe (2nd in Command)

  Argon Strongsteel

  Lemren Cattbar

  Ylthorn Molewright

  Zathraël Bergen

  Taevin Treadfast

  Balaras Oakenkin

  Grendor Creek

  Iolas Yellowfields

  Kellam Northfolk

  The Warrior Houses of Tarron Heights & their Commanders

  The Guard - Commander Erendal Baywater

  The Regiment - Commander Briedenley Bluetop

  The Legion - Commander Lirethorn Shadowbourne

  The Sentinels - Commander Panthius Houndhill

  The Night Watch - Commander Vichelle Crowlake

  The Scouts - Commander Ziaan Farseer

  Rathaés

  The Noble House of Firestone

  Hanno Firestone - Lord of Rathaés

  Medina Firestone - Wife of Hanno

  Minna Firestone - Daughter of Medina

  Elders of Rathaés

  Bronsen Firehold

  Aghtias Burnwood

  Avatey Hotstone

  Lintey Bogden

  Minaam Coalmill

  Sukitaan Flameshield

  Abantus Ironstar

  Evera Whitecross

  Shigtaan Boneshell

  Cait Crystalvault

  Muisay Lavarun

  The Guard of Rathaés

  Annitue Burnwood (Commander)

  Xiveral Greywolf (2nd in Command)

  Tenninas Pygmyant

  Suzari Sprinpost

  Beetran Fyrhound

  Sira Flameshield

  Trialan Pyrehill

  Rumivah Steamguard

  Keathlen Hotwell

  Soavira Brownkite

  Esolla Inkstar

  The Warrior Houses of Rathaés & their Commanders

  The Guard - Commander Annitue Burnwood

  The Regiment - Commander Dorius Bloodaxe

  The Legion - Commander Aladon Ironstar

  The Sentinels - Commander Buroden Sourwater

  The Night Watch - Commander Beyth Blackbear

  The Scouts - Commander Lyva Dawnyard

  The Burning Spear - Commander Luriaan Nightadder

  Dragonfort

  The Noble House of Middleclaw

  Elgan Middleclaw - Lord of Dragonfort

  Tannina Middleclaw - Wife of Elgan

  Ethran Middleclaw - Son of Elgan

  Elders of Dragonfort

  Mikitaan Wyrmhole

  Sayren Treehelm

  Souguh Darkwood

  Rorikus Dragonhood

  Kay Slaygrove

  Picharen Pinenymph

  Llantey Raspberry

  Veruen Wildbean

  Sichaani Lizardrift

  Shelline Logvale

  Kainen Fyrmoss

  The Guard of Dragonfort

  Divari Woodfort (Commander)

  Liinay Springforest (2nd in Command)

  Ruzia Dragonhood

  Korshius Silverwing

  Eblamey Mothcroft

  Nishaan Oldenoak

  Yltran Willowroot

  Hagen Redweed

  Mallek Primrose

  Thildor Elderflower

  Varin Wildbean

  The Warrior Houses of Dragonfort & their Commanders

  The Guard - Commander Divari Woodfort

  The Regiment - Commander Terikus Elderflower

  The Legion - Commander Gviraan Riverfloat

  The Sentinels - Commander Nerki Oldenoak

  The Night Watch - Commander Onitey Deepfalls

  The Scouts - Commander Osaria Claybeetle

  Stoneloft

  The Noble House of Brimstone

  Lothri Brimstone - Lord of Stoneloft

  Hellena Brimstone - Wife of Lothri

  Lurin Brimstone - Son of Lothri

  The Noble House of Gemsson

  Ender Gemsson - Noble of Stoneloft

  Melindil Gemsson - Wife of Ender

  Elders of Stoneloft

  Killian Granitson

  Leth Brimstone

  Thurvah Marblehall

  Anaar Firestone

  Larius Hardrock

  Thiborn Underfelt

  Shay Stonecroft

  Vorus Eversmooth

  Sigil
ah Hammersbay

  Laylee Lintel

  Evosirah Flagstone

  The Guard of Stoneloft

  Sioryn Hammersbay (Commander)

  Rilodaan Darksky (2nd in Command)

  Agrador Lovemore

  Vird Bluebird

  Lerikan Hardrock

  Eldaren Softleaf

  Kagu Goodsmith

  Theros Underfelt

  Vianten Eversmooth

  Keachay Featherpen

  Raiken Marblemoss

  The Warrior Houses of Stoneloft & their Commanders

  The Guard - Commander Sioryn Hammersbay

  The Regiment - Commander Amandray Riverken

  The Legion - Commander Charen Dewdrop

  The Sentinels - Commander Skyver Minedeep

  The Night Watch - Commander Eman Softleaf

  The Scouts - Commander Pheylaar Coversmoke

  Crook Harbour

  The Noble House of Silverman

  Argur Silverman - Lord of Crook Harbour

  Natala Silverman - Wife of Argur

  Arun Silverman - Son of Argur

  Elders of Crook Harbour

  Evon Fishawk

  Lethron Eelwright

  Eya Silvershell

  Zifaan Ria

  Sumon Lettergood

  Thiolus Seadragon

  Keytay Waverider

  Aren Smoothsailor

  Meylah Goodfisher

  Lovden Isledown

  Efketeri Sanderson

  The Guard of Crook Harbour

  Lavangen Isledown (Commander)

  Evoslen Fishawk (2nd in Command)

  Averi Summerbay

  Verioma Crabnet

 

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