“There is an old tale in our lore,” D’rmas said. “A tale so old, I hear it spans from the very first hour. It tells that the first elves were warriors. The tale tells that they were so fearsome, and so unstoppable, that everywhere they went they seemed to leave a sea of blood behind. But then, the gods arranged a parley with them for fear that if allowed, the elves would kill off the rest of the other races.”
“For some reason,” Siem said, “If your tale were true, and not some figment of someone’s imagination, I would like for the elves to revert to that nature. If only to remind the world that they are not to be trifled with.”
“I wish they shared your sentiment,” Hermon said. “I have been around them, and during conversations, all I hear are wishes to remain secluded, and to live peacefully from the rest of the world.”
“I am Qeltifom,” D’rmas said. “Battle is our destiny. It is in our blood. The only reason we are brought into this world. However, I tell you, that if the elves are to take to arms, nothing can stop them. I know this from personal experience.”
Just then, Eldana’s leg kicked against a loose piece of rock in the ground, and the pain in her ribs spiked. She hissed.
“Sorry,” Siem said, signalling for Hermon to slow down. “Are you okay?”
Eldana nodded. “Have we not gotten to where the orc is, yet?”
“It is not too far now,” Hermon replied. “It is at the clearing up ahead, and under constant watch.”
“Are the elves trying to determine who is behind the hex?” Eldana asked.
“Kochob was about to try when we came for you,” Siem replied.
As they broke into the clearing, Eldana saw a group of elves a few meters away standing around the body of a very large orc. The elves were rigid, their eyes fixated on the orc. Eldana got the feeling that if the orc so much as moved a finger, the elves would slice him to bits.
Meko espied Eldana approaching in the company of her friends, and whispered to her mother, “She is here.”
Fraweyni looked up from where she sat, and a smile adorned her face. Even with all the sorrow hanging in the air, Fraweyni still shone. It was only when one looked into her eyes that they would be aware of the gravity of pain and loss swirling deep inside her.
Eldana saw Meko break out from the group of elves and walk towards her. Eldana put up a smile as Meko drew closer.
“How are you doing?” Meko asked.
“The pain is less severe than I remember, and I hear I have you to thank for that,” Eldana replied.
“Oh, please,” Meko said. “It was the least I could do, considering that it was my fault that…”
“Meko, Meko,” Eldana called, interrupting her. “Please, look into my eyes.”
Meko did.
“What happened to me was not your fault. And I do not need to read your mind to know that. I did have a good time at the pool though; the best I have had in a long while.”
“You do not mean that,” Meko said, smiling.
“Of course. And thank the stars I woke up when I did! Who knows what those nasty orcs would have done while I slept?”
“I am glad you are alive though,” Meko said seriously.
“I am glad you are alive, too,” Eldana replied. “And I apologize for the kin you lost today.”
“Thank you,” Meko said. “I think I have held you long enough. My mother would very much like to see you. I hear you have beat Kochob as the strongest telepath, now.”
Eldana smiled, “I think some things come to you when you have relaxed, and when danger springs on you suddenly.”
“I expected you to get rest!” Fraweyni chided her when the company approached.
Eldana smiled. “I could not. Not while I heard tales of a living corpse.”
“Ah, that,” Fraweyni said. “There is not an ear that would not tingle at the mention of that. Whoever is behind this is tenacious as he is deeply rooted in the practice of forbidden magic. Reanimating a corpse is no small business.”
“I am so sorry about the children you lost,” Siem said. “We all are.”
Fraweyni sighed. “I have been in this position often,” the Elven Queen said sorrowfully. “But each time, the pain and the sorrow is fresh. Like I have never felt it before. But the elves are a strong people. We will survive this. We always do.”
“Since you are here,” Fraweyni continued, “We should get on with this so we can dispose of this body. No soul deserves such torture. Not even an orc that has slain my children.”
Fraweyni got up, and walked towards the ring of elves, with Eldana and her comrades in tow.
“I hear Kochob has tried to determine the identity of the person behind the hex?” Eldana enquired.
“Yes. But the mental defenses are strong. Thousands of years strong. One thing is certain though, that whoever is behind it, is not a normal mage. He or she must be a master mage.”
The elves surrounding the orc parted to create an entryway, as Fraweyni drew near. With her mind, she controlled a globe of light from the fringe of the security ring and drew it close, and over the orc.
The dead orc half slumped on a log.
Kochob was standing in front of the orc. He turned when he sensed people approaching. He gave Fraweyni a slight bow, then turned towards Eldana.
“He has been waiting for you.” He said, gesturing towards the orc.
“It is about time,” Eldana said. “Please take me closer.” She said aloud to her friends.
“Are you sure about this, Eldana?” Hermon asked. “Anything could happen.”
“Look at the orc, Hermon,” Eldana instructed.
Hermon looked at the orc.
“Can you see how stiff his body is?” Eldana questioned.
The orc’s muscles were still, and his limbs hung stiffly
