Silevethiel (21 page)

«At least I have heard the worst,»
he said, in response to Brégen, unable to keep his shoulders from slouching under the weight of his hopelessness.

«Indeed you have not.»

Although it was said as light-heartedly as possible, the Guardian’s words caused Laegon’s heart to drop to the pit of his stomach.
«Tell me.»

«Silevethiel has recovered from the drugs and has told Irewen to make her way to the Píllondyn Watchtower, thinking our warriors could come to her aid.»

«That is good news. What is the problem?»

«Silevethiel has just attempted to alert all fifteen Guardians stationed at the tower of the situation.»
Brégen paused, still digesting the information himself.
«She was unable to make contact.»

Laegon felt his blood turn to ice.
«There must be some mistake.»

«No, Protector. There is no mistake. Raina and I have attempted to communicate with both the Guardians and their Protectors to no avail. Neither of us sensed a single presence. We could not reach any of them with Míendvel. It should be assumed that the tower has been taken by the enemy.»

«No!»
Laegon cried in desperation, feeling rather like a small child clasping his hands tightly over his ears in a stubborn refusal to listen to something he didn’t want to hear.
«No! That cannot be! They were all strong and gifted warriors! They would have seen the enemy coming and would have had ample time to prepare! They cannot all have been taken! There must be another explanation! There has to be!»

«Laegon, my prince, please calm down. If we are to have any hope of success, we must all be able to think clearly and rationally.»

Brégen waited patiently while Laegon attempted to regain his composure, sensing it begin to return to the elf in slow trickles.

He understood the cause of the prince’s hysterics, for he felt it as well. It was not simply fear and panic for Irewen. It was the terrible loss of such a great number of their kin. It was the thought of how their friends had died and the horrors their unsuspecting loved ones had yet to face. It was the realization that the numbers of Elthad’s army were far greater than any of them had suspected. It was the crippling weight of the enemy’s strength and the menacing shadow of doubt the burden had cast upon them. It was the knowledge that the Wood Elves alone didn’t have the power to stand against such a destructive evil.

If that wasn’t enough to make someone hysterical, Brégen didn’t know what would.

«Tell me,»
Laegon began after a time, grateful that at least his companion had been able to keep a level head.
«What is the updated strategy?»
Aware of both the enemy and Brégen abruptly changing direction, he automatically did the same.

«Unfortunately, there is not much of one other than what we have just done. Irewen is heading northeast as fast as Melldren can carry her. We are slowly gaining on the enemy, but when we do manage to engage them, we will be greatly outnumbered.

«Because of Irewen’s unexpected change in direction, the Drulaack are now aware that their control of the watchtower is no longer a secret. They chose their positions carefully. By pursuing Irewen so relentlessly from the north, they assumed she would flee to the southeast and return to Dargon. Hoping to receive aid from the tower, she would be driven directly into the deadly hands of their comrades.

«They were right. We fell into their trap. The fact that we realized the Píllondyn tower is no longer friendly before she’d gotten too close is the only good fortune we are likely to receive. So far the enemy has kept their sights fixed on Irewen. They haven’t displayed any signs to acknowledge the threat of us Guardians. But that will not last. Though we are few, we are strong. They know this. They will not risk failure when they are so close to their prize. They will deploy their men from the watchtower and attempt to dispose of us before we are able to come to Irewen’s aid.

«Our fellow Guardians from the remaining three groups are attempting to get as near to us as they can in order to transfer their strength to us during the fight, but it will not be enough. Though we are not engaged in combat, the battle has already begun. It is a measure of strength, stamina, and speed. Thus far, the enemy is winning on all accounts. Without a miracle, the hope for our future will perish this day. It will only be a matter of time before Elthad will have dominion over all. The world of Vaelinel will be lost.»

Ignoring the burning of tears falling upon his frostbitten cheeks, Laegon said nothing. He helplessly followed his Guardian, desperately clinging to the feeble hope that they would find a way to alter the fate of the world.

FOR THE SECOND TIME IN ONLY A MATTER OF WEEKS, Irewen was running for her life. An arrow flew past her head, falling harmlessly to the ground, but she knew it had been luck that caused it to miss. Every second that passed brought the Drulaack closer. It would only be a matter of time before the arrows hit their mark.

Ignoring the enemy’s attacks, Melldren galloped on, fighting for her life as much as his own. Irewen marveled at his human-like determination. He had a will and personality all his own. It was only because of his incredible instincts and relentless persistence that they were both still alive. If there was anyone who could see them through safely, it was Melldren.

Another arrow shot past. Her heart jumped to her throat. She’d felt the displacement of air as it whizzed past her neck. Realizing it had missed her by less than the width of a finger, chills ran down her spine.

«Do not fight him, Irewen!»
Silevethiel scream cut through the princess’s momentary daze.
«Let him swerve! Use the cover of the trees to your advantage. Blind speed is of no more use to you!»

Irewen did nothing to stop the war horse when he once again pulled to the side. He turned to the right before cutting sharply to the left, and she breathed a sigh of relief as an arrow flew wide. Two more arrows sped past her. She sensed the Drulaack’s mounting fury as Melldren swerved once again. Using a dense grouping of trees for coverage, he barreled forward, lengthening the distance between them and their attackers. The forest was suddenly showered with dozens of arrows as the enemy’s frustrations grew.

Irewen felt the comforting reassurance of Silevethiel’s presence. The Dame was closing in on the enemy. It wouldn’t be long before the true battle began.

Praying for Melldren to continue with his impressive acrobatics, Irewen wondered what she should do once the Guardians engaged the Drulaack. It was obvious that if she asked, she would immediately be told to continue her flight and make her way to the protection of Silverden. If she were honest with herself, she knew she had nothing to contribute to the fight and would simply be in the way. But she couldn’t flee to safety knowing Silevethiel and the others were left to face such a hopeless battle.

Bursting through a cropping of trees, Irewen looked over her shoulder. There had to be something she could do to aid the Guardians.

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the reassurance of the Dame’s delicate purr.
«We are here, Irewen. Continue to Silverden. Melldren will take you by the quickest route. We will be able to stall the enemy long enough to give you a significant lead. Trust Melldren. Whatever you hear, do not stop. Do not look back. There is nothing you will be able to do for any of us. You are the key to the future. You must survive. Though our time together was short, it has been an honor, Protector.»

«Silevethiel
—
no!»

«Go, Irewen. Follow your path. Become who you were born to be.»

When her last words died away, Irewen felt Silevethiel raise her shields, preventing her from sensing anything other than the faint pulse of the lioness’s presence. It would be futile to even attempt communication with Míendvel. The Dame was lost to her.

With a paralyzing despair descending upon her heart, Irewen veered Melldren to the northeast, realizing that there was nothing she could do to prepare herself for the eternal desolation looming before her.

Silevethiel had never before experienced such a violent rage. Even as she and the other seven Guardians charged viciously at the enemy, the Drulaack sustained their merciless hunt. Completely ignoring their infuriated pursuers, their arrows continued to rain down upon Irewen. Silevethiel roared with fury when one of them pierced the princess’s shoulder. Despite the shields she’d raised between her and her Protector, the lioness was still able to sense Irewen’s agony when the arrowhead tore through flesh and muscle. Feeling Raina’s added strength pulsating through her body, Silevethiel vaulted towards the nearest Drulaack, causing both horse and rider to fall from the force of the impact.

Warm blood flooded her mouth as she sunk her acicular fangs into the man’s neck. His body convulsed beneath her. Blood gurgled from his mouth as his throat was crushed between her powerful jaws. When he fell still, she looked up, the bright crimson liquid dripping from her muzzle. Her shocking blue eyes honed in on her next victim.

Sensing danger, he turned his steed to meet her penetrating stare. When it became abundantly clear how the enemy had been able to outrun Melldren, Silevethiel hesitated for an instant. The horses were possessed just like the men. The animal’s red eyes, sunken and wreathed in shadow, glared at her from beneath the thin metal hoods of the champrons.

Ignoring the battle raging around her, Silevethiel held her ground. The Drulaack dug his feet into the horse’s sides while the lioness scrutinized the movements of both man and beast charging toward her. Apparently expecting Silevethiel to focus her attention on the crazed steed, the man held his bow uselessly at his side. His eyes widened in terror as she vaulted over the horse’s head.

A shrill scream leapt from his throat when her deadly claws penetrated the thin leather armour and dug into his chest. Silevethiel’s teeth ripped his unprotected face and threw him from the saddle. Not releasing her hold, she landed on top of the man. His body hit the frozen ground with a nauseating crunch, her enormous paws crushing his ribs. He fell still, dead before she was able to separate herself from his mutilated body.

Silevethiel turned immediately, bracing herself to deal with the enemy’s enraged horse. She was shocked to see it standing only a few paces away, examining its surroundings with a bewildered expression. The steed met her gaze, its eyes already having returned to their normal deep brown. The ancient spirits had taken control of the horses through the men. Once the Drulaack was killed, the animal was no longer a threat.
«Ignore the horses!»
she screamed to her seven companions.
«Focus on the men! Kill the men!»

The Guardians instantly heeded her advice. A handful of the Drulaack were killed in a matter of seconds, their ear-piercing screams rising above the other grisly sounds of battle. Another man fell at the mercy of the Dame, his excruciating cry joining those of his dying comrades.

But the Guardians’ success was short-lived.

They were still outnumbered almost three to one and had no protection against the volley of arrows that suddenly came flying towards them. An agonizing roar erupted from Silevethiel’s mouth when an arrow impaled her right flank. She plummeted heavily to the ground. Even with Raina’s support, there was nothing that could be done to combat the pain.

Struggling to stand, the Dame gritted her teeth in anguish. She didn’t notice the horse charging toward her until it was too late. There wasn’t enough time to brace for the collision. The powerful steed rammed into her body, sending her hurtling through the air.

She landed upon the frozen ground with a heavy thud. The breath was knocked out of her. The enemy would be upon her in seconds. Horrifying images of her failure flashed before her eyes while she lay helplessly on her side, praying that her death would come swiftly. The hoof-beats drew louder as the enemy advanced towards her.

She managed to lift her head in time to see Brégen collided with the steed, causing the unfortunate Drulaack to fall from his horse. The prince’s Guardian swerved to his left, bounding nimbly around the furious horse before pouncing on the hapless man, savagely tearing apart his throat.

Leaving the man convulsing from the shock, Brégen ran to Silevethiel’s side and clamped his teeth around the arrow protruding from her flank.

«Do not pull it out!»
she shrieked in alarm.

Brégen’s grunt could be heard above the raging sounds of battle. He bit down on the shaft, snapping it a few inches above the oozing wound.
«Despite what you may have heard from my obviously misguided Protector,»
he replied with a hint of resentment,
«I am not a fool.»

«If Laegon has ever insinuated that you were a fool, it is because you were,»
Silevethiel retorted.

Brégen moved around to her back, nudging her gently with his nose to help her stand. Once on her feet, she took a few steps to test her balance before turning to face her savior, stopping herself from laughing at his frazzled appearance.

Brégen cocked his head questioningly, and strands of his thick mane clotted with blood fell in front of his eyes.
«What?»
he asked defensively, shaking his head in an attempt to clear his field of vision.

«You look absolutely terrible.»

Brégen snorted before leaping towards a nearby Drulaack who’d dismounted in the confusion.
«You do not look so good yourself,»
he replied, digging his front claws into the man’s back. Balancing on his hind legs, he pulled the flailing victim towards him before engulfing the man’s head in his mouth and ripping it from his body.

«Impressive,»
Silevethiel said, watching as Brégen released the headless corpse from his grasp.
«I always knew that your big mouth would one day prove useful.»

He turned towards her, spitting out the head with disgust.
«He tasted of fish.»

She moved towards him, taking him by surprise when she affectionately nuzzled against him.
«Thank you,»
she whispered, purring softly in his ear before licking his cheek.

Shaking his head in bewilderment, Brégen watched the lioness rejoin the battle, vaulting through the air and expertly knocking a man from his horse.
«You are welcome,»
he replied in shock before bounding after her.