He knew that Ayadel was worried about something. He suspected that it had to do with the mission that Finnie and Flippe, his sisters, had embarked upon only two days earlier. So when Fyli entered the private hall of the King's Counselor, it took all the inner confidence he could muster to contain his concern.
Fyli didn't even look at the richly woven tapestries that hung on each side of the walls as the guards opened the inner door for him. Ayadel sat at the head of a small fir-wood table with his hands resting on its top.
"Ah, young Prince, it is good that you have come. I perceive that you too are worried."
"Entrance or Exit, you know I'll always talk to you, Ayadel."
"You are honest and strong among us, Fyli. But I have some disenchanting news to tell you."
"Finne and Flippe?" volunteered the Prince.
"...Have discovered what we have feared." continued Ayadel. "The Baldor once Ontor tribes are far steonger than we thought. In fact, Finne has found a huge Tzaehae that is part of one of the garrisons..."
"A Tzaenae?" stammered Fyli.
"Yes, Fyli, a big and powerful one. They also have several hunting Tzaenog and other vicious beasts. The Tzaenae alone could overwhelm the Free Forces. Finne and Flippe have decided to attack it themselves if it tries to.sal.ly forth."
"I must go to them, then, to help them."
"Yes, Young Prince. We want you to cross the Crystal Valley, go up into the Baldor mountains behind Lake Bahkir Castle, and help with the evacuation attempt.
"They are going to the Dwarven Ruins then?"
"Yes, if they can evade the pursuing Drog tribes..."
Later
The trip on Eyah was quick. Fyli saw several groups of Barbarians that attempted to hide as he flew by overhead. These sightings only worried him all the more. The Vivar valley passed by. Then Mount Arbor. Then he saw smoke coming from the Castle. And there they were.
Two armies held a line facing each other. One seemed to be an army of Elves and the other was a huge mass of Drag tribes. Suddenly he saw it as he and Eyah swooped down.
A huge Tzaenae moved to the Barbarian front. Like two balls of light, Finne and Flippe streaked from either Elven front to intercept.
What will you do?
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© Copyright 2001 by Abram Paradies.
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