Chapter Two-Wood Elves

~: Chapter Two :~

The Palace of Keri, the Semi-Evil

“Hey, Roksi! How are you?” Alkhi asked the respected young man, “I’m well, thank you. You look well yourself. Is there something you needed?” Roksi replied.

“Well, yes, there is. I was wondering when the councilmen are having there next meeting, because there is something I want to ask them.” Alkhi looked nervous as he spoke to Roksi, which made him wonder what he wanted to ask the councilmen.

“Tomorrow is the next meeting, Alkhi. What is it you want to ask them?” “I’d rather not say. It’s like a surprise. Do you mind, Roksi?” the younger one told him.

“No, I respect your judgment. Well, see you later then, I must take care of my horse.” With that, Roksi left. Alkhi decided to go for a walk in the woods. As he strolled along, he became aware of a strange, foul smell. As the stench grew stronger, his eyes narrowed. He had smelled that before. Quickly he hid behind a tree, and peeked out so that he had just enough room to see. Alkhi gasped at the sight before him. Zared had covered something in a black mass, which he remembered was called a Black Arrow or BA for short, and were heaving it towards the direction of the Shadow Wood. He would have attacked, but they out-numbered him by quiet a bit. He quickly sped back to the village and rang the alarm bell, which soon had everyone gathered around it.

“Where is the Ri?” Alkhi called out.

“I am over here, son of Tomasii.” The Ri called to him. He walked briskly up to Alkhi, listened to the words he whispered in his ear, and then said, in his loud, booming voice.

“It seems that the Zared traveled dangerously close to our village just moments ago, capturing something, or someone. Is anyone missing?” he knew this would take a minute, so he asked Alkhi if he remembered anything else.

“Well, I believe it was a someone, not a something, and the person was a lady because it wore a deep brown velvet dress. I saw just the ends of the skirt part being swallowed up by the BA, so that’s how I know.” Alkhi said this quickly and worriedly, searching the crowd with his eyes.

“Hmm, I see. Everyone! Listen! The person was a lady, and she was wearing a dark brown dress. Does anyone-?” but he was cut of by a loud wail from the crowd. Then a voice shouted,

“No! Oh no, it can’t be! Oh gracious Ri, please send your fastest and bravest men on horseback to save my cousin! Oh!” the girl continued to wail and cry out, but the Ri became impatient.

“Daughter of Evelyn, state the captured one’s name!” she looked up into his face and tearfully said,

“It is Dawn! Dawn was captured! My dear, dear Dawn…” Violet began crying again, this time softer. Then, suddenly, she looked the Ri in his eyes and said,

“Sir, Roksi and I shall rescue Dawn. We are both skilled fighters, and are excellent riders. I would be honored if you allowed us to venture to the Zared’s lair and rescue my cousin. Besides, if someone else rescues her, I’ll never hear the end of it.” Violet managed a smile, and looked hopefully at the powerful Ri. He stared at her, and then finally spoke,

“Daughter of Evelyn, you and Roksi may go and attempt a rescue. You will need one more person on your quest, though. Who volunteers?” the Ri silently gazed at the crowd.

“I shall go and help save the, uh, daughter of, um, Wendi.” Alkhi said. Roksi smiled. The Ri nodded. And Violet beamed. They weren’t aware that the Zared were having a little trouble with Dawn….

<<>>

“Let me GO! I am SERIOUS! I will have your heads CUT OFF!” Dawn screamed, exasperated. The Zared had carried her in that icky glob until they were far away from her village, then they let her walk. At the time, the BA had drained her energy, making her to exhausted to talk. But when she regained her strength… “You little wretches!!! I’m gonna get you for this!!!”…. Let’s just say the Zared wished they’d left her in the BA. They had finally reached a grand palace, and quickly the Zared handed her off to some guards with special orders from the Zar and Keri. The guards then disposed her to some maids, which in turn began to scrub and wash and dress her. Dawn soon found herself in a grand courtroom. She was led down the carpeted walkway, and soon found herself standing in front of the biggest throne she had ever seen. What amazed her more was the person sitting on the throne. He was tall, blonde, and had green eyes. She continued to gape at him as he rose and pointed his scepter at her.

“Fools! They brought me the wrong girl! I can’t marry a shrimp! Guards, take her!” with that, he sat down again. Dawn glared at the slightly plump king, and shouted,

“What? I am not good enough for you?” she smirked up at him, thinking about all the bad things he’d done during his reign. He glared down at her aghast, and said,

“No, actually, I just wanted a different girl. You know, the tall one. Guards, take her to my chamber. I’ll deal with her myself.” Dawn continued to glare at him as she was led away by the guards. Back in the Slithering Stream about five miles from Hidden Forest…

<<>>

“Where do you think they took her?” Violet asked Roksi. He grunted as a reply, but then said,

“I’m not sure. Thankfully their footprints seem clear enough in the mud. From the direction the prints are going, they were most likely headed for…” “Keri’s palace. Or at least it looks like it.” Alkhi interrupted. Violet grinned. “And what, do you suppose, Keri wants with Dawn?” Roksi suddenly stopped in his tracks, causing Violet to almost run into him.

“What is it Roksi-?”

“Zared. I can sense it…” with that he pulled out his long, glistening sword. Alkhi pulled out his bow, as did Violet. Aiming at the surrounding woods, Violet pivoted in place trying to catch a movement, but all was still.

“Are you sure?” Alkhi asked, as he didn’t sense anything.

“… No… not Zared… Something else. Something bad, like we’re heading for a trap.” Violet gulped, and raising a single finger pointed towards the dense trees behind them.

“Oh snap…” Alkhi muttered as large, blinking eyes stared back at him. With a haughty laugh, Keri stepped out from behind the trees and grabbed Violet’s arm, dragging her down.

“Uuugh!” she cried out, her arm twisting painfully.

“Let her go!” Alkhi growled, stepping closer, only to be stopped by Roksi, who motioned towards the Zared. He submitted, but not without glaring at Keri.

“Gloroisi! Bring her forward.” Out stepped a handsome young man, dragging a ragged looking Dawn. Her mouth was bound shut, but you could hear an audible gasp as her eyes caught sight of her friends. Suddenly, they filled with tears when she realized she had been used as bait for the trap. Roksi stepped forward and said,

“What is it you want? We have done nothing to offend you.” Keri grinned, replying,

“No, but I don’t have a bride. That is what I, and my mother, want. So, I searched every village till I came to the one I wanted. This beauty-“ he shook the arm which he held, making Violet gasp, “-is the one I want. So, you may be on your way. Gloroisi, hand over the girl.” Gloroisi hesitated, and then clearing his throat, asked,

“Would it please you if I was allowed to have this one for myself? If you have no use of her…” a grunting sound came from Dawn, but was silenced by a sharp kick from one of the surrounding Zared. Keri thought for a moment, and then said,

“Yes, you may have her. She is worth nothing to me.” With an evil grin, Gloroisi backed away, with Dawn in tow.

“This will not be the last time you see or hear from us. You will be sorry for what you have done!” with that, Roksi and Alkhi ran off. The Zared looked hungrily after them, but Keri motioned for them to stay.