Chapter Twelve

CHAPTER TWELVE

 

Cassius paced back and forth in the Court Room, mumbling to himself. Hearing footsteps, he turned to see Sirion, Captain of the army, entering from the far end of the hall. Walking up to Cassius, Sirion knelt as he would to the king.

            ‘I have heard the news, My Lord,’ said Sirion as he stood. ‘How would you have me serve my kingdom?’

            ‘I fear the king’s passing is not the only tragedy to befall us,’ said Cassius. ‘I recently discovered a plot to overthrow the crown, led by one of the king’s own knights. He was sentenced to the mines, but it would seem he was able to influence and manipulate the Princess and she has fled with the signet ring to join him.’

            ‘This is grave news indeed,’ said Sirion. ‘Is it possible that the king did not die of natural causes?’

            ‘I suspect that there may have been foul play,’ said Cassius grimly. ‘Furthermore, the traitor was very close friends with a half elf who was also convicted of treason. I believe they are planning to ally themselves with Farendell and give up our secrets in return for aid.’

            ‘Forgive me, My Lord, but are you sure that the princess is capable of such treachery?’

            ‘The princess is naïve and easily influenced, especially by a charming knight with a silver tongue. I hold none of this against her, but I do not believe she is of a sound mind.’

            ‘What are my orders?’ asked Sirion.

            ‘They must be stopped before they get to Farendall,’ said Cassius. ‘Send half your men by boat, the other half by land and intercept them. Bring the princess back unharmed. Capture anyone else you can, but they are traitors and are to be treated as such.’

            ‘Yes, My Lord,’ said Sirion. ‘I have five hundred soldiers still in Gilderan. How many should I send?’

            Cassius thought for a moment. ‘Take them all.’

            Sirion looked alarmed. ‘And the kingdom, My Lord?’

‘This mission cannot fail, Sirion,’ said Casius. ‘And I still have the knights to protect the kingdom.’

Sirion bowed low. ‘As you wish, My Lord.’

 

The massive walls of the Mines of Demora curved in either direction away from the main gate, disappearing into the distance. The bulk of the elven army was camped in front of the towering wooden doors, but several smaller camps had been set up along the perimeter.

           

            The Elf Captain sat at a table, sipping from a goblet as he waited for his meal. Hearing a loud creaking sound followed by an outcry from several elves, he turned to see the gates of the mines slowly opening. He jumped up from the table and ran toward the mines.

            ‘Form and hold!’ he cried as he arrived at the front line.

            The elves gathered behind him and stood in formation, watching the doors open.

 

            Captain Corinian emerged from the mines and walked toward the Elf Captain, his hands spread apart indicating that he was unarmed. The two captains walked up to each other and stopped.

            ‘State your purpose,’ said the Elf Captain.

            ‘We are dying, Captain,’ said Corinian despondently. ‘Our supplies are exhausted and we have no more cause to resist. I hereby surrender the mines to your command, and ask that you have pity on my men and the prisoners.’

            The Elf Captain eyed him suspiciously. ‘And there is no ambush awaiting us inside?’ he asked.

            ‘I give you my word,’ said Corrinian.

            Turning to his troops, the Elf Captain pointed to the mines. ‘Advance with caution!’ he cried.

            The army started to advance.

 

Along the northern side of the wall, a small wooden door slowly opened, and Liam peered through the crack as several elves ran past toward the main gate. Not hearing anyone else, Liam opened the door further and crept out, looking around. He gestured to the others and was followed out by Alina, Trevin, Dristan, and ten soldiers armed with swords.

 

            Leaving the wall, they made their way toward the shore to the northeast where two rowboats were tied to a small dock. There was little in the way of cover on the open plain, so they could only stay as low as possible and hope not to be seen.

 

            A horn sounded behind them and to the north. They looked back to see a group of about fifteen elves running towards them, several carrying bows.

            ‘They’ve seen us,’ cried Liam. ‘Run!’

            They broke into a full sprint, but the elves ran much faster and started gaining on them with unnerving speed. Liam took Alina by the hand and they ran together.

 

            As the elves got closer, the soldiers fell back and turned to engage. Dristan drew his sword and met the first elf, but was no match for the well-nourished fighter in good health. After a few blocks and lunges with his sword, Dristan fell with an elven blade through his stomach. The other soldiers continued to fight bravely as three of the elves broke away to pursue Alina and the two knights. A few more soldiers fell and then the rest surrendered.

 

Liam, Trevin, and Alina arrived at the dock where the two boats were tied. Alina jumped in one boat, Liam grabbed the oars from the other boat while Trevin cut the ropes of both with his sword. As Trevin pushed the other boat away from the dock, an arrow hit the ground next to his feet and he turned to see the three elves running towards them.

‘Come on!’ yelled Liam. ‘Hurry!’

Trevin turned back toward the boat when an arrow pierced his leg, bringing him to his knee. Another arrow immediately pierced his lower back.

‘Trevin!’ Liam cried.

‘Go!’ said Trevin. ‘Save the princess!’

Liam looked beyond Trevin at the elves getting closer. He looked back at Trevin, not able to leave his friend.

‘Liam!’ Trevin said, sternly.  ‘Go.’

Liam took the oars and started rowing away from shore. Trevin drew his sword and turned toward the approaching elves, hobbling up the shore onto the grass.

 

As Liam and Alina rowed away from the dock, the three elves arrived at the shore, running past Trevin, and started shooting at the boat. Liam and Alina took cover as arrows started landing around them. When the barrage finally stopped, Liam grabbed the oars and started rowing again.

The three elves, having run out of arrows, turned back toward Trevin who was still on his knees in the grass. One of the elves, Ethelwin, walked up to Trevin, drawing his sword. Trevin stood feebly on one leg, brandishing his own, but Ethelwin simply knocked it out of his grasp. Trevin fell back to one knee, holding his side.

Ethelwin leaned over Trevin. ‘Save the princess?’

Trevin shook his head, defeated.

Ethelwin turned to the others. ‘Let’s take him to the Captain,’ he said.

 

As Liam and Alina continued rowing, they watched the elves pick up Trevin and carry him off.

‘I’m so sorry, Liam,’ Alina said softly.

Liam stamped the floor with his boot, then started rowing harder.