Master spoke to us of procedures, of living quarters, of a few rules. He gave us the run-down on how things worked in Camp Mareila. I don’t believe many were listening. They were too blood-thirsty.
They were anxious for the blood shed to begin. Doing the right thing for the wrong reason… I sighed and shook my head.
Soon we were dismissed, and with our heads down we ran to our quarters through the pouring rain that had begun. There we all washed, redressed, and relocated to the training area. Though it was 11:45 PM, we still had two hours of vigorous training to complete. I needn’t anymore training. Though only 24 years old, my skills were far more advanced than any other trainee. I believe I would even make a good match for the master. Someday I will find out… I will have my turn. But that comes later. I must be patient; strike at exactly the right moment, or all will fail.
I breezed easily through ‘training.’ I tried to not let my advanced skills shine throught. For the most part, I was successful in doing so, but every so often I get a bit ahead of myself. Especially when sparring with him…. He was beautiful… As beautiful as a man could possibly be. Long, thick brown curls of hair, wetted down with sweat, brushing over his eyes and cheeks. His eyes were bright, crystal blue. I could not look into them while matched with him, or I would be lost in them… He was a tall man, and extremely toned. His voice was soft and caring, but when sparring, twas deep and menacing. He was far more advanced than most others there. Not quite a brutal match for me, he still put up a good fight. I was relieved to make use of a few of my advanced attack skills to wind him. Often I had to supress them when Master came around; I didn’t want him to pick up on something he needn’t know. Not yet…
The end of training for the night came and went, and soon we were all back in our living quarters and readying for a short night’s sleep. I had just closed my eyes in the darkness when I heard a subtle tap above me. At first, of course, I paid no mind. But it continued, becoming more urgent. Finally I sat up, listening. The others were breathing easily, sleepily. I looked out of the window above me. It was too dark. I had slept with my clothes on for some reason, maybe this was it. Quietly, I tiptoed out of the room. Before I reached the exit, I smiled at the stealth skills I had picked up through my other training. The door opened and shut without a single noise. I slipped past the snoozing house guard, smiling to myself again. Down the hall I crept, and out the front door. He was there waiting for me. I looked him up and down, all 6’4″ of him. He did not wait for me to speak.
“Your reason for being here is not to fight for this country. My name is Rauk, I am from Bailaran. I am interested in you, Alizanon.” I didn’t move. Though the mention of my name startled a ferocious twitch in my mind, my face remained set. No one knew my name. Those that did know my ‘name,’ knew it as Lea. Not my given name. My mind twirled and twisted within my skull. I looked him over again. From Bailaran? He did not look like an elf. But he must be. As if reading my mind, he pulled down the hood of his cloak, and brushed his curls behind one ear. There was the elf ear. But why is he here to fight? So far from home? He spoke.
“We will not speak of my reasoning until I am sure of yours, Alizanon. I assure you, your secret is safe. It will reach no other’s ears. Once told, once forgotten.” He reached out his hand. I am not one to trust anyone, especially those of the elven race, but something in his eyes forced me to reach out my hand and grasp his firmly. Mine eyes did not leave his. He spoke again. “I am honored for your trust. But may we speak of this again? Another night, Alizanon. Light will rise in three hours, and we must rest for tomorrow’s grueling schedule.” His eyes twinkled and he risked a quiet laugh. Immediately I let my guard down and smiled. Quickly I recomposed myself and nodded. “Farewell then. I will be in touch.” He winked, and stole off into the darkness. I watched him go, taking huge, thunder steps. His lean figure dissolved into the darkness of night, and I was sure of one thing. I must be careful with this man. He means well, but is deceitful in his own ways. Trustful, yet… not. Not fully, anyway. I stood there a moment more, picturing his laughing face. I could not, would not be vacuumed into his hypnosis. Elf or no elf, I had to be careful… I did not know then that this particular elf by the name of Rauk, would show me the way to defeat all evil…
(To Be Continued…)