Forgotten Guardians
Chapter 22

Josan pulled himself up on his elbows by the shoreline trying to catch his breath. The cool night breeze blew through his soaked clothing making them feel like ice on his skin. He could hear Frathe trudging up behind him as he tried not to shiver in the wind. The grumbles of the dwarves were echoed farther behind in the water. He could still hear the horde howls of rage from the cliff above. Josan crawled to his feet and looked around to make sure everyone was all right. Wolf hardly looked tired as he shook water from his fur. Frathe only muttered to himself about the cold and the dwarves reached the shore and rung out their breads.

“What in the bloody hell were you thinking?” The red bearded dwarf bellowed.

“Nobody said that you had to follow,” Josan said in a casual tone.

The dwarf muttered under his breath about ‘crazy humans’ as he continued to wring out his beard.

Frathe took his cloak off and started to try to get rid off some of the water, hardly paying any attention, to the grumbling dwarves.

“Stinking goblin,” the yellow bearded dwarf yelled in surprise. He started to swing his axe when something struck its handle, sending its momentum backward knocking the dwarf on his rump. The dwarf lowered his axe and saw a gleaming knife sticking from the thick handle. He quickly turned to see the man in black with his hand under his coat as if ready to launch another knife if need be. The goblin was facing him now with its hand on a hilt of a small saber.

“Well, isn’t that gratitude for you,” Frathe spat.

“You’ll pay for that goblin,” the yellow bearded dwarf said through gritted teeth. The other dwarf was standing next to him with his club, staring at Josan.

“Baile, Morn, stop this at once.” A female voice commanded from the darkness. A moment later a beautiful elven woman strolled from the tree line with delicate grace. It was the golden haired elf from the camp.

“It’s a bloody goblin!” the red bearded dwarf said as if to settle the matter.

“He my be, but he saved...” she was cut off from another voice coming out of the woods.

“Josan, Josan are you alright?” Miranda cried as she sprinted out of the woods and ran up to him. She wove around him to look for any wounds, but found none. A few seconds later, Grimmly and Uuger climbed out of the tree line.

“A stinking giant too,” the yellow bearded dwarf spat as he tightened the grip on his club. A heavy growl from behind him told him he had also forgotten about the huge wolf.

“Speak for yourself,” Grimmly said to the dwarf with an annoyed tone.

“Let us stop this foolishness, put your weapons away,” the golden haired elf maiden said in a firm tone, making it clear she was use to giving orders. “Baile, these people have just saved our lives. I don’t think they rescued us just to turn around and kill us,” she said in a melodic tone.

“You never know with...” Baile started but was cut off by the elf with her hands on her hips and a glare in her eyes. He huffed and lowered his axe.

“Now that is done,” the elf maiden said turning to Josan, “My name is Aielia of the Shagilath tribe. I am in your debt,” she bowed to Miranda and Josan. Her golden hair which fell over her shoulders seemed to absorb the moonlight. She was slender, like most elves, but with a posture which said that she was no stranger to fighting. Her blue and golden speckled eyes seemed to see everything and nothing at all at the same time. “This is Baile,” she gestured to the red bearded dwarf, “and Morn,” she pointed to the yellow bearded dwarf, “of the Dragon Teeth clan.”

Miranda stepped forward and introduced herself and the others, Frame grumbled, while Grimmly bowed deeply and kissed Aielia’s hand. Miranda thought Aielia might faint. Josan merely nodded as Uuger tried to imitate Grimmly. Aielia seemed very interested with Wolf as he walked over and sat down next to Josan.

“You are a most ...unusual company. Why are you in the Shagilath forest? It is a very dangerous time,” Aielia asked with a smile, but a hint of suspension in her voice.

“We were seeking you,” Josan said casually. Aielia tensed for a moment as if she wanted to draw a weapon. Josan caught the tension and quickly continued, “We seek answers about a village which was raided and a army called “The Army of the Light,” Josan hoped his explanation would ease the woman a little.

“I know the army of men of which you speak. Vile. Those were their troops who just chased us through the forest. How can they be of the Light when they consort with such creatures?” as the last words left her mouth her face colored, “Forgive me, I did not mean to insult your friends,” she said with a humbling bow. Frathe snorted and went back checking his gear and Grimmly waved it away with a smile. “We should move on. Goblins and orcs hate water, but that will not stop them if we stand in the open any longer,” Aielia said and waved them on as she trekked for the tree cover.

They traveled through the dark forest for a moment before coming upon two shadowed figures, one laying on the forest floor the other slumped against a near by tree. As they came closer Josan saw it was the two elves from the tent. Both looked badly injured, the one lying down struggled with each breath.

Aielia knelt down beside the elf, “How is he doing?” she asked the elf lying against a tree.

The elf staggered to sit up, “Not well Mistress Aielia, if he doesn’t get help soon...,” he left the rest of his thought unspoken.

“We must take them the Tall Oaks, the elven city. The healers there may attend him. How are you Raven?” she asked.

“A few broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder, nothing more,” he said as he braced himself up against the tree to a standing position. He stood rigid, trying to deny the agonizing pain in his chest.

“This is Raven, Captain of the elven forces,” Aielia said to the six companies. Raven squared his slender shoulders and peered at them with pitch black eyes which matched his long hair. “And this is Serlan.” she indicated the elf on the ground. “We must hurry and get him back to the city,” she knelt and smoothed Sedan’s blond hair from his face.

“What of them Mistress? We cannot allow them into the city. What if they are spies for the enemy? Perhaps it was their plan to release us and follow us to our city,” Raven said as he weighed the six companies with his black eyes.

“That is ridiculous, we would never...” Miranda shouted as she stepped forward and waggled her finger at him.

“Hold your tongue or lose it child,” Raven said with venom as he glared at her. Then he heard a deep growl, a crossbow being clicked back and swords being unsheathed. He looked up and found all her companions staring at him with murder flaring in their eyes, with weapons posed.

“You best be watching what you saw to the little lady there bub,” Grimmly said in a dangerous tone.

“That is quite enough. Raven, calm yourself. Spies or not, they helped us escape, so we are in their debt. I will not hear another word about it,” Aielia said firmly.

Raven glared at her for a moment before he bowed, “As you wish Mistress.”

The dwarves quickly made a makeshift sled to carry the injured elf, which Grimmly pulled with no complaint. The dwarves took up the rear while Raven took point. The rest of group matched in the middle. Josan could tell Raven was keeping a close eye on them with every step they took. They trekked through the darkened forest with only the moonlight to mark their path. Miranda was the only one with difficulty walking in the dark, but Aielia took her hand and helped her along. Everyone else trudged along in wet clothes with the cool breeze nipping at their exposed skin. Water sloshed around in their boots while their clothes clung to their bodies. By the expression on everyone’s faces they were all thinking of only one thing, a warm fire. After a hours of walking, Raven declared that they would set camp for the night.

The fire was small and hardly gave off any heat, but they all crowded around it anyhow. Aielia checked the injured elf s and gave him water. Uuger scurried over and started to gently examine the wounded elf.

“What are you doing? Get away from him.” Raven spat, shoving Uuger away.

“Uuger know what Uuger doing. Uuger help old master many times in village with sick people.” Uuger said defainelty.

“It’s true. Uuger knows a lot about medicine and healing. He may be able to help your friend.” Miranda said as she walked over.

“He will be fine, and doesn’t require your assisnat.” Raven said as he knelt down and clumsly exmained his friend.

“Raven if the little one can help let him. I will not sacifice Serlan for your pride. Please anything you can do for him will be greatly apprieacited.” Aielia said.

Uuger scooted around the scowling Raven and started to exsamine the elf again. He ran his clawed hand gently around the elf until he seemed to understand the nature of the injuries. Pulling his sacthel around Uuger rummaged around, pullng out small packages and wax sealed pots and laying them out in an orderly fashion.

“Elf very bad. Uuger not heal him. He need magic to heal, but Uuger help a little.” Uuger explained as he started mixing leaves and powders in a poulice.

“We thank you for your help and Serlan thanks you as well Master Uuger.” Aielia said as she brushed stray locks from Serlan’s face. Moments passed as Uuger appiled poulices to the most injured areas and gave the elf a sleeping draft, but it was all he could with his limited supplies. The entire time Raven sat scowling as Uuger worked.

After they were finsihed they joined the rest around the around the fire. Everyone was too cold and wary from the hike to talk. Raven declared that he would take first watch, even after Miranda told him there was no need with Wolf around. Raven made it very clear that he did not trust them and denied any of them shifts in the watch. They let it easily drop; only Frathe continued grumbling about elf arrogance, everyone else was too cold and tired to argue.

At first light they headed out, everyone was still feeling the effects of the night before. The sun was hidden behind clouds and air had a frosty chill to it. Their clothes never seemed to dry. Everyone walked with slumped shoulders and tied looks, except Josan. He ignored the cold and kept a wary eye on the forest and Raven. He made sure his hood covered his face. The day dragged on in near silence and they did not stop until well past twilight.

The six went on with their nightly chores as if the dwarves and elves were not there. When Josan started off for the woods Raven intercepted him.

“Where do you think you are going?” Raven asked as if speaking to a prisoner.

Josan bit back some choice words, “We need water for tonight, so if you will get out of my way,” he answered.

“You’re not going anywhere, human,” Raven said with venom.

“Who’s going to stop me?” Josan said taking a step towards Raven. His patience at its limit.

“Do you even know how to use those swords strapped to your back?” Raven said with a smirk. Josan was shocked to know the elf had even seen his swords. Most people didn’t have a clue he carried such weapons on him. “Oh...I see more than you think, human. From my dealings with your kind, only thieves cover their faces. Is that why you are here, Thief?” Raven spat.

“That is quite enough Raven! A man has the right to hide what wishes. Now replace us some food and let Master Josan collect some water, or wood you rather eat your dinner uncooked?” Aielia commanded.

Raven spun on his heels and sprinted off into the darkness; but Josan knew Raven was going to keep on eye on him tonight no matter what Aielia said.

Miranda ignored the exchange; men bickered over the strangest things in her mind. She busied herself with the cooking. Aielia came over with a disgruntle look upon her face and sat down next to the fire.

“Are human men just as stubborn?” Aielia asked as she looked off in the direction Raven had disappeared.

“My granny used to say, ’Men like to walk around like a rooster, but without us they would starve to death in a bakery,” Miranda said as she shifted through her pack.

Both women looked at each other and started laughing,” Your granny is a wise woman,” Aielia said between laughs.

“I heard that you have no food, we would be honored to share some of ours, we have more than we need,” Miranda said as she pulled a mutton out of her pack.

“We would be most gracious,” Aielia said. “What is your story Miranda? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Story? I really don’t have a story,” Miranda said some what confused as she started to add herbs to the mutton.

“Everyone has a story. Your life is a story in and of itself. Your’s must be very interesting to travel with a group such as yours,” Aielia said as she started to help cut up onions and carrots.

“Oh, well it began the day I met Josan and Wolf...” Miranda continued on and told Aielia everything; the soldiers who had attacked her, her father dying, how they found Uuger and met Fralhe and Grimmly. She even told her of the prophecy they had heard of the Six Guardians. Aielia listened to every word with her slender pointed ears with interest.

“That is quite a story. It almost sounds as if fate has pushed you all together,” Aielia said still awed by the story, “You should talk to my mother when we reach the elven city, she is very wise,” Aielia said.

“I would very much like to meet your mother,” Miranda said as she stirred the pot, “But for now, let’s eat.”

After everyone was gathered around the fire, Miranda dished out the food. The dwarves gulped down their food as if it was their last meal, using fingers as spoons and shoveling into their mouths. Raven refused any and said that he would patrol the area. Grimmly reached into his pack and retrieved a small rolled up bundle of leather. He carefully unrolled it and inside was an entire silverware set with silk napkins. He took out his fork and knife and slowly cut his meal up. In mid shoveling the dwarves stopped and gapped at Grimmly.

“A bloody giant using a fork! Well, call me a bearded orc,” Baile said with wide eyes. Soon the conversation erupted from everyone; the dwarves started chartering like chipmunks to Grimmly, examining his quicksilver rod. Miranda and Aielia talked a if they were old friends who have not seen each other in a long time. Frathe fiddled with his crossbow and refused to let the dwarves to examine it, “You can touch it when you pull from my dead hand,” he explained. Josan kept quiet for most of the evening talk, except when the dwarves asked to see his swords. They were awed by the craftsmanship and declared only a master dwarf could make such quality blades. They even looked at Uuger’s little mace, “Aye, this be dwarven made for sure, but it’s merely a child’s toy.” Uuger took no offence to the remark, or the others, they had all seen what Uuger could do with the trinket. Wolf curled up next to the fire and watched the darkness. Miranda and Aielia whispered into each others ear every so often. Josan could help but think that they were talking about him by the way they would giggle and shoot quick glances at him when they thought he wasn’t looking. Women, one of the greatest unkown mysteries.

Raven returned with an even more sour look than the one he left with, “Baile, you and Mom will take the first watch, Aielia will take the second and I will take the last,” he said as if commanding an army.

Josan stood up, “As we explained before there is no need for watches. Wolf will let us know if anything comes near.”

“There are things in this forest that even a wolf cannot detect,” Raven said with kuntempt.

“Then I will take first watch,” Josan said trying to keep his temper at bay.

“I wouldn’t trust you to watch a tadpole,” Raven spat.

“What do you mean...?” Josan started to say when Frathe interjected.

“If he wants to be a jackass, let him, Josan. I don’t mind sleeping all night.” Frathe said as he lay down.

“Watch your tongue, goblin,” Raven said he as pointed accusing finger at Frathe.

“Now hold on there Raven, they don’t seem too bad a folk. I trust them,” Baile said calmly.

“What do dwarves know? You will do as I say,” Raven said without ever looking away from Frathe.

“Now, you look here, I ain’t no elf and I’ll be a orc’s cousin if I’m going to let some pompous elf tell me what to do,” Baile bellowed. Josan was all most certain Baile was going to pick up his ax and cleave Raven in two at that moment.

Raven looked down with hatred in his eyes at Baile. The dwarf pushed his fists in his hips and matched Raven stare. Raven snorted and spun on his heels storming off. Silence echoed throughout the camp as Raven slipped off into the shadows again. After a few moments, Baile still eyeing the path Raven had taken, snorted, “Goblin, you are right about one thing. Jackass,” Baile said as he turned and sat back down.

“We should all get some sleep. We will reach the city by tomorrow afternoon,” Aielia said as she rolled out her cloak.

Everyone agreed and started to lie down for the night. The dwarves lay down on the ground without blankets or bedrolls and immediately started snoring. Grimmly propped himself against a sturdy oak and Frathe wrapped himself in his cloak using his bedroll as a pillow. Josan leaned against a fallen log and pulled his hood down and waited for the nightmares. Uuger joined Miranda in her bed roll as usual and Wolf curled up on her back side in his usual spot. Aielia fussed with her cloak trying to make it wrap her to no avail.

“Aielia, come sleep over by us, where it’s warmer,” Miranda said as she spread out her bed roll. At first Aielia hesitated, sleeping with a wolf and a unusual creature, but cold breeze picked up and nibbled at her exposed flesh, she shrugged and crawled into the bedroll with Uuger in the middle. Soon the warmth crept over Aielia’s body and there was no other place she would rather be.

Aielia awoke in the middle of the night to the sound of a faint melody. She opened her eyes to replace it still dark, but by the glowing coals in the fire pit, some time had passed. The dwarves snored on and everyone else was still fast asleep. She rolled over to ask Miranda if she heard the melody, but when she looked, Miranda was not there. Uuger and Wolf still lay asleep as before. The melody played on in the air. Her eyes then fixed on Miranda who knelt down beside Josan, with her arms wrapped around him and his head resting on her bosom. The humming melody she heard was coming from Miranda. Josan thrashed about as if he was being attacked, but slowly as the song continued he became at ease. Miranda continued singing and rocked Josan back and forth until his breathing slowed to normal. Miranda gently laid Josan back down and crept back over to her bedroll. Aielia closed her eyes and tried to act as if she was asleep not knowing if she should pry. Miranda carefully crawled back in the blankets. Aielia wanted to ask Miranda what she was doing, but held her tongue. It was none of her business. She rolled back over and fell asleep.

The next morning the group made good time except Raven, who looking haggard as if he had not slept at all. As they came closer to the elven city, the paths become more and more clear. Soon they were walking on a dirt packed road with no obstacles. They ate their breakfast as they walked and Aielia told them about the forest. Josan could feel eyes watching them as they walked. He knew the elf sentries were watching their every step. A little after midday they came out into a large clearing and there the elven city stood among the trees.