Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,12

it is you and I they will be following, and my skills in evasion should not be underestimated.”

Jacob sniggered.

“You should not let your eyes always be your judge, child,” scolded Malstisos. “Your father has great confidence in Millet. And thus far he has shown his worth more than once since I've traveled with him. I daresay his skills and usefulness outweigh yours.”

Jacob suddenly halted his horse, his face twisted in anger. “Mind your tongue, elf.” His hand slid to his sword.

“Don’t be foolish.” Malstisos’ voice became low and dangerous. “I will not be threatened, no matter who your father is.”

The two stared as each other intensely for what seemed like an eternity.

“Enough of this!” Maybell’s voice echoed over the trees. The ferocity of the woman’s tone startled the others.

Malstisos bowed his head. “I am deeply sorry, sister. I know you must be cold and tired.” He turned to Jacob. “I’m certain we can conduct ourselves with better manners.”

Jacob continued to fume but nodded sharply. “For now,” he grumbled.

Maybell snorted in disgust at the scene. “How much farther to the next village?” she asked Millet.

“Two days,” he replied. “But there’s a hostel we could reach before sundown if we keep our next rest short.”

“Good,” said Maybell, trying to hide her relief.

Malstisos stiffened his back, and he drew his long knife.

“What is it?” whispered Millet.

“Something follows.” The elf dismounted.

“I told you” scoffed Jacob. “They have sent trackers. Weren’t you paying attention?”

Malstisos shook his head. “This is no tracker. Whatever it is… it smells wrong.” He closed his eyes for a moment and sniffed the air. “Stay here.” He placed his hand on Millet's shoulder. “If I do not return in one hour, flee as fast as you can.”

“Where should we go?” asked Millet, alarmed.

“Stick with your plan,” the elf replied, then turned to Maybell and smiled. “Don't worry. I may only be chasing shadows.” He disappeared into the nearby trees, leaving the group behind.

Many minutes passed before anyone dared to move. Finally, Millet reached into his pack and retrieved a loaf of bread and passed it out to the rest. Maybell reluctantly took a piece and found a spot a few yards from Millet and Jacob to sit by herself and nibble.

“What do we do if he doesn't return?” asked Jacob through a mouthful of bread.

Millet met Jacobs’s eyes. “We'll do as Malstisos said and continue to Baltria. There I will contact your father. Now if you don't mind, I would rather not speak until Malstisos returns.”

“If he returns,” muttered Jacob.

Millet shot a furious glance and stormed away.

Minutes seemed like hours as the group stared into the surrounding forest, hoping to see Malstisos return. Finally, just as Millet was about to tell the others it was time to leave, he caught sight of the elf, head bowed low, holding what appeared to be a severed head in one hand and his long knife in the other. Maybell gasped. Millet and Jacob stared in horror as the elf tossed the head to the ground beside the horses. The elf's knife and hands were covered with thick, black ooze, and the stench of rotting flesh filled the air. The head resembled a human man, but its features were distorted and grotesque, as if burned by fire, its hair tangled, stringy, and covered in filth.

“What is that thing?” whispered Maybell with a shudder.

Malstisos looked at Jacob. “I was hoping our young friend here might be able to enlighten us.”

Jacob’s eyes went wide. “Me? How should I know? I've never seen such a creature.”

Malstisos studied Jacob then looked down at the remains. “I found it about half a mile behind us. It was clearly following our trail. I tried to approach unseen, but it must have had a keen sense of smell because it knew I was there the moment I saw it. I am no seeker, but no human I have ever encountered, save perhaps Lord Starfinder, could have heard my approach. When I knew I was discovered, I decided to withdraw, but the thing was on me in an instant. It moved as quickly as any elf, though not as graceful. It struck at me with bare hands, but with power beyond human strength. As it was unarmed, I had the advantage and buried my knife in its heart.”

“Then why cut off its head?” interrupted Jacob. “And why bring this disgusting thing here?”

“Like I said,” Malstisos responded in a low tone. “I was hoping you could help identify it. You have been here throughout