Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,52

the ladder once Jericho had descended. When they reached the door, Jericho motioned for them to wait, and then crept outside into the cool night.

“All clear,” whispered the captain. “My Lady, stay close behind me.”

Jericho led the group down the trail, sword in hand. Selena, Ertik, the novices, and the three knights followed as closely as they could without tripping on each other.

They had walked for about half a mile when they could hear footsteps coming from out of the darkness. Jericho crouched and the rest followed suit. As the footsteps grew louder, the light from three torches came into view.

“Off the path,” whispered Jericho.

They scampered into the nearby brush, trying to stay quiet. Soon the torches were right next to them. Selena's heart raced, and her breath was short and swift. Then the torches halted. From their vantage point behind a small bush, she couldn't see who it was.

“Come out,” hissed a foul, unearthly voice. “I can smell you, hiding like scared rabbits.” Selena was the first to stand. “Who are you?” she shouted. “Why have you attacked the sacred Temple of Valshara?” She stepped onto the path. The others quickly jumped up and followed. The knights stood at her side, while the others stayed close behind. Ertik had drawn a small dagger.

What she saw shocked and revolted her senses. Two soldiers stood in full chain mail, each bearing vicious, curved scimitars in one hand, and a rope attached to a bound and blindfolded elf in the other. Selena recognized them as part of Theopolou's guard. They had been badly beaten, but there was no mistaking who they were. Standing in the center was a creature she had never seen. Even in the dim torch light she knew it wasn't human. Hunched over and swaying from side to side, it was wrapped in a long, flowing, black cloak, and wore heavy boots of leather and iron. Though its face was hidden behind the drawn hood, she could feel its eyes on her. It took a step forward and drew a long, jagged sword. The creature’s movement was unimaginably quick and fluid. Jericho and the knights leaped in front of the High Lady.

“Stay back, demon,” commanded the captain.

“The Vrykol bid you greetings, High Lady,” said the creature. “You will come with us... or all of your companions will die.”

“You will not lay your foul hands on the High Lady of Valshara,” growled Jericho.

The Vrykol hissed a laugh. “Brave words, human. I think I'll kill you slowly.”

“You will harm no one,” said Selena. In a flash, she reached in her sleeve and threw a small glass phial straight at the Vrykol's head. The sound of breaking glass was followed by another foul laugh.

“Holy water has no effect on me, foolish woman,” said the Vrykol. “Your Gods have no power in this world.”

Selena smiled fiendishly as smoke began to rise from the Vrykol's hood. A second later it burst into intense, blue flames. The heat drove the two humans standing beside the Vrykol back. The creature desperately tried to put himself out, but the fire grew larger and hotter, until the light was blinding. It dropped to its knees and let out an unearthly scream. The sound caused Selena to wince and cover her ears. After a minute, it stopped and the Vrykol fell, smoldering, to the ground.

The two human soldiers dropped the ropes and ran into the night. Jericho started after them, but Selena ordered him back.

“We can't waste time chasing them,” said Selena. “We must move quickly.”

They untied the elves and examined their wounds.

“You are Theopolou's guard, are you not?” asked Selena.

The elves nodded. “I am Stintos, and this is Haldrontis. We owe you our lives, High Lady.”

Selena smiled. “We are happy to aid you. How did this happen?”

Stintos explained how the Vrykol had attacked them, and how Gewey and Linis slew them. “We were to return to the temple until I was able to travel, but we were ambushed and held captive.” Anger raged in his voice. “They tried to get us to turn spy, but I would not dishonor myself, or my kin, with treachery. They are devils. And they have elf allies. Now that we are free, I must get this information to Theopolou.”

“He will be told,” assured Selena. “But your wounds must be tended. We go to Althetas and the two of you are coming with us. I will send word. The moment we get there.” Stintos opened his mouth to protest, but Selena shot him