The Evil Queen

The Hunters

Nobody noticed the hooded figure sitting at the table lit only by the flicker of an oil lantern. His dark facial hair was trimmed neatly around a small mouth. Dark blue eyes scanned the room like he was waiting for someone as he was tracing the grain of the rough wooden table with his finger. The commotion about the pub was deafening. Between the ruffians, riders and dwarfs he wasn't even evident. Another hooded man came hesitantly through the entrance, looking closely, his royal military colours were showing from under the cloak. He spotted his company and made his way to the table and took a seat.

"Algar?" "You summoned me here Marshal." The Marshal hesitated before pulling a rolled scroll out of his inner jacket. "Lord Cornell has entrusted this to you, you came highly recommended." Algar held up his hand gesturing that it was enough, "What is the mark Marshal?" The Marshal took a deep breath, "We have acquired inside information about an elf being use by the King of Covehaven. She is rumored to have had predictions that have helped him conquer the Western most regions. Lord Cornell is concerned that he may try to use her to take lands closer to our realm." Algar leaned back impatiently. "An elf? And Covehaven? I feel ten thousand rupe is too little for such excursions." The Marshal gritted his teeth and let out a low growl. "I guess it's a good thing Lord Cornell gave me the full ten now with promise of ten upon delivery. " He pulled a yellow and purple velvet pouch from his inner jacket and tossed it to Algar.

"What does she look like?" "Our sources say she doesn't look Elven at all. She is absent the gold scars, sharpened teeth and pointed ears of her people. They also said she has green eyes that glow." Algar cracked a smile, scoffing at the Marshal, "That's rich, so she doesn't look like an elf and she has green eyes. " The Marshal shook his head his black beard rustling, "No, brilliant green, like nothing you will have ever seen." "I can imagine, being how elves have blue eyes." "Not her." Algar took a deep breath, "Is she dangerous?" A barking laugh escaped the Marshal, "Aren't all elves dangerous? I'd say more how. We don't know if she's with his majesty of Covehaven or a prisoner. And she is a woman, that should be enough to make you stay on your guard." Algar chuckled, "So how do you suggest I take on an elf? I suppose he wants her alive?" "Alive yes, doesn't matter to the Lord if it's without injury or not, as long as she survives. As for taking her, wrought iron, no fae can stand it."

Algar let the tassel of the velvet purse drop to the table, "I'll leave tonight." The Marshal smiled wickedly, "Make sure you bring her back, Lord Bergamot won't be the only one on your tail if you don't." His threat was muffled by some loud commotion on the other side of the pub. Algar redirected his attention to the Marshal, "It won't be a problem Marshal." He sat back smiling at him. "Oh, and one thing, make sure not to carry a flag, or any royal colours. Can't have Lord Cornell associated with any kind of treachery against another kingdom." Algar stood up laughing as he walked passed the Marshal, "Oh Marshal, I never carry royal colours."

Algar walked out into the twilight, he whistled loudly. From the shadows Dax appeared with two large horses. "Where are we going Algar?" Dax was the exact opposite of his brother. He was scrawny with lean muscle where Algar was thick and muscular. His shaggy strikingly blonde hair danced about his head in every which way. He was always trying to pull it back. Dax's features were sharp and delicate, he had no facial hair and his eyes were the fairest blue. The only thing the men had in common was their staggering height, both were six feet. Algar smiled at his little brother, "Covehaven little man." He billowed. Dax expression was less than pleased. "Covehaven? What is in Covehaven?" Algar grabbed one of the reins from Dax as he mounted the black horse he cocked a grin. "A very special elf." Dax could hear the sarcasm in his voice. "A wild goose chase? Did we at least get paid before this time?" Algar held the purse up, "Half now, half upon return." Dax mounted his horse shaking his head, "I'm glad we got half up front. An elf? We won't live to enjoy the other half." "Don't be so down little man, if she doesn't get ya, I'm sure Lord Bergamot will." Algar laughed hard as he kicked his horse and took off into the night with Dax close behind.