Everglade: The Underaged

Chapter 32

Luke went over to his friends, without Slade. His father had hauled him away.

"You alright? You passed out after you put The Crows to sleep." Korman asked.

"I just overexerted my mind." Luke explained.

"After you passed out, The Crows woke up and we started fighting again. The Crows ran off after a while, though, taking all the Underaged with them." Ailwin said.

"Not all. I freed some as after I saved Korman. What happened to the foal?" Luke asked. As if on cue, the foal came running out of the bushes. He stopped in front of Luke and nuzzled him. Luke stroked his muzzle. He needed to name him, but he wasn't sure what to name him yet. He spotted Slade in a bush. Slade signaled for him to not reveal his presence. He had a desperate look on his face. The foal, however, had no intention of not approaching Slade.

No! Luke told him. All he got back was curiosity. Stop! The curiosity came again. Luke ran after him and grabbed him, but it was too late. Everyone had noticed Slade. Even his father when he came over.

"Slade! What did I tell you? Stay away from the humans!" he said. Luke winced at the looks on his friends' faces. Slade's father grabbed him and hauled him into what used to be The Crows' base. The Elves were doing a sweep of the place. They were looking for any stray Crows.

"What was that about?" Ailwin asked.

"Slade was kidnapped by humans and tortured." Luke explained. "His father doesn't trust us around him."

"He seemed fine to be around you." Forwin said accusingly.

"That's because he was only five feet away. He would be there to save him if I did anything to him." Luke lied. Korman gave him a confused look. Luke went inside his head.

I don't want them to know until we know for sure that I'm an Elf. Luke told him.

But why? Korman asked.

I don't want them to treat me differently. Especially after what Slade's father said. Luke told him.

Alright. Luke went out. His secret was safe for now.

"The sun is low. We should get ready to sleep." Isabella suggested.

"You're right." Ailwin said. They got out their sleeping equipment. Luke laid down on his bedroll. Eclipse and the foal came over to sleep next to him. He snuggled close to Eclipse. He fell asleep. As he slept he dreamt of his parents again. His mother stroked his head.

"You've come so far." She said. "I'm so proud of you. You will be the change. The change everyone needs." His father appeared.

"You will do many more great things. More than just this." He said. "Don't forget who you are, no matter what happens." The dream ended. Luke woke up. And when he subconsciously felt his ears, they were pointed. He was an Elf.