Acolyte

Chapter Two

DECEMBER

A small crowd has begun to form around us as we reach the lodge at the center of camp. A few acquaintances ask us what's happening, who the elf is, but we mostly shrug our shoulders. It's really too much to explain to every passerby.

We reach the large oak doors of the lodge and Seamus holds one open, allowing Solana and I to enter. The elders are taking their breakfast at their long wooden table, and look surprised to see us. Their surprise grows as we cross the cold stone floor and they see Solana in the firelight.

"An elf?" One of them exclaims.

We reach their table and I nod. "She appeared in my hut this morning. She claims she's been exiled to my hut, that it belongs to her father."

The men are speechless. I suppose it's a slight shock to them, though not as much as it was to me.

"She brought a letter," I add, passing the scroll to them, "Seamus translated it." The elders pass it amongst themselves, and glance up at Seamus.

"She's telling the truth?" one asks.

He nods, "The letter claims her father is Rupert Deepstream, but neither of us had heard of anyone by that name."

Eyebrows raised across the table. Erskine, the head elder, spoke up.

"Well, it makes sense you wouldn't have heard of him. He probably died before either of you were born, but if I remember correctly, he did live right around there." The rest of the elders chuckle slightly. How are they so relaxed?

"He's dead?" Solana suddenly stepped forward from behind us, voice raised slightly.

Erskine nodded, "I'm sorry to tell you, but yes. He died in battle, twenty or so years ago. I'm surprised none of your kind knew."

"I suppose my mother didn't care to check in," Solana says, bitterly.

I almost feel remorse for her, but quickly come to my senses and snap back to the elders.

"She says she's been exiled to my hut, but apparently her movements are limited to the entire village. Couldn't she stay somewhere else?"

The elders look amongst themselves, exchanging glances and murmurs.

Erskine speaks up once more, "I'm sure you understand that meddling in the plans of elves is a dangerous move."

"I'm aware, but the house isn't even her father's anymore. Surely there's some flexibility here?"

Erskin shakes his head, "To alter the plans at all could be an affront to the elves. She will stay in your hut. We can provide you with an extra cot, and you can skip training exercises today. It'll be good to have a woman to keep watch over her."

I feel rage beginning to bubble up inside of me, but in front of the elders, I keep it contained.

"As you wish," I say. I rush out of the lodge, Seamus close behind. As soon as I hear the heavy oak doors slam shut I let loose, kicking at the snow with my boots.

"Damnit!" I shout, "This damn elf!" I raise a fist, ready to throw a punch at the lodge wall, but Seamus grips my shoulder, pulling me back.

"Wen!" he hisses, "Calm down! People are watching."

I glance around. Surely enough, the crowd we gathered earlier is still milling around the lodge, waiting to see what's happened. Eyes dart between myself and Solana, who stands radiantly outside of the lodge doors, her light hair in bright contrast against the dark oak wood.

As I calm myself, the questions start. Other villagers gather around, demanding, "Who is she?", "Why is she here?", "What happened?". Thankfully, Seamus steps in.