The Mountains Blade

Chapter Thirty Six

Chapter Thirty-Six- The Great Escape 

Elwyn continued to sit on the couch in the same spot that Evander had left her, until the morning sun beamed in through the window. 

The door creaked open from the hallway and Evander appeared. He was changed and showered like he had been somewhere else. Elwyn swallowed, her mouth felt incredibly dry. Evander glanced at her ruffled curls and slip that she wore. "You leave for the Fae in an hour." He said and then disappeared back through the door he left. 

Elwyn balled her fist up and tried to calm the sparks that flickered between her fingertips. The door opened again, and she turned abruptly, ready to jump down the king's throat. She opened her mouth and closed it, pursing her lips in curiosity. 

Marlowe walked in, she glanced at the room that was covered in a thick layer of dripping black soot. She sat beside Elwyn pushing her to the side some, ignoring the dying flames at her fingertips. She plopped a bundle of clothes and boots that she held into Elwyn's arms. 

Elwyn furrowed her brow at her. "Um, what is this?"

"Your escape." Marlowe beamed happily as if she was talking about the weather. 

Elwyn blinked dumbly at the blonde. 

"Excuse me, why?" She asked cautiously. 

Marlowe sunk back into the couch as Elwyn adjusted herself to better face the princess. "I know how evil Aldric is and I see how Evander is. If you want to stay, be my guest. But I am giving you an out because you deserve one. You should make the choice whether or not you want to be queen. You shouldn't have a life forced on you." 

Marlowe looked off distantly, a sad look coming over her graceful features. 

Elwyn frowned. "Come with me." She offered. 

Marlowe's eyes widened, her attention snapping to her. "Really? I mean- I don't even know how to hold a sword or wear pants." Elwyn tried not to laugh at the last part but waved her off.

"I can teach you along the way. Speaking of which, I don't even know how to get out of this territory."

"You simply follow the forgotten road; it winds through every territory and to the Elvin portal. It will lead you home."

Elwyn shook her head at Marlowe. "And how do you know all of this?"

"I have a lot of time to read so I find out stuff. And... I shouldn't go, I'll only slow you down."

Elwyn opened her mouth to argue but Marlowe cut her off. "It's alright. I was destined for this life, and you were destined for yours. Go be a warrior princess and make sure all is going well over there. Once you get your sister all settled, maybe then I can come visit?"  Marlowe asked nervously. 

Elwyn smiled and pulled the young princess into an embrace. "Any time."

Marlowe nodded, standing. Elwyn followed suit, ducking behind her door to change into the clothing she was given. 

"I'll have a pack for you at the edge of the forest. Meet me there in the next half hour."

~

A half hour later, Elwyn stood on the edge of the wood, shielded from the elements, waiting for Marlowe. The warrior dawned a black pair of slick pants and a zipped-up jacket. She wore a thick black coat over it, boots that were already picking up mud and, a grey cloak which helped her blend into the woods. Surprisingly, the sun had sunk away, and now only dreary cold clouds hung in the air. A strong cold breeze combed through her locks that were tucked into the hood. 

Elwyn rubbed her gloved hands together for warmth. She still couldn't control her powers; she couldn't even make a spark. She waited a bit longer in hopes for the pack and weapons that were hopefully inside. Elwyn had a blade she had nicked from a knight but that was the length of her protection. 

The sound of snapping leaves caught her attention, and she stilled feeling the presence of someone behind her. 

Elwyn swung around pressing the side of her blade to Evander's throat. 

He did not look amused. 

Elwyn took a hefty step back, unsure what to expect of him. 

He didn't smile or frown, he just stared tight lipped at her. 

He held a dark green pack and slung it at her feet. Simultaneously he drew a sword from his sheath and slammed it roughly into the earth. 

There was a long pause where Elwyn could only hear the wind. It howled and whined, whipping leaves at her feet. 

Elwyn forced herself to meet Evander's eyes and her chest constricted. His eyebrows were furrowed, and his jaw ticked as if he was holding back words. 

Elwyn took a moment to study his clothing. He was wearing slacks, dress shoes and a half buttoned black shirt. He wore a black jacket over it, the shirt ruffled, and half tucked as if he had rushed down here. 

The silence continued to stretch until Evander diverted his attention to the castle. His eyes narrowed as if he had heard something she didn't and then Elwyn found him standing in front of her, pushing her behind him. The abruptness threw her off and she nearly fell into the earth, be it Evander hadn't caught her. 

Flying straight for them was a black crow that soon tumbled to the ground. During the fall, a man appeared, naked as the day he was born. He was bleeding profusely and Elwyn didn't miss the fangs that were his teeth. 

Wolves appeared seemingly from the shadows, baring teeth at the blonde-haired man. 

Elwyn stepped around Evander who shot her a dangerous look. 

The girl ignored him, freezing in place. She knew this man. He was a vampire with the rare ability to shift into a creature as well.  A rare ability not seen for centuries, and he was dying at their feet. 

Elwyn watched as he coughed up black blood and wheezed. She dropped to her knees slinging off her cloak and draped it over his thin pale body. 

"Callum, what happened?" She breathed. The man looked at her with eyes that had not yet lived long enough. 

"They have her. They have Avelina." He said this with a mouthful of blood that she almost didn't understand. Elwyn went rigid. "Who? Aldric and the new king."

Elwyn stared puzzled at her former comrade. "What new king?" She asked incredulously. Callum went still and Elwyn shook him where he lay. "What new king?" She repeated. 

Someone began pulling her up as she repeated her question, her mind swimming. 
She turned to the person who had pulled her away. It was Dane who shook the ice that had frozen to his hands, off. 

Elwyn turned to face Evander as he nodded to one of his soldiers who spoke softly to him. 

The king turned to her sighing. "Prince Roman has replaced his father Arman. The king was pronounced dead months ago, but he just recently announced his reign. He would be the new king the vampire was referring to."