Vendetta's Rise (The Dragon Realms Saga: Book 1)

Chapter 61

The edge of the looming forest just beyond the encampment on the northern shore gave off a haunting presence. It sent chills down the spines of the youthful ARO members. Shadows reached out to each one of them with desperation as if the shadows themselves were trying to escape the clutches of the forest from whence they came. The silence was unsettling as well. No chirping, no sounds of small animals scurrying up trees. Nothing could be heard in the belly of the woods.

Elucard peered through the seemingly endless forest before signaling for his men to follow his lead. He, Elisa, Lear, Calsoon, and Timber leaped into the trees and made their way jumping lightly from branch to branch. The others followed silently on foot.

The Watchers trekked slowly through the thick forest, scouting a suitable path for the army to march through. The one that stood out was an old merchant route that had seen little travel over the recent years, but the ground was visibly worn. The trees had been cleared away to make room for horses and wagons. As far as Elucard could tell it passed through the forest and led into the mountains. Their mission seemed to finish without conflict and they made preparations to report their findings to Ashmer. Elucard signaled for those following him in the canopy to drop down to meet the ground squad.

Wiccer took a knee before taking a sip from his water skin. It was cool on the forest floor, but exceptionally dark without the presence of the sun. However, the strange forest toyed with his body. His chin and nose were numb from the cold autumn air and his eyes could not quite make out the far off figures of those ahead of him. He was the only one in ARO that had to work extra hard to train his eyes to adjust to the darkness. The Elves, Kanis and the yikahti were genetically gifted when it came to low light vision. They could easily see their surroundings in the dark. If he had only taken more than just three months of training with Elucard, his eyesight may have been more attuned. Although his skills had greatly risen to meet the challenges that Elucard had put before him, his eyesight was still a weakness. One, he would soon realize, that would cost him dearly.

"Where's Lear?" Wiccer said confusingly as he finished a quick head count.

Elucard stared blankly back at the trail towards the camp, "He took the rear. Who was adjacent to him?"

Calsoon piped up, still befuddled as to how Lear could be by his side one minute and gone the next, "I was; although I am at a loss as to where he went."

Wiccer was reminded of the lessons Avren had given him about this exact scenario. A squad leader was to do head counts regularly. Those keeping the rear were easily taken captive. It was exceedingly dark in this forest. Was Lear snatched up by a Black Rabbit or was he merely lost? He knew that there was a possibility that the ARO was walking into a trap. His troops needed to keep a clear mind and not panic.

"We–" Wiccer started.

"Split up in pairs," Elucard spat, quickly interrupting Wiccer, "Stay in the trees. Look for any sign of Lear and show no mercy if you cross paths with the enemy. This has Rabbit scum written all over it!"

"Belay that order!" Wiccer said sharply. He glared at Elucard who narrowed his eyes back at Wiccer, "Now is the time to think clearly. We'll get picked off one by one if we don't move in a pack. We have a better chance of survival if we stay together."

"Wiccer, do not forget I know the Rabbits better than you. We'll cover more ground if we split up!" argued Elucard.

"I appreciate your wisdom here, Elucard. However, don't forget your place. I out rank you and the ARO is under my command."

There was a moment of harsh silence between the two.

"Your inexperience is going to get them killed," spoke Elucard finally.