The Kingdom of Elvendor: Curse of the Forgotten

The Fire Within

I didn't understand their fear until my gaze caught a glimpse of three figures lurking in the shadows. They were tall, strong and looked fearless. But most importantly...

They were elven guards.

And with my sharp vision I recognized them even though they were still hiding in the shadows.

I clenched my teeth in anger.

They belonged to the Dragonis family.

They were the guardians of...

"Talanor."

His name left a bitter taste in my mouth. Talanor himself was not present, of course. He always sent his guards to do his dirty work. But how did he know I was here? Were they even here for me?

I will find out soon enough.

Eirik stepped in front of me, trying to hide me from the intruders. "Go, Elowen. Now," he whispered with a cautious voice.

"No. I will not hide from them."

"Don't be stubborn, little fighter," he said, annoyed. "Now is not the time."

"You don't know how strong I am."

He glimpsed at me. "With those bony hands? Please, just stay behind me."

I wanted to object, but Talanors guards stepped closer into the light. The bonfire flames revealed their rough faces with obnoxious smiles.

"Give us the girl and no harm will come to you," said the tallest of them.

"Why? Bjorn asked, closing the distance between them. "What do you want with her?"

"She is a fugitive," another guard answered, earning confused glances from the Vikings. "We must take her back to the Kingdom. And we won't take no for an answer."

"Well, she's not going," Freya spoke up, crossing her arms. "So you, boys, can leave the way you came."

The tallest guard smirked. "And who are you to speak in her name, savage?"

The anger in her grew. She wanted to lash out, but Viky stopped her.

"We can sort this out. There is no need for a scandal."

"Then hand her over," said the third guard. "And we will spare your lives."

Bjorn laughed. "I'd like to see you try, winged freak." He leaned towards me and whispered. "No offence."

"None taken," I replied, happy to have him on my side.

"Elowen," the tall guard addressed me directly this time. "The elite do not wish you harm. Come with us now. Otherwise we will have to take measures, which will not help your stance in front of the king."

My hands started to tremble, but I couldn't let fear stop me. I had to face him. Face them. With light, steady steps, I walked past Eirik, feeling his gaze follow me as I moved toward the intruders. The glow of the bonfire lit their faces, making their features look sharper, more menacing.

Before I got too far, Eirik's fingers wrapped around my wrist. His grip wasn't harsh, but it was firm, almost as if he was asking me to stop without saying a word. He pulled me slightly closer, and I could hear his breath hitch, but he had no intent of letting go. Behind us, Bjorn, Freya, and the others stepped forward, their presence solid and unwavering as they formed a shield to protect those behind them.

The tallest intruder laughed, the sound cold and full of mockery as it echoed through the air. "What is this?" he said with a voice, full of disdain. "You think you can stop us? No matter how many of you stand between us and Elowen, we'll get to her." His eyes locked onto mine and a cruel smile drew itself on his lips. "Unless. You come willingly. Don't make this harder than it needs to be. Do you really want blood to be spilled in your name? You're an orphan, aren't you? Someone like you really shouldn't want to create more of your kind."