River Horse

Chapter Nine

That night, I slept in the woods with Susana. We found a small clearing to lay down in, and set up wards. I trusted my fellow kelpies, but it was better to be safe then sorry. Wards are basically small charms or symbols that you place in a rough square around your camp. They're extrememly effective if made well. The ones that I used would warn me if those with bad intentions came near and turn away just about any attack.

"Sorry for making you sleep out here," Susana apologized, her face guilty.

I smiled at her and said, "It doesn't matter. I can still hear the water." The sound of the waves on the shore was audible, which was why I had chosen the campsite. "Besides, I don't like sleeping around a lot of people."

She nodded, looking relieved. We both shifted and lay down on the grass beside each other, wriggling around until we were comfortable. The night was cool and smelled like damp earth and wind. The moon was full, shining like a silver coin in the darkness of the night sky.

I closed my eyes and listened to the sounds of the forest. Crickets chirping to find mates, the soft hoot of a hunting owl, leaves rustling in a slight breeze. Suddenly, out of the quiet sounds rose a clear voice, high and pure. It was joined by another, then another, unearthly in beauty. A flute wove in and out of the voices, creating a hauntingly beautiful tune.

"What's that?" Susana whispered, shifting into human form.

I shifted as well and smiled. "Elves," I whispered. "Let's go!" I stood and collected the wards from around the clearing.

Susana bit her lip, her eyes nervous. "Is that okay?"

"It's fine," I whispered. "We just have to stay out of their circle unless invited." I walked over to her and took her hand, squeezing it lightly. "At home, we used to watch the elves all the time. It's the most beautiful thing that you could ever see!"

I half dragged her out into the woods, listening to the elves music. Something about it stirred the kelpie in me, calling to my magical side.

A branch snapped and I froze, my reverie broken. I heard a few rustling noises, then a familiar voice whispered, "Alicia, is that you?"

My shoulders slumped in relief and I replied, "Ty, you almost gave me a heart attack! It's me and Susana. Is Diane with you?"

"Yes," came Diane's voice. She appeared out of the gloom, her eyes shining in the faint light. "Let's find the elves!"

The four of us continued forward into the woods, following the music. More and more voices were joining in, and the song grew louder as we drew closer. Finally, we saw a glow of light ahead in the trees.

"Be very quiet and don't make any sudden movements," Ty whispered to Susana as we reached the clearing. "And whatever you do, stay out of the circle!"

The elves were standing in the clearing, their faces turned up to the sky and their eyes closed as they sung. They were the fairest of any race, tall and slender, with flawless skin and chiseled features. When they moved, it looked like a dance, every step filled with slinking grace. Their ears, true to the stories, were pointed, and their eyes were a bright forest green. Ther hair and skin color could be just about any color that you cuold think of.

As the elves sang, they slowly lifted their arms to the heavens. Ribbons of multicolored light swirled around them, undulating and throbbing in response to the music. The flute player stood in the middle of the gathering, a she-elf with pale blue skin and white hair. She alone danced, her feet skipping across the ground like tumbling leaves.

The light began to glow brighter, and the colors became richer. Entranced, I began to walk forward, but Ty yanked me back and pointed at the ground. I gulped as I saw how close I had come to stepping inside of the circle of glittering powder that lay on the ground.