|[ THE FAERI'S KEEPER ]|

Chapter 24: War

I had never seen Natona so alight with nerves. Every muscle was tense and she was so taught I thought she might snap like a rope with the slightest touch.

"An elf?" Natona asked, barely containing her excitement, "You mean another member of my tribe? Someone else lived?"

"I don't know of which tribe but she looks very like you," Jordin said softly, "Though I suppose you all do look alike. It is what sets you apart." Natona nodded, her disappointment showing a little. No doubt the prospect of having a member of her tribe being alive had raised her hopes, but she had to accept the fact that there was a chance it was a complete stranger.

"Well, we must free her!" I said slowly, "It doesn't matter if it they are not one of the Elenwyn Tribe; they are still an elf."

"No." Jordin said, "There are almost a dozen guards. It would be a suicide mission. We may outnumber them but they are heavily armed and trained, and no doubt ready from an attack – they bear Soldin's mark – the red Oak. And why should we free the elf? When have they ever helped us?" his eyes were hard and cold like rock as he stared at Natona. She was slowly losing composure, her lip curling and her eyes flashing dangerously. A few more moments and I knew both sides would relinquish their restraint and fighting would ensure.

"Yes." Claude suddenly said brightly, drawing both of their attention, "Yes, we shall." Everyone turned to him, surprised. I raised my eyebrows. There was probably a catch to this plan.

"And why are you so keen to rescue the elf?" I snapped suspiciously.

"She would pay highly for being rescued. And though we plan to leave Eltor a little gold never goes astray." He rubbed his hands craftily together and motioned for us to move closer. Natona seemed furious at the mention of selling the elf but held her tongue. I didn't doubt that she would set the elf free if Claude took her for his own prisoner.

"Claude, please..." Jordin pleaded, "We can't afford to face them head on..."

"Why do you doubt me so?" Claude jibed, "Have you not seen me in battle? Seen my prowess!" Jordin rolled his eyes, exasperated. "Ah yes, keep rolling your eyes," Claude continued, "Perhaps you'll find a brain back there." Jordin sighed audibly, but did not continue to argue. Claude turned to us, his eyes shining bright.

"Irene, as she has the most experience fighting Faeri's, should lead the attack," he said, "But I want you three to patrol around the group, so if any escape you can track them down and kill them. It would be ill to us if they were to make their way back to Trinstone and tell the King of our attack." I found myself nodding and quickly stopped, my neck stiffening. Claude gave me an odd look, one of amusement. I felt my contempt for him grow, bubbling like acid.

"I will go in first," I said softly, "I can take out a few of them from the trees before we even have to meet them. Claude, you could too, though it won't be nearly as quiet." He nodded, taking his pistol from his hip and holding it carefully in his hands. It was a beautiful weapon, crafted out of a metal that gleamed like silver. Swirls and roses were carved into the sides, adorning its otherwise smooth surface.

"I will join you," said another man, a thin specimen, who looked more like a young boy than an adult. I could see a beautiful curved bow strapped across his chest, along with a leather quiver of arrows at his side.

"I don't think..." Claude started firmly but the boy held up his hand.

"It is my choice. I wish to offer my skills." This time Claude remained silent, looking down at his finger-nails. The boy looked at me sharply, waiting for my answer. I nodded and his face relaxed, as if he had been expecting me to say no. I cast a glance at Claude who continued to bore his gaze into the ground. I got the distinct impression he didn't approve but there was nothing to be helped about it. I moved away from the larger group and Claude finally raised his gaze. The boy introduced himself as Haiden.