Orelie

*16*

*16*

"Kyrene, get out of here!" Crae shouted behind me as I took in the dragon's figure. His tongue flicked out at me and his pupils narrowed.

"Well, there you are." His voice was deep and had a slight guttural sound to it, like he was trying to talk around stones in his mouth. "I knew you wouldn't be able to hide from us."

I swallowed hard and held my staff out. "L-leave us alone..." My own voice was small and weak. I sure didn't sound threatening.

The Dwarf let out a bark of a laugh. "Look at her! Why, she's shakin' in her knees! There's no way she can possibly stand up to us."

"Ready the net." The dragon lowered its head. Smoke billowed out of his nostrils. "I'll take care of the Mage."

"Kyrene, run!" Crae shouted as he charged to get in front of me. I watched the Dwarf and took a step back as he held up a rather large crossbow. I took another step back as he pulled the trigger. Immediately, a large net opened, stones tied to the ends for weight.

Something tugged at my shirt and I was pulled out of the way just in time. "Kyrene, you're crazy!" I turned to see three Fairies, Fern included, zip around to face me. "We gotta get you out of here! Crae can handle himself!"

"But-" A silver elemental suddenly flew around me. Soon, I was floating in the air.

"Don't let her get away!" The dragon shouted as he pulled his head back.

"Let's go!" The wind Elemental flew higher into the air.

"But Crae-"

"Will be fine," Fern got right in my face and placed her tiny hand on my nose. "He's dealt with worse than this. I promise he'll be fine." I gave a small nod and allowed the Fairies and Elementals carry me off.

We didn't get far. I screamed as a net wrapped tightly around me. The Elemental couldn't handle the sudden weight and I began to fall. I panted and struggled to get out. I glanced around in my panic as dozens of Fairies fought to keep me in the air.

We landed on the forest floor in a heap, but a lot more gentle than if they hadn't been there. I grunted and tugged at the net, hoping to get free.

"Ah, there you are." I gasped and looked up as the Dwarf stood over me. "We need you alive. Alright, shoo, pesky bugs!" He slapped at the Fairies as they flew at him from all directions. This bought me time to try and escape. I gripped my staff tightly in one hand and imagined sharp thorn vines to cut me free.

I grimaced as the vines shot out and cut me in a few places. Thankfully, they also weakened the ropes. I tugged on a few and pulled myself out.

"Ah! She's getting away!" I gasped and turned to run as far as I could.

"Run, Kyrene! Don't look back!" Fern shouted from behind me as I pushed myself as hard as I could. I don't want to be taken. I don't want to go where they want. I just want to go home!

Unfortunately, I didn't get very far. I collapsed to my knees, seriously out of breath. I held my chest as my heart thudded painfully. This has to be the most running I've ever done in my entire life. Does it always hurt like this?

Chirping sounded beside me and I looked up. Four wind Elementals floated in front of me. Somehow, I knew what they were saying.

I nodded. "Yes, take me to the sycamore. Put me up as high as possible." They bobbed a bit and flew around me. I was brought back into the air and carried at a blinding fast speed to where the sycamore was. I held my staff tightly as I kept my eyes shut.

Soon, I was gently placed on a sturdy branch. I wrapped an arm as best I could around the trunk of the tree and let out a sigh of relief. I should be safe here. I carefully waved my hand in front of me to part some of the leaves and branches.