The Easel Chronicles; The Burning Hands

Chapter Thirty Five

Chapter Thirty Five

Aravoen sat on Elben, waiting for Liana and Sybilla to say farewell to their sister Patmarin. Somehow, the two ladies had convinced Leo to take them along to Elvhelm. They had argued it would be better if their sister and Thaylor remained and helped in the building of the army of the east. It was in the late evening with the sun setting. It's orange rays setting fire to the clouds.

He wondered if Leonora could see the sunset but he had promised both himself and Leo not to say a thing to her before he had crossed through the gates of Elvhelm.

"I thought you'd be much more pleased about going back to Elvhelm," Mindacil said.

"I just have a lot on my mind Mindacil," Aravoen responded.

"You've done something your ancestor failed to do," Slithbron who sat behind Aravoen said.

"I have done nothing yet," Aravoen told his friend. "As long as Sarzgat still breathes, I've done nothing ."

"You take up a lot of responsibility for one so young," Mindacil said. "Even when Sarzgat is gone, evil shall sprout out from somewhere else. You can't solve everything in Elasia."

Aravoen looked at the elf curiously remembering Leonora's words. "You are not the first person to tell me that."

"You better listen to her," Slithbron moved uncomfortably behind Mindacil. "The elves might be stuck up and conceited, but they do have wisdom somewhere in their words."

"You'll never pay my people a compliment without insulting us," Mindacil sighed.

"Then he would not be the Slithbron we all care to have," Aravoen said.

"Are you mocking me Aravoen?" Slithbron grumbled.

"Mocking you, why would we do that?" Mindacil said giving Aravoen a wink, since Slithbron could not see.

"You three seem to have formed a rear bond," Liana brought her horse towards them. "I wonder how you manage it? Elves hate dwarves and the opposite holds true. But I think that question needs no answer from you."

"You'll understand it in time," Aravoen smiled.

"The elves are beginning to march." Liana said.

"We should get a move on then," Slithbron said. "I would not mind restocking my bacco reserves."

"Smoking will kill you, before any ors does my friend," Mindacil informed his friend.

Aravoen looked back to where Leo was standing with two elves among those that were staying. They seemed to be deep in conversation.

"You go on ahead with the rest," he said. "We shall catch up."

"Are you sure about that?" Mindacil asked.

"Yes I am," Aravoen answered.

"I wonder why you are not so eager to leave," Slithbron spoke aloud.

"Master dwarf," Liana said. "Lord Aravoen wishes to speak with the elf prince alone. They will catch up with us. Besides, our path is clear and secure. Let them be."

"Thank you," Aravoen said amazed.

Mindacil nodded spurring his horse forward to follow the column of elves. Aravoen watched the two horses slow to a trot alongside the elf army.

Aravoen turned back to see Leo, who was still talking to his two juniors. Aravoen saw them coming from the corner of his eye. Patmarin led Thaylor and Breilin towards where he sat on Elben. He observed all three ladies critically.