Blood Ward

Chapter 9

Val made the necessaryarrangements and rode with us to the Elven camp. The king was in themiddle of a debate with the Elven leaders in a large tent. Valgreeted a few of the elves and we were told we were free to explorewhile we waited. She stayed behind with an angry Stefan while Andersand I walked around the camp. He seemed to be very knowledgeable onElven culture and took the time to teach me, pointing out differentthings as we walked.

We stopped to study the markingson a nearby tent and were approached quite suddenly by one of theelves. She was dressed as a hunter, a bow slung over her shoulder anda quiver of arrows handy. "You are here to try and convince ourleaders of logic correct?" She asked shortly.

"Um, yes," I said, a littlethrown by her abruptness.

"Beriima... This is not theway." Another elf came up behind her and placed his hand on hershoulder.

She turned on him and snapped."Then how? Sit and wait while the leaders debate and the hordedescends on us?"

"Wait, you want to fight?" Iasked.

"Not all elves agree with theleaders' idiotic views," she said defensively.

"Beri, please," the other elfbegged.

"No, Daeron. I will not sit byas the vampires destroy us!" she said.

"Vampires?" I asked insurprise.

"You humans are clueless but weelves know what lurks in the north," she said.

My hand touched the two smallscars on my neck. "I know enough."

"You've been touched," themale said in awe.

"Then you know something mustbe done," the female protested.

I nodded, an idea forming. Andersstepped in. "Your vampire, little warrior, can you still feel him?"

"Yes," I said. "He isclose, just beyond Coranthine." My blood ran cold.

"Coranthine..." Anders saidknowingly.

"Compton's lands," Iconfirmed.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"I must," I said withdetermination. "Come, we need to inform Stefan."

I started off back toward wherewe'd left Stefan and Valkyrie. Before I got far, the male elfcalled to me. "My lady." I turned and he and the female werelooking expectantly at me. "We wish to accompany you on yourquest."

"If you have a plan against thehorde, I wish to help," the female agreed.

I thought it over and thennodded. "We travel by horseback. Meet us when you're ready. Weleave as soon as possible."

"We'll not keep you waiting,"she agreed and they hurried off.

I made my way with Anders back toStefan and Val. "There's been a change of plans," I said. "Weleave immediately."

"Ana... What?" Stefan began.

"Don't question me," Isnapped. "Ready the horses. We're heading toward Coranthine."

I didn't give Stefan a chanceto argue, as I walked over and started to re-saddle War Chaser.Anders joined me. "You were a bit harsh with him," he pointed outas he went about tacking up Snowflake.

"I had to be," I admitted."If I'm not strong or if I have to think about it..." My voicetrailed off.

"No worries, little warrior. Iunderstand," he said. "But later on, in private company, you'dbest be sure he does."

I nodded. "Thank you, Anders."

"It's what I'm here for...Did you want some of that remaining ale now?" he grinned and shookthe flask teasingly in front of me.

I couldn't help but smile. Ireached for it and took a long swig. "Be careful," I said handingit back. "If you let me keep drinking like this, soon I'll beable to drink you under the table."

"You underestimate my skills,little warrior. I've had a lotof practice," he teased.

"I guess we'll just have tosee," I said, now determined to defeat Anders in a drinkingcontest. "How do you do that?" I asked.

"Do what?" he asked raisingan eyebrow innocently.

"Make me forget I haveproblems?" I smiled.

He laughed. "Maybe you'rejust easily distracted."

"We are ready, my lady," Iheard the Elven female's voice as she and her companion approachedatop the same horse.

"Good," I said glancing overat Stefan who was just finishing up with Spitfire. I hoppedgracefully onto War Chaser and trotted over to Valkyrie. "I'msorry I can't explain better. I will return as soon as I can."

"Good luck Ana, and forgoodness sake, be careful," she said.

 "I will. Thank you Val." Withthat, I trotted off, everyone else falling in line behind me.