He'd been in the woods for nearly a week at this point, each day bringing him closer to his elusive prey. The black elk was a rare sight, and brought good fortune to the elf that could track him and free his soul. It had been spotted near these woods almost a month ago, and the trail had been cold when he'd finally picked it up. But he was getting closer.
There was a rustling in the trees to his left, and with a well practiced motion, he nocked and loosed an arrow. There was a soft thunk and a squeak as his arrow hit something. From the branches fell a fat squirrel, the arrow pierced through his side. The elf sighed. At least he would have some dinner tonight.
He was pulling the arrow from his target when he caught the unmistakable sound of a large animal crashing through the woods. The creature was still a little ways off, a few hundred yards perhaps, but it was heading straight for him. The elf frowned, nocking an arrow again and positioning himself for a clear shot. In the distance, he saw a glint of black fur amongst the green of the forest.
The air around him chilled suddenly, his breath fogging the air in front of him. Frost formed on the grass at his feet, and the elf took a careful step back. Off in the distance, he heard a haunting, ethereal cry that sent an eerie shiver down his spine.
A wraith? Here?
The elf gripped his bow tighter, watching as the animal crashed through the forest towards him. It was no wonder the black elk had turned back. He continued to listen, trying to decide if he should stand off against the demon, or turn and flee.
The sound of labored breathing and heavy footfalls echoed back to him.
That's not the black elk.
The sounds grew closer.
It was a person. A human, judging by the breathing and stumbling footfalls.
A human was in his Homewood, being chased by a wraith.
He froze as the human stumbled into the clearing, looking around with wide eyed confusion at the sudden openness.
It was the human's shock of black hair that he had seen, not the hide of the black elk.
The man caught sight of him. "Help, there are demons-"
Then the man's chest exploded.
YOU ARE READING
The Azimar Archives Book One- The Book of Death
FantasyTwo brothers opposed. A knight faced with an impossible choice. And a Gifted witch, capable of Seeing glimpses of an uncertain future. They alone might change the world of Azimar. For better, or for worse. Mothlenor, fearing an end to humanity, will...
