The Elven Powers

Chapter Thirteen: On the March ( Morgel )

The army moved on sluggish and slow. It had become riddled with secrets and whispers of the Corkash and their mysterious origin. Shapeless scenery passed by for many days, the Army slow to push towards the second realm. It had not started with the Corkash's attack however. The foul mood and trepidation had descended upon Galandria's scouting party's return. There was just something they all seemed to be hiding, a sort of scent of secrets and whisperings that quickly spread to the rest of the Army. 

I looked down at my sword as it gleamed in the sunlight. It was peaceful moments like this that I relished. The breeze, the birds, the rock beneath me and the refracting sword in hand were where I could be myself. I continued to reflect and began touching on how I think others perceive me. I didn't need long. Other than the Queen they all thought me cynical and naive. They thought the Queen was my best friend. Ha. She makes good company don't get me wrong, but she has used me to fulfil her desires from a young age. It was in these times to myself I had been reminded of my oath never to give in, never to be used again. I would never fall prey to others I trust in myself. 

I noticed Elrohir looking up at me from amongst the ranks, not caring that his being immobile meant the flow of people would be stemmed as they stepped around him. I could trust him, well with my happiness. He never failed to entertain me. I recalled how we had met. I had been emissary to her majesty in the second realm, sent to contact royalty and Elrohir in secret. After all the proceedings had been done I had retired to explore the palace grounds. After long days in council taking a stroll is the best way to clear my head. He had approached me trying to make light conversation with me, which I had refused as usual. The matter was entirely trivial and not surprisingly I was growing tired of having to politely reject people. So when he foolishly tried to press me for information and small talk, I exploded into a frenzy of insults. Having finished, panting with effort I saw him smile and then laugh at me. I laughed with him. Afterwards we drank together and from that day forth discussed many things such as women and fighting techniques. With Elrohir I always felt I could be the person I was destined to be before the retched business with the great tree. I felt whole, no longer a shell of myself. 

As I stared, he half heartedly smiled. However, he continued along the path recognising my want for isolation. However, something in that locking of eyes told me he was trying to muster courage. Courage to tell me something important. The more I thought of it the more unnerving and frustrating the thought became. I thought of what could have set it off. I wondered if it was to do with Galandria. He had been... different, ever since he met her. I thought of it as nothing more than childish lust, she had that kind of effect on people when their concentration wavered. However, it just had to be something more important. 

It was then I spotted her and my anger rose in my ears. I could feel the heat and the thrum of my heart pounding...

 The hard wooden chair pressing against my back. The smell of parchment and ink. The sound of running water. The taste of realisation. The view out the palace window. watching my love fade to hatred...

I let out a long ragged breath shocked by the reoccurring vision. However, compared to the one I had at the palace this one was more complete. I began to realise that this vision only seemed to pop up when I thought about Galandria. Clearly it was something I had suppressed to do with her. I began to come up with a plan that I would try to see Galandria more often in an attempt to force the memory to the surface. I had to find out this connection with her and my anger. 

I staggered over to her, gathering my will to confront her about Elrohir. I didn't know how to get her attention so I just grabbed her arm and tugged her through the trees producing much protest and stares from her and the crowd members alike. I caught whispers of " who do you think you are?" and " How dare you, let go of me" but I mostly ignored her ramblings. I spun her to face me absorbing the mask of fury that rather poorly concealed the fear in her face.

" What happened. " I choked out, my voice hoarse from disuse.

" Pardon? " She half whispered.

" What happened when you and Elrohir scouted for the rest of the Corkash. " I sounded out keeping my voice even. I wanted an answer after all.

" We defeated the Corkash nothing more. " I could tell there was more to this story. 

"  Don't try to distract me I can tell when something is bothering him, and I know It's something to do with you." I hissed losing my temper. 

" We lost a few men these last few days have been taxing on us all!" She screamed at me.

" No more lies temptress! I will not allow you to toil with Elrohir, if I discover the truth there will be nowhere for you to hide! " I bellowed back. 

" Do not dare pretend you're the only one who cares for him! Nonetheless if I knew I'd never tell you anyway! You lack any sense of moral judgement and are only filled with vehemence! " Then lowering her head, she whispered from behind a curtain of hair. " We used to be friends. You let me believe u were dead and now I see you have become a whole different person. " She shook off my grip and ran through the trees. I could not be bothered to follow her, it would only be a waste of energy and sanity. I hurt everyone she was no exception. 

The Army continued to trudge forward as I stepped out from the foliage surrounding the road. However, some keenly looked towards me as if what had just transpired between myself and Galandria had been heard by the whole forest. I tried to connect the dots and came to the conclusion that Elrohir was probably unsettled by something to do with Galandria but It hadn't transpired during their scouting trip. However, I could not ignore the fact that something fishy was going on about that trip which mightn't have anything to do with Elrohir's display of emotions. 

As I came up the road I saw the army begin  to make camp. We hadn't made much ground today and I was beginning to become anxious about whether we would reach the third realm in time. In the camp fell into an eerie hushed silence as dusk settled. The fortifications were built speedily as the fear of the Corkash had not been lessened with time. I sat in my tent and began to whittle for a while. I sat there for so long when a sharp tap on my tent pole, startled me to find myself holding a splinter and aching from lack of movement. 

We were all assembled outside the command tent in the small space set aside for addressing the Army people huddled in the space and between the tents murmuring Quietly, filling the air with a faint hum. A platform had been erected for the General and the Guardians including a spot for myself. I sat down in silence as the General addressed the crowd. 

" As you all know yesterday there was a clash between our forces and that of the Corkash. Although we do not know exactly where these creatures originated from, we have excellent news. Thanks to the endeavours of Lady Galandria and Lord Elrohir, the creatures were tracked to their camp and now are nothing more than ashes. " This was met by and eruption of applause. " Although there may still be a threat our journey towards the halfway point of the second realm should remain unchallenged. Which brings me to my next piece of news. " The crowd immediately died down to serious murmurs. No one was sure what the news would be but the tone of voice seemed to say it was not good. " As you know we have made camp here tonight after a seemingly short journey. However we happen to be right next a marker." People began to become excited, perhaps it was good news after all. " We are less than 10 miles from the city of the second realm! " The crowd cheered. The general now had to shout over the audience. " We will rest tonight and rest well! We only have a small march before we can rest and resupply. To the tents men for tomorrow we set eyes on our sister city! " The crowd cheered and dispersed to the tents.

I also settled down in surprisingly high spirits, due to the prospect of more familiar luxury. However, my dreams were disturbed that night by thoughts of Elrohir, I just had to find out the truth behind his obvious worries...