Elves of Wood and Storm (Book one of The Guardians series)

The Next Step

Lucas gaped at his leg, still covered in blood the source was now sealed over with shiny white skin. The simple line belied the depth of the wound that had existed just moments before. Lucas reached to feel it but sucked in a quick breath, whatever healing power had worked its magic on his leg had left his shoulder, and chest, untouched. A ball of light floated down towards him, nudging in the air like a dog begging for attention.

Lucas looked at it quizzically wondering what it was, then slowly realization dawned on him, it was the light that he had created when he first arrived at the cave. But why was it here? And why was it acting the way it was? Lucas felt the warmth get closer to his skin and was reminded of the healing process. The light touched his hand, and then Lucas felt knowledge enter his mind. He suddenly understood what had happened and what was happening now.

The magic he had cast was sentient. It had bonded with him the moment he threw it into being. It had sensed his need, his desire to hide from the pain inflicted on him by X, it was the light that had taken him from the ropes binding him, and it was the light that had healed his leg. Lucas marveled at the magic, wondering what else he could accomplish with such power.

The magic pulsated quietly, floating before his eyes. Lucas smiled, "Thank you, Istrali" he named it with no hesitation, it just felt right to call it that. Istrali flashed once, emitting a wam golden glow, then retreated to the roof of the cave. Lucas grinned and stood slowly, with expert fingers he felt the bone structure in his right shoulder. It was dislocated.

Gritting his teeth in anticipation Lucas gripped his right elbow and, without giving himself time to think, pulled. There was an echoing pop and a white hot flash of pain. Then it faded to a throbbing ache penetrating deep into his bones. Teeth bared Lucas flexed his shoulder experimentally and relaxed when he was met with only a slight stiffness.

A bright blue light filled the room as Istrali flickered, and Lucas knew it was pleased. He smiled up at it then looked down at his own red chest, still bare. Grunting in dissatisfaction Lucas wormed through the exit and stepped into the frozen forest. Moving quickly he scooped large armfuls of snow, rubbing them into his chest. His shivers helped to work the snow into his wounds, the warmth of his body melting it. Soon his torso was free of blood revealing the cuts X had inflicted on him. Horrified he looked down at the bloody sign.
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Ourobus's voice boomed loud and low in the small space "You were reckless X, perhaps in light of your sister's death you have lost emotional control? Good judgment?" X wanted to shout in protest but that would only prove the great elves' point. Instead he bowed his head and studied his feet. Above him the three elves spoke in low tones, discussing what he had done and what would happen next.

Despite his amazing hearing X could here nothing of the forbidden conversation above. Not only were the words spoken so quietly that even the council strained to hear eachother, but they spoke in a different tongue, a language so old you could almost hear the dust falling from each whispered phrase. X was tempted to speak up, to explain himself further, but he remained silent. Wasted words in the council chamber were frowned upon.

It felt like hours but at last the ghostly trills of the three voices faded to complete silence and the three looked up, or rather down, at X. Megan met X's gaze with disappointment emanating from her green eyes, "X, you burned a great tree, you pursued Lucas for two days, and you come back with nothing more to report than a knife in his leg? How can you continue to act as our gaurdian?" Lucas looked up sharply staring into the accuser's eyes. "It was not my fault!"

Ourobus started to say something, no doubt related to taking responsibility for ones actions, but X interrupted. "Esteemed council," taking a deep breath to steady himself X continued, "I had the betrayer in custody, but he spoke the forbidden language! How was I to fight against such an enemy?" X stared into their eyes hotly, daring them to blame him. It was Ourobus who spoke, "Is that not what they taught you at the acedemy? To see and fight magic?"

X stiffened in anger, Blasted council members had no idea what they were talking about, "Sir, with all due respect, I was not taught magical prevention as I chose this small, secluded village. It was not deemed necessary." Lucas watched the reactions of the three, Ourobuus seemed angry, Elsa was placid, but Megan seemed distinctly uncomfortable. She smoothed the golden cloth of her robe then spoke out, "Perhaps one more chance would go amiss," X bowed in gratitude, "however," she continued, "further mistakes will not be tolerated. If you are unable to protect those living in this small secluded village we will be forced to request a new gaurdian."

X paled at the thought of losing his position. Bowing quickly he retreated from the room thinking of ways to capture, and kill, Lucas.