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

Desperation of Men

Mouth gaping open Lucas stared at his torso, wondering what could have driven X to carve the symbol now found on his chest. Scabs thin and thick stretched over pale skin, pink infection surrounding them. Though the angle was difficult, there could be no mistaking what was marked on him. What would scare what would serve as a brand for the entirety of his life. Lucas closed his eyes, willing it to be gone surly no elf, even family members was worth the stain X had just taken upon himself, was worth the darkness in his soul for carving a Demon's Heart.

The murder Lucas had committed was a tiny from compared to the Demon's Heart. It was the embodiment of evil, it was the mark of one who loved death, destruction, chaos. It was for those who knew they were in the wrong but chose to continue, who relished in continuing. Lucas shuddered, feeling the pain rippling through his chest. It went deeper then the physical wounds. Being marked, be a friend no less, was the deepest shame most would chose death over the horrendous markings.

A single salty tear dripped down Lucas's face, he had not regretted killing the girl, not really. But now? Now he had a cross to bear, a crucifix on his chest, a symbol that would haunt him long after death. Shamed he returned to the entrance of his home, the location of his exile. Not bothering to wipe the melted snow from his body Lucas curled up on his small bed and closed his eyes.
*~*~*~*
A boom reverberated through the cabin and Lucas's eyes snapped open. In an instant he was on his feet, scanning the spacious hole. As if reading his mind Istrali grew brighter, illuminating the shadowy corners. There was nothing. A second boom, louder than the first, resounded painfully loud. Demon's Heart forgotten for the moment Lucas stood and prowled to the perimeter of the cave, he swung his head to the left and right looking for movement or a source.

Lucas traced his fingers along the ragged stone feeling each contour in his path as he walked around his home. A third boom shook the very walls, dust fell around him in fine powdery showers. But Lucas didn't pay attention, he was focused on something else, something that had previously escaped his attention. A catch in the wall.

Carefully he teased the ancient lever, pushing and pulling until it moved. Despite the age and stiffness of the piece it made little sound as it released. A crack ran along the wall forming a small door, Lucas hunched slightly and pulled the stone hinges open. Then peeking carefully into the darkness beyond he made a decision. Whatever lay down that tunnel, whatever was making the sounds, he would seek it out.

A simple cotton tunic was donned and a thin black cloak. His hunter's garb was lost to the woodland and needed replacing, but Lucas was too impatient to fashion the materials now so he settled for the second rate coverings. For light he attempted to summon Istrali, asking it to condense and dim. It however came no closer than 3 feet of the entrence, there it hovered pulsing through many colors, none of which were according to his desires.

Bouncing on the balls of his feet Lucas wondered if it was his chest, though covered, that kept the light away. But he soon dismissed that possibility as Istrali had healed his leg, and he had the same symbol then. Unwilling to pursue further possibilities Lucas twisted his wrist swiftly speaking quietly "Lumière." And there in the cup of his hand rested a tiny globe of yellow light. Istrali flashed red, then settled into black. Lucas blinking at it, wondering how a formally brilliant ball of light could begin to radiate darkness so quickly.

Purple hues swirled through the black as Istrali grew in size, not wanting to confront the sentient darkness Lucas turned instead to the silent one and walked into the corridor leaving his savior behind to wreak whatever harm it may.

The dim light did not travel far in the cramped tunnel. Even less so then one might expect. It barely reached his feet to reveal the coming obstacles, and twice Lucas almost fell down a chasm hidden by darkness. He continued, and despite the danger, arrived at the other end of the passage. He did not, however, emerge into the next room. Instead he pressed his ear against the cold rock and listen to sounded like unearthly screeches. Another boom echoed through the stone around him, the shock momentarily compressing the solid matter. Lucas braced himself, hoping the tunnel wouldn't collapse around him.