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

The Hunt

Lucas decided the best way to distract himself from the symbol, and Megan's presence was to go hunting. Though he hadn't decided if it should be for an animal, or an elf. Bow slung over his shoulder, knife at his belt Lucas slid out into the open air. He hadn't created a new cloak yet, so he was visible to most but even without the magic blessed covering he was a master of the woods. Slipping from tree to tree like a dark shadow Lucas examined the evening air watching as darkness fell. Around him constant dripping marked the melting snow and warming temperature. The cooling night did nothing to slow the melt.

Lucas paid no mind to the sudden warmth. Nor did he wonder at the fluctuating temperature over the past two days, instead he searched for movment, each slow step leading him closer to the wide road leading away from the village. Night had fallen in earnest by the time Lucas reached the road, his black cape billowing around him, distorting his shape until he was nothing but a figureless shadow standing under a tree. He paused looking up and down the path, then he heard steps, swift taps of running feet.

Grinning slightly he gripped a tree trunk and pulled himself up into the wide branches. Someone, or something was coming. Nostalgically Lucas remembered that night when he had attacked X, jumping on him from above. It had made him feel powerful, in control, he wanted that again. The steps drew closer and Lucas left his bow unstrung, choosing instead to draw the small bladed knife. It had the intimacy the bow lacked.

The stride of whomever was coming slowed, then stopped. Looking through the gloom of the night Lucas made out the figure of a woman, armed and wary. Without moving Lucas watched her, measuring her movements. Likely a messenger, sent to deliver a cry for help. A grin twisted Lucas's face, she would not get far, he had no quarrel with elves outside the village. He wanted no outsiders coming in, and he certainly didn't want villagers getting out. But this was a small place, at the outreaches of the land, even if she did escape it's unlikely help would come.

Lucas shifted slightly ready to leap on the woman's shoulders as he had X several days ago. This time, he resolved, he wouldn't pull back. However the woman never gave him the chance, she started running at a speed Lucas had never considered possible, and not down the path, rather she veered between the stately trees shunning his perch. Cursing Lucas left down and began to pursue her, wondering what had tipped her off to his location.

With every step she pulled farther and farther away, Lucas watched her receding back and wished he had strung his bow, but it was too late now. He would never catch up with her, so Lucas slowed his pace to the easy lope of a long distance runner, she would have to slow down sometime. And he wouldn't stop. It grew darker as the sun disappeared completely and the moon rose above the thick clouds. But Lucas didn't slow, the deepest blackness was not enough to completely veil his sharp eyes.

As the night wore on Lucas had greater difficulty seeing signs of the elves passage. But ever few minutes he could still see the glimpse of an imprint in the slush, or a branch pulled the wrong way on a bush so he continued on. His feet burned, sore and pulsing as each step took more effort than the last, but stubborn and sure he continued. Though he did not know her name for sure as the hours passed and she didn't appear before him Lucas began to speculate on the identity of his prey.

He had heard of the young woman, and was well aware of her reputation. A greater endurance and speed than most guardians, the only reason she herself was not a guardian was because she had no wish to harm. Her morals, her values too sure she delighted in knowledge, books. Not bloodshed, and the violence of defense. Heidi was her name, if he recalled correctly. He never bothered to seek her out, cold to strangers and he wasn't a gaurdian.

If it was indeed her delivering the message then Lucas knew he had to stop her. Determination renewed he redoubled his pace speeding after the elf.
*~*~*~*
It was dawn when Lucas finally had to admit he lost the trail. He stopped quiet suddenly, feet slipping through the slushy mud. Around him what signs might have pointed towards Heidi's passing were obscured in the melting snow. Anger mounting Lucas turned and punched a small tree, with a snap and long groan it fell landing in the grey slush. Frustration burning he whipped around searching for something, anything, that would point to the direction his prey had taken. But there was nothing.

Seething Lucas turned back towards his home, she had escaped him. So he must finish his business before she returned.