5 Taskmasters (2/2)

”You know the consequences for blabbing, yet opened that gutter mouth of yours. Well, I'll deal with you once I'm through with these cuties,” the lady said with a seductive smile on her face.

”Apprentice Taskmaster… Please…” before Gamgult could finish his statement, a shocking scene followed. Out of nowhere, several vines tangled against his body. Seconds later, they dragged him underground. The sound of breaking bones echoed into the air, which muffled the sounds of his screams.

'Apprentice Taskmaster? We can't handle someone like this. Did she escape from the High-ones? No, that's not possible. They must have been two from the start.'

As Elhorn mused, he stepped in front of Lilis while they retreated step by step. Like Elhorn, Lilis also knew they stood no chance against the human woman.

”Cuties, what did that ugly say to you? Can you please tell me?” the Apprentice Taskmaster said while puckering her lips, which revealed her dimples.

Elhorn and Lilis said nothing in response, although the human in front of them acted like a little girl, the looks in her eyes made them terrified.

”Cat got your tongue? If you tell me, I'll let you guys go. That's a good deal right?” the Apprentice Taskmaster said.

Just like before, Elhorn and Lilis remained silent. At any moment, they would flee for their lives. One of them had to live because they had to inform the High-Elves of what Gamgult said. While this thought floated through their mind, another loud explosion echoed. Accompanied by a more terrifying shock wave. Surprised by the sudden explosion, both Elves dropped to their knees. At that same moment, the Apprentice Taskmaster disappeared. Before the Elves could say a word, she appeared right in front of their eyes sporting a wonderful smile, and it sent chills down the spine of the duo.

”Cuties, I'm running out of time. The bald oldie fighting over there can't hold on much longer. So, what did that ugly tell you?” she said.

The moment she finished her statement, a loud shout reverberated, ”The second one is missing! Deython, help the forest Elves!”

At that moment, the Apprentice Taskmaster shook her head. While dread gripped the hearts of Elhorn and Lilis. From their perspective, Arilya's shout echoed at the wrong time.

”Too bad, cuties. They have noticed I'm missing. Since we don't have enough time, I'll take the two of you with me,” the Apprentice Taskmaster said.

Before Elhorn and Lilis could voice their objection, several vines wrapped their bodies like Gamgult's.

”Don't worry, cuties. You won't feel any pain like the ugly. I can't harm something so cute. I'll be a good Mama to you, too,” the Apprentice Taskmaster said.

At that moment, Lilis could not stop herself from crying. While Elhorn tried his best to free himself from the thick green vines. As the earth swallowed the duo, the Apprentice Taskmaster searched Rheh's corpse. A few seconds later, she retrieved a silver-colored pendant from his armor. Like a little girl, she skipped to the sinking sight of the two Elves.

As she approached the duo, the smile on her face disappeared. At that same moment, she jumped into the air. The moment she jumped, three Demiri arrows pierced the ground. Meanwhile, as she floated in midair, five loud sonic booms echoed. Followed by the words, ”Human, how dare you kill my brothers and sisters.”

The eyes of the Apprentice Taskmaster shrunk as she saw the approaching arrows. Compared to the arrows fired by High-Elves she fought earlier, it was faster.

'Huh? Who is this? Those Cuties fighting the bald oldie can't reach here this fast,' the Apprentice Taskmaster mused.

Seconds later, like a helpless lamb, the five Demiri arrows pierced her body and nailed it to a nearby tree. The sudden turn of events surprised the sinking Elhorn and Lilis. They also felt the restraint of the vines weakening.

A few seconds later, Elhorn freed himself. Just as he wanted to assist Lilis, three arrows appeared in front of his eyes, and it rooted him to the spot. The arrows came out of nowhere, and he believed his time had come. Before the three arrows pierced his skull, they changed direction in midair. Attacking, the resuscitated Apprentice Taskmaster behind Elhorn.

”Meanie! Leave me and my cuties alone! Can't you see he wants to stay with me?!” the Apprentice Taskmaster said.

Unlike before, she dodged the arrows and dove into the sinking earth with Lilis. Seconds later, the ground returned to its natural condition. But, Lilis and the Apprentice Taskmaster had disappeared.

”Lilis! No…!”

As he screamed, Elhorn dropped to his knees with a dejected expression on his face. Tears streaked down his cheeks, too. At that same moment, the sound of the fierce battle between the unknown individual and the four High-Elves disappeared.

While Elhorn wallowed in despair, a voice drifted into his ears, ”Brother Elhorn, I'm sorry for coming late. Please forgive me. It's been twenty years, but your brother, Hariel has returned.”