20 Captain Vadis (1/2)
Under the scorching noon sun, a slight fragrant wind blew a grassy field in the Great Forest known as Mathras. The occasional sounds of birds chirping and the faint howls of beasts whistled through the air. Apart from a group of four traveling through the grassy field, nothing looked out of the ordinary in the picturesque scenery. They small group walked through the only path carved in the field which led towards a fairly large settlement made from a sturdy gray wood. Since the grassy field sloped downwards, these travelers had a perfect view of the military like settlement. From their standing, position, they saw an oddly shaped wooden barrier surrounding the perimeter of the settlement. They also saw over twenty soldiers station at different locations. However, the most obvious attraction of this settlement, was the massive female statue which stood at the center of the city. Its elegance and majesty was on display, and it made the settlement look like a spiritual, holy land.
”We are finally here. It has been three weeks already. It was tiring traveling such a long distance,” Deython said. He had a weary but satisfied expression on his face as he stared at the settlement below.
”Stop complaining, Deython. It's your fault we lost our mounts. If you had done your job, we would have arrived here a long time ago,” Arilya said. Unlike Deython, she had a somewhat stern expression on her face as she stared at the settlement below. Because of the scorching sun, beads of sweat covered the top of her forehead.
”Captain, are you really blaming me for that? It's obviously the fault of those vermin from the Black Lands. How…” before Deython could finish his statement, Arilya interjected. ”I don't want to hear your excuses. We are still a long way from reaching the Capital. Hopefully, the captain of this station will lend us some mounts,” Arilya said as she stared at Deython. However, she suddenly diverted her gaze towards the two individuals standing behind him.
”Elhorn, are you still experiencing symptoms of the mind corrosion?” Arilya asked.
”High-Arilya, I better now. Thank you for looking after me and Elder Lumvug over the last three weeks,” Elhorn said as he bowed his head in gratitude. Just like him, Lumvug also bowed. However, Arilya said nothing in response. She only nodded her head, while cleaning the sweat from her forehead with a small white handkerchief, and her expression was not as fierce as when she talked with Deython.
After the events of that day, the small party journeyed towards the capital city of Mathras. Unfortunately, their mounts at the hands of an unknown assailant. But, they suspected it was the handiwork of the taskmasters from The Order. With the death of their mounts, they had to journey on foot for the past three weeks. To prevent a repeat of the former calamity, Oravera and Valolora stayed behind to heal and protect the residents of Elhorn's settlement.
With the amount of resources in the forest, they did not starve or thirst. They ate fruits and killed beasts as they traveled, while drinking fresh water from hidden springs and flowing rivers.
”Let's not waste any more time. Deython, do you still remember the plan?” Arilya asked with a meaningful look in her eyes. Deython, on the other hand, felt somewhat embarrassed by her question.
”Captain, you don't have to make fun of me. I know what I've to do. Once we get to the settlement, I'll take some of their guards and head back to their village,” Deython said as he pointed at Lumvug and Elhorn. ”After which, I'll join up with Valolora and Oravera. Hopefully, we will catch up with you on your way to the capital,” Deython added.
”All right, let's move,” Arilya said with a rare smile on her face. But, Deython felt terrified after seeing her smile. Meanwhile, Elhorn and Lumvug said nothing. Because, they knew their status as Forest-Elves was lower than compared to the High-Elves. But, they wondered what made Deython terrified by Arilya's smile. Since no natural barrier obstructed the view of the guards in the settlement, they had already noticed the traveling group. But, they could not determine their identities.
Within the settlement, a Forest-Elf wearing a leather armor took hurried steps as he climbed the stairs of a four storey building. As he got to the third floor, his breathing became somewhat heavy, and he had an anxious expression on his face. Unlike the previous floors, he did not climb beyond the third floor. Because, two High-Elves manned the staircase leading to the final floor.
”Who are you and what business do you have here? Don't you know the third and fourth floor is forbidden for Forest-Elves?” A High-Elf dressed in casual clothing said. He had an obvious condescending look in his eyes as he stared at anxious Forest-Elf. Just like him, his counterpart also had this same expression on his face, but he had a somewhat livid expression on his face.
”High… High… High…” scared out of his mind, the Forest-Elf stuttered. Although he knew what he wanted to say, the pressure from the two High-Elves made him too nervous to compose himself.
”Speak, fool! If you don't have a good reason for coming here, you will definitely be punished” the other High-Elf yelled. His hands were already curled into a fist. Unfortunately, his reaction only made the guard more scared. To the extent, his legs wobbled. A few seconds later, he fell to the floor. Infuriated, the High-Elf who yelled earlier, kicked him in the gut. Which sent the pitiful Forest-Elf into mid-air, as he vomited on the silver boots of the High-Elf.
”Hahaha… It seems you're tired of having a peaceful life. A mere Forest-Elf dares to vomit on my shoes? When I'm done with you, it will teach other lower beings to know their place,” the High-Elf said as he stared at the Forest-Elf with a subtle smile on his face. Meanwhile, his partner folded his arms across his chest. With an amused expression on his face, he stared at the pitiful Forest-Elf who continued to cough. He did not even have the strength to beg for mercy.