24 The Hands of Bligh (2/2)

Meanwhile, the person he called Yenarel was a Forest-Elf like himself. He wore the same clothes like a human male and looked just as handsome as most Elves. But he had a deep scar on the left side of his cheeks and underneath his right eye. On both ears, he had two earrings placed on them, and his nose, too. Just like Hariel, he had a blue scarf covering his forehead. Unlike Hariel, he had the amicable aura around him; amplified by the smile he had on his face as he stared at Hariel.

”Haha… you haven't changed one bit, Hariel. It has been a while, but it's good to see you. Let's not keep the others waiting, we have already waited ten years for this day,” Yenarel said while tapping Hariel's shoulders for the second time.

Just like before, Hariel brushed off Yenarel's hand again. Saying nothing in response, he walked in light steps towards the four individuals seated by the river. Meanwhile, Yenarel chuckled softly while shaking his head. Wasting no time, he also joined Hariel as they approached the others.

With only a few meters separating Hariel and Yenarel from the others, one of them noticed the approaching duo which alerted the remaining three.

”Hariel, where the hell did you go to? We searched all over Mornwood but we couldn't find you!” a brutish-looking Snakeman bellowed.

Unlike Malikieth, his upper half resembled that of a seasoned warrior who had survived countless battles. Although not flexed, his bulging muscles had several thick veins which resembled mini-snakes. His muscular physique coupled with the scars on his body, would send chills done the spines of those who saw him. As he stared at Hariel, he had a stern expression on his face.

Meanwhile, the two female Ice-Elves by his right said nothing, the same with the Forest-Elf by his left. However, they had indifferent expressions on their faces as they stared at Hariel and Yenarel. Just like the duo, they also had a blue scarf covering their foreheads.

Unlike Forest-Elves or High-Elves, the Ice-Elves have a frosty white complexion. They usually had silver hair and wore thick clothes. Like most Elves, they also had a proficient for archery and magic. But their magic related more to the ice element. Although their frosty white complexion made them look like frozen corpses, they looked just as beautiful as the other Elves.

Hariel, on the other hand, did not bother to answer the muscular Snakeman. In fact, Hariel looked towards the direction of the waterfall. Pretending as if he did not hear the words of the Snakeman.

Infuriated, the Snakeman was about to speak again, but Yenarel beat him to it, saying ”Xix, calm down. This is the first time in a long time we have gathered together. Do you really want to spoil the mood?” Yenarel asked while frowning.

Although he felt aggrieved, the Snakeman named Xix said nothing in response. With his arms folded across his chest, he stared at Hariel with a frown on his face.

Hariel chuckled softly after Yenarel chided Xin. He stared at the brutish Snakeman while mouthing the word 'Pussy' with a smile on his face.

At that moment, all the muscles on Xix's body bulged in anger but he did not react to the provocation which made Hariel giggle.

”Now, now… let's settle down. I know we have a lot of catching up to do, but we have gathered for an important event,” Yenarel said while gesturing for Xix to remain calm.

”Boss, what important event? Are we finally enacting our plan?” the Forest-Elf asked. Apart from Hariel, the others stared at Yenarel expecting his answer.

”Not really. This is the final step before we begin our plan. Listen carefully everyone. First, I want to take you all for the good work over the years. If not for your efforts, our brothers and sisters would still be suffering under the oppression of the High-Elves,” Yenarel said while clapping his hands.

Apart from Hariel, the other Elves had faint smiles on their faces while Xix had a broad smile on his face.

”Haha… your words are too kind, boss. Those bastards made it easy for us,” Xix said while the tip of his black tail wiggled.

”It doesn't matter. You have done a great job for your brothers and sisters, and history will remember you kindly. But we must now focus on the next task. Have you heard of Nahjor?” Yenarel asked.

”Boss, isn't that one of the settlements housing a section of the infantry protecting the border,” one of the female Ice-Elf asked.

”Yes. Unlike the other settlements, its infantry numbers in the thousands. A bit above our numbers. If we can eliminate the High-Elves assigned to Nahjor, then it will convince our brothers and sisters who think the High-Elves are invincible. It won't be easy, but I've a plan that will turn the battle in our favor. We have all shed blood to get to this point, some of us more than others,” Yenarel paused at this point as he stared at the others, with his gaze lingering on Hariel. ”It has taken us everything we have to get to this point, and I know we'll not fail. We are the hope of our brethren. A blight to the evil of the High-Elves, and together, as the Hands of Blight, we shall begin a new history for our race,” Yenarel added.

The moment he finished speaking, Xin, and the others had looks of anticipation in their eyes. Only Hariel did not show much reaction to Yenarel's words.

”Prepare your men, we will strike in three months. You may leave now. Hariel, wait behind,” Yenarel said.

Saying nothing in response, Xix and the others left the area. Leaving Yenarel and Hariel alone.

”Yenarel, I'm not interested in Nahjor. You guys can do whatever you want. I've other things to do,” Hariel said while gazing at the flowing river.

However, Yenarel chuckled softly as he said, ”Are you sure you won't join us?”

Hariel said nothing in response. In fact, he was already walking towards another direction. But after he took five steps, Yenarel's voice echoed again, ”Well, too bad you won't join us. You could have found answers to what happened that night.” Yenarel sighed as he made his declaration, ”it's a real shame,” he added.

Meanwhile, Hariel was rooted on the spot while his body shuddered. But he had not turned his head yet.

”Yenarel, don't mess with me! Tell me what you know! Now!” Hariel roared as he walked towards Yenarel with bloodshot eyes. A black glow radiated through his blue scarf as he approached Yenarel. However, Yenarel had a smile on his face.

”Don't worry, Hariel. I would never lie to you. We both have a debt to pay to that bastard. But I won't tell you anything unless you help me with Nahjor. But here is a little clue, you will find the answers you seek in Nahjor,” Yenarel said as he stared at Hariel who was only a few inches away from him.

”Good. Since you have no one under your command, you can do as you like. When it's time, I'll let you know,” Yenarel said as he tapped Hariel's shoulders. Before walking towards the direction of the maze-like rock formation. Meanwhile, Hariel continued to stare at him with bloodshot eyes.

Just as Yenarel was about to leave the river area, his voice drifted into Hariel's ears, ”Next time you want to visit your brother let me know, and be careful of external invaders. See you soon, Hariel.”