Steven Burke - The Dark Tide

“Yes, I can…the question is whether or not I be doing what yer asking. I be not convinced that I should be getting involved in this sorted affair. I have protected meself for years now and I don’t see the point in lending me aid to yer cause. It does not involve me and it is not my fault that me idiot parents brought me into this world. I be not about to lie down because of their mistake. I be having the same rights as anyone else to do as I please.” He was clearly not sold on the plea for help. He was putting up the image of unconcern and lack of interest in helping.

“Xuzien…you know perfectly well that I agree with you. Unfortunately for you the question of your heritage is directly relevant in this matter. If you are forced to defend yourself from Kana’s minions and foul beasts, then you should probably use your considerable talents for good by doing what I have asked. Will you help me?” There was a pleading tone now as he spoke. He knew that while Xuzien had reservations and a lot of mistrust, he would do what it right. The two of them had always gotten along and he had never done anything to break his friend’s trust.

“Fine…I will help ye. I be having one stipulation however.” He turned to look at his friend in the eyes.

“Yes…what is that?” Adair returned the look with confidence in his crystal blue eyes.

“After this conflict is over, I want ye to name me protectorate of the west. The people here love me and would support yer appointment. Too many feel that being half elf is a sin, so they will not elect me to the post. I be weary of serving as a boundary warden…I be tired of taking orders from others who look down on me.” He had a hard look in his eyes as he said this. It was clear that he had suffered for hundreds of years because of what he was. He had been punished for existing…something that no one should ever have to suffer. It was hard to be immortal while looking like a gigantic dwarf. He had served so hard for so many years to protect the western lands from creatures, northern demons, and the general rift raft.

“Agreed…now can I take you to your new post?” He was heartened by his friend’s request. He could not think of a better protectorate for the western lands. He knew that Xuzien would bring much needed unity for the western societies. There were so many threats to their way of life, including the deadly legendary dark elves.

“Yes…let’s get on with it.” He shrugged with indifference even though inside he had a seed of hope…not something that he was familiar with at all. He almost smiled inwardly. Emotions were not his forte, so struggled with what to think of these happy feelings he was having. I be getting soft!

There was a faint popping sound that was not audible over the sound of crashing waves. The two hooded figures had disappeared into thin air right as the storm hit the small rock island. The rain began to fall with such ferocity that the rocky terrain was under water within minutes of the rain hitting the rocks. The winds blew even harder than before and the clouds swirled about from the increased ferocity. The deluge continued to pick up speed as it made its way toward the main land. A bell could be heard coming from Logan Bay…the people of Belva were being warned of the danger heading their way.

The still waters of Lake Lachlan had transformed from a deep crystal blue color to a dank greenish hue. The water had also lost its refreshing salt smell after the unusual change. This lake was probably the most unique in all of Tuwa because of its high alkali content as well as its unfathomable depths. Many residents felt that it was an inland sea because of these particular properties and consequently was a favorite destination for locals and travelers alike. The fact that there were still unknown creatures hidden within its depths added to the attraction many felt for the mysterious body of water. The slow disintegration of this precious site was attributed to the war by most while others said it had to be the work of dark magic.

As the sun crossed the sky overhead, two of the guardians stood on the western shore, musing over the lack of life and motion in the body of water before them. They were a little disconcerted that they were unable to see into the thick mist that had settled over the vast expanse of water. They did not even dare to venture into the murky portents of Lachlan with what they were sensing just standing on a popular outcropping. Neither one of them commanded water, so they had elected to be cautious as they prepared for battle with the unseen foes. They were even reluctant to use magical webs to get a better read of what was out there. With a mysterious fog there could be powerful traps that could be set off by such a search. They were not overly concerned for their own well-being…they were simply being mindful of the danger this would pose to those that assisted them.

Ladies Necia and Hilzarie were waiting patiently for the elven magicians to show up. They had already enchanted the shoreline with a barrier that would prevent any missiles from reaching land. Any projectile sent their way would either be incinerated or diverted into the murky portents of Lachlan. They used the time while they waited to discuss potential strategies and decided that they would need to spend the majority of their time defending the elves from the demonic hordes. What worried them was what the demons were up to that they could not see. Necia felt that they may be summoning some kind of water creatures that would prove too deadly for the elves. Hilzarie, on the other hand, was focusing her energies on figuring out who would be leading the unseen enemy into battle. They were so consumed in their separate thoughts that they did not notice the slightest of ripples about twenty yards in front of them. This movement was at the edge of where the fog stopped.

Just as the disturbance in the water increased, the elven magicians arrived for their assignment. The two elementals turned their backs on the murky water to welcome the small group. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they got down to business, oblivious to the lurking danger just below the surface immediately behind them. Hilzarie and Necia discussed battle tactics and defensive measures they had already put into place. The elves would be the primary attackers while the guardians provided them with significant defensive measures against retaliatory attacks. After nearly an hour of talking through several different ideas, they divided up into five groups of ten. They had decided to take up their places along the western shore in a spread formation.

The guardians had determined that roaming between the different groups would allow them to strengthen their defenses as needed. If everything went according to plan, they would have several opportunities to join in the fight. As the pair of elementals went their separate ways, the bubbling just off the shore at the location where they had just had their meeting increased suddenly. Something was coming up from the depths of the vast lake and it was not small. It looked as though the water was boiling as the unseen force waited to appear.

“What is that?” asked one of the elven mages pointing at the disturbance in front of them. It was difficult to discern what it was as the fog slowly crept forward to cover part of the disturbance. They could still hear the water bubbling even though their ability to see anything was hampered by the dense fog.

“I bet it is some kind of water demon. What do you think master Elirownil?” asked another mage with a slight trembling of fear in his voice. This show of weakness was not common for such lethal warriors, so their leader took notice.

“I believe you are correct with the idea of a water demon. However, this particular creature is gigantic…look” replied Elirownil pointing at the dark shadow that was now just below the surface. It was some fifty feet long and had the outline of something that had never been seen in Lachlan. It could have been one of the mysterious creatures from the deepest trenches; however, it was more likely that it was a summoned water demon.