Steven Burke - The Dark Tide

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Adair had arrived at Tarisdell once he had talked with Khalida about the ever changing events. The threat to the elves was more deadly than what any other race faced at the moment. The dark elves were proving even more deadly than they did in the past. It was clear that Kana had removed the curse and that they are getting considerable help from the keeper. They should have anticipated the dark tide, however, that was in the past and the issue had to be dealt with now.

“Thank you for meeting with me King Ciel…I came as soon as I could” Adair said warmly. He had warmed to the monarch over the past couple months…he now felt that he could rely on the monarch to be strong and consistent.

“I appreciate your concern for the elves and our plight” replied the king graciously. They were alone in the king’s private library. The room was made to feel cozy because of all the books, scrolls, and maps. There was a fire place on one wall opposite the massive black oak desk.

“This conflict has taken a turn that we were not prepared for and now we have to stop this dark plague before it reaches anyone else. We need to discuss this until we feel we are making headway” the guardian said with a hint of resignation in his voice. He was frustrated by the events that were out of his control. He did not relish that feeling and knew that when he had this feeling people died. Thousands had already died in the field of battle, an entire race was nearly wiped out and the famous port town of Belva had been erased from existence.

They talked for hours and did not notice that the sun had gone down hours before. The fire had been lit by some guards and they continued their discussion. They talked in detail about possibly getting some of the dwarves, if not all, from Ennis to help fill out their ranks. There were serious talks about drawing a line that they would not allow to be crossed. The guardian still did not share all the information or resources available to them because he could not afford to unbalance the battle to just fend off the dark hordes.

As the sun began to rise on another day hope filled the room. Just as they thought that all was going to work out, that was when Adair froze in place. His head jerked around looking for something that was not there. The king could feel what the guardian was feeling and as the moments passed a chill shot up and down his spine.

“Who is it?” asked the king. He had to break the silence…he needed to know what was going on. He felt helpless…this was a stark contrast to the feeling of the hope he had just had.

It was then that Adair looked over the head of the king as though he was seeing someone. There was a sudden outburst of laughter that came from the direction that the guardian was looking at. The air in the room chilled quickly and the fire went out. The guards rushed forward in an attempt to shield the king and the elder guardian from some unseen intruder. They had heard what had happened to Kira and they would be damned if that happened again when they had watch.

“They have it! The dark elves have the orb. This changes everything…we have to accelerate our plans. It is time to call in reinforcements! It is time to reveal the unseen force that will decide this conflict.” Adair reared back and unleashed a roar that shook the room.

Not a moment later there was a chorus of roars in reply. The ground shook violently as though it would open up and swallow them all. Minutes passed and more roaring rang through the air. The sun was blocked out by something. That was when the door to the private study of the elven king burst open.

“My lord, you have to see this!” shouted the soldier. He threw all protocol aside due to what he had seen.

“What are you on about…” began the king unsurely.

“They are here!” shouted Adair with a steely glint in his eye. Warmth once again filled the room and the fire roared back to life.