Brian Anderson - Of Gods And Elves

“I see…” she paused. “Stick to yourplan. Lee will find Millet in Baltria. Gewey and I have our own task,but you will be met in Althetas. Go to the Frogs Wishbone when youarrive. An agent from Valshara will contact you there.”

“How am I to know-” Malstisos began.The forest turned into a swirl of light and color. He felt as if hewere falling. Then blackness.

Malstisos awoke drenched in sweat, his heart pounding.For a moment, he didn't know where he was. As his mind cleared, heheard the sound of Millet, Jacob, and Maybell's deep, regularbreathing. He reached over and shook Millet.

“What's wrong?” asked Millet groggily.Malstisos recounted his experience.

“Do you believe it was them?” Millet asked.

“I do. How they accomplished it I can't imagine,but I sensed no deception.”

“Then we should keep to our plan,” saidMillet. “It's several hours until dawn, so we should try andsleep. Maybell can be told of this in the morning.”

Malstisos nodded in agreement and drew his blankettightly around him. Sleep came slowly and his dreams were troubled.

The morning brought the smell of crisp bacon and freshbread. Gerald was busy setting the table and humming.

Millet was first to rise and helped with breakfast. Atfirst, Gerald protested but soon realized Millet wasn't one to bedeterred. The duo had the table prepared a full ten minutes beforeMalstisos and Maybell stirred. Jacob was last to awaken.

“Things are in order from the smell of it.”Maybell yawned and stretched. She looked over to Malstisos who wasjust waking up. “I always imagined elves to be early risers.”

“My sleep was troubled… and eventful,” hereplied. “But we'll discuss it after breakfast.”

About halfway through their meal, Gerald excused himselfand left them alone at the table. Malstisos informed Maybell andJacob of his dream experience.

“Amazing,” remarked Maybell. “Well,I'm happy that you'll be met in Baltria.”

“I'm not,” Jacob growled. “I have noneed of my father, and have no intention of seeing him.”

“If you intend to go to Baltria, you won't havemuch of a choice,” stated Millet.

“According to Malstisos he will certainly be there, so you had better get used to the idea.”

Jacob folded his arms. “He had better stay out ofmy way.”

“Calm yourself,” said Malstisos. “Firstyou must arrive at your destination, and that may not be easy.”

“We'll get there,” said Jacob. “If Ihave to kill every soldier I see on the way.”

“Young man, you would do well to take Millet'slead,” said Maybell. “He has seen much more of the worldthan you. If getting to Baltria means saving your mother, then you'ddo well to keep your mouth shut, and your eyes and ears open.”

Jacob glared at Maybell but could find no words toreply.

“I do not think you should take time to speak tothe Oracle when we arrive in Manisalia,” said Malstisos.

Millet nodded. “I agree. In fact, I would have youavoid the city entirely if it's possible.”

“I'm sure I can find a way around if need be,”said Malstisos. “But, I intend to leave you with the remainderof the provisions. Sister Maybell and I will need to resupply onceyou're away. There is no way we can avoid the city, at least for afew hours.”

“Good,” said Maybell. “And I would like to consult the Oracle-if she's still there.”

The front door opened and Gerald entered, smiling. “Isee you've nearly finished. I hope you enjoyed it.”

“Very much.” Maybell returned the smile. Therest nodded in agreement.

“I've readied your horses,” said the boy.“I'll bring them 'round front whenever you'd like.”

“We'll be leaving shortly,” said Millet.“You can bring them now.” Gerald nodded and dashed off.

They gathered their belongings and filed out the frontdoor. As promised, Gerald had saddled their horses and had them linedup a few feet away. Gerald bowed to each in turn, handing them acloth wrapped around a piece of roast lamb and a loaf of bread,thanking them for their kind donation. Maybell embraced the ladtightly and whispered into his ear. Gerald smiled sadly, turned andentered the hospice.

Travel that day was slow and miserable. By noon, thewind howled through the trees and the sky filled with clouds thatpromised snow.

Malstisos stopped periodically to check for signs ofpursuit but found none.

“I think perhaps whatever that creature was, hemust have been alone,” said Malstisos during one of theirstops. “That is not to say that more are not waiting for usahead.”

Millet shivered at the thought. The monster’sdistorted features still burned in his mind.

“Let them come,” boasted Jacob, “Idon't fear them.”

Malstisos snorted loudly. “Then you're a fool.Fear may keep you alive. You are no warrior. That I can clearly see.If you encounter one of them, you should run if you can.”

Jacob leaped from his horse and drew his sword. “Ihave had enough of your insults, elf .”

Malstisos stared down at the boy for a moment, thencasually slipped out of the saddle. “Come then,” he said.“Let us see what you're made of.” He didn't bother todraw his blade.

Jacob's mouth grew into a malevolent grin. In aninstant, he lashed out at the elf, his blade seeking flesh, but itfound only cold, winter air. Though Jacob moved with uncanny speed,he was no match for Malstisos.

“Come now, boy,” Malstisos taunted.“Certainly you can do better.”

This infuriated Jacob and he ran headlong at the elf,slashing maniacally. Malstisos ducked quickly, spun around, andbrought his heel into the back of the boy’s knee. Jacob’sleg collapsed, and he fell hard on his back. Malstisos stepped onJacob's blade, trapping it. Jacob struggled to pull the blade free,but Malstisos bent down, pressing his knee on Jacob’s throat.

“You have passion,” said Malstisos. “Butno discipline.”

Jacob bucked and twisted, but Malstisos only pressedharder. Slowly, Jacob stopped struggling and relaxed. After a moment,Malstisos released him and held out his hand, but Jacob only glared,his eyes filled with hate and anger.

“Take my hand, young one,” said the elf.“The fight is done. You have lost, but there is no shame. Youdid well considering your lack of training.”

Jacob reached up, took Malstisos' hand, and allowed theelf to pull him to his feet. He brushed himself off and retrieved hissword.

“Now if we are done with all this foolishness,”said Maybell. “We have distance to cover.”

“That we do,” agreed Millet. “If wequicken our pace, you and Malstisos should be able to reach Manisaliain three days.”

“As we are no longer followed, that should beeasy,” added Malstisos. He took another look at Jacob, who wasmounting his horse. “It appears you are uninjured.”

“I'm fine,” Jacob grumbled. “It takesmore than that to hurt me.”

“I do not doubt your toughness,” saidMalstisos. “But mind your pride and your anger. It will be yourundoing if you are not careful.”

“That comes from his father,” said Millet.“He was the same way.”

“I'm nothing like him,” said Jacob.

Millet shook his head sadly. “I know you mustthink he abandoned you and your mother. But he only left to protectyou. One day you'll understand.”

“Then explain it to me,” said Jacob indisgust.

“It is not my place,” said Millet. “Yourfather is the only one who can reveal his motives. For me, to do sowould be a betrayal.”

Jacob sniffed and turned his horse. The others followedclose behind.

The rest of the day the group traveled without speaking,and when they made camp, Jacob slept far away from the others. Millettried to convince him to come closer to the fire, but he was met withcold silence.