“To arms!” someone shouted. “Goblins!”

  The Drouwen assassin quickly jumped to her feet, over Crystal, drawing her long dagger and long sword, “Stay there baby,” Crystal grabbed Angelique’s thigh. Her eyes were wide with fear remembering her parents last night, she trembled like a leaf.

  It didn’t take the caravan guards long to dispatch them. One goblin reached the girls. Crystal screamed as Seeker thrust her long dagger into his throat then cleaned her blade after he dropped.

  The caravan guards gathered the corpses and set them a blazed away from camp. Avik checked on the merchant’s and the travelers that joined them, no casualties.

  The next couple of days the goblins attacked twice more with the same results. The train suffered no fatalities, only injuries.

  The guards were shorthanded when the goblins surprised the caravan’s defenses on the third assault. They quickly wreaked havoc when they reached the wagons. Seeker was in a wagon with Henkah looking after Crystal when she heard someone shouting in goblinese. “Watch Crystal?” she looked hopefully.

  She pulled Crystal closer, “Go go.”

  She kissed her baby then leaped out of the wagon. Defenders and goblins clashed weapons in a frenzy chaos. Angelique drew her long dagger and sword. She was about to go behind a goblin when she heard a cry. Avik was wounded and pinned. She ran to his aid as she threw her dagger at the goblins back, giving the guard the opportunity to finish him. Impressed by her throw, he watched Angelique run.

  Seeker stealthily ran behind the goblin about to finish the caravan leader. Avik’s sword arm was wounded and his other was tiring. He protected the caravan for years and had never lost his charge. Goblins were everywhere causing chaos. His journey has come to an end.

  The goblin saw the caravan leader’s strength waning, and prepared a final blow when a sword punch through his chest. Blood sprinkled onto Avik’s face. For a moment, he thought it was his, when he saw the blade retreat from the chest. The Goblin dropped his weapon and fell over, behind him stood Seeker as she drew another long dagger.

  “How bad?” she asked as she looked around.

  “Better now,” he struggled to stand.

  She helped him, “Stay close.”

  “Expect me to argue?”

  Seeker impressed Avik with her ability to sneak up and dispatch the goblins easily. The few that she didn’t surprise couldn’t stand against her. Her combat style looked more like a dance. Her speed and agility, incredible. “Great god’s woman, who are you?” he asked. Seeker smiled, then quickly faded. She felt her heart grow cold and numb. “What is the matter?” he asked as she started running. Avik saw Henkah with two blood spots on her belly and shoulder. “Gods no,” he ran to assist.

  Seeker felt like she was in a nightmare. Her legs burned, everything moved slowly. Her heart pounded. She crippled goblins in her path with a fury as she ran for the wagon, terrified what she may find.

  “I got her I got her, go, go,” Avik shouted.

  Seeker prepared to jump in the wagon when someone grabbed her arm. She pulled away at the same time the goblin thrust his short sword at her ribs. The tip of the blade cut through the armor as she rolled into the weapon and arm, disarming him. The short sword pulled free as the weapon sprung from her armor. She stopped with her long dagger in the goblins neck and sword in his belly.

  Avik couldn’t believe what he witnessed. It looked as though the short sword went through her. How did she manage that maneuver and finish the goblin at the same time he wondered?

  Seeker pulled the wagon flaps open as she heard Crystal’s piping screams and leapt screaming in goblinese. “Ceveh pegeh yom!” Another pulled her by the belt. The assassin allowed herself to fall to her knees as she slashed the goblin’s gut and thrust her long dagger into his crotch. It grasped his wounds then dropped.

  She spotted a goblin about to stab a pregnant woman and hastily threw her long dagger. It struck his butt cheek. It danced long enough for a guardsman to cut him down. Her actions didn’t go unnoticed.

  “Mama’s coming baby!” She hoarsely shouted and leapt back in the wagon drawing another dagger. The wagon’s flap caught her hat. Crystal was pinned by one while the other undid his crotch piece. Seekers strained her voice.

  “Mommy mommy!” she cried.

  The goblin tried to draw his short sword. Seeker lunged at him. Crystal screamed as the assassin’s long dagger cut a third way into his lower abdomen and sword through the armpit and out the top of the shoulder. It trembled a moment then stopped. Crystal panicked, screaming and kicking at the gutted goblin as she blubbered.

  She shoved her dagger in his throat ensuring him dead. Then faced the other, “Ceveh gen pegeh loh!” she commanded.

  “Kuun luhon, pegeh nahun,” he pulled Crystal closer realizing she’s a Dark Elf.

  She was surprised. Goblins don’t take hostages. Seeker stared into his eyes. Slowly she propped herself with a cold blank stare. His eyes darted and pupils dilated instinctively, unsure. All of which Seeker read. He’s afraid! She held her sword firmly and moved calmly. The assassin readied her dagger.

  “Bod, ree cenn!” he stated.

  “Oug nahun, ree uvoh pegeh.”

  The goblin looked between Seeker and the girl and wondered should he chance it. He didn’t understand why she’s with humans. If he left the girl unharmed, she would tend to her, buying his escape. He slowly lifted Crystal while she cried softly and made his way to the frontend of the wagon.

  “Mommy please!” she squealed softly.

  Seeker’s heart melted, “Mommy is here baby,” her voice broke. “I will take care of everything.”

  The goblin surprised the Dark Elf when he tossed Crystal. Seeker’s heart leapt from her chest. She dropped her weapons, caught her and rolled back holding her tightly, and drew another dagger. When she looked, he was gone. The Drouwen frantically kissed Crystal as she wrapped her arms and legs around her. She buried her face in Seeker’s neck crying.

  “It is alright baby, mama is here mama is here,” she reassured grabbing her sword, sheathed her dagger, reclaimed the other then peeked outside. Four goblins dragged the same pregnant woman she helped earlier into the woods.

  “Once we hit the ground I need you to let go and get behind me sweetie?” Seeker looked at the goblins and jumped off the wagon. She crouched low. Before she could speak, Crystal did as instructed. “Remember, stay close,” she hugged her reassuringly. “Ceveh pegeh luh, oug bod nahun,” she warned the goblins.

  “Bod, pegeh lug ree, oug Deh!” he held her and commanded the three to attack, while he escaped with his prize.

  “Baby, go, go hide under the wagon now!” she urged her away. Crystal scurried behind one of its wheels. Seeker smiled at the three goblins. She was about to throw her dagger when an arrow struck his neck.

  The remaining two looked and saw their comrade drop. Seeker and the goblins saw Avik taking aim with a bow striking the second goblin in the eye. The third retreated. She threw her dagger and struck his right rear shoulder. He wailed and continued running. “Dochah,” Seeker growled softly.

  “Crystal?” Avik asked as he nursed his arm.

  “Mommy!” she ran out and grabbed Angelique’s waist, startling her.

  She picked her up. “Are you hurt baby?” Seeker didn’t give her a chance to answer. She hugged her tightly then touched foreheads. “Fine. What of Henkah?”

  “Bad, but she is being looked after.” Avik approached. He smiled seeing mother and daughter. To his astonishment, she looked like a Drouwen.

  “Here, give her this it will help her and the baby.” Seeker gently tossed a small vial. “It is a potent healing potion. A few drops should do it.”

  Avik caught the little flask and looked at it. He figured it was the fire light playing tricks. “Your hair…,” he managed.

  “What is wrong…,” Seeker looked at her hair and realized she lost her magical cap. It didn’t matter, the pregnant woman was in danger. “That woman needs our help,” she changed the subject.

  “What woman?”

  “The pregnant one,” she put Crystal down.

  “Avik, I saw one take Linda!” shouted a lead guard.

  “Gods damn it all, …we cannot…,” Avik stopped.

  “Cannot what, cannot help her?”

  “We barely held our own…,” Avik started.

  “She is with child!”

  “If we go after her we may lose the caravan,” he argued.

  They couldn’t risk all for the sake of two. There are other children needing protection. Seeker knew by going after the woman her deed would be remembered. Drouwen culture mandates a great deed or sacrifice ensures immortality in the hearts and minds of the people. She crouched, “Baby, mommy needs to help that woman. There is a baby in her.” Crystal quickly nodded. “That is my girl.”

  Avik couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Are you mad?”

  Seeker looked at him, “Someone has to help her. I know what they will do.”

  “What of Crystal? Did you think of her?” Avik handed the flask to another woman, “Elli, take this to Henkah, only a few drops,” he instructed.

  “I will watch her,” answered a black haired woman of short stature ample figured.

  Seeker didn’t want to lose precious time. She looked at Crystal. She stepped next to the woman. “I will be back shortly….”

  “Millie, I am called Millie.”

  “…Millie.” Seeker ran after the woman. Avik called to her. She stopped next to a campfire and looked.

  He saw Angelique was Dark Elf. His eyes betrayed his knowledge. He wanted to tell her, be careful but his tongue froze. He expected to see the legendary killer. Instead, he saw eyes filled with determined compassion.

  Seeker knew, he knew and smiled, “Wish me luck?” Avik returned the smile. “We are not as you think,” she said in his silence. “Remember me,” he nodded, and wondered if she was saying good-bye.

  Hemnit rushed next to Avik, “Holy hell, was that a Drouwen!” he was surprised, unsure what to do as he watched her run into the woods.

  “That is no Drouwen.”

  “What do you mean, of course that was…”

  “I saw a loving mother defend her daughter and save my life and others. Now she is risking hers to save a woman she hardly knows. That is what I saw,” he stated. Hemnit looked confused. “I need you to watch over Millie and Crystal until she returns,” he ordered and quickly tried to assess the damage.

  “If she returns,” Hemnit commented.

  Avik looked over his shoulder, “She will.”

  “That woman is insane,” Hemnit said as he stood next to Millie.

  “That is my mommy,” Crystal said.

  “That is your mother?” he was confused.

  “Uh huh.”

  Minutes seemed like hours when they heard running closing in. “They are coming back!” someone shouted. Hemnit ordered Millie and Crystal in the wagon as he guarded and called Hammit the team master to help him defend it. The men prepared for the goblins. A pregnant woman stepped into the light instead, her dress torn.

  Linda cried after seeing familiar faces she thought she would never see again. She blubbered about his hands on her when a black woman with white hair came from the darkness and saved her. She was told to run and not look back. The last she heard was the woman screaming and guessed she fell.

  ***

  An hour later, Seeker walked into the caravan camp looking for Crystal. She didn’t see her as she stepped through the crowd. They watched her in silence. “Has anyone seen my baby?” fear crept in. “Where is my baby?” she asked softly.

  No one answered only whispered. Avik was nowhere in sight. Her heart sank as tears began to swell. Did something happen to Crystal in her absence, she wondered and continued aimlessly through the crowd when she heard someone whisper, “Great heavens, a Drouwen helped us?”

  Angelique guessed they must have hidden Crystal so they could deal with her. For the first time, she felt defeated. Her way of life melted away, all she wanted was her baby. She closed her eyes as tears streamed and whispered, “Ya tocno fa’fayhan.”

  People near her wondered what she said. “She is crying,” said a woman, others whispered similar.

  “Clear, make room, stand aside,” a male said.

  Seeker didn’t have the courage to face her executioners. She failed her promise to Crystal and was brokenhearted. Her pain ran deep and thought she heard her piping voice calling to her.

  Seeker’s eyes sprung open and felt light headed as she spotted Millie carrying Crystal with Avik beside her. Hemnit cleared their way. Crystal leaned forward into Seeker’s arms and was relieved, took hold of her and cried. Millie sniffed watching mother and daughter reunited.

  Avik looked into seekers eyes and didn’t see the monster her people are rumored for. What he saw was a woman holding her child, “Hey, why the tears friend?” he asked. She managed a smile.

  Crystal pulled away from Seeker, “Mommy, why are you crying?” she asked innocently.

  Seeker’s knees buckled. Avik quickly grabbed her and gently settled her on the ground. “Ho there friend… easy now, I got you.”

  “Is she hurt?” Millie asked

  Crystal was frightened and hugged Seeker tightly. She didn’t know what was happening. The people around her probed the same.

  She had never trusted humans. Drouwen instincts on people is sharp, this was the first person she didn’t feel any threat from.

  The pregnant woman pushed her way in and wrapped her arms around Seeker’s neck, “My baby and I owe you our lives,” her soft voice wavered.

  The caravan had a different view of Dark Elves that night. Seeker won them over. They spent part of the night repairing and cleaning. By morning, they had completed repairs. One of Avik’s men completed the death toll, four merchants, three guards, one farmer and stolen livestock. The farmer killed was the pregnant woman’s husband.

  The caravan had a late start after burying and mourning the fallen. Avik and the others were grateful Seeker was with them. They may have been among the fallen if not for her. He regarded Angelique as his lucky token.

  There was no need for Seeker to hide her identity. The caravan accepted her as a mother protecting her daughter and a friend doing the impossible to help someone in need. They agreed her identity remain hidden. Others may not see Angelique as they.

  The following morning they reached town. Seeker took Crystal to a temple to arrange her stay. She clarified with mother guardian that her baby wasn’t going to be a permanent resident. She would pay for her boarding. The child looked at her surprised. “The goblins did not need it,” she answered Crystal’s unspoken question with a smile.

  Millie walked in with her husband Jarde. “A thousand apologies for following, we wanted to speak with you,” she gently touched her husband’s arm as she looked at Seeker with uncertainty. Mother guardian ushered them into a room. The young couple offered Seeker to stay with them since they were new in town. It made sense and accepted Millie’s offer.

  Millie was fascinated by Elven kind and was eager to learn about them. She never dreamt she would meet an Elf let alone a Dark Elf. Crystal liked Millie and agreed. The money she planned to use for her boarding, Seeker offered it to the couple instead. She left a gold coin to mother guardian.

  They made their way to the young couples’ home and spent the next two days learning about one another. Seeker needed to tend to some errands, hugged and kissed Crystal. She told Millie she’s going to the market for a few things then left and looked back a few times waving.

  On her way to the market, she’ll meet her contact, then procure some coins there. Seeker walked about inspecting wares for Crystal.

  She stood at the entrance of the market place watching the comings and goings. Her meeting with her contact proved fruitless. There was no news of anyone regarding the missing prince, when she noticed a cloaked figure with a silver house pattern along the hem line. The cloak belonged to the powerful Von’Negrous family. She discreetly made her way behind stacked barrels to spy.

  Chapter 15

  While others had friends to confide in, the prince had his parents. Once he left their influence, there was none to counsel his deepest concerns. All presumed him an island, the rock… the perfect stone if you will. If they only cared to know my dear friend.

  Tuke Flaring’s journals

  Morning rose and Dregous was still reading, formulating other ways to use his spells. He recalled his father’s favorite quote, ‘think beyond the norm, and no mage will touch you!’ He caught himself periodically admiring the princess and felt the needles of temptation. The distraction forced him to abandon his studies. Diversion was required and picked up the witch’s diary and hoped a fresh view will help him focus.

  The princess awoke blinking at the new day as she hugged herself. Dregous peeked over his book. Unlike the previous night, she wore her leg padding. “Good morning… up all night?” she asked with a soft grogginess.

  “Good morning…?” he thought the phrase curious and surmised it was some greeting and returned it, “…yes. Why?” he answered from within his hood.

  “Of course you did,” she muttered. “You need to get some rest…,” she wrapped her arms around her legs and chin on her knees. “…after what you went through.”

  He shook his head, the memory still vivid. Sleep was the last thing he wanted. Dregous would fend against it until he was unable. Her innocence helped shake away his memory and appreciated it.

  “What?” Tatiana asked, her eyes gleamed, wondered why he was looking at her.

  “Nothing… you look adorable like that,” He misled with a soft smile.

  She swayed her knees as her pale cheeks blushed. “Silly,” she glanced shyly at her feet as she wiggled her toes.

  Remmen, in pretended sleep, listened and hoped to glean information about them. They may have saved him from goblins, but for what purpose. Pretty smiles have destroyed kingdoms. The Drouwen’s were worse.

  It was obvious these two have a strong attraction to one another. She, a legendary Ayrian, lost in time and him, forgotten in time due his people’s ghastly nature.

 

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