10A.N. : So, haven't posted in awhile, some of that has been due to the fact that I forgot the ending I was aiming for. So…I edited a few things in all the chapters before this; nothing too major that you'll miss them if you really don't want to go back and re-read them. Just giving ya'll a heads up… so without further blathering…
Chapter 5
Shadowed Madness
To Solarian it seemed the hundredth time in the past hour he had seen the tell tale signs. He knew better now, of course, to let it continue to see if it would lead somewhere different for once. He simply said, "Nope."
The elf following him closed his mouth and paused before continuing hurriedly before another reproach followed, "I just think we should take a different route. The woods are, uh…dangerous."
"Better than the desert? Better than the mountains?"
"Well…not exactly."
"Then I don't really see the issue here, unless the forest dwellers have something against pumpkins."
Grimacing the elf sighed, "Really. How thickheaded can you be? How many times do I have to explain to you the differing styles in the desert?"
"We are about 250 miles south of the desert elf. Another thing, I can't just keep calling you elf can I? You yourself mentioned how rude it was when we met."
"If you really must know… I will tell you. On the condition you give my stylish clothes a compliment."
Solarian turned to look back at the fire elementalist behind him. "Well elf, how long until we get to this town of yours?"
All he received was a red-eyed stare from the elf accompanied with a snort and a gesture that could have meant over the next hill or the other side of the continent.
The torn'sha rippled and a man in full armor stepped smoothly from the chute. He walked forward three paces and stopped to acknowledge the small man sitting behind the desk in front of him. He waited to receive a nod from the man before moving to push open the gilded doors that led into the Aquamage's study. Getting no more than a flat stare the man hurried to get to the point.
"Sir, we found the last one. That is, both last ones. The last stone was located conveniently under the waves, in a ridge located towards one of the southern continents. As for the last of the four you were seeking. He appeared in the forest with the other, the elf. We have trackers on both now. With luck both will be captured and brought here within the month. Our men should be making a move on the aven sometime this week," with that last the soldier stood quietly waiting for his liege's response.
"Well, the news about the stone is excellent. I expect you are having it retrieved and brought here immediately. I do doubt you will be able to take both the elf and the aven though, especially if they are in such close proximity to each other. We have to assume they are meeting to gather some sort of force in the woods, which I do find odd considering the standing the elf has gained there." The Aquamage frowned at the man before him, Breiner. He normally was able to think these things through; slip ups like these were better suited to a first year officer rather than his Master Mage and spymaster. As if sensing his masters thoughts Breiner shifted uncomfortably.
"Sir, should I recall the men I sent?"
"No, it may prove useful for gathering information about their strengths in their current state, and who knows…maybe they will get lucky."
A screech split the sky waking Solarian and the elf. Dispersing the wards without the elf seeing them, Solarian calmly pressed the broach on his neck allowing his armor to flow over him and harden. As the last plate solidified a dark shape fell through the tree canopy and fell to the ground twenty yards from where the pair had made camp. It rose sluggishly before turning to face seven men coming from the north. Shrugging to the elf Solarian grinned and walked toward the shape on the ground.
Pausing for a moment, rooted to the ground by the look he saw flash across the man's face. Well now. He's nuts alright. I thought I was just imagining that look when he killed those guys in the city. Leads a guy to think he only helped me 'cause he would rather kill six than one. Shaking himself suddenly he began following Solarian. I must be imagining it he's been pretty jolly so far.
Another shriek sounded through the woods, this time with fury more than pain. Suddenly the talons on each of his hands extended almost two feet as he extended the blades strapped to his wrists. Even without his wings to propel him he moved with unnatural speed cutting down the first human with ease before being forced back by the combined forces of the remaining six. Before they could press their advantage the ground beneath their feet gave way and Solarian walked between them his head tilted, smiling.
"So…this looks like fun," he laughed and stared at the aven lopsidedly. "So, you or them?"
"Hey, human guy," the elf called as he ran up behind him, "aven's with me. You go for him you go for me."
Solarian opened his eyes momentarily as they flashed with power and madness. The elf's eyes bulged at the glimpse, which made Solarian throw back his head and laugh. Still laughing he rolled his head around and swung his spear, releasing the chain. It wrapped around the first man and the second caught it around his wrist thinking to pull it out of Solarian's grip. He dropped it in agony as the spikes were released. The first man made no sound. Solarian stalked forward, the other men backing away.
Chuckling, Solarian addressed the retreating men, "if you're from the Aquamage, nod your heads. Don't think of lying, I can hear your hearts beat." Two of the men halted while retrieving the injured man, and the other two swallowed nervously. "I'll take that as a yes, which is too bad for you, I kind of like you." With that his eyes flashed open revealing his left eye pure red. The men burst into flames. He turned, walking past the elf and the aven who stared at him. Once he reached the campsite, still smiling; now mumbling to himself while he searched for his hat. Once he found it among his packs he put it on, retracted his armor and went back to sleep.