Meanwhile at the camp
The three leaders agreed to keep Leo's disappearance on a small scale. However, it was difficult to find a reason that wouldn't make him suspicious. At the end of the day, none of them were able to do anything about the fact that Leo's disappearance was regarded as extremely odd and suspicious by everyone. His capture was not to be revealed to the public. Neither had time to add to the anxiety of these people.
"Tsk, why is he always pushing it so hard that idiot? Now he is a goner for most of them anyway..."
"But not for us. I' ve been scouting the area however nothing strange has come to my attention. Seems like they stuck to their word."
" Nevertheless, I find it strange. Why would they take such a liking to him? He doesn't look extraordinary, he's not the strongest and he's not the most talkative. As far as I'm concerned, it can only mean one thing: they know about the battle and the man responsible for their demise."
"No, that''s not good enough. There is no question of his importance in that battle though even if they are aware of him there is no way they will simply take him away. Either their leader is highly involved with humans or knows part of his past. No one can deny that he himself was a great threat at one time. I mean, he killed masses of elves so his name is probably relatively well known among them."
"There's no use in guessing further. Our camp is cleared, we should continue our journey. Lets hope we won't run into them. Though it may sound bad, you must understand one thing: Our priority is to reach the resistance and unite. Leo said it himself, his life is not worth that of hundreds. Besides, I highly doubt they abducted him just to execute him the next day."
"If their leader indeed plotted everything down to the smallest detail as we suspected, then I think you're right. Still, it begs the question of what precisely they plan to do with Leo."
"Considering everything he's been through so far, he should be able to survive there. We will see him again soon, I'm sure."
Their trip stretched on for another day. Eventually they were forced to take the risk of using the formal road as all other paths had been blocked. Despite the fact that no eyes emerged out of the woods, everyone felt like they were being watched all the time. This was to be a bad omen. Less than an hour later, a group of elf archers did indeed ambush them. From their position, it was virtually impossible for them to do anything but dodge. Their enemies were on top of a ridge preventing them from engaging in close combat. Although order was quickly restored, the archers among their ranks could hardly hit their targets. Lynia's and Ryu's kills as well as the human archery squad managed to overpower the enemy. The eyes held of their enemies glowed green like those of the soldiers from outside the city. Those were possessed. All of a sudden, a hail of arrows came out of the forest and hit the enemies, who didn't stand a chance. The amount of projectiles exceeded the ability to dodge. Even though some dark elves were wounded, no casualties were recorded.
"It seems that we have arrived too late."
Dark elves emerged from the bushes, well-built and with the appearance of a true warrior. It confirmed that their hopes were not in vain: The resistance finally found them.
One of the archers recognized Hajas as well as the leader of the group.
"So Hajas really was successful. We almost abandoned our hopes. Your presence is a blessing to us."
"Same goes for you. At last, I can see her again with my own eyes."
"Haha, she has been longing to be able to greet her daughter one more time. Well, it seems like this day stands under a good sign."
" Only this day? Tell me, how has the situation been here lately?"
"Well, not exactly the best. Riots are slowly forming around here and supplies are getting low. Still, your presence should provide plenty of new motivation. Listen guys, help them out and take some of the weight off their shoulders. Their journey has been long enough, we' ll try to make it as easy as possible the rest of the way. Be sure to keep an eye on the surrounding area, we know their patterns."
Once the danger was cleared, they went the rest of the way along with their saviors. Lynia didn't know what to expect of the entire resistance. As they made a turn, the final destination they had been searching for showed itself in the distance. The place could hardly be called a defensive structure. Although it had a large fortification wall, all of the buildings within these walls were nothing more than ruins. Nonetheless, they had to make the best of it. As they entered the gate, Lynia saw that her mother was already there to greet them.
"I was beginning to think I wouldn't be able to see your face again."
"You are out of your mind. Just because you' re the leader of them doesn't mean your daughter is any less strong."
"Haha, you're still just the stubborn one with a loose mouth."
One by one, everyone gathered and was cared for. It was a miracle to all for such a large group would ever reach here. One another shared the stories they had experienced over the years. It was reassuring to hear that humans took a heart for their race and protected them by letting them live in homes. Meanwhile, the key figures gathered together and they, too, shared stories about the past. The stories they told seemed rather long, making the conversation go on late into the night.
"And all this time you've been taking all the responsibility? It' s hard to believe considering the daughter I used to know. Good thing you have some assistants, having such allies is crucial against the enemy."
Elayn then turned to Ryu. As his strength was of urgent need, his identity sparked great interest.
"Tell me: where exactly did you come from? I simply can't believe you just happened to discover things. Furthermore, nobody swears allegiance to a leader when they first meet him or hear from him?"
"This...this is of no importance. I think I've proven my reliability enough times to not need to answer these questions."
"Haha, good response. Well, maybe you'll open up about yourself later. After all, it seems like I also have a human to thank for protecting my people."
"That's an overstatement. We' ve all helped each other and without their shelter the two of us might still be on the road."
Suddenly Connor stopped abruptly in his answer. Although they wanted to address him but preferably not that day. After all, Elayn knew Leo very well though not the person he has become. In her memories, he freed her daughter upon her request as well as others of her people. The last time they met, she had taken a step that caused Leo to view her as an enemy. Even now she wasn't proud of it she really didn't regret it. Many things had happened and even his existence was no longer obvious to her. That is why his name was meaningful to her. To her he was her savior and from his point of view her enemy.
"Who do you mean by the other one? Is it also a human being or do you somehow knew Ryu? What about another human who traveled with you?"
" Okay mother. Originally we were going to wait until tomorrow, but now it's too late. Regarding the battle outside our fortress: we actually weren't the main force that crushed the army. Actually, it's Leo who is partly responsible for the survival of this group."
At once her eyes lit up but not out of joy. From her last memories of him, she thought that he was the enemy of the dark elves.
"How can that be?! Why would he support you if he made it very clear back then that our people are dead to him?"
"Well, Connor explained it as him doing it as a favor for me traveling with him in the past. In other words, it wasn't really out of sympathy, even his decisions afterwards were somewhat questionable."
"And where is he now? Did he split up with his companion and go off on his own? Also, what about that huge creature that was by his side?"
"Oh, that's a long story as well. Well, I'll share it with you tomorrow but we've exchanged enough pieces of information for today. It has been a long journey, I think it's time for a little rest."
On the following day, Lynia really her mother told everything she knew about Leo. Elayn was both puzzled and surprised at his development. She was comforted as she realized that he was no longer hostile to her people. In return, Lynia and her group demanded that Maris show himself to them.
He, the so called savior, was sitting in his own little tent. To the surprise of everyone, he seemed really like a normal dark elf, though far more scruffy and skinny. On top of that to the disappointment of everyone he didn't speak a single word the whole time and his facial expression looked sorrowful. This resulted in the faith in him diminishing around the camp and Elayn being called a liar.
"Tsk, just what have you been telling mother? I do trust you but there is nothing that points towards him. Unless he shows or does something I can't agree with your opinion."
The companions had the same opinion. All of them felt slightly disappointed but also wary of how to deal with others. However, the scrawny, mute man was going to play a part again soon.
Meanwhile in the fortress
"I will not forgive their people as long as he remains unseen. When he dies, everything will be settled. However, anyone, of any race, who invades this place will eventually pay with their lives ! If you want answers, then follow me."
Following her announcement, she and Leo entered a room formerly used as a library. It was eventually turned into a conference room for plotting out plans. Nevertheless, the cabinets held plenty of books.
" Say, what are the meaning of books to you?"
"If I had to come up with a good answer I'd say: Books are not just words to be read. They also represent a tool you can use to sharpen your senses."
"As expected, you' re competent."
She headed straight for the front shelf, took a particular book, and shoved it into Leo's hand.
"Here: the foundation stone of my existence. Since you have so many questions you should find some answers in there. While you' re at it I' ll check on the situation here, each and every soldier ought to be ready for whatever comes his way. Once you have finished, you are free to do whatever you want other than trying to escape of course. But as you're not an idiot you should realize such things yourself. You' ll find me at the training grounds.
"You're going to leave me in here alone?"
"Is there anything strange about that? You' re not a prisoner in here but merely a guest. The way I want to figure you out you're free to do the same thing."
With no further questions, he flipped through the pages. She gave one last glance at Leo and then left the room. The handwriting of the book was very clean and neat though it was the content that quickly gave away the author. It was the father of Vega and the former ruler of this place: Darian Raskadis. He wrote it like a diary containing all the highs and lows he experienced in this place. The more Leo read the bigger his confusion became.
("His best friend was a dark elf?! But how is that possible? Was that one actually the exception to this hatred for each other?")
Hours passed and still Leo was engrossed in the writings.
("So they really were peaceful in nature but who does Vega mean then by the enemies they defeated?")
All of the questions that came to his mind were answered as he read the pages. The things he discovered in them shocked him to the core.
("Elves attacking elves...what a crazy world. His intentions were far too kind for his own kind. Thus, they fought against their own people due to the presence of humans and dark elves? He abandoned their nature. There is nothing they won't do. His wife, of all people, was among those who were suffering. A human and an elf both in love and yet not intended for one another. Her daughter must still be suffering from the death of her mother. Hence she allows humans to stay here...following in the footsteps of her parents huh?")
He almost reached the end yet the main question still remained unanswered: How exactly did Darian die?
As Leo read the last few paragraphs, he realized that something wasn't right. His relationship with the dark elves had always been very good. His final entry was a preparation for an sudden meeting. They knew each other for years and the meetings were always scheduled in advance.
("He never returned from that...but that doesn't mean that his friend is the killer. It doesn't make sense if they've been friends for so long. None of this sounds like betrayal. This...this is obvious...these secrets may decide the outcome of their future. Vega is wrong, I need more information.")
Before Leo left the room and hurried to Vega, his mind went over everything again.
("All that this book says about this place and about its ruler doesn't even remotely resemble the teachings of Yrasil. Just the one time he is mentioned, he is called a tyrant. Have they been able to resist and deceive him?")
Leo left the room in search of Vega. As he opened the door, she already stood in front of him.
"I suppose you have finished reading his work. Can you understand who he is now, what's happening here, and why I'm acting the way I'm acting?"
" This is exactly what I am concerned with. All I need is a few more answers from you. Let me tell you, you're getting it wrong with his death. It doesn't match what he's saying of his companion and you know that!."
"Just cause the tone isn't right doesn't mean I'm wrong. You may not believe he murdered him but that bastard handed his corpse to me himself. I wish I had killed him on the spot but I was too frail... from that moment on I swore never to show weakness again and carry on his teachings."
"Then why are you devoting yourself to vengeance if your father would never have wanted it that way? How are you so sure that his best friend killed him?"
The more questions he asked the more angry her tone became.
"How do I know he's his killer? Cause he actually told me himself before he quietly disappeared. Don't ever let your friends get too close to you so that they can take a piece of who you are. At worst, they will take your life. They take off their masks and reveal the ugly face that killed one of yours. His wishes became irrelevant at the moment his body was in my hands. If I can't get his murderer then I' ll take a part of him, part of his people until he shows himself again!"
As she spoke these words, Leo suddenly saw that her eyes lit up in green for a small moment. He instantly had a sinister suspicion.
("No, did Yrasil have something to do with it?! Otherwise, where can this green glow come from? Maybe she's being manipulated by him? Or am I imagining all of this? Her behavior and actions do not indicate his character. Then, if he was here, it must have happened recently, right? By the way, when did Yrasil reappear? If he came back the same time as Zaphiel then... there' s a lot more to the story than I thought. Hopefully Maris really is still around, I need some clarification from him. Then again, where do we go from here?")
" So now you have your answers, pleased or not? In case you got some clue or experience then you know that there is no right or wrong in this."
"Do you want to drag everyone into your revenge? The worst thing a leader can do is sacrifice the characters before himself."
"Sacrifice? Hahaha, are you serious?! If you're really that oblivious and see only lives as sacrifices, then I guess I sent for you to come to me for nothing after all. Upon the death of a leader, each individual is given a major choice: does he or she place himself or herself under his or her successor, or does his or her loyalty and allegiance end?"
" I see, so they trusted you..."
"If you have lived here most of your life then the capability of your successor is unlikely to be questioned. Those ideals, most delude themselves, have long since ceased to exist. Being loyal to one person doesn't mean they will be loyal to the next one in line. Trusting someone without thinking leads to an early grave. The bond between soldiers and leaders shows itself on the battlefield at the very latest. That's the last and final place you recognize if you're a good leader to them."
"Plus it is easier to actually be a part of both sides."
"No, even though I am both human and elf they dont think I am special. If he was not the leader, my father would have been executed on the spot by every other leader for loving a woman of another race. In the beginning, of course, things were not easy, yet time always brings change as long as it runs into the right direction. There is one thing my father did not mention in his book, I cannot say if it was on purpose. His wife didn't die a natural death but was killed by a group of elves. He always told her to settle down here, though humans have family as well. From what I have heard, her hometown as a child was invaded. While there were survivors, it was our own kind who took the lives of most in the village. Father arrived too late and had to bury his wife while feeling immense guilt and shame. He said if I wasn't here he would be long gone in despair. In reality it was the same for me. All of these humans you see here, undergoing strict daily training, are survivors of this accident. All of them dedicated themselves to this fortress. This is their home and only duty which they possess."
"That's the reason why outsiders are not welcome, I guess. Things may have worked out so far, but what about the future?
" The future means the future, and the present means the present. No one can afford the luxury of thinking years ahead right now when your life could end tomorrow. You would just lose sight while trying to find more of it. But enough of that, I have other things planned for you."
Vega showed them around the place and gave him a tour of each of its buildings as if he were a mere guest. It was based on trust though with another intention as well. She still pursued the plan to sway him to her side. Eventually they walked by his five captors, who were undergoing a special training of their own. Leo was mostly interested in the blades. Even Ryu put his weapon away when he saw those things so they had to have some significance."
"They look intriguing, don't they? Their style, their shape, and their swinging motion. You' ve held them in your hand once yourself. Have you noticed how light it was and yet so sturdy? All these ornaments they feature are from different places. My father has kept them for a very long time up until my mother died. Later, he gave the survivors the choice to fight their own battle or not? The five of them are all human, however, they keep themselves hidden to avoid being recognized. I don't know the exact meaning of the blades nor is there anything written about them in the books. Still, one thing seemed clear: anyone who masters this weapon is capable of commanding death. These blades are neither true nor false and anyone who falls victim to them is an error. Watch them closely and you''ll see the threat they pose."
Leo stood watching as they trained. Vega gave them no instructions, they were training on their own according with their own exercises up to the limit of their bodies. These individuals served as elite warriors, trained by their pain and their losses.
"These weapons are not just for killing, they are capable of showing their enemies the weaknesses and flaws in their souls."
"What they hold in their hands may quickly become a double-edged sword. So far, no opponent has been able to match them, but what if the time comes? Recklessness is a sign of a weak mind."
"Recklessness comes from being overconfident. A man who has seen death walk beside him knows his limits."
When they saw Leo at their side, they gave him a nasty look. His very presence made them uneasy even though he was one of their own kind.
" Though sometimes they don't show it on the outside they know the best way to behave. All of them are aware of what they have to pay attention to, few orders are needed for them. You' ve overheard their way of reasoning, knowing what to do and which strategy would be beneficial."
" Nevertheless, they have to learn it from somewhere. You yourself said that they all received a trigger. To me it seems that they are almost admiring that trigger."
"Hahaha, admiration is the furthest thing from understanding. We just look out for each other. Like I lost my mother in this village they lost their families. We share the same burden even though we barely know each other."
The remaining soldiers showed talent as well but they also knew when to quit. Everything really seemed to be working to perfection... if it wasn't for this one big issue.
" That should do for today. Keep in mind: Every day you spend here is more time passed and your importance and attention to them dwindling away. As you can see I am not YOUR enemy thus do change your mindset about us. My father's knowledge as well as the life in here ought to bring you enough clarity to provide a unbiased judgment without prejudice. Starting tomorrow it' s time to present yourself, preferably voluntarily so no problems arise."
Leo slept very badly that night, suddenly a thousand thoughts flashed through his mind until all at once they vanished and silence returned.
(" She is restrained by delusions. Illusions persistent yet it is still not too late. Acknowledge the unseen path. A spirit comes to life.")
That night, the voice proved to be the deciding factor in his next steps. Leo decided to accept a risk which carried many lives in it. However, for him, the greatest risk was to do nothing....
By the next morning, he had found complete conviction in his decision and marched directly into Vega's building unaccompanied by soldiers. They tried to warn him with words and were in the process of stopping him when Vega noticed the commotion outside the door. As she stepped out she sensed the young man's determination on display.
"Let him in, I'll deal with him. Things are different today, I have a much good feeling."
As soon as they sat down at a table, Leo uttered a decisive phrase that also held Vega's destiny.
"You want clarity from me? Of all the truths I carry within me and the essence of who I am? I will provide you with everything, however, only on one condition: I shall help in your vengeance, not as a soldier, but as your equal."
"Do you even realize what you are saying? You thought revenge was the wrong thing to do, and today you want to assist me in it...as my equal?"
"Your confusion is justified but believe me: by the end of today all will change, very soon your desire will be satisfied by my assistance. I will obey your rules and follow your principles. We are both capable and yet not perfect, you know that. Alas, together no one can reach us even outside these walls."
"It really sounds rather interesting and yet quite delusional. So you want me to check whether I can reach my objective with you? Try to convince me of your abilities then."
*3 days later- the resistance camp*
"Are all the weapons repaired and fixed?"
"Almost all, Ryu is still busy helping them with sharpening."
"How are the results of the training?"
" Everyone is fit and prepared to fight so far. The amount of ill people is also getting less and less. If we keep this up everything should be back to normal soon."
" However, in order for that to happen, we need enough supplies. I can see that food has just delivered, now all that's missing are the medicinal herbs. Who went out to get them?"
"As far as I know, Connor left with ten other warriors. Actually, they should have been here an hour ago."
"Then something doesn't add up! Inform Lynia and find that squad!"
After a few minutes later, all was set. Her squad departed and began the search.
On the way to the spot of the herbs they noticed the footprints of their people but apart from that no clues. As they were nearly at their destination, moaning and heavy breathing sounded coming from the bushes. Entering the woods, everyone was shocked to see what had happened. The wagon was intact but every single soldier was knocked out and had minor wounds on their bodies. The cuts looked precise and intentional in non-lethal areas. Lynia had a strong hunch as to who could have done this. This guess was confirmed once she saw a black mask nailed to the cart. This was one of the masks of Leo's abductors. Written next to it was a sentence: "You have two days, head north."
It was a challenge by the elves who had observed them. So now they were given two days to go there themselves. After saving their people and returning to their camp, Lynia immediately relayed the news.
"It was only a matter of time before they took action. If we don't respond they will probably try to rush us. They are playing games with our lives."
At that moment, Connor barged into the meeting right after his wounds were treated.
"I know why, I know the reason. Before they left they said: "Don't make us wait, including him."
"Tsk, so Leo is indeed with them. However, there is much more at stake here. We can't just go along with it."
"This goes far beyond just his life. Even if he ends up there, this isn't really about him. They are giving us a chance to rescue him and yet even without him we would still have to step up."
"No, I don't think there will be a fight with such a message. It is true that we would be dragging ourselves to our own deaths, however, they do not intend to do that. You yourselves said that their leader is clever so he also knows this. I can' t say exactly what their final goal is either."
"So we have no choice? For crying out loud, why is everything going wrong now?"
"It doesn't have to. Perhaps he can help us, maybe he knows more about this."
Elayn spoke about Maris, who had barely spoken a word since Lynia arrived. All of them had hopes in him however he still didn't manifest his identity to these people. Not even after these three days did he utter a word. Following long debates, it was decided to comply with this challenge. However, not everyone in the resistance camp took part in the possible downfall of the camp since it needed protection. In the end, Lynia took the lead by excluding her mother from the group. Despite harsh opposition, everyone felt that it was for the best. Strangely, Maris emerged from his tent and joined in without a word. . Some still had a small residual hope in his abilities.
The marc to the north lasted until noon of the next day. Upon seeing the castle from afar, everyone was nervous and scared. Their enemy looked very capable and organized. Lynia approached them even though everyone advised her not to. However their leader went along with it and returned the welcome. Vega had the gate opened and met the enemy under the watch of her guards. She wore her white clothes and a green robe to present herself as the leader as it was unusual for a female elf to be in command. Lynia seemed full of bloodlust while Vega was fascinated and stared at her prey.
"I see you have noticed my note. You were smart not to keep me waiting."
"What exactly is this supposed to be? And where is he?"
"What this is supposed to be? I mean, have you ever heard of a strategic plan...Lynia?"
"How much did you get from him?"
"Get? Hahaha, as much as he offered me. Your name was the smallest bit of information he has shared with me."
Lynia gritted her teeth and refused to be provoked.
"Tsk, so this isn't just about him right? Now, what are you really after?"
"Solely revenge. This word may sound bad to you, but it means justice for me. Just as a part was taken from me, I will take a part from you...or several if he isn't present. In fact, you should be glad: you' ve just been given two chances: Either the murderer of our leader resides among you and reveals himself or else you lead me to his location. I know he's part of your pathetic little resistance, so no lying, okay?"
"The murderer of your leader? One of us? I don't know if you've noticed, but we're not really in the spirit of attacking you right now. There' s no way it's one of us!"
Vega sighed, turned around and headed back.
"I was really hoping this would be over quickly but you guys are making it more and more difficult. You' re the only dark elves in this region, which means there's a coward among you. Why was I expecting something else from your people? Very well, our first effort has failed. Now it' time for plan B, or rather plan L, to capture the one responsible before you all get wiped out. May the game plan begin!"
On top of the wall a man appeared, dressed completely in white with a long green robe, white gloves and brown-black eyes. Those outside the walls couldn't believe who was peering down at them from above. Looking proud, he raised his arm and signaled everyone to be ready.
"Are you out of your fucking mind Leo?! What are you doing up there?! Hey bitch, what kind of brainwashing have you done to him?!"
"He really was absolutely correct, your temper truly is out of control. You' d best ask him yourself if you're so curious."
Again she shouted at him. Her yelling left him cold though he gave her an answer. With a resolute gaze, he glanced down.
"It's time for change...one way or another."