Kestra knew Drave would come for her soon. When Strailoch took her back to her cell, he told her she would take a ride back to Kneontide in a few weeks. Sylvaria couldn't comfort her, despite her efforts. Kestra had told Sylvaria about what happened during that day. Knowing that today was the day that they would take Kestra, she attempted again.
"Look on the bright side. You and your parents are alive, and you still have me." Sylvaria tells her.
"I know, but I'm the Liberator, and I shouldn't be. I don't have the strength to defeat Drave, nor the magic. My people will either have to serve him or face certain death. Not to mention he's going to coerce me into marrying him." Kestra replies, her face buried in her hands. Tears welled up as she sat on her cot.
"Kestra, you will survive. You always do. If you didn't have such a firm resolve, you would have been captured a long time ago." Sylvaria declares. Kestra looked up at her wise and supportive friend.
Kestra looked towards the stairwell when she heard the door open. This would be the last time she would see her friend, probably forever. She got up and hugged Sylvaria's muzzle, that she stuck through the bars.
"I'm going to miss you." Kestra breathes, forcing herself not to cry.
"Same to you." Sylvaria tells her. "You will save your people, Kestra, just like I will save mine."
"Aww, now isn't that touching? One last heart filled goodbye." Someone uttered, unlocking the door to the cell.
Kestra glanced back to see who had come for her. Of course, she thought to herself. It had to be Strailoch.
"As touching as this moment is, King Drave doesn't want to be left waiting." Strailoch continues, walking towards Kestra.
Kestra felt Strailoch placing his hands gently on her shoulders, but she didn't release.
"Tsk, tsk, Princess. You're always making things much harder than they need to be." Strailoch spoke. He leaned in close as she refused to release her grip. "I will tell you one more time before I force you." He whispers in her ear. "Let's go home."
Kestra still refused to let go of her dearest friend. The feeling of Strailoch's fingers digging into her skin caused her to let out a gasp of pain. "Do you want to let go now?" He growls low, still having his face near her ear. He brushed his fingers down her arms as Kestra still refused. "Are you always going to be so difficult, Kestra? It will always end in pain. For you, that is." He seized her arms to drive his point home. Sylvaria growled as he pulled Kestra towards the door. "Be quiet, dragon." Strailoch orders as he pulled Kestra out of the cell door.
Kestra dared a glance back towards her friend that has been with her through everything. As Strailoch pushed her up the stairs, she took one last, final look. As he forced her up the stairs, Kestra could see tears forming in those golden eyes. Kestra battled her own tears as they streamed down her face.
She stumbled as Strailoch pushed her forward. Raising her head, her gaze fell upon the armory. What she saw made questions run through her head and no answers. Strailoch grabbed her sword by the strap, careful not to touch the metal as they passed. He also shoved her cloak in her pack before grabbing that as well and tossed them on his shoulder. The one question that came more than the others was, why? She continued to think of possibilities as they reached the top and through the corridor. To her left, Kestra noticed three Morvaies that Strailoch beckoned over without hesitation. "Take the dragon underground and lock her up. Once we have everything settled, I will send someone to return." Strailoch orders.
Kestra saw the Morvaies bow and go down the stairwell before Strailoch turned back to her. "What are you going to do with Sylvaria?" Kestra whispered.
"Nothing that concerns you, Princess. Now, let's go so Drave can get moving." Strailoch replies, cutting her shoulder through her tunic.
***
Drave paced as he waited. He sensed the growing restlessness in both the army and the horses, mirroring his own. They needed to get moving. The night had fallen only a few hours ago, making it better to remain unseen. He placed his hand on the small black carriage they had secured. Though not magnificent, the carriage would make traversing the forest path simpler. He took a deep breath, calming himself. He had to keep up the façade that they believed. Glancing at the sky, he paced once more. Strailoch should have been back with Kestra by now. Why the considerable delay? Strailoch appeared just as he was going to investigate the problem.
"What took you so long?" Drave snarls fiercely.
"I'm sorry I took longer than expected, my king. But our vixen here," Strailoch shoved Kestra forward for emphasis. "Didn't want to leave before saying her last goodbye to her friend."
"Is that so?" Drave looking at Kestra. He noted the dried tears on her cheeks. The slight cut on her collarbone didn't escape his notice. "That doesn't matter now. Get her in the carriage, then we will be on our way." Drave finished.
"Yes, your Majesty. Come here, you." Strailoch grabbed Kestra's arm before she could run.
"I don't plan to go anywhere with you." Kestra spat, trying to free her arm.
"Did you hear that? She won't go anywhere with us." Strailoch sneers.
Drave laughed, followed by the army. He quickly lifted his hand, silencing the rest. He grabbed Kestra's other arm as she continued to struggle. "Do you really want to start this again?" He whispers into her ear, pulling her towards the carriage, pushing her inside.
Before she could recover, Drave stepped in and quickly closed the door. Once he felt the locks shut, he ordered the army to travel. Leaning back, he let out a sigh of relief and closed his eyes, placing his feet on the seat across from him.
Kestra tried to open the door on her side. Unfortunately, she found the door locked tight. Carefully reaching over Drave, she tried the other. With a huff of frustration, she leaned back into the seat.
"Did you think I wouldn't lock them, Kestra?" Drave asks, opening his eyes. "I had a feeling that you were going to try that. Now, let's make an agreement. My men won't harm you as long as you cooperate. Does that sound fair to you?"
Kestra pretended she didn't hear him, as she just looked out the window. She pulled her legs up and rested her chin on her knees. She thought of the stories that her parents told about the Spirit Guardians. Those who long ago came to the land.
They were those who believed in justice and mercy. Once their mortal bodies became one with the earth, their spirits continued protecting it from Timore. "Timore," her father once tells her, "is what created the Morvaies. The Dark One has part of Timore's spirit in him. Once the Guardians knew what was happening, they appointed a Liberator to defeat the Timore once again. We currently know little, but my theory is that it will be an ongoing battle between the Guardians and the Timore. Sometimes, assuming a mortal form. Legend spoke of Guardians who would safeguard the land and its freedom until the very ground gave way." Kestra glanced at Drave before turning back to the window, praying for a miracle.
***
Scyfire ran into Eldar, hoping they did not catch him.
"Scyfire, what did you see?" Elerate asks once he returns.
"They were just about to leave. I heard them say they will travel the forest road to avoid suspicion. I counted at least one hundred soldiers strong. Drave and a Morvaie were pulling Kestra into a black carriage. The Morvaie wasn't friendly at all. I think Drave called him Strailoch."
"What did you say?" Elerate asked in shock.
"Strailoch. He climbed aboard the carriage. I figured he was the coachman." Scyfire, catching his breath, spoke.
"Of course, he would have Strailoch. Drave wouldn't trust anyone." Elerate grumbled, leaning back on a tree. "How much longer do you think they will be?"
"Not very long. At most, I would estimate it takes two hours. The army keeps having to stop and clear a path into the forest. It's as if they've never been through a forest before. Except for a few leaders, they are clueless about what to do." Scyfire replied.
"They can't know that we are waiting for them." Elerate orders, retrieving his sword and dagger.
Concealing their packs and bedrolls, they expected the army's arrival.
***
"Now, now, Kestra. Why the grim face? Don't you like riding with me?" Drave asks Kestra as they traveled. He has been trying to get Kestra to enjoy the journey, despite his irritation.
Kestra shot him a dirty look before turning back towards the window. She had remained silent throughout the ride. She shifted in her seat as she continued to feel Drave's eyes on her.
"What's wrong, Sweetheart? You can tell me."
That did it. She turned to him quickly, anger in her eyes. She raised a finger as she spoke. "First off, Drave, don't call me Sweetheart. It's insulting coming from you. Second, how can I enjoy a ride with someone who wants to kill and enslave my people? Thirdly…"
The sudden stop jolted Kestra forward. She saw Strailoch opened the door, bewildered.
"Why are we stopping, Strailoch? We just cleared a path." Drave asks, stepping out.
"I don't know, sire. But someone might." Strailoch replies.
"Make sure she doesn't escape. Whoever caused us to stop will deeply regret it." Drave snarls as he left.
Kestra recognized this as her chance to escape. She jumped out of the carriage after Drave. Before she could, however, Strailoch grabbed her right arm. She saw him shaking his head. She fiercely struggled to release his grip, halting. This might just be the distraction that I need. She thought as she heard shouting, allowing Strailoch to pull her towards the noise. To her left, she heard the rustling of leaves. A gasp caught in her throat, and she turned her head slightly, biting her lip to hold it back, her heart pounding in her chest. It was Scyfire. With a finger to his lips, he subtly urged her to silence, his eyes conveying the seriousness of the situation. A warm smile touched his lips before he melted into the shadows.
"What are you looking at, Kestra? A sign of escape? If so, you're going to have to do a lot better than that." Drave spoke standing before her.
Kestra nearly jumped. Why hadn't she heard him coming towards her?
"What do you mean, Drave?" Kestra asks, never taking her eyes off of the area where she had seen Scyfire.
"You keep staring into the bushes there. It's easy to say that you're looking for an escape route, or maybe someone to help you. Why don't you come this way? I have a little surprise that you may be interested in."
Kestra looked at Drave. What kind of surprise would he be talking about? Surely not a pleasant one.
When Drave saw the confusion in her eyes, he continued. "I mean, someone thought that they could rescue you without help. Care to see who it is?" Drave asks.
She felt Strailoch released her arm as Drave grabbed the other. So much for escape. She thought as they led her forward. Looking towards the group, she stifled a gasp of surprise. Two captains held him. A few scratches covered his face, a nasty cut on his arm. His eyes gleamed with mischief as he saw her.
"Elerate?" She spoke in barely a whisper.
"Hello, Princess. Nice night for a stroll, isn't it?" Elerate replies in a cheery voice.
With a growl, Strailoch walked over and punched Elerate in the gut, the force of the blow knocking the wind out of him. If not supported, he would have crumpled to the ground.
"Elerate. I expected more from you. I thought you knew your place long before now." Drave grinned. "I guess even the lowest mouse needs to be put in his place. Don't you agree, Kestra?" Drave took a quick look at her before turning his attention back to the matter at hand. "You have failed me for the last time."
Strailoch drew his dagger, the grating rasp of steel on leather echoing unpleasantly close to Kestra, despite the distance between them. Strailoch intended to murder his son and her friend before her eyes. The fear was overwhelming, and she didn't even attempt to suppress the trembling that shook her body. She didn't care if it pleased Drave; she didn't want Elerate to die. Not after what he's been through in his life.
"No. No. Drave let him go. He has been through enough." A strangled sob escaped Kestra's lips as she fought back the tears.
"Why should I let him live? This will lead to your kin being informed." Drave, noticing the pain in her eyes, softly adds, "But if you insist, I'll release him." Drave turned around, pulling Kestra towards the carriage. "Let's go, our work is done." Drave orders the Morvaies, releasing his grip on Kestra once Strailoch fell behind them. The two that were holding Elerate up shoved him to the ground and left. Strailoch walked behind Drave, signaling to one of the Morvaies that was waiting.
Distracted, Kestra didn't notice the bow and arrow being handed to Drave until Strailoch's rough hands clamped around her chest, the sudden, sharp pain causing a scream to rip from her throat as he hauled her toward him.
Drave looked back, shocked. Strailoch raised one of his hands and slid a finger over his throat. He placed his hand lightly over Kestra's throat, his fingers flexing against the soft flesh, sensing the rapid beat of her heart. A grim understanding settled on Drave–failure to eliminate Elerate meant Kestra would die by Strailoch's hand.
Kestra sensed a slight rise in pressure on her throat. She didn't need to look to see Strailoch grinning. She saw the worry and confusion in Drave's eyes only momentarily before he turned back around. Her eyes widened, and a gasp escaped her lips as the implications of the situation washed over her. "No." She whispers. Gathering her courage, she would try to warn him. "Elerate, watch out!" Kestra shouts, struggling against Strailoch's grasp.
Hearing her warning, Elerate lifted his gaze to see Drave readying his bow and arrow, the weapon held steady and aimed. His eyes held a look of sorrow, a quiet grief that spoke volumes. "I'm sorry." were the words he mouthed. Elerate glanced around in confusion. A quick look at Strailoch revealed Kestra in a deadly embrace. He berated himself for discovering the truth too late. A small, understanding smile touched his lips as he nodded to Drave.
Drave didn't hesitate; he pulled the string back, feeling the tension, and fired, the sound sharp and sudden. The arrow, whistling through the air, found its mark, piercing Elerate's heart with a sickening thud.
"NO! NO! NO!" Kestra's scream was raw with pain and pierced the air, hot tears streaming down her face. She continued to struggle against Strailoch's powerful grip, her breath catching in her throat as his hold tightened. If she could get to Elerate, she might save him. As the last few seconds crawled by, a chilling certainty settled upon her- too late. Grief washed over her. Her knees gave way, causing her to collapse. She hit the ground as Strailoch released his hold. Her gaze fell upon the lifeless form. He selflessly sacrificed himself for her, even though he wasn't an elf. He sought a place to call home, and she hoped he found it.
A look of pure, burning hatred filled Drave's eyes as he turned to face Strailoch. The soldier silently accepted the bow, the silence broken only by the rhythmic thud of his boots as he walked away. With a few tense steps forward, a low growl vibrated from deep within Drave, threatening to escape. The army has dispersed, leaving only the three. He glanced quickly at Kestra. Overwhelmed by despair, she wouldn't make sense of what he said.
"Don't threaten her like that again." Drave snarls, a low growl rumbling in his chest, teeth bared.
"I only do what I must. Your actions forced my hand; I wouldn't have had to do it otherwise. Don't allow yourself room for error." A slow smile spread across Strailoch's face as he answered. "Get her back in the carriage while I look around."
Drave watched as Strailoch started searching the area. He let out a soft sigh and carefully scooped Kestra into his arms, feeling the warmth of her body against his. Her tears fell like rain as her fist clenched in his shirt, the fabric bunching underneath. Opening the door with care, he placed her gently on a seat. He brushed her hair off her face, mentally putting his mask back on.
"Now, now, Sweetheart. Why don't you rest?" Drave spoke caringly.
Kestra couldn't speak, her throat still closed as she cried. She shook her head slightly. She wouldn't be able to rest, anyway.
"No. It doesn't matter what you think. You will rest." He placed his fingers on Kestra's forehead. He could feel her subtly turning her head away. "Nuepaye."
Kestra felt the darkness of sleep cloaking over her. Though she willed it with all her might, the magic wouldn't stir, held captive by the heavy slumber that weighed upon her. Overwhelmed by fatigue from the day's events, she fought to stay awake, but the weight of sleep pressed down on her. Drave, you will repay for what you had done. I promise you. Sleep claimed Kestra before she could think another thought.
Once he knew Kestra was asleep, Drave gently laid her down on her plush seat, careful not to disturb her peaceful slumber. He retrieved a wool blanket he'd hidden beneath the car seats and draped it over her, the rough texture a stark contrast to her soft skin. I'm sorry. Drave thought, climbing out of the carriage. I had no say in the matter. I couldn't let Strailoch take you from me. He would tear you apart, piece by piece, savoring your destruction. I could never forgive myself if that happened. Please forgive me.
Strailoch kneeled before Drave. "There is something you should see."
Drave saw a group murmuring to themselves as Strailoch led him to the front. There he found ten men, dead.
"Elerate didn't act alone." Drave whispered.
"What do you mean?" Strailoch asks.
"Do you see these footprints? There are two sets of them. Someone from the Royal Guard must have helped." Drave growled. He picked up a note lying on the ground.
"How do you get the Royal Guard?"
"Look at this." Drave demands, thrusting the note at Strailoch.
DRAVE. THIS IS YOUR FIRST AND ONLY CHANCE TO SURRENDER. HAND OVER PRINCESS KESTRA TOMORROW NIGHT BY THE HORROR TREE OR ELSE YOUR MEN WILL CONTINUE TO DIE UNTIL YOU DO. SCYFIRE.
"I'm sure the lovely princess will be interested in reading this. Don't you agree?" Strailoch asks once he finished reading. "She could help us without even knowing it. If she sees this," He stopped to glance at the name. "Scyfire, she could try to warn him. Once that happens, we will have him."
"Strailoch," Drave began. "Are you recommending that if Kestra gives any sign of seeing him, we should let her go while someone follows her?"
"Without her knowing, yes. That is exactly what I'm saying." Strailoch continues with a grin.
Dismissing the others with a curt nod, Drave paced restlessly, the weight of Strailoch's words pressing down on him. If Drave got rid of Scyfire, he couldn't leave for help. However, Drave didn't know how many elves there were in Eldar. The way Elerate acted, the Royal Guard knew what Drave planned. He didn't come this far just to abandon Kestra to Strailoch's mercy.
"Drave, if Kestra gives any sign, I will follow her. There is no maybe. And she will go. I just need to draw her into a false sense of security." Strailoch declares. "I won't give up the Princess to such insignificant threats. I plan to keep the Liberator for a long time." A small, chilling chuckle escaped his lips, sending shivers down Drave's spine. "Be aware. I have a little warning for you. And I only tell you this so you are aware how serious He is." Strailoch began walking away. "One wrong move, and your girlfriend becomes our plaything. Consider yourself warned."
"What?!" Surprise registered on Drave's face, his mouth slightly agape.
"The day I left you alone with her, Kentight came to see me. I know you heard us talking. Do I need to refresh your memory?" Strailoch's grin was wide and predatory as he looked back at Drave. "He mentioned that if you didn't hurry, your secret would come out and he would make your girlfriend his own."
"I can't let you hand her over to anyone, Strailoch, especially not Kentight." Drave's voice was rough and edged with anger as he spoke, his words tumbling out in a harsh torrent. "You don't know what he will do to her."
"Is that a hint of fear I sense?" His grin widened. "You have no say in this matter. I suggest you tread carefully if you wish to avoid the unpleasant results of your actions. All it takes is one minor mistake. He might even let Kentight take your princess as his own personal pet, to do with as he pleases." With a reply, Strailoch walked away.