74

Trial or Error?

A pain filled grunt fills the dusty air along with a hoarse voice filled with menace. “Tell me, tell me where it is and the pain will stop.”

The old bloody elf on the ground looks the human in the eye and suddenly spits at him. “I have been a caretaker of this hall before you were even a thought. I will never tell you and even if I did it would be useless!”

A familiar bout of pain lances through the elf’s hand as another finger is taken by the rogue’s bloody blade. “Tell me and stop spouting nonsense.”

“I told you! Not even I can access the vault and even if I could I would never tell you how, do with me what you will.”

The shadow replaces the gag and steps back swearing at the roof, kicking over the dusty furniture and pretty much destroying anything in site. “Why, why, why must you be so difficult? Don’t you understand that I need this? Without it I can never be free, without it I will always be a captive within my own mind!” The rogue rushes at the elf again and starts to plead, his eyes bloodshot and filled with madness. “Please tell me? Please, please, please I want to know.”

For the first time the caretaker starts to feel fear. The thing in front him is no human but something far lesser. A fragment of something, a wraith that is bat shit crazy! Despite the fear, he will not say anything. It is his sacred duty to protect the hall, to care for it and everything inside.

The begging stops and the bloodshot eyes swivel around in the crazy human’s skull. He looks up at the pure white marble roof that is now stained with small speckles of the elf’s blood. The human takes a deep breath and looks down with a kind and loving smile that causes the caretaker’s blood to turn cold. Then it speaks its voice nearly soothing. “Are you sure you won’t tell me, not even a little itty bit?”

The elf forces the fear down, he can’t give in. Lifting his chin, he says what he believes will be the last words to ever leave his lips, “I will never tell.” As a testament to his acceptance of whatever comes next the Elf closes his eyes to await what will surely be his death…..

****

A dusty Trisha and Slyfer crest a hill and the large tower comes into view. Slyfer reluctantly lifts himself up and out of her soft pelt. With a tired grunt he slides down her side. The large tiger soon changes back and stands next to his side. Slyfer the boy smiles brightly at her and gives her a soft kiss. The fragrance of her scent, the touch of her soft lips and the warmth of her in his arms nearly drives him over the edge, but…

Trisha feels his shoulders stiffen and he stands back. Gone is the boy and back is the man that has to do what he must. He takes her hand in his. It is soft, but the strength in it is undeniable. It provides support like nothing else ever will. With one last deep breath he starts to make his way towards the tower, the tent, the people… everything he does not want.

****

Jade rubs at her temples. Most of those in front of her have agreed to join the treaty, all accept for a certain Snow-Elf. She had been clear; there is to be no negotiating. Even though Slyfer is not here she will still follow his wishes because how would he be able to trust her in the future if she did not stand with him on their first council meeting. She smiles and shakes her head. –I feel like a wife of some King. –

Her thoughts are broken by the Dwarf King as he once again tries to persuade the Snow Elf. Before she can interject the negotiation devolves into an argument between the two.

They suddenly fall quiet and look over her shoulder. She follows the direction and finds the dusty duo. Slyfer gives no courtesy or apology and simply takes his seat once more. Trisha quickly joining him, like a Queen following her King.

Once seated Slyfer looks over everyone and then turns to Jade. “Who is leaving our city?”

He hears a snort and turns to the origin. “Snow Elf, do you find something funny?”

With Slyfer looking at him the bit of courage the Snow Elf King had drains away, but he swallows down the fear. For his people he would gladly die. “You cannot demand that we leave our homes just like that. My people are responsible for more than thirty percent of the trade in the city, without us the city would surely suffer a great blow.”

Slyfer nods. “It will surely be a great blow.”

The other leaders start to ramble and nod with this. Some gaining back their courage.

“BUT! I would rather have the city suffer a great blow than not exist at all. The enemy is coming and we do not have time for this. The dwarves and others more willing will take over from you and serve the city. I expect you gone by the time I reach the city. If you are not, all Snow Elves will be considered enemies of the capital and our alliance.”

The Snow Elf King jumps up. “No one will stand for your bullying.”

Slyfer holds up his hand, silencing the King. “If they do not and you keep the city, my parents will burn it to the ground. It is only fitting that the creators destroy what they built and not the one coming to steal our very souls. You have until tomorrow to decide. This subject is now finished and we will continue with the trials.”

Just as he finishes familiar thunder claps fill the sky announcing the return of Alric and Serena. The two dragons land as if on que to drive Slyfer’s point home. Sure the combined forces of all those present would most likely be able to fight, but at what cost? The fight would destroy the very thing the fight is over… the victor would have nothing but rubble left under their feet.

The Snow Elf King sits down slowly and defeated. Slyfer stares at him for another minute to make sure there will be no more interruptions. After confirming all is quiet he turns to the High Elves. “I hear the Queen has surrendered herself to be judged by the dragons for her crimes?”

Before she can answer an elder stands up. “That is true, but it was before… before everything else came to light. We realise now that we need her guidance more than ever and we hope that the trial be delayed until the current matters are dealt with.”

Slyfer turns to Alric and Serena and speaks into their minds. “Would you accept my judgement on this or do you want to do it?”

Serena opens one eyelid her eyes having been closed since she landed. “I do not care for the two legs but I believe her experience will help a great deal in coming battles.”

Alric interrupts with a huff. “I say Kill her and be done with it.”

Slyfer falls quiet for a while and thinks on it. “What if we decide her fate between the three of us. We put it up for a vote?”

Both dragons fall quiet and he takes it as acceptance of what he had just said and turns back to the Elder.

“Knowing what has happened due to your lax and two faced behaviour would you say that the crimes of your people are any less? No, they are far worse in my and the eyes of my parents, but as you mentioned we need capable leaders now mora than ever. The trial will belayed for your people, however certain things will still be set into place…. Notice how I said your people? In my view it is not only her fault but the fault of all of you. Just like you tried to wrest control from her but a few days ago, could you not have done the same then? It is not only her crime but all of you and so you should be judged as a race not one person.”

Another elder jumps up. “That is preposterous! We did not do anything wrong.”

Slyfer ignores the man and looks at Aldowin. “Master what happened to you when you chose to fight instead of hide like a gutless pig?”

Aldowin steps forward. “I was ostracized, kicked from my house and labelled as a traitor.”

Slyfer stands up and walks toward the High Elf Elder while Aldowin’s words hang thickly in the atmosphere. “Ostracized, kicked and labelled? Tell me elder, what have you ever done for something you believed in?”

Slyfer’s every step closer coupled with the words spoken hits like lashes causing the Elders to wince as if struck physically. The Queen being the worst one affected by his words can only cringe and ball her fists.

The Elder looks around him for help but only heads bowed in shame, meets his gaze. Slyfer seeing this feels the rage boil inside and shouts at the floundering Elder. “Tell me coward!”

Left with no choice but to answer the Elder manages to whisper out a word barely audible to all accept Slyfer, who feels the rage intensify. His red eyes making their appearance once more causes the Elf to panic. He starts to shake when Slyfer says. “Say that again coward.”

The man grips the edges of his tunic. “I said, I said we only wanted peace-“

Before he knows it Slyfer has him by the neck, effortlessly lifting him off of the ground. “Peace! You wanted peace? You liar of all the things you could have said… peace!”

The Elf starts to claw at Slyfer’s arm but it is like trying to cut down a tree with a blade of grass. Slyfer ignores it and turns to the others sitting in the tent, most unable to look him in the eye. His eyes roam and then stop on the dryads. “Peace, if you wanted peace why did you not fight with the one being capable of granting it. If you wanted peace why did you abandon the one trying to bring it? No, you were all selfish. You were drunk and stupid on the little illusionary power you had and turned your backs on the only hope this world ever had of having peace.”

Slyfer sets the Elf back down and turns around to take his seat as he continues to speak. “I have come to understand that my predecessor was wrong and did not fully understand the…. People he had made oaths with. Dragons have too much pride, even I have come to know this and because dragons have pride they put stock in their words and honour them at all costs because not doing so would be worse than death.” Slyfer sits down and looks over everyone with disgust. “You, however, have no honour, no code save for looking after your own interests and damn the rest…. Because of that you have damned yourselves. Chronos is coming, the enemy is coming and you can do nought but wait to be slaughtered like sheep.”

Slyfer looks at the Queen. “The high elves will follow the promise they made so many years ago and more. This will not be amends but simply a requirement to be a part of the alliance. Jade will fill you all in on the details.”

Jade only nods at the words. Slyfer sits down and glances at the dragons. He takes a few short breaths before relaying his next words. Words that will cause a lot of strife and possibly war, however if they manage to get through it the alliance will be stronger and not rotten to the core. “The trial will continue, but not for those that abandoned the dragons, but those that served as Alexo’s spies. Those that betrayed their own kind.”

Many leaders get up to protest, but a growl from Alric silences them. For the first time in a while the Snow Elf speaks. “How will you know who were spies and what will happen to those that are guilty?”

Slyfer looks down at his hands. For a split second they seem covered in blood. He rubs them together to dispel the illusion, an illusion that reflects the truth of of what will be after today. He looks up and his eyes scan over everyone present. “The dragons will go through your minds, search through your memories to discover the traitors.”

The leader of the rabbit creatures stands up to Slyfer’s surprise. “What makes you think we will allow it?”

Slyfer shrugs. “What makes you think you have a choice if you want to be a part of what we are creating? Those who willingly step forward will be “read” first and will experience nothing but slight discomfort and embarrassment. Those who refuse… well it may hurt a little.”

Jade touches Slyfer’s arm and says in a whisper. “This is going too far. You can’t expect them to open their minds without giving something in return. You risk a lot of death if you force this without giving them good reason.”

Slyfer pulls his arm out of her hand. “What better reason is there than the continuation of your race? If they wish a fight, I will simply abandon them.”

Jade sighs more than a little hurt at his words.. “ What about me and the others that have chosen to follow you, will you abandon us too?” Slyfer is unable to answer that question and she knows it so after a brief pause she continues. “To them the threat seems unreal. They still do not feel it. It is like something you see in the distance, but it has not affected you directly. Without the feeling of danger, they will not submit. Is there no other way?”

Slyfer shakes his head. “No.”

Jade sits back biting her lip. In her mind this action does not make them any better than the tyrant they will be facing. If only they knew what Slyfer does… With new hope and an idea she whispers again. “Why not let the dragons show them what was shown to the rest of us. It may not let all of them accept this, but at least they will understand the reason behind your drastic measures?”

Slyfer looks to Alric and Serena and Jade can only guess that the three are having a conversation. After a brief moment and a growl from the red one. Slyfer turns back to Jade. “They will show them.”

He then turns to the rest of the people who have a mixture of fear, hate and fear written on their faces. Only a scare few show acceptance. “Jade has convinced me to show you why we need to take these steps.”

Without warning everyone around them suddenly grab at their temples as the two dragons crash into their minds. Many try to put up a fight and manage it if only for a few moments. To the dragons surprise there are some that continue to resist, but those are easily defeated when the two dragons join forces to crush their defences.

Soon all sport glazed eyes as they are shown the atrocities that will be visited upon them should Atlantia fall. Some start to cry others feel sick. Despite the different reactions there is one feeling that starts to grow in them all… fear.

The tent falls into a deathly silence as all present get lost in the minds of the dragons. Alric lets out a growl. “I have already discovered several traitors.”

To Slyfer’s surprise Serena also speaks with more disgust and hate than Alric could ever manage clearly in her voice. “I too have found many. The most seem to be in the dwarven ranks. I will kill them now.”

“Wait!” interrupts Jade. ‘We cant do that without the other hearing some sort of confession out of them or it may cause problems.”

Serena looks at the short Dark Elf. “Fine, it is something easily remedied. I will simply share the memories of the traitors with their leaders.”

****

A dirt covered and bloody High Elf opens the one eye he can still see through. The other had already been taken by the crazy thing that looks like a human. The elf shudders and the minute movement causes him pain. With a whimper he tries to get up and look around, but everything is dark. Black like the heart of the one that captured him.

He has no idea how long it has been. His mind foggy and drugged. He can remember being dragged through the halls he loved so much, then nothing. -How long have I been here? Where am I? It hurts so much…”

The thoughts repeat themselves along with the throbbing of his wounds with every heartbeat. Unable to tell time he has no idea how long he has been laying there. He hears the clank of a lock being moved. An all too familiar sound. –So I am still in the hall?-

Light is cast on the broken figure as a door is opened. The cloaked figure swears and asks. “Did you shit yourself?” it’s a rhetorical question the answer evident in the smell hanging in the room. The cloaked figure continues to complain as he busies himself going through things in the dark room. The elf has no energy to try and see what the crazy thing is doing.

It is not long before a gag is stuffed into his mouth. The elf struggles feebly for the first time realising his hands and feet are tied. The man steps back and regards his handy work. “I have good news. Its dark outside which means we can finally leave and you don’t have to keep lying in your own filth. Though I wish you had not shit yourself, I have to carry you after all.”

The elf feels a bit of satisfaction at the cloaked figure’s words and for a moment he contemplates letting go of his bowels again. Maybe the thing will leave him be, by now it should have realised that the elf won’t say a thing. Or so he hopes.

Bending low, the man utters a curse before picking up the elf. The movement causes wounds to flare up nearly driving the elf to unconsciousness once more. Propped over the human’s shoulder they enter a hallway that is sparsely lit by a lone torch.

The man takes one step before a demonic sound fills the hall. He stops in his tracks. Frozen as if by fear. The elf feels a mixture of shame and pride at the man’s reaction to his latest smelly addition. He would like to convince himself that it was on purpose, but the truth is he could not help it in any way. The abuse his body had gone through coupled with the shoulder painfully sticking into his belly all conspired to bring on the Elf’s defiant flatulence.

The atmosphere hangs heavy in the air along with the smell. For moment the Elf once again believes his death has finally come… Alas with a swear and a change of the human’s hand position they once again set off into the winding hallways.

***

Slyfer looks outside. The darkness had set in completely by now. Torches lit by his men surround them, the wind blowing outside causing their shadows to dance and frolic about, as if oblivious to the atmosphere inside.

Looking at the faces ranging from anger, to fear he breaks the silence. “Now you know what we face and what some of you have done to aid our enemy.”

They say nothing, what can they say. What has been seen cannot be unseen, what has been done is the same. A dwarf sitting next to his King touches his elbow only to receive a fist to his face from the latter. Blood gushing from his broken nose the dwarf falls to his knees. “My King I did not know what the humans were doing, what Chronos was-“

“Silence!” Shouts the dwarf King his beard bristling with anger. To Slyfer the King may be chewing on something, he can’t really tell.

The short bearded fury clenches his fist. “Some of you I could even understand. They took your families, threatened your lives, but you. You did it all for gold!”

The dwarf on his knees continues to plead, claiming forgiveness because of his naivety to the plans of those beyond the mountain. Similar instances start to play out all around the tent. The only ones sitting in silence are the rabbit creatures, Dryads and strange fish men.

Jade stands up for fear that blood would be spilt and raises her hands. “You are angry, but do not let it turn you into the things the humans take us for; animals to be slaughtered or kept like pets.”

She gestures and as if they had been waiting for the command all along, Blood Pack warriors flood into the tent. Apprehending those found to be traitors by choice or force. A few try to resist, but after the first two are killed without mercy the others plotting to be defiant fall in line. Many just stand dazed, overcome by what they had betrayed their people for. The things they had seen filling them disgust for themselves.

Slyfer watches as a Snow Elf throws up If Slyfer had to guess he would judge him to be a few years older than himself yet he somehow thinks of him as a boy. –If it was me but a few months ago would I have reacted the same way? Even after seeing….that I somehow don’t feel anger or anything? Maybe it’s because of what I am about to do?- He looks down at his hands. In the fire light they seem more bloody than before.

Slyfer swallows down his misgivings. He must do what he thinks will make them stronger. “All those found guilty will write down any information regarding the movements of the humans. You will be given a week to visit your families under guard. After that you will be publicly executed in Atlantia. If you do not give us information, you will be executed here and your families will not be given the chance to surrender.”

Slyfer whom had expected retaliation for his words is surprised when there is none. “Those who had families that were captured will not be executed, but demoted to the lowest of ranks where you will get no information that could be harmful to our cause. In the army you will have a chance to win back some of your honour. Should any of those who were affiliated to you be caught talking or helping you in any way, they will join you after having their minds read…. Only if they are innocent.”

A dwarf speaks up his eyes beset with tears. “How can we be judged if we had no choice? They had my son!”

Slyfer quirks an eyebrow and asks. “They had your son? Where is he now?”

The dwarf pulls back as if hit physically. “He is back home now. Safe after, after Alexo’s downfall.”

Slyfer shakes his head and says angrily. “He has been safe yet you never deemed to tell your King of what transpired and simply continued to live in your lies.”

The dwarf shakes his head. “No, but-“

“Shut up Olsun! You know our ways. You betrayed us regardless of what circumstances.” Says the King sadly, many of those around him had been his friends from a young age. “You know the punishment. Despite what the… Slyfer may say. You will still live as exiles.” As if to drive his point home the dwarf King takes his sword and cuts off most of the dwarf now known as Olsun’s beard. The Dwarf King throws the hair to the side. “The captives will leave tonight. After all they only have a week to see to their families.”

The tent lapses into silence once more. Almost all the dwarves staring at the hairy ball on the ground. Jade makes a note of it to find out what it means before she stands up. “I think tonight has dragged on long enough. We will gather again tomorrow to discuss our rolls in the alliance.”

The races start to trickle out dejected and defeated. What they had seen coupled with what had been revealed has left them in a sorry state. Slyfer sighs on his chair and afford his fairy friend a curt smile when she hugs his neck. Vinx is about to talk when a women’s voice interrupts. The fairy sighs, but is soon pulled away by the others.

“We Dryads will fight for the cause to the best of our ability. If we had known sooner what the humans, no Chronos was planning we would have…”

Slyfer waves her words away and says with venom in his voice. “The thing about regret is that it always comes too late. We are stuck with the results of your cowardice and unwillingness to commit to fight. Yes it is not your fault alone, but it is the truth of the matter. Let us not waist words on it.”

The Dryad chief can only nod while fighting down a rebuttal. After a few moments she manages to say in a cordial voice. “We want to know our place in the army so that preparations can be made.”

Slyfer nods while standing up, his eyes focused on one place in the tent. “I will meet ten of your warriors tomorrow. Make sure they are not your best and at most your average fighters. After that we can see what will be done.”

Without waiting for a reply Slyfer walks off intent to catch up to the one his focus was on.

****

Fira loses herself to the thrum of people around her. Her mind is adrift flitting from one feeling to the next. What happened tonight was nothing less than disastrous for the moral of everyone involved including herself.

A hand grips her shoulder bringing her out of her deep thoughts. Slyfer appears in her vision. It causes her to smile briefly. He hugs her close surprising her briefly. She is once again surprised at the feeling of safety his arms provide. She briefly ponders if it is because of what they had been through with Jade or because of what happened after her brother.

The sound of his voice refocuses her mind. “Fira I need to ask you something and it will be very selfish of me.”

She looks at him without saying anything.

Slyfer regards her for a moment and speaks, but the words that come out of his mouth seems like the words of someone else. “I need you to continue working with your father.”

She takes a step back and Slyfer hates himself for the pain it causes on her face. She looks down and shakes her head as if trying to refute the words a moment later her hair starts to turn red. “Why, why would you ask that of me! I did what you asked.”

He steps forward and intending to hug her, however the hug is met with cold indifference. “Fira it is not what you think. I just need someon I can trust to handle that part of things for me. You won’t be a part of the army, but still a part of my group.”

She huffs. “So when you and Trisha are out fighting I have to sit prim and proper and wait for news. I refuse.”

He runs his hand through his hair in consternation. He had thought long and hard over this and if the people rejected the alliance he would simply not have brought it up, but the plan Jade had lined out needs someone they can trust in the position. Jade will announce the plans tomorrow but he wanted her to hear it from him. Slyfer puts his hand on her shoulders. “Listen, I know you have sacrificed a lot for me and it seems like I am throwing it back at you right now, but that’s not it at all. I care for you…”

She holds up her hand. “Save it. I don’t know what your intentions are, but there is no way I am leaving your side for some desk job. I made the decision t be with you and now you are pushing me away again.”

“I am not-“

Before he can finish Fira walks away. For the first time he sees Luna who has been standing behind her. The silver haired girl huffs and whips around following in Fira’s footsteps. A bout of anger rises in him but it soon settles down again. He feels like It is his fault after all. –Does she not understand that things have changed. Maybe if I told her differently? At another time… no there was no other time.-

Slyfer looks up at the stars wishing he could disappear into them. He feels a hand on his shoulder and looks over only to see Trisha there with a mixture of anger and concern in her eyes. “What did you do?”

He explains and the mixture turns to full on anger. Seeing this he holds up his hands. “Its not what you think. Jade plans to give the duty of protecting our supply lines to the Dark Elves because they are by far our most versatile force with the wolves included. I just need someone to watch over it from our side of things.”

Trisha looks at him for a moment then bonks him on the head. “Then why did you not tell her in that way?”

Slyfer flinches and rubs at his head although it does not hurt at all. “I did, I mean I wanted to… I messed up didn’t I?”

She takes his hand and starts leading him towards the tower. “Yes you did.”