Chapter 4

The past he was running from rushed back through his mind. There was the dark clad man, shadows dancing around him as he laughed. Kane could see it clear as day, remembered rushing towards the man, full of light. Then it changed, and he was on the ground, holding his wife, Anna, in his arms. The bodies of his slain clan members around them, mutilated beyond recognition by the shadows.

“This is what happens when you stand against the void boy!” The dark clad man’s shadows hid his face, and darkness poured over Kane. “This is all your fault.” The darkness erased everything around him. “Live with this fact, fall to darkness and despair!” Everything faded from Kane’s vision, leaving just the man’s voice. “You can run, but if you ever choose to fight again, I will remind you of your folly.”

Wow, that’s a messed-up past! The memories were pushed away, and a glowing form, a fox, sat atop a frozen Holly’s head. Ya know, the past doesn’t have to be repeated.

“Why can’t you just leave me alone?” Kane was overcome by the memories, and the emotions they had caused to resurface. “This is all your fault.”

Hey now. The fox ‘pointed’ towards the dark clad man, his shadows frozen mid strike. According to him, it’s all your fault. The fox chuckled in Kane’s mind. Do you want a repeat of your past, here and now? The shadows had gotten close to Holly...and Kane knew she was doomed.

”Of course not…” Kane fell to his knees, tears filling his eyes.

Well….. The fox dragged out the word. I can save her, if you agree to humor me even more. The blasted fox winked at him. What do you say?

“What would I have to do?” Kane didn’t trust demi-gods. However, he knew if he watched Holly die, he would finally fall to despair.

Oh, nothing too crazy. Just, oh, I don’t know. The fox was back on Holly’s shoulder. Perhaps, save the elves? He started to glow. Hell, I’ll even take you to the entrance to their realm myself!

“Save the elves? Is that all?” Kane’s anger rose. “You want me to save them from an ice dragon that has aligned itself to the Void!” He was shouting now.

Well, if you refuse, Holly’s going to die, you’ll be consumed by the void, and the world will fall to darkness. His words grew cold. Oh, and I will torture what remains of your soul for the rest of time.

“I guess I don’t have much of a choice-“ Kane started, rising to his feet.

Well you always have a choice…this time, you just don’t have a good one.

“You win, I’ll do it.”

I knew you would see it my way! The light coming from the fox was blinding. Trust me, this will be fun! He was laughing now as the world erupted in light, forcing Kane’s eyes shut. When he opened them, the fox was gone.

“What, what happened?” Holly’s voice was filled with confusion, no longer under the power of the fox. Kane ignored the question as he looked around. They were no longer at the inn, that much was certain. The world around them was peaceful, the blizzard was gone. Only a light dusting of snow covered the ground here, and moonlight made the ice-clad trees sparkle like stars.

“I hate demigods.” Kane grumbled. He was certain this wasn’t going to be the last thing the fox asked of him, if he even survived.

“Demigods?” Her ears had picked up his comment.

“Nothing. Forget it.” He didn’t feel like explain.

“Is that who saved us? What did the demigod want?” She was persistent, and annoying. Kane could understand now why Elm hadn’t been able to stop her from coming.

“He wants me to help the elves-“

Holly’s face exploded with happiness, and suddenly her arms were around him, hugging him.

“-keep that up, and I will change my mind.” Kane growled as he pushed her away. The warmth from her embrace lingered though.

“My father will be so surprised! We must hurry to him!” She paused as she finally looked around at their surroundings and let out a squeal of happiness.

“Let me guess. We are at the entrance to the elven realm.” Kane asked dryly, already aware of the answer.

“Yes! When the elves left this realm, they simply sealed off a part of the great forest. Only an elf can open the portal to the other realm though.” Her hands began to glow. “We thought we would be safe if we left the human realm behind.” A portal began to form before her.

“So glad to hear that worked out so well.” Kane let his distaste at the situation ooze out in sarcasm. He did not enjoy being thrust back into the fight against the void by a demigod.

Holly ignored his comment, and turned, motioning towards the shimmering portal. “Come on, my father is waiting!” Kane sighed and followed as she stepped through. He could only guess what waited for him as they crossed from the human realm, to the elven realm. It had been a long time since he last saw Elm.