Chapter 5

The elven forest was the same as Kane remembered. Giant trees intertwined, pathways leading through their branches. The elves were creatures of nature and lived in perfect harmony with the great forest. A plethora of beasts milled about, the companions of many of the elves. The last time he had been to this forest, was when he was still fighting the Void alongside Elm.

“You’ve been here before, haven’t you?” Holly gripped Kane’s hand, bringing him back from his memories.

“Yes. Your father brought me here once, before the magical races abandoned the humans to the fight against the void.” At that time, Kane and Elm had a group of magical races fighting alongside them. They were young, and overly confident. Kane believed they could defeat the Void back then.

Holly let go of his hand, and starred at him, disbelief on her face. “How old are you?” She looked him over with doubt. Kane’s body was that of a warrior in peak condition, his muscles defined and strong, and he moved with the grace and fluidity of a master swordsman. His long shaggy hair was unkempt, but he knew he looked no older than twenty-five.

“Your father is older than I am…but I am much older than you.”

“But…you’re human.”

“I am a Solbourne.” He paused as she stared at him.

“I thought that was just your surname.”

He smiled, shaking his head. “The Solbourne were a human race blessed with the power of light, to battle against the Void. The Solbourne do not age after their twenty-fifth birthday, do not grow ill, and will heal at a rate faster than any other race. The only way for a Solbourne to fall, is in battle- “

“Where are the others?” Her comment caused Kane to look away, pain in his eyes.

“Dead.” His voice cracked. “Slaughtered by the shadow-clad man you saw back at the inn.”

“I’m so sorry.” Holly moved in to hug him, her warmth causing Kane to finally break. For a long time, he had held everything in, but now, his eyes filled with tears. “I’m so sorry I brought you back into this fight.”

Kane pushed her away gently, trying to regain his composure. “It was a long time ago…”

“The past is our greatest enemy. It leaves wounds that never truly heal.” A melodic voice broke the silence, a voice Kane hadn’t heard for a long time. “I am surprised my daughter found you.”

Kane wiped away his tears as he turned towards his old friend. Unlike Kane, Elm had aged. No longer was he the wiry prince Kane had fought alongside. Now, a powerfully built elf stood before him, face matured by age and hardship, wearing a crown of leaves. He had the same eyes as Holly, but his golden hair was beginning to grey. The battle against the Void was apparently wearing on the elf.

“Are you sure you’re an elf, Elm? You seem to have aged.” Kane smiled at his friend, as they both laughed. Kane’s eye drifted over Elm’s shoulder, where a two-handed axe, a treasure from their old adventures, rested. “You still have that old thing?”

“Aye, it reminds me of our glory days, humbles me, and grants me strength.” He motioned towards Kane’s sword, which he still carried in his left hand. “You know, I would have thought after all these years, you would have learned that most people carry those at their side, or across their back.”

“Well, I suppose you and I just never learn, eh?” Elm chuckled at this and turned towards Holly.

“I am surprised my daughter was able to convince you to come.”

“More like I got caught up with a demigod when she got herself into trouble.”

Elm’s eyebrow arched as he shot a worried look at Holly. “Trouble?”

“Don’t worry Elm, I saved her before anything happened to her. But now I have a demigod to deal with.”

“I thank you for saving her.” Elm looked back at Kane. “You just can’t seem to escape your fate, can you?”

Kane laughed darkly. “Apparently not. Though, from what Holly has told me, neither can you.” He stepped towards Elm, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I am sorry for the loss of your father.” Kane lowered his voice. “It seems we truly are cursed.”

Elm nodded. “Aye, the sins of our past seem to have followed us.” He removed Kane’s hand, and turned too look deeper into the forest. “These things are best discussed in private. Come, we’ve much to catch up on, and I feel I owe you at least one drink for saving Holly.” The elf seemed to have remembered Kane’s favorite past-time, drinking.

“What about me?” Holly called out as the two began walking away.

“You, my love, should go back to your lessons.”

“But- “

“Not now Holly.” Elm’s voice grew harsh. “As long as I am king, I am not letting you join this fight.” Kane glanced at Holly, noting the defiant look in her eyes before she stormed off. She was rather emotional for an elf.

“She’s got that look in her eyes…the one you used to have before you would disobey your father.” He couldn’t help but smile at the memory.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Elm replied sheepishly, breaking into a laugh as the two friends headed deeper into elven territory. Kane could feel some of the weight lifting from his heart. As much as he hated to admit it, he had missed his best friend.