- Maddox -

Dawn came upon the group quicker than expected, and they packed up the came and moved once it had. He remained on edge until it was bright out, allowing Brom and Sabre to lead once more. They had paused on a knoll to gather their bearings, allowing Sabre and Brom to pour over maps and set a course to a small village on the outskirts of the Graves. From the knoll, the massive shadow of the Graves was visible, stretching beyond where Maddox’s sight ended. Smoke rose from beyond another knoll, indication they were near the village. There was mild concern from Sabre and Brom that they may have difficulty navigating the Graves, but Maddox knew they would have no trouble finding the elves once inside. Varia was with them, which almost guaranteed that the elves would take notice. Maddox was there as well, which definitely meant someone would come to see just what the hell he wanted.

Maddox was not concerned that they would be killed, though the others were. Elves didn’t like to fight on their home turf because they didn’t like to spill blood among the trees. Someone like him, and someone like Varia would definitely not be allowed to die where their blood could taint the ancestors. Or worse, nourish their own trees. Worst case scenario they would be hit with sleeping darts and deposited to the far side of the forest, away from anywhere they could do harm. Which, if the elves wanted to cart his heavy ass a few dozen miles, they were welcome to it. Varia would probably be the most put out if that were the case. Maddox could see him practically bouncing on his toes, ready to go. It was enduring, cute even. If Maddox hadn’t been among the elves before, he may have been just as excited.

So far the blood beasts had not come upon them, but that meant little. They only knew what they were, and what they were after. They did not know how they hunted. It was too much to hope that they had been overlooked completely.

Brom and Sabre got them to the river village in good time, despite their injuries. Maddox was glad that it was still bustling and lively, with no sign that any dark magic had been worked there. He and Varia were given different clothes to cover their armor, and dirt was rubbed onto their faces, especially Varias, to hide their complexion.

“You look like you just rolled in the mud. Haven’t you ever had to do this before?” Maddox teased Varia, who had smeared the dirt more like war-paint on his cheeks. Maddox reached over and rubbed it more evenly over the other’s face. For a warrior and a man often exposed to the elements, Varia’s face was soft under his own calloused hands.

“There, a proper ragamuffin. Now just scowl as you normally do.” Maddox said, laughing at the glare Varia shot his direction.

Like most river villages, the people there were used to travelers coming and going. Riverfare was less now that more roads had been built through the country, but it wasn’t unusual still. Not many looked twice at them as they came into town. The only problem was their lack of substantial supplies and their even worse lack at Er Rian currency. But Maddox knew Sabre to be able to talk the undergarments off of a devout nun when he was on his game, so he allowed the others to do the talking. He stuck near Varia instead.

Varia moved through the town, his eyes lowering whenever anyone glanced their way. But whenever the crowds parted, his eyes would raise, drifting along the tables of the merchants. A pale hand reached out from under clothes that were much too big for him, fingers trailing gently across several wooden tokens.

“River guardians and fertility stones. Most of the river villages sell them with small variations.” Maddox supplied to Varia’s curious fingers as he gathered furs and straps, leather bags and a few wrapped edibles. Sabre had cornered the merchant, a green fellow who seemed much too comfortable in Sabre’s presence.

Sabre dropped a small bag of coin into the merchants’ hand, much too small for the supplies the others had gathered, before moving back to his party. “There is a small inn at the edge of town nearest the Graves. They offer dry beds and warm meals for little coin.” Sabre declared proudly to his companions, as if asking where the nearest inn rested was an impressive feat.

The inn was cozy. The woman who ran it was something of an herb witch. She gave them plenty of hearty stew filled with things good for the body. Her strapping young daughter attentively showed them to their rooms, two at the top. They were allies now, but it still felt prudent to split them up.

“I think I can handle them both if you decide fun is a little closer than you thought, Sabre.” Maddox teased his friend. The tavern lady seemed to have taken a shine to Sabre. The girl didn’t look like he would normally enjoy the company of men, but she didn’t look like she would be opposed to some exploration.

“Oh, I’m sure you could handle them. You intend to handle the little demon either way.” Sabre responded under his breath. Maddox was not thankful for the observation, but thankful that Sabre kept his voice low so the others wouldn’t hear.

“Fuck off.” Maddox muttered to Sabre, before he glanced back to Brom as he entered the room Maddox and Varia would be taking. Maddox had less confidence that he would indulge in Varia than Sabre did the tavern wench. He and Varia may feel a kinship and not be trying to actively kill each other, and they may feel a mutual attraction, but they had once been bitter enemies. Maddox was fairly certain it was more to do with a need to conquer Varia in some concrete way rather than actual romantic or sexual attraction.

It’s nice to pretend like I could just fall into bed with Varia, as if there isn’t an ocean of blood between us.

Brom ignored their talk and laid out their supplies. “Were you able to sleep? How are your wounds? Not too painful? You should rest before it gets late.” He sounded like a worried mother. Varia had certainly been spending more time with Maddox opposed to Brom. Maddox wondered if he felt betrayed by Brom’s blood ties to Maddox.

“I’ll be fine.” Varia replied shortly, his glance shifting to Maddox as the captain gestured to the bed. “Get some rest while the sun is up.” Maddox instructed.

Varia sighed heavily, shooting a glare over his shoulder to the others as he made for the bed. He stripped off his furs and armor. Maddox could sympathize. It was certainly hotter in Er Rai than it was in Arcturus. He flopped onto the bed, pulling the thin sheet up and over his head, rolling his back to the group.

Brom and Sabre had gathered their things to retire to their room, and Sabre to the tavern down the stairs from them. “Get information while you’re out there having fun.” Maddox reminded his second, before he returned to the room. He removed his shoes and sat on the bed next to Varia, leaning against the headboard of the bed. He didn’t expect to get much sleep this close to the Graves, least of all sharing a bed with Varia. Still, he perched his sword on his shoulder and closed his eyes, hoping he could at least doze a bit before it got too dark for him to even pretend to sleep.

Maddox’s consciousness slipped in and out of awareness. Whispers danced on the edge of his hearing, calling and screaming at him.

You are not welcome here …

Take me back, promise…

Tainted one…

What have you done to me...

Blood calls to blood…

Never rest…

We are coming…

Never rest...

They are coming…

The whispers and demons that usually stay quiet in a locked box in his mind roamed free, remind Maddox of things he would rather forget. He did not fidget or whimper in his slumber, but his hands tightened around his sword every so often, threatening to cut himself on the bound blade. Heat warmed his leg, becoming a solid fixture against him. The whispers eased and quieted as it did. The darkness still swirled in Maddox’s mind, but it was less frightening. The grip on his sword eased and one hand fell away from it to lay over the small hand perched on his thigh.

It was like old times in the Arcturian camp. In the deep dark, when Maddox was sure he would go insane or be killed, the warm hand of his friend would find its way into his and the dark would become a little brighter. Perhaps if he knew this time it wasn’t his friend he would be concerned that Varia had the same effect on him. However the reprieve was enough to draw Maddox into a deeper slumber instead, only slightly aware Varia was curled around him, their hands clasped together.

‘Mads, I want to go home.’ His friend said from his lap.

Maddox squeezed his hand comfortingly. ‘I know. So do I. We’ll get out soon, okay? I’ll get us out, and we’ll go home.’ Maddox assured.

He felt his friend shift, probably to look at him. Maddox kept his eyes averted, not wanting the other to see the doubt there. ‘Mads, promise me….’

‘Of course.’

‘No, listen. Promise me… promise you’ll take my body to E’letaesi… the Graves. No matter what, you have to take it there.’ Maddox frowned into the dark. ‘I’m not taking you to any grave. You can take yourself there. Stop talking crazy.’

The quiet whispers began again, still unintelligible.

‘Mads… promise… I’ll protect you… but you have to promise… blood calls to blood.’

Maddox gave an annoyed sigh and held his friends hand tightly. ‘Why, why are you even talking about? What are you whispering?’ Maddox asked, turning towards his friend. But his friend was gone, though there was still a hand in his.

‘Hey! Where did you go? Cithrel?!’

A breath near his ear whispered.

‘ Blood calls to blood…

THEY ARE COMING!’

Maddox startled awake with a sharp inhale, looking around wildly for the voice in his ear or the danger. Neither showed itself. It was just him and Varia, the latter sleeping on his legs. Maddox sought to calm his racing heart. It had been Varia’s hand and heat he had felt filtered into his dream. He felt the other shift, probably brought awake by Maddox’s sudden movement. Maddox quickly released the other’s hand before he noticed, hoping he hadn’t been squeezing it while he slept. The others were still gone. Sabre was probably with the tavern wench and Brom scouting and getting info in his own way. It was just after sunset and there was a festival outside the window in full swing.

Everything is fine…. I’m fine…

Yet Maddox still felt panicked, an impending sense of doom. Blood calls to blood. The thought popped into his head suddenly, and he looked towards his sword. It was whispering elvish, humming in its bindings.

Fuck.

“We need to find the others and get into the Graves. Now!” Maddox snapped to a sleepy and confused Varia as the other sat up in the bed.

***

Four creatures, the shade of deep, dark blood, stepped from the trees on the side of the village away from the Graves. They walked like cats, yet were as large as wolves. They lacked eyes, but giant nostrils inhaled scents. Spines like scaled armor flexed and relaxed as they stalked into the village, their long claws silent in the dirt. The one in the front paused, face to the air as it breathed in. Its body shifted into a full red, the sign of a quarry found. The others shifted as well, their long teeth gnashing in excitement.

A man stepped out of his workshop, fumbling with his keys to lock his store front, eager to head to the festivities. Movement caught his eye from behind him and he turned only to freeze, scared stiff. The beasts stalked past him, one turned its head his way and sniffed the air. The man couldn’t scream, he could barely breathe. Warmth spread down his good pants and the beast snuffled in disgust. Not its prey.

If only he had stay so afraid. But a moment of bravery had him pulling the crossbow from its hanger inside the door. It bounced off of the scaled back, and this time the man found air to scream as the creature descended upon him.

***

- Maddox -

Maddox had hardly begun to pack their things, allowing Varia another moment to wake when he heard the screams. The festival had been loud beyond the window, but these were not calls of joy or laughter. Screams of horror ripped through the town, and Maddox quickened his pace. He watched as Varia stood and pushed the curtains from the window.

He watched the color drop off of Varia’s face, the commander turning his head to catch Maddox’s eye. “Where are the other two?” He hissed. Varia moved forward, beginning to gather the things they needed as well.

“They’ll meet us at the Graves.” Maddox said as he pulled bags over his shoulders, ignoring the pain that shot through his arm. He was confident that Brom and Sabre would know that the Graves were the best chance of losing the beasts. Maddox was less concerned for Sabre, for he was not the target. But Brom was nimble and knew enough about the beasts to be able to get away. He and Varia were in worse straights than the other two. Both of them were targets and injured besides.

Maybe they’re still at the far end of the village…

No such luck. As he and Varia attempted to make their escape via the stairs, Varia was suddenly rushing up the stairs and forcing Maddox back as well. One of the creatures was inside, its head shoved deep into the bag of their clothes they had given the inn keeper to wash.

The creature reared its head towards them, a low growl leaving it as it sniffed at the air. Maddox nearly tripped up the stairs as Varia pushed him to go faster, and with good cause. The creature was suddenly at the bottom of the stairs, snapping fangs at them as its claws grasped onto the wooden stairs. It splintered, thankfully slowing the beast as it clamored to try and climb after them.

Varia slammed the door behind them, a heavy breath leaving him, before he moved to the window. Maddox stopped and grabbed some of the pillows from the bed, shoving the dresser against the door. “Go! I’ll distract it!” Maddox called to Varia as he saw him pause as he was halfway out onto the roof.

Maddox cut his hand, smearing it onto the pillows and blanket, tossing them into the small closet. He followed after Varia, slipping out onto the roof as the beast broke through the door and began to claw its way in. Once on the roof, Maddox glanced around at the mayhem. “This way!” he shouted to Varia as he moved around the rooftop until he found a way down that wouldn’t break them from the jump. The beast was still tearing through the room below, desperate to find the blood Maddox left behind, but it wouldn’t remain there for long.

Maddox jumped down with Varia, he heard a crash and turned his head up to see two beasts leering down at them from another rooftop. “Go!” Maddox yelled, pushing Varia towards the Graves. The beasts were quick, undaunted by the jump from the roof. The beasts hit the ground hard, immediately taking off after the two of them.

Maddox ran hard after Varia, stumbling briefly in the tall grass of the field that separated the Graves from the village. It was only about 150 paces away, not a far distance, but formidable when one was being chased by creatures on four legs. Maddox drew his sword from his back, whispering an elvish word. His sword responded by glowing in its bindings, before he stopped and swung at the beast. His sword screeched at the power, a visible energy slashing in a wide berth from the sword. It slammed into the beast closest to them, shoving it up and slamming it onto its back. Maddox turned, continuing to chase Varia.

To his right, he could see two others dashing to the trees, another beast behind the two. They were closer to the Graves than he and Varia, and in a moment they had vanished into the trees. The beast that had been chasing the two slid to a halt just beyond the forest, its head snapping to face them. Maddox grit his teeth, his eyes turning to Varia’s back as the commander ran hard. The beast that had been after the others suddenly turned, launching itself in the direction of Varia and Maddox, and would almost certainly close in on them.

Maddox knew he couldn’t take two on from the rear, and another from in front of them. He turned suddenly, another wave of power leaving his sword as he swung it in the direction of the remaining two beasts that chased them. The two were sent flying back, much as the first.

The trees were growing closer with every step, and he saw Varia’s head turn towards the beast charging from the side. “Wait-!” Maddox had tried to call out, to warn him, but it was too late. Varia had lifted his hand, as if to use his own power, before he was suddenly down.

Varia slammed into the ground, his hands moving to grab at his hair, gasping for breath. “Varia!” Maddox called out to him. The Graves were not just protected by the imposing wall of trees that composed it. Being the grave of various kinds of elves, it was also protected by their magic. Magic that reacted violently with malignant spirit energy and blood magic. Maddox cursed as he rushed for Varia, needing to get to him before the beasts behind him recovered.

The other beast was on Varia in an instant, fangs sinking into his calf. Varia shouted in pain the beast began to drag him back. The shadows under Varia twitched, but they did not react how Varia wanted, or needed. The Graves had severed his ties with the darkness. Varia yelled out in frustration, before he twisted his body, swinging his fists down against the armored scales.

“Don’t use your power!” Maddox yelled to Varia. With the demon in him, his shadows may not even obey properly and definitely had more malignancy than Varia himself could produce. If he continued trying to use his power the forest would reject him completely and kill him well before he was able to cross the threshold.

Maddox reached them the moment the creature opened its mouth to bite into Varia’s chest. Instead of flesh, it met the side of Maddox’s bound sword. Even bound, it reacted, emitting a loud keening akin to a roar as it pushed the beast back. The beast whined as it was tossed, pawing at it’s now bloody mouth, shredded by the power of the unsheathed sword.

Maddox heard the other beasts closing in and swiveled sharply with the sword. One beast leaped and impaled itself on the tip, pushing Maddox down into the dirt next to Varia. The beast above them thrashed once, before stilling and then disintegrating into nothing. The other beast pulled up short, clearly not having expected a weapon that could harm, let alone kill it.

Maddox scrambled to his feet, pulling Varia with him and supporting him with his good arm, the one that held his sword. “Suppress your power, as much as you can. We need to get into the trees, but if it senses your power it might not let you.” Maddox whispered to the other, backing up with him towards the trees. His swords keening grew in pitch as they moved closer, the beasts up and stalking before them, seeking another way to attack before they reached safety.

They’re going to pounce at once.

Maddox could see it as if he suddenly understood them. It was the only way to keep him and Varia from escaping, for Maddox’s sword couldn’t take them all, not how he was positioned. “Fuck. We’re fucked.” Maddox growled through gritted teeth. He wasn’t sure how far the trees were behind them, but he knew they were not close enough.

A whistle whizzed past his ear, an arrow suddenly piercing one of the beasts’ nostril, causing it to flail and thrash wildly from the pain. Several more arrows landed before them, releasing a noxious smelling smoke that caused the beasts to roar and hesitate. Maddox stared with wide eyes, surprised the elves would have saved them so easily.

“Come, we have to go!” Maddox said, turning and wrapping his arm around Varia’s waist to help him along towards the trees. The pair crashed through the foliage, Maddox’s back smashing back against a tree, Varia’s hand clenched tightly against his shoulder. The beasts had recovered by then. The largest of them stood before the trees, blood trickling from the arrow protruding from its nostril. The beasts’ heads were turned in the direction of Varia and Maddox, but they didn’t move any closer.

Maddox drew a heavy breath, his eyes shifting from the creatures and down to the deep gouges in Varia’s leg. Blood steadily ran down his leg and stained the forest floor. “Shit...” Maddox breathed.

The elves won’t be happy about that.

At that thought, Maddox seemed to remember that the elves were near, his head snapping upwards and turning as he looked about the dark forest. Brom and Sabre moved from the bushes near them, Brom moving forward to crouch near Varia’s wound. Varia’s hand remained on Maddox’s arm for support, his breath leaving him in small pants.

Maddox looked down to Varia again, to assure himself he would be fine. As he lifted his head to spot their saviors, instead of trees he was met with an arrow pointed at him. They were surrounded before they knew it, weapons drawn and aimed at all of them.

Elves were taller than humans and of slender build. They appeared human enough, but the bridges of their noses were longer, sharper. Their eyes were larger, lifted upwards in the corners. Their faces were longer than a humans, slimmer. Their skin was deep shades of browns, ranging from dark to a light bronze, not unlike Sabre’s and other Nihalians.

The grip Varia had on Maddox’s arm tightened, his sword half drawn, but he was still. The arrow aimed at his face would stall anyone. The tallest elf spoke first, green eyes shimmering out beneath thick brown hair. A helm made of twisted roots and branches protruded straight up, signaling his status.

“Why have you brought him here, Maddox?” He spoke in elvish to Maddox. The elves eyes turned down to the blood leaking from Varia’s leg, watching as it spread across the soft moss of the forest floor. His nose scrunched in disgust, his gaze returning to Maddox.

Maddox’s hand closed around Varia’s to prevent him from drawing his sword any further than he had started to. “Put the weapons down, Daylor. You aren’t going to use them.” Maddox spoke in the common tongue, taking a step forward towards the elf. The elves around him raised their weapons and pulled the strings taunter on their bows. Daylor himself didn’t move.

Maddox cocked an eyebrow, gesturing around them. “Are you going to kill us here? Go ahead. I dare you. If you think I’m offensive now, wait until my tree grows.”

“Why are you here, Maddox? Why have you brought him here?” Daylor repeated, his tone thin with disapproval. He continued to speak in elvish without regard towards Maddox's companions. Maddox held up his sword boldly and Daylor flinched. Maddox knew he would.

“I need a new scabbard. He needs to consult the Walkers. A few nights respite to tend to our wounds wouldn’t hurt either.” Maddox answered the question, the satisfaction of seeing Daylor uncomfortable had soothed his mean streak for a moment. While his words, or rather his sword, had silenced Daylor for the moment, it did not do so for the male at his side who raised his sword at them.

“We are not a half-way house for darkness spawn, nor a smithy for your wares. Tales from the wind, he’s more than earned his plight and your irresponsibility has earned you yours. Leave here, now.” The younger elf demanded.

Maddox’s eyes slowly slid to the male talking. He didn’t recognize him, but by the leaves woven in his helm, he was a distant relative of Daylor. If Daylor was captain, this man was probably a second, at worse a third in command. He held authority, but he was clearly young and unversed in the history Maddox had here.

Perfect.

Daylor had likely realized what Maddox was going to do a second too late. As the unknown elf spoke, Maddox had moved his hand from Varia’s hand moved it to the bindings on his sword.

“Maddox, don--!”

Maddox pulled the bindings from his sword and exposed the blade. The elves closest to see it clearly shrunk back in horror. It was an elven blade, but not like the one pointed at the group. Maddox’s was thicker in blade and where theirs were silver and gold, his was white. The etching didn’t match, and were deeper than theirs. Maddox held the hilt to his lips, whispering to the blade.

“Maddox!” Again, Daylor was too slow in his reaction.

The blade brightened and keened, the sounds echoing in the woods. The elves covered their ears, and the trees around them seemed to shake and sway in distress.

“Shall we leave him like this then, Daylor?”

The keening had lessened to a soft and whining hum. More than a few elves in the company had tears in their eyes. Daylor did as well as he looked back to Maddox. “Or will you allow us to speak with the Walkers?” Maddox asked, continuing on in the common tongue for the sake of his party.

Daylor and Maddox stood nearly chest to chest, the humming sword between them. Maddox watched the elf with a smirk that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Finally, after a long moment, Daylor turned from Maddox.

“Come. They’ve been waiting for you.”