“Tell him you’ve enlisted their help in the army. They could polish armor and sharpen swords, as far as he need know.”
“My father would be happier if they were being used as practice dummies,” the prince commented.
Mi’tal raised an eyebrow, approving of the idea. “He’ll think you’re following in his footsteps. Just imagine his pride.” Both men began to laugh. “No one at the docks will question you for taking the elves away. It may be some time before your father is made aware of it.”
“You’re right, my friend,” the prince said, laying a hand on Mi’tal’s shoulder. His mind was made up. Without informing his father, he would attempt to make peace with the elves on his own. Perhaps the idea was folly, but he had to try. Otherwise, the fighting would continue until the elves were wiped out, and there would be no one left to protect the forests from his father’s desire to expand the kingdom. Villages and farms would dominate the land, and the ancient forests would be no more.
Chapter 13
Frost filled the forest air as autumn began to give way to winter. Most of the trees were stripped bare, their slender branches naked and exposed before the world. Birds became scarce, most of them preferring the warmer climates to the south. The brave few who stayed blasted their calls to the sky, defying the winter itself.
Reylin and his archers gathered near a campfire to discuss their next attack. Reylana had joined them, as she was still unable to fight alongside the other women. Her shoulder had grown stiff, but the pain was duller than before. Still unable to wield a sword, she was preparing to leave and visit other clans in the area.
“Reylana will be heading to the Sycamore Clan soon,” Reylin began. “They are the only clan we are aware of that still has a living rune carver. A pretty girl should do a good job of convincing him to help. Hopefully his clansmen will be willing to join the fight as well. They haven’t been attacked yet, but their day is coming.”
“What of the Mountain Clan and the Mulberry Clan?” a young, dark-haired elf asked. “Has there been any word of them?”
“None of us have traveled that far north,” Reylin replied. “Someone will need to visit each of them and try to convince them to fight as well. I don’t know whether they’ve been attacked or if any of them are still alive.”
“Do you think the clans across the river would join us?” a second archer asked. He was older and had traveled farther than any elf of the Oak Leaf Clan. “The Na’zorans haven’t made it that far, but once they wipe us out on this side, I’m sure they won’t let a river stop them.”
“You could certainly cross the river and find out,” Reylin said. “You’ve been to some of their villages before. Maybe they haven’t moved.”
“Send my father,” the elf replied. “I can still fight. He is too old, but he remembers where the clans are located.”
Reylin nodded in agreement.
“So now you’re sending more of us away,” Reylana commented. “Who will be left to defend our people?”
“I will,” Reylin said. “The majority of our archers will still be here along with all of the sword maidens. We can create a distraction while you and the others gather our army.”
Reylana nodded. She hated the idea of her clan going into battle without her. Her arm, however, was not going to allow her to fight efficiently. The best she could do for her people was secure the aid of the Sycamore Clan and its rune carver. With runed weapons, they would possess superior arms to those of the Na’zorans.
“I feel very strongly that our clan should move away from this area,” Reylin began. “The humans will be expecting us to stay around our ruined village, and that will only make us easier targets. I suggest that the elderly, the children, and the nursemaids move across the river with the clans who have yet to be attacked. They will welcome them, I’m sure, and they will be safe there. Those of us who can still fight should move north and stay near Na’zora’s border. We can attack the villages there, and I don’t think they will see it coming. I have no doubt that they will increase their presence to the settlements near here, which gives us another reason to move north.”
“I agree,” Essa said, approaching the campfire. She was still unhappy with Reylin, but the good of her clan was her first priority. He was ruthless, but he had a talent for planning battles. “We need to get going soon. The rains are coming.”
A gentle thunder rolled high in the clouds as if summoned by Essa’s words. The late fall rains would make life without huts difficult. The trees had already dropped the majority of their leaves and would not provide the best cover from the rain.