Dragon Stone

By Karla Potter

It was a dark night in the city of Faneadar, yet Kylendel did not mind, for he enjoyed the night. Kylendel, you see, is no ordinary elf, he's a Dusk, yes, a Dusk elf, but unlike his kin he is not evil.
Kylendel was sent out on a raiding party, which took place shortly after his twenty-fifth birthday. There he met a half Dusk elf and half Human, named Gabrial. So, like others of his race, he decided to forsake his people and go on his way.
He managed to escape the underground city of Faneadar, with Gabrial. They took with them two large red ruby crystals, of great worth, which they had acquired during their escape. Unknown to them, was that one of the crystals was actually the great Dragon Stone. A very powerful stone, which could cause immense damage, if it were ever to fall into the wrong hands.
No longer serving the evil Goddess Yolesstra, Kylendel married Gabrial and soon after found his closest friend, Zesstra, the ex-matron mother of the house of Demsek. Upon his visit with her he learnt that one of the gems he had stolen from the forbidden room was the most sought after gem, known as the Dragon Stone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karla Potter
• Release date: Jan 7, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224211920

Book preview

by

Karla Potter

Copyright by Karla Potter

www.karlaspencil.com

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced without the author's permission, except for brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Published 1996 – 2022

I want to acknowledge Garry Poling for his encouragement and support over the years, and a special thanks to Toby Breeden for his artistic skill on this book cover.

​Contents

Prologue        Faneadar

Chapter 1       Decisions

Chapter 2       The Raid

Chapter 3       Escape From Faneadar

Chapter 4       Mysteries

Chapter 5       Back At Faneadar

Chapter 6      The Next Day

Chapter 7       Making A Friend

Chapter 8       Yolesstra Entices Kazion

Chapter 9       A Magical Experience

Chapter 10     A Coward’s worth

Chapter 11      In Search Of Zesstra

Chapter 12     Renewing Old Friendships

Chapter 13     Zesstra

Chapter 14     A New Home

Chapter 15     Heritage Revealed

Chapter 16     Kalad’s Getaway

Chapter 17     Training Begins

Chapter 18     The Festival of Aldannar

Chapter 19      A Secret Meeting

Chapter 20      Theft of the Dragon Stone

Chapter 21       A Dangerous Rescue

Chapter 22       A Devastating Battle

Chapter 23       A Decision To Make

Chapter 24       A Strange Dream

Chapter 25      Retrieving The Dragon Stone

Chapter 26       The Dragon God

Faneadar

​Faneadar, once a large and powerful Dusk city feared by humans, dwarfs, elves, and all of the races in the Realms, is now little more than a run-down settlement of a mere fifteen houses.

​The city's first and most powerful house is the House of Demsek, having an army of over a thousand soldiers and twenty nobles. The Demsek house covered only a tiny area, considering where the nobles, soldiers, and servants of Demsek resided which covered a ground area of over two square miles and raised approximately forty stories towards the cavern ceiling, which held the bulk of the city of Faneadar.

​Zesstra, a black-haired dark-skinned beauty who was Matron Mother and ruler of the house of Demsek, grew tired of the evil ways of her people, the Dusk Elves. Diligently she searched long and hard for just the right way to please the honorable Goddess Khawanna, a kind-faced, light-skinned human with long blonde hair. Zesstra needed a way to prove her habits had changed and allowed Khawanna, the power-filled leader of goodness, to be proud of her. That way, she could move to the surface world and begin her life anew with Kylin, the white-haired, purple-eyed King of the Surface Elves' village only a few miles away. She met and fell in love with Kylin while on a hunting expedition. She had gotten pregnant, but being the Matron Mother of the house of Demsek, she knew she could not stay with Kylin at that time, so she rushed back to Faneadar, promising to come back to him.

​She stayed busy and made sure to wear loose clothing. Zesstra confided only in her sister, Maya, that she went too far with Kylin, an elf from the surface, and was unwilling to marry him. She gave the boy child to her sister and her husband, who promised to raise it as their own, and no one was to know otherwise.

​ A couple of weeks later, spring had begun. Zesstra made her way to Kylin and told him he had a son but could not see her again.

​It had been years since then, and Zesstra missed Kylin more than ever. This time, she was sure of her love for Kylin and wanted to be with him, even though it meant giving up her home status, and most importantly, she was extremely fond of a young elf named Kylendel.

​ Kylendel had recently perfected his more straightforward magic and started on the more complex spells. His mother was a high priestess under the Goddess Yolesstra. She was a power-filled evil woman with black hair and deep brown eyes that most feared not to serve; she had started teaching him at the early age of five, for his abilities were already showing up.

​Zesstra had met Kylendel when he was ten and had snuck into a private training section dressed up as a noble. He earned her respect and friendship when she found out he had outwitted and knocked out a noble to do so. Zesstra abruptly took him under her wing to train privately. She did so with great enthusiasm once she heard his father was an expert fighter, also. They had met secretly for the last fifteen years.

​Zesstra was more proud of Kylendel, even though he was just a commoner, for all his accomplishments than any of her four kids.

​He was very cunning and sly. Never had Zesstra seen her children pull off the stunts he did. She knew Kylendel was headstrong and extremely smart for his age. She felt in her heart that he would remember her with the highest honor because, with her status, they would never allow him to know of her escape.

​A month passed slowly, and several raiding parties went out which she refused to participate in them. She pretended to be sick and stayed inside, out of everyone's sight, as she tried to think of a great deed to perform in order to prove herself to the honorable Goddess Khawanna.

​ Then one day, about a week later, as Zesstra strolled down the hallway to the training rooms, she overheard a couple of nobles talking.

​Enthusiasm radiated from them, Did you hear? The rumor is the high Clerics plan on studying the Dragon Stone.

​The other noble glanced about cautiously. The noble’s lips raised slightly as Zesstra’s eyebrows raised unexpectantly; she uttered, Wonderful! Are you thinking what I am thinking?

​Yes! We must at least try for the stone. That way, we can become priestesses.

​ Then we can live the good life as well.

​They chuckled as they discussed Goddess Yolesstra's desires for the valuable Dragon Stone and their deepest wish to be the one chosen to find it for her.

​A twinge of excitement shot through Zesstra, and suddenly, she could no longer control her joy, and the corners of her lips turned upward. With a shrug of her shoulders, she thought. I need time to plan things out. Then she turned abruptly to head home.

​Upon entering the house, she glanced about; no one was there. Hastily she headed through the sitting room to the bedroom. Nervously she snatched up all her weapons; bow, arrows, knife, and a sword, and threw a few belongings into a side pouch. She grabbed it up as her eyes roamed the room for the last time. At that moment, the fairy fires had formed an inviting haze about the bed. Her chest rose and fell in a troubling pattern as she turned to leave. Hurriedly she headed down the hall, and a tear slid down her cheek as she thought of Kylendel with his long white hair and beautiful purple eyes. Yet she continued, convinced this was the best thing for both of them.

​In the act of finally reaching the front door, a twinge of doubt ran through her, and she stood frozen in place. She took a moment to look one last time at the fairy lights as they danced about the top of the domed ceiling, the giant hot tub, and spider webs that encased all four corners of the room. At that moment, a smile formed as she saw two giant spiders gnawing on their defenseless prey, and she thought, What a wonderful sight. Now that is what always brought joy and warmth to this room.

​Seconds later, she shook off the feeling and cracked the door. With due precautions, Zesstra brushed her black hair back over her shoulder as she checked the hallway. Seeing no one around, a sigh of relief escaped her lips. She quickly stepped into the hallway and then pulled the door closed behind her. She took a couple of steps, then turned back and stood still for a moment more, committing the sight of her home to memory, and then turned and hurried off.

​Moments later, Zesstra headed up a small cavern unused by most elves this time of day, for most were in training or at their guard stations. She stopped again, just long enough to take a glimpse at her and Kylendel's secret meeting place. At that point, she wiped a tear from her eye and hurried off

​Minutes passed like hours as Zesstra worked her way up the dark, twisted, intermingled passageways toward the surface world. She hastily hid in the shadows of the cavern walls whenever she heard voices or felt the presence of others. Zesstra knew there was no turning back now.

​She paid little or no attention to the small caves and circular houses of the enslaved people as she carefully avoided the hidden traps and falling walls, which forced all intruders toward the center of town

​Finally, she reached a small opening and stuck her head out. As the fresh air encircled her face, she took a deep breath and whispered over her shoulder. My beloved son, Kylendel, be safe and well; I love you!

​Firmly, she placed her hands on the rim and pulled herself up and out. Determination rushed through her as she stood up straight and squared her shoulders. Seconds later, she skillfully headed off into the woods with the swiftness of a deer.

​A day and a half later, Zesstra reached Khawanna's campsite and tentatively strolled into camp. Surprised by the lack of suspicion upon her arrival, nibbling on a strand of her long black hair Zesstra glanced about nervously. Scrupulously she inched further into camp, and a serene feeling filled her as she noticed the contentment on the followers' faces. Zesstra walked over to a sitting woman with a white-laced veil pulled down over her face; stopping and glancing about, she quietly said, Can you direct me to the Goddess Khawanna?

​The woman, recognizing she was Dusk elf by the slight language variance, slowly pulled the veil away from her face and smiled. Then the woman stood in front of Zesstra in a single smooth movement, and her voice was melodic as she answered. Please, come this way.

​Zesstra followed the woman to a large tent. They stopped just outside the tent flap, and the woman motioned towards the closed tent flap and said, You will find her in there.`

​Before Zesstra could say a word, the woman left. An uneasy feeling swept over Zesstra as she pulled the flap open and entered. Her dark eyes became huge and round as her mouth fell open in amazement at the beautiful tapestries of woodland scenes hanging about. At that point, her breath became harsh as her eyes focused on the various colors and sizes of jewels lying about unattended. She knew at that point that she was not like all the rest of her kind, for she did not even think to pick the jewels up and run or have the urge to do so. The sound of the tent flap as it closed caught her attention, and she glanced to the right.

​Zesstra's eyes quickly took in the flawless skin, sizeable deep blue, enticing almond-shaped eyes, rosy cheeks, and hourglass shape of the Goddess Khawanna as she stood tall and proud in a full-length, bright purple, flowing silk gown. The corners of her lips turned up slightly as she said. You have come a long way. How might I help you?

​Zesstra was surprised at how sweet her voice touched her ears, yet she responded swiftly, I have come to learn your ways.

​Khawanna cocked her head to one side, causing her breasts to rise slightly, and then exhaling, asked, Are you willing to prove your heart is true?

​Zesstra's eyes twinkled as she said, Oh yes, just tell me what you would have me do, and it will be so. The serenity in her voice rang loud and clear.

​Khawanna smiled and said, Then you must listen carefully, so you will understand the importance of what I say. Elves, dwarfs, humans, and all other creatures. had agreed not to use the powerful Dragon Stone. After the last war between the races, the Dragon Stone became the wisest of the clerics. Yet now, after all these years, the clerics want to study it. That would not be smart; therefore, it must go somewhere no race can find and use it. So, this is the task I set forth for you, Zesstra. You must retrieve the Dragon Stone and hide it in a safe place, After saying this, Khawanna studied Zesstra's movement and facial features for any reaction.

​Zesstra stood steadfast as she thought long and hard for over a half-hour; slowly, a smile came to her face. She lowered her eyes, cleared her throat, and began to tell Khawanna of her plans.

​Khawanna listened intently and patiently to all she had to say.

​After quite some time, Zesstra finished with, But to pull it off, I will need special powers only you can give me. Will you trust in me?

​Khawanna listened to the sincerity in Zesstra's voice and realized she was willing to give up to do this. Her eyes beamed with pride and without a word, so she raised her sword above her head.

​As a brilliant array of silver and purple light encircled it, she brought it down swiftly in a half-circle, tapping Zesstra's shoulder with it. The sword, not harming Zesstra, caused the silver and sparkling purple light to engulf her. As the colors danced and flashed about, Zesstra felt a power surge through her unlike any she had ever known. It was an indescribable feeling of pain and extreme pleasure bombarding her spine simultaneously.

​After the colors vanished, Khawanna stared deep into Zesstra's eyes and calmly said, The gift you requested is now yours, but remember, you cannot use the gift for evil. Or it will consume you. Now go with all speed. Retrieve and hide the Dragon Stone where no one can find it. Good luck.

​Feeling a bit dizzy, Zesstra closed her eyes and deeply inhaled when she suddenly heard the familiar sound of tent flaps. She opened her eyes, only to see the Goddess slowly disappear into nothingness. Her eyes quickly searched the room. They promptly stopped when the young woman who had led her there stepped into the tent.

​Zesstra headed towards the woman but stopped midstride as she heard, Be extra careful and do not take unnecessary chances. For your people are now against you as well.

​Zesstra slipped past the woman and left the tent with a nod of acknowledgment.

​Moments later, she stealthily headed off into the woods to find and retrieve the Dragon Stone. Zesstra maneuvered herself about the trees and brushed like a cat, making sure not to disturb any plants as she walked. Thoughts filled her head about the crystal. She tried to recall all she knew and all she had heard. The Dragon Stone was a large red crystal of the purest quartz. It was said to have been dug from the deepest Dwarf mines. It was blessed by the God of Death and hidden away in the High Clerics tower in the city of Ravens Dale for at least three hundred years. Yet lately, the new High Clerics have been trying to use itfor their study and gain. Many bloody battles were fought, and innumerable lives had been lost over the ownership of that crimson crystal. The Dwarfs claimed that since they were the ones who found it, the Dragon Stone belonged solely to them, and they should rightfully keep it. The Surface Elves and Humans claimed that since an evil God blessed it, the consort of Yolesstra, it should be locked in the High Clerics tower in Ravens Dale to keep it from falling into the wrong hands, causing any more conflicts between races. Yet, we had not cared about the claims or reasoning of the other races. We felt that since Tywolfen, the consort of our Goddess Yolesstra, had blessed the Dragon Stone, as it had come to be known,we are the legitimate owners. With that thought, a shudder raced through her. Zesstra shook her head in disbelief. No! My people shall not have it either. She whispered defiantly.

​At the same time, she formed a picture of the crystal in her mind and continued to think. 'The council, against the wishes of some other races, sent the crystal to the High Clerics tower. The crystal was kept under lock and key until lately, when a new council was assigned. It has been there for hundreds of years. Now I, Zesstra, Matron, Mother of the house of Demsek, will have sole knowledge of the whereabouts of the Dragon Stone. That way, no one will be able to use it for any reason.'

​Zesstra kept up a steady pace for quite some time. Unexpectedly she heard running water and moved towards it. She stopped abruptly and inhaled deeply. Her eyes opened wide at seeing a white stream falling over a nearby cliff, splashing rapidly into a crystal blue pool, causing a beautiful rainbow to linger above it. As the soft breeze touched her, she was delighted in this fern-fringed setting. She moved to the nearest bush, sat down, and took in the magnificence of it all. Leaning back on the one hand, she enjoyed the peace on this smooth stretch of sun-dappled water. She heard a gurgling stream directly to the left, which added its almost silent voice to the beautiful surroundings.

​Zesstra laid down to get an even better look at the falls. She watched as the stream changed from the horizontal plane to the vertical, in awe. The transformation was spectacular and hypnotizing, and she thought. I will get the Dragon Stone and place it in the room Yolesstra has chained and locked. No one is allowed in there. It will be safe, for no one would ever think to look for it there. The gentle sound of the river soon had Zesstra sound asleep.

​ ​* * *

​Meanwhile, back in Faneadar, the Goddess Yolesstra carefully covered up Zesstra's disappearance. Outraged, Yolesstra ordered the two most powerful nobles from each house to appear before her.

​Shortly thirty nobles stood before her silently, yet in wonderment. Yolesstra lifted her left arm and made a sweeping movement over their heads. Orange and green lightning bolts suddenly shot out of her fingertips and struck each one of them without warning. As the lightning bolts hit the nobles, they screamed out in pain.

​A smile formed on Yolesstra's face as they fell to the floor, and blood-chilling screams filled the air. The transformation into demons started with their body muscles rippling and stretching, and then they began to rip apart. Scales popped up all over their bodies. Their chests began to decay and burst open. Their faces were distorted and mangled, with green slime oozing out of their mouths as jagged teeth pushed out the old and fell into place. Eyes were shriveling up, sinking deep within the skulls, while horns ripped through the top of their heads, causing streams of black blood to flow down their cheeks. The bodies continued to brutally flop around, twisting and turning as they took on their new shapes. After a short time, the nobles got up, and a shocking horror filled the room. Yolesstra stared at them in a way that caused their blood to run cold, then said, If any of you tell or even repeat what I am about to say, your entire family will be transformed and then put to a slow and painful death. Do you understand me?

​Then as they mumbled their compliance, she ordered them to search everywhere, even the surface world, for Zesstra. Yolesstra's orders were clear, bring back proof of Zesstra's death or do not come back. None of the nobles dared to ask why Yolesstra wanted her dead; they just turned and filed out, mumbling to themselves.

​As months passed, Kylendel began to wonder more about Zesstra's abrupt disappearance. He sought an audience with Yolesstra and made inquires. At that time, he heard that she would not return, and that news came in that she had died. Memorial services were to be held for her with the highest honors, for it stated Zesstra's death was in battle.

​Kylendel could not believe that Zesstra had died, so he continued to try to get to the truth. He confronted his mother and father, yet they refused to say anything other than what Yolesstra had said, except that Zesstra was a proud woman and loved him deeply.

​As months turned into years, Kylendel grew in strength and wisdom. Even though his father and mother were good to him, he missed the teachings and closeness he received from Zesstra. Memories of their friendship were always eating at the back of his mind.

​The older he got, the unhappier he became, and he even refused to study anymore. Then one day, as he sat in his small but adequate room, thoughts of his life and true feelings flooded in.

​ ​

Decisions

​Deep within the depths of the earth, concealed from the surface-dwellers prying eyes, evil driven below by force of arms and heroism began to stir. Once again, the elves who dwelt in the earth's hollows and caves were preparing to raid the surface world, to seize the things their subterranean home did not provide them.

​Dusk elves, called such by their turn towards the night of evil's path, were scrambling about, ready for the raid. The feverish preparations went on as Kalad finally reached the Goddess Yolesstra. She lay prone, her flesh kneaded by the strong hands of an enslaved person who would never see his mistress or speak anything she said while in his presence because his eyes and tongue were torn from their roots by a cruel set of tongs and a red-hot poker that burned away his eyes.

​What are you doing here? She demanded.

​Goddess Yolesstra, I want to go with them.

​Not this time, Kalad.

​But why not; I am the best fighter. He stated, pulling his sword from its sheath, and added, I will kill many for you.

​Yes, I remember your magnificent bravery, and because of that, you were the only one to return from the last raiding party, Yolesstra said, as her eyes rolled back as if saying bullshit.

​Kalad's chest seemed to swell at her words, yet he still wanted to go. Spotting the disappointment on his face, Yolesstra said, Kalad, it is only a mere fighting exercise.

​Oh well, that's different! I thought it was a real raid. Kalad said nonchalantly.

​Kalad, I need you here with me, Yolesstra teasingly said while touching his cheek.

​Kalad turned to Alton, a distinctive looking Dusk elf who was not only the head guard but a soldier as well that had been standing guard at the Goddess' door, and said sarcastically, You will have to make the trip without me this time, as it seems I will be busy. Why not take the one who wants to be a soldier, Kylendel?

​Alton's tight-jawed appearance quickly changed. His mouth now seemed to fall open as he questioned. Kylendel Demsek?

​Yes! Kylendel Demsek, Kalad said mockingly.

​Stunned, Alton asked, Are you crazy? He is just a commoner with no fighting experience.

​Trying to appear mighty, Kalad flipped his hair out of his eyes and snapped, I know that! But, I heard he was good with a sword.

​Alton rolled his eyes in annoyance and replied calmly, Do you believe everything you hear? In this area, I will make my own choices.

​ Lightheartedly, Kalad replied. What is wrong? Are you afraid he will make you look bad?

​Alton's face appeared stone cold as he demanded, Who do you think you are?

​Yolesstra's patted her lips as if bored while her chest rose and fell slowly behind the senseless bickering. Finally, she said, The only survivor of the last raid, that is who. Now Alton, take Kylendel Demsek with you. I heard that he had not been out to test his skills. Now would be a good chance for him.

​Flashing a sideways snarl at Kalad, Alton said, It will be so, Goddess.

​Kalad snickered as Alton spun on his heels and left, mumbling, Fine! Maybe with Kylendel along, we can all make it back alive.

​Alton then turned and headed to the Demsek house. Shortly he arrived at the front door, knocked then sighed while waiting for an answer.

​Momentarily, a servant opened the door. May I help you?

​Is the Matron Mother Maya here?

​Come in. Moving toward a door on the left, he added, Have a seat. I will tell her you are here.

​Alton allowed his eyes to roam the room. He noticed it sparsely furnished, yet all there was in excellent condition as he walked across the cougar skin in the middle of the floor. There were only four chairs, each placed at the corners of a square table. The smooth marble tabletop had a bat carved in the center of it. Cobwebs hung down decoratively in the two back corners, while to the right, a small stream flowed down over the jagged rock wall into a sizeable kidney-shaped pond.

​Alton pulled out a chair, scratched his head in amazement, then sat and thought. Hum, I never knew a commoner's house could look so attractive.

​Moments later, Matron Mother, Maya, walked in, stared at him with dislike, and asked, What can I do for you?

​Alton stood in respect, then stated. Goddess Yolesstra has ordered your son, Kylendel, to accompany us on a raiding party, which leaves within the hour.

​Maya's strained facial features let Alton know she was shocked as she made it to the table, pulled out a chair, and sat down. What do you mean? My beloved Kylendel is not a soldier!

​Alton sat back down, cleared his throat, swallowed hard, and then said, I know this, but Kalad has reported that Kylendel is good with a sword, and since Kalad could not come, he petitioned for Kylendel to take his place. Now is a good time for Kylendel's skills to be tested. So you see, the order does come directly from the Goddess Yolesstra.

​Maya stood up, gave a slight nod, and then said. I will get him.

​That won't be necessary; just tell him to be at the great meeting room within the hour, Alton stated. Pushing his chair back, he got up and left without another word.

​As the door closed behind Alton, Kylendel rushed into the room and, with hands-on-hips, stated, I do not want to go! It is not my job, and my skills do not need testing.

​Maya flashed him a stern look. Your job is to do whatever the Goddess Yolesstra tells you to do. Have I made myself clear?

​As anger raged within, Kylendel snapped. Yes! But I do not feel like it!

​You will listen to me, boy! You shall go and fight to the best of your abilities. Do not shame this house! Do you understand? She asked coldly.

​Kylendel stared over at the water splashing in the pool and thought. I cannot believe that dimwit had anything to do with this. I bet Alton took it upon himself to make me go. Kylendel sighed, hung his head, and mumbled. Yes, mother! I will go and do the best I can.

​ ​

The Raid

​ As minutes turned into hours, Kylendel thought. It sure is warm here, and if it gets hotter during the day, I know one of the fundamental reasons my people moved underground; tramping wearily alongside the eager troop of Dusk elves. They worked their way toward a small, unsuspecting elven village. He loathed the idea of even going on these raids, but the gold pieces offered made him now think twice, and the adventure captured his attention. Kylendel loved adventures because they sharpened his mind.

​Finally, in the wee hours of the summer morning, with the stars still shining bright, the troops reached their destination.

​Kylendel saw the elf village snuggled deep in the trees. He cautiously dropped back as the rest moved closer. All at once, he ducked behind a tree. Moments later, as he began to climb a nearby tree, a pitiful cry touched his ear. With swiftness, he jerked his head, and long white hair flew over his shoulder, allowing him a clear view. Kylendel's purple eyes enlarged as a woman's tear-stained face tore at his heart.

​No! No, you mustn't! moaned the old elven woman as the sharp edge of Alton's sword sliced through her neck like soft cheese. With his victim's eyes and mouth still open, Alton, a self-centered sadistic male, laughed aloud in a deep throaty voice, which filled the air just as the head bounced once, splashing the first blood upon the ground. The cry of Attack instantaneously echoed through the group.

​The surface elves heard the older woman's tortured screams, and Kylendel saw them charging out of their homes. Armed with long spears and swords, they courageously attempted to defend their village from the evil onslaught.

​ The sounds of battle struck a young woman's ears as she slept. It jolted her awake, and she sat straight up. A shiver ran through her as thoughts of her horrifying childhood rapidly flooded her mind as her mother's hateful words rang out elsewhere in the darkness. You are a whining little tramp; You can't even seem to appreciate the human man that was nice enough to take us in! Then all at once, she could see the whole horrid scene as it came into focus. She was being pushed towards the door of her home while that evil sex-driven man stood watching with a hideous lopsided smile. All at once, a sharp pain shot through her arms, and a new scene came to mind as she reached up to rub it. Her mother snatched her by the arm and pushed her out the door. Suddenly, the two of them walked into the woods in the darkness. The scene was so real she could hear her mother's shouts. I’m taking you to that elven village where a half-breed like you belongs! As she stumbled through the bushes, she heard her mother call out, Good luck finding that horrible little bastard that raped me! Her mother’s terrible laughter was cut off right then by the kindly face of Kylin and his kindly voice.Come and sit young one; we must talk. Years ago, when the Dusk elves attacked a human village, that unfortunate young human woman was raped and misused the same as the elven women were. Yet no one knew for sure because no one ever found her. With those words, Gabrial forced her mind back to the present. However, my presence in this village with these elves means that the story was true, or my mother would not have brought me here. A nearby scream shattered her thoughts, and she swiftly jumped up. Gabrial glanced at the door and whispered to herself. None of that matters now! These are my people, and those soul eaters will not have them. I will not let it happen again! Then grabbing a sword, she dashed out the door.

​As metal clashed against metal and rang through the air, one could hear screams of unbearable pain as dying bodies fell to the ground. Alas, they were no competition for the invading Dusk Elves, young and old, who fell prey to their enemy's merciless, blood-stained swords.

​The women and children fought diligently and uselessly against their captors as they were captured and dragged into a nearby house.

​Minutes turned into hours as the killing and pillaging raged on. Eventually, no male Surface elf was left standing, nor a wooden house, except for the one housing the hostages.

​Kylendel got stiff from being in the tree for so long and decided to come down and look around. His stomach knotted up as he glanced around at the blood-soaked ground and the mangled bodies. The ear-piercing cries of the children sent a shudder through his body, and he began to throw up. Swiftly Kylendel wiped his mouth and, spotting a nearby bush with ripe berries, went over and grabbed a few. Then he tossed them in his mouth to get rid of the nasty taste and stretched, trying to regain composure; Kylendel’s hand brushed against his sword, and he thought. No one will believe I did any fighting with a clean blade. Kylendel pulled out his sword and wiped it across the bloody body at his feet with that thought.

​At that moment, another soldier raced up. Do not worry about getting the blood off now. It will come off just as easily back home.

​Kylendel forced a smile, held up his sword, and said. Alright, I will remember that. Yet the smile seemed to vanish the further away he got.

​His chest rose and fell in a troubling pattern as he felt the same horror the captive children must have felt. Kylendel shook his head in dismay, and his large purple eyes became glassy as he headed toward the last standing dwelling, carefully stepping around the lifeless bodies strewn around.  Stepping to the door, Kylendel took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Stepping in,  he began to look around. Within seconds he spotted Zarra, a dominating and hateful woman, binding the children's hands behind their backs. A small group of guards had all the adults, except young women, tied and secured against the west wall. Bewilderment filled Kylendel as he watched Zarra place loops in a long rope.

​All at once, she grabbed the shirt of one of the children trying to inch away discreetly. She noticed Kylendel standing there in the shadows, and she ordered him to come and hold the brats while she put a rope around their necks.

​Kylendel swallowed hard, hung his head to hide his disgust, and walked over to them simultaneously. He reached down, and his hand encircled a young woman's wrist. Kylendel found himself toe to toe with her with a single firm yank. Her complexion was smooth and well-tanned, which accented her red, waist-length hair, and brown eyes. She was very shapely, and her almond-shaped brown eyes and pointed ears only highlighted her facial features more and let Kylendel know she was at least part human as he gazed into her beautiful yet condemning eyes. Sharp pains of forbidden love drilled at a depth of his heart, and his hands trembled. He realized that