Chapter 19
The sun was sinking into the horizon as Vander leaned against the waist high enchanted wall. Sounds of steel clashing and Charkic barking curses at his men mingled with the smell of cook fires in the cold evening air. A smile crossed Vander’s face as he looked across the ravine at his army. His horde of goblins, ores and other foul creatures had grown to over two thousand and he had close to six hundred men. His army was grand with every man wearing the insignia of the Army of Light. The small fishing village of Sweetport had proved to be a great ally. The mayor, a round-faced man who had seen too much sun in his life, embraced the army. He told Vander that anything they needed would be provided. The town’s blacksmith was hard at work making armor and weapons, and even hired a few more apprentices to help with the growing work. Once a week a wagon pulled into the ravine carrying more weapons and armor. Every man was outfitted with full armor and either a sword, pike or bow. Food supplies came once a week as well, mostly fish, but it was well received. In return for Sweerport’s services, the town received protection from the surrounding countryside. Vander also commanded that once the war against evil was won, Sweetport would have a high standing in the new world.
As the last rays of sunlight fell behind the ravine walls something caught Vander’s eye. Screams and terrified howls erupted as goblins and ores trampled each other to get away from this unseen force. Soon the horde had made a clear path as five figures walked down the clear avenue. Vander peered down but could not distinguish them, they wore heavy cloaks and hoods hiding their features. By the reaction of the horde these had to be exceptional creatures indeed. Not even his ogre commanders dared to approach the small band. The figures casually made their way towards the enchanted wall as if they commanded an army. They had a deadly grace about them which even made Vander shiver for a second. Vander straightened himself and walked toward the wall entrance, ordering a few guards to fall in line after him. At the entrance Vander stood with
arms crossed over his chest and with a stoic expression, awaiting the new arrivals. As the five figures approached, they pulled back their hoods and revealed long smoke colored hair and ash gray skin. They were tall and slender like all elves, but their faces tattooed and pieced with bits of metal giving them a savage rabid look. Pure loathing seemed to seep from them as they stared at Vander with their onxy eyes.The soldiers took a step back as their weapons came free of their sheathes. Even Vander unconsciously took a step back at the sight of dark elves. These creatures were known as the most deadly races in the world, master swordsmen and mages of the darkest powers. Yet they were believed to almost exsintent.
“What is this hum in the air that compels us to come to this place?” the leading dark elf said in the common tongue. Unlike his companies his hair was shaved along the sides, leaving only a small line leading down his back. The other four stood motionless behind him, but their eyes darted about taking in everything.
Vander took a moment to collect himself. “You have been recruited by the Army of the Light and that is all you need to know,” he said. He knew that he might be pushing his luck, but he also knew not to show weakness to this race.
“And who is this that recruited the services of the dark elves?” the lead elf said with a smirk as his eyes roamed over Vander.
“I, General of the Army of Light,” Vander said with a superior tone, taking care not too give away to much information.
The dark elf leaned his head back and let out a croaking laugh. As the elf laughed his hand slipped to a dagger on his belt. In an instant the blade was at Vanders throat drawing a fine red line on his windpipe. The elf seemed to relish the moment until he felt cold steel against his rib cage. Vander had seen the movement and had drawn his on blade as well in the last moment hiding it between them. “You can either join us, or take your chances in getting out of here with two thousand at your back,” Vander said with a snarl.
For a long while the elf and Vander stared hard at each other, neither one budging.
“We will remain until we get bored, but be warned human. Watch your back.” the lead elf spat.
Vander lowered his dagger and sheathed it. “Pray that day never comes elf, for I would hate to see you die so far from home,” with that Vander turned and walked proudly to his tent.
It had been a few days since the commotion of the arrival of the dark elves. Vander had agreed to let the dark elves stay within the enchanted wall, but they were placed at the far end of the compound. The dark elves were used mostly to scout, having both expert stealth and eye sight. Scouting also kept them out of the encampment for many days at a time. Many times Vander watched them around their little camp fire from a distance as they spoke in their native tongue. Every once in awhile Parlon would walk over and join them for an evening meal. For some reason, the dark elves kept their distance from the wizard, but held a deep respect for him at the same time. Vander knew they would come in very useful in the up coming months, but he wondered how much of a hold the black crystal held over them. The last thing he wanted was to wake up and find one of them standing over him with a naked blade. As he thought on the idea, Vander suddenly wanted to run over with swords flying and send the dark elves back to the hells. Foot steps crunched the snow behind him as he conitined to stare at the small group. With out looking he knew it was Charkic that approached and the man was troubled about something. He never took his eyes off the group as the large made his way to Vander’s side.
“It sickens me to stand here and watch them,” Charkic said in a harsh whisper.
“It does for me as well, but they will serve the purpose which will bring about their own end,” Vander smiled and turned lo his First Lt.
“Why does the wizard dine with them and so often? I do not trust him, sir. Something tells me that he is not all who he says he is,” Charkic said as he glared at ihe wizards back.
“I feel it too, but he serves his purpose,” Vander said calmly, trying more to convince himself then Charkic. Over the past few weeks his trust in the wizard had diminished. Something about him made Vander’s hairs stand on end. If only he could hear what the wizard was saying to the dark elves, then maybe he could be at ease. “Have them watched at all times,” Vander said without taking his eyes off the wizard.
“That has already been done, sir,” Charkic said.
“All of them?” Vander asked.
Charkic nodded.