Forgotten Guardians

As the gray cloaked figure made his way through the horde camp, goblins and orcs trampled over each other to get clear of his path. He moved with the deadly grace of a viper who could strike at any lime. Every creature knew the fierceness of the dark elves. Even the ogre captians moved aside as the dark elf passed into the human camp. The dark elves carried magical broches as well as the ogres, which allowed them to pass through the magical boundry. The dark elf strolled to Parlon’s tent with a easy step, his head raised high. Even the men stayed away from the elf, though they tried not to show it. Charkic glared at the elf as he passed the training ground, where he was drilling the soldiers. The dark elf made it to Parlon’s tent with no mishaps and cautiously walked inside.

“Master, I bring news,” the dark elf said as he bowed deeply.

Parlon casually turned around and stared at the bowed elf with unreadable eyes. “What is it that you have to report?” Parlon asked as if the elf had interrupted something important.

“I bring news from the front...” the elf said before Parlon cut him off.

“Why do you bother me with such petty things? Go tell Vander your dribble,” Parlon said turning back around.

“But my Master, it concerns the man in black whom you wished us to lookout for. I saw him,” the elf said cringing in fear as Parlon’s stare bore into his head.

“Aw, yes, him. What do you have to report?” Parlon said in a soothing voice.

“He travels with a group; they came to the aid of the fishing village that refused to give tribute. They infiltrated the raiding camp and freed the prisoners, Master,” the dark elf said.

“Do you think I care about this pathetic troupe? They are easily dealt with. Tell me about him,” Parlon said his patience wearing thin with this inferouir creature.

“A fine swordsman, by human standards, my master, he could be great one day with the proper training. I could feel his power even before I laid eyes on him,” the dark elf said with a evil grin.

“Yes, his power is growing, but he holds onto foolish human ideals, but even that will change in time,” Parlon said with a smirk.

A moment later Vander pushed back the flap of the tent, withCharkic by his side. Vander’s eyes went to the dark elf, then to Parlon.

“What is the meaning of this? Scouting reports are to be delivered to me, not you,” Vander demanded as he pointed a accusing finger at Parlon.

“Forgive me, General. I know how much you dislike his kind, I only was trying to lessen your time with them,” Parlon said as he stood and bowed.

Vander ground his teeth, “All scouting reports are to be delivered to me personally, I don’t care who it is. Is that understood, wizard? Do not over cross your boundaries again,” Vander spat.

“Of course General. It will never happen again,” Parlon said with another bow.

“What is it lhat you have to report?” Vander said turning his attention to the dark elf.

“The village you sent the raiding party to, still stands,” the dark elf said trying to sound humble.

“How is that possible? I sent enough troops to level the place fifty times over. Damn, incompetent ogres,” Vander said fighting back his rage.

“It was not the ogres’ fault, even though they are incompetent creatures,” the elf said trying hard to hide the contempt for this pathetic human from his voice.

“Then who fault was it then?” Vander screamed at the dark elf.

“Someone helped them,” the dark elf smiled with amusement.

“Who?” Vander said as he narrowed his eyes at the elf.

“A band of travelers came to the villagers’ aid, a most unusual group,” the elf explained.

“If they helped the village then they stand in our way and our goals. Only agents of the Shadow would stand agianst the Army of Light,” Vander summarized, before the dark elf could finish.

“This very same band helped some prisoners escape from the camp site also, they seem very skilled,” the dark elf said trying to hold back sarcasm.

“Then they must be dealt with before they become anymore of an annoyance,” Vander commanded.

“I will see to it personally,” Parlon said to Vander with a bow.

“Fine, I came to tell you the Arlon Kingdom has denied our invitation to become allies. At dawn we advance the troops. The king shall regret his misjudgment when we crush his army,” Vander said still eyeing the wizard. “Get the horde ready to move out at dawn.”

“As you command,” Parlon said.

Vander spun around and strolled out of the tent with an air of superiority. Charkic glared at bom the wizard and the dark elf as Vander walked past. Then followed his leader out into the crsip night air.

“Why do put up with such a fool, my Master?” the dark elf asked as he turned back to Parlon.

“He serves a purpose for now, but once we have established a foot hold here, he will be quickly dealt with,” Parlon said calmly.

Charkic walked a few steps behind Vander as they made their way through the encampment to Vander’s tent.

“General, why do you let him get away with such things?” Charkic asked as his eyes swung back and forth looking for hidden ears.

“His time is coming to an end, soon. He is up to something, have any of your spies heard of anything?” Vander asked without turning or slowing down.

“No General. None ever hear the conversations between the wizard and the dark elves, no matter how close they get,” Charkic said, grinding his teeth at the thought of the wizard.

Vander knew the wizard was using magic to silence his words to those he did not wish to hear. Damn him “Parlon will slip up somewhere. Once we take control of Arlon, we will have abase of operation and will have no need of the wizard,” Vander grinned at himself thinking of all the ways the wizard could die.