New Book: Chapter Two

He ducked under some undergrowth to avoid being spotted and made his way to the east. He had left his torch back in the burned fortress and had to get dangerously close to the assembly to see where he needed to go.

“The elves will know what to do.” He thought to himself.

He had to be silent, he had to be cautious, and he had to be smart.

He made his way through the growth and into a small patch of tall grass. From this point he could make out silhouettes around the campfires. He could not tell what was happening here, only that the gathering did not hold any men, elves, or gnomes.

He had no time to waste, he needed to reach the Eastern Forest by dawn, or it would be more difficult for him to avoid any unneeded confrontation. To keep from suspicion, he lay down on his belly and crawled back into the undergrowth, this would prevent his shadow from being seen by anyone, or any thing. As he made it to the edge of the brush, he went into a crouch and began slowly moving to the northeast, away from the gathering.

He was far enough away now that he could begin to move at a bit of a quicker pace, but decided to stay at a crouch just incase. It was a smart decision.

He heard footsteps coming his way and he slowed down, but decided to keep moving, quietly. Their footsteps were heavy, crushing twigs with each step. When they came within about 100 feet, he could make out shadows, which meant one was holding a source of light.

He could continue at this speed, but then risk being seen by the beings coming his way. Then again, if he stopped, he risked not making it to his destination on time.

He decided it was best not to stop, even if seen he could try to outrun them. He went for it; he picked up his pace and was determined to get out of this region.

He was almost to the clearing; from there he would be able to see the tree line. That was where he needed to be. He started to stand up, and go at more of a jogging pace. He got clumsy.

As he stepped his foot got caught under a heavy stone. He tripped and fell to the ground, landing with a heavy “Thud.”

“What was that?” A low voice from behind reached out and grabbed his shoulder, as he knew a hand would soon be doing.

He glanced down at the rock, and tried pulling his leg free. He saw shadows creeping all around him, and an instant later heard screaming in the distance. He panicked, and thrust out his dagger, ready to take on whatever came close.

The shadows came in around him, cloaked with blue hoods. One held a small mesh sack. Kai became distracted, and began screaming for help. He felt the dagger being taken from his hand and his arms restrained. He shook his head vigorously, but could not prevent the small sack to be placed over his head, and then could not prevent himself but passing out from the struggle.

The light he had seen moments before, had now faded away and he was left, with darkness.