Chương 71: Dreadful Night

The morning had dawned with a sheet of silver ice blanketing the realm with its enchanting fragrance. The air was crisp and vibrant, beckoning the end of fall and the coming of winter.

They had set off at the break of dawn, on horseback heading east towards a small abandoned villa hidden in a valley of mist, nearing the Coast of Swords.

Four dark tattered cloaks could be seen fluttering fiercely through the icy breeze, hiding the features of those that lay beneath. They rode in silence, having already been advised of their mission by the Adventurers Guild.

By dusk, they came to a halt just outside a towering gate within the dense valley. Vines covered in various sharp needs that smelt a bit sweet could be seen coiling around the entrance gate.

"Halt, I say! Who goes there!" A lone worn soldier sharply challenged, stepping out from behind a towering tree standing firmly near the gate.

Lowering the heavy cloak under the shade of dusk, a young elven woman appeared, striking the air from the worn Soldier by the swift beauty enchanting him where he stood. She smiled faintly with emerald eyes,

"I'm Ella." Said the elven beauty.

Stopping his heart for but a moment, a hint of scorn traced across his lips. He spat, with a tight jaw placing his palm on the steel pommel of his blade. "All you elves as well? What all you want?"

"Elian sent us," Ella casually mentioned, noticing the weariness from the Soldier. Something she had come to know to be true. The elvan people were looked down upon as filth by humans. No more than slaves or whores to be used by humans.

"Did he!" Said the Soldier cautiously, sending a measured stare towards the others hidden by a cloak. Noticing a faint whisp of a pungent earthy scent in the air, he snorted, "Ravane. You their elf, what is your name!" He called, pointing towards the hooded figure in the back.

It was all but understood that Ravane was outlawed by many due to its addictive nature and effects.

"Kill this man, or get on with it," The hooded figure uttered casually, without much thought or hesitation, sending a puff of calming smog from his lungs.

"Master." Ella warned, shaking her head, "Let us in. Was it not you who posted the mission?"

"How old are you, girl? Do you know what happened in this villa? Was a blood bath in there —saw it with my own eyes, I tell you. The beast came during the night, similar to this one. His eyes were that of fire, burning with a wicked flame, and long bushy fur that no sword could pierce or slash."

Turning to her team, Ella gratefully slid off her steed along with the others but did not speak. Listening carefully to the Lone Soldier.

"Taller than two grown men, it stood towering with a seething hunger that would never end. That night, That bloody night, the limbs of man, woman, and child were torn asunder faster than I could blink, gorging on only the chest, stomach, groin, and head. Blood three-fingers deep swallowed many, myself included whole. I swear it was that blood moons fault. That day —that day, I swear, everything changed.

Removing his hood, a sea of silver fell into view; shifting his gaze towards the faint moon under the setting star, he sneered, pulling his sterling eyes away, "You guys remember the plan, right?"

"Of course," A loud, cheerful voice echoed out as another young man pulled his hood away, grinning, "I'm taking the lead, of course." He said confidently, pulling his cloak entirely away, revealing a sizeable great shield and sword.

Unable to hide his excitement, Sionn shivered nervously with excitement shiting his handsome face that had become far more defined towards the Soldier.

"Calm yourself," Ella hastily suggested, casting her gaze towards the only one who hadn't removed her cloak. "You coming, Aurelia?"

"Is Zireael gonna help this time?" Said a sweet honey doe voice.

The young man with long silver here smiled for a moment, "The moon is coming soon. I say we hurry else; we will miss our target."

"Bloody Kids!" The Lone Soldier howled in disbelief, "What are you eleven? Twelve? Azalea's light, how the bloody hell did you get here! Not to mention you are with an elf! Those damn human eaters!"

Pulling her cloak from across her body and onto her dark steed, the glint of a sword-like rapier zipped through the air and onto the Soldier's neck, "I have never once eaten a human, nor do I plan on it. Watch your tongue less. You lose it."

The Soldier froze with his heart in his mouth. He had not even seen the pull of her blade, only its cool steel prest against his throat, ready to sever the jugular should he move.

"Now, who needs to be calm," Sionn mocked, placing his hands on the back of his head, enjoying the show with a smile.

"Good, good. Join the Dark side," Said Zariel darkly, grinning ear to ear with a small smile, taking another puff of ravane that sat in his mouth.

Ella glared intensely, with her blade ready trickling with a sliver of ruby red blood. She slowly pushed forward while the Soldier fearfully retreated.

"Mercy!" The Soldier restlessly pleaded, "Its poison. Please, no closer. The Gate."

"Ella," Aurelia softly informed, "He could still have useful info."

"I do, I do,"

Ella's footsteps came to a swift halt; clitting her tongue, she sheathed her blade at her waist. "Well? Go on. Tell us about this beast."

"Hunts only at night, you see. Twenty have come after," he frightfully whispered, lowering his head as not to gaze upon her beauty.

When was the last time he felt so scared? So scared to even look into the eyes of a child.

"Oh!" Said Aurelia removing her hood, bringing a waterfall of silky silver hair and golden eyes that sparkled brighter than any moon or coin. "Why is it we were never told of this? Or did you maybe neglect to inform Elian of this so call twenty or so teams?"

Aurelia stood no more than elven, taller than most her age, but still small when compared to Sionn, who towered over her.

"Could be a trap. Wouldnt be the first time," Said Sionn chiming in, surveying the land beginning to darken.

"Tell us, Mr. Soldier. Why is it you never posted all this?" Aurelia interrogated sharply, drawing closer with the grace of a lone dancer. She stood still near the Soldier, shivering.

"I-I forgot." He feebly told, taking a hard gulp.