Would be a knight

[rbo214]

Noric was running fast, he knew Ella was right behind him, even though he could no longer see her, he beheaded a lone vampire, stabbed another in the heart with Treborin's sword. It truly was a magnificent weapon.

He suddenly stopped, and Ella bumped right into him. He heard her swear, having hurt herself when she had run into him, but he was looking right at the pale man. He appeared to be smiling, barring the way to the exit. "The cloaking sphere won't last much longer," Noric thought as he started to run, sword pointing directly at the vampires heart. But at the last second The Pale man jumped to the side and grabbed Norics arm. Noric switched hand with the sword, but he grabbed that too, he opened his mouth, revealing his sharp fangs, Noric trying to free himself.

And at that moment the sphere failed and Ella and Noric were suddenly visible. The pale man laughed, before looking at Norics neck. He couldn't resist, he couldn't escape, "you are mine now." he said before lowering his head towards the jugular vein

 

[Iscaa]

As the evil creature lowered it's head to Noric's throat, Ella saw the Treborin's sword fall from his hand. This was her one and only chance to kill it. She dived for the sword scooping it up before it hit the ground, rolled and jumped up behind the pale man. In one smooth motion she plunged the sword through it's back.

It's canines had just pierced Noric's skin when it's head snapped back in total surprise. Ella twisted the blade pushing it further into the thing's body. It slowly turned its pale face around to look at it's killer.

One of the reason's pale man had always been so arrogant was that he was told by an old gypsy woman that he would never die by the hand of a man. And over the centuries this had been true. Making him think he was invincible hence he had become sloppy in his thinking and manner. He wanted to be all powerful as well as to walk in the daylight. He slowly realized as his life burned away, that he had been so very wrong. It had only taken a woman to bring him down, his last thought was of how he hated this one.

Ella watched as the pale man disintegrated in front of her, leaving only ashes. The sword had done it's magic, she looked at Noric.

"I now own you, your life is mine, canceling out all your previous pledges, oaths and whatever else you want to come up with. You have no recourse, you owe me your life, to do with it as I want."

She looked around at all their enemies with a wicked smile she added,

"Now fight for us, so I can make your life miserable once we are out of this mess. Believe me that is something I look forward to!"

With that she shouted a war cry from old and started to slash her way to Thorn, Treborin and Dumur.

 

[rbo214]

Malfurian fell to his knees, the Pale man had failed him. This was not possible he could not be killed by man, not by the sun, how had he fallen. He dropped his meal, some girl he had been brought, and rushed to the mirror. He had to know.

He watched the elf woman thrust the sword in his back, Malfurian screamed in rage, that sword had now cost him his most powerful follower. 9 more nights he had to have the blood of the girl. he would have to get it himself. that was now his only course of action

 

[rbo214]

Treborin was spent, and the shadows just kept coming, he slashed another one with his dagger but knew it was hopeless, there were too many. another shadow cut into his arm and another across his face, his body had taken so many cuts, but still he stayed standing, fighting, as was Thorn, but even she was starting to slow down, for everyone she killed two more took its place.

"I love you!" Tre suddenly blurted out, Thorn stayed silent, but a smile flickered across her face, and suddenly she was fighting faster and more deadly than before.

Treborin glanced over to the rocks where Dumar had been hiding, his unconscious or dead body lying on the floor. maybe with his help they would have lasted longer, but all he had done was cry out and beg for his life. the shadows had thrown him up in the air, and he had hit the ground hard, and no longer made a sound.

Another shadow cut tre's face, knocking his helmet off. He fell down to one knee. One of the shadows jumped over him trying to attack Thorn from behind. Treborin thrust his dagger up into it, but he had left himself vulnerable another shadow hit him in the face, his blood spattering the floor. it pinned him down shadows swarming all over him biting and cutting. Thorn was trying to get them off him, "Don't you dare die on me," she shouted ignoring her other shadows as they cut into her back.

Suddenly Thorn heard a familiar voice. It was Ella, she smiled as Ella and Noric shredded their way through the shadows, but Thorn noticed something else the shadows were fading away. Then she felt it. The pale man was dead. She watched as the shadows literally evaporated, leaving nothing behind.

She turned her attention back to Treborin, he was hurt bad. So many cuts so much blood, Thorn took a step back, as her thirst started to kick in. She shook her head, before shouting, "Help him. Please help him."

 

[Iscaa]

Ella rushed to the prone Treborin as he lay gasping for breath. She quickly reached into her pouch coming out with a small dry plant. Crumbling it in her hands, she brought it to Tre's face, blowing the particles over him while she chanted a healing spell. His breathing became easier, as his wounds healed and closed up. Ella looked up at Thorn,

"He is going to be alright, but it was close, another minute and the shadows would have taken him with them to their dark and loathsome realm. Let me look at your wounds."

Thorn shook her head,

"No my wounds have already healed. But thanks Ella, I am just glad you are alright we really thought you were a goner with all those vampires. Hey what happened to the pale man, I felt him die did you do that?"

While they got caught up in the recent events, Noric saw Dumar's body over by the rocks. He quickly walked over to him thinking the fool probably is dead. Once there he bend down turning him over to see that he still breathed, it was shallow but he was still alive. He called to Ella,

"Ella, Dumar's still alive, can you help him too?"

Ella turned her head towards Noric, got up nodding to the two to stay there. She moved towards where Dumar lay looking down at him she didn't know if he was beyond help or not. She decided to try anyways, bringing out another dry plant from her pouch she crushed it and chanted quickly.
He was hurt but luckily he responded much like Tre did. Looking at Noric she said,

"I believe he is going to be alright, but we have to leave, the sun is nearly gone, and those vampires will be on us in no time. Grab Dumar and lets go!"

She glanced at Thorn and Tre, signaling them to come over,

"We have got to put some distance between that cave and us, the sun is nearly gone, they will be coming after us in full force. Noric you help Dumar, Thorn and I will help Tre, I'll tell you about the pale man if we survive this night for now we have to go!"

In seconds they were on the move, trying to get as much distance from the cave as possible.

 

[rbo214]

Treborn was still really out of it, he was being helped along by Thorn while Ella carried his sword. He opened his eyes to see the setting sun. He looked around slowly. He was glad to see Ella was alright, but also noticed a surprising healthy Dumar and Noric talking. He knew they were talking about him or the others as Dumar kept looking over, and Thorn was giving them evil looks.

Suddenly Noric raised his voice so everyone could here, "She saved my life, so until I repay that debt we do nothing, do you understand!"

Tre smiled but still felt ill. He was hurting and had lost a lot of blood. He closed his eyes as Thorn dragged him along.

He heard a growl and opened his eyes, only to see a large clearing and some sort of demon standing in their way.

Ella and Noric charged forward while Thorn lowered Treborin's body down to the ground. The demon to roared at the 2 charging Elves and both burst into flames, falling down dead after short screams. Thorn charged forward avoiding the creature stair, but it shot it hand out catching her by the throat, Thron hissed trying to break free, but the demon squeezed, her neck until her head fell off and the demon dropped her blood covered body, licking its hand. Dumar was on his knees begging, but creature started walking towards Treborn, it stepped on Dumars body as if it wasn't there, crushing him underfoot.

"You are mine now son of man and elf." It grabbed Treborin's body and they young elf screamed.


"Are you ok?" Thorn asked Tre, as he opened his eyes. everyone was staring at him.

"I'm fine, bad dream." Tre replied, but he couldn't help but think about what Dumar had said. "Was that satan?" he thought to himself.

 

[rbo214]

Dumar was grumbling, he had pretended to have been hurt more than he was, but he still hoped the boy would have died from the shadow's attack.

Noric had told him not to act, but he had no choice, the boy had to die.

Treborn suddenly screamed, and everyone stopped and looked at him.

"Stupid boy," Dumar muttered to himself, before walking on.

The sun had now set, and Dumar knew that the Vampires would be coming. He had to find a way to survive, while the boy died.


Virol roared in anger, he might not have liked the pale man, part of him was even glad he was dead, but he needed the girl. He needed her blood. "All of you get out there, find them, kill them all I want five bodys at my feet before sunrise." a Dead body full of magic blood is better than no magic blood.

 

[Iscaa]

Ella held up her hand for all of them to stop,

"This is no good, we can't drag Tre much further, I will try and heal him so he can walk on his own.When those vampires find us and make no mistake they will find us we all need to be in fighting form."

She knelt beside Tre and took out a blood red gem from her pouch, warmed it in her hand before placing it on his forehead. She chanted for a few minutes. Everyone watched as Treborin slowly began to heal. All the wounds closed and he began to breath normally. Finally he looked up at Ella and smiled,

"Thank you Ella, I feel like I can now be of some use when those vampires come. Where is my sword?"

He got to his feet taking a deep breath.

 

[rbo214]

Hours passed, tre still wasn't feeling that great but knew they had to keep going. his head was hurting so his scenes weren't working as well as they had been, but still he felt it when a vampire first saw the group of five.

Thorn knew they weren't alone either, "There here," She said as she drew her pair of daggers. Tre equipped his shield, he then noticed for the first time he didn't have his helmet on.

"Back to back!" Noric shouted, and the group of five stood in a small circle. It took only moments before they were surrounded. All of them snarling showing their fangs and claws.

Thorn broke the circle charging at the largest Vamp she could see, and tre and Noric moved closer to close the gap. Ella launched Lightning at the group in front of her, but the rest charged.

 

[rbo214]

Noric stabbed another Vampire. He noticed the boy even though was wounded was still fighting well, better than Dumar was, but still he could tell there was little chance of survival.

He thrust a stake into another Vampires heart, but three more were charging. Thorn suddenly screamed and ran past the group of four "Run!" she shouted. All four looked where she had come from only to see the giant wolf slicing its way through the line of vampires.

Dumar didn't wait for the command to move and was tearing after Thorn who was cutting and wounding any vampire that got too close, but even the undead were taken aback by the monster that was ripping them apart.

Ella, Noric and Treborn looked at each other and without a word being said all started running. some of the vampires ran others tried to take down the beast but they didn't last long.

Thorn grabbed Treborin and helped him run, but the beast was gaining on them.

 

[Iscaa]

Ella realized they couldn't outrun the beast. She turned around and stopped, putting her hand on her personal gem she wore around her throat. She didn't know if this was going to work but she had to try it anyways. Concentrating on the animal's eyes she felt the gem start to pulse forming an aura around her body. Chanting she cast a spell that made one want to follow whatever she told them. She had no idea if a beast like this one would have enough conscience to understand her thoughts. But she had nothing to lose by trying. If it had been human at one point in it's life, there could be chance.

She looked to see everyone was still alive and fighting before glancing back at the beast,

"Stop, I want you to stop now."

She waited holding her breath....

The beast looked back at her, a glimmer of some kind of intelligence came through. It slowed down and stopped three feet away from her. Waiting for her to speak again. She did,

"You will not hurt me or my companions, but you will kill the vampires. I command you now....go!"

She watched in fascination as the beast jumped up roaring as it went after the nearest vampire. Ella only seconds behind it joined in the fight feeling now they at least had a chance.

Ella quickly ran to the others shouting,

"We make our stand here, the beast will help us now!

 

[rbo214]

Dumar couldn't believe his ears. "We make a stand here? The beast will help us? Are you completely mad?"

Dumar suddenly screamed as a two vampires jumped from the trees one grabbing each arm. Tre, without thinking, stabbed one through the heart with a wooden stake and swung his sword, severing the head of the second.

Dumar breathed heavily before he started complaining again saying Tre had nearly severed his head as well, but Treborin wasn't listening, he looked at his hand, the runes were glowing again, and suddenly everyone froze.

He looked at Ella one of the vampires had the drop on her it was about to bite her. he ran over thrusting his sword into its chest, there were more frozen vampires Tre set about stabbing each one in turn before his hand started to shake. He fell down to one knee, as the magic faded, and all the vampires he had stabbed turned to dust.

Ella saw the vampire about to bite her, and suddenly it turned to ash splashing against her neck and side.

"Tre!?" Thorn shouted as it looked like he had just appeared between the group of four and more vampires, but she watched them all turn to dust.

The wolf was attacking ripping apart the vampires which had lost all order, all trying to kill it, get passed it or run away. Most were dead or fleeing now.

Noric didn't know what was happening, but he ran to Treborin's side and dragged him back to the others.

Then suddenly was a yelp followed by a thud and silence.

The five of them looked over to where the dead wolf was and Verol stepped it to view, the wolfs heart in his hand.

 

[rbo214]

Verol looked very angry, he didn't know where this giant werewolf had come from, only that it had killed so many of his men. He looked over at the group of five "Hold!" he shouted and every vampire stood still regaining order.

He took a huge bite out of the wolf's heart, before dropping the rest. "Noone moves. These five are mine!" and with that statement he started walking towards Ella and the others

 

[Iscaa]

The five of them formed a circle covering their backs. But all eyes were on the approaching vile creature they had just watch take a giant bite out of that wolf's heart. Ella itched to feel her dagger drive into that vile vampire. That wolf was handy to have on their side plus she was starting to like it.

As soon as Thorn heard his voice she knew they were in real trouble, like the kind you don't have a chance in hades of getting out of. She could feel the sweat trickle down her temples as they silently watched him move closer.

 

[rbo214]

Verlo vanished, everyone looked around, but there was no sign of him, Tre closed his eyes he could sense him, he was... right behind him.

Verlo hit Thorn and Tre in the back, as the others realised he was in the middle of the circle they had created to protect themselves. Dumar dived to the ground, craling away, but both Ella and Noric swung their swords. Verlo blocked them both with his arm, neither of the elves could believe it, but Verlo smiled before he hit Noric across the face, breaking his jaw.

Thorn turned and jumped at Verlo, but he swatted her away with ease. Treborin looked at his hand, but there was no glowing runes this time so he jumped up swinging his sword. Verlo tried to block it with his arm, but the blessed sword cut him deep and Verlo jumped back, hissing in pain, "That is why The pale man wanted the boy, a cursed sword." he thought as he disappeared again.

Ella had backed up to a tree, she saw him vanish and knew he couldn't get behind her now. She saw him appear behind Tre, and launched her lightning at him, but he jumped over the magic with ease, and it struck Treborin in the back before he had time to dodge. Verlo laughing at the boy who was now face down on the ground.

Thorn was back on her feet and jumped on to Verlos back but her daggers wouldn't penetrate his skin. He spun around, racking her face with his long claws and then licked her blood from his fingers.

"You are mine, girl," he shouted, before he felt a pain in his back, he spun around again this time hitting Ella. She flew across the clearing, no longer a threat, but something was wrong he was still in pain. Blades couldn't cut him what was wrong?

Thorn saw Treborn's sword sticking in his back. She jumped onto it, grabbing the handle, ignoring the pain as the sword slid deeper into Verlo's back until it touched his heart. Thorn jumped back her hands on fire, but she watched Verlo's body erupting in flames. He screamed out load, flames engulfing his body, until he fell, his body turning to dust.

"Glad I got his blood earlyer," she thought to herself as she looked at her hands. they would heal. she had to check on Treborin and the others.

 

[rbo214]

Treborin picked himself up slowly. He saw Thorn on her knees by his sword. Noric was on the floor unconscious and over by a large rock lay Ella who was also not moving, but at least there was no Vampires. He had no idea where they had gone.

It took him a few moments to remember Ella had shot him, but Verlo was also nowhere to be seen, or sensed, so he assumed one of the others must have killed him.

Suddenly something had his hair, his head tilted back, a blade was at his throat. "You kill him Dumar and I will rip your throat out with my teeth!" Thorn hissed at Tre's attacker.

Dumar froze, he would have to kill the vampire girl too if he killed the boy. Noric wouldn't believe her or the boy over him, but two bodies would not be explained easly. He pushed the boy back to the ground in disgust. He would get another chance.

Tre forced himself back to his feet and stumbled over to Thorn. "Thank you."
Thorn smiled, but her hands were shaking, red and badly burned, Tre' looked at them, "how did you do that?"

"Your bloody sword," she replied, but she smiled. Tre looked around. he got up and grabbed some large leaves by a tall tree. "What are you doing?" she asked, but Tre smiled and wrapped the large leaves around her arms and hands.

"There Napil leaves, they help with burns and cool the skin. I know you will heal, but they will help." Tre said, before picking up his sword. "So what are we going to do about Dumar?"

 

[Iscaa]

Meanwhile Ella finally opened her eyes and lifted her hand to her aching head. She rubbed at the lump she found at the back. Recalling the fight she franticly looked around to see if anyone else had survived. Noric was out cold but she could see he was breathing. She looked for the others, that is when she saw Dumar sneaking up on Treborin. She started to open her mouth to warn him when she heard Thorn hiss,

"You kill him Dumar and I will rip your throat out with my teeth!"

Ella relaxed as she watched Dumar let Tre go, the look of disgust got Ella's temper up. (That's it, I'm going to straighten that idiot out right now.) She pushed herself up off the ground and marched over to where the elf had found a tree to lean on as he continued to cast dirty looks at the younger elves.

She stopped in front of him, as with a startled look of surprise he looked at Ella. That is when she punched him right in the nose. Causing him to yelp in pain and cry out,

"What did you do that for? If it wasn't for me, most of you would be dead by now!"

Thorn laughed out loud when she heard him, joined seconds later by Tre. Thorn couldn't help but say,

"Oh yeah Dumar, you sure did save our necks as you crawled away when Verlo jumped behind our circle of protection. Your one mighty hero, that is for sure."

Ella then went to have a look at Thorn's hands, lifting out her healing stone she held the girl's hands together with the stone between. She chanted the healing spell. She then looked at Thorn and added,

"Let Tre finish treating your hands with the herb, with the spell and herd you should heal double quick. Tre I can see you are not hurt badly from my lightening, I am so very sorry I hit you."

Tre smiled indicating that he was fine. Ella nodded her head as she stood up.The two of them went back to tending her hands and talking quietly as Ella walked over to Noric. She bent down on her knees in order to examine him properly. He seemed to have no other hurts besides his broken jaw. She took out her healing stone, holding it against his jaw while chanting a spell of healing. He moaned as the light from the stone transfered to his jaw. Once Ella was done she put her stone back into the pouch and looked down at the slowly waking elf.

As he moaned again, Ella said,

"Noric, your jaw was broken, I have put a healing spell on you, but it will take a bit of time to do its work the less you move it the faster it will heal. And as a bonus I don't have to listen to your voice. So we all win."

She laughed as she pushed herself up and walked over to a tree that had a patch of ground that was covered in soft moss She eased herself down leaned against the tree sighing. She needed to heal herself, the lump was still aching. Digging out the stone once again, she placed it on the tender spot and chanted. Once done she put it away closed her eyes and proceeded to rest.

 

[Iscaa]

Once Treborin had finished wrapping Thorns hands they watched as Ella took care of Noric. They heard what she said to him and couldn't help but chuckle. Once Ella was finished with Noric they saw her find a comfortable place to rest. Thorn looked up at Tre,

"I think we should find a comfortable place and rest too. We all need to recuperate before going on."

Tre nodded his head in agreement, he pushed himself up stretching his back. It seemed like he was really OK. Looking down at Thorn, he saw her smile as he helped her get up. Thorn quietly whispered,

"There is a good place to rest over by that oak tree, lets go there."

They helped each other walk over to the tree, this one too had a nice patch of moss. Tre settled down with his back to the tree, helping Thorn to sit between his knees and against his chest. He sighed, putting his arms around her as she looked up at him.

"Now don't you get any ideas Treborin, I am not that kind of girl."

She laughed a light hearted laugh, not something he had heard her do before. Thorn then turned her head and laid it against his chest closing her eyes. She hadn't realized how very tired she was, before she was able to take two breathes she had fallen asleep.

Tre, looked down at the top of the girl's head, pressed his lips gently on her hair before he too closed his eyes and was soon asleep as well.

Meanwhile Dumar looked at each and every one of them with hatred. Wiping his bloody nose again he tried to think of some way to get rid of the young ones. It would be the only way he could live with himself. They had to go, no matter what, they had to go! Plus he continued thinking, it would go real good with the king when they brought back his wayward daughter. Maybe even get rid of his insufferable leader Noric. Then for sure, the king would be so very grateful to him...Dumar! His lip curled as he glared at the sleeping Noric.

 

[rbo214]

Dumar wandered around picking herbs and plants. he knew Ella was watching him, but he didn't care. She wasn't the only one who knew ancient elven magic.

Noric was still asleep, as was the boy, but the Vampire needed less sleep than everyone, so he assumed she was awake.

There was some gull weed. he didn't want Ella to know he had found that. He picked it carefully but slipped it into his pocket, before returning to the group.

He showed Ella the bag of herbs and plants, offering her anything she wanted, but she resisted taking anything.

He sat down plucking and grinding down the plants he had picked. Dumar smiled to himself, he had an idea.

 

[rbo214]

Treborin opened his eyes, Thorns head was still on his chest, and he smiled. He had never thought this way about anyone, and they had three of the five ingredients needed to save her.

Only two more blood samples were needed in nine moons. It still sounded imposable, but they were coming for Thorn. The clan leaders who usually avoided the same area were all coming for Thorn. It gave them a chance. Thay had survived the chamber of the blood-stone and now two of the clan leaders were dead.

Two new vampires of their blood would become new clan leaders, but not for a long time.

Thorn looked up into Treborin's eyes smiling at him. She felt the same way about him he could feel it. She leaned up and kissed him, but her fangs caught his lip. Thorn jumped up looking a little embarrassed. "We better go," she said out loud. Tre also got up, Looking towards Ella for instructions on what they were going to do next.

But she was fast asleep, not hearing Thorns idea of moving.

 

[Iscaa]

Ella watched Dumar as he looked around at the different kinds of plants in the area. She didn't like him and more important she didn't trust him. He was a coward, and cowards usually got themselves killed sooner or later and sometimes those traveling with them as well. She wished he would just disappear, but he was needed, they were so few and had so many enemies. She sighed as she watched him pick up another plant. He finally finished and started to walk towards her.

She perked up, not wanting to be caught unaware if he decided to do something she didn't like. To her surprise he offered her some of the plants he had just collected. Ella shook her head, indicating no thanks. He shrugged and turned away. She sighed in relief as he put some distance between them. She would rather he kept himself or stay near Noric. He went off a little ways before sitting on a rock, taking out some of the herbs and started to grind them. Ella watched him for a short time before turning away thinking, (he better not be up to no good or I will have his hide this time.)

Ella looked over to where Noric slept. She shook her head wondering, (why did he have to betray her the way he did all those years ago?) She still felt the old anger whenever she looked at his handsome face. The face she wanted to punch! She frowned as she watched him sleep wondering how it was going to end. When Thorn was set free from the vampires, then things between her and Noric were going to get heated. She knew he was going to try and bring her back to her father, come what may. But the thing was, she was not going to let that happen. There was going to be a showdown between the two of them and it wasn't going to be pretty.

Noric looked like he was comfortable enough so Ella continued her observance of the company. Tre and Thorn seemed to be fine too. They did look like they were getting closer, she smiled at this. They were young, it was inevitable that they have feelings for one another. She just hoped one of them didn't get hurt in the end.

Soon Ella's eyes were closing, it had been a hectic time and she felt exhausted, maybe a few minutes of sleep wouldn't do any harm. She let herself relax and was soon fast asleep.

 

[rbo214]

Noric opened his eyes, his jaw hurt but knew it had been healed. All of the group were still alive, hurt tired, but still alive.

He looked over at Donella, why has she not just gone back with them, now he owed her his life. He had to repay the debt... or did he? he mulled over the choices he had.

One: break his vow to the king and stay, help Donella, Thorn, and Treborin. He would be labeled a traitor, forced into hiding.

Two: forget the part about Donella saving his life. if it wasn't for her his life wouldn't have been in danger. He could kill or abandon the children and return home the treaty would be signed Donella would wed, and the High elves would rule the land.

He sighed, he should have taken her back when he had the chance. He had worked hard to get a good rank, why now was he hesitating, it wasn't the life debt, did he still have feelings for Donella? He had chosen his career over his heart before, he hadn't regretted that choice... until now. "Dam it!" he thought why had she not just gone back.

 

[Iscaa]

When Thorn jumped up and said,

"We better go"

Looking at Ella Thorn saw that she was fast asleep, should she wake her or not? Looking at Tre, and how uncomfortable he was right now, she knew she couldn't sit beside him for now. She frowned deciding to walk over to that nob Dumur and see what he was up to. As she drew near he suddenly looked up with widened eyes complaining,

"What do you want girl? Can't you see I'm busy and don't want to be interrupted! Now go on with you!"

Thorn lifted one eyebrow folded her arms across her chest and replied,

"Just what are you doing? You don't fool me for a minute, anything you do is for your benefit. Just know I have my eye on you. So you better watch it!"

She turned and walked away hearing him grumbling to himself as he continued grinding his plants between two flat rocks. She glanced back once shaking her head. As she went back to where Tre was still resting against the tree she noticed Ella stir.

Thorn nodded her head, (This was good Ella is waking up, they should start moving again soon. Maybe a quick bite to eat with hot tea would be a good idea before setting off again.) She found some stones to make a small circle while she saw that Tre had picked up on what she was doing and was gathering some dry wood and moss for her small fire.

 

[rbo214]

Thorn and Treborin eventually got a fire going and boiled a pot of water to make some tea.

Thorn was remembering how much she used to like tea, but now she only thirsted for blood. She looked over at Dumar, would anyone mind if she had some of his blood to quench the thirst? She licked her lips before realising what she was doing. She wasn't going to go there. She wasn't going to kill and eat a person, no matter how strong the thirst was, not even Dumar.

Noric suddenly arrived at the fire with a dead skinned animal, Thorn again licked her lips, before looking at Noric showing disgust at herself. Noric passed her a water pouch before he started cutting up the meet. She sniffed at what was inside and realised it was blood. She nodded at Noric before walking away taking a large swig of the red thick liquid.

Tre was watching he knew what was in the pouch but still couldn't help but watch.

Dumar watched them from afar, a smile flickered across his face when he saw Thorn drink.

Noric plated up four portions of the meat and passed two to Treborin. He pointed at Ella, and suddenly Tre realised he couldn't open his mouth. "Thank you," he said smirking. Noric's eyes narrowed in anger before he walked over and gave a portion to Dumar, before sitting down and slowly opening his mouth and painfully started eating the meat.

"So lord Noirc, what are we to do now?" Dumar asked quietly, smiling at Noric, but he didn't reply, he still hadn't decided, and that was a major problem which only he could sort out.

 

[Iscaa]

Gra-Bula

Meanwhile Gra-Bula had been running for hours. She couldn't get the memories of the last 12 hours out of her mind. She stopped for a few moments to catch her breath before pushing on. Her world had fallen apart, and she had no idea where or what was to become of her. She couldn't stop crying, for her parents, her home, her life. The huge tears kept coming making her vision blurry. That is why she didn't see the sink hole when she hurried forward.

Suddenly Bula found her feet swinging in air she looked down where there should have been ground, there was only a huge black hole. She tried grasping the edge but even with her strong hands she slipped ever downwards. Her hands kept on trying to grab at rocks and roots in the wall of the hole but she was way too heavy, they just got dislodged and came tumbling down with her.

She finally hit the muddy bottom, knocking the breath out of her. She lay on her back for a long time, trying to stop crying. Sighing greatly she finally pushed herself up on her elbows thinking, (So far so good, I don't think I broke anything, at least I don't think I did.) Bula got all the way up and looked at the light at the top of the hole. She was way farther down then she was going to be able to jump or climb.

She slumped down against the wall and closed her eyes, the last 12 hours came rolling back to her.

Bula had been in her room studying like her Mama had told her. She had to study extra hard as things didn't come easy to her. She liked to make her Mama and Papa proud, even though they were her adopted parents, she didn't remember her real ones. So to her they were all she had in the world. They had never been able to have children of their own so when they had found her as a baby abandoned not far from their home they took her and loved her like their own. That was 16 years ago. She'd had a wonderful childhood with them even though they had been old when they found her.

Then yesterday had happened, she had been studying, the sun had just set and she had wanted to finish before dinner was called. Suddenly there was a loud roar and crash. Bula jumped up running to the window, she cried out in fear. There were two huge trolls throwing boulders at the house. She saw her Papa coming running out with his bow and arrow, just as another rock was thrown. It hit him in the chest crushing him to death. Bula screamed turning around, she had to find her Mama, they had to run away from the monsters.

Just at that moment Bula heard her Mama cry out, Bula ran to the front of the house. Her Mama turned and yelled,

"Bula I want you to run out the back now, I will keep them busy, we both won't make it. I want you to live! Just know we love you and remember us."

With that she turned before Bula could say no, and went to her beloved husband. She never saw the rock coming for her. But Bula saw it smash into her Mama, she reached towards her then heard the laughter of the trolls. Backing up she turned and ran towards the back door and out to the forest not 20 feet away. She ran through the night not seeing where she was going just crying and running mostly. Hours later she stopped to catch her breath, every sound in the forest got her running wildly again and again. She knew they were coming after her, she could hear their shouts and bickering. As the sun came out, she hoped those trolls would stop hunting her. She could hear their shouts were further away until they stopped altogether.

Bula contined on hoping to put many more miles between herself and those horrid trolls. Being so tired she had missed the hole in the ground, now she had no idea how she was going to get out. She looked upwards and called out for help.