Chapter 10

The Ferlian group make their way across the Fdhellin Plains before arriving in Gallimna, where local elves are wary of strangers. Edileth senses danger and finds herself in more trouble than expected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Ten

 

A gentle breeze drifted across the plains, casually winding its way toward a collection of mountains. As it rose to meet them, the zephyr brushed against several bodies; one of which was a blue-eyed rothnak. It caressed her slight form, stroking her features, and sending loose strands of her golden hair bouncing in its currents.

Edileth closed her eyes, inhaling the sweet scent of the mid-night gust. She glanced up to the large, nearly-full moon; a quiet sort of excitement causing her heart to flit within her chest. A low, almost melancholy tune came to mind and she longed to sing it -- though the fact that she was not alone kept Edileth silent.

They stood on a small ridge, overlooking the Fdhellin Plains. To their left was a small path that wound a short distance through the Drezkens before finally meeting with the easternmost edge of the Plains.

From there, the group would head in a Southeasterly direction, toward Filne-Semmit. Ordinarily, the journey would take approximately four days. However, with Marrik being unwell, and the added danger of possible attacks from Akkheron’s ilk, it would likely take the Ferlian elves nearer to seven or eight days.

They traveled the narrow mountain path for nearly half an hour, until they reached the Fdhellin Plains. As they began walking through the openness of the grasslands, Edileth felt someone draw near. The female cringed, knowing who it was before ever he spoke.

“So…” Joenek sidled up to her. Edileth turned her head impatiently and raised a brow before remembering that the male likely couldn’t see the expression; the moonlight shining from slightly behind them.

“Yes?” She tried and failed to keep frustration from her tone.

“What are ‘Sky Paints’?”

Edileth stopped walking, mouth ajar; briefly losing any semblance of poise. Snapping her mouth shut and hastily moving back into a rapid walk, Edileth turned to study the roth beside her.

He was tall but had rather poor posture; occasionally looking somewhat peculiar in his stride. Joenek continued sending expectant glances her way; waiting for an answer to his question. With a sigh of irritation, Edileth answered.

“When I was a small girl, my family sometimes traveled to Alimnae. While there, we would see the Imsen Nagim. I…was young and childish; I didn’t know what they were. I called them Sky Paints because it looked as though Feridh had painted the night sky with curtains of blues, greens, yellows and even the occasional pink or purple.”

She could feel Joenek’s gaze on her and knew he was giving his silly, crooked grin. Edileth inhaled with a flare of her nostrils and continued trotting along; hoping Joenek would not pester her further. Much to her dismay, he recommenced his questioning.

“And, uh, what -- or who -- is Babi?”

Edileth was grateful for the relative darkness of the night as she felt her face warm with a blush. Her embarrassment quickly turned to animosity. The female swung to face Joenek and gave him a shove.

“Now, you look here; I don’t know how you know all these personal things about me, but that’s just what they are -- personal. So, I’d rather appreciate it if you would keep your nosy little self out of my business.”

Joenek looked down at her with another of his infernal crooked grins. He crossed his arms and leaned back on his heels.

“Well, well…” He leaned in, then; terrifyingly close to Edileth. He looked directly into her eyes and studied her for a moment. She looked away, anxiety brewing within her. She could still feel his eyes upon her.

Unable to take any more of his perusal, Edileth turned on her heels and loped to where the group had stopped to wait for the two. Humiliation coursed through her, again, as she neared the other elves. Avoiding eye contact, she joined with the Ferlian members as they resumed their steady, jogging pace.

Rikku drew near.

“Do you still think he doesn’t like you?”

The animal-keeper’s whispered voice held a tone of amusement.

“Well it really doesn’t much matter how he feels about me.” Edileth growled so only Rikku could hear. “I cannot conjure any feeling of sentiment for the beast. I barely like him as a fellow elf, let alone a friend…and I certainly could not want him in any romantic way.”

“What is it that you so detest about him?”

Edileth glanced at the small rothnak beside her. Shaking her head, the blonde tried to think of exactly why she didn’t care for Joenek.

“He’s…it’s only…” She paused attempting to gather her thoughts. “The thing of it is; we really did get off on the wrong start. Then add to that the fact that he’s so…immature and energetic and he seems to talk incessantly and he stares at me in such an unnerving way…”

She shivered.

“I simply don’t care for him, is all.”

Rikku gave a mischievous grin.

“At least he isn’t unattractive…”

Edileth looked to Rikku, again. The tawny-haired elf gave a cheeky grin and then proceeded to laugh at Edileth’s look of befuddlement. She then ran ahead to be nearer the Lupak.

Feeling confused and somewhat uneasy, the young elf sneakily glanced at Joenek; watching him from the corner of her eye.

It was true that he was not unattractive. He had somewhat dark complexion for a Narenthian elf; obviously having ancestors that were likely from Jemmik or Pemme-Rinne. He had a nice-looking face, with hazel eyes and a handsomely large nose. While his hair was not nearly as short as Celik’s, it was a good deal shorter than most elves’; not quite reaching his shoulders. It was relatively straight and had a somewhat feathery appearance to it; sweeping about his face in a pleasant way.

As if feeling her gaze upon him, Joenek turned to Edileth; his lips already formed into their usual smirk. She quickly looked away, watching the surrounding landscape as she trotted along.

Just as she had dreaded, the male elf sauntered toward her. A moan of annoyance rose within Edileth’s throat. Joenek waited until he was directly beside her before speaking.

“It was you, you know.”

“What?”

“You are the one who told me about Babi.”

“Would you kindly get out of my head and leave me alone?” Edileth snarled with deadly quiet.

She sensed Joenek’s confusion. Edileth felt she could have kicked herself. She bit her lip and then attempted to readdress the male. However, he began speaking before she could decide what to say.

“When you had the fever; that’s when you mentioned the Sky Paints and Babi. Actually, it was before that; right after you went crazy and attacked the Bekhron that had caught me. You looked sort of…strange. I could tell that something was wrong, but I didn’t know what. Then you started talking and acting like a child.”

Edileth felt her face warm, again, as Joenek looked at her with an amused expression.

“It was pretty interesting. And, you know, if that’s how you were when you were younger, you were adorable. What went wrong?”

He chortled and then playfully bumped her shoulder with his own. Edileth felt panic rise in her throat, and she flinched away from his flirtatious behavior.

“I grew up. Babi was a friend that I had imagined when I was quite little. I outgrew such silly practices long ago.”

“You might try taking it up again.”

Edileth snorted.

 

*                      *                      *

 

It was mid-afternoon the next day when the group, wet and weary, trudged through the sodden main road of Gallimna. An autumnal downpour had begun nearly an hour prior and had yet to cease.

Shortly before they had caught sight of the small-ish town, the group had come to a slight dip in the terrain. Seeming to barely stand in the center of the “bowl” were the nearly-skeletal remains of an abandoned cottage with a somewhat dilapidated lean-to on one side. Torben had insisted they change into attire more befitting common travelers.

They had unhooked Marrik from the Lupak, allowing the creature to seek shelter in the relative protection of the lean-to. Then the elves had cautiously made their way into the cottage. While the building had been left to ruin, the structure of it was sound enough.

The walls had been made from a mix of stone and some form of thick mud -- much of which was still in place; despite the state of disrepair that the aged home seemed to be in. The roof had long since decayed; odd clumps of thatching strewn across the dirt floor. There was a large main room and, at the far end, what appeared to be the remains of two half-rooms.

As the elves had settled about, Yena had called Torben to assist her in hanging a cape across the entrance to each of the smaller rooms; providing areas of privacy for changing.

Edileth had begrudgingly traded her Elvish fighting garb for a simple blue-gray dress which extended just past the middle of her calves. The slight elf exchanged her high-quality boots for a cheaper, more common pair. Winding her lengthy braid around itself, Edileth used a few pins to fashion a braided bun. Next, she placed a weathered woolen cloak about her shoulders.

Once finished, Edileth had exited the small room at the back of the cottage and rejoined the others in the main-room. With apprehension, Edileth placed her sword into her pack; instead, having a decent throwing knife strapped to her leg and concealed by the skirting.

Both Yena and Rikku, who had changed before Edileth, were dressed in similar attire; rather worn clothing which looked as though it could not possibly protect one from the elements.

Celik had looked the strangest, to Edileth. He no longer wore his coat-and-cowl; instead dressed in dark clothing with a black cloak which had seen better days. In addition to the change in attire, his hair had been somewhat flattened so that it lay down. However, with the choppiness of the hair, itself -- combined with the fact that his hair kept wanting to stand up at odd angles -- the new look had given Celik an almost comical appearance.

As soon as everyone had changed and rested for a moment, they left the near-ruin. Torben had placed a cloaking spell, of sorts, upon the Lupak and Marrik so it appeared that the elf lay in the bed of a small, horse-drawn wagon. With this done, the group had started toward Gallimna; so, too, had the rain.

           

 

Now, they traipsed through the rapidly thickening muck. The road was clear of any other elves and the whimpering bay of a dog could be heard from a nearby alley.

They soon tramped into a small tavern. Arun remained outside with the disguised Lupak and Marrik, awaiting permission to stable the creature. Meanwhile, the rest of the party entered the building; the pungent odor of too many bodies in a tight space rising to their noses. As they trudged to one of the few open tables, Torben moved to the long counter at the back of the front room. Edileth watched the wizard walk to a broad elf. The slightly-hunched figure wiped at a grimy spot on the wood surface and appeared to be muttering to no one.

At last, the elf seemed to notice Torben; looking up from the incriminating spot. The two elves spoke briefly �" the occasional hand gesture being made -- before Torben handed something to the other elf, shook hands and made his way to the entrance. As he slipped through the door and into the downpour, Edileth turned her attention back to the tavern.

It was a simple building; nothing like the grand halls of Ain Dimruhl Bainlodain, nor even the dwellings in La’el. In comparison, the buildings in the town of Gallimna seemed rather primitive.

The table where the Ferlian group had settled was positioned on the right-hand side of the building; almost directly across from a poorly lit hall. On the left-hand side of the front room were more tables with another hall. Behind the long counter was a curtained opening which presumably led to the kitchen and cellars, as well as the owner’s dwelling and possibly a bathing room.

Just as Edileth was about to study the other elves in the building, she caught sight of Torben and Arun coming from the hall to the left of the back wall. The wizard and blacksmith made straight for the rest of the Ferlian group, ignoring the wary glances from those seated at other tables. Once settled, Torben spoke quietly.

“I managed to acquire accommodations for the evening. The innkeeper was rather hesitant to provide rooms for us, but I was eventually able to convince him. It seems strangers are not too welcome here. Although, it seems they have become a good deal more common for nearly a week, now.

“I told him we were refugees; fleeing from the twin cities of Calgoneth and Calgorath. Rastivelle -- that’s the innkeeper --confirmed that much of those passing through have come from the twin cities and the area surrounding them.”

“What of Marrik?” Yena whispered.

“Do not fear, my love. Rastivelle allowed us to bring Marrik through the back entrance. He is already resting well in one of the rooms.”

Torben stopped speaking as he saw a girl moving to their table with a tray of grog. As she neared, the elf gave a small curtsy, never making eye-contact as she placed the load on the table. Her job done, the young rothnak scampered back; avoiding unwanted attention from many of the intoxicated males before disappearing through the curtain behind the counter. Edileth noticed Yena’s look of grave disapproval.

“Now, before everyone’s curiosities are piqued and questions are asked, let me fill all of you in on who we are. We shall all have to be consistent in our stories; else we shall quickly find ourselves in Akkheron’s clutches.

“Yena, my dear, you are -- and ever shall be -- my lovely wife. We have a son and daughter, by the names of Aemic and Jaenar.” Torben turned to Joenek and Rikku, respectively, as he gave their false names.

“My brother’s son, Mnorthic, was visiting us when the cities were attacked. Naturally, we had to bring him with us; I promised my dear brother that I would look out for you.” Here, the wizard winked at Arun.

“And then, my darling wife, there’s the daughter of your brother. Sadly, tragedy befell her parents and they were lost in the fray; killed by those accursed Elaborathin. You’re rather good at being quiet and pensive; so, that shouldn’t be too difficult to fake, Edi-, er, Enári.

“With her parents gone, dear Enári begged us to make for Calgorath to save her betrothed, Benorelt.”

Edileth felt her face warm as Torben turned his gaze to Celik, who looked equally uncomfortable. A quiet snickering came from Joenek and Arun.

“Bear with me, here.” Torben reassured. “Obviously, Enári is still reeling from the loss of her parents, so she needs her betrothed to be flexible; comforting her when needed, but also knowing when to leave her alone. You needn’t fake affection for one another at all times.

“And then there’s the matter of Benorelt’s ailing brother; struck amid a skirmish. We couldn’t very well leave the poor lad in Calgorath to be slaughtered.”

Even though the wizard had spoken in a hushed tone, Edileth couldn’t help feeling anxious that, somehow, one of the surrounding elves had heard every word. She immediately began scanning the room; trying her best to portray a look of vacancy.

Nobody seemed especially shifty; though all the elves continued glancing in the direction of the Ferlian group. However, Edileth couldn’t quite shake the feelings of unease and ever-growing panic that rose within her. Driven by her alarm, Edileth used her secret gift; the reason she had been called upon by the Ferlian Court.

Begrudgingly, she entered the barely-explored corner of her mind, delving into the deep pool of consciousness that remained mostly untouched. Once there, she began expanding her mind; letting a trail of thought move outward in an odd swirling pattern. However, her mind was quickly flooded by the thoughts of every elf in the tavern. A barrage of thought and conscious very nearly overwhelmed Edileth.

Terrified, her mind reeled back and Edileth paused to recollect concentration. Taking a deep breath, the fair elf again expanded her mind into the sea of strangers’ thoughts. In her first attempt, brief though it was, she had touched a mind that exuded a dark malice. She now focused her thoughts in the direction of that mind, pushing all others out.

Tentatively, Edileth approached the mind; its consciousness sneaking up the stairway which led to the rooms. She could sense its intention of finding Marrik before its mind retaliated against hers. Shocked, Edileth retreated from the intruder as he tried to delve into her own mind. She lost all focus and was again flooded by the many thoughts of those in the tavern. Her mind was momentarily lost in the chaos and she tried desperately to gather her thoughts and focus them on returning to the recesses of her mind.

A strong -- though equally gentle -- arm wrapping around her shoulder brought Edileth back into her own knowing. With an odd little jolt, Edileth’s mind returned to its place and she was aware of the physical world around her, once more.

“Are you quite all right, my love?”

Edileth nearly flinched as she felt Celik’s arm tighten ever so slightly around her. He then extended his right hand, grabbing one of hers and stroking the top with surprisingly convincing tenderness. Countless thoughts ran through Edileth’s head and she frantically concocted a plan.

Letting her anxiety fuel her, Edileth played as though her odd behavior was simply part of the act. Suddenly bursting into tears, Edileth buried her face in Celik’s chest, clinging to him as though he was her everything. She sobbed quietly and gradually let her fake sorrow grow until it was very nearly hysteria.

Celik seemed to sense that something was not quite right and stroked her hair in a calming manner.

“Now, now, my darling; I know you’ve had a time of it, but all will be well. You just need your rest. Come with me, belov’d; I shall take you to the rooms and you can sleep to your heart’s content.”

With that, the Kenim Naduhl scooped Edileth up as though she weighed no more than a pile of clothing and held her close. She growled mentally; why he had to pick her up, she didn’t know. It wasn’t as though she didn’t know how to walk. With feigned effort, Edileth calmed her nerves so that she only sniffed a bit and nuzzled into Celik’s shoulder.

As soon as they were in the darkened, right-hand hall, Celik whispered quietly into Edileth’s ear.

“What’s wrong? What’s happened?”

“I’m not entirely sure, but I’ve a bad feeling. I saw a rather suspicious-looking fellow come this way. I think we ought to check the rooms that Torben acquired for us.”

Celik nodded, carefully setting Edileth on her feet and making for the stairs. As she drew near, attempting to follow close behind the male, he turned and motioned for her to stay back.

Edileth felt annoyance bristle within her. Placing her fists on her hips, the agitated female glared at Celik until he finally conceded. He placed a finger to his lips as indication of the need for quiet and began his silent ascension of the stairs.

As though I don’t know that secrecy and quietude are of the utmost import at the moment. Edileth rolled her eyes and followed the sneaking shadow that was Celik.

Just before they had reached the final step, Celik stopped and made a faint clicking sound with his tongue. After only a moment’s pause, he finished mounting the stairs and stepped into the hall at their end. Just as the stairway had been, the hall was dimly lit and empty of elven beings.

“We didn’t think to ask which rooms ours were.” Edileth whispered in exasperation.

“Actually, I did.” Celik grinned. “You were simply too busy crying; quite convincingly, too.”

“Pft!”

Celik chortled quietly, motioning toward the group’s rooms.

“Left wing; last two doors on the left.”

With cautioned haste, the two elves moved down the hall. They halted once they stood before the first of the last two rooms, listening for any suspicious noises. Taking a deep breath, Celik made to open the door. However, before he could do so, the very door he was moving toward began slowly opening inward. Both Edileth and Celik hopped back a step -- each reaching for hidden weapons. They chanced a quick glance at one another and then focused on the opening door.

Out stepped a somewhat grotesque-looking elf. He was quite dark -- almost as a Jemmikan elf would be -- and had nearly-distorted features. The being was quite a bit taller than any elf Edileth had ever seen. In fact, he reminded Edileth of a smallish, less-deformed version of an Elaborathin. As his eyes met theirs, he gave an expression of imitated shock followed by a smug grin. A sudden stabbing pain entered Edileth’s mind and she gave a small cry of pain, falling to her knees. She could feel the fiend’s eely mind plunge into hers; an unwelcomed probing thing delving into her every thought.

Edileth struggled, desperately trying to push him out of her mind and regain control of her thoughts. Instead, a maniacal-sort of laughter filled her head. Tears began streaming down her cheeks as her mind strained to be free of the dark elf’s hold. She heard a struggle to her right and forced her head up. Through the cloud of tears, Edileth saw the dark elf backhand Celik, sending the Kenim Naduhl into the wall. He lay on the floor with a heaving chest, the sound of gasping erupting from his lips. Panic rose in Edileth’s throat; she would receive no help from Celik for a moment or two �" by which time she could very well be dead.

A shadow loomed over Edileth and, as she strained to look up, she saw the sinister elf lowering into a crouch before her. He cocked his head, an unnerving grin upon his lurid face.

“Ah, tsk-tsk.” His voice was deep and had a gravel-like quality to it. He spoke aloud, but Edileth could hear his voice in her mind, as well. “So, inexperienced; you’ve been neglecting your mind-speaking lessons, haven’t you? What a shame.”

Suddenly, his hand was about her neck. He pushed her until she lay upon her back, his hand like a vice on her throat. The dark elf had leaned over her so that his face was inches from her own. Edileth felt her heart pounding, lungs gasping for breath.

“I could teach you so much. You needn’t keep your mind bottled up in that little head of yours. Let your mind be free; open it to the whole of the universe. Give it to me and I can show you how.”

His grip loosened the slightest bit, allowing Edileth to get a proper breath in. She gulped and gasped, coughing from the suddenness of it. The dark elf continued staring, his widened eyes boring into her. They were a piercing blue; so light in color that they were very nearly white. Were they belonging to an ordinary elf, they would almost be lovely. However, in the macabre face of the dark elf, they were haunting and had a terrifying affect.

“Oh, come; you needn’t be frightened of me.” He stroked her cheek with the back of his free hand, sending tingles of aversion down Edileth’s spine. “Your mind is terribly strong, even without training. Just imagine how powerful you could be under my tutelage. I can show you many things, Edileth.”

The use of her name sent Edileth into a frenzy. Her mind lashed out at the darkened one inside it. She tried moving her limbs to combat the dark elf in the physical realm, as well.

Instead, his grip tightened; both on her throat and her mind. He drew closer, a snarl distorting his already-horrid features.

“How much I could have taught you…” He leaned in and, with much exaggeration, licked along Edileth’s jaw-line and up to her cheek. She cringed, gagging at the rancid stench of his breath. “It really is quite a shame, you know.”

With another snarl, the dark elf slammed Edileth’s head into the wood planking of the floor, then proceeded to squeeze her neck. An awful look filled his eyes; one of voracious hunger. Her body grew weak, and her mind with it. The second her strength began fading, his mind started snatching greedily at her own.

Without warning, the dark elf was thrown off her. The claw-like nails of his meaty hand scraped at Edileth’s skin as he was sent to the floor a meter away. Celik leapt toward the beastly elf, single-handed sword at the ready. The dark elf recovered quickly and made to leap at Edileth’s companion. However, Celik was ready for the attack and rammed the sword’s hilt into the dark elf’s head, rendering the brute unconscious. Speedily, the male took a length of rope from his pack and bound the dark elf. That finished, Celik moved toward Edileth.

She was still sprawled on her back, fighting for breath and making an effort to collect her disoriented thoughts. Celik leaned over her with a look of concern clearly written on his face. He grabbed one of her hands in his.

“Edi-, Enári, is…are you alright? Are you hurt?”

Edileth tried to open her mouth and speak, but her mind wasn’t working cohesively with her. With grim determination, she could focus enough to open her mouth. However, she was then unable to speak. She tried a couple of times, only to fail; naught but breath coming out. Edileth swallowed and made another attempt at speaking. An odd, garbled conglomeration of non-words spilled from her lips.

Oh, Feridh preserve me! Why won’t my blasted mouth work correctly?

Celik’s concerned expression had grown with each of her failed attempts to speak. Finally, Edileth used her frustration and forced her mind to cooperate if only for a moment.

“Mind…wrong…head…hurts.” Edileth gave a growl of agitation which only succeeded in worsening the soreness of her throat.

“It’s okay, you’re okay. I shall help you.”

Celik looked about anxiously, and then proceeded to pick Edileth up. He brought her into the first room, laying her on one of the two small cots. He glanced at her worriedly before exiting. In a short moment Celik re-entered the room dragging the dark elf behind him. Once he made certain the enemy was still unconscious, he moved back to Edileth.

“I shall be back in a moment. I will tell Torben what has transpired so that we may decide what’s to be done with him.” Celik nodded toward the dark elf. He then gave an odd pat on her shoulder, nodded and left the room.

Edileth took a deep breath, attempting to calm the chaos of her mind. Things were finally beginning to return to normal; gradually, but with enough swiftness that she could feel the shifts as they happened.

After what seemed to be quite some time, she heard the door open and the whole of their group filed into the room. Yena rushed to Edileth’s side.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes…I’m fine.”

Yena gave a stern look, taking in the marks on Edileth’s neck. Celik crept up behind the healer and whispered something. The elder rothnak glanced at him with an arched brow before returning her attention to Edileth.

The blonde felt a sense of panic rise within her. The dark elf had spoken of her mind-speaking abilities and, though Celik had been unable to breathe for a short time, she felt certain he must have heard what was spoken.

“He is a mind-speaker, you say?”

“I’m certain of it. Shortly after he stepped out, I felt this odd force pressing in on my mind. I was thrown off-guard and it sort of took control of my mind for a moment. But then it left and I attempted to attack the thing. I failed, then, in downing the brute and I believe it went on to torment Edileth. I--”

Edileth’s heart began pounding as Celik paused. She tried to remain calm, but still found her breath quickening. With effort, she forced herself to inhale more slowly. Celik’s eyes barely glided in her direction before returning to a random spot on the wall.

“I feel quite sure that it delved deeper into her mind than it did in mine. And I assume, therefore, she had a more difficult time of speaking directly after the attack.”

“Hmm…I wouldn’t doubt it.” Torben moved into the smaller group. “Mind-speakers �" particularly those with exceptional power �" are capable of many things other than simply speaking into another’s mind. I’ve heard tell of mind-speakers capable of driving elves mad by entering the mind and tossing things about, much as a burglar would a home.

“If what you say is true, I suspect our “guest” is one such mind-speaker and he was attempting such torment on Edileth. But there are a few questions I do have about all this commotion. Why did he go after Edileth with such deliberation? What is he doing here? And chiefly; what in Naine Mithale is he?”

“You don’ know wha’ ‘e is?” Arun questioned.

“I may know a great deal, but I’m not Feridh; I don’t know everything. I do, however, suspect that it’s some new creation of Akkheron’s. He seems to be a more… ‘refined’ form of Elaborathin. And if he has the power to mind-speak, then he’s obviously a good deal more intelligent.”

Edileth sat up quite suddenly. Her mind was still a bit foggy, but quickly improving. And in its repair, Edileth had remembered something which had been lost in all the chaos.

“Marrik; where’s Marrik?”

A stricken look crossed Yena’s face as she glanced about the room. Torben moved close to his wife.

“Don’t worry, my love. Marrik is in the adjoining room.” He pointed to the door in the side wall.

Celik, however, looked panicked. He dashed to the door, flinging it open and darting into the second room. Torben had a puzzled expression, until the Kenim Naduhl re-entered the first room and explained.

“That thing was in here. We came upon it as it was leaving this room. However, Marrik seems to be unharmed.”

Yena rushed into the next room to make certain her “patient” was faring well.

Edileth felt her lids grow heavy. She didn’t want to sleep, and yet she felt overwhelmingly tired.

“You should rest.”

Celik’s quiet comment shook the blonde from her half-doze.             Afraid to look him in the eyes, Edileth simply nodded, giving a quiet grunt of agreement. She gradually moved as to exit the bed, but soon discovered that her brain was still disoriented. With slow deliberation, Edileth dragged her legs to the right so her booted feet touched the wood floor. Her body swayed ever so slightly as she stood up.

Rather than step aside, Celik remained directly next to Edileth. She half-wondered if the Kenim Naduhl had forgotten that they only need play the loving couple in public; that such displays of tender care were unnecessary in the privacy of the rooms. Edileth moved with caution, walking to the other room. Her legs wobbled uncontrollably, occasionally feeling as though they would give out beneath her.

At last, the weary female had entered the second room and sat upon the one available cot -- the other being used by Marrik.

“Are you all settled?”

Edileth glanced up with a disgruntled sigh. She nodded somewhat rudely at Celik. Yena, who had been looking over Marrik, seemed to sense the tension and casually left the room. Celik watched her leave through the side door before turning back to Edileth and leaning close.

            “I know of your abilities.” Upon seeing Edileth’s panicked look, he held a hand up and continued speaking. “I only wanted to assure you that I will tell no one. It is your secret to do with as you will. But tell me, have you ever entered my mind?”

Edileth very nearly scoffed at the idea. Celik had no understanding of how much she cursed the abilities she had been born with; how much she fought to keep her mind closed off from the world. She knew there were many benefits to being a mind-speaker, but she was too frightened of the possible outcomes to attempt exploring the talent.

This time Edileth looked into Celik’s eyes. She needed him to know her torment and assure him that -- though born with the mind-speaking abilities -- she had no intentions of using them; least of all, on her companions. She stared into his eyes for a long moment, the feeling of awkwardness quickly coursing through her. And yet Edileth held her gaze steady. When Celik seemed to understand that what she was about to say would be spoken with deepest sincerity, Edileth answered him.

“No; I have not. Nor do I mean to.” Edileth almost smiled at the faint look of relief that crossed Celik’s face. He gave a small nod and quiet expression of gratitude.

“That Elaborathin…thing; he said you were inexperienced. Did you receive no training?”

“No.” Edileth sniffed, feeling quite anxious. “I did not want my mind-speaking made known to the whole of Kerindh. You are one of a very few who know of my talent.”

Celik cocked a brow at her sarcastic tone. She returned his gaze in like kind; one brow raised, as though daring him to comment further.

“You do not think it a talent?”

“No, indeed, I do not; ‘tis a curse, as sure as the sun rises each morn.”

“How can you possibly think that? Surely, you must see that being a mind-speaker is a special and wondrous gift.”

“Oh, it is, is it? Then answer me this, Celik; what is so marvelous about living in constant separation, surrounded by those who no longer trust you?”

Celik looked perplexed.

“Even you have been made wary of me.”

“What? Nonsense, I--”

“There’s no sense in denying it, Celik. Do you think I did not see the concern in your features? Or that I missed your obvious sense of relief when I told you I had not delved into your mind?”

The roth looked somewhat abashed.

“It is always the same reaction. I am treated as though I were a leper -- or an agent of Akkheron, himself. Those I am close to gradually distance themselves from me after discovering I can mind-speak; though it is not so casual as to disguise their reasons for leaving.”

“I am sorry.”

Edileth huffed in agitation.

“I do not need your sympathy. I’ve grown rather accustomed to it; I do not mind being alone.”

Celik didn’t look convinced but said no more on the subject.

“Sleep well, Enári.” The male smiled before turning and leaving the room.

Edileth groaned in frustration, laying her head in her hands. Messaging her temples, the female attempted to clear her mind of all its tumultuous thoughts. She finally lifted her head, glancing in the direction of Marrik. She flinched.

The injured elf was staring right at her. Edileth felt her pulse hasten as warmth flooded her face. She saw his mouth move and heard the faintest sound of his voice but could not discern what he had said.

She stood and started toward Marrik. There was a rather disconcerting feeling that continued tickling the back of her neck. It was almost as though there was another being in the room and she was anticipating its attack. Edileth looked about the room, half expecting some fowl creature to leap out at her. She saw only Marrik, and yet she couldn’t quite shake the feeling that there was another presence among them.

Edileth was soon crouched beside the scholar. His face held an expression of vaguely befuddled concentration.

“Marrik, are you unwell?”

His brows furrowed and he gazed at Edileth for a moment more.

“E-Edileth?”

“Yes, that is correct. Are you in any pain?”

“No…” His eyes shifted from side to side, as though he were putting things together in his mind. “We have the Gredhe?”

“We do. Stay put; I shall go let Yena know that you are awake. She will be terribly glad.”

As she moved to stand, Edileth felt a firm grip upon her arm. Startled, and still affected by the mind-speaking creature’s attack, Edileth jerked her arm in attempt of freeing it. Marrik’s face looked quite intent and then, just as suddenly as he had snatched her arm, his face became rather perplexed and he released her.

            Edileth made her way hastily from his side and briefly entered the other room to inform Yena of Marrik’s state.

Author's Note

As ever, critiques are greatly welcomed.

Reviews

[Glen Yumang Manese]

I will post the editing of this chapter at the conclusion of my review...I see this took a while to post...but better late than never...you mix it up a bit here...with the plot with the characters and the new environment...the change of names to play along with the cloak and dagger theme...and induction of mindspeakers...the nearer the journey takes us as the audience...you reveal the special powers --- and contour the scene in the tavern well...from the scenery and the mood of the events taking place...as this came to the ending...I do have a question about the answer she gave Marrik...that they have the Gredhe...and she says "We do"...is that in light of her confusion...since the mission is about retrieving the object...as for the grammar and misspelling...seems fitting...but I only saw areas with the usage of words/changes and commas for readability...as with my critique...you can take from them or leave as is...just my observation of your work...again a befitting ending of another well-written chapter...I will post the entirety of your work for rereading to see the areas I believe need attention...it's easier...since dissecting it seems to be more confusing than just outright showing in detail:

Chapter 10

A gentle breeze drifted across the plains, casually winding its way toward a collection of mountains. As it rose up to meet them, the zephyr made contact with a number of bodies; one of which was a blue-eyed elvish woman. It caressed her slight form, stroking her features and sending loose strands of her golden hair bouncing in its currents.
Edileth closed her eyes, inhaling the sweet scent of the mid-night gust. She glanced up to the large, nearly-full moon; a quiet sort of excitement causing her heart to flit within her chest. A low, almost melancholy tune came to mind and she longed to sing it" though the fact that she was not alone caused Edileth to keep silent.
They stood on a small ridge, overlooking the Fdhellin Plains. To their left was a small path that wound a short distance through the Drezkens, before finally meeting with the easternmost edge of the Plains.
From there, the group would head in a Southeasterly direction, toward Filne-Semmit. Ordinarily, the journey would take approximately four days. However, with Marrik being unwell, and the added danger of possible attacks from Ackheron’s ilk, it would likely take the Ferlian elves more than seven or eight days.
They traveled the narrow mountain path for nearly half an hour, until they reached the Fdhellin Plains. As they began walking through the openness of the grasslands, Edileth felt someone draw near. The female cringed, knowing who it was before ever he spoke.
“So…” Joenek sidled up to her. Edileth turned her head impatiently and raised a brow, before remembering that the male likely couldn’t see the expression; the moonlight shining from slightly behind them.
“Yes?” She tried and failed to keep frustration from her tone.
“What are ‘Sky Paints’?”
Edileth stopped walking, mouth ajar; briefly losing any semblance of poise. Snapping her mouth shut and hastily moving back into a rapid walk, Edileth turned to study the elvish man beside her.
He was fairly tall, but had rather poor posture; occasionally looking somewhat peculiar in his stride. Joenek continued sending expectant glances her way; waiting for an answer to his question. With a sigh of irritation, Edileth answered.
“When I was a small girl, my family sometimes traveled to Alimnae. While there, we would see the Imsen Nagim. I…was young and childish; I didn’t know what they were. I called them Sky Paints, because it looked as though Feridh had painted the night sky with curtains of blues, greens, yellows and even the occasional pink or purple.”
She could feel Joenek’s gaze on her and knew he was giving his silly, crooked grin. Edileth inhaled with a flare of her nostrils and continued trotting along; hoping Joenek would not pester her further. Much to her dismay, he recommenced his questioning.
“And, uh, what -- or who -- is Babi?”
Edileth was grateful for the relative darkness of the night as she felt her face warm with a blush. Her embarrassment quickly turned to animosity. The female swung to face Joenek, and gave him a shove.
“Now, you look here; I don’t know how you know all these personal things about me, but that’s just what they are -- personal. So I’d rather appreciate it if you would keep your nosey little self out of my business.”
Joenek looked down at her with another of his infernal crooked grins. He crossed his arms and leaned back on his heels.
“Well, well…” He leaned in, then; terrifyingly close to Edileth. He looked directly into her eyes and studied her for a moment. She looked away, anxiety brewing within her. She could still feel his dark eyes upon her.
Unable to take any more of his perusal, Edileth turned on her heels and loped to where the group had stopped to wait for the two. Humiliation coursed through her, again, as she neared the other elves. Avoiding eye contact, she joined with the Ferlian members as they resumed their steady, jogging pace.
Riku drew near.
“Do you still think he doesn’t like you?”
The Animal Keeper’s whispered voice held a tone of amusement.
“Well it really doesn’t much matter how he feels about me.” Edileth growled so only Riku could hear. “I cannot conjure any feeling of sentiment for the beast. I barely like him as a fellow elf, let alone a friend…and I certainly could not want him in any romantic way.”
“What is it that you so detest about him?”
Edileth glanced at the small woman beside her. Shaking her head, the blonde tried to think of exactly why she didn’t care for Joenek.
“He’s…it’s only…” She paused attempting to gather her thoughts. “The thing of it is; we really did get off on the wrong start. Then add to that the fact that he’s so…immature and energetic and he seems to talk incessantly and he stares at me in such an unnerving way…”
She shivered.
“I simply don’t care for him, is all?”
Riku grinned mischievously.
“At least he isn’t unattractive…”
Edileth looked to Riku, again. The tawny-haired elf gave a cheeky grin and then proceeded to laugh at Edileth’s look of befuddlement. She then ran ahead so as to be nearer the Lupak.
Feeling confused and somewhat uneasy, the young elf sneakily glanced at Joenek; watching him from the corner of her eye.
It was true that he was not unattractive. He had somewhat dark complexion for a Narenthian elf; obviously having ancestors that were likely from Jemmik or Pemme-Rinne. He had a fairly nice-looking face, with hazel eyes and a handsomely large nose. While his hair was not nearly as short as Celik’s, it was a good deal shorter than most elves’; not quite reaching his shoulders. It was relatively straight and had a somewhat feathery appearance to it; sweeping about his face in a pleasant way.
As if feeling her gaze upon him, Joenek turned to Edileth; his lips already formed into their usual grin. She quickly looked away, watching the surrounding landscape as she trotted along.
Just as she had dreaded, the male elf sauntered toward her. A moan of annoyance rose within Edileth’s throat. Joenek waited, until he was directly beside her before speaking.
“It was you, you know.”
“What?”
“You are the one who told me about Babi.”
“Would you kindly get out of my head and leave me alone?” Edileth snarled with deadly quiet.
She sensed Joenek’s confusion. Edileth felt she could have kicked herself. She bit her lip and then attempted to readdress the male. However, he began speaking before she could decide what to say.
“When you had the fever; that’s when you mentioned the Sky Paints and Babi. Actually, it was before; right after you went crazy and attacked the Bekhron that had caught me. You looked sort of…strange. I could tell that something was wrong, but I didn’t know what. Then you started talking and acting like a child.”
Edileth felt her face warm, again, as Joenek looked at her with an amused expression.
“It was pretty interesting. And, you know, if that’s how you actually were when you were younger, you were adorable. What went wrong?”
He chortled and then playfully bumped her shoulder with his own. Edileth felt panic rise in her throat, and she flinched away from his flirtatious behavior.
“I grew up. Babi was a friend that I had imagined, when I was quite little. I outgrew such silly practices long ago.”
“You might try taking it up again.”
Edileth snorted.

* * *

It was mid-afternoon the next day when the group, wet and weary, trudged through the sodden main road of Gallimna. An autumnal downpour had begun nearly an hour prior and had yet to cease.
Shortly, before they had caught sight of the small-ish town, the group had come to a slight dip in the terrain. Seeming to barely stand in the center of the “bowl” were the nearly-skeletal remains of an abandoned cottage with a somewhat dilapidated lean-to on one side. Torben had insisted they change into attire more befitting common travelers.
They had unhooked Marrik from the Lupak, allowing the creature to seek shelter in the relative protection of the lean-to. Then the elves had cautiously made their way into the cottage. While the building had been left to ruin, the structure of it was sound enough.
The walls had been made from a mix of stone and some form of thick mud -- much of which was still in place; despite the state of disrepair that the aged home seemed to be in. The roof had long since decayed; odd clumps of thatching strewn across the dirt floor. There was a large main room and, at the far end, what appeared to be the remains of two half-rooms.
As the elves had settled about, Yena had called Torben to assist her in hanging a cape across the entrance to each of the smaller rooms; providing areas of privacy for changing.
Edileth had begrudgingly traded her Elvish fighting garb for a simple blue-gray dress, which extended just past the middle of her calves. The slight elf exchanged her high-quality boots for a cheaper, more common pair. Winding her lengthy braid around itself, Edileth used a few pins to fashion a braided bun. Next she placed a weathered woolen cloak about her shoulders.
Once finished, Edileth had exited the small room at the back of the cottage and rejoined the others in the main-room. With apprehension, Edileth placed her sword into her pack; instead, having a decent throwing knife strapped to her leg and concealed by the skirting.
Both Yena and Riku, who had changed before Edileth, were dressed in similar attire; rather worn clothing, which looked as though it could not possibly protect one from the elements.
Celik had looked the most strange, to Edileth. He no longer wore his coat-and-cowl; instead dressed in dark clothing with a black cloak which had seen better days. In addition to the change in attire, his hair had been somewhat flattened so that it lay down. However, with the choppiness of the hair, itself -- combined with the fact that his hair kept wanting to stand up at odd angles -- the new look had given Celik an almost comical appearance.
As soon as everyone had changed and rested for a brief moment, they left the near-ruin. Torben had placed a cloaking spell, of sorts, upon the Lupak and Marrik so it appeared that the elf lay in the bed of a small, horse-drawn wagon. With this done, the group had started toward Gallimna; so, too, had the rain.

Now, they traipsed through the rapidly thickening muck. The road was clear of any other elves and the whimpering bay of a dog could be heard from a nearby alley.
They soon tramped into a small tavern. Arun remained outside with the disguised Lupak and Marrik, awaiting permission to stable the creature. Meanwhile, the rest of the party entered the building; the pungent odor of too many bodies in a tight space rising to their noses. As they trudged to one of the few open tables, Torben moved to the long counter at the back of the front room. Edileth watched the wizard walk to a stooped, elderly elf. The hunched figure wiped at a grimy spot on the wood surface and appeared to be muttering to no one in particular.
At last, the aged elf seemed to notice Torben; looking up from the incriminating spot. The two elves spoke briefly -- the occasional hand gesture being made -- before Torben handed something to the other elf, shook hands and made his way to the entrance. As he slipped through the door and into the downpour, Edileth turned her attention back to the tavern.
It was a fairly simple building; nothing like the grand halls of Ain Dimruhl Bainlodain, nor even the dwellings in Lael. In comparison, the buildings in the town of Gallimna seemed rather primitive.
The table where the Ferlian group had settled was positioned on the right-hand side of the building; almost directly across from a poorly lit hall. On the left-hand side of the front room were more tables with another hall. Behind the long counter was a curtained opening which presumably led to the kitchen and cellars, as well as the owner’s dwelling and possibly a bathing room.
Just as Edileth was about to study the other elves in the building, she caught sight of Torben and Arun coming from the hall to the left of the back wall. The wizard and blacksmith made straight for the rest of the Ferlian group, ignoring the wary glances from those seated at other tables. Once settled, Torben spoke quietly.
“I managed to acquire accommodations for the evening. The innkeeper was rather hesitant to provide rooms for us, but I was eventually able to convince him. It seems strangers are not too welcome here. Although, it seems they have become a good deal more common for nearly a week, now.
“I told him we were refugees; fleeing from the twin cities of Calgoneth and Calgorath. Rastivelle -- that’s the innkeeper -- confirmed that much of those passing through have come from the twin cities and the area surrounding them.”
“What of Marrik?” Yena whispered.
“Do not fear, my love. Rastivelle allowed us to bring Marrik through the back entrance. He is already resting well in one of the rooms.”
Torben stopped speaking as he saw a girl moving to their table with a tray of grog. As she neared, the elf gave a small curtsy, never making eye-contact as she placed the load on the table. Her job done, the young woman scampered back; avoiding unwanted attention from many of the intoxicated males, before disappearing through the curtain behind the counter. Edileth noticed Yena’s look of grave disapproval.
“Now, before everyone’s curiosities are piqued and questions are asked, let me fill all of you in on who we are. We shall all have to be consistent in our stories; else we shall quickly find ourselves in Ackheron’s clutches.
“Yena, my dear, you are -- and ever shall be -- my lovely wife. We have a son and daughter, by the names of Aemic and Jaenar.” Torben turned to Joenek and Riku, respectively, as he gave their false names.
“My brother’s son, Mnorthic, was visiting us when the cities were attacked. Naturally, we had to bring him with us; I promised my dear brother that I would look out for you.” Here, the wizard winked at Arun.
“And then, my darling wife, there’s the daughter of your brother. Sadly, tragedy befell her parents and they were lost in the fray; killed by those accursed Elaborathin. You’re rather good at being quiet and pensive; so that shouldn’t be too difficult to fake, Edi--, er, Enári.
“With her parents gone, dear Enári begged us to make for Calgorath to save her betrothed, Benorelt.”
Edileth felt her face warm as Torben turned his gaze to Celik, who looked equally uncomfortable. A quiet snickering came from Joenek and Arun.
“Bear with me, here.” Torben reassured. “Obviously, Enári is still reeling from the loss of her parents, so she needs her betrothed to be flexible; comforting her when needed, but also knowing when to leave her alone. You needn’t fake affection for one another at all times.
“And then there’s the matter of Benorelt’s ailing brother; struck in the midst of a skirmish. We couldn’t very well leave the poor lad in Calgorath to be slaughtered.”
Even though the wizard had spoken in a hushed tone, Edileth couldn’t help feeling anxious that, somehow, one of the surrounding elves had heard every word. She immediately began scanning the room; trying her best to portray a look of vacancy.
Nobody seemed especially shifty; though all the elves continued glancing in the direction of the Ferlian group. However, Edileth couldn’t quite shake the feelings of unease and ever-growing panic that rose within her. Driven by her alarm, Edileth used her secret gift; the reason she had been called upon by the Ferlian Court.
Begrudgingly, she entered the barely-explored corner of her mind, delving into the deep pool of consciousness that remained mostly untouched. Once there, she began expanding her mind; letting a trail of thought move outward in an odd swirling pattern. However, her mind was quickly flooded by the thoughts of every elf in the tavern. A barrage of thought and conscious very nearly overwhelmed Edileth.
Terrified, her mind reeled back and Edileth paused to recollect concentration. Taking a deep breath, the fair elf again expanded her mind into the sea of strangers’ thoughts. In her first attempt, brief though it was, she had touched a mind that exuded a dark malice. She now focused her thoughts in the direction of that mind, pushing all others out.
Tentatively, Edileth approached the mind; its consciousness sneaking up the stairway which led to the rooms. She was able to sense its intention of finding Marrik, before its mind retaliated against hers. Shocked, Edileth retreated from the intruder as he tried to delve into her own mind. She lost all focus and was again flooded by the many thoughts of those in the tavern. Her mind was momentarily lost in the chaos and she tried desperately to gather her thoughts and focus them on returning to the recesses of her mind.
A strong -- though equally gentle -- arm wrapping around her shoulder brought Edileth back into her own knowing. With an odd little jolt, Edileth’s mind returned to its place and she was aware of the physical world around her, once more.
“Are you quite alright, my love?”
Edileth nearly flinched as she felt Celik’s arm tighten ever so slightly around her. He then extended his right hand, grabbing one of hers and stroking the top with surprisingly convincing tenderness. Countless thoughts ran through Edileth’s head and she frantically concocted a plan.
Letting her anxiety fuel her, Edileth played as though her odd behavior was simply part of the act.
Suddenly bursting into tears, Edileth buried her face in Celik’s chest, clinging to him as though he was her everything. She sobbed quietly and gradually let her fake sorrow grow, until it was very nearly hysteria.
Celik seemed to sense that something was not quite right and stroked her hair in a calming manner.
“Now, now, my darling; I know you’ve had a time of it, but all will be well. You just need your rest. Come with me, belov’d; I shall take you to the rooms and you can sleep to your heart’s content.”
With that, the Kenim Naduhl scooped Edileth up as though she weighed no more than a pile of clothing and held her close. She growled mentally; why he had to pick her up, she didn’t know. It wasn’t as though she didn’t know how to walk. With feigned effort, Edileth calmed her nerves so that she only sniffed a bit, and nuzzled into Celik’s shoulder.
As soon as they were in the darkened, right-hand hall, Celik whispered quietly into Edileth’s ear.
“What’s wrong? What’s happened?”
“I’m not entirely sure, but I’ve a bad feeling. I saw a rather suspicious-looking fellow come this way. I think we ought to check the rooms that Torben was able to acquire for us.”
Celik nodded, carefully setting Edileth on her feet and making for the stairs. As she drew near, attempting to follow close behind the male, he turned and motioned for her to stay back.
Edileth felt annoyance bristle within her. Placing her fists on her hips, the agitated female glared at Celik, until he finally conceded. He placed a finger to his lips as indication of the need for quiet and began his silent ascension of the stairs.
As though I don’t know that secrecy and quietude are of the utmost import at the moment. Edileth rolled her eyes and followed the sneaking shadow that was Celik.
Just before, they had reached the final step, Celik stopped and made a faint clicking sound with his tongue. After only a moment’s pause, he finished mounting the stairs and stepped into the hall at their end. Just as the stairway had been, the hall was dimly lit and empty of elven beings.
“We didn’t think to ask which rooms were ours.” Edileth whispered in exasperation.
“Actually, I did.” Celik grinned. “You were simply too busy crying; quite convincingly, too.”
“Pft!”
Celik chortled quietly, motioning toward the group’s rooms.
“Left wing; last two doors on the left.”
With cautioned haste, the two elves moved down the hall. They halted, once they stood before the first of the last two rooms and listening for any suspicious noises. Taking a deep breath, Celik made to open the door. However, before he was able to do so, the very door he was moving toward began slowly opening inward. Both Edileth and Celik hopped back a step -- each reaching for hidden weapons. They chanced a quick glance at one another and then focused on the opening door.
Out stepped a somewhat grotesque-looking elf. He was quite dark -- almost as a Jemmikan elf would be -- and had nearly-distorted features. The being was quite a bit taller than any elf Edileth had ever seen. In fact, he reminded Edileth of a smallish, less-deformed version of an Elaborathin. As his eyes met theirs, he gave a face of shock followed by a smug grin; he didn’t seem at all surprised to see them. A sudden stabbing pain entered Edileth’s mind and she gave a small cry of pain, falling to her knees. She could feel the fiend’s eely mind plunge into hers; an unwelcomed probing thing delving into her every thought.
Edileth struggled, desperately trying to push him out of her mind and regain control of her thoughts. Instead a maniacal-sort of laughter filled her head. Tears began streaming down her cheeks as her mind strained to be free of the dark elf’s hold. She heard the sound of a struggle to her right and forced her head up. Through the cloud of tears, Edileth saw the dark elf backhand Celik, sending the Kenim Naduhl into the wall. He lay on the floor with a heaving chest, the sound of gasping erupting from his lips. Panic rose in Edileth’s throat; she would receive no help from Celik for a moment or two -- by which time she could very well be dead.
A shadow loomed over Edileth and, as she strained to look up, she saw the sinister elf lowering into a crouch before her. He cocked his head, an unnerving grin upon his lurid face.
“Ah, tsk-tsk.” His voice was fairly deep and had a gravel-like quality to it. He spoke aloud, but Edileth could hear his voice in her mind, as well. “So inexperienced; you’ve been neglecting your mind-speaking lessons, haven’t you? What a shame.”
Suddenly, his hand was about her neck. He pushed her, until she lay upon her back and his hand like a vice on her throat. The dark elf had leaned over her so that his face was inches from her own. Edileth felt her heart pounding, lungs gasping for breath.
“I could teach you so much. You needn’t keep your mind bottled up in that little head of yours. Let your mind be free; open it to the whole of the universe. Give it to me and I can show you how.”
His grip loosened the slightest bit, allowing Edileth to get a proper breath in. She gulped and gasped, coughing from the suddenness of it. The dark elf continued staring, his widened eyes boring into her. They were a piercing blue; so light in colour that they were very nearly white. Were they belonging to an ordinary elf, they would almost be lovely. However, in the macabre face of the dark elf, they were haunting and had a terrifying effect.
“Oh, come; you needn’t be frightened of me.” He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, sending tingles of aversion down Edileth’s spine. “Your mind is terribly strong, even without training. Just imagine how powerful you could be under my tutelage. I can show you many things, Edileth.”
The use of her name sent Edileth into a frenzy. Her mind lashed out at the darkened one inside it. She tried moving her limbs to combat the dark elf in the physical realm, as well.
Instead, his grip tightened; both on her throat and her mind. He drew closer, a snarl distorting his already-horrid features.
“How much I could have taught you…” He leaned in and, with much exaggeration, licked along Edileth’s jaw-line and up to her cheek. She cringed, gagging at the rancid stench of his breath. “It really is quite a shame, you know.”
With another snarl, the dark elf began squeezing Edileth’s neck. An awful look filled his eyes; one of voracious hunger. Her body grew weak, and her mind with it. The second her strength began fading, his mind started snatching greedily at her own.
Without warning, the dark elf was thrown off her. The claw-like nails of his meaty hand scraped at Edileth’s skin as he was sent to the floor a meter away. Celik leapt toward the beastly elf, single-handed sword at the ready. The dark elf recovered quickly and made to leap at Edileth’s companion. However, Celik was ready for the attack and rammed the sword’s hilt into the dark elf’s head, rendering the brute unconscious. Speedily, the male took a length of rope from his pack and bound the dark elf. With that finished, Celik moved toward Edileth.
She was still sprawled on her back, fighting for breath and making an effort to collect her disoriented thoughts. Celik leaned over her with a look of concern clearly written on his face. He grabbed one of her hands in his.
“Edi-, Enári, is…are you alright? Are you hurt?”
Edileth tried to open her mouth and speak, but her mind wasn’t working cohesively with her. With grim determination, she was able to focus enough to open her mouth. However, she was then unable to speak. She tried a couple times, only to fail; naught but breath coming out. Edileth swallowed and made another attempt at speaking.
An odd, garbled conglomeration of non-words spilled from her lips.
Oh Feridh preserve me! Why won’t my blasted mouth work right?
Celik’s concerned expression had grown with each failed attempt to speak. Finally, Edileth used her frustration and forced her mind to cooperate, if only for a moment.
“Mind…wrong…head…hurts.” Edileth gave a growl of agitation, which only succeeded in worsening the soreness of her throat.
“Alright, you’re okay. I shall help you.”
Celik looked about anxiously, and then proceeded to pick Edileth up. He brought her into the first room, laying her on one of the two small cots. He glanced at her worriedly, before exiting. In a short moment, Celik re-entered the room dragging the dark elf behind him. Once he made certain the enemy was still unconscious, he moved back to Edileth.
“I shall be back in a moment. I will tell Torben what has transpired so that we may decide what’s to be done with him.” Celik nodded toward the dark elf. He then gave an odd pat on her shoulder, nodded and left the room.
Edileth took a deep breath, attempting to calm the chaos of her mind. Things were finally beginning to return to normal; gradually, but with enough swiftness that she could feel the shifts as they happened.
After what seemed to be quite some time, she heard the door open and the whole of their group filed into the room. Yena rushed to Edileth’s side.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes…I’m fine.”
Yena gave a stern look, taking in the marks on Edileth’s neck. Celik crept up behind the Healer and whispered something. The elder woman glanced at him with an arched brow, before returning her attention to Edileth.
The blonde felt a sense of panic rise within her. The dark elf had spoken of her mind-speaking abilities and, though Celik had been unable to breathe for a short time, she felt certain he must have heard what was spoken.
“He was a Mind-speaker, you say?”
“I’m certain of it. Shortly, after he stepped out, I felt this odd force pressing in on my mind. I was thrown off-guard and it sort of took control of my mind for a moment. But then it left and I attempted to attack the thing. I failed, then, in downing the brute and I believe it went on to torment Edileth. I --”
Edileth’s heart began pounding as Celik paused. She tried to remain calm, but still found her breath quickening. With effort, she forced herself to inhale more slowly. Celik’s eyes barely glided in her direction, before returning to a random spot on the wall.
“I feel quite sure that it delved deeper into her mind than it did in mine. And I assume this is why she had such a difficult time of speaking directly after the attack.”
“Hmm…I wouldn’t doubt it.” Torben moved into the smaller group. “Mind-speakers -- particularly those with exceptional power -- are capable of many things other than simply speaking into another’s mind. I’ve heard tell of Mind-speakers capable of driving men mad by entering the mind and tossing things about, much as a burglar would a room.
“If what you say is true, I suspect our “guest” is one such Mind-speaker and he was attempting such torment on Edileth. But there are a few questions, I do have about all this commotion. Why did he go after Edileth with such deliberation? What is he doing here? And chiefly; what in Naine Mithale is he?”
“You don’ know wha’ ‘e is?” Arun questioned.
“I may know a great deal, but I’m not Feridh; I don’t know everything. I do, however, suspect that it’s some new creation of Ackheron’s. He seems to be a more…‘refined’ form of Elaborathin. And if he has the power of Mind-speak, then he’s obviously a good deal more intelligent.”
Edileth sat up quite suddenly. Her mind was still a bit foggy, but quickly improving. And in its repair, Edileth had remembered something, which had been lost in all the chaos.
“Marrik; where’s Marrik?”
A stricken look crossed Yena’s face as she glanced about the room. Torben moved close to his wife.
“Don’t worry, my love. Marrik is in the adjoining room.” He pointed to the door in the side wall.
Celik, however, looked panicked. He dashed to the door, flinging it open and darting into the second room. Torben had a puzzled expression, until the Kenim Naduhl re-entered the first room and explained.
“That thing was in here. We came upon it as it was leaving this room. However, Marrik seems to be unharmed.”
Yena rushed into the next room to make certain her “patient” was faring well.
Edileth felt her lids grow heavy. She didn’t want to sleep, and yet she felt overwhelmingly tired.
“You should sleep.”
Celik’s quiet comment shook the blonde from her half-doze. Afraid to look him in the eyes, Edileth simply nodded, giving a quiet grunt of agreement. She gradually moved as to exit the bed, but soon discovered that her brain was still quite disoriented. With slow deliberation, Edileth dragged her legs to the right so her booted feet touched the wood floor. Her body swayed ever so slightly as she stood up.
Rather than step aside, Celik remained directly next to Edileth. She half-wondered, if the Ranger had forgotten that they only need play the loving couple in public; that such displays of tender care were unnecessary in the privacy of the rooms. Edileth moved with caution, walking to the other room. Her legs wobbled uncontrollably, occasionally feeling as though they would give out beneath her.
At last, the weary female had entered the second room and sat upon the one available cot -- the other being used by Marrik.
“Are you all settled?”
Edileth glanced up with a disgruntled sigh. She nodded somewhat rudely at Celik. Yena, who had been looking over Marrik, seemed to sense the tension and casually left the room. Celik watched her leave through the side door, before turning back to Edileth and leaning close.
“I know of your abilities.” Upon seeing Edileth’s panicked look, he held a hand up and continued speaking. “I only wanted to assure you that I will tell no one. It is your secret to do with what you will.
“But tell me, have you ever entered my mind?”
Edileth very nearly scoffed at the idea. Celik had no understanding of how much she cursed the abilities, she had been born with; how much she fought to keep her mind closed off to the world. She knew there were many benefits to being a Mindspeaker, but she was too frightened of the possible outcomes to attempt exploring the talent.
This time Edileth looked into Celik’s eyes. She needed him to know her torment and assure him that -- though born with the Mindspeaking abilities -- she had no intentions of using them; least of all, on her companions. She stared into his eyes for a long moment; the feeling of awkwardness quickly coursing through her. And yet, Edileth held her gaze steady. When Celik seemed to understand that what she was about to say would be spoken with deepest sincerity, Edileth answered him.
“No; I have not. Nor do I mean to.” Edileth almost smiled at the faint look of relief that crossed Celik’s face. He gave a small nod and quiet expression of gratitude.
“That Elaborathin…thing; he said you were inexperienced. Did you receive no training?”
“No.” Edileth sniffed, feeling quite anxious. “I did not want my Mindspeaking made known to the whole of Kerindh. You are one of a very few who know of my talent.”
Celik cocked a brow at her sarcastic tone. She returned his gaze in like kind; one brow raised, as though daring him to comment further.
“You do not think it a talent?”
“No, indeed, I do not; ‘tis a curse, as sure as the sun rises each morn.”
“How can you possibly think that? Surely, you must see that being a Mindspeaker is a special and wondrous gift.”
“Oh, it is, is it? Then answer me this, Celik; what is so marvelous about living in constant separation, surrounded by those who no longer trust you?”
Celik looked perplexed.
“Even you, have been made wary of me.”
“What? Nonsense, I --”
“There’s no sense in denying it, Celik. Do you think, I did not see the concern in your features? Or that I missed your obvious sense of relief, when I told you I had not delved into your mind?”
The young male looked somewhat abashed.
“It is always the same reaction. I am treated as though I were a leper " or an agent of Ackheron, himself. Those I am close to gradually distance themselves from me, after discovering I can mindspeak; though it is not so casual as to disguise their reasons for leaving.”
“I am sorry.”
Edileth huffed in agitation.
“I do not need your sympathy. I’ve grown rather accustomed to it; I do not mind being alone.”
Celik didn’t look convinced, but said no more on the subject.
“Sleep well, Enári.” The male winked before leaving the room.
Edileth groaned in frustration, laying her head in her hands. Messaging her temples, the female attempted to clear her mind of all its tumultuous thoughts. She finally lifted her head, glancing in the direction of Marrik. She flinched.
The injured elf was staring right at her. Edileth felt her pulse hasten as warmth flooded her face. She saw his mouth move and heard the faintest sound of his voice, but could not discern what he had said.
She stood and started toward Marrik. There was a rather disconcerting feeling that continued tickling the back of her neck. It was almost as though there was another being in the room and she was anticipating its attack. Edileth looked about the room, half expecting some fowl creature to leap out at her. She saw no one but Marrik, and yet she couldn’t quite shake the feeling that there was another presence among them.
Edileth was soon crouched beside the scholar. His face held an expression of vaguely befuddled concentration.
“Marrik, are you alright?”
His brows furrowed and he gazed at Edileth for a moment more.
“E-Edileth?”
“Yes, that is correct. Are you in any pain?”
“No…” He seemed to be putting things together in his mind. “We have the Gredhe?”
“We do. Stay put; I shall go let Yena know that you are awake. She will be terribly glad.”
As she moved to stand, Edileth felt a firm grip upon her arm. Startled, and still affected by the mindspeaking creature’s attack, Edileth jerked her arm in attempt of freeing it. Marrik’s face looked quite intent and then, just as suddenly as he had snatched her arm, his face became rather perplexed and he released her arm.
Edileth made her way hastily from his side and briefly entered the other room to inform Yena of Marrik’s state.

[Elina]

Sorry it's taken me so long to reply. Thank you for your review. As for your question of why Edileth answers that they do have the Gredhe Orb... The Ferlian Group actually does have it. In fact, that is the reason Joenek is now a part of the group; because he grabbed hold of it after Edileth lost it during her skirmish with the Elaborathin, and he would not give it up. So Repind decided that Joenek should join Edileth and the Ferlians in their "quest." However, all the details of what the Orb is and where they are going, etc. have not been revealed to Joenek yet.

[Glen Yumang Manese]

There is a lapsed of time in reading the other chapters to the this point...and I could have memory lost from the beginning...since this chapter was presented...but thanks for putting me back in the loop...and reading other materials and all of others here and my work --- confusion can play in the mix of things...by I do have good photographic memory...which helps a lot in story telling and such...you're welcome and let me know --- when the next chapter is ready for viewing...good day...

[Eddie Davis]

I was quite glad to see Chapter 10 posted. Very interesting and quite neat to see psionics used in fantasy. It was written extremely well. As I expected, there were very few errors to find. One was: 'I think we ought to check the rooms that Torben was able to acquired for us." Acquired should be acquire.

[Elina]

Yes, chapter ten has been a bit of a struggle for me. Needless to say, I am so glad to have it finished! And thank you for pointing that out...it totally escaped my notice.