DORULL SAGA - SWAMP OF DEATH
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Tired, hungry, decimated army, led
by commander Saekul Er’ulrath, was slowly approaching Vallsynk, the
enormous port city on the northern shores of the lake Kabial. A rather large
crowd gathered on the streets, wholeheartedly welcoming the return of soldiers.
Their enthusiasm soon subsided, seeing all of those dead and wounded young men.
With their heads held low, the morose procession continued its journey in
silence, towards the hills to the east of the town. There, surrounded by small hills, stood the town’s cemetery.
Modest ceremony didn't last long,
but every single soldier received an honorable farewell. Steady as a statue,
Saekul saluted, watching their bodies being placed into the graves, one by one.
Elf showed no emotions. But deep inside of him, there was a battle between the
duty he had for the city, his soldiers and the orders that the city councilors
gave him. They were the ones sending these boys to die.
Captain Lutir’s presumptions, still
rang inside Saekul’s mind. They woke up, a long lost, forgotten feelings. Those
principles he was forced to cast aside. Thorin was right, elf knew this much.
But would it be wise to even think about venturing this way. Placing everything
he worked for to risk. Endangering his reputation, career and probably his
life. Saekul was brave, but not stupid. He would have to think about it for a
long time, if he was to decide to act.
Funeral procession was about to
end, as first of the townsfolk began to leave the cemetery. But the elf was in
no hurry. Instead, he went up the nearing hilltop. One look at a graveyard
filled Saekul’s heart with pain. So many young lives extinguished, the soldiers
he knew. So many died, and always for the same reason.
“It’s good to see you again, my old
friend.” a calm voice came from behind the elf.
Saekul turned around quickly, he
would have recognized it amongst the thousands. Just a few feet away from him,
stood a tall, masked figure.
“Vlaazh? What are you doing here?”
elf asked “I thought I’d never see you again, after those unfortunate events
back in the south.”
“Oh you know, it’s always business
with me. And so it happens to be, my next one is in your little town.”
“You could’ve visited any time.”
“Don’t know if that would be wise,
because of our past.” vard said “Besides, as I said, I am always keeping
myself occupied with something.”
“Tell me then, what are you doing
here?” Saekul nodded, “Perhaps, I could be of help.”
“I see, you are still a soldier.”
“I am a commander now.”
“Well then, I’m in luck.” Vlaazh
said “Perhaps you could help me.”
“Where are you going? I’d gladly
show you the way.” elf turned around, but vard was not moving.
“It’ll be best if you stay clear.”
“What is that suppose to mean?”
Saekul took two steps back “For your own good, I hope I misunderstood you.”
“You heard me just fine, elf.”
Vlaazh said calmly “It would be even better, if you’d remove all of your guards
from the streets.”
“That’s one dangerous game you are
playing, my friend. Please tell me you are not serious, or this could get real
ugly.”
“Not a joke, Saekul.” vard suddenly
removed the hood off his head “But a very, very important meeting, which I’ll
attend, with or without your help.”
Elf startled a bit, seeing a
familiar face of councilor Xavnier Gloir. Only difference was in their stature
and height, but vard’s body just began to adjust. Transformation, Saekul saw
once before, a long time ago, was over in just a couple of seconds.
“What are you up to?” the elf asked
“Why did you take the councilor’s appearance?”
“Whole world is changing. Can’t you
feel it?” Vlaazh was purposely enigmatic “Tonight it all begins, here in this
city.”
“I forgot how tiresome it is, to
talk with your kind.” Saekul shook his head “Why did you come to Vallsynk?”
“To terminate the councilors.” vard
said without hesitation.
Elf tilted his head, he couldn’t
believe Vlaazh just said that. This had to be some strange, twisted joke. Vard
must‘ve been mad for even thinking about it. But if this was true, Saekul knew
he’d have almost no chance at all to stop them.
“It seems your world has already
changed.” the elf said “If I remember correctly, you used to save lives. And
now, it seems that you are taking them.”
“Well observed, my friend.” Vlaazh
nodded “We were forced to adapt, not that it was hard, considering our
particular skill set.”
“Who’s behind this?” the elf was
quick to ask “Who’s paying for these, what do you call them, changes?”
“I am tempted to tell you, I am.”
vard let barely noticeable sigh “Instead, I’ll give you a small advice. Loyalty
is an admirable trait, but you should start thinking for yourself.”
“Is it Eilonna?” Saekul asked
nervously.
Vard was silent.
“Why did you tell me all of this?”
The elf looked towards Vallsynk.
“Someone thought it would be wise
to let you in on it.” Vard smiled “Someone who trusts you.”
Who could it be? Saekul was now
completely clueless. Who had the audacity to attack the mighty council? Who had
the means? And someone he knew. Perhaps someone from his past.
“You plan to kill all four of
them?” Saekul’s face frowned.
“One must remain.” Vlaazh said.
“Xavnier?” the elf whispered,
realizing why vard chose the halfling’s appearance.
“It’s time.” Vlaazh nodded “Hope we
can meet again, soon, my friend.”
Vard turned around towards the
town. Several masked figures soon joined him. Hidden in a nearby grove, they
waited patiently for the return of their leader. In mere seconds, they were out
of Saekul’s sight. The night was nearing, there was but a few minutes of light
left. Gust of wind brought the fresh scent of pine trees and sweet oozing sap.
Elf let a barely audible sigh, as he too headed for Vallsynk. It would probably
be for the best to sleep this over.
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