DORULL SAGA - SWAMP OF DEATH
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It took just a couple of minutes
for Saekul to reach the Zanveen mansion. Lone guardsman was quite
surprised and somewhat confused with the commander's arrival. He quickly opened the gates letting him in, as he saluted awkwardly with his free arm. Dim light came from inside the room on
the first floor. Another one turned up in the hallway, heading down the stairs,
at a fast and erratic pace. Saekul could now hear the steps approaching the
doors. Abrupt sounds of fidgeting with the lock came from behind the door.
Someone was trying to unlock it, but was failing to do so immediately. Until it
finally clicked. Pale as a ghost, and panting heavily, Zanveen ran out of the
house, almost colliding with Saekul. He was holding a bloodied knife in his
right hand.
“Quickly, you…must catch…him.” the
councilor said out of breath “One of the soldiers…he tried to kill me.”
“Is he still upstairs?” Saekul went
inside, calling the guard to join him.
“Yes, I think he’s still upst…Hey!
But that’s him!” Zanveen screamed, pointing at the soldier, securing his
estate.
Saekul already knew of the vard’s
plans and means. The one that attacked the councilor, must have taken the
soldier’s appearance. Without a word, he rushed up the stairs, leaving the
councilor and the guard confused, staring at each other in distrust. Elf
commander circled through every room, but the assassin was long gone. Couple of
drops of blood, on the floor under ajar window, told him where the injured
vard went out.
Zanveen was in luck to defend
himself from the attack, but the danger was not gone yet. Injured vard could
have gone for reinforcements. It was hard to believe, they would leave the job
unfinished. Followed by the guard, the councilor headed back inside the house.
Still distrustful, Zanveen was deliberate, not to turn his back on the soldier,
although he knew by now that someone else attacked him.
“We have to run! It’s not safe for
you here anymore!” Saekul yelled from the top of the stairs.
“What? Why?” the councilor asked
climbing up, waving his guardsmen away to his post.
“Unless you want to end like the
rest of the councilors.” the elf commander said quietly, once they were alone.
“A…are they dead?” Zanveen
stuttered “Where is this coming from?”
“I overheard a conversation on my
way home.” Saekul said “Do you have somewhere to go? To hide?”
“W…well yes. Perhaps I could head
for the forest.” The councilor seemed absent. “Let me just grab a couple of
things.”
“Hurry.” Saekul knew the vards
might be back any minute now.
Councilor surely did not waste any
time, returning in just a minute or two. He was wearing the leather armor and
carrying over a dozen daggers, strapped to his many belts. He was also carrying
a long, elven bow and a quiver filled with perfect, slick arrows. He looked
exactly the same, as when Saekul met him for the first time. The two young
elves, on a ship traveling north, away from troubles, in search for new
beginnings. For a new life. And now, many years later, Zanveen has not changed
a bit. Except for the silver hair, he looked as youthful as ever.
Before they were to head out,
Saekul sent the confused guard back to the barracks. They waited for the
soldier to leave their sights. Once Saekul was sure he was gone, they sneaked
out from the estate, and through the secluded streets of the northern district.
The fastest way out of the town. They passed by the small stables, stopping to
look for a ride. Zanveen was in luck to find an already saddled horse. Animal
was calm and obedient, and the elf had no trouble in leading it away.
From there, the road was clear.
Just a few, dark alleyways, before they reached the outskirts of the town. In
front of them was a small grove, of predominantly oak trees. Zanveen turned
around, looking at Vallsynk. Strong, large flames lightened the night skies,
something was burning in the center of the city. But what, he did not know.
“We’ll be parting ways here, my
brother.” Saekul whispered “Be careful and may the luck follow you.”
“Until we meet again.” Zanveen
nodded.
Something choked him, from the
inside. He had no strength to say anything else. It was hard to leave this
life. He got used to it, enjoyed it quite a bit. Councilor mounted a horse,
holding its reins tightly, as he turned westwards.
“Until we meet again.” Saekul
retorted.
Zanveen enjoyed luxury perhaps too
much. Councilor might have lost his edge, he used to possess. But Saekul had a
feeling, this wasn’t the last time he was seeing him. Loud racket and panic,
draw him back to the city. Something was burning, there was no doubt in his mind.
He had to go and check it out. To help if he could.
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