New chapters arriving soon

[Ainion of River Haven]

As for my novels and my protection I have removed the chapters that were up. I will be doing this after I have posted large numbers of chapters. Coming soon is chapters 10-12 ! I will be adding them in a day or so.

thanks for understanding

[Ainion of River Haven]

Chapter Thirteen

Fall had passed with a blur so it seemed to Ainion. Winter too had now come to its end. The sleeping buds now poking from all the trees. The rain had brought back the green grass and plants making everything look lush. River Haven looked beautiful. More beautiful then the year before he thought. Voronwë had returned from Escorting Lithônion back to the East. He had gained high status among the warriors and Eldur had taken him under his wing to tutor him in the ways of leadership. He had plans to have Voronwë take his place as the lord of River Haven. Eldur was getting ready to take his position on the high council. But that would not be for sometime Voronwë was still a novice in the ways of leadership.
“River Haven looks so beautiful” Aerlinniel said smiling. Ainion smiled back and took her hand in his.
“I will miss it here.” She said finally.
“As will I but Lithônion is waiting” he replied squeezing her hand.
“When will we be leaving?” She asked looking around at all the beauty now blooming.
“With in the week I hope.” He replied.
They walked for at least three hours more before returning to the city.
“Aerlinniel I have been searching for you all day.” Idhrenion said breathlessly running up to them as they climbed the ladder.
“Why is there something wrong?” She asked worriedly.
“No, I have the most wonderful news! Araya is with child!” His smile was brighter then the sun at that moment.
“That is wonderful!” Ainion exclaimed smiling brightly. Aerlinniel hugged her brother tightly.
“Yes that is wonderful news.”
“ We waited for a couple of months before we told anyone just to be sure. When do you leave for the East?” Idhrenion asked. His tone low he didn’t want them to leave at all.
“With in the week I’m afraid. But we will be back before you know it.” She smiled and took his arm.
“Mind if I take a walk with Idhrenion ?” She asked. Ainion nodded his okay and went to their dwelling to pack. He intended on leaving as soon as they could.
“I cant believe everything just blew by so fast Aerlinniel.” Idhrenion said looking all around at natures gifts of spring.
“Nor can I it seems like yesterday when you planned to marry. Now look at you all grown up with a child too.” She said leaning her head on his shoulder as they walked.
“Well not yet but soon. I cant wait.” He said. He was as giddy as a child with an unopened gift.
“Why must you leave now? why cant it wait until the baby is born? I don’t know anything about children” Idhrenion said his eyes sparkling with just the notion of his child to be.
“You are still a child to me.” She said smirking and punching him jokingly in the arm.
“Hey not fair I think I have grown up a lot since last season.” He said standing up straight and puffing his chest up a bit to look mature.
“Yes you are right I guess I have to let you grow up” she smiled again she didn’t want to think that her brother was old enough to be a man but indeed time changes everything.
“I will miss you Aerlinniel. I will worry everyday for you until you both are back here in River Haven.” He said finally after a long pause.
“I will miss you as well. But Ainion will not rest until he finds what was in his past Lithônion is sure to be a great help in putting light in all those dark places.”
“I know he will. They are after all brothers just like I consider him, a brother.” Idhrenion sighed and stayed quiet for most of the trip back to the city although he did find things to joke about with her here and there .
Ainion was waiting for her when she returned to their dwelling
“Why are your things packed is there something I don’t know?” She asked. Noticing right away the leather satchel that was packed and neatly placed on their bed.
“Just for the trip I want to be able to leave at anytime you should do the same.” He said looking out the window.
“I don’t wish to be gone long.” She said grabbing a leather bag much like the one Ainion had packed and put her things inside.
“I promise we will return as soon as we can.” He said not taking his eyes off the window.
“When are we leaving?” She asked setting their things next to the door.
“Tomorrow night I guess” he replied with a small sigh.
“Tomorrow then.” She repeated and laid down a few tears dripped down her cheeks.
Ainion after an hour of thinking disrobed and laid beside her. Even though his body was tired his mind was wide awake thinking about the East and what information it held for him.

Chapter Fourteen


The morning came quicker then Ainion had expected it to. He rolled over and looked out the window. Some of the early risers had begun to stir in their dwellings.
“Its time to get up.” He said lightly shacking Aerlinniel awake. She hit him with a pillow and hid beneath the blankets.
“We have to get ready to leave the horses are ready when we are but you still have to see your family and I still have to bid farewell to Voronwë and Eldur.
“Alright” She mumbled. Forcing herself from the warm blankets.
“I will return in an hour and we will head out.” He said smiling. He pulled on his trousers and tunic and walked out into the misty morning air. When he reached Eldur’s he expected that the leader would be waiting for him.
“Well met this fine morning Ainion.” Eldur said. With a cheerful aura about him.
“Yes I couldn’t leave for this trip without saying goodbye to you and Voronwë”
“Voronwë is still sleeping sadly. He still has a lot to learn before he will be the lord of this fair city.” He said laughing and ushering his guest to sit down.
“Well tell him I said goodbye ? “ Ainion said sitting down next to the desk in Eldur’s study.
“Ainion I would like to ask you to do something for me” Eldur commented fixing his noble gaze on Ainion
“Anything lord name it.” He replied.
“If there is any word of the war bring me back news”
“I will” He said. They chatted on for a while longer when Ainion realized that time was getting away from him.
“I must say good bye to Adanessa and Idhrenion.” He said getting up. Eldur followed him to the door.
“May the stars watch over you. Be careful and return soon.” He said. They embraced and Ainion said his final Farwell. He hurried to Adanessa’s dwelling. Araya and Idhrenion were seated out front talking when he arrived. He sat and talked with them for a few moments the day had passed by It was morning when this all began now it was late day. He didn’t know where time had gone.
“You will be back soon correct?” Idhrenion said eyeing Ainion and smiling.
“Yes, Idhrenion as soon as we can I will bring you back something.” Ainion said laughing and messing Idhrenion hair as he walked into the house.
“You better !” Idhrenion called in reply.
“Will you get them for dinner?” Adanessa asked . She smiled and began placing plates and bowls on the table.
“We need to go soon I don’t think we can stay” Ainion said as Araya and Idhrenion entered and sat down in their usual places.
“You will stay my dear dinner is ready and we have plenty.”
Ainion knew not to argue with her and took his usual seat next to Idhrenion. Dinner went as it always had. Chatter about this and that some gossip being whispered between Araya and Aerlinniel. After all was concluded and the dishes were well on their way to being done Ainion decided it was time to leave. They all walked onto the bridge in front of the house. It was still early evening so they would still get lots of ground covered before they had to camp.
“You two keep safe and watch the roads they are no longer safe. Be wary of travelers and Please return with haste.” Adanessa said hugging them both.
“I promise we will return as soon as we can.” Ainion said hugging Araya and Idhrenion .
“You make sure you bring my sister back safe. She will need to help me with the baby.” Idhrenion said laughing as he released Aerlinniel from his embrace.
“Like I said you are still a kid you’ll do fine.” She said giggling.
“May the Great Mother watch over you dear friends.” Araya said waving to them as they walked down the bridge toward the ladder. As they approached Ainion stopped he stood and listened.
“What is it?” Aerlinniel asked worriedly.
“Go back to your mothers dwelling bring them inside and lock the door.” He said pushing her . Her eyes filled with fear with out another word she ran to the house. Ainion ran to Eldur’s.
“They are coming” He said. Eldur’s eyes opened wide.
“The dark watch.” Eldur said in a low voice. His face twisting in worry.
“I hear them creeping in the forest.” Ainion said
“Call forth the warriors, get Voronwë. I will make sure that everyone is warned to be in their dwellings.” Eldur said jumping up from his desk. His robes flailed behind him.
Ainion rushed outside the wind was picking up. The sky was dark . It looked as if it was going to storm. Quietly mothers pulled their children into their homes and elders ushered others off the bridges. Doors were shutting and locks were being slipped in place. Ainion hurried to his dwelling and slipped on his armor and grabbed his sword. Voronwë met him on the bridge.
“Have you heard ?” Ainion asked him as he put his sword belt around his waist.
“Yes an elder informed me. But why now?” Voronwë asked as troops gathered ready for battle.
“I don’t know but we must go into the forest they are much smarter then those brute troops that we encountered before. They will not come into the open.” Ainion replied.
“What is going on?” Idhrenion asked meeting them
“Why are you out of the house? Go back and protect the women!” Ainion shouted.
“No I will fight I am a warrior its my duty.” He replied pulling out his sword.
“It is also your duty to protect our family.” Ainion shouted back.
“As it is yours.” He shot back walking to join the other troops.
Ainion knew there was no more time to spend arguing about this matter.
“The troops are ready what is our plan of action?” Voronwë asked as Ainion approached the group.
“Have them spread out amongst every inch of the city. Tell them to keep their backs close to the buildings so they are not taken from behind. Make sure they look above them and make sure they know that anything they hear should be investigated.” he said Voronwë nodded and gave the commands.
“What about you and I?” He asked after the troops dispersed to their posts.
“We will go into the forest and hunt them down the more we catch the less we have to worry about getting into the city.”




Chapter Fifteen


Voronwë nodded and they both climbed down to the ground. Quietly they stalked low to the ground. Ainion motioned the directions. They both crept across the open forest and crouched in a brush pile.
“I see nothing” Voronwë whispered.
“I….”Ainion did not finish Voronwë saw what had made his companion stop speaking. A tall shadowed figure was creeping near by. His black cloak was pulled down over his face so they could not make it out. The figure motioned and others began to creep out from their hiding places and follow his lead. Ainion’s mind raced he saw at least 11 men stalking toward the city. Stalking toward them. Voronwë’s eyes grew wider with every move the enemy made. Ainion’s hand griped his sword tightly. His thoughts raced from the cities safety and his family’s. Then when the enemy leader halted he worried about his own.
“We are expected.” The leader said his voices icy. Its chill could cut anyone to their bones. Ainion felt a shiver run down his spine.
“What is our next move captain?” One of the other cloaked figures asked.
“Go through and dispatch the residents one by one start on the second story and work your way down don’t miss anyone not even the children. I want only Eldur alive” the icy voice replied shifting the dead leaves under his boots. Ainion and Voronwë knew what they had to do. They had to stop as many dark minions as they could before they got in to the city and cause their devastation. The leader walked passed them not even noticing their position.
Ainion pointed in which direction he was going in and Voronwë knew to go the other. The troop immediately noticed their presents and jumped right into the attack. Some of the minions went for the city the others fought the two elf team. Ainion knew he was in trouble these opponents were well prepared and more advanced then he was.
“Ainion help me !” Voronwë called two men were attacking him at once. Voronwë was having a hard time keeping up. Ainion lunged forward making a perfect hit killing the one man. But Voronwë still struggled with the other. Finally after some hard fighting Voronwë had won. He pulled his sword from his fallen attacker and looked at Ainion.
“hurry the others are in the city.” Ainion called running back to River Haven. The battle was well under way when they arrived. The two managed to get up the ladder. A dark cloaked warrior hung from the higher bridge above their heads dead no doubt.
“You go help the troops I’m going to the second story and protect our lord.” Voronwë said pulling himself through the fray of clashing steel. Ainion turned and went after the closest opponent. He won fairly easily. He was surprised. Suddenly he felt an aching pain go down his back. He felt his blood run . He whirled around. The leader of the dark troops was grinning his hood was pushed from his head. His face was scared but fine in detail. His eyes were dark. His heart as empty and cold as his voice.
“You didn’t think I saw you there in that brush did you fool?” His attacker asked coldly.
Ainion doubled over in pain but he did not let his eyes off the man in front of him nor let go of his sword.
“What do you want here?” Ainion spat out. He brought himself back to his feet sword ready to strike.
“You were there listening. You know you really need better training.”
“ You didn’t answer my question.” Ainion said trying to keep calm.
“I am Eldur’s private escort.” He said an evil grin crossed his lips. This man was patient he did not look to worried about what was happening around him. Ainion heard a scream on the second level of the city and panicked.
“ You will die before you take him from this city.” Ainion yelled his temper flaring by the second.
“We will see now I think you have a battle on your hands am I right?” The dark watcher laughed.
“Yes with you, you bastard” Ainion flung forward his swing missing.
“ I have other things to do.” The enemy said he shoved Ainion over the bridge effortlessly. Ainion tried not to flail to much. His wound, he could feel ripping open. His blood felt hot as it ran down his back. He felt his hand slipping. Thoughts flooded his mind of the city, Eldur, That cloaked man, but first and foremost Aerlinniel. His grip gave way and he began to fall he closed his eyes. His body jerked to a stop. Idhrenion was on the bridge pulling him up. He smiled and sighed with relief. And helped bring himself on to the bridge.
“The battle is ours but we have lost a couple of men.” Idhrenion said crouching next to Ainion.
“ What of Eldur is he safe?” Ainion asked wide eyed.
“Yes he is well protected and under ground in the safe keep.” He replied helping Ainion stand. But trying to stand was worthless he let himself fall back to the hard wood that made up the bridge.
“How bad is it?” Idhrenion asked turning Ainion so he could examine the wound.
“you need healing you have lost to much blood” he said frantic.
“ I know but it is not safe for the others to come from their dwellings.” Ainion replied. He winced as the pain intensified.
“Who were those men?” Idhrenion asked pulling closer to his wounded friend.
“I haven’t heard of them until recently they have been moving across the realms. We believe they are a high task force employed by the Northern king . No one is sure as to their mission but I think when I get to the East I will know more.” Ainion pulled himself up and with Idhrenion’s help got to the second level. The battle had in fact been won. The warriors were pulling the dead enemies from the spots where they had fallen and were dragging them down to the ground to be burned.
“Where is the leader?” Ainion asked.
“He disappeared after he realized their mission was lost and he slipped away I’m guessing he is going to report their unsuccessful mission” Voronwë said interrupting the others conversation.
“Is Eldur alright?” Ainion asked worriedly.
“Yes he is coming up now to calculate the damage.” Voronwë replied
“But I must go I am to be by his side at all times. We have three burials in the morning as well so I must prepare for them.” Voronwë said after a long pause. Ainion nodded in understanding and he and his companion made the rest of their painful journey to Aerlinniel’s dwelling. The door was opened Araya threw her arms around Idhrenion the moment he stepped inside and had free arms to hold her.
“Ainion ! “ Aerlinniel screamed rushing to him. He collapsed on the floor his blood soaked tunic could be seen though his sliced armor. His wound was deep.
“I will tend to it.” Adanessa said pushing her daughter aside.
Ainion smiled softly he knew he was in good hands.

[Ainion of River Haven]

Chapter Sixteen


“Ainion its morning.” Aerlinniel’s soft voice called. He opened his eyes and looked around. Adanessa was gone to the healing structure and Idhrenion and Araya were off in the forest no doubt.
“Your scar is as long as your spine.” She remarked as he sat up.
“It never stops amazing me how fast your mother can heal even the deepest of wounds.” He said stretching sighing with relief.
“No pain I will have to thank her before we go.” He said getting up.
“We are still traveling ?” Aerlinniel asked surprised.
“Yes we must. Not just to see Lithônion. We need to get news about the war and any information we can get about the Dark Watch..”
“I thought after this wound you would see it is too dangerous to go East” she said sounding a little frustrated.
“We must my love. We will be safe.” He replied with a reassuring smile. After a quick meal he went to visit Eldur and hear about the damage.
“Ainion I see the stars were in your favor.” The weary leader said slowly walking over to him.
“Yes the stars were very much in my favor. But not in others cases I am sad to say.” His words were grim but true there were three deaths in the battle.
“Yes , we will see them off this afternoon, with full honor.” Eldur replied. His eyes were dim. It looked as if he blamed himself for what happened. Ainion lightly placed his hand on Eldur’s shoulder.
“This was in no way your fault my lord. There is no way to know who is out there. we are so far from word about the war. There are so many developments we miss. No one could get us any information in time to prepare for this.” he said trying to sooth the leaders restless mind.
“You’re right but if only we had a way to know.” He said. A faint and forced smile went across his lips he was trying as he always did to push aside his grim thoughts with a little bit of happiness. Ainion could tell that it was no match for what the leader had going on in his thoughts.
“They are after me I am afraid.” Eldur said finally.
“I know the leader of the dark watch said something about wanting you to be the only one alive after all was said and done.”
“ Yes but I have nothing to give them” Eldur said sighing
“You do my lord. You could be forced into allying with the Northern king. If he has a respectable elven leader in his grasp he knows the other Havens will follow with no hesitation. Whether you were forced to join or not they will all follow.”
“Yes but I have planned for such forceful action. In the past years I have been creating a safe keep below the ground. It is near completion and when the time comes all of River Haven will disappear. Only Voronwë and myself know about this keep. Along with a few warriors and those who helped construct it.” He said sitting in his high backed chair behind the desk.
“A wonderful idea my lord but how long will it stay safe and secret?” Ainion asked sitting in the chair beside the desk.
“Trust me Ainion for as long as the war.” He replied with a smile.
“You will still travel to the East ?” Eldur asked casting a small hopeful glance at Ainion.
“Yes my lord we need news of the progression of the war and details of the dark watch. I am sure Lithônion will know at least a few things.” He replied.
“I’m glad but please take care. There is no safe place in the forest anymore. When will you depart for Lumin?”
“After the warriors ceremony this afternoon. Aerlinniel although not pleased with our leaving with all this happening is still willing to go.” Ainion said.
“My lord it is time” Voronwë said as he walked into the leaders dwelling.
“I’m ready start the precession. ” Eldur ordered.
“A sad thing war is I hate it. But I’m ready we have nothing to fear.” Eldur left those final words with Ainion as he rose and went out on the bridge to join the precession to the river. Ainion quickly followed. Aerlinniel was with the healers so he walked alone. The bodies were on the ground already awaiting their escort. The fallen warriors escorts were dressed in their finest armor. Once everyone was on the ground Voronwë gave the signal to start. A group of four warriors each went to the body they were assigned to carry. In unison the groups lifted the pallets that held their fallen comrades. The healers walked beside the groups and sprinkled the ground that the escorts walked with flowers and herbs. Voices raised in a beautiful somber melody as the precession moved along the trail to the river. By now Eldur had taken the lead a young boy beside him carrying three small crowns on a velvet covered tray . Finally the march stopped. Three boats were anchored at the shore. They were decorated with flowers and vines. Velvet clothes lined the inside of each craft. The boats were carved in exquisite detail. Each with its own personalized design. One was carved in the likeness of a swan. The others were fairly similar both rendered an oak tree spreading out its branches. No doubt the two who were to rest in those vessels were related some how Ainion thought. The warriors moved past Eldur and the boy and laid the fallen warriors in their specific boats. The followers then were then ushered to walk around the boats to bid the fallen a safe journey to their final destination. As Ainion made his way around spreading flower petals he had taken from the baskets placed by the boats. He took time to note the fine preparation that the healers had done to each man. They were all dressed in the finest armor. No doubt Calanon the leather craftsmen had spent all night making . Their swords as custom were still covered in the blood of the enemy. This was to show that they fought hard for their Lord and died with honor. After everyone had made their pass Eldur and the boy came forward. Carefully Eldur took each crown and placed one on each warriors brow. This was the highest symbol of honor . When all was ready Eldur then turned to the crowd and gave a small speech.
“Friends we are at a great loss. These fine warriors will be remembered for their duty to this city and to its lord. I feel the deepest sorrow for their passing. May the goddess who receives them at the end of their journey take them up in her arms and guide them to the Grand Mother. She will take them with great joy and honor their presents.” Tears fell down his cheeks as he spoke. He moved toward the crowd that faced the river. The warriors then cut the ropes that anchored the three boats. The boats were then set free to go on their journey. Everyone watched them sail. After the vessels were out of view the crowd began to return to town. Not many words were spoken just a few consoling words to the families who had suffered a loss. More singing could be heard still at the rivers edge as the healers did the tradition of sending the message to mother nature so she would be ready for her new and honored guests. Ainion too stayed behind and sang with them. His voice carried an angelic quality. It’s ring gave the song a beautiful sound as it echoed in the hills.

Chapter Seventeen


After the melody came to its end the healers headed back as well. Aerlinniel and Ainion walked far behind them.
“Where is it that they end up I wonder?” Aerlinniel said a childlike expression on her face.
“It is said that there is an island far from here unreachable by the living. When the boats make it to the shore of the island one of the many goddesses that serve mother nature comes and escorts each person to her. When they reach The Grand Mother herself they are given many great treasures and live a life that never again will see war or death.” Ainion said.
“But how do we know that this island you speak of is unreachable by the living.” She looked puzzled but knew that some things really had no true explanation.
“I hope I never have to do anything like this again.” She said finally.
“We are immortal my darling I doubt you will.” He said hugging her.
“With this war anything can happen” she said tears falling down her soft cheeks
“I know what you are thinking my love and I can assure you we will be safe on our journey and you will not ever have to send me to the high goddess. I wont allow it.” He said with a smile as she buried her face in his tunic.
“I trust you.” She said and they continued their walk back to the city. When they arrived everyone and everything was in a somber mood. Even the weather. He sent word to have the horses prepared for their trip. He then placed their things on the ground and went once again to say goodbye to his family and to Eldur. Night was closing in by the time they were mounted and ready.
“May the stars watch over you and guide you back to us with haste.” Eldur said waving to them.
“I will bring you all the news I can my Lord.” Ainion said pushing his horse to move forward.
“I will expect it.” Eldur said with yet another one of his forced smiles.
They were off on their way to the Eastern city of Lumin. Ainion was excited it was hard for him to sit still in his saddle. His mind raced with all the questions about his past he had for Lithônion.
“How long will it take before we arrive?” Aerlinniel asked looking a little bored.
“About three days maybe four depends on the weather and what routs we may have to take.” He said smiling.
“We will need to stop and make camp in a few hours.” She said. Ainion just nodded his agreement and kept thinking. The hours passed faster then he had expected and when it came time to camp he was ready. When they had agreed on a suitable place that was hidden and out of the way of the trail he dismounted and unpacked their sleeping provisions he had brought. Aerlinniel tethered the horses to a tree right by where they would be resting for the night. By the time she had done that and made her way over to him he had the blankets all set on the ground.
“Shall we make a fire?” She asked rubbing her hands together.
“No we don’t want to draw any attention to ourselves. So we will have to rely on each other for warmth.” A grin was already on his lips before she could comment. He laid down and pulled her down with him. She smiled
“You act like we may not see tomorrow. “ She said laughing as he slowly underdressed her.
“We never know what the stars hold for us. I am not missing a thing.” He replied grinning still. With only the night air between them they made love.
The morning was dark the dew still on the leaves. They both hurried about getting dressed and eating some of the rations they had packed. They rode out quickly so if there was anyone that may be following them it would be hard to catch them.
“I hate this I just want to hurry and get there. So can we just ride on into the night and try to make this a non stop trip?” Aerlinniel asked nervously.
“We can try.” He replied. He had no problem with this idea at all. It may even be a safer plan then camping out he thought to himself. The day went by pleasantly. They raced a few times down the trail when space allowed for it. Aerlinniel always won. She had a way with her horse.
“You will win someday. When I let you.” She giggled as they came to the finish of their final race of the day.
“One of these days I will win on my own when I figure out your secret ?” he said smirking.
“I have the upper hand but I’m not telling my secret.” She said as he trotted up beside her. They hadn’t met a single traveler let alone any trouble. Ainion felt relaxed an air of freedom came over him. It was like he was wondering once again.
“Did you hear that?” Aerlinniel asked suddenly. He listened closely and indeed heard what she had picked up on. Tree branches snapping.
“We better get off the trail and find a good hiding place.” He said pulling his mount quickly off into a thick growth of trees. She followed but her eyes were fixed on where the sound was coming from. Finally the noises stopped.
“Maybe it was a deer or bear they roam all the time.” She said.
“Maybe but I don’t think so. We don’t have that kind of luck.” He replied with a small, sarcastic chuckle. Their short conversation was broken by a scream. A teenage boy came flying from the direction of the cracking. He was no more then nineteen or twenty. He was covered in mud. He fell breathlessly on the ground his hair tangled and messy. He looked behind him nervously. Ainion saw why. A little girl her age he guessed at about five came scampering after him.
“Haldir! Wait!” She whined falling beside him. Her dress was ripped at the edges and muddy . Dead leaves and twigs tangled in her fine white blonde hair.
“I’m sorry I just didn’t know where they were. I thought they were going to get us.” He said hugging her. Ainion realized they were of elven descent. But to who’s clan did they belong? With out thinking he went out into the open. The teen saw him and gasped and quickly pulled the little girl closer to protect her.
“Don’t be afraid please come here and we can hid you.” He said stooping down to their level on the ground.
“How do I know you aren’t one of them?” The teen asked frightened.
“Trust me” was all he could say. More noises could be heard now in the forest behind where the two children had stumbled from. The boy looked franticly around him then at Ainion who also looked panicked. The boy grabbed the little girls hand and thrust her toward Ainion who picked her up and they ran back to where Aerlinniel was seated on the ground by her mount. The look on her face was one of alarm and wonder.
“How could you let them get away you fool they are just children!”
Ainion couldn’t see who was yelling but he was sure it was one of the Dark Watch. The little girl squeezed tight to Aerlinniel. The teen looked fearless. He sat up straight and kept his gazed fixed on the direction of the voices. Sure enough a man in a long black cloak stalked out from under the trees mumbling.
“Did you find them yet!” The invisible voice called to the cloaked man who was desperately searching through brush.
“No we lost them lets just get back to the battle.” He replied looking up into some near by trees.
“Do you wish to be the sorry bastard who reports we don’t have the children to the king?” The other called back.
“Lets get back we will find other leverage.” He yelled back giving up his search and heading back into the forest.
Ainion sat frozen his hand held firm on the boys shoulder. After at least a half an hour he decided it was safe to move out.
“Why were they after you ?” Ainion asked looking at Haldir who by now was standing and hugging his younger companion.
“I’m not sure. They ambushed our traveling party on our way back to Lumin. My father and mother are the Lord and Lady who rule the keep there. When the battle began my mother told me to take my sister and run.”
“The Dark Watch “ Ainion said casting his glance at Aerlinniel she nodded and looked worriedly at the two children.
“Lumin is where we’re headed. You will travel with us and we will find your party in the city.” Ainion said. the boy nodded.
“I am Ainion of River Haven and this is my wife Aerlinniel. ” He said smiling
“I am Haldir and this is my sister Linayr.” He said giving a small noble bow.
“We need to make haste I want to know what they have done to my family. “ Haldir said sternly.
“Yes a wise decision.” Aerlinniel said remounting. Ainion handed Linayr up to her. After they were settled he too mounted. Haldir pulled himself up. Once Ainion was sure the coast was clear they headed back to the trail and on to Lumin.
“Who else was in your party?” Ainion asked.
“My mother, Father and my eldest brother Glandur. We also had a small escort of warriors.” He said fidgeting in the saddle.
“Do you have any idea why they would attack you?” Aerlinniel asked handing Haldir an apple she had picked from an over hanging branch.
“No , we were returning from a meeting with a Haven in the Southern realm. The other council members who reside in Lumin sent word for us to return with haste with what information we had collected. We have been traveling for days. No one has tried to attack us until now.” He replied hungrily biting into the lush piece of fruit. Ainion pondered what was said for a while. Wondering why the party was attacked. He had a good idea it wasn’t because of the information they carried. But rather for who was in the party.
“Why is the Northern King after the high council? What does he want from the elves?” He thought to himself as they rode.
“When we reach Lumin I will seek the answers” He said.

Chapter Eighteen

The rest of the day went by with an air of fear. Everyone was on their guard save for Linayr who had fallen asleep. Aerlinniel held her tightly so she didn’t fall.
“Are you traveling with information too?” Haldir asked after a long silence.
“No, actually the opposite we are in need of information.” Ainion replied .
“Its hard to get and even harder to keep safe when you have it.” Haldir said gazing up the trail. Ainion looked up the trail as well. The gleam of a sword caught his eye. He pointed up ahead but Haldir had already noticed it and had jumped off the horse. Ainion did the same leading his mount beside him. The look on the teens face worried Ainion. The boy picked up the sword. Immediately tears began to form behind his blue eyes.
“This is my fathers sword” he said looking frantically around.
“He would never leave a battle without it unless he …” The teen gripped the sword tightly in his hand.
“I’m sure they have made it to the city. The only dead that lay here are those of the Dark Watch.” Ainion said trying to reassure him.
“I hope you’re right I just don’t understand why he would leave it behind.” He replied still looking uneasy.
“Maybe it was to be a sign from him in case you were to return to the battle site.” Aerlinniel suggested. Haldir nodded and joined Ainion. They looked over the site.
“No guards men were killed that’s a good sign.” Haldir said a glimmer of hope shinning from his blue eyes.
“How many dark troops attacked you?”
“I saw about five.” He replied.
After a few more minuets of surveying the battle site they remounted and took up their travels. They later took a break for lunch and switched the riding arrangements. Linayr rode with Ainion and Haldir with Aerlinniel. As they moved forward Ainion noticed that Haldir was watching him as if to profile him. Taking in all of his features from the glow of his long reddish -brown hair to the shine of his green eyes.
“Do you really think my family made it to Lumin?” He asked after a long silence.
“I believe so.” Ainion replied giving a forced smile. He really wasn’t sure as to what could have become of Haldir’s family. But he hoped for their sake they were in Lumin and not in the hands of the Dark Watch.
Aerlinniel grew tired as the late afternoon sun blazed overhead. Haldir offered to take the reigns. She gladly handed them over. The next hour passed with pleasant conversation. Ainion teased Linayr and joked with her to bring a smile to her delicate face. Haldir was for the most part silent. Although Ainion caught him smiling once in a while.
“Its getting dark are we going to stop?” Haldir asked looking up at the fading sun light.
“With all the danger that is lurking on these trails we have decided to try to make this trip non-stop” Ainion replied tightening his grip on Linayr. Who was now fast asleep.
“Good” Haldir said firmly. He kept his eyes on the trail ahead and did not speak again. Aerlinniel had finally woken up from her nap and had taken over the reigns.
“How much longer before we reach the city?” She inquired. The look on her face told him she was tired of riding and was anxious to eat a good meal and be on a soft bed.
“By noon Tomorrow if we are lucky maybe later.” He replied.
The night wore on. Ainion too was starting to long for a hot meal and soft place to sleep. The moon over head graced them with enough light to see the trail and even some of the forest on either side. The night air was chilly and damp. The smell of smoke caught his attention. Haldir and Aerlinniel had also picked up on the sent and looked alarmed.
“Could it be a travelers fire?” She asked worriedly.
“No, in times like these the less attention you bring to yourself the better.” He replied looking nervously around. Linayr looked frightened but she did not speak. She closed her eyes tightly and pulled closer to Ainion. The smell intensified as they rode .
“I can see it” Haldir said pointing up ahead. Ainion studied the glow.
“We need to get off the trail.” He said with a sense on urgency in his tone.
“Why? What do you see?” Haldir asked straining forward in the saddle. Ainion moved his mount off the trail. Aerlinniel followed.
“Tether the horses and stay here with Linayr.” He ordered. Aerlinniel looked alarmed but didn’t fight his command.
“We are going ahead.” He said. Haldir grabbed his fathers sword from the saddle and carried it with him. Ainion was also prepared. They quietly stalked toward the fire. As they got closer Ainion‘s nerves became more an more on end. His stomach churned uneasily. But when they reached the fire source Ainion was in shock. Right in front of his eyes was a small settlement. All the small buildings that it was made up of were in flames.