Finally getting a chance to rest and eat, the group encamped near the dwarven’s Stormfist clan who had their fill of destruction for the day. Consett had been conquered in a day-and-a-half, victim of a determined attack by over twelve thousand dwarves, sixteen humans, one half-elf and one dark elf. Still smoldering, dim fires lit several apartment buildings, memorials to their previous inhabitants who would now live in their fiery home forever.
Adgertesse’ thought about that for a moment. Most of the group had their future’s secured in Ghevond or Glamorgan when they died. Hers was still bound to Nurmes, a place she was sure she wouldn’t be welcomed especially now since putting her lot in with the ‘enemy’ and enjoying their company. She almost wished Kailee had accepted her destiny that way they could be together forever. But, her friend had chosen correctly, no matter the outcome in the fight to come she couldn’t blame a denial for the seat that had once belonged to the one they all hated. As she lay in the thinly floored dugout who’s white walls blocked most of the cold wind, she turned her attentions to Nicolas as Lericanin and the rest of the group tried to get him to understand how much larger the world was than the orphanage that he had grown up in.
“I know you’ve been taught that elves are demons from the book but, do you believe Tess is evil,” Lericanin motioned to her as Nicolas’ brown eyes glanced to the reclined nightblade.
“No, sir.”
“There are many things that have been accepted as gospel because of our histories together. Elves once enslaved humans and those words you’ve been taught came from that day but, elves of Kevelaer saved Fort William from destruction. We’ve met many of the royal family and they’ve accepted us with open arms. Many of the things people believed in the past have changed just like you must. We’re hoping that once this campaign has ended that all can come to the table as friends and set aside their petty differences. A new day is soon dawning, don’t close the door.”
Tess followed Lericanin’s eyes to the three monks that traveled with them who ate quietly. She knew they were listening to every word and could imagine their thoughts without delving into those unwelcome minds.
“I’ve seen things that no book could teach,” Sir Hanlen added. “Life out here teaches us how to think for ourselves and I know Arhus doesn’t wish us to be mindless followers of his doctrine. We’ve taken up the mantle to uphold justice no matter where we have to go to dispense it. Protect the weak and secure their freedom to live in peace, that’s why I joined and dedicated my life to that end.”
“How do you feel about were-creatures,” Sceva asked the young squire and Tess grinned knowing that was a loaded question.
“We were taught they were evil,” Nicolas stated without hesitation. “Their bite causes others to have that same disease.”
“I can tell you that there is one among us that is a were-creature,” Lericanin informed.
Nicolas’ eyes went wide as Adgertesse’ smiled at Sceva as the knight of Elminoir studied the boy’s shocked face.
“I’ve never met an elf that was a demon,” Allaster stated.
Adgertesse’ chuckled, “I can introduce you to a few”.
* * *
For a further three months, they traveled south as the cool of Saflia gave way to the warmth of Onebro. She enjoyed watching the surrounding forests darken with green and fill with various flowers, an appreciation borne from the thoughts of their impending final battle soon approaching. Dreams had been given to most of the group which they relayed seeing chaos. She had seen many forms of that in her thirty-two years but, was glad that her hard life would end at the sides of these people. Home was never a warm one in Wroclaw anyway and her family were better off thinking she had died in the service of the king in some far off land. For now, she would enjoy each day she was given.