Ch.43

"These elves are different from anything you've ever seen before," said the one on the left. "They're like us‌—they've just hidden their true identity for thousands of years."

The man suddenly turned around, staring into the distance. From where Evander stood, he couldn't see any forests or mountains. As a matter of fact, nothing truly seemed to be standing out at all.

"We used to live in a land near the sea‌—or what should have been the sea. Or perhaps it's simply a part of the land you've never seen before."

Evander only looked at the forest surrounding him, wondering where these three elves were going with this. Everything the woman had said made sense, but he still needed a few things explained to him first. He especially wondered how the woman could have found him. She could have easily picked a hundred others instead of following him. So he tried to take advantage of this moment and find out more information.

"We've changed over time," continued the dark elf. "For a very long time, we lived as warriors without much thought. Without knowing why. We didn't care about anything else‌—at least not for centuries. We lived only for what we could steal from the people who live beside the ocean."

Evander turned around again, glancing up at the sky. "Then you returned?"

A loud laugh sounded nearby, startling the half-elf for a moment. Only then did he realize he was too late. That's when the other elf stepped in front of him, smiling at him with yellow eyes that reminded Evander of a cat. His voice was different, though. Much more intimidating.

"You're about to get out of here," said the creature, noticing his attention. "But you don't need to know how or why. We'll leave all that for another day. You can choose to believe us or not."

The half-elf leaned forward, telling himself to stay calm. After all, they weren't going to kill him yet. And Duer had already proven she wouldn't let this happen. This ritual had to mean something. Even if he couldn't figure out exactly what.

"I‌... I can't answer that right now," replied Evander. "How am I supposed to trust someone who comes out of nowhere like this? I came here looking for answers. And so far, you haven't given me anything."

It wasn't until after he spoke that the creatures suddenly laughed. They quickly turned away, almost as if they were afraid Evander would hear them. But judging by their reaction, he believed they knew he was there.

"Everything has changed since the gods left," said one of the elves.

And then the creature pulled the sword from her back, slamming it into the ground where Evander could see. "If you want to get out of here alive‌—if you really do‌—you need to understand this."

Evander stayed silent, knowing everything he had seen during his journey was proof enough. The weapon and the crystals were hard to believe. He still couldn't figure out why Duer hadn't simply taken him into a bar so they could have a nice drink together.

"No one knows what happened to these once-living creatures," continued the elf. "Not even us. Or maybe we do and just haven't told anyone else‌—as if we don't trust our own kind anymore. Whatever the case‌... the time for secrets is over."

Just then, the half-elf noticed something on the sword. It was an ornate pattern‌—far too complicated for any mortal to have made. Something about it seemed familiar, like he had seen it before. But at the same time, he couldn't recall where he had seen it. Not that it mattered now. He only needed to know one thing‌—what it meant.

The two elves watched him closely, not saying a word as they waited for him to figure things out. Their eyes also followed Evander's gaze‌—but when he didn't react the way they wanted, they turned back toward the forest, looking forward again.

"That pattern is more than it appears," said the creature. "And although I've seen similar ones in the past, never have I seen a weapon that so perfectly matches it."

"As you can see, the patterns are both similar and yet different. This weapon wasn't forged by any man. It was created by magic itself. Or at least some magic we discovered long ago. Although we couldn't explain why or how."

"So you used to live in the water?" asked Evander, bringing his focus back to the sword. "What happened?"

"This story isn't one you're going to believe."

"I doubt that."

"Nevertheless‌..."

Evander did his best to hold back his frustration, wondering why these elves would behave this way. How was he supposed to trust them after all they had done?

"We can tell you," explained one of the elves, "but we won't. Not unless you accept our offer."

A few moments later, the creature stepped out from behind the other one. She had a different color hair and wore light blue robes. But Evander still knew exactly who she was, even though she was standing far closer to him.

"You didn't bring us anything," said the half-elf.

At once, Evander felt a sharp pain shoot through his hand again. Only this time, he knew exactly why the elf had done it. That's when Duer glared at him for a moment before turning around.

"Stay there," she warned. Then she turned toward the creature, who was now waiting by the trees. "Someone will be along to relieve you soon. You might want to make sure your escape is ready."

Then the elf disappeared into the forest, leaving the others behind. Evander didn't move from where he stood, wondering why the hell they wanted him to stay put like this. After all‌—

"No, don't come any closer!" shouted one of the elves.

Evander immediately jumped back, looking forward and seeing an elven arrow coming right toward him. It pierced his skin just as he tried to remove the bowstring‌—and then the blood began to gush from his wound. He had only two arrows left and no time to save himself. Even if he wanted to fight back, Evander didn't have anything to use against a creature that could hit him from hundreds of yards away.

"Not so fast," said the elf. "After all, you came here to die."

And although the half-elf tried to ignore what had happened, he couldn't help but wonder. What was really happening? Why hadn't Duer or any other human made it past the elves‌—whatever they were?

Before he could figure out a way to get through the woods‌—even though it sounded impossible‌—another arrow suddenly appeared in front of him. It hit its mark right under Evander's chin, and he knew exactly what was about to happen. But the half-elf couldn't help himself from wanting to say something‌—something important that he would remember forever.

"We're not giving you the answers you want," said the elf. "You've already given us everything we need."