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The two Elves scouts didn't come back for another hour or so.
Lazarus was not sure of the time. The insects constantly buzzed around him. It was like a chorus of musical mosquitos and flies singing to them. It was both terrifying and exciting at the same time.
Lazarus spoke telepathically to Cindy. "Hey, how are you holding up?"
"We still need to talk about what happened?"
"I apologize. It was a long time ago, and I didn't want to rehash things," he said.
Nobody could hear them, not even Grace or Royce, unless he wanted them to listen.
"Rehash things!" she screamed in his mind. "I don't want to even look at or speak to you right now." Cindy turned away.
Grace knew something was wrong, and she moved over to him.
"Somebody’s coming," Della said.
Groton was already on his feet. The scouts finally came back. They were breathing hard and stopped in front of their leader. Groton waited.
"Sir," the scout on the right said. "We encountered a small group of warrior orcs. We heard them before we got to them. They were looking for a group of humans."
Groton turned and scanned his eyes over them. "We need to get you back to our camp."
Lazarus and the others stood, and the Elves led them along a dirt path. It was hard for them to see. It was very dark. When he was on his own world, there was always some kind of light to show them their way. He stumbled a few times, as did the others, all except Royce and Della.
The path changed into open ground, and the moonlight cast a reddish glow on the grass beyond, making it easier for him to see and move. Lazarus didn't like being out of the protective darkness of the forest. He felt exposed and naked, as if the orcs or monsters would come and kill them at any moment.
In the distance he spotted a small patch of campfires. They headed straight toward the flames. Groton pushed them harder, until they were running. He thought Cindy was about to fall, but Grace grabbed her and steadied her. Royce ran next to them.
Lazarus knew Cindy could have created some horses to ride on, but he didn't want to scare the elf scouts. He needed to talk to their leader first before he using their magical powers.
He then heard the sudden sound of a horn blowing, followed by a growling noise. He saw something dark, moving fast toward them. He was about to use his magic, when a sizzling lightning bolt erupted from Groton's hands. It struck one of the dark figures. He saw a flash of fangs and dark brown fur. The creature cried out in pain.
"Keep moving," an Elf next to him barked.
Lazarus saw a group of Elves standing before the bonfires. He sensed Royce wanted to turn around and attack. He said telepathically to Royce, "Don't do it. Stay with us." Royce nodded and did as he was told.
A few Elves in the camp held longbows, the bows gleaming in the light of the fires. He also heard the sounds of metal, and fierce growling coming from behind them. The sound of arrows suddenly filled the air. The projectiles shone as the arrows flew toward their targets. He hoped none of the Elves would shoot them. Creatures behind them howled in pain. Lazarus couldn't see their pursers in the night, but he heard the sounds of death as the arrows killed their targets.
As the group made it to the bonfires, the attackers suddenly stopped. Lazarus and the others were breathless. He knelt down on the ground, and Cindy placed her hand on his shoulder. They were taking deep gulps of air.
The Elves stood around them, anticipating an attack. Lazarus felt anger rise within him. His power wanted to lash out and kill. He had felt his bloodlust rise before, back in the city of Austin, where he killed scores of mutant Grogs.
"Hold your powers," an elf said, coming forward. He had long white hair tied in a ponytail, and a small white beard.
"My name is Broethon,” he said. “I'm the leader of this group. You must be the Alpha Mages."
Between deep breaths, Lazarus replied. "How do you know us?"
"Well," Broethon said, "I can see and feel your powers. They are strong, like the mighty black oak, and powerful, like the deep, raging rivers. And there are three more of you."
Cindy said, "Do you know of Merlin?"
Broethon smiled. "Yes, he is written in our scribe books. He was our protector and mentor. He has been missing for eons. Not many of our number believes in him, but I do. There was a prophecy that the Alpha Mages would come here and stop the war."
Lazarus was a little surprised at this information, and didn't know what to say.
"I don't know about that," Grace said. "But we’re here to look for Merlin."
Groton walked up to his leader. "We found them at the edge of the forest, close to the troll lands."
Lazarus said, "We don't know how we could help you. But we are looking for the Blessed Isles."
"Then you must come with us to the Capital," Broethon said.
"We need to find Merlin first."
"Sorry, I meant that we don't know where the Blessed Isles are located. But we have elven scribes in our vast library."
"Commander,” Groton said, “the Orcs were brazen for attacking us so close to our camp."
"I know," Broethon replied. "Post guards, and have your scouts rest. Alpha Mages and friends, please follow me to my tent. We have a need to discuss many important things."
