Elven Freedom

[SilverDragonLily]

well..this story is not finished, nor is it very edited. the title...was a last minute thought when putting in on this thread...so if anyone thinks of any title that better suits this story, or any other suggestions or corrections i would gladly appreciate them:)
also, as i continue writng this to the end..unless i get bored...or stuck and not finish it...
Chapter One
Aerik huddled in the ditch and glanced above him. Through the haze he could see those who had taken his family and village hostage and had kept them imprisoned over the last forty-eight hours. Silently he remembers that day, two days ago. He and his three friends, Lily, Adrani and Arienhoid were out gathering food. Suddenly, they began hearing the shouts from the village. This riot was very uncommon since they lived in a small peaceful village called Elsy. There were very few people who lived here, and most everyone was friendly. But this morning, shouting rose from the corner of the square sending the three to hurry home and investigate. Curiously, they walked into that part of town, which was extremely familiar to them. But to their distress, they saw a small family sitting in the middle of the street with their belongings scattered across the road. In front of them stood a group of people dressed in navy blue, holding hand swords and other rare weapons. First, Aerik merged forward, prepared to fight for the family who had either been scape goated, or was being robbed. Adrani’s firm arm on his shoulder made him hesitate.
With the pause, he glanced around. This family was not the only one, but he saw the familiar faces of the elves he passed each day. Most were sullen, unsure and even frightened. Children curled up beside parents in blankets, babes wailed, and animals scattered towards the ally. Whomever the people in the navy blue uniforms were, they had caught the attention of everyone.
Aerik moved closer to his friends and family while Lily, Adrani and Arienhoid reluctantly followed. He rejoined his family and his sister Athena. In a gesture that shook him deeply, his mother reached out and hugged him tight. He gulped, not knowing what was happening, but his mother looked frightened and father looked stern.
Speaking came from the tallest man in uniform; he seemed to be the leader. All of elves watched passively, as he grasped their attention.
“I am the leader of the New World Order. We are prepared to take action. Today, your system of laws and order no longer exist, because today mine will overrule it. I have noticed you are the smallest town in the hemisphere. Today, you are my town.” He glanced around, making eye contact with all. “As of now you are all my hostages. I will hold you in that house over there” he said pointing to the Bed and Breakfast, which was a small hotel.
He continued speaking, explaining that his legion had grown, and soon he would take over our world. The Elf Queen was in grave danger, for after he took over the small, simple villages, he would dominate cities…and finally have the thrown and be leader” He smirked as a babe started to cry, and then made a gesture.
Instantly, those in uniform began to grab arms, legs, and even lift the stubborn. Aerik remembered his mother being pulled in one direction, and his father in another. He fought as they wrestled with him, and finally smashed a bag of bricks over his head. As the blood oozed from the gash in his head, he saw his friends being separated.
Aerik shivered with the thoughts and realized he had been crying. He quickly wiped the tears from his eyes. It had been years before he had cried…the last he remembered was when he skinned his knee in front of Lily trying to climb a tree. He had been eight years old.
The New World Order had lied. They didn’t plan to imprison the hostages into one single building. Instead they had been kept hostage in different buildings. Yet, surprisingly, he found out he was in the same building as his friends. Both he and Adrani were strong, courageous and could wield a sword. And Athena, Arienhoid and Lily could wield guns. Together, they were going to break out and warn the Elf Queen before it was too late.
He felt a hand on his shoulder and knee it was Adrani’s. Carefully, the three girls crept through the grass and joined them. As if they could read each other’s mind, they all glanced back in unison. The burden was heavy and this they knew. Bringing freedom to their family and friends would not be easy, but they were not about to give up. Each had his or her own strength and talent, which they learned from a young age. They were five youngest that could wield weapons. Growing up with generations of close-knit families had taught them many lessons. Neighbors of retired warriors would teach the boys swordplay and sometimes teach the three girls how to defend themselves. Finally the invested time and lessons paid off, as the five knew that this might be the last time they were together, alive. Also, it may also be the last time they glanced back at their town, with rows of warm glowing streetlight, ebony shadows and sleeping shops. Then, they followed Aerik through the golden field of hay, escaping towards the back entrance of the forest.

[SilverDragonLily]

Chapter Two
The mist of the forest encompassed the five as they walked in silence under the dipping trees. Although they were frightened, they didn’t want to loose each other. Aerik gestured to the others and they paused and huddled beneath the shelter of the tree branches.
“We are going to the river, and then following it west.” Aerik whispered. “Let’s not loose each other, stay close, and stay alert. The New World Order may not notice we are gone. But when they do, they will be after us quickly. Therefore, we must move fast.”<br> They nodded. “And if by chance one of us does get lost, continue this trail. It leads to the river, and the river leads to Castle town, where the Queen Lives. Stay there!”<br> In unison they began walking again. Their natural Elvin senses helped them, plus the fact that they were extremely skilled and were taught how to defend and protect themselves in the forest. Not only did the local Masters and Wise men teach the five youngsters how to wield arms and defend themselves, they also taught them how to be an adept at living in a forest environment. Thus, the five didn’t have to fear when it came to finding food, a safe area to hide and even how to build a fire for the night.
“Here” Adrani motioned after pausing for sometime. The group had entered a small clearing, protected by trees and close enough to the river for drinking water. A red, fiery sun was dipping below the horizon and the sunset was imminent. Still, the last rays of the day’s light poked through the drooping branches off the trees.
“Darkness is near, we’d better build a fire and find as much food as we can before there is no light.” Athena warned, fearing that they would get separated if they hunted in the dark.
Aerik nodded. “Let’s split up. Lily, Athena and I will find food. Adrani, you and Arienhoid can search for good pieces of wood for the fire. Meet up back here as soon as possible.”<br> Lily and Athena followed Aerik towards the grassy area of the forest. Wild flowers danced in the field, under the glow of the setting sun.
“What if it’s too late? And what if they have already began to follow us?” Athena suggested. Aerik stopped and the two elves almost collided with him. He faced them and at first stood in silence, conjuring the words to say.
“We can’t give up” he replied, “We’ve made it this far and I know that we can make it the entire way to Castle town. If we give up now, we have done all of that in vain. Left, our home, our families, and our friends. The only people we have known our entire lives. They have taught us through the years how to be strong, how to survive and have protected us when our defenses were weak. I think that we owe them the opportunity of freedom.”<br> His eyes glistened in the sunlight. Athena nodded. He glanced at both elves and then gestured toward a small patch of trees.
“Apple trees.” He said and they followed him. Beside the row of apples trees was a few small bushes containing blue berries. Aerik tested them by breaking one in his hands. The juice and berry squirted in his hand as he sniffed it.
“Father and I picked berries from this tree,” he said remembering. “Plus, they seem very ripe.”<br> Lily and Athena gathered apples in their bonnets while Aerik gathered a small basket of berries. Soon, satisfied with their fruit surplus, they began walking back toward the planned campsite.
Leaves and twigs snapped as the three walked through the wooded area. Abruptly, a hand grabbed Lily’s hair and placed another hand over her mouth. Yet, stubbornly she sunk her teeth into the hand and attacked the dangerous stranger with an elbow to the stomach. Injured and struck by both unexpected attacks, and pushed Lily to the forest floor. She gracefully landed and rolled over, hand daggers ready to strike again.
Instantly, Aerik dashed toward the black haired intruder. A silver blade rolled from Aerik’s hand, his sword was ready too. Pointing a dagger close to the man’s throat, he disarmed him off a sword.
“Who are you and what do you want?” Aerik said threateningly.
“You’re the New World Order’s army!” The man shouted. “You also destroyed my village, my family and my friends. My father and mother built our house with their own two hands, it was given to us as a wedding present, now it sits in ruins, crumbled walls and fallen dreams!”<br> “Sir, you are mistaken” Aerik said calmly. “We are in no affiliation with the New World Order. In fact we are their victims just like you. Our family and friends of the small community of Elsy town has been taken hostage. My friends and I managed to escape, and bring freedom and shatter the hold that the New World Order has over the neighboring towns.”<br> In the frenzy, everyone failed to notice the girl standing behind the tall stranger. She reached out to touch his shoulder and glance at the elves.
“This is my wife Danielle,” the man said as she cautiously entered their view. Unlike the man, she had almond colored hair, and caramel colored eyes. “And my name is David”<br> David’s story seemed correct. Both the man and lady were wearing ragged clothes, with several tears and mud smears. Dirt was sprinkled on their faces and arms. Aerik calmed down and began to think, it was possible that the story they told was not a lie and actually happened. Nonetheless, these two would be harmless without the weapon that Aerik had confiscated. Plus, they seemed to have been traveling for some time, and would need a warm, safe place to spend a night and a meal.
Against his better judgment, Aerik nodded. The elves would just have to be alert in case the couple was actually working for the New World Order. He nodded and gestured that the two follow him and the Elvin girls, and Lily feathered the fallen apples that had been scattered in the attack.

[SilverDragonLily]

Chapter Three
The meal was small but they had enough to fill the two new additions to their group. Adrani watched Aerik out of the corner of his eyes, angry that the elf invited the strangers and had not thrown them off the track instead. Their family and friend’s lives were in danger and everything was at stake, chances could not be taken at the moment. One small mistake and their lives and the lives of the world could be changed. Adrani believed the story the man and woman told, but he was unsure whether the two could be trusted.
The group of seven sat around the warm, glow of the fire. Aerik watched as the embers glowed with heat and the flames climbed toward the sky. Adrani was right, he shouldn’t have let his guard down and been the friendly, warm-hearted person he usually was. Yet, when he saw people in need, and helpless, he reacted and helped them as best he could. He glanced around at his friends and sister; he knew that their lives would be in danger if his affability and kindness helped the wrong person. Even the strangers he met on the path, like the ones he had invited, could be dangerous. Spies for the New World Order, or hostage spies who are promising to do anything to regain their friend and family’s freedom, and many more possibilities. Aerik glanced back into the flames of the fire, and gulped. They had already made a horrible decision.
“We can’t keep this fire tomorrow night,” he said suddenly aloud. “It will send smoke signals, and even give a track of where we stayed the night.”<br> Adrani nodded, “Your right.”<br> “The fire keeps the wolves away,” Athena argued.
“True,” Adrani agreed, but they also leave a trail, as well as a signal.”<br> Adrani was right, by tomorrow they would defiantly be followed. Thus, they had to keep which way they went a secret by not making a fire.
To pass the time, the group began to tell stories, and simply talk. Their curiosity wandered to the new strangers, and they began asking them questions. The two new comers began to tell the elves about their lives.
“We used to live in a wonderful, supporting town called Rainbow Runs. It’s many miles upstream, and the local supply of water is the river” Danielle said, “and that’s why they call it Rainbow Runs.”<br> “When were you attacked?” Adrani questioned further.
“Three days ago” David said.
“We were sitting down for dinner, and it was late. David’s family was coming to visit, but they were late. We began seeing the flames from the torches, and loud screaming. We ventured out to see what was happening. People filled the streets, our neighbors, friends and even David’s family. Joining them, we realized our town was being taken hostage.” Danielle spoke.
“I wasn’t going to let them do this to our friends,” David said. “So I unsheathed my sword and made a threat. But it was one against many, and it only added confusion. Desperately I fought, thinking of my wife, family and our unborn child who was innocent. The chaos I caused only angered the army. They began throwing torches, and buildings and barns were scorched. In my last efforts, I grabbed Danielle and glanced around for my family, but they were nowhere to be seen. The smoke burned my eyes, as the fire ripped through the town. I was blinded by flame, blood and sweat. All I wanted to do was protect Danielle and our child, so I carried them both to the safety of the hill where we watched our town engulfed in flames. In the morning, we returned, but the remains are what I said, crumbled walls, ruins and fallen dreams…” David became silent.
“We’ve been following the river north since then, to find Castle town. I hope the army will protect us, and give us shelter until we find a new home again.” Danielle said and held David’s hand. He retuned a smile to her and for a moment they were lost in a silence that only two, deep lovers can share.
“What about your story?” Danielle asked glancing at the elves. “You really seem young for being as courageous and strong as you are!”<br> Arienhoid nodded. “I’m sixteen, Lily is sixteen too. Athena is seventeen, and Adrani and Aerik are eighteen.”<br> “But we have been taught how to fight, defend ourselves and survive in the wilderness at a very young age” Lily added.
Athena and Aerik told the story of what happened since the New World Order took their small town hostage. “We are traveling to Castle town to seek the aid of the Elf Queen. She and our people are under attack, as well as the whole world. But if she can be warned of the circumstances of what is happening, then her army can destroy the New World Order and ruin any chances it has of conquering the world.
Adrani suggested they should rest before morning came. He was right; they had a long and hard journey ahead of them if they planned reaching Castle town by tomorrow evening.

[SilverDragonLily]

Chapter Four
The next day, the group awoke at the first rays of dawn. Haze crept across the forest floor in an eerie, gray fog. Lily and Athena did their best to cover up the remains of last night’s fire, just in case someone could use it to track them. Although it was against Adrani’s wishes, the group insisted that David and Danielle travel to Castle town with them.
Cool, crisp water gushed in currents and flowed downstream. They followed it, knowing that the river would lead to their destination. It was a rough windy day, which seemed to push the dark clouds around in the sky. The sky was darkening, as fluffy; curling clouds of puff turned into dark, smoke like blankets. A storm was surely going to be in their path, yet all was not gloom. In the event of a storm, their tracks and scent would be diminished as well as their footprints. Yet, they had the unpleasant threat of a long, wet journey ahead of them, and the pregnant Danielle who was wearing only a thin jacket. A drenching storm could threaten her health, as well as the health of her unborn child.
Rain fell in large segments of storms. At first it would downpour, and all would be drenched, and then it would sprinkle. The group avoided open clearings, and took forest paths for tree coverage. Although they had to deal with drops of water falling from the leaves of trees, they were covered by the trees didn’t get the entire amount of actual rain.
A beacon in their gloomy, long day was the sight that was before them. The sun was about to set as they neared the town of Castle town. They stood upon the hill and stared down into the city of the elves of royalty. All those who were related to the queen, and many more of royal names and even those who had abundant wealth lived in the border of the town. Many shops could be seen, as well as large cottages and also elves walking around town visiting shops and family. A small park was to the side, where young elves were swinging on the swings, or sliding down slides and enjoying the sunset with their family. Families were gathered around over a picnic, and some were playing football in a field.
Yet the most comforting of all was the huge building located in the center of the town. Towers reached to the sky, soldiers and warriors stood on watch for enemies and those in danger. The house of royalty, the home of the Elf Queen, the courageous group had managed to find the town in time. Adrani broke the moment as he beckoned the group forward. They dashed down the hill to the gates of the town and entered the city.
The people welcomed the group with warm smiles, although they didn’t fit in well. Fancy dressed elves, with glittering jewels and expensive watches were very differently dressed than the group who had on ragged, torn clothes, tussled hair and dirty faces. Finally they arrived at the castle. They approached the guard at the door.
“I am Aerik from Elsy Ville, “Aerik said, “and we are a group of civilians who have been conquered by a group known as the New World Order. Our towns have been victims, as have our families and friends. The town of Elsy Ville is currently under dominance, and the town of Rainbow Run has been destroyed to ashes. Please, if we could speak to the Elf Queen, she could intervene and save our town and it’s people. Also, we need to do something fast, their plans are to take the Queen’s throne and rule the nation.”<br> The old gentleman had listened quietly to their plea. His wrinkles and age showed as he squinted his eyes. Yet, he frowned instead, and anger filled his visage.
“Speaking to the Elf Queen is quite impossible, I am saddened to say” the man replied. “I’m sorry youngster, but we can’t help. This morning, at dusk, our army was attacked unexpectedly. The group was large, strong and prepared. Intelligent watchers of the night, they must have known where the Elf Queen was at that time of night because they snuck in and found her in the reading room studying over a map. They had taken her hostage before we could override their plans. She is with them somewhere now, but we have not told the people of the town yet. All we can do is send warriors and hope they find her and stay here and make it seem as if all is well.”<br> Adrian’s eyes clear blue eyes reflected his anger and disappointment. “But we have to do something about our towns!!” He insisted, raising his voice with considerable rage as the rest of the group stood in deafened silence.
“Please child,” the soldier said calmly, “Keep your voice low or you will attract attention. We are attempting to save and return the Elf Queen, but I can not say what tomorrow brings.”<br> “I know what tomorrow brings!” Adrani was shouting now. “It brings another day that our town is torn apart, held hostage in their own homes. It may even bring them closer to their last day on this world! How can you stand here calmly when there are civilians who are being tortured, and held captive?”<br> “I’m sorry there is nothing we can do at the moment” the old man replied.
“You just stand there when other towns are next, and could be already taken!!!” Adrani sobbed. “We will not stand by while our family and friends are slaughtered!”<br> “If you need shelter and dinner for the night, you are welcome to join us for dinner, and spend the night in the guest room,” The old man offered.
Aerik put his hand on Adrani’s shoulder. “We need to rest and gain our strength! Tomorrow we could go and join those who are searching for the Elf Queen, but tonight everyone is exhausted and we can’t do anything until morning.”<br> Adrani nodded. It was true that the group was wet, cold, hungry and in need of protection for the night. At least the army of the Elf Queen could protect them this night as they recuperated from the journey.
A long dinner table was filled with dishes of food and plates were set for each person. Yet, dinner was long and the silence seemed to last forever. Each had hopes and fears being tossed in their minds, as shadows of the unknown crept into their mind. Adrani said many truths tonight; one being the possibility that it was too late for Elsy town. After all, everyone who lived in Danielle and David’s town experienced a terrible death in flames. If one of the Masters were as brave as the five who escaped, and fought to save the town, would it too suffer the fate that Rainbow Runs had? Also, it was obvious that their absence would have been recognized by now. Would this also have an effect on the fates of the friends and families? Could the New World Order see that the five had planned to save the town, and thus as a cruel punishment destroy the town and any possibilities of saving the people who lived within?
These thoughts and other crept into each of the groups mind, and planted in their hearts. Were their efforts in vain? Was that last night the final time they would see their parents and friends?
After dinner, they were ushered into a different wing, one which the old man called a guest’s wing. It was glamorously furnished, far from what any of the elves had seen. A side room led to a small kitchen, and they were told that they could help themselves if they wished. In the center was a large room with chairs, a fireplace and even a couch. A library of books stood in a corner arranged on oak shelves. Many other doors surrounded the walls of the room, and each guest would be able to have his or her own room. Everything was luxurious but the effort was lost on the gloomy situation.
Unguided by anyone, the group sat around the room and beside the fireplace. Yet, eventually the silence was broken and they began to talk, consider and even argue about the situation that they were in.
“We have to take matters into our own hands” Adrani argued.
“How?” Arienhoid insisted. “We have skills that we were taught, but how far will that get us?”<br>

[SilverDragonLily]

“She’s right,” Lily said. “Their army is advanced, and they fight each day. Which gives them more practice.”<br> “If we stick together, we could fight them.” Adrani said. “I don’t understand why they don’t protect the towns and villages!”<br> “The Elf Queen has to dictate it for anyone to intervene that is in her army. But, she was kidnapped, and without her the laws are out of order. There is no other Queen to give orders until she returns. Therefore, the towns and villages have less protection.” Athena explained. “The only way we can get the army to listen to us is to have the Elf Queen lead them, yet she is gone.”<br> “Our only option is to go and find her then, and free her from the New World Order!” Aerik said.
“Yeah, exactly, but have we any success in freeing our town while we were there?” Lily inquired. “In fact, we ran away!”<br> “We didn’t run away Lily,” Aerik replied.
Suddenly, Adrani stood up and went into the kitchen. Athena followed him.
“Our only chance is to rescue the Efl Queen. That is the only way to bring justice and freedom to the nation!” he said as he grabbed a cloth bag.
“The army is out, you heard the lead soldier.” Athena said, “That’s being taken care of.”<br> “What am I supposed to do in the mean time?” Adrani asked turning to look into her eyes. “I just can’t stand here and do nothing, I have to help and if I don’t have the support of the others that is fine with me.”<br> He dropped half a loaf of bread into the sack. “I will stand alone and fight.” He said.
“And you will get killed.” Athena said. But Adrani just stared at her, and then bagged some more food before leaving the room.
“I will join you, I will fight for the vengence of the family and home I lost” David said approaching Adrani. He nodded and sat back down on the couch.
“But David…” Daneille said but David put a finger to her lips.
“I know you don’t trust me, but I will fight loyaly for you until the end” David said.
“I trust you” Adrani said and turned to face the others. “Who is with me?”<br> “I’ll go” Arienhoid said. “I want to see home again.”<br> “Yes, I’ll go” Athena said silently.
“If David is going, I am there too,” Danielle said.
“No!” David said harshly.
“Yes,” Daneille insisted.
“The baby…” he replied.
“Exactly, you have to be there when he or she is born” Danielle said smiling and taking David’s hand in hers.
“I’m not going,” Lily said and jumped up from where she was sitting and ran out towards the balacany.

***more to come...

[Liam]

MM
wow, i read those chapters to your story, bravo!!!
BB - Liam

[SilverDragonLily]

thanks:D
if you want to read the next, new chapters go to www.fictionpress.com/read.php?storyid=1659780
where i put it on my account..unless u want me to keep posting them here! lol ^.^