East

“Perhaps it is a sign,” Melinir said. “A sign that the eastern path will be safe for us.”

Nystar gave him a wry smile. It was clear that he didn’t like the idea, but Melinir would do whatever it took to not have to see Meilind again, or to meet her family or friends after what he’d put her through.

They walked on, a little uphill, then hopped over the stones and crossed the stream to the eastern side. It seemed quiet and peaceful enough. Although this was technically dark elf territory, they were a long way from city of Yaviskas.

The trees here were different, not as pretty. Spiky branches that seemed to poke out in one direction, then change halfway along it. The sort of trees Melinir saw in his nightmares. The woods here were darker too, less green.

Melinir had a glance at the stream to their right from time to time, wondering if he’d ever see a fairy again. Dark elves supposedly had a way of capturing them; they kept them in cages like birds.

“Shh,” Nystar swiftly hissed.

Melinir stopped in his tracks, and the pair of them crouched.

“What are-”

“Shh,” Nystar hissed again. His eyes were serious, wide and staring dead ahead.

Melinir followed them. All he saw was trees and shadows. Nystar though, he always did have good eyes. He saw something else.

Those eyes must’ve missed something though.

“What do we have here?” a thin female voice asked from their left.

Melinir tried to turn his head, but felt the cold steel at his throat. He raised his hands in surrender. Nystar was knocked flat on his back, and someone else had their boot on his chest.