Thal stood firm against Lyri's pleas to abandon his plans to follow Kael. He knew the danger, but he also knew what the bigger danger was to all of the forest. He had seen what happened when gnolls ravaged a forest community. It wasn't only the people, elves and others, that vanished. It was all life. When gnolls invaded, there was nothing left but scorched earth in their wake. If Kael was in league with them, he had to be stopped.
Lyri's voice quavered as she tried one more time to get Thal to change his mind. She didn't understand why he was being so stubborn.
"Is it because you are jealous of him, Thal? Is it because of me? I just don't understand why you think you have to follow him. Why can't someone else do it? The gnolls are so dangerous!"
"I know that Lyri. More than any other wood elf, I know what they are capable of. Which is why I have to go alone. I can't ask anyone else to risk their lives and go with me. And believe me, I don't want to get caught ... by him or the gnolls. Which is why it is so important that I go alone. I know how to go through the forest unseen and unheard."
She reached into a pocket to pull out a handful of glass blue seeds she had spent the morning unstringing from vines and held them out to him.
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"What are they?"
"Morning Glory flowers. I asked the fairies to bewitch them to grow quickly and be as large as a baby elephant so that you could see them."
Thal pulled her close in a hug. Poor Lyri. How was he going to make her understand?
"I know you mean well, Lyri, but they would also lead the gnolls to you, and I can't do that. I promise I will be careful, and I will do everything I can to come back to you as quickly as possible. I have to be sure that Kael is doing what El said because if it is true, then we all are in danger and we have to prepare. I've spoken to the Elders, and they agree. We must be certain of Kael's alliance with the gnolls because if it is true, then the decision they will be forced to make will be harsh and final. They won't make that kind of a judgment on just El's suspicions."
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Words for Wednesday continues this month at Postcards From the Bookstore ...
I hope Thal can stop Kael in time. I like the idea of morning glory to use like breadcrumbs but isn't it a tad too big? I don't know the size of a baby elephant but I think they are pretty big but maybe the being obvious is the point.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
Yes, baby elephants are very large, and that was Lyri's point ... that they would be hard for him to miss when he was following them back home.
DeleteI understand her fear, but he's right, evil must be stopped. I hope he makes it back safely.
ReplyDeleteQuite! There are some things no one can help you with.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long while since I visited here, I like your story and hope that Kael can be stopped in time.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you stopped by!
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