The Godling Chronicles The Shadow of God - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,2

darkness of the world?” Her tone has proud and defiant.

“Mind your tongue,” warned the elf that held her. “We are the bringers of justice. It is you who have betrayed our people.”

Kaylia threw her head back in mocking laughter. “You travel with the Vrykol. You attack elves on sacred ground. How dare you name me traitor.”

“Enough of this,” screeched the Vrykol. The sound pierced the air, causing Kaylia to wince. “You are to remain silent unless spoken to.” He turned to the elf at her back. “As for you...your comrades grow restless. Calm them.” His black hands reached out and grasped Kaylia's arm in an iron grip. “I can manage this one.”

The elf grunted and strode off in the direction of the others.

“I will make you pay for what you have done to my people,” seethed Kaylia. “And I will make your master pay as well.”

Before she could measure the moment, the Vrykol's fist crashed into Kaylia’s jaw, sending her sprawling to the ground.

“I told you to be silent.” The Vrykol lowered his blade, pressing the tip against Kaylia's throat. “My master has insisted you are to be kept alive. He said nothing about your...condition.”

Kaylia’s jaw throbbed from the impact, but she glared unflinchingly.

“That's better,” growled the Vrykol. “Remain still and silent.”

A few minutes passed and the tall elf returned. He looked down at Kaylia, then back at the Vrykol.

“She was to be left unharmed,” he grumbled, angrily. “That was the agreement. No elf is to be injured by your hands.” He looked back at the group of elves gathering around the crackling fire. “If you do not uphold your end of the bargain, you will find yourself quickly surrounded by enemies.”

The Vrykol let out a vile laugh. “As you wish.” He removed the blade from Kaylia's throat. “But see to it that she is well-tended. Should she escape, it will be you that pays the price.” With that he spun around, and disappeared into the darkness.

The tall elf held out his hand. “I am Freistal. Do not try to escape. The elves you see here are not the only ones I have with me. The forest is filled with my kin. I would hate to see you harmed before you can be brought to justice.”

Kaylia sneered and struggled to her feet. “We will see who is brought to justice.”

Freistal pulled her roughly to his side. “Perhaps you think your human mate will save you? Or perhaps Linis and his seekers? Let me assure you that they have been dealt with. And even if they have somehow survived, they will not be able to save you.”

Kaylia forced a malicious laugh. “Let me assure you that Gewey and Linis would not fall to the likes of you or your rabble. And when they find you, you will wish you had never left your lands. If you think to look to the Vrykol for safety, you will find that they can be slain as easily as you.”

Freistal shrugged. “Perhaps. But for now you will remain with us, and you will not escape. I will allow you to stay unbound. Do not make me regret it, or you certainly will.” He motioned for her to go to the fire. “We rest for only a short time. Unless you wish me to strap you back onto the horse, you should eat so that you will have the strength to travel.”

Kaylia rubbed her jaw, then made her way to the fire. Freistal followed close behind and though he held no weapon, she was certain that if she made a wrong move, her body would be filled with arrows before she could take more than a few steps. As she approached the fire, she could feel the eyes upon her. She stiffened her back and took an empty space a moderate distance from the others. Freistal knelt beside her and handed her a flask of water and handful of jerky.

“I suggest you hold your tongue,” whispered Freistal. “Things are a bit...tense. And your comments will not be welcome.”

“I take it they are not pleased with your traveling companion,” she taunted. “I cannot say that I blame them.”

“That is putting it mildly,” Freistal replied. “And your presence is no more welcome than theirs. So mind that you give them no excuse to take their frustrations out on you.”

“So I am to be beaten if I speak?” Kaylia sneered, with contempt. “You will behave as the Vrykol?”

“I would not have you harmed,” Freistal retorted. “We are not animals.