Free Aphrodite's Acolyte by J.E. Spatafore Page A

corresponding business. Trees with shops or taverns typically had hitching posts for travelers to use. The roads were well established on the ground, making travel easy through the dense woods.
    So it went on for three more days of travel and three more nights of celebrations. More and more signs showed they were reaching the area's center, the actual city of Puldechra. The buildings in the trees grew in density, some of which only one tree apart. Walkways from one tree to another started to appear and some buildings looked like defensive structures, high walled walkways providing archers cover while allowing them to fire their life-stealing arrows. The frequency of elves increased the further the caravan marched, some of them stirring up conversations with the caravan members and joining in the walk in mutual companionship.
    When Fidel noticed the walkways were frequently criss-crossing and the tree density was lessening, he saw a large wall with a gate a few hundred yards away. The caravan stopped on Fardicus' command.
    Fardicus rode over to Fidel. “This is your home. Beyond that wall is Puldechra, the only city in this forest on the ground. Are you ready to see your origins?”
    Fidel took a deep breath and nodded, both curious and anxious to see the city of his birth. Fardicus told Fidel to grab two of the horses, one each for Fidel and Abby. After they transitioned to their respective steeds, Fardicus rode to the front and gave a speech that their journey was at an end.
    Fardicus reminded the three wagon drivers of where they were to drop off the goods. He thanked the group for all their company and reminded them of the next rally point for departure. The travelers all shared farewells to each other, many of which stopped by to wish Fidel a good journey in his life.
    Once all the sentiments were out-of-the-way, the caravan re-assembled and gave each other respected nods and smiles. They began their final approach to the gates of Puldechra, the sun shining in the western sky at half mast.

Chapter V
A Message and a Reunion
    The elven sorceress waggled her fingers over the body of the recently deceased dwarf, emitting a gray mist with each movement . The mist enveloped the dwarf, appearing to dissipate upon touching the cold skin and turning it gray. She worked her magic up and down the entire length of the red-haired dwarf's body. Once the ritual was complete, the dwarf opened his orange tinted eyes and stared at the proud sorceress. Black streaks, much like lightning bolts, shot from the sorceress' black eyes into the dwarfs, turning the orange pupils of the recently deceased dwarf into gray and lifeless orbs. The dazed dwarf rose to his feet.
    She asked the dwarf what the last thing he remembered was. “Raising me shield to defend meself,” came his reply.
    “Do you remember where you were?” she continued with the questioning.
    “In thee desert, attackin' a band of merchants.”
    The questioning went on for a while as the dark sorceress learned of Fissur's ragtag group of bandits inability to defeat a three-wagon merchant caravan. Halfway through the questioning, when the conversation turned more personal and intrusive, the dwarf realized he could not move, he could not act against this sorceress. He could not avoid answering a question. The sorceress' ability to control the dwarf made him uncomfortable. Once the sorceress had all she cared to learn, she dismissed the dwarf from her chambers.
    The witch's assistant, a male elf of the same height and stature, escorted the confused dwarf from the chambers. Upon his return, the sorceress questioned how many more of these lifeless prisoners remained. “Ten more undead minions will be denied to Hades this evening, my master.” The sorceress smiled with wicked glee at the increasing number of undead coming under her control. They heard a sharp rap on their chamber door.
    “Lord Fineal summons you Mistress Medeis!” called the herald in the hall.
    She responded,