Free Elf Lords: 02 - Last of the Elf Lords by Richard Saunders

man.
    “It is safe, princess.” Doogal said.
    Megan rushed out of the room that had been her prison for days. She looked at the two corpses on the floor, and then said to her liberators, “Thank you.”
    Tessa patted Megan on the back. “Do not thank us yet, we still have to get out of this place.”
    They hurried back to the secret entrance. This time Doogal grabbed one of the lanterns off of the wall. They entered the narrow passageway and made their way back up to the top level as quickly as possible. While they made good time, each of them was certain that they would hear the call to arms at any moment.
    Doogal stopped at the entrance to Alister Marlow’s bedchambers. He peeked in the room, then threw open the door. Seth ran past him. The young man stopped when he saw something on the table against the wall. He rushed over and picked up a round, red colored, glass orb. Doogal watched as Seth thrust it into his pouch. “Who is a thief now?”
    Seth ignored him. He jumped onto the bed and then flung his body up into the air to grab the window ledge. He swung up and through, like a gymnast, then stretched his arm back through the skylight. “Hand me the princess.”
    Doogal stepped on the bed and motioned for Megan to do the same. He grabbed the girl by the hips and lifted her into the air. Seth grabbed her outstretched arms and pulled her up to the roof.
    “Your turn.” Doogal said to Tessa.
    The Ranger stepped up onto the bed. “Watch your hands.” She warned.
    Doogal lifted her. “It is not my hands that I am watching, missy.”
    Seth grabbed the Ranger and helped her through.
    “Now you.” Seth said to Doogal.
    “Like you can lift me, kid.” The thief replied. He jumped into the air, managing to grab the ledge with his right hand. Seth grabbed Doogal’s left hand, and together they were able to get the thief back up onto the rooftop.
    Tessa was looking out to where Seebaul and Reldoor were waiting. She was able to make out the elf’s hand gestures, and then turned to the others. “We are in luck. The guard just went past. We have time to climb back down before someone returns.”
    Doogal tossed the rope over the side. “Who is taking the princess?”
    “I will.” Tessa offered.
    Seth grabbed the rope and began repelling down the side of the wall. He was on the ground in no time.
    “Get on my back, princess.” Tessa instructed.
    As Megan grabbed hold of the Ranger, Tessa looked to Doogal. “What are you going to do?”
    “Once you three are safely in the woods, I will pull up the rope and then climb down. We do not want it hanging there for the guards to find. When you reach the woods, do not wait for me. I am going after McRawl.”
    “Good luck.” Tessa offered as she began repelling down the side of the Keep.
    Before falling out of view, Megan looked to the thief and mouthed the words “Thank you.”
    McRawl watched Tessa reach the ground. He kept his eyes on her until the two females had made their way to the trees behind Seth.
    “The elf did not have to provide a distraction after all.” He said with a grin, as he began hauling the rope back up.
    * * * * *
    Alister Marlow staggered into his chambers with the buxom brunette on his arm. “Get undressed, my dear.” The bald, beady eyed, man said to the woman. The smell of her perfume had enticed him the first time she walked by him in the tavern. He could see in her eyes that she really did not want to be here, but she knew from the onset that she had no choice in the matter. No one denied the Supreme Commander his desires. She knew that she would either have to succumb to his advances, or face slavery. One night with Alister Marlow had to be better than that. Marlow did not care that this barmaid resented being here. That only made it more exciting to the twisted man. He smiled as he watched her undress. Marlow kicked off his boots and unfastened his pants, allowing them to fall to the floor. He fell back onto his bed, waiting for the