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

thought of coming any closer to the ancient creature was disturbing to the captain. “I can cross the Tilsaw and be there in a matter of hours.” Trian informed him.
    “But won’t you risk missing out on capturing the sword?” McRawl asked.
    “Do not concern yourself with that. Connik will oversee things here. We must recapture the princess before her escape becomes known. Otherwise our plans to locate all four pearls and the Dragon Gates will be jeopardized. Once we have located Megan, I can fly back here and still be waiting for Landis to bring me the sword. Now, stop wasting time, and get out there and search for Seebaul and the princess!”
    Train’s image vanished from the orb.

Chapter Nine

    Seth led Tessa and Doogal through the trees as they fled Ducaine. They had been running for more than an hour since their last stop, and still they could hear the sound of pursuit in the woods behind them.
    “We need to start back towards the Tilsaw.” Seth called to them.
    Tessa glanced back over her shoulder before replying, “We cannot risk leading the soldiers to the Sanctuary.”
    Seth brought them to a halt. Doogal used the opportunity to lean against a tree and catch his breath. After Seth had brought his own breathing under control, he began to listen intently to the distant sounds. “We should have given Seebaul enough time to get Megan out of harm’s way. Once we reach the Tilsaw, the soldiers will be unable to follow us.”
    “Why not?” Doogal asked.
    Tessa used her hand to wipe sweat from her forehead. Her long ponytail was draped over her right shoulder. The Ranger flung it behind her before speaking, “The Tilsaw is enchanted. Seebaul swears that no one can find his Sanctuary, but if the soldiers are too close to us, then they might still be able to follow us.”
    “I assure you that they will not.” Seth said.
    Tessa jumped at the sound of a voice calling out, not too far away from them. “We better get moving.”
    “You go on ahead. I will double back and look for McRawl.” Doogal told them.
    “That is suicide.” Tessa objected.
    “As long as I take him with me, I do not mind.” Doogal explained.
    Seth would not accept the offer, “You must come with us. You can go after McRawl later.”
    “He is probably coming after us. I may not get a better chance than this.”
    Seth grabbed Doogal by the arm, “Do not be a fool. You do not even have a weapon on you.”
    Doogal brushed Seth’s hand away. The boy’s words were true, as Doogal had left his sword behind to prevent it from getting in his way while scaling the Keep. “You can give me your knife, and your bow and arrows. I won’t be able to hang the son-of-a-troll, but I can still kill him.”
    Tessa stood before the thief, “If you go, then I am going with you.”
    “You are bluffing.” Doogal presumed.
    “Do you want to find out? Or are you going to go with us?”
    Doogal caved, “Fine, I will go with you. I do not mind risking my neck, but I will not be responsible for someone else dying for my cause tonight.”
    “Then let’s get moving.” Seth announced, as he rushed off into the darkness, with Doogal and Tessa on his heels.
    They crossed a shallow stream before Seth changed directions. Unlike their human pursuers, they were not slowed by the lack of light, making it easier for them to put more and more ground between them and the Lardashen soldiers. They reached a clearing and risked crossing. Seth and Tessa both recognized their location.
    “It is not too far now.” Tessa informed Doogal.
    The thief did not bother to respond as he followed his two guides. Then something caught his eye to their right. When he turned his head, he saw Seebaul standing amidst the trees. “Look.” He said, as he pointed to the elf.
    Seth spotted the Elf Lord and veered off to meet him. As they came closer, they saw Reldoor and Megan. Shadow rushed out to greet Tessa.
    “What are you doing here?” Seth asked.
    “Waiting for you, of