Free The Trees And The Night (Book 3) by Daniel McHugh

hands and how the Seraph feverishly manipulated them while they lay clasped at his waist. The group followed Ader’s line of sight. A small figure squatted in the moonlight on the ledge above. Its hands moved in unison with the Seraph’s hands. After a moment more, Sprig rose and dashed away. Those present turned back to Ader.
    “The priest’s body lays on the ravine’s northern wall about a hundred yards west of the battle scene,” said Ader. “If your men wish to dispose of him be quite sure they do not touch the black fluid surrounding the body nor the tiny red fletched dart in the small of the priest’s knee.”
    Hai turned and eyed the rider. The Eru subordinate nodded his understanding and rode from the group.
    “The People of the Woods surprise me,” commented Hai. “Even their children have been trained for battle.”
    “Master Sprig is not of Luxlor,” replied Eidyn quickly.
    “Master Sprig?” said Hai arching an eyebrow. “From where, pray tell, does Master Sprig hail?”
    Eidyn grimaced and looked to Ader. The Elf prince was unsure whether he overstepped his bounds. Ader nodded to the Elf.
    “Master Sprig is from the house of Sprite,” continued Eidyn. “A once revered branch of the Elven kingdom of Luxlor which migrated years ago from our realm.”
    “Migrated?” questioned Hai. “To what locale? My people have heard of no such Elven enclave.”
    “The Toxkri,” said Eidyn bluntly.
    Hai drew his brow down and knit it tightly. His hand slowly drew across his chin as he contemplated the news.
    “Fascinating,” mumbled the Eru horseman. “The Ghosts of the Swamp live.”
    “Pardon?” questioned Kael.
    Hai broke his concentration and looked to the boy.
    “My people have often spoke of the Wisps of the Toxkri,” said Hai, “but until this moment they have only been legend. Often we travel to the South when the winters are unusually cold. Sometimes we camp within sight of the towering willows of the Toxkri’s edge.
    “Although the Toxkri is very south and far from the threat of the Ulrog, we post guards as always. Through the years a legend has grown concerning the swamp. Our men swear ghosts and shades haunt the edges of the Toxkri. In the dead of night, shadows pass trees and the grasses part to reveal the hint of a form slipping past a sentry.
    “The introduction of Master Sprig and his homeland reveal a possible solution to our centuries old mystery.”
    A light chuckle came from Ader.
    “The people of Sprite must have allowed your sentries to catch that glimpse,” began Ader. “The Sprites do not allow themselves to be seen unless they choose to do so.”
    “The riders of the Eru are ever vigilant, my lord,” protested Hai.
    “I am well aware of the abilities of your people,” smiled Ader. “However, I am equally versed in the abilities of the Sprite. A glimpse of shadow, a form that appears then just as quickly disappears. All these things fit their purpose.”
     “And what would that purpose be?” questioned the rider.
     Ader noticed a smile creep across Kael’s face as the boy worked it out.
    “Hai of Eru,” said Ader holding a hand toward Kael. “This is Kael Brelgson, a ... distant relative of mine.”
    The young Eru rider smiled and bowed to Kael.
    “Well met, Kael Brelgson,” said Hai.
    “Likewise,” Kael returned the bow.
    “Perhaps Kael can illuminate you,” prodded Ader.
    Kael glanced at the Seraph in confusion then reddened slightly. He chewed his lip then turned to Hai.
    “Well, I cannot be certain, but it sounds to me as if the Sprites ... played with you,” said Kael.
    Hai cocked his head back.
    “Pardon?”
    “I mean to show no disrespect,” frowned Kael, “but the Sprites have a knack for ... manipulating people. It happened to me outside of Rindor. I was taught a lesson not to wander from camp.
    “It sounds to me as if the Eru were also manipulated. The stories of the Toxkri are infamous. It seems the Sprites perpetuate and even create