CHAPTER TWENTY
The morning was misty and a chill filled the air. Koral awoke with a start, but did not move. Unsure of what had awakened her, she slowly rolled over and instinctively felt for her sword. It was then she noticed almost the entire camp was awake and in a feverish rush.
“What is it?” shouted Koral to Gillock as he ran past.
“Tress is burning. We must move out immediately.”
He had said something else, but Koral did not hear. She had begun throwing her things together so she could move out with him. Eric had also heard his remark and was quickly getting himself together. “We need to move now. Something really does not feel right about all of this,” he commented.
Koral agreed and they both hopped up and started to run as hard as they could. They caught up with Gillock and the elves, who were not moving quickly.
“Why are you not moving faster?” asked Eric. “They could be in trouble.”
Glavlin turned to face the prince. “The people who did this have left. We spotted their ships on the horizon, moving away from the town.”
“Besides,” added Gillock, “the dwarves are probably almost there.”
“What do you mean?” asked the prince.
“What he means is nothing moves faster than a mad dwarf,” announced Darly.
Koral laughed and despite the situation, the others joined in.
“What do you think it means?” she asked.
“I am not sure,” responded Glavlin. “The ships were headed towards Keenley, though, so it may mean trouble when we arrive there.”
“How is it we did not hear anything?” questioned Eric.
“That is something which has been bothering me since we saw the smoke,” said Glavlin, obviously annoyed. “One of my elves should have heard something, but all was silent to us last night. I do not understand how it is possible. We were not so far away and should have heard something.”
Eric saw the pain in the elf king's eyes. It bothered him greatly that none of the elves had heard anything. He did not want to say it, but figured everyone was thinking it. “It must have been some kind of spell.”
Gillock nodded. “Yes, it’s the only explanation I can come up with, but who cast it?”
“Maybe we have more enemies than we originally thought,” said Mekken, walking up to them. “The dwarves have made it to the town. I did not see any movement, but any survivors may be gravely injured or hiding. I was not close enough to determine either.”
“You say we may have more enemies,” came Koral’s confused voice.
Mekken nodded. “As I said, I did not get close enough to determine anything, but I can tell you this. The sails on those ships were like none I have ever seen before. We best keep our guard up as we approach the town.”
Everyone agreed, and they quickened their pace.
As they approached the town, the group slowed. The devastation was immense. The twins were stunned; neither had ever seen such destruction before. The elves, however, had seen this many times. Slowly, they entered the town, everyone silent. They came around a corner and heard Grund’s voice. All were relieved once they realized it did not sound distressed. Mekken immediately moved off towards the sounds, the others close behind. They found both dwarves in a small house, and they were not alone.
“What took ye so long?” asked Drundle, her voice filled with worry. “They be in trouble here.”
“We came as quickly as we could,” responded Glavlin. “What happened here?”
“They be Easterners,” said one of the dwarves. She was smaller than Drundle, with greying hair, but her voice and presence exuded strength.
“Are you certain?” asked Gillock.
“We be sure,” said another dwarf. “We be seein’ the ships many times o late.”
“Have they ever stopped here before?” Gillock questioned, his voice now sounding nervous.
“No,” said Grund, annoyance in his voice. “This be the only time, and they be taken most o the men. Some women 'n children be gone too.”
Koral sat down, distraught. “Why did they do this?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
“Because Easterners collect and sell slaves. It's a thriving business for them,” answered Gillock.
Easterners. It was something, which frightened and intrigued Eric. They were people of rumour, no one was really quite sure about them. No-one except Gillock that is.
“But they were headed for Keenley,” came Koral's voice in his head. It brought him out of his reverie and he turned towards her. “Surely they would not find anyone to buy them there,” she finished, horror now showing in her voice.
“They are not even supposed to be able to travel here,” stated Eric, moving further into the room. “The sea has not let anyone travel between here and the Eastern Lands for many years. How is it they can do this?”
“That’s not an accurate statement,” said Gillock. “The Easterners come once a year to trade with Keenley. No-one is sure how they do it, and they will not reveal their secrets. There are strict rules for dealing with them that both sides must follow. I’m quite worried about what their reason for this attack was.”
“Enough talkin’,” shouted Grund. “These folks be needin’ help. We best be movin’ off ta Keenley. That be the best place fer supplies fer these folks.”
The others just nodded, not wanting to upset the dwarf further.
“We will be on our way,” said Glavlin quietly. “We will not be finding any supplies here. We will have to make do with what we have.”
Eric was going to comment but a shot to the ribs from his sister immediately quieted him. Sore and not impressed with their situation, Eric moved off towards where he had seen horses penned.
Grund moved over towards the old woman. “When we be gettin’ to Keenley, we be sendin’ back supplies 'n help. I be gettin’ word to Xamblers fer help.”
The old woman smiled and whispered something to Grund. He laughed, and moved off to catch up with his friends.
“We will meet up with the goblins, and head out,” announced Gillock. “They should almost be here.”
They turned a corner and found the goblins already a top horses, waiting for them. “Wez thoughts bestes wez stayes hereses,” said Nak.
“That was a good idea,” commented Gillock. “We will find no supplies here. We must move off towards Keenley.”
Gillock rode past them, and the goblins turned in behind Eric. He noticed the sadness on their faces, and wondered if it was for the town, or because they could not go and search for Dilmek.
“I am sorry, Nak. I wish we could afford to go and search for your missing friend.”
“Wez knowses. Mores importants thingses do’ses,” he replied.
Eric did not say anymore, but stayed with the group instead of riding off to catch up with Koral. He felt it more important to stay by his friend’s side.