Chapter 2
Saved by the Mage
Mithaniel panicked as the orcs came but steps closer to him. He began to raise his sword with a trembling hand. As two came at him, snarling and waving their picks, he took a swing. One fell dead instantly. The other was left with one arm. Now walking backwards, he knew he had infuriated them to a new degree. Looking around he found only one way of escape, and quickly used it. He climbed up a gargantuan tree, knowing orcs cannot climb trees.
The orcs gathered round the tree, shouting, cursing, and penetrating the trunk of the tree with their picks. The orcs wielding spears threw them at Mithaniel, with hope of killing him. Mithaniel had trouble dodging the sharp spears. Some tore through his leather armor, some grazed against his skin, causing minor cuts, but nothing serious. But he knew, in the back of his mind, that he had no chance of surviving. He brought his quivering hand to his face, covering his mouth, and closing his eyes.
All of a sudden he heard no spears passing him. The cries of the orcs were in another direction. He opened his eyes and looked down to find a single woman and her pet, fighting the orcs. Thinking they would need help, he jumped from the tree, and slashed his sword through an orc's neck, beheading it. With assistance from the woman, he might survive.
Then the girl shouted, "Get out of the way!" Within ten seconds of him hesitantly jumping away from the scene, a huge fireball emerged from her hand, killing all but a few of the sinister orcs. The rest realized the danger, and franticly dashed away, tripping over eachother.
Mithaniel scrambled to his feet, and ran over to the woman. At this point, he realized that she was a mage (magician to the layman person).
Mithaniel bowed before her, and asked for her name.
The woman gave a warm smile. "My name is Klearaz Makide, of Felwithe."
He quickly replied, "And I am Mithaniel Ivyblade, of Kelethin."
"Why are you in the Greater Faydark, causing such a disturbance?" Klearaz questioned.
"I am here to save Shyden Mistmoss, king of the wood elves." Mithaniel's tone was suddenly more serious.
Klearaz eyed him strangely. "What has become of your king, to make it so he would need saving?" She was extra interested because of her high elven nature.
Mithaniel sighed wearily, and explained about the kidnapping of his king.
She promptly decided that this was to be heard by the high elven king, Eliaas Cortaz. "Come with me to Felwithe. Your wounds will be cleaned, and we will speak more of your situation." She told him. Mithaniel agreed, and they headed off for the high elven city of Felwithe, but not before Klearaz called for her pet, a water elemental, named Splashy.
They traveled through the remainder of Faydark, and were soon in the beautiful city of Felwithe. Mithaniel gawked at the large marble buildings. This city was so different from Kelethin. Klearaz said nothing, just quietly led Mithaniel to the palace.
As they walked up the gates, the surrounding guards straightened, and blocked the door.
"What is your reason of being here, Miss Makide? And why do you have a wood elf with you?" One of the guards asked.
Before Klearaz could mutter a single word, Mithaniel franticly blurted out the entire story, not leaving out a single detail.
The guards stared at him slack jawed for a moment, and then quickly opened the gates, letting the two enter.
Klearaz seemed to know her way around the palace, and was soon in the throne room, before the great Eliaas Cortaz.
"Why have you come to see me, Makide? And who is this wood elf?" Cortaz asked, with a hint of arrogance in his voice.
Klearaz kept Mithaniel from speaking. "This is Mithaniel Ivyblade, from Kelethin." She announced, and then told the story.
Eliaas's jaw dropped when he heard the news. He swiftly responded, "How could Iksar have gotten to Kelethin without passing through Felwithe?" He answered with a bit of jealousy in his voice.
"I don't know, but we must find him!" Mithaniel shouted forlornly.
"Calm yourself, wood elf. I will help you find your noble king Shyden." Eliaas answered. "Rest your self for the night in one of my guest quarters. I will also send a message to the Freeport militia asking them to accept you into their town when you arrive."
Eliaas Cortaz sent guards to lead Klearaz and Mithaniel out of the throne room. As they were escorted out, Mithaniel could have sworn he heard Cortaz mutter, "Why would they kidnap that druid Shyden? I would think I would be a greater prize. I am Eliaas Cortaz, great high elven wizard king…" The king then grunted stubbornly.