Departure from the Great Forest
The darkness in the sky was replaced by the sun's scarlet rays silently streaming over the horizon, casting everything in a light red hue. Dawn had arrived, and with it the great forest soon became alive. The sound of birds singing, bees humming, and animals roaming turned the forest into a harmonious melody.
"A new day is upon us!" declared Corban. "We are given this day as a chance to fight!" He stopped, then solemnly continued, "And regain our lost pride. People of Delvan, what Vadrian did was cruel, heartless and cold, yet he still remains an elf nonetheless. With him contains innate and invaluable knowledge. Knowledge of our elven past, our elven lore, and our elven secrets. He will reach Helgrind with fateful information. We must stop him!" Corban paused, and then turned serious, "I cannot do this alone. It wasn't only my family that was torn apart by this nefarious madman. You, too, should feel just as mad and angry as I do. Now I ask of you this: come forth those willing to help me fight, and claim our revenge!"
The crowed remained motionless, all eyes upon Corban. Finally, Delhödr stepped forward; placing a hand on Corban's shoulder then turned and looked upon the rest of the crowd. Two more quickly came forth, by the names of Adurnathäl and Eduril. Corban silently praised them. Lastly, an elf named Súndvar emerged from the crowd, and bowed in front of Corban.
Corban suddenly looked at the crowd announcing, "As for the rest of you, try to live comfortably in our absence, and spread the word of our calamity to other elven cities. We must leave now, before the day wears thin and our enemy father from our grasp."
The crowd slowly dissipated, and headed toward their dwellings. Corban took in a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the day ahead.
"Listen to me now, devoted followers. Turn into your cat forms, for we can travel faster through the forest and out of Du Weldenvarden" said Corban hurridly.
Before he could continue Delhödr interrupted, "Corban, I am an old elf. I cannot leave the Du Weldenvarden. It is my home and always has been. I will not pass away anywhere else but here, in the tranquil city of Delvan. I can lead you to the edge of the great forest, but no more."
Corban acknowledged the sage oracle, and replied heartily, "Fair enough. I don't think anyone would find your need unreasonable."
With that, Corban sprinted off into the forest; the other elves quickly chasing after him. Traveling by the trees and dense foliage they changed into their cat forms: Adurnathäl into a jaguar, Eduril into a cougar, Delhödr into an ocelot, and Súndvar into a panther. Racing through the woodland and jumping over fallen moss-laden logs, the elves of Delvan quietly made their way towards the edge of Du Weldenvarden. The sun was now high in the sky as they approached a serpentine river with clear and cool running water.
"Corban!" Adurnathäl sighed, panting. "We need to take a rest and drink some water."
The party slowed down looking at the appetizing stream.
"Well, I suppose we should stop for a brief rest, we have been running for hours" said Corban, although not in the least tired himself.
"Young Corban" began Delhödr. "If I remember correctly, this river will lead you out of the great forest and into the Isenstar lake."
"Are there any cities settled near Isenstar?" questioned Corban.
"At the base of the lake there are two: To the west lies Gil'ead, but its inhabitants are ruled by the Empire and I do not believe any elf will be allowed inside. However there is a small city called Marna, to the east situated near a young mountain, on the edge of the Hadarac desert. I know not who has the authority there, but I am fairly certain the Empire is not in control."
Corban and the others continued southbound at a faster pace than ever before. They had to make up for lost time. As they delved deeper into the timberland, the trees emerged as gray and caliginous. The crystal waters became still, clouded and opaque, and algae covered the liquid, forming a disgusting greenish-brown carpet. Delhödr stopped in his tracks.
"Halt, be still. Something is amiss." He paused to listen to the forest, hearing only the sound of a distant bird cawing.
In that instant an immense crocodile lunged out of the river, grabbing Adurnathäl's leg with jagged yellow teeth. Before he could respond to the sudden attack, he was plunged into the murky depths of the water.
"We must help him!" cried out Eduril. He took out his bow and began firing arrows into the river.
Corban's mind seared with rage and without knowing it dove into the water, both swords drawn.
The river quickly became a frothy mess of red blood and algae. The crocodile was twirling violently in the water, trying to get rid of Corban who was hanging on its back. Corban instinctively sank his teeth into the neck of the crocodile, but the crocodile was too big; its thick, bony hide protecting him effortlessly. Corban tried to focus, but between desperate gulps of air and dark water it was impossible. He soon remembered his two swords and concentrated on getting out of his feral rage. When the crocodile swam to the river's surface, Corban seized the opportunity and sunk both blades into its head.
The movement stopped. The blood flowed.
Corban jumped back into the waters desperately trying to find any sign of Adurnathäl. After long periods of searching, he found no trace of him but a mangled sword at the bottom of the river. He came out of the ghastly waters with a grave expression upon his face. Corban looked at his crew, who were now staring back at him with a horrified gaze, realizing that Adurnathäl had been eaten alive.
Eduril was the first to speak, "Master Corban, I dare not say this, but we cannot proceed any further. That was a marshwater crocodile, the largest I've ever seen. There are bound to be many more if we continue this path."
Delhödr appeared to be thinking sternly. "Corban, my fears have been confirmed. Galbatorix's black hand has reached Du Weldenvarden and is stealthily spreading, as relentless as a plague, changing everything it comes across into a malignant shadow."
Corban stayed silent for a long time, stroking his whiskers and mourning the loss of a great friend and elf, Adurnathäl.
"Look!" whispered Súndvar. "There is something in the distance, through the glades."
And behold, the sun shone down through the foliage upon a single spot in the river, revealing a mysterious animal peacefully drinking from its waters.
"My word…" said Delhödr. "I have not seen such a creature since the time of the last riders. It is the great mónelk, the Forest Monarch."
Standing nearly 30 feet high, 40 if you count the horns, the mónelk calmly waded in the water unafraid of the crocodilian infestation.
"The mónelk have magnificent horns, sharp enough and hard enough to penetrate the marshwater crocodile's thick hide. The crocodiles dare not attack it." Delhödr paused for a moment. "These graceful animals are ancient ancestors to the common deer or elk. It has been rumored in the past that they warrant elven riders upon their back, allowing a safe passage through the river."
Corban released his mind towards the animal, hoping to contact it peacefully. They touched, but the mónelk was quickly alarmed. Settle down, ancient mónelk, monarch of the forest. I am not here to hurt you. My friends and I desperately need a safe route out of the forest. Can you help us?
After a small period of thought, the mónelk agreed to aid them.
Corban quickly muttered, "Come" and the rest of the elves followed.
As graceful as a willow tree swaying in the breeze, the mónelk lowered its magnificent head toward the river bank, whereupon each elf cautiously climbed aboard. When all were safely on, the mónelk abruptly took off downstream with incredible speed. Corban was truly amazed by the strength and elegance of this creature. Its huge neck swaying to and fro as it sped through the river, cool water splashing all around them. The giant muscles underneath its tawny-gold hide were pumping effortlessly, emphasizing the true power of the mónelk.
Time passed freely as the exhilarating ride hastily came to an end. They were out of Du Weldenvarden, and before them was lake Isenstar. Its surface was almost magical, glistening in the sunlight like finely polished silver.