Oooof,

The next one is coming right at you. This one is significant to me, and probably that's why it is up that fast. I just sat and wrote.

Why is it important? Cause I'm very curious of your reaction (yes it's review soliciting). Your feedback on this is VERY important for me to know, if you like where it is going. So please "yes" and "no" is also a message for me. (although justification might be slightly helpful. I do not insist though...)

As always THANK YOU for all reviews that I received so far. If I failed to give a personal reply to any of you, I apologise. Each and every feedback is priceless to me. It's that I really lack time recently.

As for this chapter it is quite bloody. So beware.

Thank you in advance for reading, an well.. enjoy.

MS

Nessa didn't like tombs. She preferred open spaces. Tombs were claustrophobic, stuffy. She didn't like the idea of being kept in such closet. Her eyes scanned walls and stairs searching for any sign of trap. She slowly descended the stairs and stopped by the last one. She smirked to herself If the rest of surprises are as well hidden, this will be quite entertaining. She squat and searched her sack for Forenar's set. She took out a small metal stick and after and a small knife. After about 15 seconds the trap was merely a memory. She gave elves a sign to proceed. The corridor turned slightly left and after a moment a big room revealed itself before their eyes.

Nessa held her breath for she had never seen anything like that before. The floor was made of finest black marble. Torches, which were the only source of light in there, were stuck in golden stands. But it was not the most impressive thing there. The walls of the room were meticulously carved, reliefs portrayed the history of relationships between elves and humans. Every part of history had it's own guardian. On left hand side there were statues of humans' kings, on right side elven. First part of carvings was probably related to times, when humans had realized their power and started their attempts to rule the Earth. There were trees consumed by the fire and white haired people being banished out of their households. In the very corner however, there were three white haired figures, two men and a woman. One of the men was wearing a golden crown. This part merged with another which seemed to portray the most turbulent times. Bright glow of numerous golden silhouettes merged with crimson red of blood, now definitely being drained out of humans. It was really disturbing, and Nessa took a small step back. She almost ran to Nuada, whose eyes were fixed on white haired woman dressed in blue. Woman seemed to cover her face, as if she try to lookaway. His face winced as if this view pained him. He didn't seem to notice her questioning look. And eventually she didn't intended to ask, for she knew there would be no answer. Now she torn her eyes away from the pictures, and studied the wall. There were supposed to be 20 guardians. 4 out, which meant that there were 16 more around here. And some of them must me in this room, for there were not many more places to go. After a while she was proved right. Her eyes spotted the shape of hidden door.

Archers… she thought to herself – very clever indeed. If someone doesn't get killed with an arrow, he will be pushed straight onto traps which are surely located in the middle. Which brings us back to Nessa's nasty surprises…. – she smirked to herself and turned to her companions.

"Gentlemen…" – she started, enjoying annoyed looks they cast her – " we seem to be dealing with archers here. So plan is, we divide in two teams. I go and open the door on right hand side, two of you go in and clean up. Clear so far?" she queried tilting her head. "Second door will be more complicated, and therefore we need to be fast. They will surely notice our action so I will have to "blur their vision". This means blurring your vision too. And this means sticking to my back to find the second door. After I open the second door, you take out remaining archers. I will try to work on remaining traps at the time. Any questions? Ideas?" she queried moving her gaze from one face to another and stopping at Nuada.

"You seem to be very self confident human…" Nathaniel hissed – "What if your plan doesn't work, what if you won't be able to open the door on time?" he queried with a sneer

"It depends on which answer you want to hear. If mine, which I strongly doubt, I'd suggest retreat. If you want your commander's answer….. then ask your commander. I do not feel accountable for your life. Although I wish I would…she added in her mind narrowing her eyes. Nathaniel seemed to sense her thoughts for his jaw muscles danced again underneath perfectly pale skin.

"Matham, you're coming with me. Nathaniel and Tuatha, you go first." Nuada commanded

"You go precisely at my sign. If something goes wrong I will let you know. What you intend to do with the knowledge… not my business. " she whispered and soundlessly proceeded towards the first door.

Nuada watched her until she merged with the shadows. She was really good, she managed to deceive an elf's eye. He turned to look at his people. They were tensed, nervous. After all they were rewriting their history. A new glorious chapter. No more of humans' reign, no more pain and destruction. They would heal the Earths wounds, they would erase disgraceful "human" era. They would return to how it once was…Then he fixed his gaze at the point, where he thought, Nessa would be. She made him feel guilty. He wanted to hate her, despise her as he would any other human. Yet she made it quite hard on him. There was something about her that made him want to know her better, to know her past, her thoughts, her feelings. Most of humans were like open books for him. She was a book written in a language he just merely knew. He felt as he touched only the surface, and deep underneath there was something he wanted to reach, but at the same time something he could not comprehend. She was "inhuman" to an extend that made Nuada unable to harm her. Or maybe not that eager. He was brought back by silent click. Then he saw Nathaniel and Tuatha starting for the door that appeared in the wall.

After that everything went very fast. Nessa took something out of her sack and threw it near opposite wall. White smoke which appeared right after decreased visibility to inches. Nuada felt Nessa's hand grabbing his forearm

"This way!" she shouted trying to outcry the sounds of fight that broke out behind their back. He followed her suddenly realizing that she could lead him straight to a trap. But it was a bit late for second thoughts. He saw merely a shape now bending down. He wondered, how she was going to open the door that "blindfolded". To his honest surprise, they opened the moment after. He drew his blades, and entered archers' hideout. At the very beginning he had to block the sword, that was almost fell on his head. Those men were worthy opponents. They already managed to regroup putting elves in not very favorable position. Four of them stood in the back with their bowstrings stretched. Remaining three made up for first line of defense. Their stances and formation meant, that the perfectly knew what to do, in case of such attack. Nuada's mind raced. This was not what he had expected. Swordplay in rain of arrows did not intimidated him. The only thing that bothered him. was the distance between him and archers. Humans usually were not very good aimers. But now, they'd have to be blind to miss them. It was the risk he had to take up. If it was to be his last night, he was ready. With a growl he pushed back the soldier that attacked him, and he stepped forward allowing Matham to enter the room. Without hesitation Matham attacked nearest man. Nuada's lips curved. With loyalty of his people he could not fail. And he would not. He focused his gaze on now two men trying to flank him. He tilted his head and with a sneer attacked. With three precise moves he deflected blows of one opponent and with last final move he slit his throat. Now second soldier had his full attention. He was about to attack when he felt the sting of of pain in his left arm, and then he heard Matham's scream. Those maggots were shooting at them. He saw an arrow sticking out of Mathan's arm. Ignoring his previous aim, with a growl he charged at the row of archers. Suddenly from the corner of his eye he saw unexpected movement. It was HER, charging at soldiers too. Nuada's mind filled with confusion

What is she doing? She was supposed to wait outside. Is she… HELPING us? I gave her no orders. Why is she doing this?...

They both reached the destination at the same time. They both attacked knocking the bows out off side guards' hands. Nessa twirled and hit man's face with sword's handgrip. Still using his surprise she took out his legs, and finished his life with one accurate stroke of her blade. Simultaneously, Nuada sent his opponent to the ground, then he twirled the blade in his hand while kneeling down. One firm stab ended man's life. They casted furtive look at each other and prepared for the final attack. Nuada searched for Matham with his eyes. He cast a worried look at the arrow. Mathan, must have sensed his prince's concern. He smirked, saluted him with a sword, and then focused his gaze on his last opponent. Again Nuada felt he was lucky to have such soldiers around. Loyal to whatever end. Then he peeked at Nessa. Her left cheek was marked with blood smear, unruly hair strands encircled her face, her eyes sparkled. She stood by him in offensive, stance brows frowned, ready to kill her own kind for him. If she knew what they were after, she would surely stand against him. Nuada's eyes become cold again. Even if she was loyal, she did it for wrong reasons. That should not confuse him. He moved his gaze back to his aim. It was just another obstacle he had to get rid off. And time was growing short. He started the attack, Nessa and Mathan joined right after. One last battle cry came out Elves' throats.

Ten' Bethmoora!!!

***********************************

Nessa squatted by one last trap. Nathaniel and Tuatha were taking care of Matham's wound. Nuada approached Nessa

"Why did you do that? – he asked

"Did what?" she replied without taking her eyes of the mechanism she was working on

"Why did you fight those soldiers? That was not part of your job. Why did you help me?" he inquired

"You looked as if you needed extra hand." She replied – 'Don't worry Your Royal Cashness, I won't charge you extra for this"

"Woman, either you start to show respect or…." He hissed

"Or what?!" – she stood up and faced him – "Or you'll kill me? Rape me? Sell me?" – she hissed back – "You already took away the most valuable thing I had. My freedom. I helped you, cause it was a free choice I could make. Because I wanted to. Happy? Please stop this obedience nonsense. I follow your orders, and try to behave in front of your people. That's it. I BOW TO NO ONE. " – she growled to his chin with fists balled, arms pressed to her sides.

"You will bow to me." – he retorted leaning slightly towards her – "Sooner than you think, my little Firestorm" he finished piercing her with his eyes

Nessa held his gaze for a moment, then she bent down to get her sack. When she straightened she met his now amused gaze

"I didn't expect I will prove my point that quickly" – he taunted

"That was not a bow that was…" she was broke of with his finger resting upon her lips

"End of discussion.. we don't have time for this. Or correct me if I'm wrong…" he tilted his hand to the side eying her up and down with this obnoxious manner of his. Nessa was fuming, but she remained silent.

"And you're quite adorable when you're angry…. For a human naturally" – he mocked turning around waving at his people to approach.

When they all gathered he spoke

"Finally we managed to get here. This night is very special for us, it's new better beginning. I will do it back it Bethmoora, nevertheless, thank you for your loyalty, commitment, blood and sweat sacrificed for this matter. When I stand here, looking at the symbol of our disgrace, our fading, I'm proud to have you by my side. Gurth goth rim Tel'Quessir!!!!

After saying those words he entered the corridor leading to the main tomb. Nessa waited for all elves to proceed. Then she cast the last look on wall reliefs. Either her eyes were playing tricks on her or the man from the carving was Nuada. Unpleasant chill ran down her spine. The sound of fight brought her back to reality. They must have found 2 remaining soldiers. Nessa entered the corridor very slowly. She didn't intend to interfere this time. Not after his comments. When she reached them two men were already lying in the puddle of their own blood. Suddenly Nessa felt uncomfortable being locked with those creatures. They were cruel, ruthless…. Actually they were what she always wanted to be. Emotionless killing machines. And yet they made her uneasy. She slowly approached the door, they didn't seem to be secured. She pushed them and a view she saw just blew her away. The room was quite similar to previous one. Floor was black marble, torches stuck in golden stands. White sarcophagus was located in the center. Behind it, there were two statues. The writing on the wall just behind them said

Balor One Arm ########################## Christof The Righteous

CREATORS AND DEFENDERS OF NEVERENDING TRUCE

LET THE PEACE NEVER LEAVE THIS PLACE

Tenna' ento lye omenta

In their raised hands they held golden crown. It's glitter was almost blinding. Nessa turned her head and asked:"Is it what we came for?"

"Yes it is" – he answered enchanted by the image of his dreams – "Go and check if it is not secured. Don't bring it to me. I want to do it." – he commanded without taking his eyes of the crown. As Nessa moved forward, Nathaniel slowly approached his prince.

"Your Royal Highness?... Nuada?" – he asked awaiting his friend to look at him

"Yes my friend.. what is it?"- Nuada queried

"We've been dreaming of this for so long. I always wanted for this to be our moment. JUST ME AND YOU. At the threshold of new order…. Can we… Can you dismiss the others, so we could share this moment? Please?" Nathaniel asked moving his gaze on Nessa who was examining the artefact.

"Of course my friend. You were always by my side, always when I needed you. I want to share this joy with you too. Moreover I cannot think of any other person who would deserve it more than you do."

"You're embarrassing me Sire…." Nathaniel bowed – "I've let you down recently. I do not deserve your kind words."

Nuada just waved his hand at his speech. – "Tuatha, Matham, Nessa – leave us. Wait outside now!' – he commanded firmly – "We will join you within a moment" – he added seeing surprised looks of his companions. Without any hesitation they rushed out of the room. Nathaniel sneered at Nessa as she passed him by. She focused her eyes on the door and followed the elves as commanded.

Nuada waited until he heard the sound of door locked.

"So my friend… " – he started – "this is it…. Will you join me?" he asked beaming at Nathaniel

"No my Prince. It is your privilege." – he replied – "I'll be most happy to watch you realize our dream…"

Nuada slowly approached the figures. He felt joy, completion, his heart was pounding. Last time he felt this way was when Balor, his father, took him to training room for the first time. He felt exactly the same pride. He lifted his hand to take the crown. He already had it in his grasp, when his ears caught the sound of fight going behind the door.

"Nathaniel! They found us!"- he exclaimed – "We need to get out of here before there'll be more of them!"

"There won't be more of them My Lord" – Nathaniel answered

"How do you know?" Nuada hissed manipulating by the crown which seemed to stuck

"Because I've taken care of it personally" Nathaniel replied.

There was something about Nathaniel's voice that Nuada didn't like. Before he managed to react to previous sentence, he felt tremendous blow at the back of his head. His eyes widened in surprise as his legs bend under him. Then he fell to the floor. Before he blacked out he heard distant voice saying

"The only place you're going my Prince is Bethmoora's Tower"

****************************************

Nessa was leaning against the wall waiting for Nuada to come out. She watched the elves from under her hood. They seemed unnaturally tensed. They were done here, just take the trinket and flee. Something was not right. Subconsciously her hand traveled under the cloak and clutched the handgrip. Ant it was the most appropriate thing to do. Without any warning, any reason they both charged at her. Her mind burned with anger

So that's how he wanted it. Do your job and die. And you stupid girl thought that he would let you go. STUPID STUPID STUPID NAÏVE WENCH! How could you let this happen?! She scolded herself mentally deflecting elves' blows. Her eyes focused on Matham; he was wounded, therefore he was much easier aim. She had to stay focused to stay alive. She dropped to her side, and while rolling she cut surprised elf through the thigh. Then the immediately jumped on her feet and started for the exit. As she suspected no one followed her. Tuatha left to take care of his friend. Nessa ran out of the tomb and quickly hid herself behind one of gravestones. Something about all this irked her. This way or another, she wished to see the bastard again. Sooner or later she would find a sorcerer who would undo this damn enchantment. And then he would get to know what being a prey tastes like. After a few minutes the door opened. What she saw made her eyes widen in surprise and horror. Nathaniel carried lifeless Nuada, and Tuatha carried Mathan. Nessa pricked her eyes to hear what they were saying. Luckily for her they used common speech. Nasty habit she thought to herself.

"We just need to keep him here until I get someone to replace Matham" – Nathaniel whispered – "We need more people to escort Nuada for Balor's council."

"I want that human bitch!" Tuatha hissed – "She slain Matham!... Like a pig. I want her. And I want her to die slowly…."

"I want her too, but since she escaped, we need to stay focused on our mission. Remember what you were promised Tuatha. When I'll be the king of Bethmoora, you'll be my Commander. You need to prove your loyalty to me. Focus!"

Nessa didn't here anything after that. But that was enough for her. He trusted them, thanked them, and those scumbags betrayed him. Backstabbed him. She took a step their direction and hesitated

What do you think you're doing Girl? This is not of your business. If you kept your nose out of other people's business you wouldn't be here right now…

Struggle within was fierce. She cast one last look at figures vanishing into the darkness. She clenched her teeth and began to run.

You're soooo going to regret it….

Ten' Bethmoora!!! - For Bethmoora!

Gurth goth rim Tel'Quessir!!!! - Death to the foes of the Elves

Tenna' ento lye omenta - Until next we meet