[Aredhel]

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Beta-Slot Entry #3

The Pariah of Mount Stiirhad

I awoke to darkness, mind clouded, feeling only black. I rolled out of my bed to this familiar scene, and slowly stood up.

Today, one of us would die. Perhaps then it would be dark like this forever.

“Better them than me.” I thought out loud.

All of our strategies and tactics were in order – our plans coiled tightly as a viper poised to strike. Our warriors, fierce and zealous, could be heard moving outside. The sound of their mail armor shifting was metallic and constant, growing and diminishing as they marched past my tent. It reminded me of the sea, as though water were washing through our encampment. We Dark Elves could be very harsh, yet I took solace in the fact that we were family. I took comfort in the sound of the waves, knowing that they would shelter me – for now.

As my feet settled onto the cold sandy floor, chills shot up through my legs. I donned my robe and heard the herald’s shrill call for everyone to assemble in the main forum. It was time for war, and yet, it had seemed like only yesterday when I was being groomed as a young Psion of Mount Stiirhad...

…

“Remember, little one, you are an infiltrator of minds, a coercer of their will. When the enemy is ironclad, you will shatter them from within!”

The child was but a naïve adolescent in Elven years. He had much to learn.

“Yes, Master,” the young one nodded, “I can feel your thoughts… you speak of truth,” he hesitated, “though, there... is something I must bring to your attention.”

The Grand Psion glared at him impatiently, prompting the child to speak timidly.

“I touched… the mind of a slave girl, today. Her owner could—“

“You what?! Insolent whelp!” the Master hissed.

The master spoke through his mind, piercing into the boy's soul:

You defy my will in public! I should have you lashed for your disobedience. Do you realize what you have done is a crime punishable by death? If you were discovered, well…

Suddenly his countenance changed from one of ire to a combination of resignation and frustration. His brow was no longer furrowed, yet his teeth were clenched tightly.

Let us just point out how lucky you are to have been born into nobility. However, another slip like that and I will personally be the one to flay the skin off your back. Is that clear?

“Yes, Master.”

…

A draft of cold, dry air snapped me from my memories, back to the present. I could smell sandstone, a very different scent from our old homeland. My face was pelted by tiny grains of sand, and the wind was a torrent. Qalian desert nights were harsh, and our enemy had been tempered by them to be just as bitter, merciless, and deadly. While some of our people had chosen to roam as nomads, others sought refuge with neighboring Mordebi tribes. Our caravan in particular would not sink so low as to mingle with human filth, let alone shame ourselves into asking to be taken in. We believed that the humans should have been our slaves, not our saviors; our intent was to make that a reality by the break of dawn.

Our general, clad in the ceremonial armor of a dread knight, stood silent. His face was an emotionless mask as we came into formation, rank and file. After a few moments, we were organized and at attention. It was then that Lord Ætriex spoke:

“Today is the first step to regaining what was lost.” His sonorous voice washed over the assembled army. I could feel the fervor and anticipation of each and every mind around me (most of all my own).

He continued, “The Mordebi forces are aware of our presence. Know that this battle will go down in history. Know that the lore will be written with the blood of their children, and the ash of their bones. The very pages will be as skin stretched so far. After tonight, they will know of our power.”

I felt a tremor of righteousness ripple across our collective minds. Though the future looked grim, it was very bright in contrast to the darkness of our past. I truly felt that nothing could be worse than the exile from our homeland…

…

“Our journey is perilous, yet it affords us time together. Would you not say so, lover?” She spoke in dulcet tones as we marched; I could feel her longing for me. Doubtlessly she conjured up all these vivid images in her mind, knowing that I could read them, see them, and feel them. Her thoughts would reach out to me, entice me, and I would embrace them. And this was how the former slave girl and I spent our time while roaming the desert. Mount Stiirhad could be seen far off in the distance, the glowing embers were visible from even here. I could still remember the sound of fire crackling as my teacher and family were burned alive. Their lives bought me enough time to escape…

“Don’t you realize how they question us? The other nobles give us looks of disapproval and mutter things sotto voce.” I said, snapping out of my nightmarish recollection.

“Who cares what they think,” she said, irritated, “you are mine, and they have no say in this.”

I could almost pity her. It seemed like only yesterday when she was just another possession of her masters. Now it almost sounded as if I was a possession of hers.

“You would do well to hide your thoughts, Kharri, you know not if other psionicists walk among us.”

“Why is that, lover, can you not feel their presence?” she asked as she crooked an eyebrow… knowing the answer before even posing the thought.

“I know they are here, yet they hide. They hide from us, as we do from them.” I replied.

“And still you insist on banding together with this forsaken caravan? We would do well to leave this place behind and start anew. We could easily find some hapless, unsuspecting human family.” She spoke nonchalantly, “We could gut them like pigs and take their home, tending to our lives without concern for anyone else. I know you agree.” Kharri smiled confidently. She had a funny way of presenting would-be questions as statements, figuring everyone would agree if she left no room for dissent.

“We need them because they are family. They are Dark Elves and we are noble still.” I disagreed. Kharri’s smile quickly turned sour.

“Noble?” she scoffed, “You and our ilk are just as noble as the blood that stains our dark hands!” I blinked. I was half-shocked by the truth, and half-shocked by the sincerity it was said with.

“That may be so, but family is family.” I insisted, shaking my head slowly, uncertain. Looking back, I realize that I was trying to convince myself this was true.

“Our people are with us as long as it conveniences them,” She said, staring through me.

And with that thought, we continued to meander in a silent embrace. The heat of our minds kept us sane though the tedium. The lust in our hearts kept us warm in the night.

…

In the distance, the Mordebi forces were amassing. Mostly comprised of cavalry, their horses were known for their speed on the fine sands of the desert. The horn sounded, and the march began. I remember hearing my heart beating loudly like the drums themselves. “Would this be the day I die?” I wondered. I scanned the area for Kharri with my eyes. I could not see her, though I could sense her presence far from the main bulk of our army. Our plan was to have fast moving scouts flank the humans from their side, as our heavy infantry would draw their attention head-on. My place was in the center of it all, an elite group of psionicists, sorcerers and warriors. Our purpose was to disorient their riders and counter any possible magical attack. Lord Ætriex rode on his horse beside me, his dark aura unnerving yet comforting at the same time. It was good to know that he was on our side.

“My liege! I bear a message from the Scoutmaster. It is of great importance!”

“Speak,” he said, turning his eyes to the messenger, making him shift nervously.

“My liege, our scouts report that the Mordebi forces have a psionicist among their ranks.” The dread knight’s eyes widened slightly. Moments later, his lips twisted into what seemed like a wicked smirk as the scout continued to report the situation.

“More slaughter, more glory,” he laughed, dismissing the scout, “Lieutenant,”

“Yes, sir,” I snapped to attention.

He spoke in thoughts, knowing that I could read his mind. Merely scanning the black surface of his psyche could make it difficult to sleep for the next few nights. He looked into my eyes.

This is the reason you are here and what you were trained for since birth. We will penetrate the heart of their forces. It is there, much like us, that they safeguard their precious leader. The psionicist honor guard is a half-elf. Most likely they stoop to collaborating with her out of desperation. Stay close and destroy her mind when the moment is right.

An opposing psionicist was a daunting concept. I could feel my heart racing faster.

Yes, master.

…

The battle erupted as steel clashed and sparks sprang forth. Horses rushed by as riders from both sides engaged. Led by Lord Ætriex, our elite company advanced, destroying everything in its path. In the cacophony of battle, his dark aura saturated the air; it became increasingly prevalent after every moment, as if feeding on the chaos. We drew closer to the Mordebi center ranks. Horses reared, turned and ran off, their riders dismounting and fighting on. The humans fought on valiantly, even as the tides of battle turned against them.

We had come to the very heart of the human army. As our infantry kept their militia at bay, the Dread Knight of Stiirhad approached their leader – a paladin, no less.

“Well, if it isn’t the proverbial knight in shining armor,” Lord Ætriex spoke.

The paladin defiantly responded, “I could say something similar of you.”

“Then if the stories are true, our paths are clear,” proclaimed the dread knight.

The sound of sliding metal cut through the air as they both unsheathed their blades.

“Defend yourself!” the paladin roared.

The avatars of darkness and light charged toward each other in the eye of the hurricane, a whirlwind of swords, spears, and shields spinning around them. The clashing auras of the dread knight and paladin magnified their awesome presence, forming a large ring in the middle of the fray. As their mounts closed the gap, they traded blows – a large clang resounded – both generals fell to the blood-soaked floor, quickly scrambling to their feet.

I was in shock, almost paralyzed. I could not tear my eyes from the view of the two in combat. It was then I realized that I actually couldn’t move! I presumed that it had to be the half-elf psionicists which kept me mesmerized. Mustering all of my strength, I broke the daze and turned to face my assailant.

Completely unshaken by my presence, she was emotionless, hiding behind her psionic shield. Her almond-shaped eyes squinted in concentration. Still in shock, I was taken aback when her body began to writhe in cryptic patterns. Doubtlessly, I could tell that her intent was to crush my brain from the inside-out using her telekinetic energies. I immediately began a counter-incantation, soon finding that we were locked in mental combat. I was tempted to think about whether or not I had been trained well enough.

Am I truly prepared?

A war of the mind leaves no room for doubt, and I quickly banished all of my conscious thoughts. I forced everything out: the beating hooves of the horses, the stench of fresh blood on the field, and even the mighty generals fighting their epic battle just yards away. This fight with the half-elf would be my personal battle.

My mind began to pulse forth psychic energy, exuding a red aura from the top of my crown and third (inner) eye. I could sense only the slightest bit of fear coming from the girl, so miniscule, but enough to form a flaw in her mental defenses. I exploited this opportunity and bore into her skull with the force of my will. She screamed and collapsed, falling lightly, somehow gracefully, onto the desert sand.

I rushed over to check her body. She was stomach-down on the ground, leaving a slight impression on the side of the dune. Slowly, I rolled her over. She was light, and moved like a falling leaf. Her arms limply rolled to her sides as I turned her body over. Never had I seen such beauty: her hair, amber locks, cascaded over her shoulders and onto her bosom. Her skin was exquisite, as though marble, metal, and honey had been melted together to form a smooth, iridescent cream.

Focus, this is not over yet.

I could hear the generals in combat behind me. Moving quickly now, I searched her essence for any vital information – battle plans, troop formations and the like. It was there in her mind that something peculiar struck me. Like a whisper, it called to me, and I was intrigued. I answered the call, and searched deeper. Involved in my research, my vision began to narrow. Eventually, the only things I could see were her resting eyelids. Suddenly there was a flash of light, and her eyes burst open, grabbing my psyche. She was weak, but she pulled me down with her into her falling, failing soul. There was a sensation similar to drowning. My vision blacked out, until all I could feel was her presence beside me.

…

So pure, so divine, we are as one here.

You are not angry?

You sought to kill me.

Did I succeed?

I don’t know. I feel strange… our minds are intertwined.

I…feel strange too, you are alien to me…

Likewise, it’s just, terrible, it’s such a shame…

A shame?

A shame, for… you live in fear wherever you go, only kept in line by the threat of punishment by your superiors… even the one you profess to care for controls you, uses you. You pine for a sense of family, yet there is none to be had among your people. You know of love, but you have never seen it. You feel betrayed and alone, hurt and desperate. You want something more, but never seek it, for fear of losing what you have…

Nothing risked, nothing gained…

In the mindscape, for what seemed like an eternity, I fled through metal tubes and over ever-narrow roads, blackened dripping tar-laden transport chambers, bridges, and never-ending paths. I went under water and shadow, past enshrouded isles and the dusty pathways of the desert. I went to a place in the west, foreign to me, a fey land.

And there I saw a green pasture, at the center of which she stood, dressed in gossamer threads of yellow. Beautiful features, somehow bathed in an otherworldly glow... auburn hair, copper strands and streaks of orange poured a waterfall of light over her bronzed skin. Her features, so fine, had inner strength – which stood like bonfires in her pupils, no longer cold. I leaned forward, and she leaned forward. I whispered her name:

Amber.

I cannot stay… I am…fading…

No, Amber, I will not lose—

...

I awoke from my reverie to the sickening sound of metal cutting through something soft and visceral. A moment later I could hear a pitter patter, and soon after, a steady stream of fluid spilling onto the ground. My tunnel vision receded, and I rotated over onto my back, grains of sand stuck to my face. As my vision cleared, I saw something that I would never forget: the paladin, keeled over with his knees on the floor. His hands grasped the terrible black blade in his chest as Lord Ætriex cruelly twisted it in place. The ground beneath them looked soggy and was colored a deep burgundy. My eyes welled with tears as the dread knight roared with laughter, looking to the sky. Was it sympathy I felt for the paladin, sympathy for my enemy? In essence, my emotions were treasonous.

“Did you enjoy your nap, Psion of Mount Stiirhad? Get yourself up and drop that wench from your arms. If you desire to have your way with her, there will be time for that after we have routed the remnants of the human forces.” Again I saw that twisted smirk cross his face.

Briefly surveying the landscape, I observed that the Dark Elves had won a decisive victory.

“Won,” I thought, “won what? To what end?”

I looked down at Amber, lying still in my arms. For all I could tell, she had passed away. Lord Ætriex peered at my grief-stricken face – my emotions had betrayed me. His eyes narrowed to slits, and slowly, he drew the sword out from the paladin, kicking him down to be a heap of carrion upon the earth. He took a step towards me.

“Stay back!” I yelled. My body was weakened from the psychic ordeal. I looked down at Amber again, realizing that despite her thin frame, she would be too heavy to carry in my current state. I gently shifted her onto the sand, and just barely managed to stand up.

“Stay back, Ætriex, I will not have you come closer!” I repeated, emphatically.

He sneered, “Ah, so I am your lord no longer, am I? We can’t have that among our ranks you know.” His smirk grew ever twisted as he presented his weapon. He took a step closer, his armor-clad foot heavily pounding into the sand.

“I said, stay back!” I shouted at the top of my lungs. Mustering all of my inner strength, I picked Amber up in my arms. Quickly I chanted an incantation; we became enveloped in a mental field which compelled others to unconsciously ignore our presence, effectively rendering us invisible. I staggered, wounded and burdened, into the dark desert as the dread knight furiously called out to his aids. It seemed I had been exiled yet again.

…

I continued to run even as my legs burned and became numb. Soon after, my legs gave out from beneath me, and I came crashing down knees-first onto the wet shore of a beach. Cold, crisp water washed past me and receded, soothing the burning that had spread from my legs to my lungs. I could hear the rustle of the palm trees blowing in the wind. Carefully, I placed Amber down.

Indeed there had been an army tracking me not far behind. My mind, however, was solely occupied by thoughts of the half-elf maiden. My hands were shaking violently now. I saw my reflection in the shallow water at my knees. I could see myself, and then, perhaps hallucinating, I could see Amber sitting beside me, head resting lightly on my shoulder, arms draped around me; yet there she lay in actuality, lifeless. Slowly, fatigue overcame me, and I drifted into sleep.

I have come so far in life, it seems. I’ve traveled miles in exile from my homeland. And now I flee from my own people. Yet, no matter how far I’ve traveled on foot, it pales in comparison to the distance traveled within. I have been running. Could it be that I’ve been running to you? I’ve never felt anything more meaningful than these feelings, Amber.

You feel Love itself, Dark One.

My mind reeled at the thought of her being alive. I felt a glimmer of hope.

“Is she alive!?” I wondered out loud.

“That may be so,” said the menacing voice behind me, “but not for long.” I whirled around to face Ætriex and his scouts.

Among the scouts stood Kharri, blade drawn, with a visage indicating that she was not only ready to kill – she was looking forward to it. We were trapped, it seemed, stuck between an army and an ocean. I turned to look at the sea; the sun was slowly dawning, it’s rays of light just barely peeking over the horizon.

“All is lost,” said Kharri, as a matter of fact.

“You don’t understand,” I said, “what I have found.”

“You’ve found a dead half-elf bastard child,” she spat.

“What I have found,” I said, my voice sounding serene, “is the meaning of life itself.”

I looked at Amber, and saw the slightest smile on her face – a tear rolled off the side of her cheek, and chills went down my spine. In that moment, my former kinsmen advanced in our direction.

Love alone will not be enough to save us now.