Betrayal

On the third day of travel, Garadaine felt particularly uneasy about his surroundings. A sudden twig snap caused Garadaine to stop suddenly, motioning for Masark to halt as well. The sound hadn’t come from beneath them; it came from someone or something a few yards ahead. The two quickly crouched down, hiding in the thick undergrowth between the trees. The softly falling rain beat a steady rhythm upon the leaves about them, preventing the two from hearing any softer noises and pinpointing any further movement. Garadaine glanced back at his companion, giving the all too familiar expression as if to ask if evil was near by. Masark shook his head quickly in the negative, and began looking about him again.

    “Prince Garadaine of Ikros” a voice addressed them from behind. Garadaine stood up quickly, holding his sword at the ready.
    “Where are you?” the Prince asked quickly, looking around him, but finding no source of the words he heard. He looked over at Masark, who was also searching about quizzically. At least he hadn’t dreamt the sound, he thought.
    “Prince Garadaine of Ikros, I must speak with you,” the voice said again, this time from where Garadaine had heard the twig snap.
    “I am Prince Garadaine, show yourself!” he demanded, spinning around to face the voice.

    “Very well,” a tall man said, appearing immediately at Garadaine’s right. Garadaine jumped, startled to see the man close to him so suddenly. He was dressed in very ornate green armor and wore an equally ornate centurion helm. In one hand he held an Elvish shield and, in the other, a short handled axe with a very large blade. By the look of his armor, weapons, and facial features, there was no doubt he was an Elf, and a very intimidating one at that.
    “What do you want of me?” Garadaine asked the Elf, taking a few steps backward to put some distance between the two.
    “I have come to warn you. You have entered a dangerous battle, one greater than yourself.”
    “That’s an understatement,” Garadaine said softly, “my father thinks I am a traitor, and Ikros lies defenseless against these rampaging Orcs.”