Read Online Ancient Prophecy by Richard S. Tuttle - Free Book Online
Authors: Richard S. Tuttle
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would get rid of her and keep the money.
“Miriam, darling,” he cooed, “let us get married immediately. We will say that we got married before your father’s message was received. That way, he cannot blame you for ignoring his desires. Say ‘yes' and I will immediately hold the ceremony on the Royal Palace grounds for all of Sordoa to see and celebrate.”
“Oh, Ali,” she sighed, “you are so intelligent and quick witted. Father could not complain if we had not received his message yet and once we are married, I know he will accept you as a son.”
The marriage was hastily arranged and runners were sent out to inform and welcome the populace. Borundi also sent out messengers of his own to make sure that the Emperor would have no second thoughts.
Thousands arrived to view the ceremony and all of Trekum was enveloped in a party atmosphere. Certain segments of the population were even more thrilled than the rest. Word spread quickly that the Empress had arrived in Trekum.
Chapter 5
Contact
Alex watched the elves with interest. This camp appeared to be some type of an outpost, like a forward scouting camp. The inhabitants were all warriors and most spent a good deal of time checking their weapons and practicing. The campfires were on the other side of the camp and Alex could not hear any of the conversations. During the first few hours of captivity, he knew they were the topic of conversation as the elves were constantly looking over at them while they were talking. After a while, no one bothered looking at them anymore and Alex figured that they had moved on to other conversations.
Eventually, all the elves retired except the six guards. Two guards stood outside the leader’s tent and the other four marched a pattern around the campsite. Jenneva had been correct in her thoughts about catching eye contact with the guards. They marched right past the prisoners without so much as a glance, as if they had already been disposed of. As the night wore on, the guards’ attentiveness was even more diminished. Alex figured that if he could get his hands untied now, they would stand a decent chance of getting out of the camp, although he knew that their odds of evading the patrols sent after them would be slim.
Alex detected a noise behind him and stiffened.
Spread your hands as far apart as you can. I don’t want to cut them.
Kaz! Am I glad to hear you.
I thought your group would run into problems. These woods have been dangerous for many years. This is where the dark elves spy on the fair elves. I brought friends with me. I hope each of your group knows how to ride.
If they don’t, they will have to learn swiftly.
Kaz cut through the ropes binding Alex and went to work on the others. Alex kept his hands behind him as he watched the guards. The other members of the party were awake and aware of what was happening except Egam and as soon as Kaz touched Egam’s bonds with his horn Egam awoke.
When Kaz was done with the last of the ropes, Alex instructed him.
Kaz, we have to wait until the next guard passes to retrieve our weapons. You should back up until you are out of sight.
Very well, Alex. After he passes all five of us will move back up so your party can mount quickly.
Right after the sentry passed, Alex and Prince Rigal stole out to their pile of goods and started passing out the weapons and packs to the rest of the party. Each member of the group hurried to the unicorns and mounted one. Egam had trouble getting up and Alex grabbed him and tossed him onto the back of the unicorn. Egam grunted and one of the sentries noticed the group escaping. Alex threw himself on Kaz’s back and the five unicorns and their riders took off.
Alex looked back and saw the camp coming alive with activity and then the forest closed in around him. Kaz ran down the winding forest path with amazing speed, certainly much faster than Alex had ever ridden before. Within fifteen minutes they reached the east-west trail where
“Miriam, darling,” he cooed, “let us get married immediately. We will say that we got married before your father’s message was received. That way, he cannot blame you for ignoring his desires. Say ‘yes' and I will immediately hold the ceremony on the Royal Palace grounds for all of Sordoa to see and celebrate.”
“Oh, Ali,” she sighed, “you are so intelligent and quick witted. Father could not complain if we had not received his message yet and once we are married, I know he will accept you as a son.”
The marriage was hastily arranged and runners were sent out to inform and welcome the populace. Borundi also sent out messengers of his own to make sure that the Emperor would have no second thoughts.
Thousands arrived to view the ceremony and all of Trekum was enveloped in a party atmosphere. Certain segments of the population were even more thrilled than the rest. Word spread quickly that the Empress had arrived in Trekum.
Chapter 5
Contact
Alex watched the elves with interest. This camp appeared to be some type of an outpost, like a forward scouting camp. The inhabitants were all warriors and most spent a good deal of time checking their weapons and practicing. The campfires were on the other side of the camp and Alex could not hear any of the conversations. During the first few hours of captivity, he knew they were the topic of conversation as the elves were constantly looking over at them while they were talking. After a while, no one bothered looking at them anymore and Alex figured that they had moved on to other conversations.
Eventually, all the elves retired except the six guards. Two guards stood outside the leader’s tent and the other four marched a pattern around the campsite. Jenneva had been correct in her thoughts about catching eye contact with the guards. They marched right past the prisoners without so much as a glance, as if they had already been disposed of. As the night wore on, the guards’ attentiveness was even more diminished. Alex figured that if he could get his hands untied now, they would stand a decent chance of getting out of the camp, although he knew that their odds of evading the patrols sent after them would be slim.
Alex detected a noise behind him and stiffened.
Spread your hands as far apart as you can. I don’t want to cut them.
Kaz! Am I glad to hear you.
I thought your group would run into problems. These woods have been dangerous for many years. This is where the dark elves spy on the fair elves. I brought friends with me. I hope each of your group knows how to ride.
If they don’t, they will have to learn swiftly.
Kaz cut through the ropes binding Alex and went to work on the others. Alex kept his hands behind him as he watched the guards. The other members of the party were awake and aware of what was happening except Egam and as soon as Kaz touched Egam’s bonds with his horn Egam awoke.
When Kaz was done with the last of the ropes, Alex instructed him.
Kaz, we have to wait until the next guard passes to retrieve our weapons. You should back up until you are out of sight.
Very well, Alex. After he passes all five of us will move back up so your party can mount quickly.
Right after the sentry passed, Alex and Prince Rigal stole out to their pile of goods and started passing out the weapons and packs to the rest of the party. Each member of the group hurried to the unicorns and mounted one. Egam had trouble getting up and Alex grabbed him and tossed him onto the back of the unicorn. Egam grunted and one of the sentries noticed the group escaping. Alex threw himself on Kaz’s back and the five unicorns and their riders took off.
Alex looked back and saw the camp coming alive with activity and then the forest closed in around him. Kaz ran down the winding forest path with amazing speed, certainly much faster than Alex had ever ridden before. Within fifteen minutes they reached the east-west trail where
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