Homecoming by James Thornton

Author:James Thornton [Thornton, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-06-24T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Chapter 13

Forec watched as the elves began to move away from the orcs. Some at the back didn’t bother with the formality of retreat and broke out into a full sprint. Forec knew he could no longer contain Helien. He was already on fire—literally. Flames burst from the mage as if they needed to escape.

Helien walked forward and left a trail of scorched footprints behind him. The elves tried to run past him. The few who passed too close fell in violent tumbles. Their armor melted, as did the skin beneath it.

Helien laughed as more of the elves rushed towards him. Dozens of them dropped unceremoniously. He shot spears of white flame aimed at those that had managed to pass him unharmed. They fell into violent tumbles as well. Helien’s laughs only grew.

Forec aimed his flames at the elves who continued to run. Each tumbled to the ground dead. But something felt wrong. It wasn’t as enjoyable. Ultimately, he would rather watch Helien work than. The only times he did interrupt and attack was when they had sneaked by Helien and began to escape. He told himself that he needed to conserve energy in case Helien tired out. He knew it was a lie, but it was easier that way.

It took less than ten minutes. Hundreds of elves laid around a jubilant Helien. He danced and sang while he took in the scent of the burnt bodies. The smell made Forec a bit queasy.

The orcs celebrated the victory with their weapons raised overhead. They chanted in their language. The mages stood before them, quiet and stoic. Above them, Vyra’s legs swayed over the edge of the cliff.

Forec reigned in Helien once the bodies began to cool. They returned to the mages, gathered away from the celebration of the orcs. For the most part, they were untouched, though Freedic looked like shit. His body was a mess of bruises and cuts. His clothes were a mess of holes and tears. Ruephen sat on a rock next to him and mended the wounds as best he could—he never was much of a healer.

“It seems you’ve had an easy time of it,” Forec said. “Freedic, you look like you were at the bottom of the orc’s celebration.”

“Would have been easier,”

“The talent killed many elves,” Ruephen said. “ A great fighter but a bit thick.”

“Anything specific to report?” Forec asked. “Anyone?”

“Elves burn nice,” Helien said.

Ausa and Mauvia shook their heads.

“They’re smart. Bad fighters, but adapted quick,” Ruephen said. “If they were better fighters, we wouldn’t be here.”

“What of the orcs?” Forec asked. “Would they have stood a chance without us?”

“They were biding their time, waiting for the elves to make a mistake,” Mauvia said. “The elves never made that mistake though. Impossible to say if they ever would have.”

“They wouldn’t,” Ruephen said. “Too smart. Orcs might have been able to overpower them if they tried. Not very good fighters.”

“Good enough,” Forec said. “Do any of the orcs speak?”

“Somewhat, but not like Kura,” Mauvia said.

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