“Huh?” Petrer huffed, but I couldn’t find the words to answer him.
King Dalior spoke up, “You may all be wondering why I have taken such drastic measure this evening, to separate you from the rest of your companions…” His voice oozed with authority, “As shifters, you have a natural ability that puts you above most Niraen elves. The ability to change your appearance at will should not be wasted on farms, or the simple lives you have been living. You all deserve more, and that is what I want to offer you…”
Petrer was mumbling under his breath. The atmosphere was thick with excitement, whereas I fought the urge to run back through the doors we had entered through not long ago.
“I want to invite you all to join a special force within our military. A legion of shifters who will help protect the land that we love so dearly. You will be trained amongst our guards and military, utilizing your abilities in a way that will not be wasted. You are each powerful, more so than any other in Thessolina. And it is imperative you join us, especially now. We need you more than ever.”
I caught the blur of Illera’s braid as it flew over her shoulder. She turned to look behind her long enough for me to catch the smug smile on her face.
“Of course, your families will be sent coin as payment for your service. Riches that will stop their hunger and lessen their woes. By joining, you will be given a rank in Thessolina that will demand respect and loyalty.” At the mention of payment my panic seemed to subside. The idea of my family having coin was enough to still the greatest of my worries. It could change their lives.
The doors behind us opened, followed by a shuffle of heavy footsteps. I turned to look along with King Dalior and the rest of the room. I was not prepared for just how quickly the atmosphere changed.
Two guards dragged a hooded figure between them. The strange elf was slumped in the guard’s hold. A sudden hint of copper coated the back of my mouth and my face twisted in disgust. My eyes fell on a thin trail of black blood that oozed from behind the body and onto the floor. All my worry erupted in fire and burnt to ash the moment the body was dragged past me.
The crowd parted to let them through. I heard someone gag, but couldn’t bring myself to tear my eyes away to see who it was. I only looked to King Dalior who still smiled, whereas Hadrian looked different. His brows were turned down and his full lips were pale. Seeing his clear distaste set my nerves on fire.
The guards stopped before the King and dropped the body like it was nothing more than a sack of shit. I cringed at the loud crack as the hooded figure’s knees connected with the floor, its blood blending completely into the black of the marble floor.
Black blood. Morthi.
“This…” King Dalior waved a hand before him, “is proof of the evil that dwells beyond Thessolina’s border. I am sure you have all heard whispers and gossip over the past months of villages and towns being attacked. Destroyed. I regret to inform you, they are nothing but truth. The Morthi are flooding our land, destroying villages and murdering innocent lives. Why, we do not know. It was not until this past winter that our military was able to obtain proof that it was in fact the Morthi and not some other hidden beast. Their motives are still unclear, but I am certain this is only the beginning of something much worse.”
King Dalior looked to the guards who stood on either side of the body. They both stood alert, as if the Morthi elf between them would jump up and attack at any moment. Yet I knew it wouldn’t; the amount of blood that puddled beneath him was enough proof that it wouldn’t try anything.
King Dalior’s next words dripped from his lips in a deep hum, “Show them.”
As commanded, one guard moved swiftly, grabbed the top of the dirtied sack and ripped it off his head in one fluid motion.
The elf beneath it was mutilated beyond recognition. Its eyes swollen shut, meshed with bloodied gashes that covered its purple, bruised skin. Black blood and spit dribbled from its slashed lips, dirtying the already stained tunic that hung from its thin body. The Morthi breathed and slumped to the ground, his palms slapped the floor.
“Blood elf…” King Dalior called across the silent group. “Morthi. The creature was found amongst a village not far from here. It, alongside what we believed to be over a dozen companions, had killed the inhabitants, leaving the buildings levelled and blood running through the streets.” As I blinked I saw the destruction, Fa had always complained that my imagination was too strong. I turned away not able to look at the Morthi a moment longer. I rubbed the heel of my palm against my eyes, pressing hard until all I saw were flashes of light. Anything was better than the view before me.
“This, my children, is the threat Thessolina is facing. That is why we need you. The Morthi may have their own abilities, but those weak powers are nothing compared to what you can do. You are unique to our kind, blessed by our Goddess.”
At the mention of the Goddess we all pressed a thumb to our temple in respect. All except the King. He waved his jewelled hand that prompted the guards to hood the blood elf and remove him from the room. I didn’t watch as he was dragged out squirming. I kept my eyes on the ground where he was yanked from, only a puddle of inky blood left in its wake. King Dalior’s reflection rippled across its surface, his face a picture of disgust.
“What about Queen Kathine of Eldnol, has she offered aid?” A red-haired elf called from the crowd, her voice high and childlike.
King Dalior shook his head, “No. The Alorian elves have made it clear that they will not intervene. But that is not something I can touch on currently.”
“But the peace treaty…”
“Has been destroyed, null and void!” he shouted, his entire demeanour changed before my eyes. For a moment, he seemed like a different person until his anger melted into a smile again, “War is coming, my sweet girl, and it is on the cusp of blooming and staining our seas red. That is unless we stain it black first. It is up to you all now; with you, we have a chance at gaining the upper hand. Will you join? Will you fight to protect those you love?”
The room lit up with the cries of agreement. Petrer who pumped his fist into the air and howled, cooing the others to join, knocked me to the side. I too found myself joining with the chant. The cries were infectious and they pulled me along like the current of the strongest river. King Dalior’s smile burned and he brought his hands together, pleased with the response.