The White Shadow Saga: The Stolen Moon of Londor Read Free Page B

not yet
victorious. "Come, my friends!" he shouted. "We are needed
ahead!"
    " Orig-nah! " commanded Gildan, and the Obinoth
marched through the darkness in haste. Randor resumed his place
leading the elves. Fate, he knew, ultimately claimed whatever it
longed for, and at this moment no one knew what or whom it
stalked.
    * * *
    The Rhingar escaped to the north at a fast
pace, though they were beset with fatigue. Gildan and Randor
commanded the pursuit, encountering obstacles of fallen trees and
murky water every step of the trek. The moonlight was dimmer now as
the Obinoth pressed through the heart of the forest.
    Gildan paused and listened. In the distance,
sounds of war cries and the clanging of swords urged his troops
forth.
    "We're close," Gildan whispered.
    "Yes," replied Randor. "It will not be long
now."
    "Then let us charge with full speed."
    "So be it," Randor said simply.
    Gildan peered over his shoulder and extended
his sword. Through the rare columns of moonlight, the Obinoth
hastened into the unknown forest. Randor did not try to keep
up--the battle belonged to the elves now--though he would remain
close by to grant secondary aid if necessary. The wind stung the
elves' eyes but did nothing to daunt their inspiration. Their ears
rang with the sounds of battle as they raced toward a clash that
they could not see very well. Their sight grew dimmer and darker as
prayers sprang like fountains, all asking for light to grace the
path ahead.
    Randor softly uttered a spell, and to the
Obinoth's surprise, a shimmering comet of silver light arced
through the air above Gildan's head and beyond. Randor's unexpected
aid struck the Obinoth with dismay, however, for they could see the
battle as plain as day before them. Rhingar filled their sight,
with no Obinoth soldier to be seen.
    One last row of tall trees barred Gildan and
his followers from the skirmish. Rushing through the forest, the
elf-mercenary led them into the Rhingar's midst, and before the
dark elves knew what was upon them, Obinoth blades struck, killing
many. The Rhingar were bombarded, and the last remnants of
discipline they possessed melted away. Gildan sought out his
companions as he hacked down one enemy after another. All that he
found, however, were more Rhingar to meet his sword, bejeweled with
dark blood. Bodies of the enemy tumbled all around him.
    Randor was left in solitude at the edge of
his gracious light. Pausing in his advance, he crossed his arms and
watched over his allies. To the wizard's satisfaction, the Obinoth
pressed farther north, with not one of Gildan's soldiers falling to
the dark swords. The Rhingar were soon surrounded, and the Obinoth
companies were reunited.
    Gildan smiled, prouder than ever to see
his battalion together again. Free from danger for an instant, he
shouted, " Tu
trose! "
    At long last, Randor sensed the battle
drawing to its end, and he calmly approached as the final shrieks
of agony from the enemy faded. The Rhingar were defeated at last.
The elves of Obinoth were burdened no more, and celebration began
at once. Randor took out his tobacco pipe and lit it with great
satisfaction.
    Gildan drew away from his army, and smiling
toward Randor, said, "Come. Share in the victory."
    "I am not one given to partake in such
festivities. This night is yours to rejoice in, for it was you and
the elves that brought victory."
    Faragen came forth from the crowd and fell to
one knee, lowering his head humbly, and the rest of the Obinoth
followed suit--except Gildan who knew better from past adventures
with Randor. "Your wisdom and strength will endure through the ages
within our people's songs and stories, Great Servant."
    "Rise, Lieutenant Faragen," Randor said,
uncomfortable with any form of adoration. He placed his hands on
the elf's shoulders and brought him to his feet. "Do not kneel
before me, but rather give your thanks to Ethindar alone. I cannot
bless you or your kind as he can. Praise Ethindar for the mana from
the moons,