Gods among Elves

Chapter 1

 Lorelai groaned in frustration, as she heard the bustling sounds of Ensyf in the distance. The clanking of hammers in the many forges, crafting swords and daggers and arrows, to be sent out to the warriors in the Mountains. The effort of resisting, she thought, was redundant. They stood no chance in winning the War, so what was the point? Why bother, when they were going to die either way? This certainly didn't mean however, that she thought that they should simply roll over like dogs for the Iliaus, but it was still clear that they stood no chance. Lorelai mulled this over as she soared over the lush, emerald trees.

She had no doubt that she would be severely lectured about leaving Ensyf once she returned, but that mattered little. Right now, the only thing that did matter, was the feeling of freedom that flowed through her veins, as she glided over the world with her gossamer wings. The cool wind bit at her skin, but she relished in it, the feeling grounding her, connecting her to the Earth. Reminding her she was still a child of nature.

The steady beat of her wings, and the intake of breath calmed her in a way nothing else could.

Up ahead, she saw the Silver Peaks come into view on the horizon. Had she truly flown so far? Lorelai quickly swerved, and began the journey back to Ensyf, cursing herself for not noticing the setting sun, which sent rays of pink, and orange and red shooting through the sky, as the golden orb began its final descent and said its final goodbye, retiring for the night.

As the Sun continued its descent, the sky becoming a bright violet, a terrible sound tears through the peaceful night. The loud screech sent dread racing through her veins, as she urged her wings to beat faster, faster, faster. Ensyf was rapidly approaching. Lorelai dared a glance over her shoulder, and immediately cursed herself for it. She could just make out the forms of a small legion of Iliaus, that were swiftly closing the distance to her.

Lorelai swore, low and dirty, as she hurtled towards the emerald forest that surrounded Ensyf.

The trees were close now, and Lorelai knew she could make it to them, but she could sense, could feel, the Iliaus. Could feel their power, and hate behind her. She was running before her feet hit the ground, sprinting through the trees, hurtling over fallen logs, as the wind, and low hanging branches whipped her face, leaving stinging cuts in their wake. She barely registered Elves scrambling around the village just as clearly as she can make out the wing beats of the winged demons above her.

Relief flowed through her veins as she finally skidded to the stop at the edge of the village, thankful for once that her family lived on the outskirts. Lorelai slipped through the door to her family's cottage, throwing down the deadbolt.

Immediately, she was bombarded by her Mother and Father, demanding to know where she had been. Lorelai evaded their questions, as a terrible fear shot through her. "Where is Ruven?'

Her Mother glanced out the window cautiously. "He never returned from the market. We thought he was with y-"

Lorelai had sprinted out before her mother had the chance to finish her sentence. She pulled up her Earthsheild, a dome of impenetrable air, just as an Iliaus dove for her. All around, she saw countless Iliaus diving for Elves, who, like her, had their Earthshields up. A horrible realization dawned on her: Ruven couldn't generate an Earthsheild yet. He was too young, too inexperienced. He had no way to defend himself against the terrible demon warriors.

A second Iliaus dove for her as she reached the town square, slamming into her shield, then bounced off with a low growl, swiping uselessly at the shield with hideous talons-a beast if she'd ever seen one. Lorelai shuddered at the raging creature, as he clawed at the Earthshield, ripping, ripping ripping at nothing, before flying off to find another victim. Then she saw him. Ruven stood, in the middle of the square, screaming and crying. It was a miracle he hadn't been seen by an Iliaus yet. Lorelai let out a breath, relaxing slightly, as she charged for her brother. But she was not alone. Just before she could pull him into her shield, an Iliaus snatched him up, and cast a wary glance around the chaotic square. Lorelai let out an unearthly scream, and barreled into the stranger. He simply held up a hand, a signal to follow him, just before her shield could knock him back, just before she could save Ruven.

The soldier then turned and sprinted away, dodging his kinsmen, and her people, to slip between two huts. Surprisingly, none of the other demon-warriors noticed him. If they did, they ignored her brother-a fact she was endlessly grateful for.

Lorelai cursed, but followed him carefully. She had no sooner made it between the huts, when she was pinned against the outside wall, one of the soldier's hands over her mouth, the other holding a silent, but trembling Ruven. He had no wounds that she could see, which was promising. She cursed herself for letting her shield fall. Now she had no protection against the Iliaus soldier, and was most definitely not in an ideal position to protect herself, or Ruven, for that matter. Oh, if Celaeria could only see her now, she'd never hear the end of it. Pinned by a simple footsoldier, Celaeria would laugh. Lorelai's dark power roared at the thought, begging to be released. Shaking her head, Lorelai threw all thoughts of her friend-and power-aside, to worry about later-if there was a later for her, for Ruven, which was unlikely, given the Iliaus soldier in front of her.

His deep violet eyes bored into hers as he shoved her into the abandoned hut, then shoved Ruven in after her. She pulled her brother close, attempting to shield him with her body. The soldier pulled the door shut, then turned to her in the dim light filtering in through the wooden walls of the hut. "Keep your mouth shut, or else we're all dead." He hissed. 

So this is the second story I'm publishing on Wattpad...

I'm in highschool now, so there's that. 

Comment your thoughts! I'd really love feedback.

-Annie