Disarray

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

The next morning, they set out as soon as the sun began to light the world, and did not stop until nightfall.

After the long day they spent riding, the night seemed to approach with reluctance, for Rylan was hardly patient in waiting for it.

          “If we continue at this pace, we will reach Islea the day after tomorrow.” Telvor informed them. “We have yet another full day of riding ahead of us, so rest now.”

          “Are you most sure you do not want me to keep watch with you?” Rylan asked tiredly, exhaustion slurring his words slightly.

He had slept horribly the previous night, and his back ached from sitting upright all day in his horse’s saddle. Despite his own discomforts, Rylan pitied him. He knew how dull it was to remain dormant, silent, and awake when all you wanted to do was sleep.

          “Yes, Rylan, I can guard alone. Elves do not need as much sleep as humans. Furthermore, you are weary, and you must rest.” Telvor replied. Rylan would have protested, but it would have been pointless.

          He tiredly stumbled where Aden was already asleep. Rylan pulled his fur around him, shielding himself from the cold. He soon drifted off to sleep, both nervous, and eager about arriving at Islea.

The sun began to rise all too soon, and Rylan had to force himself to stand. Though he had slept all night, it felt as if it was all in vain. 

          “Good morning,” Telvor greeted. Rylan ran his hand through his hair and yawned.

          “I was just going to wake you, for we must be off, Islea grows nearer with each day we ride.” Telvor assured them.

          Rylan woke Aden, and before the vivid orange sun could ascend above the glowing horizon, they mounted their horses, and rode onward.

By noon the next day, Telvor informed them that they would be at the elven city within an hour. A hill marred their view of the city, but when they stood atop it, they were able to behold its glory.

          Vast silver gates spanned out for what seemed like miles, the shafts of metal glistening in the sunlight. Thousands of flourishing trees resided within; their vivid leaves proof that spring was approaching. Never before had Rylan seen such vibrant trees, nor such a large collection of them.

          As they grew closer, he saw that the large silver gates were patterned with elegant designs, and the tips of the metal beams were sharpened into graceful spears. The trees were tall and wide, their branches reaching high above the ground beyond reach.

          Rylan, Aden, and Telvor slowed their horses to a walk as they neared the city, and slumped back in their saddles. Seeing that they had arrived, the gatekeepers opened the massive gates to grant them passage.

          “Welcome to Islea, Rylan, Aden.” The guards greeted, taking hold of their horses’ reins as they dismounted.

          The elven guards were tall, nearly as tall as Telvor, and stared at him with a look of amazement in their eyes. Rylan quickly looked away and focused his gaze elsewhere. Having the soldiers look at him in awe made him uncomfortable.

          He and Aden did their best to relieve the cramping spasms plaguing their muscles, but their efforts proved in vain. Three days of constant discomfort was unlikely to be undone by a moment or so of stretching.