Escape from Faneadar

Stealthily sneaking upon a small elven village, snuggled deep in the trees, a pitiful cry touched Kellindel's ear. Swiftly jerking his head, long white hair flew over one shoulder, giving him a clear view. His eyes enlarged as an elven woman’s tear stained face tore at his heart.

"No! No, you mustn't!" Moaned the old elven woman, as the sharp edge of Alton's sword sliced through her neck.

With her eyes and mouth still open, the head bounced once, splashing the first blood upon the ground. As Alton, a self-centered, sadistic male guard laughed wickedly, "Attack," instantly echoed through the group.

Hearing the screams the Surface Elves began charging out of their homes, with long spears and swords to defend their village from the evil onslaught.

As the sounds of metal clashing and curses of agonizing pain permeated the air, bodies start collapsing to the ground.

Alas, they were no match for the well-trained invading Drow. Men, young and old fell pry to the merciless, blood stained swords.

Meanwhile, captive women and children were being drug into a nearby house fighting and screaming.

Minutes turn into hours as the killing and pillaging rage on. Eventually there was not a male Surface Elf left standing, nor a house. Except for the one housing the hostages.

Glancing about the blood soaked ground at the mangled bodies, Kellindel's stomach knotted up. The cries of the children sent a shudder through Kellindel's body and he began to regurgitate.

Standing up straight, wiping his lips Kellindel took a painful breath and thought. 'Those kids must be horrified!' Shaking his head in dismay, Kellindel's large purple eyes became glassy, as he headed towards the house, carefully stepping around the lifeless bodies.

Stepping in he spotted the head guard, Zarra, a dominating, hateful woman, binding the children's hands behind their backs. A small group of guards were holding all the tied young women against the west wall, except for one.

Confusion filled Kellindel, as Zarra began placing loops in a long rope. Glancing up she said. "Come hold these brats, Kellindel while I put this over their heads!"

Swallowing hard to hide the disgust, Kellindel walked over. Grabbing the young woman first, he gazed right into a beautiful, yet condemning set of brown eyes. Sharp pains cut at his heart and his hands trembled, but realizing Zarra must not see this, he gritted his teeth to steady himself. Then clenching his fist he asked. "Will it be much longer before we leave?"

Chuckling Zarra placed a loop over the woman's head and cleared her throat, then said. "Can't wait to get back and receive your share, huh?" Grabbing another loop she added. "Don't worry, I'm almost through here!"

Forcing a half hearted smile, Kellindel said, "Good!"

Finishing up, Zarra tightened them together with a single yank, then glanced at the guards and giving a slight nod she stated, "OK troops, let's show them their new home."

Jerking them all to their feet, half-walking, half-stumbling they forced them through the door.

Zarra laughed profusely while the children cried out in terror, as they walk down the blood soaked road, where loved ones and friends lay decapitated and mangled everywhere.

The young ones flopped down on their parents crying yet a quick choking yank on the rope and a few hard slices from the whip across their backs, forced them up.

The young woman tied to the children suddenly spotted her father's lifeless body. With tears flowing freely, she stumbled over to him. Kneeling, she decided to stay no matter what.

Alton strolled up, pulling out his whip. Chuckling, he cracked it once. "Get up, or next time I won't miss!"

Hearing this placed Kellindel in the midst of an emotional dilemma, which caused his lip to quiver and blood to boil.

The woman's tears quit, as her grip tightened. Glaring up defiantly, she snapped. "I won't, he's my father!"

Kellindel, determined to prevent Alton from whipping her, strolled over pretending to trip. Landing across her, he shielded her from the cutting snap of the whip.

Suddenly the whip whistled through the air loudly. Kellindel flinched as the burning sensation of leather slicing through his shirt, embedded itself deep into his back and arms. Exhaling slowly Kellindel swallowed hard, watching indifferently, as the blood seeped down his arm. Meanwhile rage smoldered up from the very depths of his soul.

Bitterly opposing Alton Kellindel jumped up, instinctively drawing his sword, as flames dance in his eyes that caused unusual designs to form strange visible images, as he shouted, "Who the hell you think you messing with?"

Squinting his eyes, Alton leered at Kellindel, as waves of resentment erupted within him, at the nerve of this commoner. With anticipation he pulled his sword, pointed it at Kellindel, he shouted, "Common trash! You had no business being in the way!"

Ignoring his remark, Kellindel glanced down at the young woman as he took an adept-fighting stance.

Looking up the young woman realized what he is doing and smiled up thankfully.

Kellindel flashed her a wink, as he pointed to his arm, and shouted, "Alton, I'll kill you for this!"

Hearing all the commotion Zarra raced over. Her chest swelled in anger, as she demanded. "What in the hell is going on?"

Spotting the blood on Kellindel's shirt and the young woman behind him, she snapped. "I'll have no fighting over an insignificant trophy. Now move it!"

Sneering at Alton, perspiration beads popped up on Kellindel's forehead, as he snarled. "We'll finish this later!"

Huffing, Alton shouted, "You're not worth it!" Turning and stomping off he grumbled. "I'll kill that little bastard last!"

Reaching down comfortingly Kellindel inquired, "What is your name?"

Seeing the thoughtfulness in his eyes she whispered, "Gabrial."

Gently pulling her from her father, Kellindel whispered. "There's nothing you can do for him now. It's best we get going."

A short time later they reached a cliff. At the bottom there were two large boulders, in between them laid the dark entrance to their homeland.

Staring at it, while others entered. Kellindel's forehead wrinkled, as unexpected and disturbing thoughts forced their way in. A sharp pain engulfed his heart, while watching the children being drug in. As Kellindel followed them in an unusual feelings boggle his mind.

Pushing and pulling their captives through the dark winding passages, the time past slowly. Working their way ever downward, they stopped only long enough to quench their thirst, from an occasional stream trickling down the walls. Continuing onward, they finally make their way to the city of Faneadar.

Entering the main area of Faneadar, Zarra divided the trophies. Remembering, the dispute of earlier, and the gallant way Kellindel stood unwavering. Zarra gave Gabrial to Kellindel.

Receiving his share, Kellindel acted nonchalantly, as he said, "Send them to my father's house. He'll know what to do with them."

Knowing what's expected of him, for such a gracious gesture, Kellindel walked over to Zarra, and thanked her for the gift. Turning he strolled over to the far wall wondering what to do next.

Flopping down, disgusted with himself for participating in the foul deed, Kellindel slumped down in a chair. Continuous waves of nauseation swept through him, as he watched the others rape, trade and sell their trophies.

Shaking his head in despair, Kellindel swore to absolve this lifestyle. Along with all it's disregards for others. Holding his head up high, he took a secret oath, to never join in any ruthless and belittling expeditions again.

As the bittersweet smell of wine continued to assault Kellindel's nose, he thought. 'I must escape to the Surface World, where women aren't so sadistic and dominating, nor do they have such barbaric actions, ruling night and day.'

A twinkle entered his eyes and a lighthearted shiver flowed up his spine as he slipped out of the large room unnoticed.

Strolling down the passageway, Kellindel thought. 'Yes! That's what I'll do. Later when everyone's drunk, I'll slip away.'

A familiar voice suddenly snapped Kellindel out of thought. "Hey where you headed?" Jaraxle, a young man he grew up, then added. "The party's the other way. I heard they're bringing another couple of barrels of wine in."

Thinking quickly, Kellindel replied. "I'm headed to check on my father. I heard he fell ill, while I was away."

Chuckling Jaraxle grinned mischievously. Then with sparkling eyes he said, "OK! But don't expect me to save you any." Noticing the glare in Kellindel's eyes, he quickly added, "Hey, just kidding! Let me know how he's doing. OK?"

Continuing to walk, Kellindel shuttered at the thought of Jaraxle's first remark and replied. "Sure thing! Hope you have fun."

Finally entering his room, Kellindel packed a few things, while he thought. 'Getting Gabrial should be easy, but how do I make my escape?'

Eliminating walking out the front entrance, he realized the only way out was through the forbidden room. Deciding this, he laid across the bed.

Waiting for the right time to make his break, he recalled the story behind the forbidden room. 'Long ago it was on the Surface World. A huge, magnificent circular room, with floors of polished white and gold marble. The floor was said to continue upwards forming the walls in the shape of a giant blooming rose. The story also says it soared many feet upwards supporting a great, sky blue, domed top. The room was eventually taken over by an evil goddess, who caused it to sink way beneath the ground. Once it was here, she transformed it into a hall of audience, where she would first impress on the viewer, their own inferiority. To better do that, she changed the room drastically. The anti-chamber is now said to open onto a huge circular room, with a floor of polished black granite continuing upwards, in the form of waves, moving yet not moving. No one has been permitted in there since the evil goddess abandoned it. It's said, most that went in came out insane.'

Inhaling deeply Kellindel sighed. As his eyelids grow heavy, he mumbled, "Well, I guess I'll find out how much is really true, tonight." Stretching, he turned over and fell a sleep.

Hours drifted by, when suddenly the loud ringing of the city alarm, shocked Kellindel to full awareness. Jumping up, wondering what all the commotion was about Kellindel raced to the door and cracked it open. Slipping one foot out, he leaned forward, glancing down the hall, just in time to hear the Matron Mother shout at the passing men. "Get that trader Nadal! He is trying to escape to the Surface World! Capture him or die trying! He must be made to pay for his arrogance!"

Kellindel watched for a moment. Then decided this was the opportunity he'd been waiting for, and stepped back into the room. Placing a purse on his shoulder he put a few things in his belt. Then swiftly grabbing his sword he darted out the door. Running down the hall, spotting the Matron Mother, he shouted. "I'll capture him!"

Somewhat surprised by his statement, she stood proudly, calling after him, "Do it and there will be a reward in it for you!"

Jogging down first one passageway, then another, Kellindel worked his way towards the holding cell. Suddenly spotting a guard attacking Nadal, Kellindel dashed towards them. Leaping on the guard’s back, he knocked him away from Nadal and shouted. "Run Nadal! Run!"

Wrestling the guard to the floor Kellindel scrambled to his feet, as Nadal took off. Then pulling his sword Kellindel stopped the guard from chasing Nadal.

Jumping back, drawing his sword defiantly, the guard snarled. "You'll pay for this with your life, Kellindel!"

Instinctively taking a fighting stance, Kellindel remembered all his Jabbak had taught him. In a single, yet deadly move Kellindel's brought his sword across hard and swift. Sinking it deep within the guard's chest he heard a sick, yet satisfying crunch. Staring down at the guard, thinking a moment Kellindel stripped off the guard’s uniform and replaced it with his own. Twisting the tight fitting uniform into place, Kellindel headed for the holding cell.

Reaching the passageway, Kellindel slowed down. Walking up to the door, taking a deep breath, he peered in. Spotting Gabrial over in the far corner bandaging a younger woman's arm, he opened the door.

Glancing up, Gabrial saw the guard. Tying off the bandage with trembling fingers, Gabrial stood up defiantly. Taking a protective stance between him and the young woman, she demanded, "What do you want?"

Walking over, yanking off the helmet, Kellindel asked, "Do you remember me?"

Studying his face, Gabrial replied, "Yes!" Subconsciously, her eyes swept the uniform. Stepping back abruptly, she sarcastically stated, "New uniform? Is that your reward for today's death and destruction?"

Ignoring her remark, a devilish smile formed as his eyes roam freely over her. Admiring her strength and determination he grabbed her hand. Affection flowed through him as he stared into her eyes, and said. "Come with me!"

Jerking her hand away, Gabrial snapped, "No! Why should I? Where did you get that uniform?"

Kellindel nonchalantly rubbed his fingers across his chin, as he said, "I found it on a guard down the hall, which won't be needing it any longer." With a stern face, he added, "Now come on! I'm taking you back to the Surface World!"

Gabrial's eyes opened wide, as she asked, "What about my friend?"

Sighing, Kellindel snapped. "She's badly wounded, and if we don't hurry, we're dead! So make up your mind."

Walking towards the door Kellindel heard a faint whisper. "Go with him Gabrial, please. You deserve a life and mine is about gone. Do it for me!"

Reaching the door he felt a warm, soft hand slip into his. With a smile and a nod of acknowledgment, they stepped out. They dashed down the hall staying mainly on the unused passages towards the forbidden room, and their freedom.

Closing on a fork in the passage, they stopped just long enough to catch their breath, while Kellindel got his bearings. Realizing, they were only about two miles from the mysterious room. Kellindel headed down the right passage. Continuing more cautiously, they began hiding in cracks, crevice, and even behind large rocks, at the slightest sound of voices.

Suddenly hearing voices they ducked behind a nearby rock. Squatting down, Kellindel's thoughts flash back to Nadal. 'Has he made it out, or did he get captured and tortured?' With that fleeting thought, the voices faded and Kellindel inched around the boulder.

Steadily working their way closer and closer, they finally reached the forbidden room. Kellindel swiftly checked for hidden alarms and not finding any, he started to work on the lock that was attached to a heavy chain across the door. Applying all he had learnt on escaping chains. He finally picked it. The enormous lock popped open, loosening the chain enough for Kellindel to release one side. Yanking on it the chain broke free, clattering to the ground at his feet.

Feeling his heart accelerate. A sharp tingling started in his hands. Kicking the chain aside, Kellindel grabbed the handle of the huge metal door. Giving it a firm tug, the door ground against its rusted hinges. Breaking free just a little, they hear a voice nearing. Kellindel's lip quivered as Gabrial slid into a nearby crevice.

As the voices became distant, Kellindel placed one foot against the wall and both hands on the handle. Starting a repetition of hard firm yanks, the old hinges began to whine and grind, breaking free just enough to allow Kellindel and Gabrial to squeeze through.

Halfway in, a supernatural power past like a spirit through him. He shuttered as the icy cold embraced him.

Kellindel glanced back at Gabrial in dismay, for the room appeared exactly as in the stories of old, except it had the appearance of black ice. The pervading gloom immobilized him momentarily, sending a queer feeling up his spine, while his nostrils were being assaulted by death and decay, causing every fiber of his being to respond. Swallowing hard Kellindel whispered, "Come on!"

Cautiously placing one foot in front of the other he inched in studying the inanimate objects. Spotting an ornamental, half-sunken chest against the east wall, he said, "Wait here."

Gazing about nervously Gabrial replied, "Don't worry! I'm not going anywhere."

Moving towards it, he noticed the symbol of the house of Kilsek on top. Reaching it, he thought. 'Well, since I'm a Kilsek. It should be all right to take a peek.' Knelling down he saw a lock with a strip of poison needles about it. Skillfully avoiding the needles, he scrupulously unlocked it.

Lifting the lid, he spotted two flawless red crystals of great value. Placing them in his purse, he spotted two flasks, lying abreast. Leaning forward he read, Healing potion, on the other, Strength potion. Lifting them gently, he placed each in his belt, and glanced back in. Moving an unusual shaped piece of leather, he jerked back, as a bright, white light soared upward. The flashing streams sparkle radiantly. Even tightening his eyelids didn’t stop the sparkling rays.

As his hands flew up instinctively to protect his eyes, Gabrial called out. "Are you all right?"

Before he could answer, the rays lifted Kellindel, and carry him towards the center of the room. Feeling a suffocating heat, then an icy cold, he forced out. "Don't move!"

Trembling, Gabrial stood frozen in place staring in awe.

Setting him down near the center of the room, everything went dark. Taking a deep breath Kellindel got up slowly motioning Gabrial to his side. Cautiously moving to his side, they embrace momentarily, then inched closer to the center.

Reaching the center they spotted a writhed pole, twisted like a snake, intermingled with a skeleton, not wishing to disturb it, Kellindel stepped around.

Yet spotting a gem handled sword, partly out of its sheath. Gabrial knelt down. Picking it up, she strapped it on.

Dumbfounded at this display, Kellindel asked, "What are you doing?"

Standing up defiantly, Gabrial stated. "I may need protection!"

Feeling insulted. Kellindel cleared his throat and snapped. "What do you think I am?"

Ignoring his question, she drew the sword. Checking it in a fighting stance she said, "This will do just fine!"

Admiring her moves Kellindel asked, "What race of elf are you?"

Placing it back in its sheath she answered, "I'm a half elf, My mother was human and a good warrior. Now shall we continue?"

Shaking his head in disbelief Kellindel replied, "Let's go."

Continuing, the pungent odor of rotted leaves struck their nostrils. Drawing back involuntarily a moment, his breath became harsh. Automatically drawing his sword, Kellindel's eyes search the far wall. Studying the crevice he noticed they articulate the way, while the small covered rim in the ceiling indicated their way out.

Moving to the wall, he invoked a technique learnt long ago. Instinctively simulating a spider, he climbed swiftly upwards.

Stopping directly beneath the small rim he pulled his dagger and said, "Stand back! I don't want this coming down on you."

As Gabrial stepped aside, he began vigorously slashing at the covering. A few minutes later a beam of light shone through the small opening. Moving to the left shielding his eyes from the effulgence, a jaunty breeze teased Kellindel's hair. Moments later, continuing to hack away his eyes adjusted.

Tiring, Kellindel took a deep breath. Placing the dagger back in its sheath, he thought a second. Smiling to himself, for foolishly not thinking of it first, Kellindel pulled out the flask of strength. Taking a sip he replaced it, as a warm feeling flowed through him.

Drawing his sword he plunged it upwards. Loud crackling sounds echo in the room as boards and rocks crumble to the floor. Allowing a brilliant light to flood in, which caused the room to take on the dramatic effect of coming alive.

Shaking violently the room began to shoot upwards at a great speed. Freezing Kellindel and Gabrial in place as they watched in amazement, the black granite floor turned to a beautiful white and gold marble.

The sheer force tore at Kellindel violently, almost forcing him to the floor, and then it came to an abrupt stop. Frantically scrambling to her feet, Gabrial called out. "Are you all right?"

Lingering a moment Kellindel enjoyed the wind rushing in, and replied, "I'm OK."

Grabbing the outer ledge Kellindel pulled himself up. Pulling out a rope, tying one end about his waist, Kellindel dropped the rest to Gabrial and hollered, "Tie this around your waist, and I'll pull you out."

Grabbing the rope, tying it about her waist, she shouted, "Are you sure you can do this?"

Shaking his head, in disbelief of her question, Kellindel pulled her out without answering.

Fleeing into the woods, the wind whipped through their hair, as they dodged branches intermingled in strange embraces. Holding her hand enrapture swept through Kellindel, as the fabulous colors entice him.

A familiar sound caught his attention. Cocking his head listening closely, he headed in that direction.

Minutes later, pushing a nearby bush to the side, he saw a small stream. Following it awhile, he stopped. Squeezing Gabrial's hand tightly, his mouth fell open and his breathing became harsh, as his eyes follow a beautiful stream of white, raging over a high cliff nearby, splashing down into an exquisite shade of crystal blue.

Walking towards it and studying the surroundings, a tranquil feeling engulfed him. Releasing Gabrial's hand, he turned and said, "You're free to go or stay, the choice is yours."

Glancing lovely at the woods she said, "Thank you."

Anxiety filled Kellindel as he watched Gabrial vanish into them. Turning slowly, as if his heart was ripped from his chest, Kellindel headed towards the waterfall. Staring at it, he decided to climb in under.

Moments later, as his eyelids became heavy. All of the sudden he felt a familiar warm, soft hand slide into his. Turning over gently, he stared into a beautiful set of brown eyes, sparkling bright above a warm smile. With a feeling of contentment, he pulled her to his side and snuggled down to sleep.

Phillip Potter was deep in silent concentration at his computer, when his friend Kyle snuck in and tapped him on the shoulder. After Phillip peeled himself off the ceiling he unveiled his latest creation: a computer game especially designed for his girlfriend Donna.

"You really want me to believe that this game will allow me to visit any famous or fantasy character and experience that time?" questioned Kyle.

"Sure, anyone, anywhere." said Phillip.

"This is totally awesome!" said Kyle.

Suddenly the doorbell rang out. "I'll be back in a moment." Phillip said.

As Phillip started downstairs to see who it was, Kyle started up the computer. Kyle thought a minute, Jthen said, "I think I’ll visit Merlin and have him turn me into the greatest knight of the day."

When Phillip and Donna got back upstairs, Kyle was gone.

"He’s probably just hiding and plans to scare us," said Phillip.

Donna smiled and logged on. Soon she was flying through the beautiful worlds Phillip had created for her. Who should she visit first? Would it be Joan of Ark? Or maybe Athena on Olympus?

Suddenly, the screen went black. Very slowly, scrawled letters began to appear. Phillip and Donna read the brief message in stunned silence. "Help me! Kyle." Struggling between disbelief and chilling panic, Phillip tried to remember the last thing Kyle had said. It was something about visiting Merlin. That was it, Merlin!

Donna immediately restarted the game, chose "Merlin’s World", and instantly, a sun-warmed castle amid green fields and trees glowed invitingly on the screen. "It’s so beautiful, I wish we were there." Donna whispered.

Before Phillip could reply, they were there outside the castle. They held their breath as a small tree nearby began to move closer to them.

"Merlin was having a bad day and decided I would be better off like this, instead of a knight. "Klye said as he shook his branches. "How are we going to get home?"

They moved into the shadow of a huge oak tree. "First, we have to figure out how we got here!" exclaimed Phillip.

"I think I know," said Donna. "Kyle, while you were playing the game, did you wish you could actually be there?"

Kyle’s "Yes" was just a nod, as he stared at the sky in horror.

Phillip looked up just as a loud roar filled the air. He spotted a fierce dragon flying toward them and began to run. "Hurry! Let’s get in the castle!" he yelled.

Kyle was horrified for he could not move as fast as his friends. Yet luck was with him. The dragon flew right over his highest branches as he was stepping through the door.

They stopped in their tracks as Merlin descended from the beautiful marble staircase in front of them.

His hand stroked his long bread slowly as he said, "Now you are all safe in my home, Donna tell me of you idea, the one on how you plan to get home."

"How did you know, Donna’s name?" Questioned Phillip.

"I am Merlin, the greatest wizard of all. I know everything. Now I wish to hear her idea."

"I think we’ve got to wish just as hard to go home," she said. "Which won’t be easy, sense it’s so exciting and wonderful here. I’m not sure I want to leave." Donna continued.

"That’s easy for you to say! You don’t look like me!" Kyle snorted.

"I know, there’s no school and are so many things to explore here," suggested Phillip, "but let’s think of all the things we’d really miss from home, including friends and family."

"You all seem very intelligent. Why not try her idea, that’s the only way you’ll ever know." Merlin hinted.

The trio closed their eyes, imagined all their favorite things about home and made a wish.

Suddenly, bells clanged and they were standing in Philip’s room. Phillip, Donna and Kyle looked at each other, then back at the computer screen.

"Wow, what a game!" exclaimed Kyle.

Donna smiled. "Yeah! And it’s all mine!"

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