THE WIZARD AND THE SYLPH
Chapter Twenty-six
The Long Retreat
Ehal and her elven warriors descended warily down the trail that ran down the crater wall to its boulder-strewn floor. The outside perimeter of the floor was covered with thick bushes that would provide cover until they reached the vanguard of Morlock’s army. The ground was bare where the army lay, trampled into lifelessness by many feet.
She and her companions found the longbows cumbersome, being used to the smaller elven ash bow and crossbow, so their progress was made slower than their wont.
The distance from the edge of the crater to the bottom was approximately three furlongs. They had to traverse another two and a half furlongs before coming within striking distance. It was already becoming dark out, and the enemy was beginning to light fires in their camps, making it easy to fix their positions. Their orders were to get within striking distance, fire a volley of arrows, and retreat with all haste, hopefully drawing the enemy with them.
When they were in position, Ehal studied the nearest figures around the fire. One was speaking with the others, and was obviously a figure of some authority. What riveted her attention, however, was the fact that this figure was a man.
She turned to those nearest her, whispering, “I must discover the meaning of this. That is no wight. I smell the stink of treachery, and it must be unmasked ere we lose this chance. If I am discovered, you must leave without me. I leave you my bow, lest it betray my presence.”