Source Of The River by Lana Axe Page B

to stand in awe. Today, though, he could not help being intrigued
by them.
    “You’re a rune
carver?” Galen asked.
    “I am indeed,” he
replied. “The men of my family have been rune carvers for seven generations.”
    “Fascinating,”
Galen said, his eyes sparkling. “I’d love to see your work.”
    “Follow me,” Trin
replied, anxious to show his skill to the elf.
    “I should see to
the ill,” Lenora said.
    “I’ll take you to
the hospital tent,” Ortin said. “They’ve set up outside the cave to keep
everyone together.”
    Inside the tent
were nearly thirty sick dwarves. Only one physician tended them, and the
patients were clearly still in pain. They were restless in their beds, most of
them shivering or moaning.
    “The illness grows
worse daily,” Ortin said.
    “I shall do what I
can,” Lenora declared. She left them behind to speak with the doctor.
    “Let’s get you over
to the cave, shall we?” Ortin said to River.
    “Certainly,” he
replied.
    The cave was only a
few hundred feet from the medical tent. River had sensed dark magic since
entering the town, but it grew stronger as he neared the cave. Ortin stopped
outside and motioned River to go ahead.
    “I’ll wait out
here,” he said.
    “Good luck,” Kaiya
said, choosing to remain outside as well. She doubted she could be much help to
someone as powerful as River. All of her senses told her he was strong, and she
hoped he would prevail easily against the apparition.
    River stepped
inside and immediately felt a heaviness in his chest. Undeterred, he pressed on
until he came to a clear pool of water where he could sense the source of the
magic.
    “Show yourself,” he
commanded. Immediately, he felt as if a hand were trying to grip his throat. He
fought back with magic, not allowing the evil spirit to frighten him.
    The image of an elf
woman appeared before him. “You are a strange being,” she said. “I can sense
your power, but you are not strong enough to command me.”
    “I have come to
help you,” he replied. “Tell me what I can do.”
    “You can leave this
place and never return!”
    With those words,
she sent out a magical blast that knocked River backward. As soon as he
regained his footing, she sent out a second blast, this time strong enough to
expel him from the cave. He flew out into the light, landing hard on his
backside.
    The sound of the
first blast had attracted a crowd, which arrived in time to witness the event.
Lenora and Galen both heard the noise and came to check on their friend. Seeing
him fly out of the cave backward was unexpected, and they rushed to his aid.
    “Are you all right?”
Lenora asked, scanning his body with white magic.
    Seeing that his
friend was conscious, Galen said, “Why didn’t you summon a puddle to cushion
your fall?” He chuckled, not bothering to hide his amusement.
    River stared at him,
his expression one of annoyance.
    The dwarves
muttered among themselves, but one voice came through loud and clear. Rudi
laughed heartily and said, “Look at me! I’m a magical elf man, and I’ve come to
save the day.” He doubled over laughing and slapped his hand against his knee.
Turning away from the incident, he wiped tears from his eyes. The other dwarves
joined him in laughing for a moment before returning to their own affairs.
    “It would seem only
your pride is wounded,” Lenora declared, finishing her scan. She tucked in her
lips to suppress a giggle.
    Galen continued to
laugh, and Kaiya stared at River, wondering if he would have the power
necessary to force the apparition to leave. She knew the evil creature was
capable of great magic, but she had hoped River would prove stronger. It would
seem he had his limits as well, and it was clear they would need to work
together.
    River finally
stood, rubbing his lower back. “She’s more powerful than I expected.”
    Kaiya nodded. “Now you
see what we’re up against.”

Chapter 20
     
    G azing into the
fire, Telorithan watched as