When Elves Die : Episode One by Richard Poche Read Free Book Online Page B

headed
straight for the orcs. The one nearest to him had a large bald head
rimmed with hair around his ears. He gnawed away at the arm of an
elf. The sounds of the bones crunching deafened him to Kelroar's
stealthful steps.
    But the beast did see the shadow of the barbarian's
sword rise above him.
    Kelroar cut his victim's scream short with one slice
but it alerted the other orcs. One of them bolted straight toward
Kelroar. The barbarian pivoted around the charging beast and
dropped his blade down like a guillotine.
    The orc's head rolled down the hill.
    Kelroar rushed toward the other orcs. One of them
picked up a large stone and threw it with expert precision at the
barbarian's head.
    The impact knocked Kelroar back on his heels. The
orc then charged in as Kelroar played possum. Wobbling as if his
equilibrium short-circuited, he waited until the orc came within
range and sliced down with his blade.
    Another head rolled down the hill.
    Witnessing the beheadings, the two remaining orcs
ran for their lives.
    Kelroar gave chase. One of the orcs got winded after
a few yards. His fat belly shaking, he stopped and growled at the
barbarian. Morsels of elf meat spat out of his mouth.
    Kelroar drew back his sword but the orc ducked and
rolled. The beast had a level of dexterity that the barbarian
didn't expect. He sprang up with a rock in his hand and smashed it
against Kelroar's head.
    The barbarian went down in a heap. The orc leaped in
for the kill. Kelroar rolled out of the way then flipped to his
feet. He swung his blade back at the beast.
    The orc ducked and tackled him down. Kelroar fell
hard on his back, losing the grip on his sword. The beast bit down
and chewed on Kelroar's shoulder.
    The barbarian smacked the orc's head with his left
palm, knocking him to the side. Rolling over, he picked up his
sword and lunged at the fat beast.
    The orc remained one step ahead of him. He slapped
Kelroar, the force of his blow staggering him backwards.
    Kelroar sniffed and feinted another big swing of his
blade. The orc fell for it, ducking down and charging toward the
barbarian.
    Kelroar twirled his wrist, bringing the sword all
the way around across the orc's neck.
    Catching his breath, Kelroar's eyes darted around
the landscape, looking for the last remaining orc.
    Zinna led the way as Xavian and Jamben jogged down
the ridge. The growls of the orcs had echoed throughout the valley.
Looking for Kelroar, they feared the worst.
    The wild eyed orc came running toward them like a
crazed bull.
    "Run!" Xavian screamed.
    The boy reversed course and began sprinting for his
life. The orc bypassed both Jamben and Zinna as he gave chase.
    Xavian looked over his shoulder and saw the orc
gaining on him. He pumped his legs as fast as he could, gaining
little traction on the soft sand.
    Jamben joined the chase. His taut muscles rippling
as he took long strides, he gained on the pair as they neared a
clearing.
    Xavian panted hard. He could hear the heavy
footsteps of the orc coming closer. Up ahead, he gasped as he
approached a cliff.
    Coming to the jagged edge, he felt dizzy looking
down at the steep drop. Turning around, he screamed in terror as
the orc sprinted toward him with a threatening howl.
    The jaws of Jamben caught the orc by the ankle.
Xavian jumped high as the two beasts rolled underneath him to the
edge of the cliff.
    “Jamben!” Zinna yelled for her wolf.
    The wolf stopped his roll short as he dug his paws
into the dirt. The orc continued to flip over, his momentum taking
him over the edge.
    The shriek of the orc echoed throughout the canyon
until a sick thud cut it short.
    "Hey!” Kelroar screamed “I told you guys to stay in
the wagon!”
    “And miss all the fun?” Zinna said.
    "Those dead elves," Xavian said pointing back toward
the ridge. "Who were they?"
    "They are from Graceonna," said Kelroar, his face
solemn. “The missionaries.”
     
    The trio looked through the charred remains of the
deceased. Most were eaten and burned