Silevethiel by Andi O'Connor Page B

voice.
    «We are glad to be of assistance,» Drell answered. «We know this is a strange and rather overwhelming sensation for you, Laegon. Feeling our presence and hearing our voices, even outside of battle, is distracting. Henceforth, we will not speak to you directly. We will assist you through Brégen. Focus on him as you always do, and concentrate on the task at hand. To you, it will seem as though nothing has changed, except that perhaps Brégen’s presence will feel stronger.»
    «I understand. Thank you both.»
    He felt the two Guardians retreat and transfer to Brégen, strengthening his connection to the lion. «Perhaps they will be able to keep you in check.»
    Brégen grunted defensively. «It is you who needs to be kept in line, Protector. I was not the one who was caught only seconds away from kissing his patient. Heaven knows what would have happened had I not intervened.»
    «We will never know, will we?» Laegon retorted. «But I am certain it would have been significantly less entertaining than whatever is in your imagination. I shudder to think what scenario you have conjured.»
    «I have a mind to let you fend for yourself after that remark.»
    «Oh come, Brégen. You would never do such a thing. Who would you have to ease your pains when Silevethiel discovers you referred to her as a ‘sly fox’?»
    «Shall we get this battle underway?» the lion asked, ignoring his Protector’s banter. Though still too far away for the elf prince to use his bow, Brégen sensed the enemy’s steady approach. His own hunger for action was heightened by Drell and Silevethiel’s voraciousness. Due to their enormous size and intense ferocity, Guardians were formidable opponents and would stop at nothing to defend Lord Brandir and the Wood Elves with their lives. No bond, however, was as strong as that with their Protectors. In a situation where any Protector’s life was in danger, the Guardians’ fortitude and tenacity increased tenfold. Though the enemy would not see Brégen, Silevethiel, or Drell in person, they would feel their wrath just the same.
    «No, wait,» Laegon interrupted, trying to suppress the lion’s growing impatience. «Some of them are changing course. Three are heading directly for the cave entrance.»
    «Irewen is safe, Laegon,» Brégen reminded him soothingly. «She knows she is too weak and defenseless to be of any use to you. She will remain inside the cave. Dremond’s spirit will protect her.»
    The Guardian waited for Laegon to relax before continuing. «This is actually a rather fortuitous change of events. We are now only faced with eliminating four of the intruders. And with your exceptional bow skills, you should only need to face two or three in close range combat.»
    Laegon didn’t waste any time reacting to Brégen’s not so subtle hint. The intruders were just within range. He expertly nocked two arrows to his bow. Slowly he stood, ensuring he remained somewhat concealed behind the snow-covered evergreen. On the chance that the three running toward the cave entrance would come to their companion’s aid once the battle began, he wanted to make sure they were far enough away so he could bring down at least two of the remaining four before they were able to converge upon him.
    Taking a few precious seconds, Laegon scrutinized the quality and placement of the invaders’ armour and analyzed the fluidity of their movements. Zurland and Drylenda had proved that although influenced by some sort of uncanny being, the enemy was still flesh and blood and quite capable of being killed. Even so, Laegon knew his abilities would be greatly tested. He wanted to eliminate the strongest and most nimble of them with his bow, leaving the clumsier foes to face his swords. Not to his surprise, none of them were particularly ungainly. Nevertheless, it didn’t take him long to single out the first man who would fall victim to his arrows.
    A good foot taller than the others, Laegon’s target was the