Breath of Love

                                     Part 1

   Shadow of Death.

Escape.


Elf ran with all her might on the mountainside. Twigs and branches whipped across her face. Shadow of Death, step by step haunted her, and she felt it. Her white clothes were all torn up and sandals lost long - long time ago. Her feet were bruised by small stones and roots and started to bleed. Her long, dark hair strayed in one big bunch, constantly clinging to the branches. It was unbearably painful and yet this arrow, which dug into her side, delivered the elf from this unbearable suffering.

Bock was sick and bleeding, and Ellis lost power. She felt that this was the end and limit of her capabilities, and behind were the approaching hoofs and the hot breath of the horse and the rider. The elf looked back one last time, then stopped abruptly and began to howl like a wolf....
In response there was a howling also and a huge wolf popped out of nowhere. With last breath, the elf jumped on the wolf and got carried away into the forest. Two more arrows flew by, and one touched her hand, but it was not painful, because the elf lost consciousness. Everything plunged into darkness ....

Fentro ... Sir .... Oro pat ....
Go back to life again.

A woman stood near the fire. She added wild grasses to the pot hanging over the fire. Nearby laid a huge wolf. "WENRA, you saved Ellis, she was on the verge of death. You got lucky this time.” With these words, the woman approached the elf, leaned over and began to whisper something into her ear. Then she put a rag soaked in broth on elf’ forehead.
"The arrows were poisoned, but the poison did not get deep into the blood, Ellis will live." The woman came to WENRA and put a bowl of milk in front of him. "In our days elves, wizards and druids are numbered. The new people are evil, bold, and fearless with no mercy. They will kill us, we need to go. But where?" The woman’s name was Rosemary. She got up and went out of the hut. There were no news from the dwarves. Rosemary knew that if that night they did not come back, she and wounded Ellis need to go to the mountains. How quickly things have changed. In the past, forests and rivers were free, always helping forest dwellers. There were no sorrows and tears, and everyone lived forever. And suddenly, in an instant, everything turned upside down. The new people of Satan suddenly appeared in their territories and began to kill all. Forest dwellers stood up to protect their land, but they couldn’t fight against such huge and powerful people. Who had -bezhal, someone was killed immediately. She waited 10 days for her son and husband, knowing that they will not return. Poor Ellis. All her relatives elves died, she was left alone.

WENRA saved her, but it was just a lucky accident, now there is simply no chance. If this night will not return dwarves from the cave of St. Behling, they have to go to the mountains. Rosemary, warmly wrapped in a shawl, went into the house.
The burning fireplace was cozy and warm. The woman came to Ellis. She slept. To recover, she should sleep at least 3 days and then had to pack and go. Rosemary lost all, no longer young, she survived everything in her lifetime. She still hoped that her husband and son will return home. Two large tears rolled down her cheeks and WENRA howled ......
 At the same moment the door opened and two dwarf rushed to Rosemary.

Let's go! Rather, Rosemary, we have no time! We are being hunted. - Cried the old dwarf. He saw Ellis and stopped.
-Good Heavens, what happened here?
-They attacked her warrior and WENRA saved her, but she was very hurt, I'm not even sure if she will live until morning. - Rosemary said sadly.
-We will hide her, said another dwarf.
-But Where? 'Asked the woman.
- In the old cave of my grandfather’ home, said the old dwarf named Dick. There no one can find her.
-We will use stretchers and carry Ellis, said Dick, it's not very far away, we just need the strength and help of the Saints’ forest.
Rosemary quickly began to pack. She put all of their belongings in a big knot and tied it on WENRA. Then she came up to elf and began to prepare herself for the journey. "Hold on, my girl, soon all this will end." Said the old woman and began to cast spells in the Ellis ear. Ellis opened her eyes. - It's time, Ellis. Rosemary said, lie, now Dick and Ram will bring a stretcher, we attach them to the wolf and the brute over the cave grandfather gnome. The servants of Satan hunting for you, they want to catch the last elf, but we will save you.
At this time, the door opened and in came the gnomes with a stretcher, they gently shifted Ellis on a stretcher, put it on the WENRA and left the hut.
Dark forest covered the moon. The night was so dark and scary that Ellis’ heart stopped for a moment.


-We all need to work hard, said Dick, and the group moved forward. Rosemary with longing in the heart of one last look at her father's house, where she spent her childhood and youth, where she gave birth to her son, Eran and lived with her husband a long and happy life. Now she had to run and it is unknown whether she will return someday ..
-Rosemary, keep up, we have to hurry - said the old dwarf and the group set off into the mountains.

The old house of Dick’s grandfather was in a cave, deep in the mountains. Our heroes managed to get there smoothly. Ellis slept the whole way. Rosemary was carrying a bundle of belongings and helped Zayar.

Finally they arrived. Here they were safe. The woman lit a candle in a small room. There was everything you need for life. Small table, 4 chairs, 2 bunk beds and a small kitchen.

-Yes we can live here, - said Rosemary. Well, guys, help me put everything in its place. I've got to make medicine for Ellis. Dwarves rushed to help the old woman.

-Zayar, you lie down on the doorsteps and listen carefully to what is happening in the forest - Rosemary said.

She started a fire and began to whisper a spell, while throwing charmed grass into the pot. Soon the water was boiling and it changed color. Rosemary waited until it became pale pink and then removed the pot from the heat.

- The drink must cool down and thicken,- she said. She turned to the dwarves - and you need a break, go and sleep, while I prepare something to eat. Poor, tired dwarves - Dick and Ram – laid down and immediately fell asleep.

Zayar came to the door and laid down, his head resting on large paws. Rosemary was also very sleepy, but she had healed Ellis and cooked some food.

Rosemary took out a handkerchief, dipped it in the broth and wiped all of the girl's body. Then she took a small cup and poured the broth there, and then Rosemary carefully poured the contents into Ellis mouth.

Well, now you're sure to get well, whispered Rosemary and fell asleep sitting at the table ....

The day came and made its way through the small window with gentle rays of sunshine. Everyone in the room was still asleep. Ellis opened her eyes, she could not understand where she was, sitting up slightly, she saw the sleeping gnomes and Aunt Rosemary. Zayar immediately approached and licked her hand. Ah yes, the hand, it has been wounded! Ellis immediately remembered everything. Pursuit. Warrior, arrows, blood and Zayar ... nothing was hurting, she just had a little weakness. Ellis smiled. So she has been saved and safe. She laughed. If she is saved, she can try to find her beloved son Elven, King Arcturus. He, too, went away with his family to the mountains to escape the humans and orcs. Hence, there is still hope, then she will see him soon! Ellis quietly sang a song in Elfish language. Her voice woke Rosemary and the gnomes. Seeing Ellis alive and healthy, they hugged her.

-We are worried about you, my girl-said quietly Rosemary and wiped away a tear, but now everything is over and we are safe.

-Here we are at home, 'said Ram, full of food, and the main thing about this place, no one knows, and we will be able to ride out the attack here.

-I want to find Arcturus, 'said Ellis.

From these words, Rosemary was white and burst into tears,

-I lost my husband and son, and if we lose you, I will not survive...

-Rosemary, stop sobbing, when everything quietens down, we will find Arcturus. You need to wait a bit, retorted the old dwarf.

-Let's drink tea, invited Rosemary.

Ellis was silently drinking herbal tea, looking out the window and thinking about something, Rosemary prepared the bread with seeds and roots, and some oil lying in a saucer on the table. Dwarves discussed when they will go to collect firewood.

It's best to wait until midnight, 'said Ram, it’s safer.

-At night we cannot see, retorted Dick.

-Zayar will help us.

-Guys, do not argue, Ellis said. -I am an Elf, and before his death, my father gave me a lantern for the elves. It lights up and extinguishes itself when danger is near. Take it. Go to the forest and get wood. She stood up and pulled out of a small flashlight out of her long white hair. She handed it to Dick and smiled.

-With it you're safe, 'said Ellis.

_Thank you, my dear savior. We'll go for firewood at the end of the forest. Zayar will stay with you, you need protection.

Rosemary nodded and turned to Ellis.

-We will wait for them here, I hope everything goes without problems.

- Rosemary, do not worry! I'm sure that nothing bad will happen. Orcs will leave the forest and I will find Arcturus! Rosemary shook her head and handed a bundle of food to the gnomes and kissed them. Ram and Dick turned and went out of the door.

-God Save them -whispered Rosemary.

They are gone and the house feels dead. After a while, Rosemary turned to Ellis and asked.

-Ellis, you and Arcturus have lived together for a long time, and suddenly you are parted by some strange and unknown reason.  He left Earth to Goryanov and did not take you, why?

Ellis lowered her head for a long time choosing her words...

-Dear Aunt Rosemary, I keep a secret and it is not my secret, but mysterious Arcturus, too. I cannot just tell. If soldiers or orcs know about it, they would kill us.

-So that's why they were chasing you! Exclaimed Rosemary - they wanted to catch you because you.... ..

Yes, because I carry the son of Arcturus under my heart, nobody supposed to know when I give birth, so I have to hide for now. Before leaving, Arcturus said that if he died, I had to save our son.

-Here you're safe, - whispered Rosemary, -we will hide you here, and we will take care of you. In the spring, when the time comes for a boy to be born, I'll take him and then we will win!

Rosemary, how do you know that it will be in the spring? - Asked Ellis in surprise.

-Because my ancestors are druids - smiled Rosemary. -You just have to be patient. I am gathering more herbs for you, they will help you walk these months, and when the time comes, you will do everything easily. Ellis smiled sadly. She dreamed of a wedding and a family life. How it feels to be married to Arcturus in elven church and live happily ever after...

  Who knew that this is just a dream that will not come true. But no matter what, Ellis decided to be firm and strong.

-I do not think about the bad, -said Rosemary –bad things always have time to happen.

- We need to pray for our men, they will come back to us. Dwarves soon returned with some firewood.

-We will come once a week to gather firewood and herbs, when winter comes, we will have to burn more wood, said Ram.

-You're going to tell them? - Asked quietly, Rosemary Ellis. She nodded her head.

-Friends, Our Ellis is pregnant with the heir of Arcturus, Rosemary said softly and smiled. Dwarves congratulated the woman with the event and ordered Zayar to look after her.

It was autumn. The cold wind blew in November, and the whole earth was covered with a thick layer of leaves. Gnomes and Rosemary managed to collect forest apples and pears and also dry many medicinal herbs and roots. In December, the wind blew so hard that even their room was cold. Rosemary made Ellis a woolen shawl with the spell of the evil eye and ordered to sit in the room. Only occasionally, when there was no wind, Ellis went out for a walk in the woods, and then, accompanied by Zayar.

Many days passed, and the spring came. One day in April Ellis felt that the baby is ready to be born.

-Rosemary, it’s started, softly said Ellis.

Rosemary knew what to do. First of all, she kicked everybody out of the hut and closed the door tightly. Then she heated a pot of water, cooked medicinal teas and opened the only window. The birds were singing and the sun peeped through the window gently. On such a beautiful April day appeared heir of elves - Edemus.

-Oh my God, what a handsome boy he was, smiled happily Rosemary.

Ellis was crying from happiness, weak in her hands, she took her son and pressed him to her heart. Mom and the baby felt cozy.

-Ellis, you have to feed him, and then relax, 'said Rosemary.

At this time there was a knock on the door.

Well, who is there, grumbled the woman and went to open. Gnomes came in from the doorway and said that Zayar ran away. Rosemary was seriously alarmed, Zayar never left them. In great excitement she ran out of the house through the trees and saw the soldiers, and in front of Zayar. It was the king of the elves Arcturus ...

Young strong man with bright green eyes and curly hair holding a sword. Glistening crown on his elf head. On the neck hung elven magic stars.

-Hello Rosemary, scented WENRA and brought us here, said young man.

Rosemary, I am looking for Ellis all winter, and I heard bad news that she was in the hands of the Orcs.

-Dear Arcturus, we saved Ellis and her child. - Happily Rosemary said and began to cry. - You can go and have a look at your son.

Arcturus couldn’t believe these words, he fell off his horse and ran into the house, what he saw shocked him. Ellis, so delicate and fragile, lying on the bed, and beside was her baby - their son Edemus.

He got down on one knee beside Ellis and hugged her. She opened her eyes and saw Arcturus and whispered, I knew that you will come back, knew and waited ... Ellis smiled through her tears and kissed the baby.

-Look at our son, he will be the ruler of the elves.

-Ellis, you are my wife by all the elven laws, and I will never leave you, - firmly said Arcturus. We will always live together, and even death cannot do us apart, because we are eternal. Our love and our eternal devotion to each other is the basic laws of love, 'said Arcturus and gently kissed his wife.