Fires of the Shai'Kar
Malagen and Ninivaye Shai'Kar
Solusek Ro

Story by
Niteskie
Edited by Wyndforge

heir breath came in gasping inhalations of oxygen. Feet moved despite the protesting of muscles.

“Ninivaye, can you continue?” He stopped, grabbing her as she fell into his arms. He brushed the plastered white hair from her dark-skinned forehead.

Her smile brought strength to him. “Do I really have a choice, dear Malagen?” She pushed away from him.

Malagen moved to follow, still smiling at her strength in this time of despair.

*

“Dark elves can’t love. It’s not something we understand.”

Malagen shifted his eyes to his patron’s. “Then I am not Tier’dal.”

The black eyes of the man flared, a scowl crossing his face. His hand balled up striking Malagen in the eye.

*

The tunnels branched. Ninivaye’s eyes searched the darkness, her night vision serving her well.

“Which way, my love?”

She looked down at her robes, soiled beyond recognition.

*

“Burn the heretics! Ninivaye and Malagen must be burnt. Cleanse them!”

Ninivaye turned her face to her beloved, admiring the set of his jaw. Truly, they were bound by something more than obligation.

A sharp pain in her side brought her attention back to the mob. More rocks followed.

*

“Left. Freedom is left.”

They grasped one another, each helping the other to continue. The foul water of the sewer splashed about their feet as they ran.

*

Each blow Ninivaye received hurt much more than his own. He watched her cringe as the stones bit into her flesh.

Help us! He cried the thought with all his being.

Time stopped.

*

Voices could be heard far back in the sewers. Their pursuers were still on their trail.

Both could see light at the end of the tunnel. “Don’t look back, never look back.”

Ninivaye nodded.

*

Malagen and Ninivaye Shai’Kar! The voice boomed through their heads.

They looked at each other, confused.

You will help me. Help me to rid the world of a foul plague.

“Who are you?” Their voices asked the question in concert.

That is not important. Run, run now. You have much work to do.

Their bonds fell away. They entered the sewers as quickly as their bruised bodies would allow.

*

Malagen shut the door, bolting it behind him.

Ninivaye looked at him, fire flashing in her eyes. “They will pay, all of them.”

The pair disappeared into the forest.