Within the stables all is calm. The fine, well bred horses mill about peacefully in their stalls, quietly chomping on bits of hay. A barn owl safely cleans his feathers high in the cross members of the roof.
Despite the boys rushing in excitedly only a few moments before, the horses, comfortable in their stalls, pay little attention. When all of a sudden, from the courtyard outside, is heard the anxious cries of alarm.
DARK ELF! DARK ELF!! Where? Where? IN THE KNIGHTS QUARTERS! HURRY! WE CAN"T LET HIM ESCAPE!
An owl in the rafters above bobs its head with each shout, looking carefully around, ready to take flight at the first sign of danger. The increase of noise and emotional outbursts from outside the stables quickly starts to cause another effect inside.
Within each one of the stalls, the mares and stallions, startled, start to buck about. Sir Justin is alarmed as well by the sound of a man’s panic filled yell of, ”DARK ELF!, DARK ELF!!" and the sound of running feet coming from the court yard just beyond the walls.
Alerted now himself by this terrible report, he pulls together his remaining strength to enter his room and don his light but strong elfin armor. Despite his weakened state he can not let these people stand alone against such a potentially dangerous foe...
Pulling himself together as best he can, he quickly dons his armor. The water the boy gave him is the only source of energy he has to draw on. The weight of the armor alone feels immense, yet, he continues.
In what seems like hours, though only a few minutes have passed, he finally finishes his preparations by strapping on his sharp elfin blade and throwing his bow and quiver across his left shoulder away from his sword arm.
Though dust covers and dulls his normally brilliant black armor and his hair hangs long across his back, he steps out bravely through the doorway, ready to confront the evil one, that must, nearby somewhere, await.
Suddenly he hears, deep within the confines of his mind, Lord Griffin's silent and psychic call to arms. Realizing that part of himself has been in constant battle on yet another plane, he draws that missing power back to himself in order to face this more immediate threat outside.
Walking to the entrance of the court yard he sees the bustle and startlement of the peasants and immediately, though silently, calls upon his companions.
Above the frightened murmurs of the gathering crowd he hears the piercing screech of an eagle and the howl of a large wolf in the distance. Closer still, in the stables nearby, a commotion begins. And though unseen by those around... he smiles.
~~O~~ 1
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