Hey guys. I took part in a debate recently about "plot armor" dont feel bad if you dont know what it is, I did not either.
The gist of it is this. Plot armor is basically whenever your MC or lead character gets in trouble they somehow survive and look good doing it. Of course this means every fic will need plot armor otherwise the MC will die, but the difference is in the execution of it. If it happens to easily the readers wont ever feel like "oooh shit, whats gonna happen now?" Instead you will be like "Pffft Mc will always survive." The last one is not what I am aiming for so the poll is to ask you guys if you feel like I am putting on the plot armor too thick and everything is going Slyfer's way without any consequences. Please vote and let me know.
On the other hand the ratings have slowed down again and we are sooo close to eighty. Since you guys need an incentive.... here it goes, as soon as we reach 95 ratings I will have another double release. Don't misunderstand though. Please be completely honest in the reviews and or votes. If its bad or good, that is my problem and I will be writing regardless.
Enjoy the read guys remember to leave your thoughts behind in the comment section.
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61
The Truth
Giving one last look at where Ban had disappeared Trisha turns around with a sneer on her face. She has never been this angry in her life before. Looking around at all the death her jaw clenches tighter as she makes her way toward a part of the tent that is completely covered in ice. As Fira and Trisha make their way through, they can’t help but look at the sculptures of ice that were their enemies before.
Shuddering a little, Fira can’t help but say. “Remind me to never anger the Elf Queen, this is just too brutal.” Some of the “statues” have clear expressions of pain and anguish displayed and it is clear that their last moments were ones filled with agony and despair.
Trisha can’t be bothered, in her eyes every death here was needless and without a purpose. The betrayal she feels goes far deeper than this. Her mind keeps returning to Ban and his last moments. Some part of her cant help but replace his face with that of Slyfer’s and with every cycle of her wretched and worried imagination her anger deepens as she repeats the same sentence in her head, like a mantra or prayer. –Slyfer I hope you are okay!-
Half the tent is covered in ice and it is needless to say that the deaths on this side are far less than on the other. Most of the dead consists of assassins; only a sparse few Blood Pack soldiers can be seen here and there. Fira starts to feel a bit of regret. If only she were stronger, faster….more prepared. Perhaps she could have saved more, done more and then maybe Ban….
Doubts take over her previous wonder at the Queen’s prowess. It is now being replaced by regret. She somehow feels a part of her was still holding back, shying away from having to kill. –I am weak, so weak! I must become stronger, more resolute…. If only Slyfer were here.- Even though things had been tough between them she still felt like the other Dark Elves, like he was a beacon of hope. A way for them to fight back and regain their honor. Being more aware of his faults through their connection does not take away from this feeling at all, but only bolsters it. –If he can fight through his doubts and still follow his resolve even though others may judge him for it then I can do the same….Slyfer please be okay, I can sense you are still alive just please stay that way.-
Following the trail of ice the two head towards a partitioned side of the tent. As soon as they enter a much smaller room comes into view. In the center is an alter with still burning incense. It is made out of a strange black stone and on it is an even stranger statue of a completely black tiger. Underneath this statue lies the person who has caused all the problems.
Trisha can’t help but feel anger and resentment at seeing her, what makes it worse are the tigers inside her roaring for revenge. She steps closer intending to do just that, but the conversation being held by the Queen and the woman, makes her stop.
The Shaman has one arm missing the stump of where it was nothing but jagged pieces of ice, frozen and cracked. Her other arm has been nailed to the alter with three arrows. To Trisha’s surprise Elyna is standing close behind the Queen and glaring at the Shaman with a notched arrow, ready to let fly at the slightest confrontation.
The Queen unaware that the others have arrived bends down and for the first time they see her face soften and a tear runs down her cheek as she says. “My dear sister what have you done to yourself. You and I were always at odds, always fighting…. Always trying to outshine the other for father’s affection. How did it come to this? How did you become my enemy….”
The Shaman sneers and spits out some blood while starting to laugh. “So weak, even after all I have done you still try and find reasons for it, even after it is staring you in the face. You have always been like this. Father should have chosen me, not you he should have *cough* *cough*. “Don’t you understand, I hate you. I HATE you with every fiber of my body! You were always chosen above me, always more in our parent’s eyes. When I left they did not even try to stop me and simply turned their backs!”
The Queen shakes her head. “After you left mother fell ill with worry and not long after she died, she died pining for you, her youngest daughter. Father may have been strong but this broke his heart to the point where he himself started to waste away. You and him were the most alike too headstrong to give way to the other, too damn stubborn to admit your wrongs and make peace! Do not blame me for your own wrongs…” The Queen’s voice breaks and she takes a few deep breaths to calm herself before continuing. “Too long have I allowed you to carry on as you have but now… there will be no protecting you this time, no saving you.” She sighs. “I wash my hands clean.”
The Shaman swears and tries to free her hand tearing the holes in her arm and causing more blood to flow out. “You dare look down on me when did you protect me, or keep me safe? Tell me just when did the perfect little elf ever cared for me!”
The Queen stands up and looks at the roof, before directly looking at Trisha. “Did you really think I did not know what you were up to, why you were cornered and attacked by the humans? My people followed you that day. WE knew you were colluding with them, yet I did not want to believe it. There was even talk that you may have been part of the plot that killed my mate, yet I did not want to believe it and protected you from those that wanted to kill you. The men I sent, went against the order to protect you and hence you were nearly killed, but after seeing a young girl saved by a dragon a soldier decided to save her, believing that her destiny would not be an ordinary one. The Queen’s gaze moves away from Trisha only to land on Elyna. “That soldier was Elyna.”
Trisha’s eyes follow the Queen’s and hearing the words brings tears to her eyes. Thinking back Elyna had always been there from the beginning. Whenever the bow master had time she would spend it with Trisha. Teaching her things the others would not, showing her how to survive. Trisha had always been ostracized and looked down on and now she finally understood why. It was not because of her tail or appearance, but because her mother was a traitor!
Hearing all this, the Shaman finally fell silent. The deeds she had done had all been for nothing for reasons that no longer mattered. It shook her to the core, but…. It is too late now.
The Queen’s face hardens and giving her personal guard permission others are allowed inside. “Take the traitor away, she is not to be touched and will be judged according to the laws!”
The Shaman’s face suddenly changes and she starts to rant. “You judge me for my actions but it was you who drove me towards it! All I did, everything was for Trisha, everything was for her as a chosen by the gods! Do not believe that everything was for revenge against you. I am many things but I am not that petty.”
The Queen’s face changes to one of disbelief. “How could all this have been for her? How could you betray your own people?”
The Shaman laughs knowing she will be put to death… or worse. “Betray my people….no. It is you who betrayed us when you betrayed the dragons! If you were willing to break an oath you made with the dragons, how easy would it be to break one with the Night Mother’s temple? Like you I only acted to protect my people, my temple who accepted me when my own family did not.”
The Queen freezes at hearing the words and like the cold ice surrounding them it cuts like cold blades into her heart. She closes her eyes fighting back the tears within them as the Shaman continues to condemn her. She finally opens her eyes and nods accepting every lash, every word for what it is…. The truth. “You are right sister.” She turns to Elyna.
Elyna’s face visibly changes and she mutters in a whisper so only the Queen can hear. “My Queen, no you cannot do this. Our people need you now more than ever.”
The Queen smiles sadly. “Elyna you have always been one that understood more than most. I have avoided punishment for my crimes for far too long. Hiding behind my pride and my false sense of justice in my futile attempt to protect our people, yet what did it bring me? What did it bring us? We stand at the brink of destruction and it is me, more than anyone else who brought us here. I will no longer shirk the responsibility for what I have done….”
Taking a deep breath the Queen turns to all those around her. “Arrest me as well for my crimes against the people, other nations but most of all the dragons. As of today I am no longer a Queen but a criminal to be judged and treated as such.” The Queen looks up feeling all strength leave her body as she thinks. –Slyfer all those years ago, I wonder if you already knew that this would happen…-
Seeing nobody move at her words she looks at Elyna. “Elyna, arrest me for what I am, that is my last order.”
Elyna blinks back her tears and moves forward. “Yes, my Queen.”
The assassin still pointing at Slyfer, is about to shout again, but it is stopped as Slyfer swings his new weapon down turning the assassin into meat paste. A huge bang wrings out and dust is shot in all directions, the ground cracks and some tents collapse in the vicinity. Seeing the aftermath of his handy work surprises even Slyfer!
He quickly scans the area for the other two assassins, but the two have disappeared. He swears in his mind berating himself for his decision to keep them around. He nearly shouts aloud what is running through his mind. –I am such an idiot!-
After his blow the surroundings have fallen into a deathly silence as all who heard and saw what happened froze in place with shock and disbelief. Who would believe that someone would actually sneak into the camp?
Slyfer moves through the dust and quickly steps out of the crater he just created aiming to find Luna. He finds her instantly using his senses. Her dagger drawn and ready to kill Birtha at a moment’s notice. Although her eyes are filled with a little apprehension she will not hesitate.
Slyfer runs over and as soon as Birtha sees him she reacts! Drawing a large bastard sword she steps in front of Luna as if to protect her. Slyfer seeing this stops in his tracks knowing he does not have a lot of time. “Birtha, please don’t do this.”
She laughs. “I know you I can’t kill you. But at least you will give me a glorious death!”
Without waiting for her to strike Slyfer changes his grip on the hammer and with a single arm swings while holding back. His aim his true and the head passes behind her back. With a resounding crack the long handle strikes her side. She lets out a grunt as she is sent flying into the tent they just came out of. Slyfer hoping she survived grabs Luna and pushes her into the tent. “Luna stay with Birtha, whatever you do, do not let the enemy find you.”
“Alpha, I will go-“
Slyfer shakes his head and shouts his eyes turning red. “No! This time I will have no argument from you, do you understand me? You will stay here as told. It may already be too late for me, but I will not let you get killed because I am a fool…”
They hear screams going out calling reinforcements as more and more soldiers gather outside. Slyfer’s face and voice softens as he runs his hand down her cheek and looks into the silver eyes he loves so much. “Luna please do this for me?”
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She barely manages to nod as tears threaten to spill out, but Slyfer never saw it as he had already disappeared outside again. A moment later she hears his booming voice as another resounding crack of his hammer rings out when he unceremoniously drops it. “I have come to negotiate on behalf of my people, for this and only this I surrender!”
Outside Slyfer’s brain was working overtime to think of a way out of the situation. Looking around him, his mind could only come to one conclusion, he had to surrender or a bloodbath would insue and such a blood bath would only worsen the situation. Eventually he would have been caught and by then it would be far too late to try talking. Slyfer winces as headache spreads like a wildfire in his mind threatening to pound it into mush as dragons swear and roar about what an idiot he is. This time he can’t help but agree. –If only I had killed the assassins.-
He is quickly surrounded by countless soldiers that look more curious than anything else. In their minds to sneak into the camp was impossible yet here someone is that did just that. Slyfer watches as a woman forces her way through the crowd. She looks to be in her twenties and the armor she has on is very similar to what the tin can was wearing. Her bearing is noble and her face stern with hair in a bob cut. Slyfer cant help but guess that she is higher ranked than the others.
See stops a good two meters out of arm’s length and to SLyfer’s surprise her gaze is an appreciative one. Green eyes scan over him and it makes him feel naked. The eyes then shifts to the large hammer next to him and they flicker a moment with surprise who has not heard about the hammer that no one can pick up?
The surprise soon disappears and her face is once again a mask of command. “Can I expect your co-operation?”
Slyfer nods before saying. “I come in peace and have no intention to start a war between our people. All I ask is for a chance to talk to your leaders on behalf of mine.”
She falls quiet mulling over his words before looking back. “Take him into custody.”
Five soldiers break away from the rest and head over carrying thick shackles. A few moments later Slyfer’s hands and feet are tied making it barely possible to walk. The dragons that had not been quiet for a second now have something new to roar about. There has never been a dragon that was captured alive; their pride would never allow it!
Luna wrings her hands in the tent as a feeling of hopelessness comes over her. Seeing her alpha shackled and taken away is more than torture, but she promised that she would not show herself and if things go wrong she can always try to act in the shadows and free him then. Looking over at the big woman lying in next to her, her face scrunches up in worry. Slyfer had held back, but the armor at Bitha’s side is clearly dented and the woman’s complexion is pail as a ghost, her breath seems shallow and pained. Thinking it will help she bends over her and starts to loosen the armor.
Alexo buried behind a desk of paperwork gets interrupted by messenger letting him know that Sorren has come back. Alexo swears it had not been long since he left. Gesturing to let Sorren in with his hand, he sits back in his chair. Sorren enters and kneels down.
Alexo lets him stay like that for a while as he thinks, after some time he finally asks. Sorren why have you returned so quickly, before you speak keep in mind that I expect a good reason.”
Sorren bows even lower and starts to explain. “My Lord earlier today the men caught an insurgent.”
Alexo’s mask changes to surprise and then irritation. “Well, why has the wretch not been killed yet?”
Sorren starts to sweat and says. “My Lord I heard about it and was on my way to do just that, however…. The insurgent is the strange being that destroyed the fort. Even if we aimed to kill him it would not be that easy. Besides I thought you would want to know before any other action is taken.”
Alexo’s eyes start to glean with a bit of excitement. From what he had heard the “creature” had uncanny strength and power if his scientists had a chance to take it apart it would be…. His thoughts stop and he asks a bit confused. “If it is so strong why was it captured so easily?”
Sorren’s voice replies without hesitation. “According to the one that captured him, he surrendered by himself, saying that he is here to talk to the leaders on behalf of his people.”
Alexo swears and quickly asks. “How many were present when he said this?”
“A lot of soldiers my Lord, even if we wanted to we would not have a lot of time to hide the fact.”
Alexo swears again. “Keep it a secret for as long as you can, we cannot let the council find out about this, not when my plans are so close to being completed!”
Slyfer finds himself in a large tent that is sparsely decorated. He has been shackled to the support pole in the center, something he found amusing since he would easily be able to break it. His amusement was short lived when he saw a familiar face with silver hair. He had seen the man on his griffin watching over the fight at that time and as soon as their eyes made contact, Slyfer knew he was recognized as well. Ever since then the guard was doubled and a moment ago tripled. What this meant he has no idea, but in his heart he knows it can’t be good.
-My luck seems to have run out, not only was I captured but I was captured by the humans.- Straining his ears, he tries to focus in on any sound outside, hoping he will be able to learn something.
Luna watches as Birtha starts to stir. After removing the armor, the woman’s complexion immediately took a turn for the better. Luna discovered that her side is bruised severely. The look of the wound made Luna wince in sympathy, she guessed that a rib may be broken. Since then Luna has silently been sitting hoping and mentally urging the woman to wake up.
Seeing her stir now made Luna fidget and indecisive on how to handle the situation when Birtha wakes up. The decision is quickly taken out of Luna’s hands when Birtha finally does. It does not happen slowly like Luna expected.
Birtha’s eyes shoot open and she instantly reaches for her sword that is not there. Her face is set in determination, but when feeling its acute absence it changes and her eyes dart around only to find the attractive silver haired girl staring at her like she imagines a beast stares at its food. The girl smiles…. Making it worse.
Birtha tries to sit up but the action causes her to nearly pass out in pain again! She starts swearing a long string of words that would make a sailor want to clean his ears out. “That damn bastard, how dare he hold back against me! When I see him I will box his ears.”
A giggle draws the woman’s attention. She gives Luna a sour look. “So what is it, what do you want?”
Luna sits back and looks at Birtha. “Luna needs your help to save Slyfer.”
Birtha grimaces. “Like hell I will. If they find out I will be strung up and made to do the chicken dance while I piss myself.” Luna tilts her head to the side. Seeing the girl does not understand. Birtha draws her hand across her neck and starts flicking her fingers like two legs kicking spasmodically in the air. Luna’s head tilts even further. Birtha sighs feeling helpless. “They will hang me girl. They may already be planning to.”
Luna shakes her head before saying. “They will not, Alpha hit you to prove your innocents. Also, since he has been captured no one has come in here to look for you, they seem to have forgotten all about you!”
Seeing Luna’s happy face while saying this, Birtha can’t help but feel depressed. “Well a soldier’s job is a thankless one….” She gives Luna another look. “If I help you, will there be a place in your army for me. I will be seen as a traitor here you know, so if I survive I would like a job.”
Luna smiles. “I am sure Alpha would welcome someone as brave as Birtha. There is always room for the blood pack to grow.”
Birtha wrinkles her nose at the name “blood pack”. “What a stupid name, so overbearing. I bet they are all pups that need to be whipped into shape!”
Luna tilts her head. “They are not puppies but full grown wolves!”
A bit confused by that Birtha stays quiet and changes the subject. “So what is it you need me to help with. After all, the boy…. Did save my life and spared me. So I owe him a favor.”
Helping the wincing and swearing Birtha up. Luna starts to explain. Not sure herself about what to do, but her instincts tell her she can trust the woman.
Slyfer biting his lip in worry about Luna looks up when even more guards rush into the tent and surround him with pikes pointed at his neck. A large human walks in. His face is somewhat familiar causing Slyfer to wrack his brain in order to figure out where he has seen him before. Slyfer judges from the clothes he has on, that the human is someone of importance. What makes it even more obvious is the air of superiority the man gives off without trying. This coupled with a perpetual disdain filled expression, is all Slyfer needs to figure it out. The man looks at Slyfer with a sideways glance for a while, before ordering a soldier to bring him a chair.
The soldier jumps at the command and soon the man is sitting right in front of Slyfer. A step behind him is the silver haired man sword drawn and eyes daring SLyfer to make a move. Slyfer keeps quiet not willing to speak first, since he has no idea of what situation he is in.
Alexo finds himself fascinated. The creature he is looking at almost looks human, accept for his ears and unnatural good looks. The creature’s most striking feature is his eyes. A deep blue that almost seems to glow coupled with his strong hawk like eyebrows almost gives the creature an evil look. The eyes looking at him does not have a hint of fear in them, merely curiosity. Alexo smiles the creature is hiding it well, but he can also see the hate boiling inside him, like a volcano waiting to explode. –He does not fear me….yet.-
Alexo leans closer. “So…. Savage can you speak human tongue? I find having to speak in yours….rather distasteful.”
Slyfer does not break eye contact and replies after some consideration. “I can speak your language, human.”
*Smack!*
Slyfer’s head barely moves and Alexo grabs his hand that is throbbing due to the blow he just gave Slyfer. Alexo watches as the small cut to the savage’s lip heals within less than a second. Slyfer smiles. “You hit like a child.”
Alexo does not make the same mistake and this time gestures towards one of his soldiers. The soldier quickly steps forward and aims a blow at Slyfer’s head. Slyfer casually moves it to the side and the man’s hand connects with the pole behind!
*Crack!*
The man barely manages to keep from yelling and quickly steps back holding his now broken wrist. Slyfer who’s eyes has never left smiles. Alexo’s face goes red in anger and embarrassment as he mutters. “Useless!” He stands up bumping over the chair behind him in the process and points his finger at Slyfer. He wanted to show he is in control that he is in power here, but instead he was embarrassed. “Savage you will learn to respect me, by the time my men are finished with you. You will call me master.”
Slyfer ignores his rant and instead asks a question. “What is your name, human?”
Alexo who is always in perfect control of his emotions feels like he is about to lose it. The thing even dares to ignore him! He takes a few deep breaths in an effort to regain control of himself. “I am Alexo-“
As soon as the name is said Slyfer’s eyes goes red and the pole behind him cracks! The soldiers nearly stab down in fear. However seeing Slyfer not move any more they stay their hands. The red eyed demon infront of them opens his mouth and the voice spilling from it does not belong. “Alexo, I will be the one to kill you. Remember that while you strut around in self-importance. Your control is but an illusion. Your power, even more so. I suggest you let the council know of my presence, because if they find out by themselves my chance to kill you will come sooner than I have ever hoped for.”
Seeing Alexo’s face change with every word is priceless. Killing Alexo is certainly on the agenda, but Slyfer’s suspicion that the rest of the council does not know, seems to be well founded.
Alexo leans over to the silver haired man and in an attempt to hide what he plans from Slyfer he whispers. “Torture him, make him talk. Perhaps you can even find out about your sister.”
Slyfer starts to laugh and says, “Alexo, you are only digging your grave deeper.”
Alexo pauses and he can’t help but feel the truth behind the words more and more, they are very similar to what the damned, so-called Prince had said. –This savage…. There is something about him.- Feeling a sense of panic Alexo decides to hasten his plans. For it to work the army needs to move away from the city…. For his plan to work he needs Atlantia completely defenseless!