They could see the smoke long before they got to the village. The dark tendrils rising lazily above the horizon darkened the otherwise beautiful day. Black birds of all sizes circled and swooped, their cries echoing across the terrain. A terrible omen. Runaan glanced over at Lain, but his expression gave nothing away, aside from his jaw clenching slightly. Still, he had to be beside himself. Runaan looked forward again at a barked order from Tiarsus to pick up the pace. He urged his shadow paw faster, despite knowing it would not be fast enough. They were already too late.

Runaans suspicions were confirmed when they came to the final rise before the village. Or what was left of it. What had been a thriving community was left in ruins and smoking rubble. Lain threw himself from his mount, approaching a group of survivors that huddled to the east of the village, some tending to others that had been hurt, others weeping as they surveyed their former home. Runaan looked over at Tiarsus, awaiting instruction. Tiarsus cursed but turned to Runaan and the other two who had ridden here on the summons for help.

"Runaan, search for any more survivors, Sadir help Lain tend to the wounded. Milto set up a few tents for the villagers to take shelter in tonight and see if you can get something started for dinner."

The elves spread out, approaching each of their tasks. Runaan started sorting through piles of rubble, listening for sounds of struggle or breathing. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Lain greeted each of the surviving members of the village, likely offering encouragement and support while looking for those he cared for the most - his parents. He joined Runaan in sorting through rubble shortly after. Runaan felt a weight in his chest at what that meant. He should reach out to Lain, try to offer comfort, but what could he say? What words would make this situation better?

Runaan didn't say anything, just tried to work faster. If Lain's parents weren't among the survivors then they had to find them, and soon. Grunting he shoved a particularly large log, and found a child, alive but unconscious taking shelter under a small table. A woman cried out, rushing to pull the child from his arms, holding it close to her body. Runaan turned back to the rubble, but Lain was staring into the distance, his face tight.

"We'll find them." Runaan said, bending to move another piece.

Lain just nodded and turned to another pile of rubble.

The night was long and gruelling, the payoff less than heartening. Runaan was covered in ash and soot in the early hours of the morning when he stalked into the tent Tiarsus had set up as headquarters, eyes glittering with rage. Tiarsus didn't even look up from the map he was studying as Runaan entered, but the hand he raised stopped Runaan in his tracks. He watched, impatient as Tiarsus made a few notes, then called a messenger hawk, affixing a small note and sending it on it's way. When he finally looked over at Runaan, he noted the exhaustion and pain in his elders eyes. It was that alone that held his tongue until Tiarsus waved his hand, motioning Runaan to speak.

Runaan took a breath, some of the rage cooling. Some. His words were still very heated as he ranted at his mentor.

"Hasn't this gone on long enough? How much more destruction has to come to innocent towns before the council deigns to act? I can have a team in and out of the capitol before the full moon, just give me the word and I am there!"

Tiarsus took a deep breath, frowning down at the map, fingertips pressed together under his chin.

"It… is a delicate situation." He finally said, "But it may come to that. And soon. Have your team ready, I will discuss with the council as soon as we return to the grove."

Runaan deflated a bit, not having expected such little resistance. He nodded and turned on his heel and left the tent to find a little rest before continuing his efforts in the morning.

Shouting roused Runaan early the next morning. Ignoring his bleary eyes and weary body, he shot out of his cot towards the ruckus.

"There's someone in there! I heard them!" One of the villagers was pointing to a pile of rubble close to the centre of town. Runaan immediately started pulling away large chunks, joined shortly by Lain, Sadir, and Milto.

"Help!" The weak call came, and this time Runaan heard it. His eyes snapped up to Lain as the other froze.

"Mom?" Lain almost whispered before throwing himself at the pile.

Runaan rushed in. "Careful! We have to go carefully or this whole thing can collapse." Lain nodded but didn't slow his pace at all. Runaan worked beside him to ensure they got through as fast and safe as they could. Eventually they found a small space with three filthy, exhausted elves. Lain reached in immediately, pulling out his mother and enveloping her in his arms. Runaan reached down and pulled out another elf and Sadir reached down for the third. Lain surveyed the survivors before turning back to his mother.

"Where- Where's dad?" He asked, sounding almost afraid of the answer.

Lains mother shook her head. "He was on a trip, headed towards the spire." She rasped. Lain deflated as relief flooded his body. He escorted his mother to the medical tent before returning with renewed vigour to find other survivors.

Hours later, exhausted and filthy, the town elder confirmed that they had accounted for everyone who had been in the village.

"Thank you for your help." He said gravely, bowing respectfully towards Tiarsus and his team.

Tiarsus returned the bow. "I am only sorry we were not here in time to prevent this."

Anger glittered in the older mans eyes as he surveyed his destroyed town. "We can rebuild, but the council needs to act. Now. Qinric has gone unchecked long enough."

"I agree." Tiarsus said, his voice low.

Tiarsus motioned the assassins to gather their mounts. Leaving their tents and supplies with the villagers, they began the return trip to the grove. Runaan spent the ride considering his team and how best to handle the task that Tiarsus would soon give him. And it would happen soon. He would be ready as soon as he was given the word. He glanced over at Lain, saw the determination and fury in his eyes and knew Lain would be ready too. Sadir and Milto were younger, less tried, but Runaan had faith in their abilities and willingness to do what needed to be done. It wouldn't be much longer, he told himself. The reign of the false king would come to an end.


The spy ran her fingers over the note in her pocket for the hundredth time. She glanced over at her charge, who was sleeping peacefully, unaware of the dangers lurking from every corner, unaware that his life would soon change forever. If he survived. Turning to the fireplace, she dropped the note and considered her options.


AN:

Well hey there apparently I have at least one more Ruthari story in me :) let me know what you think, hope you enjoy!