Gods in the Lianreida - Part 2 of 15

Larias turned the chariot further to the east. Senar’s Watch was close. He could see the vague shimmer of light showing that elven magic protected this portion of the forest—the one they preserved for themselves. He frowned, pondering recent events.

What could have been powerful enough to break through even the edge of that magic? He shook his head, annoyed at himself. It wasn't as if he had to ask. There could be no other explanation beyond Beauwallin and his minions—that he had divined for himself.

Ahead of him, a sudden geyser of smoke and flame gouted from the forest canopy, and Larias guided the chariot into the cover of the trees. He had no wish to be seen by mortals—not even those as long-lived as the elves. His bent his power to meet his need and knew the chariot was cloaked from sight. A brief feeling of relief washed through him; he had no desire for his latest creation to be destroyed before he had been able to give it life.

Landing a couple of miles distant to the smoke and flame, he dropped too swiftly below the treetops to see the flight of grey-winged griffins burst into the sky. They carried riders wearing a motley of dull-coloured clothes. Occasionally the sun reflected from the dirty metal of a helm or corselet long uncleaned.