A Drop of Moonlight

Chapter 16: Red Eyes

Denise allowed Rufus to lead her to safety. She could feel the tight yet strangely warm grip on her as they moved away from the carriages. She minded not the fact that they are on the run once again, rather she liked being always on the move.

Rufus dragged them along in almost disorienting directions. Denise was not able to remember what directions they were from and she was pretty sure that she would need magic to see where they are right now. With them going in unknown directions, she cannot know if they are heading towards their destination.

Just as Denise thought that they were already safe with Rufus finally slowing down, a person dropped above them. This startled her and had her jump backwards as she cannot handle any weapon with Harold on her back. And as if responding to her need to attack, Rufus stood before them and unhesitatingly slashed the person with the dagger hidden underneath his robe.

“Easy on that.” Says the person who narrowly dodged Rufus’ attacks. “I don’t mean to startle you.”

Denise deign not to answer or even talk with this suspicious person. She would rather walk away from this person’s sight forever. Even though she doesn’t know them personally, she does not like the looks on his eyes.

Greedy and unsatisfied beast was what their eyes were to Denise. As for what was their greed, she doesn't know and she doesn't want to know. Their eyes reminded her of her uncle’s wife whom they never see eye to eye.

Seeing them with their guards up, the person just knew that he had really spooked them into not speaking with them. To prove that they are indeed harmless, they raised their hands in the air. They even removed their cloak to show their face in full view.

Fully seeing the distinguished red eyes of the person, Denise was more than just tense. She is downright ready to bolt away to somewhere not near this man. If she could, she would pretend that she had never seen them at all.

“Seems that you recognise me.” Said the person. “Curious how you can.”

“We’ll pretend to never see you.” Denise said as she pulled the hem of Rufus’ cloak. “Whatever thing that plagues you, don’t involve us or any innocent.”

“Quite a bold statement you have there.” There was amusement in the man’s tone as he looked at Denise in appraisal. “Saying those words, it is safe to say that you know more than enough about me or those related to me.”

“Who can’t recognise your highness?” Denise addressed the man as she sensed that she would not like the next words that would come out of his mouth. “Red eyes similar to the creation dragon Dargaar, there is no one but the royal family of Ranon who possessed them. I might not really know your specific identity, but no one can imitate or try to fake those red eyes.”

Rufus momentarily reacted to the name Dargaar being mentioned before he once again stood protectively in front of Denise. This time, he is not hiding his weapon. It does not matter to him who this person was, As long as he poses danger he will not hesitate to strike down once again.

“Well said.” The man was satisfied with her answer. “But not enough for me to let you go now.”

As soon as he said that, Denise felt dizzy and her whole body slack. She could feel her hands slipping from holding Harold. Fighting herself from actually slumping down with weak knees, Denise tried to gather her strength in one leg to keep herself standing.

Seeing her state, Rufus did not think twice and attacked the red-eyed stranger. Each strike is fiercer than the last. And with his swift and merciless attacks, he was able to draw blood from the other.

Though in the process, his cloak that was covering his head was uncovered. His elven features were to be seen by all. Though unlike the usual elves, his eyes were full of bloodthirst ready to spill blood.

“An elf?” There was curiosity in the red-eyed tone. “ Want to make you come over this place? Aren’t all Elves in the Alvaris?”

“Cease your magic.” Rufus only said as he saw in the corner in his eyes that Denise was really struggling to stand straight. “Else don’t blame me for being merciless.”

The man only smiled and said. “I really don't mean to offend you sir. But that child and the girl must come with me.”

“On what basis?” Rufus asked with him ready to attack the other at a moment’s time.

“On the basis that they belong to my kingdom.” The man cheekily said. “Though I admit that me and my family are not the most generous and benevolent rulers, we take care of what is ours in our own way.”

“If that is the case, you should have not allowed slavery in your kingdom.” Rufus said coldly. “If you care for your people, you would not allow senseless robbing and capturing people as commodities. If you cared enough these two would not be transported like they were some goods to be sold.”

There was a visible frown on the man’s face hearing the elf’s accusation. His pupils contracted almost like those of a snake. His easy-going and curious air was replaced with an aura of fury.

“Tell me more about it.”

“I don’t really know the details, but Denise was captured on her way to the capital.” Rufus replied as noted that the guy at least cared enough to be furious about such practice in his watch.

There was a bubbling rage on the red-eyed man’s face hearing what happened. As if aware of the fact the words affected him much, he took a deep breath and said.

“Seems that I have to get back sooner than planned.” The man said with a glaring smile that would make him look-like a villain. “Those worms are getting bolder and bolder with my absence.”

“Perhaps that would be what you should be doing.” Rufus said as he was certain enough that he could approach Denise without much worry of the man attacking them. He is way too distracted at the moment to maintain the magic on Denise or anyone on the matter.