[ WP ] Legends tell of the Elder race who utilized strange `` technologies '' instead of magic . As hordes of brutal killers invade from the north , a young elf heads off to search for ancient ruins , looking for humans ...

`` Jamarr,'' I called back, stepping carefully onto the stones that slept in the river, `` you have to keep up.'' 
 
 Jamarr grumbled a reply, his Orcish armor clunking loudly behind me. Sometimes, I wondered how he became one of the best thieves in his stronghold. I waited safely on the other side of the stream and watched as he struggled to find his footing against the slippery stone, and then, in a blur of obscenities and less-than-graceful motions, he fell flat on his face into the mountain-chilled water. He met me on the other side and gave me a look that said `` do n't even bother commenting''. 
 
 `` Why are we hiking out here anyway, Bryn? The humans are n't real. They're a fairy tale, just like the dragons. Oh, and Little Foot.'' He complained. 
 
 I led the way into the Frovian Woods and motioned for him to keep his voice down. If the faeries knew we were here, we'd never leave, but be forced to dance within their beautiful halls until our ankles snapped from exhaustion. I'd heard the stories, and that was all I needed. 
 
 I lowered my own voice to below a whisper. `` Dragons *are* real, Jam, they're just... not around anymore. And besides, the humans were never a fairy tale, remember? They're a legend, and most legends are true where I come from.'' 
 
 Jam laughed a deep, Orcish laugh, something that I was not used to. The treaty between the Elves and the Orcs broke down long ago, but Jamarr and I met while out hunting. He was six, and had wandered into our territory by mistake. I helped him get back to his family safely, and he gave me a few of his squirrels, which marked the beginning of our friendship. 
 
 `` Right, because the Elves are just so trustworthy? Come on, Bryn, this is stupid and pointless. Let's just go home before they realize we're gone.'' He urged, stopping to look over his shoulder. I wanted to go home just as much as he did, but no one else was going to find the humans, and he promised he'd come with me. 
 
 `` They *are* trustworthy, and no, it's too late to go back. Now keep your voice down or else the faeries will-'' 
 
 `` Find you?'' Said a small, yet stern voice. Fear prickled the hairs on my arms as Jam and I both looked down. A blue-tailed squirrel was gazing up at us intently, his little head cocked to the side. Then, the squirrel was gone, and in its place stood a wolf, tall and menacing. 
 
 `` Are you a shape-shifter?'' Jam inquired, taking a small step forward. I glared fire at him, silently willing him to shut his mouth before he got us killed. 
 
 The wolf, however, laughed, as well as a wolf could laugh, and flicked his tail back and forth. `` A shifter? Ha! Those things are about as real as the humans you're going after. No, Mr. Big-Teeth, I was cursed.'' 
 
 `` Cursed?'' Jam echoed at the same time that I asked, `` Have you been following us?'' 
 
 The wolf licked his lips almost hungrily. `` Maybe. It's not everyday an elf and an orc wander into faerie territory. You know how dangerous it is here? How old are you?'' 
 
 I cut Jam off before he could utter another word and sighed. `` Yes, we know. We just need to find the humans.'' 
 
 `` Why would you ever need to come face to face with those vile, destructive creatures?'' The wolf pondered, a wolfish smile twisting his lips. 
 
 `` Because our home is being invaded as we speak, and we need to get the humans' help-'' 
 
 The wolf shook his head and cut me off. `` Yeah, yeah, you want their technology, I figured as much. Well, looks like it's your lucky day, Gold-Skin, because I happen to know a guy who knows a guy that just might be able to help you.'' 
 
 `` Really?'' I said sarcastically, ignoring the'Gold-Skin' part. `` And you'd help us, just like that?'' 
 
 `` Of course not, you long-eared idiot, I want something in return.'' 
 
 `` Oh?'' 
 
 The wolf looked around for a minute, as though he were making sure that no one else was listening in. Then he turned his silver eyes to mine, dead serious. 
 
 `` You have to help get this curse off of me.'' 
 
 It seemed too easy of a deal, but the seriousness of his voice was not like the empty promises I've heard back home. I wondered why he was so quick to jump on the opportunity to help two complete strangers that are n't even where they're supposed to be, but if he was truly cursed, then I suppose he had a reason. I looked to Jam, who simply smiled and shrugged, letting the decision fall to me. Sometimes I hated being the decision-maker. 
 
 `` Fine.'' I groaned, rolling my eyes, `` You have a deal.'' 

