The greedy, vicious voices outside the door brought the newly heartened Frost Elves back to reality.
More than twenty of their kin were still in the enemy's hands.
"Those damned, greedy animals!"
The female Frost Elf who had lost both legs earlier spat the words through clenched teeth.
Icegrass struggled to her feet. "Everyone, stay calm! Dawn is right in front of us!"
"If we fall for their provocation now, we won't save our kin. We'll all become their prey."
Everyone there understood that, of course. But...
Just then, a piercing scream rang out beyond the door.
A female Frost Elf who resembled an elk looked up in alarm. "It's Great Tree! That's Great Tree!"
"High Priest, please save him! They caught him because he stayed behind to cover our retreat!"
Great Tree was her mate, and the two were very close.
He had volunteered to hold the enemy off so the others could escape.
Before the elk-like Frost Elf could say more, Icegrass cut her off.
Icegrass was terribly weak, but her voice was firm and cold.
"For our people to survive, we cannot afford mercy right now!"
She turned to Yaven and Screw. "I'm in poor condition. Please, both of you, keep watch for me."
"If anyone approaches the door and tries to open it, please kill them on the spot!"
Those ruthless words brought the grief-stricken Frost Elves back to their senses.
Weeping, they covered their ears and retreated to the innermost part of the shelter.
The screams outside had faded from piercing shrieks to faint sounds. Under their captors' horrific methods, Great Tree's life seemed close to its end.
Outside the shelter door.
Three groups of humans had gathered before the entrance, their faces cold and impatient.
They were visibly different from ordinary humans.
For one