by Lee Magnus
“So, you’ve been around for hundreds of years, hiding in the corners, eavesdropping on the thoughts of others?”
“And I remember everything.”
“But you don’t know if my grandpa is still alive?”
“I haven’t been out of the cavern and no one since your grandfather has visited, so if you would forgive me, I am a little behind on recent events.”
They passed over a multi-colored flowered hill revealing an entrancing full circle rainbow in the distance.
Trey stopped and said, “That is the most amazing rainbow I have ever seen. How is it even possible?”
Simon didn’t stop.
After Trey caught up to the quick paced millipede he asked, “How did you get in possession of the center stone?”
“It was entrusted to me for safe keeping by your lady friend.”
“You mean Lyza?”
“Yes. Lyza is what you call her. If I were human, she would be my prize,” he said distantly.
“Back over here Simon.”
“Yes. She brought it to me several years ago in a desperate rush. She said someone very gifted would come for it. Naturally, I assumed she meant the one who won it from me, but I was mistaken.”
“So, she thought that since you weren’t going anywhere and being what you are, you would be a good protector? Why didn’t you protect it better? Why did you play the game and give my grandpa a chance to win?”
“For fun.”
“Fun?”
“That is why we play this game isn’t it?”
“What game is that,” asked Trey confused at Simon’s inferences. “Riddles?” he said taking a guess.
“The game of life, dear boy. Why else would anyone do anything if it wasn’t fun?”
Trey paused on the comment then continued, “Is that what happened? You were playing a game and someone got hurt?”
Simon swelled. His antennae quivered. He quickly turned glossy fixed eyes toward Trey and projected, “I said I didn’t want to discuss it!”
Trey sensed a tremendous amount of guilt, sadness and regret. But what he felt next shook his core – icy cold undeniable deception.
They walked for some time in silence. Mentally, Trey attempted to break Simon’s mind intrusions (mostly due to a newly found fear of the creature and partly curiosity). Thinking he identified the window, he opened it to see what would happen.
Almost immediately Simon appeared in his mind, “You have been unusually quiet. Are you attempting to block me?”
“Without speaking, Trey projected for the first time, “My dear bug how would I possibly do that?”
“Your smugness is annoying, boy. We need to be in constant communication. We must trust each other, especially while in the forest.”
“I understand,” he thought with a mindful chuckle.
But he didn’t trust Simon and successfully hid those feelings from his projection.
“You know Lyza. Who is she?”
“You may find out soon enough.”
“Really? You won’t tell me anything about her? What about that guy she said is trying to free the bad guy, Commerand? What do you know about him?”
“Is that what she said he was doing?”
“Yeah.”
“You may not be as clever as I initially surmised.”
“What do you mean? Is he doing something else? Did she lie to me?”
“Again, you may discover that soon enough.”
“What good is the information if you only keep it to yourself?” Trey said frustrated with Simon’s constant evasions.
“It’s more fun this way.”
“Arrg! You’re impossible.”
They descended into a small valley spotted with tall stemmed yellow petaled flowers. Trey brushed one with a shoulder-level hand, releasing a purple bee from its depths.
A thunderous noise approached from the west.
“What’s that, Simon?” Trey said anxiously.
“In your pocket quickly! You must not tell them our destination!”
“Okay,” Trey said nervously. “Who’s they?”
“They respect confidence!” exclaimed Simon as he shrunk to a miniscule size.
“What?” Trey asked tensely as he picked up the curled insect, then placed him in his pocket.
Simon didn’t respond.
Gangly tendrils of panic wrapped Trey’s racing heart.
He first saw the heads of men rising over the hill – abnormally large men judging by the size of their heads. Several wore thin hide vests while two were bare skinned as they rose. As they continued to advance, Trey’s mouth dropped. Their lower four-legged, hairy bodies came into view. Large powerful legs propelled them rapidly toward Trey.
The half horse half man beings came to an immediate stop, flinging dirt and muck onto the seemingly solo traveler. Trey shielded his eyes to avoid the blast. Surprisingly, none of the flowers seemed to be trampled – Trey wondered why he had noticed.
“I am Toman, leader of the Rosh Clan and protector of the outer lands. Who goes there!” said one of the easily eight-foot-tall, broad-shouldered centaurs in a powerful voice. The thick, black hair on his lower body produced a shiny dark blue hue as it waved gently in the breeze. He wore a short full beard that extended into a thin point.
Trey replied in the most confident voice he could muster as the other centaurs surrounded him. A voice that may save his and the lives of his friends in time to come. “I am Trey, uh, of the Roberts clan.”
Muscles bulged from Toman’s shirtless upper body. Spidery veins pulsed in double time with his heaving chest. “Why are you here?” boomed Toman.
“I’m lost and trying to get home.”
“Lost with a magical sword? Unlikely. You will come with us.”
Toman motioned with a silver lance to a dark red-haired centaur who grabbed Trey. Toman held back to observe the surroundings as if he missed something while the rest galloped off.
They rode energetically on a westerly course for what seemed like hours to Trey but probably only a little more than one. The ride was surprisingly smooth compared to Trey’s past experience on horseback.
Trey recalled a time when he saddled an old stallion by the name of Shady Wanderer. Shady Wanderer was his former racing name but Trey most of the time just called it Whoa Horse! The old horse had a bum leg that caused him to stumble about every third step but that didn’t keep him from giving it his all.
That horse was crazy, Trey thought.
However, in this instance, he was held effortlessly on a shoulder.
“Put me on your back. I’ve ridden horses before. I’ll be just fine,” he yelled over galloping hooves.
“I would rather die than shame myself by carrying you on my back.”
“Really? Why? Wouldn’t it be easier?”
“Quiet human child. We’re almost there.”
Trey found himself surprisingly offended at being called a child.
A lush valley opened into a magnificent city tucked neatly within a perimeter of large grassy hills topped with guard towers. Oversized stone buildings separated by soft well-manicured roads accommodated preoccupied centaurs of various colors.
The procession trotted pompously through grass streets. Several pedestrians released surprising awes upon discovering their cargo. Trey heard one mutter, “A human,” as she pointed at the group. Trey thought she may have never seen someone like him before.
Trey’s captors climbed a gently sloping rise which, upon reaching the top, revealed a splendid lake in the distance that was every bit as large as the city.
They turned up a wide ramp to enter a building that resembled an old town courthouse with doors as tall as a giraffe. Traversing the lobby decorated in white marble, Trey thought his whole house could fit in the expansive space. Hanging on high walls, Trey admired large paintings of important looking centaurs in triumphant poses. Finally, Trey was transferred into a circular room occupied by five elders awaiting their arrival.
&n
bsp; “Toman. What is the meaning of summoning us this day?” said an elegant, dark-grey thin-haired female standing in the center of the room.
“Madam Charise,” replied the haughty voice, “We intercepted this human boy travelling toward Ravenger’s Forest. He said he is lost but possesses Andressen’s sword. Considering recent activities, I thought it best to consult with the high council on what to do with him.”
“Andressen’s sword? Yes. You have acted responsibly. Dark days are ahead, and this boy’s presence must be related. Say you, human boy, how did you come into possession of the sword?”
“Madam, your Honor,” Trey said not sure how to address her. “A guy back home had it. I don’t know how he found it, what it is or even who he is. I used it accidently to get here. There’s some weird stuff happening where I come from and I heard a man came here that might can help.”
Trey wasn’t sure why he kept the identity of Grandpa from them. He didn’t feel threatened. Actually, he felt safer here than any time after meeting Lyza. The Centaurs exuded trust and honor. He felt they would always do what’s right.
A large black male with grey speckled throughout his coat interrupted, “It has been years since a man has walked this land. That man was killed in the forest. He will not be able to help you.”
Trey’s heart sank to his feet on the comment. He built a ship of hope that he would find his grandfather. That ship was rapidly taking on water.
“Are you sure he was killed? Maybe there is a chance he’s still alive?”
“He was seen entering the forest. No one leaves that wretched place.”
“So, you didn’t actually see him,” he paused trying to build the nerve to say, “dead? You didn’t actually see him?”
“No one is allowed in the forest,” replied Toman harshly.
Remembering Simon’s advice on confidence he said sternly to Madam Charise, “I must find him or find out why he was here. You will help or let me go.”
“I admire your courage, Trey of the Roberts clan. However, we cannot allow you to enter the forest. It is too dangerous for you and if you were to upset its inhabitants, it would be grim for us all.” She turned to Toman, then said, “Make him comfortable in the lower chambers until we decide our next course of action.”
“Shall we confiscate the sword?” replied Toman.
“No. The human boy is not a threat and we do not want possession of the sword. Considerable harm may come to us if we are not careful with such items.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Walk with me,” commanded Toman to Trey.
Trey looked back warily at the elders as he and the dark-haired centaur left the room together. Trey found it difficult to keep up with Toman’s long-legged pace. He jogged most of the way. They turned down a stone tiled hallway decorated in paintings of what Trey believed were images of the beautiful natural surrounding landscape. The hall descended at a ten-degree angle turning at each corner of the building until they entered a door to the left.
The room was big and mostly empty. It had a bear-sized mahogany desk with various writing instruments but no chair.
“I’ll come for you when we decide what to do with you,” Toman said then left the room.
Trey heard a series of locks, then silence.
“I sense he is gone. Am I correct?” projected Simon.
“Yes.”
Trey gently placed his hand in his pocket, then pulled it out with Simon attached to a finger.
“We must find a way out, Simon.”
“Yes. They will not help us.”
Simon grew to his previous size. The sight of the large roly-poly-like insect still made Trey shiver.
Trey examined the only window. “Locked with a key. There’s no way out.” He sat nearly in the center of a single navy rug which covered a majority of the square floor.
Simon’s spindly legs moved in a hypnotic motion while propelling him around the perimeter of the room.
Trey traced his fingers along the swirled design of the rug as he said, “What was all of that about the forest…you know…danger and all? Was my grandpa killed as they say?”
“It is dangerous in the forest, I already told you. But I can get you through safely. As you have seen, I have certain advantages over others.”
“But do you think he survived?”
“As I said before, I do not know his fate. However, from my brief experience with the man, if any human can survive the forest it is him. My guess is that if he got past the Keeper the first time, then he must have been working with him somehow. There!” Simon said as he scurried toward the far wall. “This vent will get us out without being noticed.”
A rattle of the doorknob prompted Simon to diminish. Madam Charise entered seconds later.
Many years adorned Madam Charise. She was elegant in a way someone would view a priceless painting – a beautifully aged and well-kept work of art. In her younger years she would have been, quite possibly was the most attractive.
She approached Trey, who still sat on the rug in the middle of the room.
“Please don’t rise,” she said ushering Trey back down. She gracefully lowered down, front legs first to sit next to him. She was smaller than the others but towered over Trey so much he had to lean back on his hands to look her in the eyes. “You and I find ourselves in a difficult dilemma. While you have done nothing wrong, we cannot let you leave.”
“What do you mean? I can’t stay here,” he replied in a panic.
“I understand your concern,” she replied calmly. “However, releasing you with the sword may be construed as helping you and your cause. Retaining the sword may bring unwelcome conflict upon our people.”
“What do you mean by my cause? I just want to find my grandpa and get back home!”
“The man you seek was your grandfather? I now understand your urgency. Losing a loved family member to the forest would be quite disheartening. However, that places you on a side and we do not choose sides.”
“What do you mean, chose sides? Are you talking about Commerand and Khaitu? Did you know my grandpa?”
“Commerand is a current issue for your world and is a growing but not immediate concern for ours. However, we anticipate his imminent acquisition of the eye of Kartho which will give him the power of dimension travel. Once that happens, we will be at his mercy. We must separate ourselves from those opposed in order to protect ourselves. The Keeper is in league with them and assists in their quest to free the evil king. In fact, the Keeper bequeathed to Commerand a certain power that will enable him to acquire the Eye.”
“And you won’t do anything about it? You’ll just stay neutral?”
“It is our way. We have existed in peace for many millennia, even after the Keeper settled in Ravenger’s forest. We have kept this peace by following the rules and by staying out of the way. We keep to ourselves, protect our kind and mind our own business.”
He stood to look her eye to eye.
“Sounds cowardly to me.”
“Your opinion is of no concern,” she continued peacefully after Trey’s insult. “But you should watch your words if you would like to keep your pleasant surroundings rather than the shed.”
He sat back down fidgeting with the fabric – wondering what the shed was and if he had a better chance of escape from there.
“Patrick disrupted our peaceful order when he came to us a few years ago. He stayed several days. We didn’t know who he was. We mistakenly assumed he was a traveler. We sent him away once we discovered he was attempting to recover information regarding a stone – the very one that once adorned the sword you carry. Concerned of his motivations, we had him followed to Simon’s prison and then to the forest. We didn’t see him afterward. We assumed he perished at the hands of the Keeper.”
“So, he might still be alive?”
“Indeed, he may.”
Trey’s stomach fluttered with hopeful excitement, “You have to help me find out!”
“Releasing yo
u would seem as if we are aiding in your mission, whatever that may be. If your mission is that which will upset the Keeper, then we mustn’t take the chance to experience his wrath.”
Feeling extremely frustrated he replied, “Like I said before, I don’t have a mission. Aren’t you listening? I’m here by accident. I just want to know what happened to Grandpa and go home.”
“You seem like a good human boy. I don’t sense harm in your intentions. We are a highly intuitive race – I would know if you were lying. I believe your unfortunate story. Though, considering his allegiance with the Keeper, I suspect he is not someone you wish to find. Nor is it advisable for you to carry the sword within the Keeper’s territory. Should it fall into the wrong hands all could be lost significantly faster than expected.”
“There’s no way Grandpa is on their side,” Trey said confidently but secretly questioned his wavering certainty.
“Believe what you will.”
She stood just as gracefully as she laid indicating their time was up. He rose in response.
Before she turned to go, maybe as an afterthought she asked, “Tell me, what is the fate of Simon? I assume he tricked you into granting his freedom.”
Trey’s pulse increased. His stomach churned. He remembered what she said about centaur’s advanced intuition. He responded with as much truth as he felt was necessary. “Yes. He gave me an easy riddle, then told me to carry him out so he could show me where Grandpa went. Once he did that, I set out on my way.” She sensed uneasiness, but his vagueness was enough.
“What a wonderful coincidence for him that a naïve human boy would stumble into his prison. That scenario could not have been foreseen. While I personally like you and am not interested in holding you against your will, we cannot let you leave until we relocate the sword.”
“This sword is how I got here. I may not be able to leave without it. I will not give it up unless you can promise me another way home.”
“I cannot make such a promise. We do not have the ability to use the portals. I assume we are at an impasse.”
“Yeah. I guess so.”
“You will remain in this room until further notice. I’ll have someone bring you a meal. Good day Trey of the Robert’s clan.”
