The Tainted Wood

by Alara Branwen

  "Who is Bartz? If you don’t mind me asking,” Berryl inquired.

  She looked at the cat girl. and the rest of the party. “Bartz was the one person who was like a father to Krug. Krug never knew his parents. They left him with us when he was a baby, so we took care of him as best we could. Bartz treated him like a son, but they soon were at odds with one another. Bartz was a bit strict with him. Krug wanted to adventure. Bartz wanted Krug to stay and protect the land. I could see each side, but I told Krug that he should choose the path he wanted, and he left. This is the first time he’s been back. It’s something that I guess I'll just have to deal with,” she said.

  The party nodded, realizing that this was a more awkward family affair than they expected. Krug then took a deep breath, smiling. "I'm very glad I saw you, Matilda.”

  "I am glad to see you too. I'm glad that you managed to find adventure and good friends. Do you know what’s happening with the forest, Krug? Bartz tried to ask the giants, but they know nothing,” she said.

  "The Crimson Kingdom and the Severed Elves have been working together, trying to harness a necromantic magic they didn’t understand to gain power. It got out of control. They have taken control of an undead army, but the forest is dying. From what I've gathered, I think the best course of action is to see the king of the undead, the lich down there, and talk with him,” Krug said.

  Matilda nodded. "Fair enough. It’s dangerous out there. We haven’t been affected here yet, but some of the half giants who go out to scout have noticed that the forest is dying in places. I haven’t seen it myself, but it sounds terrible. I'm glad that you’re at least taking measures to prevent it from getting worse,” she said.

  "I'm trying Matilda. I really am.”

  "You’ve got a good party with you. I'm sure you’ll make it,” she said.

  Krug nodded. "Bartz isn’t around, is he?”

  "He said that he was meeting with the giants today. I take it you don’t want to see him?”

  "Not really, but I'm glad I stopped by,” he said.

  "If you want, I can give you all some healing items. I'm the apothecary of the realm of the giants. It’s how I kept myself busy after Krug left. I'm doing well enough that people come to me for aid, if that says anything,” she said.

  The party graciously took the healing items, each of them using what they needed to get themselves back to optimum health. When they finished, Krug turned to Matilda and hugged her. The giantess hugged him back, stroking his face. "You know that you don’t have to face everything alone. You’ve got great friends that will take care of you,” she stated.

  "I know Matilda. I'm just...wondering sometimes if I made the right decision,” he admitted.

  “It’s normal to second guess yourself. But if you are happy and you are making a difference, then you made the right choice. Bartz is still trying to get over it, but don’t let his feelings stop you from living life your way.”

  "Thanks, Matilda.”

  "You’re welcome. Have at it out there,” she said.

  After their respite, the group traveled towards the other side of the Giant’s Forest, but as they got near to the other side, a hulking giant, one more around the size of Krug, stood in their way.

  "I won’t let you pass unless I talk to Krug,” he stated.

  "And who might you be?” Tarka asked.

  The giant looked at the kobold and spoke. "Bartz.”

  So this was the guy that Krug left behind. Krug stepped forward, looking at the other, and he spoke. "You’re here for a fight, aren’t you?”

  "Yes. I want to test your mettle before I let you pass.”

  The half giant nodded, bracing himself. Both giants circled around each other looking for openings. Soon, the two creatures attacked one another. A large bang that was bigger than what any of them expected sounded as the two giants crashed together. The other members of the party backed to a safe distance and watched the ensuing battle.

  TWENTY-TWO

  The first thing Bartz did was charge at Krug. Krug held his ground with feet planted firmly apart leaning his weight into the hulking giant. Bartz pushed out against Krug trying to throw him off balance and knock him to the ground. They stayed locked in this position, neither giant giving an inch.

  Cleave watched as the two giants pushed away from each other and raised their hands. Tarka touched Cleave’s shoulder, trying to get his attention, a worried look on her face as she watched the giants deliver blows to one another. Cleave shook his head. "We need to let them fight. This isn’t our battle," he said to her.

  "But what about--”

  Cleave understood that the two giants needed to work out the built-up animosity between them.

  "Tarka, it’s obvious that these two have a history together. It’s better if we just...let them duke it out than to get involved,” he insisted.

  Krug threw Bartz to the ground. The other giant grasped Krug’s arm and pulled him down too. The two rolled around on the ground, kicking and punching at each other. Krug seemed to be winning, but the onlookers couldn’t really tell for sure.

  Krug was breathing hard as he escaped from the giant’s clutches and regained his feet. He knew this fight was coming. He had been mentally preparing for years. Bartz came after him and hit him with one quick uppercut. Krug fell back. Laying on the ground, he realized he’d never truly tapped into his giant power. If he was to win this fight, he needed to tap all the power at his disposal. Krug reached deep inside.

  With a loud grunt, Krug grabbed Bartz, lifting him off the ground and throwing the massive giant down. He then launched himself on the fallen giant, landing on his chest. A cry resonated from Bartz’s mouth as the air escaped his lungs. The giant lay there in shock and pain. Krug looked at him, noticing that Bartz was almost unconscious. But the giant’s eyes fluttered open. He smiled at Krug.

  "You’ve gotten better," he said.

  "Thank you.”

  He sat up smiling at Krug. "I only used about half my strength there,” he said. He patted the ground next to him, inviting Krug to take a seat beside him. The party was confused, and then Bartz spoke. "I'm Bartz. The unofficial ‘father’ of this half-giant here,” he said, putting his arm around Krug. Krug blushed, and as he relaxed, Bartz spoke.

  "So this is the party that you left all of us for,” he said.

  "Yeah. It is. This is Cleave. The kobold is Tarka. The cat is Berryl, and the elf is Laryhalla,” he said, making introductions.

  "I see. You’re on a mission right now? You told me that you’d never come back the last time I saw you. What’s happened that has brought you my way again?”

  Krug tensed as he listened to Bartz repeat the words he had uttered that long ago day to the only father he’d ever known. "Yeah. Something has happened,” he muttered.

  "It has to do with the forest doesn’t it? I've been meeting with the giants about this. They seem to know only a little bit about it, and they don’t know the cause.”

  "We’ve discovered the cause and we’re on our way to finding out how to stop it. You don’t have to worry.”

  "I don’t. You’ve grown stronger, Krug. When I let you leave that one day, I honestly thought I'd never see you again because someone would kill you. You weren’t always the brightest, that’s for sure,” he said.

  "Gee thanks," Krug said.

  "Well regardless, you’ve gotten better, stronger, and much more agile than I ever thought you’d get, so I can’t really complain,” he stated.

  "True. How is the Giant’s Forest by the way?”

  "It’s alright. I'm just trying to keep the peace. You seem to be doing the same.”

  Krug turned to the party, and he nodded. "Yeah. I'm trying, but it’s hard. Hopefully, once we see the lich, we’ll get the answers that we need.”

  "You’re going to the lich? Gods be careful,” Bartz said.

  "Thank you, Bartz. You know, I never forgot everything that you told me back when I was here. You’ve been a big part of my life, a focal
part in a sense,” he said.

  "Well, I'm glad. I don’t feel like I really was, but if you say so,” he replied.

  "I do say so. I became who I am because of you,” Krug told the giant.

  The two giants talked about the olden days, both of them laughing and reminiscing. After a bit, Bartz got up, wiping his hands. He saw Matilda coming towards their group. Motioning for her, she approached and gave them both stamina tonics.

  "Anyways, I should let you be on your way. Do you think you’ll come back through here again?”

  "I don’t know,” Krug admitted.

  Bartz looked a little down, but he simply smiled back, trying to regain his composure. "It’s alright if you don’t. I understand. It’s too quiet here. You yearn for more excitement. Good luck on your adventure!”

  "Thank you, Bartz,” Krug said.

  The two of them slapped their hands together, and then Krug felt his body pulled into a giant bear hug. Bartz held him there, smiling. "You’re like a son to me, Krug. And I'm proud of you,” he said.

  "Thank you, Bartz. You are like a dad to me as well,” Krug replied. Krug watched as Bartz stepped back. For a moment, part of him thought about not leaving. How nice it would be to stay with them, to have a family and a home, but they had a mission that they needed to complete. As they said goodbye, Krug smiled.

  "I'm glad that I saw them at least one last time,” he said.

  "I'm sure you’ll see them again once we save the forest," Cleave said.

  They went along the path for a little bit, and as Krug looked behind at his former home, a feeling of sadness washed over him. He realized even he had something precious to fight for in this simulation. He knew that if he failed, it would affect everyone in the Giant’s Forest. Bartz was a father to him, and he didn’t want to see the giant have to start over.

  They all knew this mission had bigger implications than they could imagine. It was that knowledge that kept them moving forward. What did the future hold? There was no way to know for sure. Hopefully, Padwin’s plan would be the solution they needed, and this constant struggle would finally be over. They made it to the cemetery three days later, fighting the undead along the way.

  TWENTY-THREE

  After three days, the party came to a fork in the road. Padwin, still shackled because not a soul trusted him, looked forward and pointed to the path on the left. "There it is! The cemetery that we have been searching for, the one we need to enter if we are to find the lich, it’s over there,” he said.

  All heads turned in the direction he was pointing, searching through the dark grove of trees to see the cemetery. When they finally got the cemetery in their sight, a mob of undead appeared, heading for the party.

  "Shit. We have to get them away,” Cleave said.

  "Yeah, but how?” Tarka asked.

  Cleave looked at Padwin, who simply smiled at him. "Want me to help you guys out?” he inquired.

  "Sure, if you could,” Cleave replied.

  Padwin smiled, motioning his hands up. Suddenly, the undead stopped. "Let me through. They’re with me,” he commanded. The undead began to clear away. Padwin smiled at his efforts. "There you go,” he stated smugly.

  "How are you able to do that?” Cleave asked.

  "It was all just kind of a guess. I didn’t expect it to actually work,” he said.

  The members of the party weren’t sure if they believed him, but with uneasy smiles pasted on their faces, they figured their only course of action was to move forward. "Let’s head over there,” Cleave said.

  They made their way over to the mausoleum when a horde of undead came forward. Tarka glared at Padwin. "Can you do that again?” she asked.

  He took a deep breath, paused for a moment, and made the same gesture as before. The undead continued toward them. He tried the gesture again. The undead continued their march towards the party, closing the distance between them.

  "Shit! Looks like these zombies aren’t being controlled by the Severed Elves. It may just be a group of rogue necromancers controlling these. We need to stop these guys long enough for me to open the door,” Cleave stated.

  The party got themselves together and launched into battle. Cleave used his sword to make quick work of the zombies near him. Soon he was standing alone, surrounded by the fallen bodies of the undead. Cleave was surprised how easy it was to take them down. They weren’t all that strong, or maybe he was just getting stronger.

  Tarka was having a tough time battling the zombies though. She was trying to evade attack by sneaking into some of the dense forest, but since she was trying to keep one hand on Padwin to make sure her captive didn’t escape, she was unable to move quickly. She was trying to duck into the trees when one of the zombies attacked her, taking out a chunk of her HP.

  "Fuck!” she cried out.

  Tarka:

  HP: 80% (-20%)

  Stamina: 95% (-5%)

  Mana: 100%

  Character Status:

  Healthy

  Tarka knew that she couldn't take too many hits like that or she would soon be knocked out. She took out a small potion one of the Fey Wilder gave her and drank it. She was soon feeling a bit stronger, and despite having only one arm to fight with, she was able to land some blows and cut down the creatures.

  Krug was moving like a bulldozer, able to take out a line of zombies with no problem. He swung his warhammer around, and the creatures went flying in all directions, as if they weighed nothing at all.

  When all of the zombies were destroyed, they took a small break, sighing.

  "Fuck that was rough,” Cleave said.

  "You’re telling me,” Tarka added.

  "You could’ve just let me go, and I would’ve helped you,” Padwin said.

  "Fat fucking chance,” Tarka spat.

  They made their way through the cemetery towards the giant mausoleum. As they approached the entrance, Tarka shoved Padwin forward and pointed. "All right, work your magic and open the door,” she said.

  He looked at her, stepped forward, and cracked his knuckles; then he placed his hands on either side of the mausoleum door, spreading his fingers on each hand over onyx stones inlaid in the walls on both sides. With a small rumble, the entrance opened, and they looked into the darkness.

  “There we are,” he said.

  "And this will take us down to the City of the Undead, right?” Tarka asked.

  "Correct,” he said.

  The group was hesitant to trust him. They had so often fought against Padwin and the Crimson Kingdom, that it was hard to believe that their sworn enemy was now their friend. They entered the mausoleum and paused for a moment, letting their eyes adjust to the darkness. The group was jumpy, ready for a trap to spring at any moment; but if they wanted answers to the blight, it seemed there only option was to follow Padwin’s plan. As they moved deeper into the mausoleum, an eerie presence started to flood Cleave’s senses.

  Laryhalla stepped forward. "We need anti-curse protection,” she stated.

  The group looked at her as she pulled her arms up, holding them there and muttering an incantation. Soon, a wall of white covered their bodies. Laryhalla turned to Padwin with annoyance on her face. "You didn’t say that we’d be cursed the minute we came down here.”

  "Sorry, I thought I was clear about it,” Padwin answered.

  Laryhalla glared at him. The group continued to make their way down the next flight of stairs. Their surroundings grew eerier.

  "This is different,” Cleave said.

  "Be wary,” Tarka added.

  When the party stopped at the bottom of the staircase, they noticed a series of foreboding caves. The path twisted, turned and forked off in several different directions. The group continued forward. Cleave sensed something. "The one in charge here is that way,” he said, pointing towards a small opening off the main room.

  "How do you know,” Tarka said.

  "I can sense a greater power,” he told them.

  The party nodded and started m
aking their way in the direction Cleave had indicated. Padwin didn’t say a word, which frustrated Tarka. "Why are you so quiet,” she muttered.

  "Oh, I figured this is your fight. Not mine. I got you in like I told you I would. I’m going to let you guys take it from here. I’m just a humble hostage,” he said.

  They looked at him, slightly sickened by his words. The group continued in the direction Cleave had directed, ignoring the nagging feeling of dread Padwin’s words caused. They soon made their way through the small opening. The world opened up as they stepped into a large cavern. The group could not see the end of it, but they noticed opulent little lights twinkling in the distance.