Darkshore

by C S Harrop

  “Do the Elves know we are here now?” asked Asha.

  “Yes, they have been watching the both of you since you stepped foot off the Noose,” replied Riven.

  “What! Where?” Asked Asha peering between the boulders not able to see too anything but snow and rock.

  “They are up in the mountains, but don’t be worried Asha we are on good terms and we have been granted access to travel across Everlong. Plus they did provide us with this campfire and food but that doesn’t mean they won’t be watching us every step of the way,” said Willow.

  “I hope that’s all they do is just watch,” replied Asha not liking the idea of being surrounded by Elves she cannot see.

  “Let us rest now until first light,” Riven advised noticing the carcass and licking his lips. “It will take a good three to four weeks crossing this terrain to the boarder of Andoria, all our strength and stamina will be tested and besides I could eat a whole deer I’m so hungry.”

  Asha sat close to the small campfire eating an unfamiliar but tasty type of food the Elves of Everlong had stored earlier, Willow found hiding behind the carcass a large pouch of a sweet flavoured drinking water. Asha at first was weary of the elves water taking small sips to begin with to the point she thought the water was the most refreshing drink she had ever tasted and had to refrain from gulping the whole lot down.

  After a good hour, Asha’s head started to roll and her eyes drooped uncontrollably as the lengthy discussions of their route across Everlong and the explanation to Asha of the dangers they may face from the wild beasts to the endless crevasses that hide beneath the snow took its toll. Eventually one by one they drifted off to an uneventful slumber with Asha being the first with a full stomach and the warmth of the dancing flames protecting her from the cold winter night. With the scattered intensity of the universe above seemed like the gods themselves were looking down on the three lonely travellers on the vast frozen wasteland.

  Chapter 10

  Myst

  Looking down from a crumbling snow covered rocky ledge of Everlong Asha crouched beside Willow staring out in amazement across the misty land of Andoria. A blue aura of the city lights glowed far in the distance resting atop a dense mist protected by mountain landscapes from all directions.

  “That is the city of Myst also known by many as the city in the clouds,” Willow explained with an elated face as if she has just seen home for the first time in a while.

  “It’s amazing. Is the city actually floating?” asked Asha wide eyed.

  “No it’s just an illusion; Andoria’s lands are mostly covered with a constant mist caused by the down draft of both the warm and cold mountains air of the neighbouring kingdoms. I do agree though it is truly an amazing city and what’s more is what the city stands for, it’s a beacon of light for all in times of darkness,” replied Riven with a proud deep voice.

  Riven took the lead down the mountainside taking extra care with loose rocks and wet slippery surfaces. The journey down took almost two days slowly submerging into the mist with every step as they neared the bottom. They eventually became encased by the dense mist as soon as their feet touched the hard surface of Andoria, unable to see twenty steps ahead in any direction. Once again, with his animal instinct and his heightened sense of smell Riven took the lead towards the city of Myst.

  With only scraps left to eat, they travelled wearily for an unknown amount of time. Riven and Willow clearly knew the way blindfolded but for Asha the mist was very disorientating as the sky was not visible to the naked eye for her to get her bearings. They only rested for short period to feed and regain energy with meat from a type of deer Riven had stalked and killed. The mist made the perfect hunting ground for him he toyed with the animals at first frightening them to scatter making the hunt all the more enjoyable, a game Riven clearly never gets bored of.

  Asha knew the journey across Everlong and Andoria would be long and strenuous, but Asha was now at the point with each step that fatigue became soul draining. Willow and Riven were often by Asha’s side over the past couple of weeks noticing her palms randomly flickering with a blue aura trying to take her mind off her painfully buried emotions that keep resurfacing.

  Listening to more and more of Asha’s upbringing Willow and Riven felt a sadness for her, and over the course of their journey, they became friends. The constant travelling from place to place never having a solid foundation to call home and in constant fear of been found by Onyxia and her spies. Asha’s Aunt had never told Asha of the reason why Onyxia hunted her, they kept themselves to themselves. Willow and Riven thought it must have been lonely and unbearable, not been able to live a normal life or to talk and play with anybody her own age.

  Faint whispers began to echo within the mist. As time passed by the whispers became louder and more widespread but not clear enough for Asha to make out recognisable words. As the glow from city of Myst drew nearer dark silhouettes started to emerge drifting in and out of the fog. Asha began to hear murmuring noises that eventually turned into unrecognisable voices.

  Asha drew closer to Riven his huge body seemed to have a calming effect on her. Taking another step closer her hand brushed against his soft fur then without a thought Asha’s hand came up and placed it on Riven’s side. Feeling his charcoal coloured fur pass through her spaced fingers as she slid her hand along is bulking body. Riven gave a welcoming look to Asha with his large feline eyes whilst Willow noticed the glow from Asha’s palms had once again diminished.

  Evening approached quickly the greying fog surrounding the three began to darken. Asha noticed the direction they were heading still looked bright but not the kind of silver light protruding from the sun as it lowered behind the mountains, it was solely of the blue fluorescent glow of the city that gave a calming feel and somehow a relieving sight to her.

  “Stay close now we are nearly at the city gates,” insisted Riven. Moments later the mist began to thin revealing the ghostly silhouettes were actually people, far too many for Asha to count. Their faces became much clearer as the mist diminished. She had never seen so many different races and cultures before with dwarves, elves and many more Asha had never seen or heard of. All were coming and going from a huge stone gateway carved into two robed figures, one with a staff and one with a sword outstretched and crossed to form the arch. The statues illuminated the entrance by two large blue orbs protruding from the palms of the sculptures placed symmetrically to each other.

  “They were the first Elders,” explained Willow. “The statue on the left he is called Kaldarn and the one on the right her name is Valen. They had the vision to build this great city and to show the kingdoms of our world that there is a light that will always shine no matter what darkness arises.”

  “Do you mean darkness like Onyxia?” Asked Asha.

  “Yes, this world has not had evil of the likes of her since the old ages, since the days of the dark priest Da’Karr,” answered Willow.

  “That’s why so many people are here in these dangerous times apart from the usual traders and city folk. Representatives from every corner of the world are all here seeking answers about the war with Onyxia and hoping the Elders will grant protection for their lands,” added Riven.

  “Have the Elders got a big enough army to defend all the kingdoms?” Questioned Asha gathering as much information as possible.

  “No, they have no armies only the Guardians serve the Elders but many people believe in fabricated stories. Most think just one Guardian could defend an entire city - ludicrous obviously,” replied Riven shaking his huge head in disbelief.

  Asha felt like a miniature version of herself as they passed underneath the great archway trying hard to avoid the influx of people. The city square was inundating with travellers some dressed in hides like Asha and some more elegantly wearing fine cloth and shiny jewellery surrounded by their personal guards. Then there were the wealthier nobles accompanied by servants rudely pushing aside the more common traders, all searching the hundreds of wood
en stalls bartering with merchants for the best price for their wares.

  “You will have to watch yourself here Asha the merchants have a very quick tongue they would buy and sell the clothes off your back without you realising if they thought they would get a profit for them,” warned Willow in a cautious tone.

  Turning off down the cobble streets amongst the many different houses, store and taverns Asha obeyed Riven’s directional command winding in and out of the many streets and alleyways. Asha thought she would never be able to find her way back to the entrance through the maze of streets, but where Riven and Willow were taking her was more intriguing particularly noticing a tall but wide circular stone tower getting closer.

  The tower was an architectural marvel in Asha’s eyes she had never seen anything like it in her entire sheltered life. The light sand coloured stone seemed to intertwine from the ground up giving the illusion of movement that seemed to have a dizzying effect on her if she stared for too long.

  Barged to one side adding to Asha’s city experience crowds of people gathered pushing and shoving for the best view of two merchants having a grappling fight over a bad deal. The onlookers excitedly stood caught up in the argument hoping to see a bloody outcome was a new experience for Asha. Aware Riven was a head turner he was the only sabre-cat she has seen around this huge city and he attracted lots of attention and finger pointing but these people were more engrossed in the possibility of violence and taking wagers hoping for a winner.

  They continued down a busy main street leaving behind the quarrels of the merchants. Turning once again along one street then into another with heads from house windows, store and taverns turned a fixated look on the three but mainly on Riven. Asha passed many stores selling mysterious items from around the world she found it very hard not to look she was like a child wanting to touch everything for the first time. However, what had an overall lasting impression on Asha was the taverns scattered throughout the city. Scruffy looking places with drunken people from all walks of life collapsed in the doorway still clutching their tankers of ale whilst others in the street unable to walk unaided. What took Asha’s eye was the busty women perched on the upstairs window ledge waving and blowing kisses at the passing trade trying to entice them in. Asha felt very embarrassed by this her face turned as red has a ripe tomato trying her hardest to avert her eyes.

  “Are you OK Asha you look a bit – well flustered?” Willow Asked with a smile on her face knowing too well why she was blushing.

  “I’m fine just a little warm with all this walking,” replied Asha turning to hide her face.

  “Yes your right we have walked some distance,” Willow said with a wide beaming smile which of course Asha caught a glimpse of turning her face unrecognisable in colour. Willow then put her arm around Asha’s shoulders and burst into uncontrollable laughter.

  They corned a few more streets until late evening when they emerged into the centre of the city. In the centre stood another gigantic statue wearing a cape draped over his heavy armour holding a staff in one hand and a book in the other.

  “Who is he?” asked Asha knowing deep within her there was a kind of strange connection to the statue.

  “His name is Thrall, the founder of the Guardian,” replied Riven in a respectful tone. “The book he holds is the Book of Shariel, apparently a gift from the gods.”

  “Aunt Elora told me bed time stories of the Guardians when I was younger I never actually believed they existed,” stated a very surprised Asha.

  “Then who do you think we are,” asked Riven in his deep voice looking questionably at Asha. “Do you think we were just out having a stroll in the Great Forest and just happen to bump into you caged in the goblin infested hovel of Witherbark.”

  Asha’s jaw dropped unable to mutter a single word, her mouth fluttered but no words could come out.

  “Thrall was the first Guardian back in the dark days, a thousand years ago he brought all the kingdoms of the west together and raised an army to defend against an evil that was spreading from the east,” explained Riven carrying on the story.

  “Yes I remember the story from when I was younger. A dark priest or sorcerer brought together all the foulest dark blooded creatures of the eastern lands like orc, goblins and giants and waged war against everybody who did not bow before him,” recalled Asha finding her tongue.

  “His name was Da’Karr he was a dark priest twisted and evil, remind you of anyone. If it wasn’t for Thrall bringing the kingdoms together you would be living in a very different place, if you would a live at all that is,” replied Riven.

  “Apples don’t fall far from the tree either,” Willow said with a disapproving look from Riven.

  They carried on past the statue avoiding the magnitude of people eventually reaching the tall circular tower. The tower was surrounded by a tall stone wall with a large iron gated archway guarded by two men wearing the traditional gold and brushed steel armour and matching helmet draped in a long dark blue cape wielding long individually engraved spears. Asha could see a complex of circular building in-between the thick rectangular iron bars of the gate, as she neared Asha noticed faint silhouettes moving throughout the courtyard.

  The two guards became suddenly alert at the sight of Riven and Willow approaching as if they quickly awoken from a deep trance. One of them even managed to drop his spear that amused Asha seeing the guard embarrassingly clutching fresh air trying to stop it falling.

  “Lord Riven, Lady Willow, it’s a welcomed sight to see you return safely,” said the guard bowing before them in respect whilst keeping an eye on the stranger who travels with them.

  “Lambert, Doyle always a pleasure to see a familiar face and to find two of Myst finest soldiers protecting our precious city. What’s the news on the war front my friends?” asked Riven giving the two guards a moral boost.

  “Thing have got much worse around here as you can tell, I have never Myst so busy before,” replied Lambert.

  “Attacks have multiplied around the eastern lands many have come hoping for protection from the Elders. Guardians numbers are falling, some return barely alive and that’s if they manage to come back at all,” commented Doyle his pride still intact with his spear now firmly in his hand.

  “Well let’s see what the Elders have to say shall we,” said Willow throwing a worried look at Riven.

  “We must speak with Elder Fallon. Lambert, Doyle we must be on our way, keep alert I sense a lot tension building up around the city,” advised Riven taking the lead through the gate.

  “You can count on us we will protect this city until our last breath,” replied Lambert eager to impress but still giving Asha a curious look as she passed until the iron gates closed behind them with a metal clang.

  Chapter 11

  Revelation

  The moon shone bright in the night’s sky, lanterns throughout the city ignited into an illuminating blue flame that seemed to Asha to give the air above the city a light glow. They continuing along the flagstones of the inner courtyard heading towards the tall central building. The surrounding buildings looked very similar in its twisting architecture in a variety of difference sizes with patches of green grass and the odd tree scattered throughout. Asha felt at ease almost immediately with the crowds of people and the constant noise of the city had altogether evaporated, leaving it all behind on the other side of the encircled walls. The Gold and brushed steel armour of the guards gleamed in the moonlight as they patrolled the inner complex. A small number of robed figure came and went from the inner buildings, some carrying books and scrolls. While others were running in a hurry pushing past people in deep debates with their arms waving about trying to get their point across.

  They arrived at the entrance to the main tower met by a pair of reinforced wooden doors with two people standing in front in deep and civil conversation. The smaller heavier man wearing leather armour of the highest quality with a tint of green in his hair holding a bow that was made of entangled branches, Asha thoug
ht he resembled Willow in many ways. Standing by his side was a woman of elven origin of the same height wearing an embossed blue tinted steel armour covering her chest and shoulders with a leather and metal plated skirt attached to match her long knee boots. Asha had never seen a woman like her before or the unusual markings on her breastplate but what fascinated Asha was her light blue skin tone and her long silvery white hair that shone as bright as the moon above.

  “Welcome back, nice to see you’re both in one piece and I see you have an extra addition to your duo,” said the tall man indicating towards Asha.

  “My Lord Warden and Elder Nyran,” replied both Riven and Willow with a respectful bow.

  “What bring our Lord Warden so far from Elwood?” asked Riven respectfully.

  “Our king has asked me personally to come see what the situation is with Onyxia, it’s not looking very good. Her armies are spreading faster than we thought wiping out villages and towns,” replied the Lord Warden.

  “We ran into a little trouble with goblins ourselves they seemed to have taken up residence in the Great Forest, for the time been anyway,” Riven said with a distasteful cat like noise under his breath.

  “Who have we got here then?” asked Elder Nyran her face expressionless looking intensely at Asha with her cold icy stare try to weigh her up.

  “This here is Asha, our lost soul,” answered Willow putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.

  “I was expecting a child with your lineage to be wearing armour and battle ready, not this. Not an exhausted dirty girl wearing skins of a rodent and most probably unable to pick up a sword, so I doubt it very much she will be trained to use one,” Elder Nyran stated disapprovingly and hurting every last bit of Ash’s dignity.