"I am Shadow Walker. I will be your guide through the Forest of Fear." His voice was serious but had a slight tone of humor. He stood taller than any human. His build was much like a human but covered in black fur. His face showed a similar appearance to an animal, almost canine in appearance. He stood leaning forward, almost appearing ready to leap forward at a moments notice. His clothing reminded me of a wood scout and he carried a large knife and bow. Hanging from his belt were various pouches and even a few painted bones. He stood there allowing us to stare, humor filling his eyes. "Shall we begin our journey or will we stand here all day?"
Stain laughed, "Shadow Walker, lead the way." He stepped forward, following behind Shadow Walker.
Everyone started out and followed down the path in the forest. We could hear noises out in the woods. Things that were not natural roamed in the woods. Everyone kept looking off into the woods, trying to get a glimpse of what manner of creatures watched from the darkness.
Shadow Walker growled and howled out into the woods. He was answered by many voices. Our wagons came to a stop by themselves. The animals afraid to move. He turned and laughed. "Now you know why it carries the name of fear. I will send away my brethren, otherwise we will not make good time." He turned and called out again. The voices answered once more and then a noise of many bodies moving quickly away came from the woods. The sudden silence was almost as unnerving as all the noise. "Now we can travel?" Shadow Walker asked.
Stain nodded and motioned him to lead the way. We traveled in thick silence for rest of the day. Shadow Walker led us to a clearing. "Once men lived here. Their building was destroyed but the trees never grew back." He walked off to sit on the edge of the forest.
Stain grinned, "Needless to say, they do not like people. Yet, they are a blessing to our kingdom." He motioned to the clearing, "Let's make camp."
It took a short time to make camp, we were used to doing so now. Once we had a fire going Tulip spoke up. "Shadow Walker, can we provide you with food?"
Shadow Walker had been sitting quietly, watching us without a comment. He stood and walked over to fire. "You would share food with such as me?" He was curious but wary.
Tulip nodded, "If you are to be our guide, then I insist that I at least offer you food. Whether you accept is upon your own head."
Shadow Walker sat slowly, almost sinking to the ground. "You speak as one of wisdom. I show you respect." He bowed his head low, almost touching his snout to the ground. "I would be honored to share food with such as you and Master Cybus."
"Master Cybus?" Raven voiced this.
Stain coughed and smiled, "A name they call me in their people's tongue."
Shadow Walker grinned, "The wise ones of my people gave him such a name. It is a name of wisdom and bravery. He saved many and gave us a home when others chased and killed." He bowed low to Stain. "My people owe him and the kingdom a life debt. Until my people die off we shall honor him."
We all looked at Stain, who was blushing slightly. "Well, I did what I could to solve a difficult situation."
"Speaking of people." Tulip spoke up. "What kind are your people?"
Shadow Walker turned and looked at her closely, "Why do you ask?"
She shrugged, "I have never met a creature that resembled such as yourself. You walk much like a man, yet your appearance is much different. You move more like a stealthy creature than a man, yet you reason."
Shadow Walker smiled, "My people come from a time when magic walked over the whole land. We were created, much like your people were. Those creators chose to give us a more animal side than humans, yet we live at peace with nature."
"What are your people called?" Ruth posed this question.
Shadow Walker cocked his head and sniffed deeply. "You are related to the wise one." He looked around, "As is the youngling there. You have a wise ancestor." He paused and then answered Ruth, "We call ourselves the People of the Night. Another name we have been given is the Nightweres. Many of my people live at night and rest during the day. It is in our nature."
Raven gasped, "I have heard of your people. Stories of raids on villages, children stolen in the night, women kidnapped." She was shocked.
Shadow Walker shrugged, "Such are the stories told by scared people or those wishing to blame another for their crimes." He looked deep at Raven. "Would you believe such stories if you saw me late one night?" He laughed when she nodded, "Such is the way of all people. We have stories with which our younglings might be scared or instructed. The story of the evil day walkers who will skin the pelt off your back, the hunter who will track you with animals and kill you without remorse, or my favorite, the story of a forest being burned to chase my people out of the safety of the woods." He looked at Raven again. "Does that sound like the stories you have heard? Things said to scare with no understanding?"
Raven nodded, "I am sorry if I caused offense."
Shadow Walker laughed, "I was prepared to defend myself if needed when Master Cybus entered the woods. Instead I am called to lead you through my home safely. I am prepared for anything."
"The food is ready!" Tulip handed out bowls, offering Shadow Walker first choice. "I am not sure if this is the food you are accustomed to having, however it is what I cooked."
Shadow Walker smiled and accepted. "Food offered in honor is good food." He bowed and started eating, pleased surprise crossing his face. "But this is quite tasty."
Tulip nodded, "I do enjoy an appreciative audience." She sat down beside him and ate from her own bowl.
Once our meal was done we prepared to lay down for the night. Shadow Walker called all of us. "Stay in the clearing, I have marked your site off limits. Wander alone in the woods and your spirit will be separated from your flesh." He walked out into the woods, fading from our sight.
"Well, that is simple enough." Stain smiled. "Everyone go to bed, no watch needs to be set tonight."
***
"Today we will reach the edge of the forest. There has been a lot of activity outside the forest, many men with weapons. They do not dare intrude yet into the woods." Shadow Walker stated this calmly. "When we reach the edge I will be done. I am not allowed to leave the woods."
Stain nodded, "I do thank you for your time and guidance." He walked up to Shadow Walker, "I hope you and your people live at peace."
Shadow Walker looked down and blinked, "That is a good blessing. I hope it is so." He turned and led us out of the clearing.
We traveled until the sun was high overhead. Shadow Walker called for stops occasionally to allow us to water the animals and to rest. There were no roads, just a cleared path. The going was rough. Eventually we reached an area of the forest that had a thinner covering.
"We near the edge of the forest. Soon we shall see what waits outside for you." Shadow Walker tossed this over his shoulder.
Stain turned back and motioned us all close. "Be prepared for anything. By going through these woods we have made our way past many of the patrols that the enemy might have established. But we could also walk right into one of their camps. We must be prepared for anything." He turned and followed Shadow Walker.
We finally reached the edge of the forest, we could see field stretching far out across the landscape. It was obviously farmland. There seemed to be no people in sight.
"Here we part ways." Shadow Walker stated this seriously. "It has been an honor to help you. May your task be honorable." He bowed and turned towards the deep forest and walked away.
"Such a strange person." Tulip commented.
"His people value honor and respect more than most. He fulfilled his obligation." Stain smiled, "Although with him being able to say he led a group including me through the forest will bring him more honor." We all chuckled at that.
"So we should be doubly honored?" Ruth quipped.
Stain shot her a dirty, playful look and smiled. "Yes, yes you should." He turned and walked to the edge of the forest. "It seems as if there is nobody around. Shall we head towards the Ir
on City?"
"The Iron City?" Tulip asked.
Stain nodded, "It is the fortress that the king would have retreated to in this war. It is fortified against almost all magic and shielded behind layer after layer of iron plates. It is the safest place in the kingdom."
Tulip rolled her eyes, "But it is still a city. Cities can fall."
Stain looked at her, "If the Iron City has fallen then so has my king." His expression took on a dark shade, "And if that has happened then my enemies better run."
***
The land was quiet, much like a graveyard might be. No people or livestock were visible as we crossed fields, keeping an eye out for soldiers.
"This land has been overrun." Stain was upset. "These people are peaceful farmers, those who provide food to the kingdom. I hope they made it to the Iron City."
Tulip called out to Stain, "What happens if we can not get into the Iron City?"
Stain smiled, "Nobody can bar my way. I am the kingdom's mage. I have access into all the fortresses and keeps."
Traveling across the ruts and fields was taking a toll upon all of us.
"When will we reach the Iron City?" I asked about midday.
Stain looked around, "Another hour of travel will put us in sight of it's walls."
Everyone let out a groan of relief. We continued bumping across the uneven terrain. Finally we reached a well worn path.
"The main road to the Iron City." Stain stated as he stepped up on the worn stones. "We will approach within sight of the city using this road. But our path in will be another way, unless the enemy is not at the city."
The wagons creaked and shuddered as they were pulled over the road edge, the animals finally able to walk on even ground. Within minutes we knew something was wrong. The quiet that had haunted our day continued. No birds flew, no beasts could be heard, and no sounds of humanity called across the plain.
"What has happened?" Raven asked.
Stain shook his head, "This is a land at war. Outside of battles and troops traveling silence rules. Animals seek shelter and people hide. I have no doubt some have seen us passing and avoided us from fear."
Tulip called out, "I see something ahead."
The wagons slowed to a stop and we all went forward to look. Tulip had topped a rise and stopped her wagon. We stood and stared in amazement. Below the rise the landscape stretched out before us. A wide plain spread across the entire horizon. In the center stood a sentinel of rock. A jagged hand of boulders and crags seemed to reach out from the ground, trying to grasp the very clouds. All around the hand was mounds and heaps of destroyed metal, like the discards of a giant smith. Piles of metal stretched out all around the hand, as if it had shed the metal like diseased growths.
"No!" Stain cried out, falling to his knees. Tears of anger and pain fell to the parched ground. "How did this happen?"
"The army surrounded it and the mage destroyed it." A new voice called from the roadside.
We all turned, pulling weapons and magic to the ready.
"Peace." A soldier in armor stood there with his arms raised. "I mean you no harm."
Stain looked closely and nodded, "Sir Gealtaire, you survived?"
Sir Gealtaire shook his head, "I was not here. I arrived too late to enter and was only able to witness the entire debacle." He waved his hand and soldiers rose from the fields. "Please come to our campsite. We can talk there." He turned and his soldiers followed him down a small path.
Tulip spoke first, "Do we trust him?"
Stain nodded, "He was never a brave man, but he always seemed loyal. He worried more about the business of the kingdom than fighting." He turned and looked over our small group. "But we need to be careful. Consider us in enemy territory until we know better."
Everyone nodded and returned to their wagons. Within moments we were following Sir Gealtaire down the path, bumping over small ruts and stirring up dust. After a short time the path ducked down into a wash, hiding our path from anyone attempting to see us from the plain. Rounding a turn, the wash opened up to a large basin.
Sir Gealtaire stood waiting, "This fills up when a storm raises up and the water drains into a series of underground passages. It was built long ago to help collect water for the farmers. Now it collects survivors of the kingdom." He waved our wagons to one side. "Holt will see you set. Come see me at the evening meal." He walked off as a tall, slender man stepped forward.
"I am Holt. I serve Sir Gealtaire and manage his camps. I have a space set aside for your wagons here." He led the way to a small alcove in the basin. "This will provide you some privacy from the camp. The evening meal is served just before dark." He bowed and quickly retreated to the main tent at the center of camp.
"An odd fellow, this Holt." Tulip commented.
"This is either a good or dangerous spot to camp." Phillip stated.
Stain nodded, "That is very true. Do not make a full camp. Only unpack those things we need tonight. Be prepared to flee at a moments notice."
We all nodded and arranged the wagons and unhooked the animals. They were ready for a good brushing and something to eat and drink.
Raven leaned close while we brushed a goat, "I think we are in danger. My spine keeps twitching."
I smiled, "I also think we are in danger. But where is the danger? Our host? Our location? Or something else?"
Raven shook her head, "I do not know yet. When was the last time you scryed your father?"
I thought back for a moment, "A few nights ago. He was in some woods, camping with a few others that seemed to be foresters and rangers."
Raven nodded, "I worry. The Iron City was destroyed, not just captured. It looks as if a great force smashed down into all the buildings and ripped every structure apart."
Stain walked up and spoke softly, "That is exactly what happened. Some great force was used to utterly destroy the city." He looked around, "Such a force would risk a mage's very life." He looked closely at both of us, "But there was one thing missing from the ruins. Did either of you see any bodies?"
I stopped and considered, there had been metal and rock scattered all over the plain. "I did not see any bodies, but also no animals or birds."
"If the city had been conquered while people held it, there should have been thousands of bodies. That would have drawn all manner of animals and birds. Yet the plain was silent and empty." He stood up, "Keep your shields tight and be wary. We might be in danger. Raven, please come with me as a body guard. Equip yourself with all your blades also." He turned and went to talk to Tag while he waited.
I hugged Raven, "Be safe."
She smiled and poked my ribs, "You be safe. I will be with Stain and armed better than any other person here." She climbed into the wagon and emerged shortly fully clad in leather and blades.
I grinned and she blushed, "You need to stop looking at me like that. It is distracting."
I grinned broader and shook my head, "I can not help it. You are beautiful." I kissed her quickly and she joined Stain as he walked towards the center of camp.
Tulip put her hand on my shoulder, "We better attend to our meal. No use standing here and worrying." She led me to the small fire where Ruth, Amelia, and Phillip waited. Pat, Mophar, and Fiosrach sat eating already.
"Grab a bowl, we are having stew tonight." Amelia tossed a bowl my way. I grinned thinly and sat down to eat.
***
Stain and Raven returned a while after the sun set.
"Well, that was informative." Raven grumbled and dropped beside me. "Either that man is as useless as he sounds or a traitor."
"Shush or do you want to give them a reason to imprison us?" Stain shook his head and dropped beside Tulip.
"What happened?" Tulip asked as she handed Stain a bowl.
He took the bowl and ate a few bites, "A lot of talking and excuse making. I lost my appetite midway through the meal. That man waited till the very last moment to hasten to the Iron City and when he arrived it was surrounded by the enemy. Then he
simply hid and waited for the destruction. He did not attempt to intervene at all. He does not even know if the king was there or if everyone escaped." Stain's voice was a growl by the time he finished.
"On top of that, he refused to allow us to go down to the city." Raven griped, "He actually forbid Stain from leaving the camp!"
"Can he do that?" I looked to Stain.
Stain shook his head, "He has no authority to do so, however, he has armed men that would enforce his orders." He looked around, "We need to leave and soon. It will have to be quickly though."
Footsteps could be heard approaching our fire, "Excuse me." A short, stocky person stood just beyond the fire. "I would have words with Master Stain." The voice was thin and quiet.
"Who desires to talk to me?" Stain seemed worried.
"A humble servant of the king and one who knows your under-name, Hammer of Man." The voice carried softly on the night wind.
Stain stood and bowed, "Be welcome, brother of the deep."
The stranger stepped forward and we saw he was not a man. He was a dwarf. His beard hung down to the ground, braided into complicated knots.
"A son of the smiths and a father of the mines. What do you do above ground here?" Stain asked this softly.
"We built this draw for the men who lived here. Our homes are near and we keep watch over the Iron City. Things are not what they appear, mighty one. You are in grave peril. I will return with my brethren and lead you to safety, if you will allow." The dwarf bowed deeply, his helmet almost toppling from his head.
Stain nodded, "At deepest night return for me and my companions. What name may I call you?"
The dwarf nodded, "I will give you my upper name as I know not your companions, I am called Strange Wind by your people."
"What path will we take to safety?" Stain asked.
Strange Wind pointed, "We will open a path in the wall there. Your wagons will fit. Be prepared to flee if need be." He turned and walked away from the fire, fading into the night.
A Coursing Passage (A Life of Magic Book 3) Page 26
