****
Out of the corner of his eye, Meshan perceived someone watching him. The stranger made no noise as he approached out of the darkness and only a faint outline could be seen of him. Meshan became apprehensive at this being who coalesced out of the inky blackness of the forest. He was tall and thin, dressed in a long fur cloak which ruffled in the slight breeze. His long hair matched the dark blue of the sky and his beard, blowing to the side, was grown to his chest. He held a staff with a large stone on top, which emanated a dim spark deep within. The stranger moved to look over the cliff and Meshan noticed the staff was covered in runes of which he could not recognize.
“Meshan Algoric?” he asked. His voice soft and fluent with a strange accent. The sound of it was as peculiar as the runes on his staff and belied a contradiction to his human features.
“Leave me alone.” Meshan said, turning his face away to watch the sky getting lighter.
“My name is Nakal Mish’Pachah,” the stranger said with a smirk. “I have heard of your... plight, and have come to grant what you desire most.”
“You’ve heard of my plight.” Meshan commented with derision. “What are you going to do? Bring my family back from the dead?”
“Well, no,” Nakal choose his words carefully. “But I can give you peace.”
“There is no peace for me.”
“Your wife and daughter are still alive- Yes? I can bring you to them!” Nakal said with smug satisfaction.
“How are you going to do that?” Meshan asked with scepticism but was becoming intrigued by what Nakal was saying.
“Come with me and I’ll show you,” he said with a smile and a nod of his head and began to lead the way.
Meshan sat a moment longer, staring out over the cliff and valley below. If only he could get Casora and Savannah back. His sons were dead but his wife and daughter were still alive- he knew it. He stood up pulling the blanket higher around his shoulders and started to follow Nakal, hesitantly.
Nakal smiled and turned into the trees, “Hurry before the sun fully rises.”
Nakal led the way through the trees and up the mountain following a deer path, and with unnatural determination, he did not tire or slow his pace. He moved silently- as if his feet did not touch the ground. Without disturbing a leaf or snapping a twig he moved through the bush. With uncertainty, Meshan followed close behind as he tripped over a root on the unseen ground. He watched Nekal's back and wondered why such a man would want to help him. If he could do as he said Meshan would pay any price to get his wife and daughter back. Just the thought of it made Meshan quicken his pace, and he ignored any warnings he might have heard.
It was not long before they came upon a cave in the side of a cliff. Meshan did not even see it until he was right at the entrance. The sun was beginning to reach through the trees now as Nakal ducked low and rushed inside.
The cave was more of a crack in the side of the mountain than anything- formed by eons of the weight of a shifting mountain relentlessly pushing down. A small stream emerged from around the rocks and Meshan bent down with his hands scooping up some water for a drink. He remained crouched as he entered the narrow opening. It became dark in the small passage way and the smell of moss and damp rock pervaded his senses. Just then a dim blue glow came from further inside the cave as Nakal ignited the magical gem on his staff.
Nakal slowed his pace now, allowing Meshan to quickly catch up. The cave was natural, with rough walls and sharp rocks on the floor. It was damp with moss covering everything. After a few minutes and couple of turns the grotto opened into a large cavern and Nakal brightened his staff so Meshan could see the whole chamber. It was large with a high ceiling and straight walls. About fifty feet in circumference, the floor was strewn with boulders. He could distinctly make out at least two more passageways that led from this chamber. And in the centre- two pillars rose up to meet the apex. They were covered with the same type of runes as was on Nakal’s staff.
Nakal looked Meshan in the eyes and asked in a loud tone, “Do you want to be with your wife and daughter?”
“How are you going to do this?” Meshan replied.
“Do you want to be with your wife and daughter?” this time his tone was harsh.
“Yes, I do.”
“Good, that is all I need.” Nakal’s grin was now one of attainment; he had succeeded in his goal. “Now, step between the pillars,” he commanded.
Meshan did as he was told and stood between the pillars. Nakal made the sapphire on his staff glow brightly, the radiance of it made the metal flakes and tiny crystals within the rock of the cavern sparkle. The runes began to shine. Taking the staff, Nakal moved it down the pillars pointing the light directly at the runes while saying an incantation. The words of which were lost to Meshan.
A magical field, as clear as glass, came down to surround Meshan. Try as he might, Meshan could no longer move. His whole body seemed to be attached to the stone. He was trapped, circumvented within a magical barricade.
Nakal smiled sinisterly. He looked up at Meshan with hateful eyes. Suddenly, his form started to shimmer, as if a layer was being removed. Standing in the place of the wizard was a Dark Elf. His long black hair pulled back to show off his Elfish ears. He had grey skin that stood out in distinction against his dark hair. And behind his eyes was so much hate.
Meshan let out a muffled scream, when he realized he was deceived. Recognition came flooding to his senses when it dawned on him that this was the Dark Elf that was there that night. He was the one standing in approval over the death of his family. Meshan tried to struggle against his prison but to no avail.
You humans are such a delight. So easy to deceive,” Nakal said with scorn. “Almost takes the pleasure out of it. Almost,” he concluded.
“It is true- your wife and daughter are alive. But they have been taken to The Lehyn Empire, to be used as- shall we say- to make such wonderful creatures.” he said with pleasure.
Meshan started to panic because he had heard of the things The Lehyn Empire did. The breeding programs to make the Twisted Things like the Bugbear and all he could do was tremble.
“I thank you Meshan, you have given great enjoyment. I haven’t caused this much pain in such a long time. I was starting to think I had lost my touch. But I wasn’t lying to you- I will bring you to your family. You will dream for an eternity. Good bye Meshan Algoric.” Once again Nakal took the staff and brought it over the stone, it began to grow encasing Meshan within.
Nakal started to head down one of the side tunnels and within his mind- resonating off the stone- he heard Meshan scream. Terror filled screams. He started to laugh to himself.
****
The place became known as Ya-ash Har: Mountain of Despair. Because those who venture upon it, tell of hearing terrifying screams just before dawn.
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If you liked this Dark Tale of Fantasy try "To Rule by Right", another Dark Tale of Fantasy.
And there's more to come.
Nightmares Encased in Stone - A Dark Tale of Fantasy Page 2
