“Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration,” Erana replied with a light laugh. “It's seen better years, that's for certain. But, you can tell that most of the nuts they've collected are from last year. So, the land was probably in much better shape as recently as last spring.”
“Then, what happened?” Darian asked. “Is the land cursed? Where are all the animals? Is all this the fault of our nameless enemy as well?”
“My guess is that it's been indirectly caused by the mysterious magic-user,” the elvish maiden replied. “I think the main problem is a lack of sunlight, probably caused by that constant covering of thick dark cloud. I also suspect that the rainfall's been effected to some degree. However, this land is still getting water from the outside. That stream, for example, is fed by the mountains. If it didn't rain here for years, that creek would still be flowing. And, of course, it's obviously full of fish and other life. I suspect that the other animals; deer, wild hogs, birds, or what have you, have simply moved on in search of food. Also, the land is supporting a lot more trolls than it normally would. And, that certainly has to have an effect.”
“So, then yes, this is the fault of our unknown enemy,” the knight said.
“Yes,” the ranger replied. “I think that's very likely. Still, it's nothing to worry about. Most of these trees are very much alive. It's been a rough year for them, but no worse than a really bad drought would have been. If we can find a way to break up these clouds, the land will heal very quickly.”
“Don't worry,” the Telian nodded. “We'll find a way. And then, we're going to bring this faceless foe to justice. Whoever's done this has absolutely no respect for life on any level.”
“They certainly don't seem to,” Kilren agreed.
As the band marched through the woodlands, the captain and the bard rode along side-by-side discussing their eventual goal.
“Tomorrow morning we'll strike west as soon as the sun's in the sky,” the warrior asserted. “We've wasted a day. We can't afford to waste another.”
“I wouldn't call it wasted, my friend,” the bard replied.
“Well, no,” Tealor agreed, “certainly not wasted. I merely meant that we've lost an entire day. I hope that fact doesn't cost any lives.”
“I do, as well,” the dwarf agreed, “but it couldn't be helped.”
“No, it couldn't,” the captain replied. “Still, I pray the Eilian prevent it from happening again. We can't just keep endlessly rescuing prisoners.”
“I don't think we need worry about that,” Ian assured him. “I'm still finding it hard to believe that we discovered a band of trolls holding captives... and cooking... It's my duty to record all of this, but no one's going to believe it. This could seriously damage my reputation as an historian.”
“Do you have a reputation as an historian?”
“No,” the dwarf chuckled, “but I was hoping to someday. Now, I'm not sure that's going to happen. I mean: it's almost unimaginable. A group of trolls capture a group of elves in order to... Actually, we still don't know why they did it...”
“Maybe we can find out,” the warrior replied before calling one of the former captives over to them.
“Lad,” the bard began as soon as the elf approached, “we'd like to ask you a few questions, if that's alright.”
“Certainly, Master McFaren,” the warden replied.
“Just Ian, lad,” the dwarf smiled. “Now, how long were you held prisoner?”
“They caught me about a week ago,” he answered. “I was scouting the badlands in the south-east, not too far from Earlin.”
“A week?” the bard mused. “You're in very good shape for having been held captive by trolls for that long. At least, I imagine you are. This is the first time I've ever heard of anything like this happening.”
“Yes, sir,” the elf nodded. “Me, as well. When they caught me, I was sure I was dead. I couldn't believe they didn't just rip me apart. They actually took fairly good care of us, all things considered. They made sure we had plenty of water and fed us twice a day.”
“Hmmm,” Ian replied, scratching himself under his beard. “What did they feed you?”
“Mostly meat,” the warden answered.
“They gave you raw meat?” the dwarf asked thoughtfully. “I can't see you eating that.”
“No, sir,” the elf said, shaking his head. “They cooked it.”
“What?!” the bard replied with a shocked look on his face. “They cooked your food?”
“The meat, they did,” he nodded. “Of course, they ate their meat raw, which was very unpleasant. Especially since most of it wasn't animal meat, if you take my meaning.”
“I'm afraid I do,” Ian replied. “Do you have any idea why they were holding you?”
“None. However, they were herding us slowly west. And they kept bringing in more of us. I was the second captured and, as you know, there were eight of us by the time you arrived.”
“Did they ever speak?” the bard asked.
“Never, sir,” the warden answered.
“This is impossible to understand,” Ian said. “How did they capture you?”
“A troll appeared out of nowhere and grabbed me by both arms,” the elf replied. “It picked me up and carried me, my arms pinned to my sides, for an hour or so. Then, it brought me into camp and dumped me in the cage with Ilman. He had only been there a few hours, so neither of us were sure what to expect. I certainly didn't expect to live, I can tell you that.”
“Understandably so,” the bard replied. “Well, lad, I think you've told me all you can. You have my thanks. Now, you might want to get back to foraging. You're going to want to gather as much as you can before we get where we're going.”
“Yes, sir,” the elf replied before returning to his fellows.
“West,” the bard observed.
“I caught that,” the warrior nodded. “I think that green glow is going to lead us to what we're searching for.”
“I certainly hope so, Captain,” Ian replied. “I certainly hope so.”
The party reached their destination more than an hour before the sun set; due partly to the speed at which they marched, and partly to the excellent guidance of the elvish maiden. Not a moment of the lingering light was wasted by the band. As soon as they arrived, they began chopping wood and collecting large, heavy stones. Using a rope tied between two of the horses, they hauled several felled trees across the bridge that spanned the moat; leaving them just beyond the tower's giant door.
With mere minutes of sunlight left, the rogue opened the entrance and the party quickly moved inside. Once again, the warrior and his allies searched the entire tower from top to bottom – just to make certain there would be no unwelcome surprises once they settled in for the night. All the horses were stabled in the massive chamber that filled the ground floor; just as they had been before. With this attended to, they then carried in the trees and stones as the last rays of light fell. Finally, Erana summoned Rragor with a long, loud whistle. As soon as the noble animal's tail crossed the threshold, the rogue closed and locked the massive metal portal.
Ian and Erana searched the kitchen in the hopes of finding a large pot as the rest of the band continued their preparations. The rocks that had been collected were carried, one by one, up to the very top of the battlements while the trees were being cut and split for firewood. They couldn't be certain that they wouldn't be attacked by trolls at some point. In case they were attacked, they planned to be prepared to strike them with stones from above and with fire from below. It wasn't a perfect defense, but it was far better than nothing.
By the time these preparations were complete, the smell of cooking food had begun to fill the small fortress. The dwarf and the elf had found what they sought and, after a quick cleaning, had filled it with several of the vegetables and herbs the wardens had managed to collect along their journey. In addition to this they steamed a portion of the mussels in another, smaller pot and cooked the fish on sticks over an open flame.
A few of the wardens helped prepare the repast and within an hour, the dining room was filled with the fed and contented.
With their immediate needs and defenses attended to, the entire group made its way to the first of the tower's subterranean chambers. A number of torches were lit and placed in holders that ran along the walls, filling the cavernous room with an orange flickering light. Hidden among the chaotic piles that covered the floor, they hoped to find weapons and armor that might better equip the small fortress's new – and temporary – residents.
They first turned their attention to better arming the wardens. The heap of bladed weapons was carefully and meticulously sifted through. Surprisingly, many of the swords, scimitars, and sabers that made up the mound were in relatively good shape. Due to the slight moisture in the underground chamber, most were covered with the rust of unknown years. However, this damage was nothing that a good bit of polishing and sharpening couldn't repair.
With each of the wardens bearing a blade, they then turned their attention to the pile of pole-arms that lay nearby. Axes, halberds, boar spears, and bills were shortly spread out before them. Quite unexpectedly, the wooden shafts of most of these weapons remained both flexible and strong. The bard speculated that this was because the underground room was neither too wet nor too dry. It had preserved the wood in an almost perfect condition. Whatever the reason, it was a fortunate circumstance for the band.
The preserving powers of the man-made cavern also had its effects on the ranged weapons that sat piled in one corner of the room. Eight longbows were quickly selected from the heap that, given the circumstances, were in excellent condition. Almost miraculously, they even discovered enough bowstrings that were fit for service to ensure that all the wardens had working weapons.
The band then began to consider ammunition. A mound of countless bolts and arrows had been dumped in yet another corner. The elves dove into the pile with a passion; each of them carefully selecting serviceable shafts for themselves. They even managed to find quite a few quivers strewn amongst the piles of old clothing.
With their armaments attended to, they then did their best to find what useable armor they could. This proved a slightly more difficult task. Much of the defensive equipment was bent, or broken, or had holes ripped through it in on place or another. However, persistence paid off and, in a few minutes, the wardens were much better protected than they had been.
The task was complete. The wardens were now as ready as they could be to face an enemy force. It was a much better equipped, if somewhat rag-tag, force that made its way back up the stairs. As the group turned toward the stairs, the elvish maiden grabbed the arm of the dwarf; pulling him back into the shadows.
“Ian,” she whispered, “I want to talk to you for a minute. Let everyone else get upstairs first, though.”
The dwarf obeyed and, as soon as the rest of the band was out of earshot, he spoke.
“What is it, lass?” he asked.
“It's what we were talking about a few days ago,” she replied. “Right after Kilren ran into that tree.”
“Oh, aye,” the bard chuckled. “I remember.”
“Well, I made this today,” she said, holding up a woven leather necklace which held a smooth stone at its center. “I grabbed a rock from the stream because you said it didn't matter what kind of stone it was.”
“No,” he replied, “It doesn't.”
“Right,” she agreed. “Anyway, I spent most of the day working on it, but Kilren was so busy talking to Darian that he didn't even notice. So, it's going to be a complete surprise. Oh, and while we're at it, could you make more of them? It would be a good idea for all the humans to have one.”
“I certainly can in time,” he replied with a wink. “Let's start with one for now, lass.”
“Alright,” she nodded before holding out the necklace to him. “Go ahead.”
“Certain...” he began before stopping suddenly. “Hmmm. You'll have to give me a minute, dear. The whole thing had slipped my mind and I've left something in my saddlebags that I need.”
“Can you get it without Kilren seeing you?” she asked.
“Aye,” he laughed, “I'm quite certain I can do that, my dear.”
The dwarf quickly and silently made his way up the stairs. Kilren was still on the ground-floor, which was unfortunate. However, he was engrossed in conversation with one of the wardens. That was more than enough to make him effectively blind. The dwarf couldn't help but smile. He'd be across the floor, into his saddlebags, and back downstairs without the young rogue having the slightest clue.
For one of his people, Ian was extraordinarily dexterous. He floated across the floor as silently as a shadow; totally visible, yet completely unseen. Kilren and Erana weren't the only ones who could do a bit of sneaking when it was required. With the focus and determination of a master thief, the bard opened his saddlebags. Instantly, his hand fell on the object he sought.
“What ya looking for?” the rogue asked, gazing thoughtfully at the bard.
“Wha!” the dwarf exclaimed, jumping into the air as he yelled.
“Are you alright?” Kilren replied.
“Of course I am!” the bard replied, clutching his chest. “You just surprised me; that's all.”
“I noticed.”
“I'm sure,” Ian chuckled. “I guess my mind was just caught up in what I was doing.”
“What's that?” the rogue asked.
“Well,” the bard began; once again digging into his saddle bags. “I had better go ahead and get my notes put down on the events of the day. No one will believe them, of course, but I have to record them, nonetheless.”
“I understand that,” Kilren nodded.
“Oh, and lad,” the dwarf continued, pulling his large book from the bag, “could you make sure no one disturbs me? This is going to take a bit of concentration and I don't want to be interrupted. To facilitate that, I'm going back downstairs.”
“Sure,” the rogue replied. “I'll hang around here until you're done and make sure no one bothers you.”
“Thank you,” Ian said with a wide smile.
As he headed down the stairs, the dwarf meditated on the fact that he was better at bluffing than sneaking. It was something he planned to keep in mind in future.
“Alright, dear,” he said, crossing the floor and taking the necklace from the elvish maiden's hands. “Let's see what we can do with this.”
He then pulled a small pouch from his pocket. It was what he had first drawn from his saddlebags and quickly slipped into his coat; completely unnoticed by the young rogue. He carefully opened it and took several small pinches of the powder it contained and sprinkled them over the stone.
“What is that?” Erana asked.
“Powdered ruby,” he answered.
“You just happened to have some with you?”
“Well, I wouldn't say I just happened to have it,” he replied. “I've traveled with humans before, my dear, and this isn't the first time I've done this. Also, you mentioned you wanted me to do it before we ever reached Talsier. I got the powdered ruby while we were there. It just slipped my mind after I got it. You were gone all the rest of that day and, the following morning, you didn't seem up to talking about anything like this.”
“No,” she agreed, “I certainly wasn't... Either way, I'm glad you were prepared.”
“I certainly try to be,” he nodded.
Having said this, the bard began singing a song that seemed to speak of the eternal power of the sun and the everlasting resilience of the mountains. For a few minutes, the lively tune continued; filling the maiden's mind with images of light and eternity. When the song ended, the stone that hung from the necklace began to glow brightly.
“That's wonderful, Ian,” the maiden said with a wide smile on her face. “How long will the spell last?”
“Oh, for years and years at least,” the bard answered.
“Excellent!” she replied. “Let's go give it to him.”
The pair made their way back up the steps to find Kilren sitting with his back to the wall, staring into nothingness.
“Done already?” he asked before noticing the elvish maiden. “Erana how did you get down there? Did I just not see you? Sorry about that, Ian. I honestly didn't...”
“No worries, lad,” Ian interrupted, “I might not have been what you would call completely honest with you.”
“What do you mean?” the rogue asked.
“We made this for you,” the elvish maiden answered, pulling the glowing necklace from beneath her tunic. “It should help you keep from running into any more trees in the dark.”
“Thank you both,” he said, climbing to his feet and taking the necklace from his love. “It's great. How did you make it, though?”
“Well...” Erana began with a touch of excitement in her voice.
Her explanation was interrupted, however. Something suddenly struck the door. Boom, boom, boom; it echoed throughout the tower. For seconds, the trio stood motionless. Then, once again: boom, boom, boom. Whatever it was, it wanted in.
Chapter 12: A Door
Instantly, the tower's occupants sprang to its defense. Several of the wardens bent their newly acquired bows and flew toward the roof; arrows gripped tightly in their hands. Ian, Kilren, and Erana climbed up the stairs a short distance and stood watching the door as Tealor and Darian descended, their swords already drawn. Boom, boom, boom; the door rang again.
Suddenly, shouting rained down from the battlements. A number of elvish voices were loudly crying something that was impossible to understand. One of these voices, however, began to grow closer and louder as it yelled. Finally, Erana understood.
“It's the unicorn,” she said, her voice filled with surprise.
Immediately the knight and the warrior rushed into the room below, the rogue following at their heels. Boom, boom, boom, once again rang through the chamber.
“Alright,” Tealor began, “we have to open the door, but be ready for anything.”
The Beasts of Areon (The Chronicles of Areon Book 2) Page 24
