Jehnom smiled awkwardly. “Burcott, we know the forest and are skilled in fighting an enemy beneath her boughs.” He looked away towards the great trees. “We need you, our victory may depend upon your knowledge of warfare upon the plains.”
Burcott cleared his throat after a moments thought. “Have Tellius meet me in the courtyard!” He shouted to the watch upon the wall.
Within the hour Burcott rode out of the keep, leading a column of one hundred volunteers. Following their lord out of the bright sunlight, they passed into the shadowy darkness of the forest.
Tall stately trees faded into the distant gloom. Their branches festooned with hanging sheets of gray moss and vines laden with colorful flowers. Shafts of sunlight penetrated the canopy, highlighting the verdant undergrowth. It was peaceful within the wood; the only sound was that of their passage.
The brush ahead of them rustled as a large deer leapt onto the trail ahead of them. It was a great brute, as large as a horse with antlers that spanned six feet across. Upon its back sat Jehnom, using neither saddle nor bridle the Taur Di rode with great skill.
Raising his spear in salute he motioned for them to follow. The deer bounded down the trail, moving sure footed and silent.
Burcott marveled at the creature’s speed and grace. “Lets go.” He said urging his mount down the trail at a trot.
Jehnom increased the pace, the horsemen following at a gallop. The mounts thundered through the wood, their hooves tearing great rents in the loamy soil.
After a short while they came to the Taur Di column. There were thousands of mounted warriors, each riding a stag of great size and strength. Both men and women made up their ranks. Their hair was braided and decorated with leaves and feathers of different colors and sizes.
They moved silently, shadows amid the trees. They watched the horsemen pass, a few nodding in greeting.
Jehnom led them to the rear of the advancing army, to a place just before the supply train. Once they were in position he whistled sharply and far ahead of them a horn sounded.
The army surged forward its pace quickened by the horns call. In nearly perfect silence the Taur Di moved forward. Even the wagons behind them moved far quieter than Burcott thought possible. The only sounds that marked their passage was that of the horses ridden by Burcott and his men.
“This is why we ride toward the rear.” Jehnom mentioned to Burcott. “Our lead elements will surprise any enemy ahead of us.”
“How many warriors have you?” Burcott asked. He was having trouble estimating the size of their force. The trees hid many from view at times.
“More than four thousand Taur Di have taken the blood oath.” Jehnom answered. “We would not allow more, the forest must be protected.”
“Four thousand,” Burcott muttered aloud. He had seen these people fight and he knew that the Morne were in serious trouble once the Taur Di arrived.
Chapter Five
King Wolhan stepped out onto the towers roof. Night had fallen and with it had come the severe cold that hinted of winter. He adjusted his heavy cloak and as his eyes adjusted to the gloom he could see D’Yana. She stood facing westward looking out of the comb towards the dark lands beyond.
King Wolhan moved to stand by her side. In the dark he could see the faint glimmer of gold within her hand. “D’Yana,” He said in greeting startling her.
She recovered from her surprise quickly and bowed her head. “King Wolhan.” She said. “What brings you out into this cold?” She asked pleasantly.
“The same as you I would think.” He said with a warm smile. “My thoughts are for my son.”
She nodded in response looking once more westward.
“He is safe.” He said trying to reassure her. “Search your heart it will tell you the same.”
She sighed, “I know but I cannot help but worry just the same.”
“What do you hold in our hand?” He asked although he knew the answer.
“Connell’s ring.” D’Yana answered holding it up for the King to see.
“His mother gave that to him long ago.” The King said with a smile. “It was worn by his grandfather and means more to him than any thing he has ever owned.” Taking it from her hand he removed a silver chain from around his neck and threaded it through the ring.
“Speaking as a father,” He said slipping the chain about her neck. “I am pleased that you two have found each other.”
D’Yana looked up from the ring, a touch of fear in her eyes. “Are you, I am not of noble birth?”
Wolhan laughed. “So you are not spoiled, or skilled in the treachery of court politics.” He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “The fact that my son loves you is enough for me. You are of noble heart, any who says differently must do so before me.”
D’Yana impulsively hugged the King. “Thank you, King Wolhan.”
Wolhan returned her embrace. “Besides the Queen favors you, and I’ll do anything to avoid her wrath.”
D’Yana stepped back and laughed. “If only your son had your wisdom.”
King Wolhan’s face grew serious. “There is a caravan leaving for Rodderdam at dawn. They are taking the wounded with them.”
D’Yana lifted her head slightly a faint glimmer of defiance flitting across her face. “Why are you telling me this?” She asked firmly.
“It would be safer for you to accompany them. Timosh cannot stand long against the force arrayed before these walls. Already we have nearly been overrun.” He said looking westward. “Something is afoot, the Trolls have been clearing a broad path through the wood, and westward it leads. I believe they are preparing to bring something forward. A new evil that we are ill equipped to face.” He returned his wearied gaze to her eyes. “It would be better for you to be gone ere it arrives.”
D’Yana shook her head. “Though you are a king and leader of men, I must answer no. Have I not fought upon these walls? Are not my swords stained with the blood of our enemies?” She answered hotly, her cheeks flushed with anger. “It was bad enough to be left behind when my companions ventured forth into danger. I will not turn my back now.” Her voice softened and a smile touched the corners of her mouth. “Besides there are none here who could best me in combat. Good king Wolhan, my place is here.”
King Wolhan shrugged and smiled. “I tried.” He said with a laugh.
D’Yana hugged him once more. “That you did.” She laughed lightly. “Now that honor is satisfied, let us talk no more of my leaving.”
Chapter Six
Casius stood staring out into the vast crater of Tarok Nor. The bottom lay swathed in shadows; within the darkness ribbons of fire shone brightly the acidic smoke from their burning adding to the gloom below.
The jagged peaks of the Vurgwall encircled the great crater, fifty miles the scar stretched across the earth. In its center rose the smoking ruin of the great mountain Trothgar.
Reduced from its former glory it was little more than a ring of stone a mile high at its northern edge, dwindling to less than a few hundred feet at its southern reaches.
The calderas burned brightly, orange light flared beneath a towering column of dark smoke and ash that added to the chaos above them.
Deep rumbles echoed from within the hellish pit, competing with the thunderous booms of lightning above.
No sunlight penetrated the oppressive darkness above, leaving the entire crater in a perpetual twilight. Below them lay mile upon mile of fuming fields of ash and half melted rock. Dark clouds of poisonous gas drifted over the fire blasted landscape threatening death to any foolish enough to enter.
To the east the land was higher, a dense tangle of sinister looking trees blanketing the earth. They were sickly looking, with pale yellow leaves and twisted trunks whose bark hung in tattered sheets. Where the forest touched the mountain’s base the trees were swathed in a thick fog. Their limbs without leaves, swaying over dead trunks bleached white as bone.
As Casius gazed into the gloom a feeling of despair and helples
sness came upon him. “So this is where evil dwells.” He said to himself.
Marcos who was standing nearby looked up from his examination of the path ahead. “This is only a manifestation of evil Casius.” He said softly. “Evil shares its home with good. Look only into the hearts of men, there you will find the seeds of both.”
Casius placed his hand upon Aethir’s hilt. The blades hum was barely discernable. Since passing over the Vurgwall the blade had grown Quiescent. As if it sensed their need for stealth.
Casius looked down the Vurgwall at his feet. The stone fell away in a sheer drop of several hundred feet before flaring out into a gentle slope of jumbled rock that bordered the fiery plain below. A narrow ledge marred the rock face, sloping downward towards the northeast.
He was not looking forward to the next leg of their journey, even if they survived the descent they still had to cross the plain and somehow enter the flaming heart of the volcano below, and defeat Sur’kar within his seat of power.
Taking a deep breath to settle his nerves he hoisted the pack upon his shoulders. The lightness of it bothered him. Their supplies were running low, should they succeed in their mission it was going to be a long hungry walk back to friendlier lands.
Yoladt looked out over the dark land and paused at the ledge. He looked uncomfortable and less sure of himself, the seeds of doubt clouding his judgment for the first time since leaving the lands of the Mahjie.
“I have led you thus far.” He said turning to look at each of them in turn. “With knowledge passed down among my people for countless generations. I must now confess that I know little of what yet stands before us.” His eyes darted to the distant volcano. “No Mahjie has ever ventured further than where we now stand.”
“Yoladt,” Casius said. “You have guided us well thus far. I for one am confident that you will see us safely to the land below.” A quick glance to either side showed him that his companions agreed.
Yoladt’s face relaxed, “Then we must move cautiously. Once upon the ledge we will be exposed. Ensure that no metal is left uncovered, one reflection and we are done for. Wrap your Morne cloaks tight about you and try to stay against the rock face.” He nodded to the plain below. “There is one choice to be made before we descend. Do we strive to cross the burning plain or swing north east and use the cover of the forest?”
“Which is safer?” Connell asked not liking either choice lying before them.
“Both are dangerous.” Yoladt replied. “The Muel’Don is filled with poisonous clouds and the rock is thin and may rupture underfoot casting us into pits of molten rock. As to what lies within the wood none truly know.”
“Sounds pleasant.” Connell muttered studying the way before them. “Swords and skill are of little use against gas and molten stone. The forest may be unknown but its dangers have not killed the trees. It is by that route I would venture.”
Suni nodded. “Connell has spoken my thoughts as well.”
Marcos looked to Casius. “As the sword bearer it is your decision to make.”
Casius stared for a few moments at the plain and the woodland beyond. “Under the cover of the wood.” He said.
“By Havoc’Mor then.” Yoladt said recalling the name from tales told to him as a child.
“It’s either hot coals or boiling water.” Connell said with a grin.
“It is always so.” Yoladt said stepping down onto the ledge. “Mind your footing.” He warned them as he started down along the cliff face.
Marcos followed with Suni after him. Casius took a deep breath and followed. He did not like heights but he knew should he slip Suni would keep him from falling. He trusted the Anghor Shok, the stead fast guardian of Marcos was as dependable as the rising sun. He looked skyward and shook his head for no sun shone here.
Behind him came Connell, taking up the rear, an uncharacteristic position for him. Ever since failing the test of the blade Connell had become quiet. He had learned something about himself he did not like, and was fighting an internal battle to come to grips with it.
What ever it was, Casius hoped he would work through it soon. He would need Connell’s strength more than ever in the days ahead.
The ledge was narrow, at times it descended so steeply that they were climbing rather than walking. Loose stone added to the danger and they had a few close calls when the rock beneath their feet began to slip.
The air grew hotter and fouler the further they descended. Becoming thick and humid, the stench of sulfur burned their throats and made their eyes water. The Unnatural winter had no hold here, in this damned place it was always summer. There was no breeze within the pit, heat sapped their strength and yet they pressed on.
The climb took them six hours. Upon reaching the shelter of the broken rock at the craters base, they tore off their heavy winter cloaks and collapsed onto the ground to rest.
Suni fared better than the others, he removed the dark cloak and stood watch within the shadows of a large boulder while his companions regained their strength, his dark eyes missing nothing.
He surveyed the fiery plain less than a half-mile away. He watched the noxious vapors drifting over the smoking stones and steaming dunes of ash and cinders. Nothing moved within its borders, an alien landscape hostile to all life.
Suni left his post and joined the others. “The forest is the wisest choice.” He said affirming their decision. “The Muel’Don offers only death to any who dare entering.” He shouldered his pack stirring the others into motion. “If we keep low and move among the rocks we can reach the forest unseen.”
Suni took the lead now, moving along deep clefts between boulders as large as houses they slowly followed the crater wall moving northeast.
They stayed within the stones until the first knotted branches from the trees extended out over them. The air changed growing only slightly cooler, and reeking of mildew.
It smelled so strongly of decay Casius thought he would gag from it. He tore a section of cloth from the hem of his cloak and tied it over his mouth and nose. This eased the smell somewhat but did not remove it completely.
“The hour grows late.” Marcos said looking into the vast expanse of sickly trees before them. “Let us back away to cleaner air and rest the night before entering the wood proper.”
Casius was grateful for Marcos’s suggestion. He was bone weary and did not think he could travel much further. He looked to the turbulent sky. With no sun or moon visible, he was curious as to how Marcos knew the hour.
Suni led them back up the slope, away from the wood. They found a sheltered space beneath a massive slab of rock that had fallen from the cliffs above long ago. One edge of the stone lay atop a massive boulder forty feet across.
The air was better with only a faint hint of the smell from the wood. Eating in silence each man fought off the exhaustion they felt until the meal was finished. Then they slept soundly, even though they were within the very heart of Sur’kar’s kingdom.
That night each man took his turn at watch; Casius did so late in the evening. He avoided looking up into the tumultuous sky; he found the roiling mass of cloud and flashing lights disturbing.
Marcos awakened them with the announcement that dawn had arrived. The lighting outside had not changed since their arrival, Tarok nor was still enshrouded in perpetual twilight.
They ate a breakfast of stale bread and leathery jerky. Washing it down with tepid water from rapidly diminishing supplies. Before making their way back to the forest edge.
Moving out of the rocks they entered Havoc’Mor. The trees were loathsome to look upon up close. The bark hung in shreds oozing milky sap that gathered about their roots in sticky pools. Where the bare wood was exposed it resembled the rotting flesh of a corpse.
The ground was littered with dead branches and cast off leaves. All about them large pale mushrooms thrust their crowns out of the detritus, and within the darkest shadows the fungi glowed with a pale green luminescence.
They kept to the forest edge;
not wanting to face what may live in the forests depths. Moving east along the uplands rim. Through the leprous trees they caught occasional glimpses of the smoldering lowlands.
The stench of decay fouled each breath they took. Their clothing became streaked with yellowish stains from where they brushed against the hanging sheets of moss and bark.
The wood was still, only the sounds of the grumbling mountain and rumbling sky penetrated the trees. No animals were visible, only the sickly trees and knee-high mushrooms seemed to call this place home.
“Look well.” Marcos told them. “For this is the world Sur’kar would fashion out of the destruction he would bring down upon us all.”
Hours passed slowly within the silent wood. They stopped to rest around mid-day. Although they were hungry the mere thought of eating in the foul air nauseated them.
They sat in a small circle, their arms wrapped about their knees. No one wished to lean against the trunks; the pale wood seeping wet sap that resembled pus.
Connell’s head snapped up suddenly alert. “I heard something.” He whispered.
Sitting in silence they listened intently for any sound other than the persistent rumbling.
Suni pointed eastward. “Something walks this way.” He cocked his head to the side. “It is large and heavy.”
Grabbing their gear they moved further into the wood taking shelter in a thicket of tall reedy plants that reeked of rotted meat. The long thin stems were topped with an onion like bulb covered with a pale clear fluid that stuck to them if touched.
It was here that Casius saw the first sign of insect life. Something that resembled a bloated housefly landed on a bulb near his hiding place. The insect struggled and Casius watched in fascination as the bulb split and pulled the insect inside before closing once more.
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