Cave Of Forlorn

by R. C. Rutter

  Seth and Malcolm look perplexed and confused.

  “No worries my dear friends. I need to tell you about your sister. It is time you learned about her real mom and dad.”

  Seth was the first to speak. “What do you mean? Real mom and dad? She is our sister, always has been. I remember when she was born.”

  “No, you don’t. Those images were planted in your head. You were too young to understand the truth and it would have put you in danger. Please, sit down, the two of you. I have much to explain.”

  * * *

  It was dark, very dark. The tree canopies had grown over the paths blocking out most of the light. Captain Artemus took slow steps as it was hard to see. He glanced left and right trying to get his bearings. Directly in front of him was a pair of eyes. Captain Artemus froze. His hand went to the hilt of his sword but he could not lift it. He felt a force pressing on his hand keeping the sword in the sheath.

  Captain Artemus was not sure what to do. He stared at the stranger. Tall, with a dark complexion and dark hair, he was almost invisible.

  “My name is Shabb. We have met before when I enlightened you on how best to kill a wolf. You will follow me” was all that was said but no words were spoken. The captain heard all of this inside his head.

  “Your presence is required at the kingdom. The strength of the demons grows stronger every day. The King is in danger of being killed. Eric is on his way there now, along with Robald, the former Captain of the Guard, and others. We shall join them in the battle.”

  Again, no words were spoken but the captain was not convinced.

  “You will follow me. I will leave a path that you will follow. You will follow me; your men will follow you. Understand?”

  Captain Artemus thought to himself that as soon as he got the chance, he was going to kill this stranger. There was something not right but he couldn’t quite figure it out.

  The stranger backed up, removing his hand from the captain’s sword. He took three steps back, turned his back and jumped. He landed on four paws and stopped. Looking back, he howled then ran.

  Captain Artemus yelled at his troops. Man or wolf he thought to himself, this was too good of an opportunity to pass up. He was going to kill a wolf and be a hero. He quickly gave chase. It was hard to see the path so he followed the sounds of the wolf as he broke through the underbrush.

  Shabb kept on slowing down so the soldiers could keep him in sight. He made sure to make a lot of noise as he ran. It took a lot of concentration as wolves take pride in being neither seen nor heard.

  Shabb continued running in the direction of the Cave of Forlorn. It was thought to be named this because it was hopeless to see anyone again who entered the cave. Many still tried because of the rumors. It was said that riches waited all who entered, that diamonds littered the ground inside the cave. All you had to do was to reach down and take some. Many had tried and all who entered were never heard from again.

  They were going there now. They would enter the cave.

  Eric would be waiting there.

  * * *

  “Hold tight! Watch your steps” Robald had turned around and was yelling at everyone behind him. The path was leading up around a curve in the rock wall. Water was coming down the rock wall, flowing over the path, and dumping into the river. Walking was treacherous.

  Gweneviere had regained her composure and was not ready to admit that she was the King’s Daughter. She looked at her birthmark and slowly rubbed it trying to make it disappear. She did not want all the responsibility and headaches. She liked her life just the way it was. She spent last summer working for the mayor and his committees. The politics, personalities, and drama convinced her that she did not want any part of it. She just wanted to go back home. She missed Edward and Arthur. She missed going to the market to buy fresh food every day. Gweneviere was quickly brought back to the present when she collided with Malcolm who had stopped in front of her.

  Here, of all places, was a tree. Malcolm had stopped and had both of his hands on the tree. Apparently, he still possessed his idiosyncratic habits. Gweneviere called for the rest of the group to wait. There was no room to walk around Malcolm and she really could not leave him behind although she was slowly warming up to the idea.

  Malcolm stood attached to the tree for several minutes then spoke. “There is a lot of commotion up above. Many creatures are traveling through the forest. Some have been killed.”

  “What creatures?” asked Eric. “Animals? Humans?”

  “Trees cannot tell. They only know the violence. Some are heading this way.”

  Eric looked worried. “Best be moving on then. Robald, take the lead. Thorgon, bring up the rear.”

  Robald took one step and disappeared from view. His massive frame suddenly vanished. The path collapsed under all of them and they were soon sliding down a large hole. Robald was in view now as he twisted and turned his way through the passageway. He kept trying to grab something to hold onto but the rock face was too smooth. This went on for several minutes. The sound of rushing water was getting louder and louder. A big splash came from the front as Robald crashed into the water. He was followed by Eric, Gweneviere, Malcolm, Seth, and finally Thorgon.

  As they swam to shore, they began to take notice of their surroundings. They were in a large cavern with a lake at the bottom. Shivering and soaking wet, they were standing on the shoreline.

  Eric lit a fire and they all huddled around it. “Everyone okay? All body parts still attached, I assume?” Too cold to answer, his questions were met with nods. Seth was standing closest to the water’s edge. He looked down and noticed that the water was now covering his feet. He was sure that he was at least ten feet away from the water just a few minutes ago. As he watched, the water rose to his ankles. Looking over at Robald, he saw that Robald was looking down at his own feet. The fire started hissing as the water was now reaching the logs.

  “Uh oh” was all Seth could manage to say. The water was now up to his knees. “Eric?”

  Eric was focused on looking at the water. A small boat was floating aimlessly on the water. Eric’s staff was in the air and he was twirling it. “I am hoping the boat owner will not mind us borrowing it for a while. Everyone on board as soon as it reaches us as there is no time to waste!”

  Robald and Thorgon got on first and sat at opposite ends of the boat to balance it. Seth, Malcolm, Gweneviere, and Eric sat in the middle. Eric lifted his staff and the boat soon turned around and was heading towards the middle of the lake at a fast clip. The spot where they were standing was now completely covered by water. The boat kept rising going faster and faster as it sped towards the middle of the lake and now the cavern ceiling. At this rate, they would reach the cavern ceiling in just a few minutes. Eric looked worried.

  “My magic is powerful but not here. This is strange magic, ancient magic, has not been practiced in eons. I am afraid that we are along for the ride, any ideas?”

  “Punch through the ceiling?” said Thorgon. “If we get close enough, I can try.”

  “Maybe pull the plug?” added Gweneviere. Seth shot her a “stupid” look and she punched him in the arm.

  “No, no, no. We need an idea that will take root.” exclaimed Eric.

  Malcolm perked up. “That’s it. I know how to do it. Quick, see that tree root hanging from the ceiling? Get me over to it.”

  Not knowing what else to do, they obliged. The water was still rising and the root would be covered in about a minute. Malcolm grabbed with root with both hands and closed his eyes.

  Nothing happened.

  Robald and Thorgon drew their swords. Maybe they could break open the ceiling. Robald reached up and plunged his sword into the ceiling. Nothing happened. He tried again, and again, still nothing. “Maybe one more time will do it” he said as he plunged his sword into the rock again. This time there was a loud popping, followed by another, and another. Robald was pleased with himself until he looked at Malcolm who was now holding an enormous piece of tre
e root in his hands. The root was growing. In fact, there were tree roots growing all over the ceiling. The rock was beginning to crumble. As it did, the water level rose more quickly but so did the level of the ceiling. It was getting quite dangerous as rocks began falling into the boat and all around them. Eric waved his staff and put a shield over the boat to protect them causing the falling rocks to be diverted into the water and away from the boat.

  There was now enough room for a boat to pass through the ceiling. Robald and Thorgon stood up and using the ceiling pushed the small boat towards the opening. The water pushed them through the opening and they were now at the riverbank looking at the creature’s house.

  Cerberus was standing on the opposite river bank and did not look pleased. Seth ducked down hoping to avoid being seen.

  “The river is a treacherous place, is it not?

  A bolt of lightning shot out from Cerberus and struck the boat. There was not enough time to react. The creature walked over to the boat and looked at the mess of bodies laying there. Not one of them was moving.

  “Hmmm. Take advantage of my hospitality and generosity and then depart without leaving me something or someone to eat. I even saved your Malcolm from certain death. Yes, I think I shall take revenge now.”

  The creature lifted his hands into the air.

  * * *

  King William gasped for air. He could not inhale and kept trying to suck in more air. The pain was excruciating, like someone was running a dagger down his body.

  Sidius came running into the room. “Master, Master, what is it? What causes you this pain?”

  King William could not answer him. His eyes were rolled back into his head and he was sweating profusely. His body started shaking uncontrollably then jerking and twisting.

  A demon rushed into the room. “We have success. The daughter was attacked and we are awaiting confirmation of the kill. Look at him, getting so weak.” The demon walked up to the King. “Ah, not so strong now, are you? My sources tell me your daughter was killed. Your reaction tells me that it is true.”

  The demon turned and started walking away. He stopped and looked at Sidius. “Tell the others it is time to begin preparations. We must strike while he is weak and distracted. Alert the Royal Army. We march tonight!”

  The demon left the room and Sidius soon followed. The King was lifeless hanging from the chains. “It won’t be long now” Sidius said to no one in particular. “I will have my reward and be free.”

  Sidius slammed the door shut. He failed to notice the birthmark on the King’s wrist, it was throbbing.

  The King began searching, first the room he was in. It was always disorienting leaving the body behind but once he was free, he could soar. He checked the castle. He checked the forest. Traveling all the way back to the village, he could not find Seth. There was one more place to check. He turned around and headed for the Cave of Forlorn. Looking down, he spotted the soldiers, continuing on he saw Erica traveling with somebody. He paused, sensing something about the young woman. Lydia was too busy chopping firewood. She felt a cold chill in the air and instinctively put her hand on her sword but could not see anything unusual. They both shrugged it off; there was no time to waste. The King moved on and Lydia went back to chopping wood. “Seth? Where are you?” Flying through the air, it took only moments to reach the cave entrance. He entered and passed Shabb. Shabb looked up at him but he was soon out of sight.

  The King went deeper and deeper into the cave. Finally coming in a large cavern, he spotted the boat and stopped to look. Gweneviere was laying there with her head at a strange angle. It was hard not to heal her, but he knew that any magic her instilled in her would make her more of a target. Others would sense the magic and assassins were everywhere. He knew she was alive, her birthmark was throbbing. He could sense that Seth was near. He moved on and found Seth in front of the shack.

  * * *

  Lydia finished her breakfast and stared at Erica. “Okay, what now? How do we get to the castle? I am ready to finish this task.” Lydia paused. “I shall need the antidote and then no one shall have a hold over me. Please fix it now.”

  Erica clapped her hands and the campfire disappeared along with the remainder of the breakfast food. She waved her hands and the tent and everything else was gone from sight. “Now then, I think it is a rather nice day to take a walk. Shall we?”

  Erica started walking down the path leading away from the cliff. She was walking at a very brisk pace for someone of her age and size. Lydia initially struggled to keep pace. “Come child, we haven’t got all day.”

  Lydia mumbled under her breath “I am not a child and I want my antidote.”

  “I heard that. To me, when you consider how old I am, you are just a baby. As far as the antidote is concerned, I must have a live wolf in order to make it and cooperation from the wolf. Unfortunately, they are becoming scarce. We do have Shabb and as hard as he is to kill I am pretty confident he will be around so we will be able to make the antidote. Right now, we have other pressing matters.”

  “Like what?” asked Lydia.

  “Well, it seems my brother and crew might be dead. They were traveling in the mountain to get some help from the creature and true to his nature; he promised to help and then attacked them. We are going there now to see if we can help. It is a detour for us. We were all to meet at the castle anyhow so this just speeds up the reunion a bit.”

  “You have some powers” Lydia stated. “Can’t you do anything?”

  Erica looked stunned. “And just who do you think you are questioning me, young lady?” Erica’s eyebrows were raised. “I have agreed to protect you but that does not mean I can’t give you a spanking if you misbehave!”

  “Okay, okay, don’t get bent out of shape. Can’t we fly or something? Don’t you have a broom?”

  “Or something” Erica said with a twinkle in her eyes. “Witches have brooms. I am a wizette, which is a female wizard. She clapped her hands and they were outside a cave entrance. “This is the Cave of Forlorn, so named because the relatives of anyone who enters will be forlorn. At least, that is what the locals think.”

  “And we are going to enter because?” inquired Lydia with a dry throat.

  “Because the King’s Daughter is in there, hopefully she is still alive.”

  “Well, if she is dead, I can go home.”

  “On the contrary, you cannot. If she is dead, you will take her place” Erica sounded authoritarian when she said it. “No one knows who you are so you can pretend to be the daughter. In the meantime, it will give Eric and I time to figure something out.”

  Lydia’s mouth dropped open.

  “Don’t look at me like that. It is not so far fetched. Yes, the King actually has two daughters. The first daughter and the first Queen were killed. Somehow the demons or the wolves decided you were the chosen daughter and it appears they know nothing about Gweneviere. Hypothetically speaking, everyone thought you were dead so no one ever went looking for you. Somehow you survived and somehow the demons found out about you. Yes, that is the story we shall tell. Somehow you survived. We know the prophecy is for the daughter to ascend the throne, hence the death wish on you. I know having you around puts you in more danger but I am not too concerned. That is how we found you. We just have to play along that you are the daughter. You are a warrior, capable of defending yourself. The longer you survive, the better it is for Gweneviere and the survival of the Kingdom. That is why both of you are in severe danger. Now come. We must hurry. I do will whatever I can to protect us but I am only a wizette; powerful yes, as powerful as my brother but not against the ancient magic that we shall encounter. Dark times lay ahead. Stay alert!” Erica took off, entering the cave at a fast pace. Lydia hesitated for a second, then unsheathed her swords and prepared for battle.

  “I pity the poor fool who hurt the King’s daughter for they shall have no mercy. My revenge shall be swift and lethal. I AM A WARRIOR!!!” she yelled at the top of her lungs.

 
She ran after Erica.

  * * *

  Chapter 10

  “Here, come quickly.” Captain Artemus had just cleared the bush and was looking at a cave entrance. “This must be it.” He looked ahead and the wolf turned back for a second then disappeared into the darkness.

  Captain Artemus followed. Ordering his men to keep silent, the captain entered the cave just in time to hear “I am a warrior” being yelled. He stopped his men and listened. This was going to be dangerous.

  Shabb kept moving ahead. He had gotten used to being noisy and was not aware of all the commotion he was making. He was keeping a nice steady pace when he saw a flash from the corner of his eye and felt cold steel being pressed on his neck and chest.