Darkness Falls (Tales of the Wolf)

by A. E. McCullough

  Chapter 43

  Galvorn crouched behind two scraggly bushes and studied the valley below.

  It was full of soldiers…orcs, lycanthropes and probably a half-dozen trolls but no sign of Blackfang or Darnac. Judging from the troop placement, he could tell three things. One, they were not expecting company. They had guards posted but none of the soldiers were on alert. Two, there was a cave beneath the dragon skeleton. Which was probably where Blackfang was hiding. Lastly, the narrow canyon was the only way in or out of the Dragon Graveyard.

  The young Blademaster chuckled to himself. If Blackfang’s sentries had not attacked him in the outer canyon, he would have bypassed the entrance, completely unaware of its existence. Now the problem was how best to infiltrate the camp below? Sure, he could shadow-step to slip past the guards but eventually he would have to step back into the Prime Material Plane and that’s when he would have to deal with the numerous soldiers.

  As a Sicárii, he was trained to strike hard and fast, then just slip off into the darkness. Which was at odds with the Blademaster mentality of meeting your opponent head on, blade to blade, one after another, until a victor emerged. The problem was how best to integrate the two styles into one?

  Then, the answer came to him. Why not do both? He could use Salire-umbra to slip past the majority of the troops until he reached the cave. Stepping out of the Shadow Realm, Galvorn could dispatch any guards before challenging his father to a duel. Given his limited options, it seemed like the best choice.

  Galvorn paused when he heard movement in the valley behind him. Shifting his position slightly, he caught the glimpse of several figures sneaking through the canyon. He was about to move closer when he felt the cold metal of a knife on his throat.

  “Gothcha!”

  * * * * *

  Gray opened his eyes and groaned.

  He was laying on his back in a mass of pine needles looking at the trunk of a very large tree. Twisting his head slightly, he saw that there were numerous other trees all around him. A forest. He was in a forest. For some reason that seemed significant.

  Hearing someone else moan nearby, he pushed himself up to one elbow and spied Chikk Forlorn.

  Gray blinked. Why was that important? And why was it so hard to think?

  Tamina. Where was Mouse? That was the one thought that suddenly shot through his brain. Sitting up quickly, Gray felt his stomach lurch but he choked back the vomit and scanned the surrounding forest until he saw her laying face down a dozen feet away. Seeing her did two things, it calmed his mind and brought his mission back to the forefront.

  “Darnac,” he croaked. Gray’s voice was dry and raspy. Pulling out his canteen, he took a drink and immediately felt better. “Now I know what Bathath meant about group travel being draining.”

  “If the subject of trying that again comes up again, I’ll pass,” stated Chikk as she pushed herself up.

  Tamina’s light voice joined in. “I never did like the Scriptorium, now I detest it.”

  Gray forced a chuckle. “I once asked Bathath about group travel. He always said it was possible but dangerous and painful. Now I know why.”

  Chikk looked around. “Where are we?”

  Gray really didn’t know how he knew but he did and pointed off to his left. “The Wall is a short distance that way.” He sniffed the air. “Galvorn came through here a few hours ago. We’re gaining on him.”

  The two ladies stared at him but he ignored them. They both knew that there was something peculiar about Isengrim but always just pushed it aside as part of his upbringing. But this, this was downright spooky.

  Chikk cocked her head to one side. “Don’t take this the wrong way Grim, but I’m not concerned where Galvorn is at the moment.”

  “Here, take a drink. It helps.” Gray handed them his canteen. “If Darnac is in trouble, do you not think that Lalith would send her newest Blademaster to rescue him?”

  Chikk took a swig and nodded. “That makes sense.”

  Gray helped Tamina to her feet. “Besides, I can’t explain it but I know that when we find Galvorn, we will also find Darnac. Come on, let’s get moving.”

  Within minutes, they were moving north and soon the three companions were at the Wall.

  The Wall is a huge cliff that separated the Highlands from the Southlands. Since it is a sheer cliff, it acted as a natural barrier to contain the savage creatures that inhabit the cruel northern lands. However, nature and the gods tend to be fickle and want the two cultures to integrate. Therefore, at certain times passageways seem to magically open up that connects the two realms. This was one of those times.

  Gray scanned the ground and even sniffed the air a few times but slowly and unerringly, he led them to the hidden corridor. It was behind an outcropping of rocks and was only as wide as a broad-shouldered man.

  Gracefully for someone his size, Gray scampered over the rocks and disappeared into the gloomy passage.

  Tamina looked at Chikk. She shrugged and followed. Seconds later, Tamina followed suit.

  * * * * *

  The moment Gray crossed the threshold of the Highlands many things happened.

  Clotho, the Demon Goddess behind the reign of the Dark Alliance, became angst-ridden. She did not know why but something troubled her dreams and she woke abruptly. She was unused to worry since her disciple had destroyed the child of prophecy all those years ago. Without him, the Nine would never come about and her reign would be assured. This she knew. Why then was she filled with apprehension?

  The Dhyana paused in their efforts to construct their own escape portal to watch the events play out in the mortal realm. Their fate was tied to this mortal, for good or ill their destiny was beyond their control.

  Aquilo and Cassandra paused in their current missions to watch. Their father had forbidden them to aid the child of prophecy but they could still watch…and pray.

  Closer to home, the Spirit of the Wild sensed the return of the Chosen One and shunted that knowledge to their faithful. All over Terreth, the animals suddenly became interested in what was happening in one small section of the North. One wolfpack in particular changed directions and began running south and east. Motomo, son of Orca and alpha of the pack, sensed that it was nearly time for him to repay a life debt passed onto him by his father.

  * * * * *

  Gray could not explain it but the moment he entered the rock corridor his soul came alive.

  He could not think of any way else to describe it. He was suddenly infused with energy and all of his senses came alive. If he focused his attention on any one thing, like the ant crawling across the rock wall thirty feet above his head, his vision zoomed in and he could see it as plain as day. Hell, he could even hear its legs clicking as it walked.

  This was both unnerving and enlightening. It was not overwhelming but welcoming. His heightened senses told him that someone was high on the canyon walls ahead. It was not any one thing. No glimpse of metal, no sound or smell that was out of place but a combination of all those and more.

  Somehow, Gray knew that something was discordant with its surroundings and he was obliged to correct it. He turned to face his friends. “Follow the path ahead. Don’t look for me but be wary. There is something wrong.”

  “What? What’s wrong?” Tamina hastily looked around. Not getting a reply, she looked back at her lover only to find him gone. “I hate when he does that.”

  Chikk scanned the surroundings but didn’t see him. “Where did he go?”

  “Off doing what he does best, stalking. If something is out there, he’ll find it.” Tamina shrugged. Not having any other choice, the two ladies drew their weapons and continued down the path.

  * * * * *

  The moment the blade touched his neck, numerous deflects, disarms and blocks raced through Galvorn’s mind but it was the voice that sent a chill up his spine. Seconds later, the knife was retracted and laughter filled the air.

  “By the gods Gal, I’ve never seen you so pale.”
>
  Galvorn turned to find his best friend in the world. “Grim! Holy hell, you scared me.”

  Gray couldn’t hold back his grin. “Sorry about that, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get the drop on you.”

  Galvorn rubbed his neck. If it had been one of Blackfang’s minions or nearly anyone else, he’d be dead. Blademaster or not. “Well, you got me. I’m not sure why you’re here or even how you found me but I’m damn glad to see you.”

  “I didn’t come alone.”

  “Who?”

  Before Gray could answer, Chikk and Tamina came into view. The dark elf pirate captain just smiled and nodded her greeting but not Tamina, she leapt into his arms and gave him a big hug.

  “Shadow! I’m so happy to see you!”

  Galvorn was uncomfortable with affection and pulled back from the hug with a smile. “Mouse. It is good to be seen. It was touch and go there for awhile.”

  Gray could tell that his half-brother was mincing words and stepped forward. “Okay, okay. We are all happy to see each other but we are here for a mission.”

  Galvorn raised an eyebrow. “You are? And what is that?”

  “We’re here to find Darnac, the same as you.”

  Galvorn tried to suppress a grin but could not. “You don’t know how glad I am to hear that. Except, finding Darnac is only my secondary mission.”

  Gray cocked his head to one side. “What’s the primary?”

  “To kill his captor, my father.”

  Gray’s heart skipped a beat. Blackfang. Blackfang was nearby and to sweeten the deal, it seems that Lalith has lifted the ban on killing him. Gray forced himself to remain calm.

  Chikk was unaware of her former student’s conflicting emotions as she smiled and laid a gentle hand on the young Blademaster’s arm. “It’s your mission Shadow; we are just here to rescue Dar.”

  Galvorn rubbed his hands together. “Okay, here’s the plan…”

  Chapter 44

  For the third time in the last hour, Amani and Dancer had to duck undercover as another rover band of orcs passed through the area. It seemed that the closer they came to the Dragonfang Mountains, the more soldiers of the Dark Alliance they ran across. Shortly after dawn, the two Highlanders had almost stumbled into a band of sleeping trolls. Only the arrival of a white eagle saved them. The sacred bird dove through the massive humanoids with a screech. The trolls awakened with a yell and chased after the elusive raptor. When the trolls had jumped up, the two Highlanders had frozen in surprise and fear only to be overlooked by the beasts in their rush to catch the eagle.

  As they waited for the lastest patrol of orcs to passed by, Amani felt uneasy. It wasn’t the fact that there were enemies nearby but it was more the feeling that time was running out. They needed to reach the Dragonfang Mountains and soon. She didn’t know where or why but she knew it to be true. Leaning forward, she whispered in Dancer’s ear, “We need to get moving.”

  Dancer gestured to the patrol. “I would love to get going but they are in our way.”

  Amani wanted to argue but he was right, there were numerous orcs in their path and no clear way around them. Suddenly, she saw the white eagle. It was calmly sitting on a tree branch a short distance away and it was watching them. Amani elbowed her friend and silently pointed.

  Dancer turned and nearly chocked on his own saliva when he saw the sacred bird. He had been originally educated to be a shaman of the tribe and the histories of the Highland people is a major aspect of the training. In every legend if the white eagle showed up, it was as the personal messenger of Luna the patron goddess of the Highland people. Of course, then there was the fact that at no time in his life had he ever seen or even heard of anyone seeing a white eagle. Dancer pointed toward it, “It’s a sign.”

  Amani nodded and began crawling in the direction of the eagle. Dancer copied her actions and soon the two Highlanders were in a low ravine that was sheltered from view by the tall sawgrass. As soon as they reached the gully, the white eagle took off and flew in the direction of the Dragonfang Mountains. Amani and Dancer followed. If the eagle ever seemed to get too far ahead of them, it would land and wait. It wasn’t long before they were past the most of the soldiers and getting close to the mountains. Eventually, the eagle landed on the bow of an old canoe that was resting on the bank of a small river.

  This time when they approached, it did not fly off. It cocked its head to the side and blinked but remained perched on the edge of the boat.

  Amani scratched her head. “I think it wants us to take the river.”

  “Do you think it’s safe?”

  Amani climbed into the old dugout. It seemed sturdy enough. “Either you believe she’s a messenger from Luna and completely trust in her guidance or you don’t. I know the path I’m going to follow.”

  Dancer lowered his head. She was right. Either he believed or he didn’t. Now was the time to make a choice. He climbed in behind her, picked up the paddle and shoved off. “My faith in Luna has never been in doubt.”

  Amani looked over her shoulder at him and smiled. “Just like my faith in you.”

  Dancer’s heart was warmed by her comment and smile. He wasn’t sure which one felt better. Seeing the sacred eagle launch itself from the bow, Dancer turned his attention back to navigating the small boat through the shallow but fast running stream. Neither Highlander knew exactly where they were heading but they were at least making good time and it was easier than being on their feet.

  * * * * *

  Mortharona leaned back against the solid flanks of Astaroth.

  The traitorous elf couldn’t help but grin at the odd friendship that had developed between the two of them. Yes, the massive Void Dragon had vowed to eat him given the chance but ever since he had not backed down or shied away, the dragon had shown a measure of respect to him.

  Then, there was their common dislike for orcs that brought them closer. Mortharona had been forced to kill three orc chieftains in a very public and bloody manner to gain compliance of the troops. Astaroth had gobbled up the corpses and made sure that the orc hordes had been watching. If they were not cowed from his actions, they certainly were after Astaroth was finished.

  Mortharona felt the onyx ring on his left hand vibrate. Raising the ring high the dark haired elf commanded, “Ostende te!” and black smoke spewed out of the stone.

  Astaroth lifted his colossal head up from his paws and craned his tree-length neck around until his snout was next to Mortharona’s head.

  The smoke billowed and twisted in on itself for several minutes until it formed into a near perfect replicate of Lalith’s head. When it spoke, it was her voice only hollow. “Ah…my two favorite men, how delightful.”

  “Beloved.”

  Astaroth lowered his snout. “Mistress.”

  The smoky projection of the Dark Lady grinned. “Report.”

  Mortharona cast a sideways glance at his dragon companion and received a nod, so he began. “Your troops are ready and anxious for the invasion to begin. Jotenhiem is contained with three legions of troops and one cohort of trolls. They are dug in and understand their orders.”

  Astaroth’s long forked tongue flicked in and out as he spoke. “Two of my brood are also on site to assist in the containment. Although I am not sure why you won’t just let us raze the city to the ground and feed on the damned Cyclops? It would be so much fun.”

  Lalith’s smoky projection turned to face the elder dragon. “Because that is the will of Clotho. Remember, ours is not to reason why…”

  Mortharona finished the ancient adage. “But to fight and die.”

  “Yes. It is her will that we take Asylum. All other targets are now secondary. I want the entire force to surround and crush that damn city. I want the walls razed and its buildings put to the torch. I want death and destruction on a scale that this world has never seen before!”

  Mortharona grinned at the promised carnage. “Aye my love, just give the word and it will be done.”

&nbs
p; “The word is given. Let the darkness fall on the heathens!”

  * * * * *

  Ronin followed Rjurik as they walked through the ancient bastion that dominated the Old Hill in the center of Asylum. It was the original fortress built by the founders of the city in ages past.

  The old dwarf ran his hands across the rock foundation. “There is solid stonework here. Its old but sturdy.”

  Ronin placed his hands on his hips and slowly turned around. “This would be perfect for the monastery. Are you sure the city council will part with it?”

  Rjurik laughed. “They’ll be pleased as pigs playing in the mud to have someone take care of it.”

  The young monk turned his gaze on his friend. “Why is that?”

  “Well, they say it’s haunted. From what I have heard, no tenant in the last century has stayed more than a month here. The City Council has threatened to tear it down many times but since it is the original building of the founders, they can’t or won’t actually destroy it.”

  “Interesting. Well, haunted or not, we will take it.”

  “Outstanding. I will get with the clerks and finish up the paperwork for you but I am certain you can take possession immediately.”

  Ronin nodded and rubbed his hands together. “Excellent. Now, about your strays…”

  As the two friends walked away, shadows stirred in the corners and a gentle breeze blew through the open windows. If anyone had been around to hear, a mournful voice seemed to whisper, ‘…soon…’

  Chapter 45

  For the record, Gray hated the plan but it was the best they could come up with given their limited resources and timetable. It had taken the rest of the night to prepare the battlefield and the sky was just beginning to lighten as dawn approached. The plan was actually very simple. He was supposed to rile up Blackfang’s troops and draw them away from their fortifications and from the volatile werewolf with a scavenged longbow. He’d been elected by default since he was the best shot of the group. Once he had stirred up the proverbial hornet’s nest, Gray was to lead them through the twisting and turning crevasse to a particularly narrow point that acted as a natural chokepoint. The girls would dislodge several boulders and start an avalanche that would either trap or kill the majority of the enemy force below. Of course, if they set off the rock slide too early it could just as easily crush him.