Muscles were tense and slower in their reactions. The pain they caused were nothing compared to that of the swollen skin. Pushing through the pain, Alex managed to find his footing. With the aid of the staff he stood up without waking anyone. Every joint in his body ached and the weakness from yesterday still hadn’t vanished. He fought a groan that wanted to force its way from his throat and barely caught it in time. His clothes rubbed his sides and served as a painful reminder of the beating it took only a handful of hours ago. Needing to see what happened and wanted to clean up, Alex patted his pocket, feeling a bulge and was grateful that he didn’t need to bend down and retrieve the knife from his pack.
The clear pond chilled the air slightly and he listened to the insects talking and frogs croaking a song. Jabbing the staff in the moist ground of the bank he somehow managed to remove the tunic. Alex then hung the covering atop the staff and began dreading what was about to be witnessed.
The torso wasn’t difficult to see and most of the welts and swelling had subsided, but the bruising and discoloration had already begun. His right side looked and felt much worse than the left. Some purple lines between ribs told that if the blade was naked, Gerieg would have effortlessly slipped the steel through and had killed without effort. Master Gerieg was an expert in killing and knew the human body well enough to slay with the least amount of effort. Some bruises were wider than others and showed how he used the flat and edge of his blade in a multitude of ways. Using only the tips on his fingers Alex gently touched his ribs and was thankful that none of them were cracked. Still, the pain flourished over most of his body. Then he grasped his belted pants and pulled them down to suck a gust of air through his teeth. The bruises his legs announced were more prominent than on the entire torso. From the looks of them Gerieg favored taking his opponents legs out from under them. Alex wondered how he even remained standing during the onslaught.
Seeing enough, he moved over to the bushes to water the trees and then returned to the pond to shave with the knife and clean up. Once he finished he put his dry clothes back on and made his way back to silent camp to find it remained the same.
Knowing his condition; Shade’s would be similar, Alex walked up to his partner and knelt by his head. Rubbing his neck, the first sign of his impending wakefulness came in the form of twitching ears. When his golden eyes opened Alex asked in a quiet voice “How are you feeling?”
He tightly closed his eyes and stretched his paws straight from his laying position. He opened his eyes after they dropped heavily on the grass again. “About as good as you look.” He joked. His whiskers flared as he rolled to his belly and lifted his head. Alex almost laughed after seeing half of his face was flat from sleeping so hard last night. He then opened his mouth as far as it could go. His bottom jaw easily cleared the long sabers and almost touched his chest. When his jaw snapped shut his body shook slightly. Then he looked around to see the situation. “Alex,” He then asked in a quieter tone “can you help me like you did yesterday?”
“How?”
He turned his large head to look along his sides. “My shoulders, back and hindquarters are in pain from yesterday’s training.”
“On it,” Alex said while laying the staff by his front paws. He stood and began working on the areas that pained him. With his help and guidance, Alex worked on the most painful grouping of muscles. Shade groaned in relief as he helped ease his suffering.
Within ten minutes of the relaxing work Kikren awoke and woke his masters. Alex continued to work and they didn’t bother him.
After another five minutes Shade stood and shook the debris from his coat and decided to give himself a great stretch of his limbs. Gerieg saw this and looked at the two of them. Alex knew what he was going to say before the words left his lips. “Alex, remember what I told you during the night. We will stretch now. Follow me as best you can.”
As they stretched the pain made the moves much more uncomfortable and Alex still couldn’t reach the extent that he did last night for obvious reasons. Gerieg didn’t comment, but Alex could see he knew his discomfort level.
Quickly they broke camp and spoke shortly. Like yesterday Shade had to outrun Elo, failing once again. They ran along the plains alone. Shade’s exhaustion appeared much earlier than yesterday and he didn’t run nearly as swiftly, but he ran as best he could. Alex needed to force him to stop twice before collapsing. Shade grew angry with him, but knew he worried for his safety. They took only two more, twenty minute breaks before continuing.
They arrived at their masters camp well past nightfall, but weren’t scolded as they dreaded. Shade and Alex still collapsed and after gaining his breath again, he worked his brother’s muscles out. The masters provided two boar and more peaches, for which they were grateful. Once they finished eating Alex stretched with Master Gerieg, sparred and was too tired to ask any questions and listened intently to the stories. At one point he almost fell asleep during Gerieg’s story and focused harder so that another rock wouldn’t be thrown at his head. His stories continued to be futile, for the trigger remained elusive.
For the next five days they continued traveling east and doing those same things, but their third day was the most embarrassing. It was the hardest run Shade has ever had, for accumulated fatigue forced them both to rest eleven times. Sheer was worried for them and found them well after nightfall. She led them to the campsite and they arrived near midnight. Shade slept while Alex still had to work with his master. Every day and night was relentless and the only thing they had to look forward to was the few hours of dreamless sleep. During these five days many trees started appearing and changing the scenery from a grassy plane to a sparse wood. Kikren was even kind enough to wash Alex’s clothes when he was barely able to lift a finger. He said it was his pleasure to help since the young master was doing so much work, yet Alex felt like they were doing more than their fair share.
After the solid week of training, Alex awoke to Master Gerieg gently rubbing his shoulder. He sat up slowly, rubbed the sleep from his eyes and waited for him to speak. Gerieg leaned back and sat on his heels. “Today your trainings will change.” He said suddenly and Alex realized Shade was also awake for he yawned audibly. Shade asked “How will it change?” and their master quickly stated “Because we are imminently close to the Widow’s Forest.” When he said it, it took only a moment to realize the truth of their situation. They had traveled far in such a short time, but the two pupils were too focused on their tasks to fully grasp their geographical positions. Gerieg said calmly “The reason for this change is because on the plains, there weren’t many threats that could challenge you let alone keep pace. We knew you were capable of defending yourselves should something happen, but for the next few weeks we will travel together as a group. Since you have been through the forbidden Ruler’s Forest, you know there are many dangers in the world. Widow’s Forest is much the same for if you have read the outlawed book, then you know it too is a forbidden forest. Once we enter their territory, no one is to travel anywhere alone. Is that understood?”
The seriousness of his words made them aware of the dangers laying ahead. Shade looked to Alex and he to him. They already knew the dangers of the Ruler’s Forest intimately and the Widow’s Forest had a similar reputation. They both returned their attention and Shade said “We understand, Master Gerieg.” Alex nodded in confirmation as well.
The eldest master stood, grasping the ruby pommel of his sword with his left hand. “Good, then prepare to head out. We depart in ten minutes.”
While Alex packed his simple belongings and filled the skins from the nearby stream he began reminiscing about the journeys they had with Clift, Marlin and Lily. So much time had been spent together that it left a void in his chest from the disconnection and isolation from them. Clift’s innocent babble was missed and watching Marlin sit on the bank of a water source with his serene expression, fishing in silence, was relaxing. Most of all Alex missed the woman he cared for like no other. He missed her awkw
ard presence, he warmth, ferocious attitude, unwavering spirit, her fair beauty and the way she would hum the sweetest familiar melody. Those thoughts helped distract him from the constant fatigue and blending bruises that plagued his entire body.
Soon Alex leapt atop Shade’s back and took his position. Shade was still weary from his accumulated treks, but managed to bare him without effort. Elo already carried his two passengers and was waiting for them. When Shade began walking in the Beran’s direction, Elo began leading.
It was a welcome change to run as a group, but that didn’t mean they were traveling slow. In fact, Elo ran at a vigorous pace and Shade kept up, but only just.
After three hours of continuous running Elo wasn’t even the least bit winded because he breathed only through his nose. Shade was already breathing heavy, but kept up. It seemed like Elo’s presence kept Shade from admitting defeat or slowing. The trees had become denser, but it didn’t slow or hinder their brisk travel.
When noon approached Elo began conversing with Gerieg while his run remained constant and uninterrupted. The shrubs and other foliage that Shade ran through made it difficult to overhear. In a few minutes it seemed that their discussion ended and they could now hear what was said. Elo began slowing and Shade realized this as well. Soon the two of them were walking side by side. Elo said to Shade “For now we walk and cool your body.” His effortless and calm voice was startling. It was difficult to believe that he had run so long yet all he did was breathe slow and deeply.
Shade dipped his head to catch his breath.
While they walked together Gerieg looked at them both. “The reason why we’ve slowed is because the forbidden forest is straight ahead. Please do not speak unless spoken to for the next few minutes.”
Not a word was said as they continued heading in the same direction.
Before they knew it Alex thought he was back at the edge of the Ruler’s Forest again. There was a void of several acres between the trees that separated the forest from the woods. It was as if the forest had been cut off from the world and the line was perfectly straight. Trees blended together and it felt as if the forest was looking at them. After their first encounter Alex recognized the Xeal trees at once. There were so many mixed within other trees. The wind blew at the tops of the trees and there was a faint sound from a multitude of voices far away. Gerieg glanced at Alex and nodded that he heard it too. Without a word from anyone they cautiously drew closer to the tree line. The only difference between the two forbidden forests is that the ground wasn’t a boggy swamp. From the land that could be seen it looked like a healthy forest with a pleasant soil that smelled pleasant, like crushed pine needles.
Elo and Shade stopped twenty yards from the forest’s line. Alex watched as Gerieg dismounted from his place behind Elo’s shoulders and calmly walked forward several steps to stand ahead and between the groups. Sheer was content in flying overhead to keep an eye on them. Gerieg’s red cape whipped from the wind as he filled his lungs with air to say “Great trees! Will you give us a moment of your time?”
From the wary and startled looks of the others Alex was apparently the only one who understood what was said.
Though the wind blew from the south, the nearest Xeal tree’s leaves rustled in their western direction. It groaned as the trunk slowly moved. Then Alex heard “Ah, young speaker. The grove still speaks of you. Why have you returned so soon?”
Gerieg took on a humorous tone. “It has scarce been little more than two weeks since I last traversed your land. You see time slowly to ones such as us, for it has felt like an eternity since I’ve spoken to your kind. May I make a request?”
“Go on.” The tree said in an amused tone.
“May I and my companions request to travel freely through your lands?”
The tree was silent for a minute before coming to a decision. “If the land belonged to me then I wouldn’t mind, but the path of safety you seek must be granted by the Mothers.”
“I understand the rules and will humbly wait for the answer.”
“Very well; I shall send your message. If you wish to wait in comfort you may rest under my canopy.” Then the Xeal leaned toward another tree and the whispers began dying out the further they traveled into the woods.
Gerieg turned around to rub his throat. Alex knew the feeling too well. Speaking to a Xeal is hard on the voice. He looked at Elo and said “We must wait and see if we can move freely through these lands. For now this tree is being gracious and will allow us to rest under its leaves.”
“We knew this would happen, old friend.” Elo said and then shook his large mane while the wind ruffled it. “I will take the offer.”
Shade liked the idea as well and followed Elo under the tree. Soon they were all resting in comfort. The entire group was content just laying back, feeling the breeze and having tiny slivers of sunlight pass between the dancing green leaves. Unfortunately Alex’s rest was short-lived as Gerieg told him to sit up and he began telling more stories in hopes to find the trigger.
Alex has recently been getting the feeling that the more stories Gerieg tells the more frustrated he becomes. It seems like the stories don’t affect him like the elder master had hoped, but he didn’t give up nor did Alex dare tell his master how they didn’t feel right. A thought crept into his mind on a plausible cause to trigger his episode, but before he could get a handle on what it was, it disappeared and Alex didn’t get a chance to understand.
Two hours had passed with no reply until a frenzy of murmurs were faintly heard in the distance. Gerieg recognized it as well and cut his story short. They all stood and the sound of rustling leaves and deep groans grew steadily closer. The whispers were all around and it was difficult to focus on any particular one. Then they all backed away as another Xeal tree, that was close by the one they rested under, began leaning over and whispering.
The sounds stopped as the closest Xeal said “Your request has been granted, but” oh no, what is the stipulation? Alex feared. He glanced at Gerieg and saw he looked ready for this. “the Central Mother wishes an audience. She has told us you have struck a bargain that must be upheld and she wishes to hear your news.”
In a clear voice Gerieg said “Tell her I will be there in three weeks, but if she wishes to expedite our arrival ask her if she would allow the creation of a path.”
The Xeal then said “We shall inform her. Be careful, though no Xeal shall hinder your journey unless attacked, the danger of the creatures are not of our domain and we will not intervene should they attack.”
“Thank you.” Once he said that the trees began relaying their message. Gerieg turned towards the others to say “We have been granted safe passage.”
Kikren then heard the news and asked “Shall we be on our way?”
Soon, they all mounted and began running through the dense forest. Shade had kept up for the entire run, but Alex’s mind lingered on what this bargain was. What would a Xeal want that a Furion can give? Many thoughts rampaged through his mind, but all were too ridiculous to be plausible.
That night, after bathing, Alex and Shade had eaten, stretched and sparred did Alex interrupt the sixth story because the questions were eating away at him. “Master, what kind of a agreement did you make?”
He was surprised by the suddenness of the question and ceased the story about oppression. “I was wondering when you would ask.” He said honestly and content to quit the story that didn’t work either. He placed his palms upon his thighs and glanced at Shade when he asked what they were speaking about. “When Janken told me in his mirror-dust that Queen Allahandra used the mirror I left in her possession, that a Furion was at the Royal City, the four of us” he pointed to Elo, Kikren and Sheer as she remained perched in a tree to keep an eye out for any approaching danger. “left within minutes after hearing the report. We traveled from our home in the Shura mountains, through this forest and all the way to meet you. Now as to the bargain I made, you must understand that in the Ruler’s Forest the king tr
ee you saw was the only ruler of that immense spread of land. Here in the Widow’s forest there are three rulers who call themselves the Mothers. Each one has a different personality. The Southern Mother isn’t very adept at maintaining her memory and she constantly forgets what she has said or done. The Northern Mother has a personality apparently more severe than the king of the Ruler’s Forest. She cannot be approached for she hates all creatures that move without roots. We’ve met once about three decades ago, but even I barely managed to escape her tendrils. My father was so mad.” Then he smiled slightly. “The Central Mother is the most sensible of them all. She is a great leader and asks for only certain things that will entertain her, but she will not be disrespected for she can be as mean as the Northern Mother when angered. When I arrived about a month ago she heard my request and gave us permission to cross. Her only bargain for me to cross was that upon my return that she would like to meet you, Alex.”
“Me? But why?” he asked skeptically.
“Because we are the only creatures, besides other trees, that have the capability to speak with her.”
“What is it that she wants from me? My record in speaking to giant trees could have gotten us killed.”
Gerieg chuckled then reached over to pat his shoulder. “Fear not. I suspect she wishes to hear your story.” Gerieg laughed as his brow pulled together. “She likes new stories for she is quite lonely. And if she proves hostile in her intent, I can get us out of the danger, so there is nothing you must worry about. Now how about this story.” He smiled and immediately began speaking another topic.
It failed yet again.
So did the next four, hour long, stories.
Gerieg relinquished the tale that didn’t work in an angry huff and told everyone to get some sleep.
Furion's Trials (Book Two of the Items Trilogy) Page 7
