Once they were gone, she turned back to the dock, intending to join Arianne and Keira and complete their own departure from this place. She reminded herself that upon reaching Eden Halas, they should send word to Galain at Winter Keep to discover what had happened here. There was no doubt in her mind that the folk of this village had come to a terrible end but she could not imagine any violence that could wipe all traces of them so completely.
Even goblins left bodies behind.
Celene was walking past a boat house with a ramp extending from its wide open doors to the river when she heard something move within its shadowy insides. She froze in her tracks on the path that led to the dock and waited for a few seconds to see if she heard it again. The sound was repeated almost instantly and Celene frowned, trying to place it. It was a strange, like the flapping of a bird’s wings except that it was too fast for any bird in flight.
At first, she had considered ignoring it because she suspected that there were things in the darkness she did not really wish to discover. However, when she heard the sound again, this time laced with something she could only call desperation, Celene found herself unable to ignore the peril and followed the ramp into the open doorway
The interior of the boathouse was bathed in darkness and within her first few seconds inside, she heard it again. The flapping was now accompanied by a desperate but soft chirping, like that of a bird, though extremely weak. Through the window, the glow of the crescent moon illuminated the darkness slightly, though not much and as she followed the noise to its source, Celene instinctively unsheathed her sword.
She had not taken more than a few steps when she caught sight of a lamp. Deciding that a little more light would probably aid this foolish investigation, she liberated it from its place on a tool bench and lit it. The illumination it provided gave her only a bit of light for the wick was almost gone. If anything it made the shadows inside the place flicker across the walls like demons dancing in the dark.
She found the bird a few paces ahead of her and saw that it was trapped in mid air. It took no more than an instant for her to register what she was seeing before she stumbled back, her mouth open in shock and a scream was trying to find its way out of her throat. Looking up at the ceiling, she realised that the helpless bird was one of many things trapped in this place. As Celene stared with eyes widening in horror, she knew at last what had befallen the people of Caras Anara.
Spiders.
She saw at least a dozen poor souls trapped on the silk of a giant spider’s web, their bodies now dried husks drained of blood. Celene was barely able to contain her revulsion as she saw corpses of men, women and children alike, suspended above her head. If not for their clothes, she would not have been able to recognise them as human at all. Reaching out, her fingers trembled as she saw a child within silken threads of the web, hoping against hope that there was still some life left for her to save.
She but only grazed the child’s body before the contact proved too much and the corpse broke free of its trappings, landing heavily at her feet. She uttered an involuntary scream when the husk came apart, dropping the lamp on the floor as the glass shattered and spread oil and flames in all directions. Her hand flew to her mouth, trying to contain the retch that wanted to come when she saw what remained of a little boy staring at her with dead eyes. That image came with an even more frightful realisation.
They had probably heard the commotion.
Her preoccupation with the corpse had almost made her miss the approach of the creature behind her. Despite its size, and it was larger than anything that could possibly be crushed underfoot and it knew how to move stealthily. She saw it in the corner of her eye, a flurry of movement that did not have the fluidity of fire and when she turned, she was staring into the compound eyes of a giant spider of Syphi.
The Syphi spiders, named after the Dreaded Mother, originated from the Syphi Chasm in the Wilds. Balfure had brought them to Eden Halas after an unsuccessful attempt to destroy the elven city. King Halion and his elves who fought bravely had valiantly repelled the invaders. Enraged, Balfure had unleashed the spiders into woods of Halas to ensure that the elves were too busy fighting this menace when he moved on to Eden Ardhen. For years, the battle to drive the creatures out had occupied much of Eden Halas’ time and it was thought they were all destroyed before the war began. However, it appeared they had simply found a new home.
Celene wondered how many of the villages they thought abandoned because of the goblins had in fact suffered this fate.
It did not matter, Celene decided because a single creature could not have overtaken Caras Anara so completely that not one person escaped to tell the tale. As the beast closed in on her, she knew this spider was not alone and the whole of Caras Anara was infested with them. With a surge of panic, she realised that Arianne and Keira were out there alone, unaware of what was lurking in the darkness. She had to warn them!
Unfortunately, Celene’s ability to act was hindered by the spider moving in for the kill. She saw its mandibles snapping in hungry anticipation of her blood and brandished her sword in readiness to attack. She could not spend too much time dealing with this beast when Arianne and Keira might be deadly danger.
Its legs skittered forward as it rushed at her, spitting poison as it leapt with powerful legs. Celene jumped out of the way, thankful there was space available to do so. Though it was larger, it moved with terrifying speed and was soon resuming its attack. This time there was no way for her to avoid it and Celene lashed out fiercely, her blade tearing through its darkened flesh and eliciting an unearthly shriek of pain. In retaliation it stabbed one of its spindly legs in her direction and though she tried to evade it, nothing could keep the barbed limb from penetrating the flesh of her shoulder.
She uttered a sharp cry of pain and was enraged by the injury. Striking out viciously, the blade sunk into the spider’s crimson eye and she retracted it with similar vehemence. A screech of agony followed and when Celene retrieved her blade, dripping with black blood. Despite being partially blinded, the spider lunged again, trying to tackle her to the ground. Celene saw its intent and jumped herself, diving beneath it as it landed in the place she was just standing. Rolling onto her knees, she swung around and braced herself for its next attack.
Blood was flowing freely down her shoulder and she knew its scent could bring others. Grunting in pain, she was conscious of how much time she was wasting trying to fight this creature when she realised that her lungs were burning from the smoke of the fire she had started. So preoccupied with the spider, she had not noticed the fire that had spread across the roof and down some walls. The rising heat prickled her skin and caused sweat to run down her forehead. With the flames growing taller around her, she came up with a plan.
Instead of running, she stood her ground defiantly, challenging the beast to do its worst. For an instant the spider paused, recognising the intent of its would be meal to fight. However, pain and hunger overrode its caution and it scampered forward, preparing to devour her. Its fangs snapped in readiness for fresh blood, tired of morsels since the supply of people in Caras Anara was exhausted.
Celene saw it approaching and braced herself, ignoring the fear in her heart and reminding herself resolutely that this would only succeed if she held her ground. The creature closed the gap between them swiftly and as Celene saw herself in the reflection of its uninjured eye, her nerve almost gave out. There was an instant of terror when the spider’s jaw opened and Celene could almost smell its fetid breath upon her skin as it rushed her too quickly to stop.
She leapt out of the way at the last minute and the spider could do nothing but utter a terrified screech of desperation as it ran straight into the fire raging behind her. The flames quickly overcame it and Celene grimaced at the sight of it writhing in agony as it was burned alive. Its legs kicking wildly as it tumbled unto its back, continuing to struggle until she could no longer stand to look at it.
When she heard the creak of a wooden
banister burning away over her head, Celene knew it was time to leave. Grabbing a piece of timber, she used it as a torch and ran out of the boathouse now blazing before it collapsed in on itself and her.
*******
After Celene left them, Arianne and Keira went in search of an appropriate vessel to take them into Eden Halas. They had decided upon a long canoe that was resting near one of the ramps and would take the three of them easily. After she and Keira had carried it to the shore, they returned to the spot where Celene left their belongings and began loading the craft now awaiting patiently near the water’s edge. Neither of them spoke as they did this work, too fearful that if they made any noise, they would give themselves away to whatever menace had ruined this village.
Suddenly, they heard a scream tear through the night.
‘Was that Celene?’ Keira straightened up, staring at Arianne with worry.
‘It is!’ Arianne declared and without better of it, took up her sword and ran up the beach, not waiting to see if Keira was behind her.
‘Arianne! Wait!’ Keira called after her but the elf did not stop. Keira uttered a curse and followed, picking up her own weapon as she did so.
It didn’t take long for them to see that one of the boathouses was ablaze. Fire and smoke was billowing out of the door and through the windows as they approached. Arianne needed no clairvoyance to know that this was where they would find Celene. However, the thought had no sooner crossed her mind when she realised that building on fire was not the one to watch. It was the ones near it. Black bodies were emerging into the night, bodies with two many legs and large, blood red eyes.
‘Oh Spit!’ She heard Keira curse next to her as they saw the spiders climbing out of the previously silent boathouses.
Two of them skittered onto the path, barring their way towards the burning building.
‘Let me pass or you shall feel the sting of my blade!’ Arianne hissed as she slashed the air before one of them, showing them that she would cut them to pieces if they tried to stand in her way.
Keira unsheathed her sword, never imaging that she would have to use it so soon and certainly not against spiders. They should have run but Arianne was determined to reach Celene and Keira had promised the warrior of Angarad to stay with the Queen who now needed her help. She couldn’t leave. Remaining at Arianne’s side, Keira prepared to fight if the creatures rushed them.
The one on Arianne’s left lunged and the queen dropped to her knees, seeing the power in its legs and knowing that it would fly over her head. She raised her sword as it flew above her, its tip biting into the beast’s plump abdomen and ripping it open as it passed overhead. Black blood spilled out and Arianne felt it splash on her clothes and almost choked in disgust.
The second spider, taking advantage of Arianne’s distraction, skittered towards the queen, prompting Keira into action.
‘Get away from her!’ She shouted, swinging her sword wildly, uncertain if any of the wide, clumsy swipes was doing anything to deter the thing. The spider hesitated at this new attack and then sprang forward again, once it gauged the threat appropriately. Keira stumbled backwards and then lost her footing. She fell on her rump just as the creature landed on her, tripping her body with its legs on either side. She let out a sharp scream of terror as she shrank away from its dripping fangs.
However, no sooner than the sound had left her throat, Keira heard the spider shriek in agony and roll off her. She scrambled away and saw a thick piece of flaming timber protruding from its round body.
‘Keira are you hurt?’ She became aware of Arianne demanding frantically.
‘No,’ Keira answered, shaking her head as she turned and saw the spider struggling to rid itself of the spike upon which it was impaled as the fire spread across its body.
Arianne let out a gasp of surprise and relief when she realised that Celene had come to their rescue. She moved swiftly, far swifter than Arianne ever thought possible and slashed her blade in a wide arch ending the flaming creature’s agony when she took its head. Arianne was forced to look away in revulsion as the foul creature’s head tumbled from the rest of its body and rolled downed the beach.
‘Celene!’ Arianne noted the blood on the Angarad’s shoulder. ‘You are hurt!’
‘I am fine,’ Celene said exhausted and looked at the town to see more dark shapes emerging. ‘We have to go! This entire village is infested with spiders. We must be away to tell Halion what transpires here!’
‘Well come on then!’ Keira shouted, already running down the sand towards their boat.
Neither Arianne nor Celene could disagree with that when they saw more spiders crawling out from their hiding places, having picked up the scene of fresh blood. Running towards the boat, the river was the only thing that could save them now.
‘Get in!’ Arianne ordered Celene as she helped Keira pushed the boat further into the water.
‘But...’ Celene started to protest.
‘NOW CELENE!’ Arianne fairly roared, stopping her from saying anything else. Celene’s blood was drawing the spiders to them like a beacon, causing them to swarm in a frenzy of hunger.
Keira and Celine pushed the canoe into the water, until it was floating on its own. Neither looked behind them to see what was happening , the chilling screeches and sound of skittering telling them there was nothing they wanted to see.
‘That’s enough,’ Celene barked. ‘Climb in!’
Both women climbed into the large canoe, quickly picking up the oars so that they could row beyond the reach of the swarm. Only when they started to paddle, did Arianne and Keira realised just how many of the things were there and was grateful that the river halted their advance. Some of the spiders were pacing up and down in frustration at being unable to reach the prey they could see. The fire that Celene had set was now moving from house to house, claiming each building until the whole village was soon ablaze.
‘We must get you to Eden Halas,’ Arianne declared once they were far enough away from Caras Anara to stop paddling. Though they could still see the glow of the fire, they were now far enough away to be safe. ‘You’re hurt.’
‘It is nothing,’ Celene grunted as Arianne examined her.
‘Oh right,’ Keira rolled her eyes as she continued rowing. ‘You can as stubborn as a man about such things Celene. I would have thought that as a woman, you’d have better sense.’
‘Do not be stubborn,’ Arianne retorted as she undid the buttons of Celene’s jerkin. ‘I have yet to encounter a spider that did not have some poison in their bite so you will let me see to your injuries. As your queen I demand it,’ Arianne stared at her imperiously.
Celene groaned and stared at her petulantly. ‘I think it is exceedingly unfair that you should use that to force me to obey.’ She grumbled.
‘I know,’ Arianne smiled. ‘Do I not do it well?’ The elf asked with a twinkle of mischief in her eye.
Celene rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, ‘elves.’
CHAPTER SEVEN:
THE CARACAL
The irony of the situation was not lost on Dare as he pursued Arianne and her companions down the Yantra.
Until now, Dare did not know what torture it was to be the one left behind when loved ones departed to face untold dangers. How had Arianne borne it every time he left Eden Taryn to take on yet another battle with Balfure? It was always a woman’s lot to wait and pray that her loved ones would be delivered back to her safely because that was the accepted way of things. However today, he realised now why she was always so distressed to see him go.
The wait was simply maddening.
Ronen, who was sharing a boat with Tully and Tamsyn, appeared just as anxious about his wife though he tried hard not to show it. The Lord of Gislaine told himself that his wife was a brave woman and a cunning warrior. If there was one person who could acquit herself in any kind of peril, it was certainly Celene of Angarad.
Celene believed it was their time together following the battle of Asta
roth that love first bloomed between. If she had asked, he would have told her she was mistaken. He knew the exact moment he fell in love with her. It was during the battlefield of Astaroth.
Even in the midst of fighting the worst of Balfure’s army, he had caught sight of this woman, clad in armour fighting more fiercely than even the most seasoned soldier under his command. She was simply the most magnificent creature he had ever seen. Fearless and determined, she had fought that ogre with all the skill at her disposal when a lesser man would have fallen well before the moment Ronen was forced to intervene on her behalf. He was not even been thinking when he rushed into fray and speared the beast.
All that was on his mind was the possibility that the creature could kill her before they met.
Like his king, Ronen was all too aware that this time it was no ogre that Celene was facing. An enemy capable of resurrecting Mael from the Aether was no ordinary foe but it would not matter to Celene if she was defending her Queen. She would lay down her life just the same. He was afraid for her and no matter how much he tried to tell himself that she was capable of protecting herself, he feared skill wouldn’t be enough.
In the same boat as Dare, Aeron was silent.
He had been for some time now but this was not unusual behaviour for him because he was prone to quiet reflection when others about him were losing their heads over whatever trial they were facing. However, on this occasion his silence had purpose. His heightened senses were on full alert because he could feel something tugging the edge of his perception and the sensation produced by that unknown was ominous.
As he rowed the boat in tandem with Dare, he scanned the shoreline that ran parallel with the Yantra, trying to learn what shape this danger coming upon them would take. It had been growing in intensity for sometime now but Aeron had not spoke of it because he was uncertain whether or not it was danger in the lands they passing or was it something following them.
Avalyne Series 01: The Queen of Carleon Page 10
