Rojuun
Page 23
Chapter 13
During the cousin’s journey to Aaltdiin, as well as the time traveled since, the road had been wide enough in most places for two people to ride side by side. By the time they reached deep forest, the road had turned into a single path.
“I say, the road isn’t what it used to be when I was young,” Sir Danth remarked. “The army used to maintain it. They used prisoners to do much of the labor while army wizards put protections on it to keep animals and monsters from harming travelers.”
“Monsters?” Tathan peered into the forest on either side. He was at the front of the group, leading the way. The farther a person traveled from civilization in the world of Ryallon, the more dangerous it became. There were real monsters that could rend a full-grown man with little effort, even a capable man like Tathan.
“Yes. The Willden Forest has a variety of creatures that like to eat people. It’s not a problem if you stay on the road, even now. However, I would not recommend venturing out on one’s own for any distance though.”
Liselle also looked into the forest nervously. “And people lived here?”
“Yes. In fact, we should have passed a few small towns by this point. There has been no sign of them. It is very odd to travel through a kingdom that no longer exists.” Sadness tinted Sir Danth’s voice.
Liselle looked back at him with an encouraging smile. “I can only imagine how hard it must be for you, Sir Danth. I’m not sure I could handle it as well as you’re doing.”
“Thank you, Milady.”
Tathan spoke loudly over his shoulder. “What sort of monsters are we likely to find, Sir Danth?”
“The sort of monsters attracted to loud noises,” the knight replied in a deadpan.
“Oh, ha, ha. Very funny.” Tathan did look around at the trees to see if he had attracted anything.
“Do not concern yourself, Master Tathan. There is no monster in these forests I cannot dispatch with efficiency.”
Tathan asked a little less loudly, “Where does this road lead to, Sir Danth?”
“At one time, it led to the capital city of Brondaggiin, a beautiful city made to be in tune with the forest. Each building existed in harmony with the trees.”
“Do you think it still exists after all this time?” Liselle asked. “And how did Aaltdiin survive when the other towns did not?”
“You ask excellent questions, Milady. Aaltdiin was built at the top of the cliffs, where the trees did not have a strong hold. The architecture was some of the finest our engineers had ever made. But most of Aaltdiin is gone as well. Only remains of the larger buildings toward the cliff face are left.”
“I’m sorry your home has fallen to such condition, Sir Danth,” Liselle sympathized. “So Brondaggiin is likely gone now as well . . .”
“I don’t know. It was a vast city covering miles, but of the forest. The Willden may have let it continue to exist.” He shrugged.
“How long before we reach it?” asked Tathan.
“In another fifteen days or so, should the road hold true.”
“And how would we get to the fortress we saw from the cliffs?” Liselle asked.
“I don’t know. I can’t imagine there would be a road to it. Perhaps we can try to explore from Brondaggiin.”
The forest grew thicker and darker over the next few days. Light rarely reached the road they traveled. Liselle took advantage of each stop to seek out new flowers she had never met before. One of the men would always accompany her to keep her safe from danger.
Sir Danth tried sniffing the flowers Liselle showed him, but to no avail. He was amazed at how animals would come up to her in curiosity. The same furry creatures scampered from his presence.
Vevin was especially enamored of Liselle since she had eased the pain of his wound. The gash looked much less angry and his mind didn’t seem quite as addled as it had when they first met him. Tathan thought that perhaps the pain had been driving him slightly insane.
They heard sounds of animals and monsters from within the forest, but none ventured onto the road. A steady drizzle fell most days, but it seemed right and Tathan enjoyed it. At night, Sir Danth would take watch. He needed no rest and was always diligent.