“You should rest,” Orin insisted.
“I’ll be okay,” she said. “You have to see this.”
Feray led the way into the new section of trail. The stone was as smooth as if it had been formed by water flowing through it for thousands of years. The arching stone pathway was still open on one side, but offered shelter from the elements and a sense of safety, even halfway up the mountainside. It was easily tall enough that a rider could sit comfortably on a tall horse without needing to duck their head.
“This is amazing,” Orin said, the awe in his voice making Feray blush.
“I just let the magic do the work,” she said.
“It’s perfect, truly,” Orin replied, running his hand along the side of the tunnel wall. “A masterpiece.”
“We should crest the trail soon,” Feray said. “Let’s keep moving and take a rest down in the valley.”
They made quick progress along the trail. Feray still leading the way, even though she felt tired and weak, her legs trembling as she walked along the path. They encountered another narrow place halfway down the descending side of the trail. A large boulder crowded the path and Feray was forced to deal with it.
The sun was high overhead and hot. When she funneled the solar magic into the boulder she could see the bright yellow and orange magical light, like long ribbons wafting down from the sky. She willed them into the boulder and the result was just as surprising as before. Instead of a peaceful dissolving of elements, the boulder suddenly popped, the sound echoing through the Mountain Veil. The horses neighed and Orin had to soothe them, which was no easy task on the narrow path cut into the side of the mountain.
“Easy, easy,” Orin said, speaking calmly to the skittish animals.
“What happened, mama?” Luc asked.
“The boulder cracked,” Feray said, looking at the huge stone.
She could see the crack, jagged like a bolt of lightning. The outer portion of the stone had shifted, but it still stood in her way. Controlling the solar elemental magic had been much more difficult and she knew she needed to rest, but there was no way to do that until they reached the bottom of the mountain trail. Instead, she pulled off her boots and handed them to Luc. Her bare feet could feel the strength of the mountain as it rose up and hummed through her. Immediately she felt better and stronger. She placed her hands on the outer section of the boulder and gave it a magic-fueled shove. It seemed to leap from the path, flying out over empty space before dropping down into the valley, crashing and bouncing and breaking apart. The trail where it had been was craggy but passable, even for a horse.
“That was awesome!” Luc said in an excited voice.
“Thank you, sweetheart,” Feray said, taking her boots back but not putting them on.
She led the way down into the valley, taking strength from the mountain as it flowed up into her bare feet. When they reached the grassy valley and the small mountain stream, the day seemed perfect. The sun above had shifted so that the light didn’t shine straight down on them, and instead filled the valley with warm, vibrant light while a soft breeze ruffled the wild flowers and made the tall grasses sway. Feray could feel the contentment from the horses as they munched on the tall, sweet grass. Rolo and Luc played, running and shouting, the dog barking, as they jumped back and forth over the stream and chased butterflies through the lush valley.
Feray sat on the ground, her back against a moss-covered boulder, as she sipped water from the stream which Orin had collected in a small canteen. She ate some bread, which had grown stale, and one of the last apples in their small supply of rations.
“Are you feeling better?” he asked.
“Much,” Feray said. “Working magic is exhausting.”
“You must build yourself up to it,” Orin said. “That way it won’t take such a toll when you have to wield it.”
“I haven’t had much opportunity,” Feray said. “You’ve been taking such good care of everything.”
“I can slack,” Orin said with a grin, before turning more serious. “What is our plan for finding Via?”
“It’s not much of a plan really,” Feray admitted. “I have no idea where to look for her. I’m just hoping the magic will lead us where we need to go.”
“It is possible that the Wilderness is filled with strange creatures that will devour us without mercy,” Orin said. “We know dragons are real. What other nightmarish beasts might be lurking beyond the mountains?”
“I can’t say for certain,” Feray admitted. “But I do know that Crucifus didn’t feel to me the way those abominations that attacked our camp felt. It’s hard to explain, but I could sense their evil intent and the dark magic that infused them. It was like the scent of rot in old meat when you sniff it.”
“Not pleasant,” Orin said.
“But the dragon was different. I could feel his power, but also the magic that infused him was…” she thought for a minute, trying to find the right words to convey how Crucifus the Red had made her feel. “It was like aged wine,” she finally said. “Not that I’ve drank all that much wine, but it has an aroma that feels a little heady, wouldn’t you say?”
Orin nodded. He didn’t care for wine, but he’d been around plenty of it in Splendora. In the kitchens he’d smelled the old vintages as they were decanted, the aroma of the wines could sometimes fill the room. And even though Orin didn’t like drinking wine, he appreciated the complexity of the smell and the craftsmanship that went into making fine wine.
“I would,” he agreed. “I can see your point.”
“We’ll stay alert, of course,” Feray said, “but whatever those creatures were that carried Via away, I don’t think they were common. In fact, I think they were created just for that purpose.”
They rested for nearly an hour, then continued their journey, reaching the wide meadow between the Mountain Veil and the Mossy Woodlands shortly before sunset. Mounting their horses, they rode across the fields and stopped at the shelter near the edge of the woods.
“I think we should make camp here,” Feray said. “We can explore the forest in the morning when we have more light.”
“As you wish, my lady,” Orin said, slipping down from his saddle and then moving back to help Luc down as well.
“You two see to the horses, and I’ll get something cooking for dinner,” she said.
“Look at the size of the trees, Rolo!” Luc said. “They’re ginormous!”
Big, Rolo barked.
That night they ate a stew with the last of their vegetables, dipping the stale bread into the broth to soften it up, and enjoying a feeling of satisfaction that came from passing through the Mountain Veil. There were dangers to be sure, but the threats from Floralon seemed far away and small. The night was cool, but not cold, and the ground was soft with grasses. The shelter was old, the wood decaying, and the trio decided to sleep out under the stars. Feray had a good fire burning, and everyone seemed content.
“We’ll need to hunt soon,” Orin said. “If we don’t find a village to buy supplies.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Feray said. “Although it doesn’t seem right to hunt animals once you can talk with them.”
“The bear brought you fish,” Orin pointed out. “The owl from Asher’s cabin hunts every night. It is the way of the world. Some creatures give their lives so that others can live.”
“Yes, you’re right, of course, but I’ll leave it to you, if that’s alright?”
“Of course it is,” Orin said. “I’ve spent most of my life in the woods. I enjoy hunting.”
“How do you do it?” she asked. “I mean, what weapons do you use?”
“Because I have no hands?” he said with a smirk. “I would think you would already know the answer to that.”
“Javelins?” she said.
He nodded.
“And traps. I’m slow, but I’ve learned what I’m doing and I don’t waste anything. What I can’t use is snatched up by the animals of the forest before morning in m
ost cases. Even the bones are cracked open and the marrow extracted by other animals. It’s an efficient system, the harmony of the natural world.”
“Where do we fit in?” Feray asked, gazing over at Luc, who was sound asleep beside Rolo.
“I used to think we were the lords and rulers of the world. But your friend the dragon changed my mind on that point.”
“Sometimes I feel like we aren’t really part of the world, just visitors here for a short time.”
“I’ve rarely seen the good side of humanity,” Orin said. “But I’ve seen plenty of greed, and cruelty. I don’t see that in nature. The animals do what they need to do to survive, nothing more. They don’t destroy anything they don’t need to consume, they don’t enslave other species, or even worry about what is happening beyond their little slice of the world.”
“But surely there is wisdom in looking ahead,” Feray said. “Planning for the future allows us to grow crops, and to utilize resources so that we can think beyond survival.”
“I know you’re right,” Orin said. “But take my father for example. He is king of Floralon, with more than he needs. In fact, my father has more than he will ever be able to use in his lifetime. Yet it doesn’t satisfy him. He wants more, always more.”
“Not everyone is like your father,” Feray said.
“I know that,” he admitted. “I just can’t help but wonder if we aren’t leaving the fiends we know for dangers we have never imagined.”
Chapter 13
Shortly after dawn, as Feray was gathering their supplies and Orin was saddling their horses, the unmistakable sound of dragon wings filled the air. Rolo and Luc ran to Feray, both cowering a little behind her skirt as Crucifus the Red sailed over the towering tree tops and circled their camp. And the huge, red dragon wasn’t alone.
“I can’t believe it,” Orin said, moving a little closer to Feray.
The horses neighed and stomped nervously as a vibrant, crimson-colored dragon with bright yellow stripes and tawny wings followed Crucifus. Then a large dragon with a massive head and a grand silver beard that wrapped around its face appeared from over the trees. It had dirty white scales that looked like cold ashes, and a ridge of spines down its back. Finally, a small black dragon that looked almost like a shadow shot over the trees so fast it was a blur.
“Four dragons,” Orin said, his discomfort obvious.
“Mama?” Luc said.
“Don’t worry, Luc, they’re friendly. You’ll see.”
Rolo whined and trembled as Crucifus spread his massive wings and descended to the ground near the camp. The other dragons landed nearby, but stayed farther back. Feray left Luc with Orin and approached Crucifus slowly.
“Hello again, Bright One,” the big dragon said, lowering its head. “You have returned.”
“It took longer than we expected but here we are,” Feray said. “Crucifus, may I introduce you to my son. This is Luc.”
She waved the four-year-old to her and Luc went bravely to his mother, obviously frightened, but trusting her just the same. Crucifus bent low, his massive golden eyes staring at Luc.
“He has the gift,” the dragon said. “Welcome, young one. Have no fear of us. We do not eat humans.”
Luc nodded and Feray tousled his hair.
“I have spoken of your power to my pride,” Crucifus said. “They have sent my companions to meet you.”
“I’m honored,” Feray said.
“This is Flambra,” Crucifus said, nodding toward the yellow-faced dragon, who stepped closer, looking at Feray with her crimson eyes. “The silver beard is Seartus. And the black dragon is Chardis.”
“She is powerful, I will give you that much,” Seartus said. “But how can we trust her?”
“Time will prove her intentions,” Flambra said. “I sense no malice or guile in her.”
“Humans are masters of deception,” Seartus went on. “It would be best to keep her here until she has proven herself.”
“I have news,” Feray said. “I don’t want to stir up trouble, but we encountered magical creatures on the eastern side of the Mountain Veil. Strange creatures with the bodies of eagles and snakes where their talons should have been. They were abnormally large and filled with a dark magic.”
The dragons growled angrily. Smoke billowed from the small black dragon’s mouth as it moved closer to Feray.
“You saw these creatures?” Crucifus asked.
“We fought them,” Feray said. “They attacked our camp, and carried away a young woman who was traveling with us.”
“They also attacked the soldiers who were following us,” Orin spoke up as he too moved closer to the gathering of dragons.
“They were abominations,” Feray went on. “Abnormal creatures infused with magical power, but it was cold and unnatural.”
“We have seen such creatures,” Crucifus said, his massive head nodding up and down. “Dire wolves who kill for no reason. Great saber-toothed lions that stalk the mountain passes. Forest creatures filled with sorcerous power so that they grow abnormally large.”
“I have seen the Frost Orcs venturing forth to raid the Silver Elf clans,” Seartus said. “It’s been decades since the hateful creatures left their mountain hovels.
“It is the work of an evil sorcerer,” Flambra added, looking intently at Feray. “Did you say that humans were carried away?”
“Yes,” Feray answered.
“To be devoured, most likely,” Seartus grumbled.
“I don’t think so,” Orin said. “I was taken by one of the creatures. It could have killed me, but instead it fought to carry me away alive. I managed to defeat it, but I saw the others, carried over the Evergreen Forest and back toward the Mountain Veil.”
“These are ill tidings,” Crucifus said. “Do you think they were taking captives intentionally?”
“For what purpose?” Chardis hissed.
“That is something we must uncover,” Crucifus said.
***
Via had passed out shortly after being captured. Hanging in the darkness, the snake bodies coiled around her arms and shoulders, the dark shapes of trees far below, and the freezing night air all combined to overwhelm her. When she woke again, the sun was rising and her body ached terribly. She could see a vast forest below her, the canopy thick with broad leaves and thick tangles of hanging moss. It was different from anything she’d seen before, but she felt so weak and her body hurt so much, just keeping her eyes open was difficult. She was cold, so cold she felt as if her bones had been turned to ice. The wind stung her eyes, and when she tried to look around she grew dizzy from being so high in the air.
The next thing she knew she was waking up again, only this time she could feel the ground beneath her. Everything hurt, but she wasn’t moving, and her arms were free from the snake coils. For a long time she lay on the ground, thankful that she wasn’t in the air. She could smell the damp earth and mouldering leaves beneath her. There were other smells as well, a fire somewhere, and strange spices that she didn’t recognize, along with the foul stench of rotting flesh. Her stomach heaved and she wretched, her body shuddering, but she had gone without food and had nothing to vomit up.
“So, you’ve finally roused,” said a cruel-sounding voice. “I was beginning to think you weren’t strong enough.”
A long-fingered hand grabbed her shoulder and rolled her over onto her back. Via’s eyes fluttered open and she saw a slender man with ivory skin and white hair pulled back into a tight braid. He had large eyes and sharply pointed ears. He stared down at her with a penetrating gaze. Via had never seen such strange eyes, the irises were so pale they were almost white and she could sense the cruelty in them. There was no compassion in the strange being’s gaze, no mercy to be found.
“Get up and eat,” he snapped. “You aren’t dead yet.”
“Who are you?” Via asked.
“That is still to be seen,” he said. “Eat, regain your strength. I’ve kept you separate from the others. That s
hould be enough for you.”
As Via pulled herself into a sitting position, another person came into the small clearing where she sat. To either side of Via were gnarly roots and there were shrubs all around, almost as if she were in a cattle pen of some type. The other person she saw was shorter and fatter than the first. His skin was darker and mottled, his hair a greasy brown that hung limp and thin from his round head. The points of his ears protruded from the dark hair, and his eyes were dull and shot through with dark red veins.
He carried a basket of fruit and set it down in front of her. Sniffing at her like a hound, he frowned and turned quickly away.
“Hollis doesn’t approve,” the first elf said. “But then he’s jealous, and why wouldn’t he be? He’s a powerless crossbreed, without purpose or strength, and no home to call his own. Perhaps you have felt that way too.”
Via just stared at the strange being. His glowing white eyes boring into her as if he could see her very soul.
“Eat, you need your strength. I am Allric, your new master.”
Via felt tears burning her eyes. She felt so weak and shaky she wasn’t sure she could keep from fainting but she reached out for an apple. It was large, almost the size of a small melon. She had to hold it with two hands, and when she moved it to her mouth she could smell the sweet fruit. As soon as she bit through the apple’s skin, the succulent juice flooded into her mouth and she realized how incredibly thirsty she was. She sucked at the moisture of the apple greedily and then ate the crisp, fibrous meat in big, ravenous bites.
The elf named Allric watched her for several minutes. She was accustomed to men starting at her. She was young and attractive, perhaps not beautiful, but pretty enough to catch the eye of most men. After her mother’s death she had learned to be leery of those who stared too long or too hungrily at her. The elf’s look wasn’t lustful, but rather inquisitive, as if he were trying to solve a puzzle. Under normal circumstances it would have made her uncomfortable, but at that moment she was too tired and hungry to care.
The fruit helped. She ate until her thirst eased and her stomach was full. Fatigue, but not sleepiness, clung to her the way the dark green tendrils of moss clung to the branches of the tree overhead. She felt weighed down, but had no desire to close her eyes again. Without a clue where she was, or what might happen to her, she was too frightened to sleep.
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