by Bob Blink
The first sight of land came a day and a half later near midday when land was sighted off the port bow. Before long the steep mountains that bordered the wildness could be seen, several of the taller mountains clearly volcanic with smoke lazily snaking its way skyward from the peaks of the forbidding looking mountains. Jolan had been told that the mountains would soon thin out as the central plain of the Lost Territories came into view. The huge central area was said to be almost tropical in its climate and home to thousands of unusual plants and animals. There were also a surprising variety of snakes and other creatures that were extremely poisonous, one of the reasons the area had long held little appeal to the people of the Settled Lands. Almost completely isolated with inhospitable climate and filled with danger, the land had been left wild even in the days before the War of the Mages.
As he’d been told, the land changed, and soon Jolan saw a land with a heavy green cover, which often reached right to the shore. In many places however, sandy beaches beckoned before the thick jungle-like vegetation hid the view of the land beyond. A day later they passed a large muddy river that emptied out into the sea. The heavily silted waters from the slowly flowing river darkened the pristine waters of the ocean for more than a mile out to sea before the ocean diluted the brownish water flowing out from the land.
One option had been to follow the river inland, but since the trip would be against the current the entire way and the cove another day ahead actually placed them much closer to their intended destination, the decision had been made to anchor there. The cove would provide protected anchorage for the ship while they were gone, and should also shorten the distance to be traveled. There was also a huge inland lake that they might be able to cross, which would make the journey significantly easier than fighting their way through heavy jungle most of the way.
The day they passed the unnamed river that flowed out of the Lost Territories, they suddenly lost the Travel Box. Jolan and Shyar had gone to check the daily messages and leave a note of their current position. When Jolan opened the small square to access the box, the square simply seemed to fade away as he tried to lift away the lid. Within seconds there was nothing left at all.
“Do you think something happened in Cobalo?” Shyar asked.
“I don’t know. Perhaps we have exceeded the distance at which the thing works.” From the chart that Captain Elms had on the bridge Jolan knew they were currently farther from Cobalo than they had been at anytime during the trip, although only marginally so.
Perhaps the problem reflected Jolan’s reduced abilities. This was really the first time the Travel Box had been used other than to experiment, and they really didn’t know much about it. Perhaps had Jolan still been as strong as before, the box would still be functioning. Maybe it was like the Mage’s Box. In that case, the stronger one was in the power, the larger size box one could create. Jolan had noticed he could no longer build the largest size box he used to make with ease. Perhaps the range of the Travel Box was limited by one’s power in some way. It didn’t matter. It was gone, and so was their link with home. There would be no more messages until they found a portal, or eventually made their way back to Cobalo.
Shyar attempted to contact Tishe using the mental link the two shared, and after a bit was able to establish that all seemed well enough on that end, but that the box had disappeared there as well. No one had discovered the fact until Tishe asked someone to check, so it must have happened recently, probably at the same time Jolan’s portion of the device melted away.
Feeling a bit more isolated than ever before, they finally pulled into shore two days later. The sparkling waters of the small cove made for a delightful place to stop. The crew would have a beautiful private beach, abundant fresh water and, from the looks of the trees, plentiful fresh fruit while they waited for the trio to return from their trip into the wilds.
Chapter 167
When they finally reached shore in one of the ship’s dinghies, Jolan couldn’t help but compare the beautiful little cove to a resort he had once visited in the Philippines. The long stretch of unblemished sand set off by scattered tall trees, which in this case looked almost identical to the palm trees he was familiar with from home, promised a fancy resort with fine food and drink. Of course, here there were no buildings, no wide deep swimming pools for guests despite the perfect waters of the ocean. Missing also were the wide trails through the grasses that led one to all the places of interest. Instead, the trees gradually became thicker, until an almost impenetrable wall of tall trees and heavy underbrush greeted them. In a manner reminiscent of the tropics, the beautiful vista was only slightly marred by the heat and humidity, although these Jolan was able to push away with just a touch of magic. Asari and the crew, however, would have to adapt to the change in climate. There would be few cooling sea breezes while they remained here.
In the distance off to the East they could see yet another range of tall mountains that separated the Lost Territories from the western Ale’ald desert. Jolan had been surprised to realize that the border of their enemy was less than a week away, although it was considerably farther to any place that had much in the way of population. It said something about how the land here was viewed that in all the hundreds of years, no one from nearby Ale’ald had felt the area worthy of any serious exploration or colonization.
“The path is almost due north,” Chief Mate Lyen said as they stood by the edge of the small stream that tumbled down the bank and made its way into the sea. “The waters from this stream come from the great lake, so if we follow it we can’t go too far wrong.”
The crew was busy making repeated trips back to the Wave Runner, bringing ashore a wide variety of items that would allow them to set up a comfortable temporary base here on the edge of the ocean. Some of the crew would stay on board at night, but a rotation would be set up for those that preferred the chance of sleeping on land again.
“Have you been there?” Shyar asked. The Chief Mate seemed very familiar with the area.
“No, no one in the crew has been to this spot before. A friend of mine made the trek almost ten years ago. I asked him about it before we left Cobalo. He says it isn’t particularly difficult, but the area is alive with critters one needs to be wary of. They lost two men making that trip, both due to poisonous bites. Snakes and spiders in particular.”
“How about the lake?” Asari asked.
“It’s supposed to be large and deep. My friend didn’t venture onto it, so he could only tell me what he observed from the shore.”
“How about magical creatures in the lake?” Asari was still wary of such lakes after their experiences near Tilano. His vote was to make their way by land, even though it might take longer.
“Nothing was said about any such creatures. Rumor has it that there are some magical creatures when one gets into the northern parts of the Lost Territories, but I’ve never heard stories of such being found here closer to the ocean.”
“You’re still determined to go with us as far as the lake?” Jolan asked.
“Aye. Myself, Samz, the carpenter, and of course a couple of the crew to help carry some of the items we will need to make the boat.”
The Captain had volunteered the crew members for the task. It would only take a couple of days to hike to the lake, and they could help build a temporary craft to take the three explorers across to the northern shores. They had all agreed it would be faster, and most likely safer. Once they set off, the crew members would return to the Wave Runner and wait for their return.
That evening a massive feast was held on the shore in celebration of their arrival. Asari and two of the crew had gone out a bit earlier and brought in several kinds of local game, which demonstrated that abundant supplies of food could be found if needed. Shyar had linked with Tishe and made their safe arrival known, and then everyone joined in for an evening of fun. They had traveled together for just over five weeks, during which time every member of the crew had become a friend. There was some concern a
bout the three venturing off into such a dangerous land alone, but given the power of the magic that Jolan and Shyar had demonstrated, especially Shyar, only a few felt it necessary to voice their worry.
Jolan had made another Travel Box, this time leaving the base aboard the Wave Runner. Not only would they be able to stay in touch with the Captain, but the box would allow them to replenish supplies without having to carry the extra weight. Asari insisted they each carry a day’s ration of food and water with them, since the last box had left them unexpectedly, but he was also certain it would be a relatively simple matter to live off the land. He had his pistol and his bow, and he had survived in the wilds many months in the past with less.
The next morning, seven of them set off along the path the Chief Mate had pointed out the previous afternoon, and within minutes had been swallowed by the jungle, all signs of the Wave Runner and the ocean hidden from view. In the first hundred yards they found trees with a dozen different kinds of fruits, some vaguely familiar, and others unlike anything any of them had seen before. The crew would have to rely on Burk to tell them which of the many choices were safe to eat and which to avoid.
As soon as they were away from the shore, the warning about insects was fulfilled, and they were swarmed with a buzzing cloud of small hungry gnats that followed them eagerly. Once again, Jolan and Shyar were able to use their magic to keep them at bay, and to a lesser degree were able to push the swarm away from the rest of the party, but not entirely. The men were soon spotted with a variety of bites that itched maddeningly. Jolan promised to clear up the bites that night with his ring, but privately wondered how long before they would be covered with additional bites. The gnats seemed to be everywhere.
As they moved inland, the land rose slowly. It was so slight that it didn’t seem like they were climbing at all, but several hours in Lyen paused and pointed back the way they had come. They were on a small rise, and in the far distance they could see the ocean and their ship anchored peacefully near the shore. Jolan figured it would be almost a month before they stood on her decks again, and that assumed their trip went smoothly.
Supposedly there were native tribes that lived in the Lost Territories, but they had yet to see any indication that anyone had been here before. Yade had told them that an earlier party had traded briefly with one group on the wide river they had passed by some days ago. Perhaps they would find someone when they got to the lake. If they could communicate, they might learn something about their intended destination. It appeared that none of the previous expeditions had ventured more than a couple of days inland from the ocean. They would be seeking the home of the dragons in an area that apparently no one had visited in recorded history.
The jungle became thicker as they moved inland. Often Jolan or Shyar had to use a touch of magic to cut through the thick growth and make a path for them. The jungle yielded easily to their use of the power, and no one had to wear themselves out chopping through the tough thick vines that seemed to string across every path. A number of snakes, some quite large, were seen in the trees, slithering across some of the limbs and hanging off branches. So far they hadn’t paid the adventurers any notice, but Jolan was glad he could set up a barrier if needed to keep them away. He was also thankful for the healing ring he wore. He had a feeling it might be needed before this trip was over.
They came to a small clearing where the stream had widened into a bit of a pool, and decided to break for the day. A few hours of daylight remained, but they had made reasonable time and, not knowing what lay ahead, they couldn’t be certain of finding another place as well suited to the group. Camp was made smoothly and efficiently, and before long a fire was going while Asari and one of the crewmen headed off in search of game for dinner. Less than a half hour later they returned with a couple of miniature deer, which were skinned and gutted and soon spitted over the flames.
Shyar set up a protective barrier around the camp area to keep the creatures out, and they settled down to discussing the day’s adventures. Once it became dark and everyone was fed, the talk soon died out as they each drifted off to sleep or lay with their own thoughts. Asari burned with energy despite having been one of the busiest of the group all day, but he seemed to have no problem containing his enthusiasm and falling asleep when he decided it was time. Jolan and Shyar lay beside each other, and talked quietly for a while before slipping off.
* * * *
“Where did he go?” Shyar asked when Lyen came and told them about the missing crewman.
“Tuor says he went to take a leak,” Lyen explained.
Shyar had built the barrier so that each member of the group could pass through if they desired, but she had not expected any one of them to slip off in the dark alone. The man had apparently been gone a couple of hours now. Anything could have happened to him.
“Since he was only going to answer nature’s call, he shouldn’t have gone far,” Jolan reasoned. “We can make a loop and see if we can tell where he left the barrier and, even if we don’t, by increasing the radius we should find him soon enough.
Jolan expected to find him within a very short distance of the enclosure. The man had probably just sought the first tree he could find to go behind. Instead they were more than fifty yards out before they located him.
“Here,” yelled Lyen who was perhaps sixty degrees to the left of Jolan and perhaps ten yards farther out.
Everyone converged on Lyen, who knelt next to the missing man. Even from Jolan’s position a few meters away it was clear the man was dead. His left hand and neck were swollen and almost black in color. The man’s tongue protruded from between his lips and looked to be so swollen it would have been impossible for him to get air past it.
“Some kind of bite,” Lyen said, pointing to the indentation in the man’s arm, a few inches below the elbow. “Most likely one of the snakes, but it could be something else. Could have dropped out of the trees on him. We saw enough of the things in the branches the other day.”
The statement caused everyone to check around and above them to be sure they were not standing under something. Asari shook his head. He had known the man fairly well. While a bit of a character, he had been a hard worker and careful about his work. Asari reached down to grab the man’s legs. Lyen grabbed the shoulders and they carried him back toward camp.
The mood was somber as they gathered everything together in preparation for leaving. The burial had been a short affair. Jolan had used his power to create a trench, and after gathering anything of value from the man, they had placed him in the bottom, and Jolan had moved the dirt back into place. Lyen and Asari said a few words, but there were no formal ceremonies here on Gaea, so there was little more to be done. Shyar wrote a note that she placed in the box so those back at the ship would know what had occurred and be even more vigilant against the same thing happening there.
The group was silent as they made their way back onto the trail. Eyes were more watchful as they moved through the trees. Jolan assumed he could have cured the man with the ring had he known the man had been bitten and been able to reach him in time, but it appeared the man had run when attacked and in the dark had run away rather than toward the camp. Why he hadn’t cried out they didn’t know.
By the middle of the afternoon the jungle began to change. The thickest of the vegetation was behind them, and gradually the underbrush gave way to thick grasses and the trees thinned, with the tall palms dominating the area. The high palms with their bushy tops allowed the sky to show through and seemed to eliminate the concern of the snakes crawling above them. Tuor was almost struck by a falling kurack, which looked like an oversized coconut to Jolan. It thumped into the ground with a solid whump, causing an indentation that was fully six inches deep. It would have cracked the man’s skull had it hit him, reminding them that all danger was not past.
They made good time the rest of the day, and while they were able to catch glimpses of the lake from a couple of small rises, as evening approached they had not
yet reached the southern shore. Once again they made camp, this time in far more open and comfortable surroundings. Even so, Shyar once again raised the barrier around them. Who knew what surprises might be found in this seemingly safe area. No one had to remind anyone that leaving the barrier should be done only in pairs.
Night came swiftly, and they were all emotionally drained, stifling any desire for talk. Jolan lay watching two of the moons. The smallest moon was visible for a change, or at least he was looking tonight and happened to see it. He watched as it made its way across the sky, dimming and disappearing before it completed the circuit.
Everyone was eager to be up come dawn, so they had a simple breakfast of fruit and water and were soon on the trail. The vegetation was changing once again, the palms giving way to somewhat shorter trees with broad leaves. The large leaves blocked some of the light and that resulted in more bare ground under the canopy created by the trees, which made the walking even easier. Three hours later they arrived at the shore.
Jolan didn’t know the actual size of this lake, or the great lake up by Tilano for that matter, but from what he could see this one rivaled the size of the lake back in the Land of Giants. The southern shore was wide, and the lake seemed to stretch forever in the east west direction, with the northern shore lost in the distance. The waters looked clear and, after a taste, Lyen declared it was pure and refreshing. Tiny ripples lapped at the small rocks that formed the shore at their present location, and only the faintest of ripples could been seen out on the lake proper. Perhaps if the wind were to pick up, the surface would become rougher, but for the moment all Jolan could think of was that it looked perfect for waterskiing.