Marrec nodded.
“But I can spare advice and a route whereby you might sneak into the center of Dun-Tharos itself unseen. In my time there, I learned something of the hidden dungeons beneath the forest. They are dangerous, but better than going openly abroad through territory completely in the Talontyr’s hands.”
Again the Nentyarch motioned to another of the assembled hunters. That one brought forth a white scroll, newly scribed, and handed it to Elowen.
The Nentyarch explained, “I’ve marked an entrance to the upperdark passages that extend for miles beneath the Rawlinswood, unknown to most. These forgotten passageways below the forest eventually connect to buried Dun-Tharos itself. From there, you can gain entry to the Rotting Man’s center of power by coming up from below. Follow the path marked on the scroll, and you may have a chance.”
Elowen unrolled the scroll and studied the map inked upon it. She asked, “Haven’t you always warned us away from these buried Nar ruins? Wouldn’t we fare better taking an overland route?”
The Nentyarch did something Marrec thought was out of character for such an esteemed and elder elf; he shrugged, saying, “Better to sneak past the slumbering evil of toppled empires than attempt to penetrate the watchful guard of a vigilant malevolence. I call the Rotting Man the Talontyr because his power has waxed with an influx of divine energy sent by his goddess, Talona. All who penetrate too deeply into the Rawlinswood are known to him. The heart of that forest is truly corrupted, and its trees owe their allegiance to him, and me no longer. As his power grows, mine wanes.”
Without further comment, Elowen stowed the map.
“We appreciate the help you can offer. With the map, and with the aid of your hunters, we will pierce the Rotting Man’s guard and reunite Ash with her greater self.”
“I have not finished with my gifts,” said the Lord of Yeshelmaar, who came perilously close to a grin. He clapped.
A few of those Marrec had taken for simple Dalesfolk petitioners in the rear of the hall came forward. Each carried a chest, a garment, or some other oddment.
The first walked to stand next to the Nentyarch, who said, “Marrec, your coming was hot unlooked for; our dream auguries and moon guides pointed to your arrival, or at least the arrival of someone like you in service to Lurue. That you would come with hope for finding and reviving the Child of Light is more even than we could perceive or hope for. In any event, we have prepared suitable gifts for the one we hoped would come. These gifts will help you in what lies ahead.”
The first of the Dalesfolk produced a pair of matched gauntlets. The gauntlets were quite thin and sewn of smooth grain deerskin and lined with white linen. Emerald threads picked out the design of an oak leaf in the palm of each hand.
The Nentyarch said, “Marrec, please accept these enchanted gloves. While you wear them, a strength like that of the oak tree will be yours.”
Marrec accepted the gauntlets and bowed low. Mere handling of the gloves was enough for him to feel their vitality. He carefully stowed them at his belt.
Next was produced a leather scabbard on which many elegant designs were inlaid. A hilt of darkly oiled and gleaming wood was visible. The Nentyarch grasped the hilt and pulled forth a long blade. It was a blade unlike any Marrec had before seen; the hilt, crosspiece, and even blade itself were carved from one continuous block of wood. The grain ran with the length of the blade, and like the hilt, the entire weapon shone as if recently polished with wood oil. The Nentyarch took a few hearty swings. The air whistled as it parted before the sharpened edge.
The Nentyarch said, “This is Dymondheart, the blade I carried when I was much younger. You’ll find its edge sharper than dead steel; it’s hard to dull the edge of a living weapon. I’d like you to carry-it for me, Elowen. If Dymondheart ends its career buried in the flesh of Rotting Man, I will not be disappointed.” He sheathed the wooden blade and presented it to Elowen.
The hunter stammered a thank you, overwhelmed with the magnificence of the gift. She said, “Then… count on me to arrange that ending, Nentyarch.”
Other gifts were brought forwardthree quivers of stiff black cloth inlaid with golden thread. Brighter than the thread were the f letched arrows contained in eachthe feathers were mirror-bright gold, flashing and twinkling in the torchlight. The Nentyarch drew out one of the arrows. The shaft was dark, like a line of darkness, even its tip, which narrowed down to an invisible point.
“These arrows are fletched with feathers collected from the phoenix’s nest on the highest spire of Yeshelmaar, collected only with her permission. The shafts are carved of lyrwood, harvested in the Shadow Wood of the mystic’s dreams. Nothing can evade their flights. Conserve them. Once they are gone, no more can easily be made.”
The Nentyarch presented a quiver each to Fallon, Anom, and Cirid. Each was accepted gracefully, though Marrec was sure he saw Fallon cast a quick, envious glance at the new sword gracing Elowen’s hip.
From his lips, Fallon was all poise and polish, saying, “We thank you, Nentyarch, for our gifts. They will be a great help against the Talontyr’s forces.”
“Now, let me think. I did not have anything prepared for the southern wayfarer, Gunggari; our presentiments were not so accurate.”
The Oslander shrugged. He said, “I need no gifts.”
“Gifts are not for those who need, but those who appreciate,” responded the Nentyarch. “Elowen has told me something of your abilities. I believe I have just the thing, a gift anyone might find useful.”
A Dalesman brought forward an open chest. The Nentyarch pulled out a plain leather haversack. Opening it, he revealed several small vials, each filled with an iridescent liquid: purple, sky blue, forest green, and shimmering yellow. Each vial was held in place with a cunning leather strap so that all were side by side and easily accessible when the haversack flap was open.
“Each of these vials is filled with an elixir of potent magic. When you have need, unstop a vial and drink. The contents of each vial are displayed by each little figure stitched into the leather of the haversack. When you have used up all the vials, return the haversack to me, and I shall refill them.”
Gunggari accepted the haversack of potions. He scanned the labels, reading aloud, “Heroic Surge, Bead of Flame, Strength of the Bull… truly you do me a great honor, Nentyarch. I will use these in thankfulness.”
“And last, Ash.”
All eyes turned to the girl. Ash stood, unconcerned and apparently uncaring of the heritage the Nentyarch claimed for her.
“What gifts will avail you, eh, little one?” asked the Nentyarch. “What about this, then?”
A final chest was brought forward. The Nentyarch produced a set of leather straps, chased with green thread, fitted with a bit and reins. It was a bridle, meant to be fitted to a horse’s head.
“This is not exactly for you, Ash, but for your mount, Henri. Wearing this, he shall always know his way, and even should he stray in dark places, he will always be able to bear you back here to me and to safety.”
Ash made no move, nor did anyone expect a reaction. Marrec accepted the bridle, thanking the Nentyarch for his thoughtfulness.
“Wait, I’m going, too,” yelled Ususi. “If the Rotting Man threatens Lethyr, then he threatens the Mucklestones. I can’t have that. I will help you end his threat, if I can.”
“I wondered,” smiled the Nentyarch. “I suppose we can’t let you go without a gift of your own to aid you in this fight. Let me think… ah yes, I have the perfect thing.”
He gestured to the hunter who still held the chest containing the Keystone. Ususi’s eyes widened. The Lord of Yeshelmaar opened the chest, retrieved the Keystone once more and bestowed it on Ususi. The glowing stone lit up her face like the light of the sun reflected off water.
The Nentyarch said, “The Keystone needs a keeper. I know of no one more knowledgeable about those mystic stones. 1 charge you with the protection of the stones and with the keeping of the Keystone. Use their power
well, Ususi Keywarden.”
Ususi swallowed, then simply nodded her head. Marrec enjoyed seeing the mage at a loss for words. Ususi solemnly placed the Keystone back into the chest. She finally said, “I am grateful.” A thought struck Marrec then.
“Nentyarch,” said Marrec, “with the Keystone, perhaps we may shortcut the ruined passages below the Rawlinswood entirely?”
The elder elf looked to the mage. Ususi considered and said, “That may be. We can perhaps pick up the path through the Celestial Nadir where we left it yesterday. I left the exit open. I might be able to forge a detour into the center of Dun-Tharos instead of back to the Mucklestones themselves.”
The Nentyarch added, “If you choose such a route, be careful. My dreams hint that the Rotting Man influences all realms contingent and coexistent with his own. It could be that you’ll find defenses even in your ancient space.”
Ususi looked doubtful and said nothing. Marrec said, “We will take counsel and decide our path by this afternoon.”
“Then the Court is concluded,” intoned the Nentyarch.
The Lord of Yeshelmaar called a feast in honor of the heroes who were resolved to find and face the Talontyr. As usual during such affairs, Elowen ate sparingly.
Afterwards, Elowen, Gunggari, Marrec, Ususi, and the other three hunters whom the Nentyarch selected to aid in the endeavor agreed to meet. Plans had to be laid in such a mighty undertaking. They chose a garden high on the side of Yeshelmaar, called Skymeadow, which Fallon suggested for its ideal lighting.
Elowen reached the garden first. Of all the hanging gardens in Yeshelmaar, Skymeadow was by far her favorite, so she was surprised Fallon would suggest it. In her experience, the hunter always went out of his way to annoy her. She decided not to waste her early arrival in contemplation of Fallon’s bitter nature.
She selected a cleared circular space of reddish flagstones, surrounded by low benches. A clump of leafy fruit trees overhung the patio, providing shade from the sun’s direct glare. Papyrus stems and various flowering mints ran rampant outside the circumference of the patio, save for the occasional lone fruit tree. Beyond she could see a landscaped pool, complete with a cool grotto, like a cave, actually carved into the rock of Yeshelmaar. She could discern a bronze statue of Corellon Larethian deep in the shadows of the grotto.
Who was she kidding?
She pulled out the Nentyarch’s gift, unstrapping the scabbard of Dymondheart from her belt and laying the weapon reverently before her on the stone bench. Though the scabbard was beautiful, her eyes were drawn to the grain of the wood hilt. She ran her hands along the hilt, then grasped it. She expected it to be slippery, but instead the grip was solid, warm, almost welcoming. She pulled the length of the blade free of the scabbard.
Shafts of sunlight penetrated the tree cover to strike and scatter off the length of the blade, almost as if it were metal in truth. The vitality of the living blade in her hand was astounding; she could feel the life force contained within, almost as if she gripped not the hilt of a sword but a branch of a mighty redwood.
She heard the sound of someone on the stone stair and quickly sheathed Dymondheart, grinning.
Ususi appeared, followed by Gunggari. Gunggari carried the leather satchel given him by the Nentyarch, but Ususi did not have the Keystone with her. Still smiling, Elowen strapped Dymondheart’s scabbard to her belt.
“Have you seen Marrec?” asked Gunggari.
She shook her head.
Ususi responded, “When I saw him after the feast, he was talking to Fallon.”
Elowen heard quick steps on the stair. “Speak, and you are answered,” she said, as Marrec popped into view.
“Where’s Fallon?” he said, quickly scanning the garden. The frown indicated he wasn’t happy with what he found.
“Not here yet,” said Elowen. “Why?”
“He said that the Nentyarch wanted some time alone with Ash. I figured it would be all right… but I’ve got a sudden feeling that I shouldn’t have left her.”
“Marrec, I see him,” said Gunggari, “and Ash. Down there, along the road…”
Gunggari, beyond the shade offered by the flagged patio, shaded his eyes with one hand while pointing over the side of the garden.
“Oh no,” mouthed Marrec.
Elowen saw Fallon, made tiny by distance, holding a brilliantly glowing object over his head. Behind him he led Henri the pony, complete with its new bridle. Ash calmly rode Henri.
“He’s taking Ash,” yelled Marrec.
At the same time Ususi screamed, “He’s taking my Keystone, that bastard! ‘The Nentyarch wishes to gaze upon its luster one more time…’ I’ll show him luster he won’t soon forget!”
Marrec dashed back down the stairs, Gunggari on his tail. Elowen knew they were too late. Already Fallon had used the Keystone to enter the exit that Ususi had left open. The darkness of the Celestial Nadir spilled out of the square opening, its strange properties evident even from the distance.
“Come on!” yelled Ususi.
She charged the side of the garden. Elowen tried get out of her way but was taken off guard. The mage didn’t change her path; she merely opened her arms wide and dashed herself against Elowen. The force of the impact threw both women off the top of high Yeshelmaar.
A scream escaped Elowen as the air roared in her ears. The sculpted sides of Yeshelmar blurred past, while the ground below expanded with alarming rapidity. Ususi maintained her grip on the hunter, and she uttered an arcane syllable, which reverberated in Elowen’s mind. Before she quite knew what was happening, she and Ususi alit on the hard cobblestone road before Yeshelmaar as easy as birds after a flight.
Ususi released her hold on the elf and began running with all the speed she could muster toward the portal, which was already graying out. Fallon and Ash had gone through. Elowen took a deep breath. No time for hysterics. She could kill Ususi later.
Elowen sprinted toward the dissipating portal, quickly passing the slower moving mage. As she moved ahead, Ususi gasped out “Block it. If you stand in the opening, it can not close.”
Elowen willed herself to go faster. Almost… almost… but the portal was hardly even visible anymore, only a slight haze in the air. Without stopping, she willed a last desperate burst of speed and threw herself into the haze.
Darkness enveloped her.
CHAPTER 14
He’d reached the last flight of stairs. Marrec screamed again, “Make way! Fallon has kidnapped Ash. Get out of my way, damn your eyes.”
He was winded, but running full speed down stairs was far easier than running up. His shoulders were bruised from a few occasions where he’d miscalculated the distance to the landing, only to be brought up short by the wall. He could hear Gunggari still pounding down behind him
Finally he reached the main level. Yeshelmaar functionaries tried to get out of his way, and one had the presence of mind to work the gate mechanism, heeding his call from higher up, so that it gaped open by the time he and Gunggari reached it.
He saw the portal, a square of night intruding on the bright day. Only a hundred yards, he could make that easy.
As he raced closer, he saw that something lay half within the portal. Closer still, and he saw that it was Ususithe mage was stretched out across the hard ground, her lower half lit by the sun, her upper half thrust into the darkness. She was slowly being dragged forward.
Reaching her side, he saw that she was sprawled through the portal, lying half across that stone path he had come to dread on his last trip through the Nadir. Elowen dangled in Ususi’s grip, her face white with strain, hanging over the void.
“Help me, you idiot,” barked the mage, as Elowen’s weight dragged her forward another inch.
He reached down, grabbed Elowen’s free hand and pulled. The elf was as light as a feather. No, it was the gloves given him by the Nentyarchhis muscles were magnified to nearly twice their normal strength. Despite everything, he smiled as he set Elowen down safely in the cente
r of the stone path.
Gunggari appeared in the door of the portal, the expression of concern on his face fading when his eyes found Elowen. He bent and helped up the mage, who was muttering and complaining under her breath.
Marrec looked down the path, into darkness. He sought any telltale sign of light. Fallon and Ash couldn’t be that far ahead… but all was dark, without any light to betray that the path was occupied by his quarry.
“Where are they, Ususi?” he asked.
“They’re out there, don’t worry,” replied Ususi, “but time may pass differently at the Celestial Nadir’s edges than it does in the Nadir’s deep. Though we saw them pass here but minutes ago, they may already be several hours ahead of us…”
“Then we must go now.”
Gunggari said in a quiet voice, “I’m ready. I have my gear.”
Still slightly out of breath from her near fall, Elowen said, “Fallon must be a spy for the Rotting Man or one of the blightlords. He is probably taking Ash directly to his paymaster. If we follow this path, we will find him. There are no side passages on the path, right Ususi?”
“Correct” said wizard, “but I am not ready to gothere are supplies I must get…”
“Then you can follow later. I must go after Ash,” interrupted Marrec.
So saying, Marrec strode down the path. Gunggari followed.
Elowen gave Ususi a small shrug and said, “The matter is decided. I’ll see you later, when we return.”
“Smoke and Fire!” screamed Ususi, frustrated. “That traitor has the Keystone. I won’t let him keep it. I’m coming.”
Still in earshot, Marrec paused until Elowen and Ususi joined him Behind them, the daylight grayed out and became black. Utter night encompassed them all. Points of light from distant motes of matter dotting the Celestial Nadir twinkled into visibility.
Ususi’s voice pierced the black, “We forgot to block the gate open.”
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