The Gems of EL - Separate Paths

by Bill Mays

  “I would expect that we are almost through it, right Flade?” Jillian piped up eagerly.

  “Say it’s true,” Arianna pleaded.

  “Yes, I too would welcome the news,” Dalia admitted.

  The ranger laughed and nodded his agreement to the women. “We shouldn’t have much farther to go before we near the border. We’ve been making good time.”

  “That sounds great!” Petre grinned. “These wetlands are getting to me with all the water, bugs, and snakes, not to mention the other creatures that live here all sneaking around. First, we have dragons that hide in the dark woods. Then there are soldiers hidden in shadows, and now lizard men crawling out of the swamps. Give me a field for a change. At least then we could see the fight coming.”

  Just as the boy finished his statement, there came a rustling in the brush behind him. There were strange growls and grunts accompanying the shaking foliage.

  “Not again!” Petre groaned as he drew his sword and dented shield, awaiting the monster’s appearance. “What’s it going to be this time?”

  “Show yourself!” Flade called, while Dalia lifted her hand to her temple.

  Through the brush stepped one of the elusive beast-men. He carried no weapons and wore minimal clothing. He was flailing his arms wildly and grunting. The lady attempted to contact the creature’s mind discreetly. The patterns in its fur began shifting fluidly.

  “What does it want?” Arianna asked the ranger.

  “I’m not sure,” Flade replied as he approached the beast-man with his empty hands raised. “It seems troubled.”

  “It doesn’t look like it wants to hurt us,” Jillian noted. “And it does have kind eyes.”

  Dalia came to life quite suddenly. “He is trying to warn us!” She cried out. “Something is surrounding us as we speak!” Flade looked from the beast-man to the lady and back, but the creature had vanished into the underbrush.

  “Surrounding us?” Petre scoffed. He noticed that the beast-man was gone again. “Now where did it go? How come everything comes and goes so fast around here?” The boy watched the trees and tangled underbrush fearfully for any movement.

  “Which way do we head?” Arianna asked as she moved closer to Flade. Jillian stood ready with her bow out and an arrow knocked.

  That depends on what is coming for us?” Flade asked. His own blades were drawn and twirling through his fingers.

  Dalia shrugged. “All I could understand was something about ‘they are coming for you’ and ‘surrounded’.” She looked to the priestess. “What does your intuition say?”

  Arianna concentrated hard for any glimmer of a sign. “I’m getting nothing,” she admitted.

  “I can’t believe you could understand that thing. Well, let’s not just sit here,” Jillian whispered. The girl could not handle the growing tension.

  Flade moved with a hurried caution. They did not know which direction to head, so they continued on as they had been. The ranger was looking for an open area that could offer a little more of an advantage should it come to a confrontation. The man shifted their course as various sounds alerted him to a presence here and there. Whatever was following, there sure were a lot of them.

  “You sense something, what is it?” Dalia asked as she ran along behind the ranger.

  “Trouble,” he answered curtly. He needed to listen for the sounds of movement.

  Jillian called out from behind them. “I saw something running along beside us, in the trees.”

  Flade sighed deeply and moved for the most open ground he could see. He knew now that they were not going to outrun their pursuers. He pulled them to a stop in a small clearing.

  “What is it? Why are we stopping here?” Petre asked as he panted to catch his breath.

  “You wanted a fair fight, right? Arianna, can you call upon that prayer again, the one that keeps the mud from slowing our steps?” Flade’s eyes were searching the trees intensely.

  The priestess nodded with a look of fear. She quickly began her chant. Everyone gathered close to receive the blessing.

  “You intend for us to hold our ground then?” Jillian surmised.

  “I doubt we’ll have much of a choice,” Flade whispered.

  Dalia had her eyes shut tightly and her hand to one temple. Her sword was in the other hand. She turned slowly in a circle. Her eyes flashed open. “I can see one, maybe two. They are coming, prepare for battle.”

  Arianna finished her chant and everyone felt the relief of free movement. After a whispered thanks to Rashas, the priestess quickly began another prayer.

  “What is it we face?” Flade asked hesitantly.

  “More lizard men,” the lady replied.

  “They’re worse than rats in the barn,” Jillian sighed.

  The other three formed a loose triangle about the priestess and the archer as directed by the ranger. “We’ll try to keep them off of you ladies, so that you can make the most of your talents,” Flade winked.

  Arianna cast a blessing over them all to improve their combat skills. The priestess sighed deeply; she truly hated battle. The woman’s hand gripped her slim cudgel tightly for support.

  “Is everyone ready? Here they come!” The ranger’s trained ear picked up on the heavy footsteps long before the others heard them tearing through the brush.

  Two lizard men entered the clearing from opposite sides. One carried a bone club, and the other a thick twisted staff. Both had strange markings painted on their bodies and bone jewelry draped about their necks. One charged Flade. The other was met by two arrows that sent it to an early grave. The ranger hurled his enchanted blade with deadly accuracy. The dagger stuck right between the monster’s eyes. After a short fit of hissing and writhing on the ground, Flade called his blade back to his hand from the lizard man’s corpse. There was a moment of silence that followed. The silence proved almost as unnerving as the grunts and growls.

  “Is that it?” Petre chuckled in relief. “There are just two of them?”

  “I doubt it,” Dalia whispered.

  Just then, four more of the creatures entered the clearing. Arrows took down another, and a bright beam of pink light sent yet another thrashing and stumbling away, blind. The remaining two came on. Flade engaged one and Petre and Dalia joined forces to fight the second one.

  “Has anyone else noticed that these lizard men are different?” Jillian called out.

  “They seem less -- wild,” Arianna added. “If that even makes any sense.”

  “Well, they sure fight better,” Petre huffed as he blocked the creature’s club with his shield. “And they use weapons instead of their claws.”

  Four more of the painted reptilians entered the clearing, followed closely by another group of six. “We’ve got trouble!” Jillian shouted. “Those things are multiplying like we just stepped on an ant hill.”

  “I’ll just have to ask Rashas to clear us some space to fight,” Arianna mumbled. She began to call upon the Suel-Roth.

  Five more of the reptilians moved in on the group from the surrounding brush. “How many of those things are out there?” Petre all but shouted. He had taken three down so far, but it was not easy. The slender boy was sweating heavily.

  Dalia was working on her third opponent, and Flade had already killed five. Jillian was firing as fast as she could, aiming at anything with yellow eyes. There were so many she could hardly miss. The girl had given up on going for the kill and instead focused on weakening their front ranks so that the others could take them more easily. Finally, Arianna’s chant ended and a wave of fear washed over the group she faced. At least twelve lizard men fled into the swamp. The savages seemed to take note of the magic-wielding woman. None wanted to face her after that.

  “Good work, priestess!” Flade called out.

  Unfortunately, the celebration was shortlived. About another twenty enemies poured in around them. “This doesn’t look good,” Jillian sighed. “There are just way too many of them.”

  “Did we wander into
their nest or something?” Petre groaned.

  “Do lizard men have nests?” Jillian asked.

  “Keep a tight formation and do your best!” Flade shouted as he sank his blades into another opponent. The ever-positive ranger was beginning to doubt their chances himself.

  “Hold your attacksss!” A hissing voice cried out from the rear ranks of the lizard men.

  All of the creatures pulled back from the fight, though they kept a ring around the companions. They parted to allow the speaker to reach the front. There stood a large lizard man with more markings and more jewelry than the rest. He also wore a strange headband adorned with brightly colored feathers.

  “What do you want with us?” Dalia demanded sternly.

  “King Karzack wishesss to ssspeak with you,” the large lizard man hissed. “You will sssurrender now or be taken by force!”

  “I say we rip his head off!” Petre growled. Several of the lizard men hissed back at the boy raising their crude weapons threateningly.

  “Calm down, boy,” Flade whispered. “We aren’t exactly in control here.”

  “Why did you attack us, and why does your king want to speak with us?” Dalia asked calmly. “We are but simple travelers. We merely want to pass through your land and be gone. We mean you no harm.”

  The lizard man speaker looked around at the many bodies of his men. It was clear he did not believe her. “Karzack wishesss to ssspeak with all humansss who enter hisss landsss. We do not question hisss ordersss. Sssurrender now and we will not harm you.” Several of the other lizard men hissed their disapproval of that decision, but a stern glare from the speaker silenced them quickly.

  “What do you think?” Flade whispered to the lady. While they were speaking, at least another twenty-five reptilians filtered into the clearing.

  “He speaks the truth,” Dalia replied.

  “You aren’t thinking about going with them?” Jillian balked.

  “I’m with her. They’ll just eat us for their next meal,” Petre grumbled.

  “As ready as I am for this fight to be over with, I must admit, I don’t feel comfortable giving in to them, either,” Arianna agreed.

  “Look around,” Dalia stated with a sigh. “Is there really a choice?” She fumbled with the necklace that hung about her throat. The ranger did not miss the gesture. “If need be, we can try the device again. Be prepared,” her mind whispered into his.

  The lady did not want to try it after the last incident. Plus, she could not be sure how much power was left in the item. Would it work, and even then would it be able to carry them all along? Dalia also feared losing Tark’s trail. They had come so far. She decided it was best left as a last resort.

  The lizard man leader began a hissing laughter. “I thought you would sssee it my way, humansss.”

  “We will come with you peacefully, but we keep our weapons,” Flade stated confidently. The large lizard man seemed hesitant.

  “It is the only way,” Dalia seconded. “If you would rather try force, we would be happy to oblige.”

  “Are they really doing this?” Petre whispered. “Are they really negotiating with these savages?”

  “I doubt they trust them,” Jillian whispered back. “I don’t think we have much of a choice, though. We’re set to be slaughtered as it stands. Look around.”

  “I think we could take them,” the boy grumbled. Jillian punched him in the arm and scowled. “Don’t be stupid!”

  “Follow their lead and be ready for anything,” Arianna whispered to the two youngsters. They both nodded their understanding and stood by nervously while the rest was decided for them.

  After a short and heated debate, they agreed to be escorted back in two separate groups. It insured less likelihood of an escape attempt, the lizard man leader insisted. It was a condition he would not waver on. Thanks to Dalia and Flade, the companions were allowed to retain their weapons.

  “I will travel with the young ones,” Dalia volunteered. “You and Arianna watch out for one another.”

  Flade nodded his agreement. At least this way Dalia could keep him updated on their situation with her mental abilities. Jillian and Petre simply followed directions. Both Dalia and Flade could feel the fear radiating from the pair. Arianna whispered a prayer for protection over them all before they were separated. The reptilians stood by quietly while she did so. They seemed to fear interrupting her prayers.

  At least thirty of the lizard men escorted each group of prisoners. The companions had proven that they were not to be taken lightly. The leader in the feathered headband walked with the group that departed first. It was Flade and Arianna’s group. The lizard men were not friendly or especially talkative to their captives, but they were careful to take good care of them. Evidently, this King Karzack was very particular about his visitors arriving healthy. They also kept at a distance from Arianna. Priests seemed to hold a position of respect among the reptilian culture. They fed them regularly with berries and mushrooms, but marched them along at a quick and steady pace. Occasionally, the companions were forced to ride on their captor’s backs while holding onto their necks. There were several large bodies of water that they crossed. The reptilians were proficient swimmers and held some sort of bond with the alligators, for the creatures did not attack them. Dalia kept Flade confident that the second group was close behind and on the same path. The journey was a tiring one.

  * * * * * * * * * *

  After several days and nights of travel, the first group was greeted by numerous larger members of the reptilian race. Apparently, they were the guardians of the lizard man city. Though the creatures spoke to one another in their native hissing tongue, they used a lot of gestures in their speech. Flade proved to be good at interpreting those gestures. Coupled with his ability to sense their emotions, he was able to piece together a rough translation.

  “What do you think they’re saying?” Arianna whispered.

  “My guess would be that they are debating on where to take us first,” the ranger whispered back.

  “What do you think they are going to do with us?” She whispered nervously.

  “I suppose that all depends on their king,” he replied. “I suggest we make a good impression. Ready some of that Rashan charm, my lady. They seem to have a respect for your station. We should use that to our advantage.” Arianna was not so sure about that.

  * * * * * * * * * *

  Dalia did her best to keep the young ones assured that they would find their way out of this somehow. Petre and Jillian had a hard time wrapping their minds around that possibility. Currently, the three of them were lost in the Acid Swamps. They were surrounded and terribly outnumbered. They were separated from Flade and Arianna, and they were headed for an audience with the savage reptilian race’s king. Things were looking bleak.

  “Do you think the others are alright?” Jillian whispered as they arrived at a set of cliffs with many caverns leading into its face.

  “They are fine,” Dalia whispered back confidently. “I can sense it.”

  “I wish I could find that kind of confidence. I’m scared silly,” Jillian mumbled to herself. “Right now all I can picture is the three of us roasting on a spit.”

  A large pair of lizard men led them from the group and into one of the caverns. It was very cool and very dark inside. Only some strange kind of glowing mold lit the passage. The trio was barely able to see the ground in the dim illumination.

  “I don’t like this one bit,” Petre grumbled. “We’re just walking right into their den?”

  After several twists and turns, they arrived at a tunnel that was blocked by a dark curtain of cloth. “Wait inside,” one of the large escorts hissed.

  Dalia cautiously led them past the curtain and into a large cavern. The ceiling stretched beyond the dim illumination. Flade and Arianna were already inside.

  “Thank Rashas you are alright!” The priestess gasped as she moved to welcome the trio with hugs.

  “What is this place?” Da
lia asked. “It doesn’t seem to be any sort of throne room.”

  The chamber was very dark with a large humanoid statue in the center. The sculpture was devoid of any detail. Flade moved to the statue and traced its smooth face with his fingers.

  “It looks to be female, but it …,” he began.

  The sound of a whip cracking caught their attention. A tall lizard man strode from the deepest shadows at the rear of the chamber. “Defilersss!” It hissed. Upon closer inspection, it was a lizard woman. There was little to differentiate the sexes but her mannerisms, voice and lithe build identified her as female. She wore a mask of black cloth, which covered all but her eyes. “You dare to ssstand before the altar unbidden?” Her tail slapped the stone floor, again making the whip-like sound.

  Dalia moved and pulled Flade back a few steps. “Forgive us,” the lady smiled. “We are unfamiliar with the customs of your race.”

  “Ignorance cannot sssave you!” The lizard priestess hissed back. “According to tradition hisss heart belongsss to Kabysss, Goddesss of the Night!”

  “Why don’t we take her? She’s all by herself,” Petre whispered.

  “In case you haven’t noticed, we’re inside their underground city, stupid!” Jillian whispered back as she punched him in the arm yet again. “How far do you really think we’d get?”

  “Quiet! All of you be quiet!” Arianna commanded with a presence that none had ever seen the gentle woman display. “He is indebted to Rashas, Mistress of Beauty and Queen of Love. He belongs to me first!”

  The tall priestess moved to stand before all of them. Her chest was puffed out and her hands rested on his hips. Her girdle, the holy symbol of her faith, was displayed prominently. She stood strong and locked gazes with the masked lizard woman.

  “You are a human priestesss!” The lizard woman hissed in surprise. She stood silently debating something as her yellow eyes darted from Flade to Arianna and then back again. “Very well, you are lucky thisss priestesss claimsss you, human,” she hissed at Flade. “Not that it will matter for long. You are to meet with Karzack sssoon. He isss expecting you.” Her eyes shifted back to Arianna. “He wasss not expecting a priestesss however. I am curiousss how he will react. I am also unfamiliar with thisss Rashasss you worship.”