A loud wailing howl erupted from within the depths of the murkiness beyond the ebb of Lily’s light. Matt’s body tensed. It sounded very similar to a dog or a coyote.
“What was that?” Ned cried.
“The Wulvers be about,” Lamfada answered quietly. “Don’t be makin’ too much noise, lad, or they be on us quick as a wink.”
Several frightening growls came from the edge of the footpath. A large bush rustled in front of them. Keltrain held his hand up, motioning for silence. He surveyed the black line of trees. “It’s not the Wulvers,” he whispered to the others.
A twig snapping in the vegetation beside him caught Matt’s attention. His eyes shifted through the varying degrees of black, straining to see what caused the movement. It was quite unexpected when an inky dark shadow, huddled against the trunk of a tree, suddenly flitted to the base of another. “There,” he cried, pointing to the dark mass clinging to the exposed roots.
“Show yourself,” Keltrain demanded loudly.
The shadowy blob slid its way across the forest floor like black molasses. Miranda shrieked when it surrounded her feet. She pushed back against Thomas as the fluid took on form, shape-shifting itself into a dark mass with teeth.
“SSSSShouldn’t be here,” the thing growled and hissed at the girl. It snapped its jaws together.
Thomas covered Miranda with his arm, protecting her from the monster. “Leave us alone!” he demanded.
“What do you want, shape shifter? We have no quarrel with you.” Keltrain rushed to Miranda’s side and challenged the black entity along with the older boy.
“Turn back...one of you hasssss broken the protection ssssspell. Mussssst not go any further. The Dark One hasssss many Bodach looking for you.”
“Broken the protection spell? What are you talking about?”
“What is that thing?” Matt whispered to DaGon.
“A Bodach. Shape-shifter of the worse kind. They work for the highest bidders.”
The Bodach sank back into the ground. Rolling along the dirt roadway as a black wave, it paused beneath Matt. He watched as the thing took on its ugly form once more, morphing into a hideous shape of black ooze. Its empty eyes peered at him, causing him to shudder slightly. “The ssssspell is broken.” A black finger pointed to Matt’s green emerald brooch. “Ssssseeeeee.”
Matt clutched his charm. “It’s not broken,” he stated, enraged at the creature. He drew out a small dagger the fairies had given him, and held it up to the Bodach’s empty black face. “You’re lying.”
“Allow me to examine your charm.” Keltrain held out his hand.
Matt reluctantly removed the emerald clover and relinquished it to the wizard, his eyes never leaving the creature. He thrust the dagger closer to the Bodach’s face as Keltrain studied the crystal in the light of Lily’s orb.
“Unfortunately this thing is correct. It’s been cracked.”
“The spell of protection is gone?” Matt couldn’t believe it. His hand loosened his grip on his small weapon slightly.
“It probably happened this morning, when you fell,” Ned said, his voice shaking.
“That’s right...I forgot about falling.” Matt took the crystal back from the wizard and slowly lowered his dagger. “Then it was me who the Slaugh sensed. My broken emerald was a good beacon for them.”
“I came to warn you. Ssssshe looks for you, too.” The Bodach stepped back from Matt.
“This is certainly not good. Even with the help from my friends, the Dyrads, the Slaugh will soon feel Matt’s presence. And if this Bodach is correct, every shadow is dangerous if Bera’s sent others out scouting for the four of you. Many will be watching for us at every turn, lurking and slinking around, ready to send word of our position.”
“I sssssave you,” the Bodach hissed. “For I doesssss not like the Dark One. I take the ssssscent with me. Far away. You will be sssssafe.”
“What are you talking about?” Keltrain asked.
“I become the boy. Ssssseeeee.” The Bodach reached out, plucked a hair from Matt’s head, and swallowed it. After gulping it down, it shape-shifted into an exact replica of him.
“What?” Matt gasped, seeing his doppelganger. Stepping back in surprise, he fell against his horse. The Bodach snatched the cloak from the boy’s shoulders and dressed itself in the elfin gift. Sprinting into the forest, the strange creature quickly disappeared from view.
“Bodachs aren’t usually this helpful.” Keltrain placed his dagger back into its sheath. “It makes me wonder what it’s up to, even if it says it doesn’t like Uthal.” Staring in the direction the creature took, he shook his head in bewilderment.
“Perhaps I should go after it.” DaGon poised himself for flight.
“No,” Keltrain retorted quickly before the dragon could fly away. “Let it take Matt’s scent and likeness. We’ll need a head start to the Fomorian Keep and that shape-shifter will buy us some time.”
“Aye, the lightning is flickerin’ in the distance.” Lamfada gazed upwards. “The minute we stepped from ya garden, Matt lad has been open to their searchin’.”
“Then we need to get moving, and the quicker the better,” DaGon replied.
The wizard nodded. “We must find the old road leading to the Keep. It’s an overgrown and forgotten byway. The sooner we get off this path, the better our chances will be at going undetected.”
“Do you think after all this time we’ll be able to see it?” Chester asked, as he slowly plodded up the road, carefully looking along the tree line.
“We found part of it this morning, so I know it’s still here under the forest floor,” DaGon said as he scraped away pine needles and leaves.
“Look for it, Lily,” the wizard commanded softly as he signaled to the fairy to fly ahead of them.
Matt walked slowly behind the others as the search for the old road continued in the dark. The image of the Bodach wouldn’t leave his mind. It sickened him to think that this thing was impersonating him. Something bad could only come from it, he told himself.
“I see it...not far from here,” Lily called out. She flew ahead to a break in the trees a few hundred yards in front of Keltrain. “There are patches of mountain stone still visible. It’s protruding in spots, easy enough to see.”
“Good job, my little lady. I can always count on your sharp vision,” the wizard said as he led them into the opening within the trees.
Stepping deeper into the woods, the friends were swallowed up by the darkness within the trees. Only the soft glow of Lily’s bubble broke the black, her light a beacon in the frightening forest night. They followed the broken road, quietly marching through the overgrown brush without a word.
A piercing scream suddenly broke the silence. Matt jumped into the shelter of a tree, afraid that the Bodach had returned. When the commotion of the bewildered group settled down, a small voice came from the middle of the ancient road. “I think I broke my ankle,” Ned groaned.
“Gee whiz, you certainly broke the quiet,” Thomas scolded. “If they didn’t know we’re comin’, they do now.”
Keltrain glanced over his shoulder at the two boys. “Are you okay, Ned?”
“He’s fine,” Thomas answered as he felt Ned’s ankle. “It’s just a twist.”
“But it hurts.”
“Here. Apply this to the skin.” Keltrain pulled a small jar from one of his pockets. “This soothes the muscles and bones and it will heal shortly.”
Ned took the jar and opened the lid. He dipped his finger into the cream and rubbed it around his ankle.
“How does it feel?”
“Better.”
“Good, then let’s continue, but with more subtlety, please.” The wizard placed the jar back into his pocket.
“All right, I’m sorry. But it was quite painful.”
“Not as painful as the beatin’ you’ll get if you give away our position,” Thomas asserted firmly as he glared at his brother.
“There you go, being violent a
gain. I wished I'd stayed home, because then you wouldn't have any reason to torment me.”
“Gee, ya know, I kinda agree with you, maybe you should’ve stayed home,” Thomas said impatiently.
Matt moved away from the tree. He wondered if the brothers were going to be mad at each other for long. In some way, it made him miss Toby. He realized he had been just as mean to his little brother before the warlock had taken him, and that sadden him greatly. Matt hurried to the wizard’s side. He walked beside him for a Moment in silence.
“What’s on your mind?” Keltrain finally asked.
“I guess I was thinking about my brother and...where this road is going to lead us to.”
“Roads here lead in few directions now days. It once was a beautiful highway between Ellyllon, the outer cities, and the Keep of the Fomorians. Now it leads nowhere. Age and time have erased much of its grandeur.”
“What happened to it? The city and your property?”
“The battle between Finley and the Dark One put the land in ruins. My property was on the outskirts of the Keep. Where we’re traveling now is part of the outer city. If you could have seen the wonder they created...”
Sensing the wizard’s sadness, Matt changed the subject. “You mentioned you wanted to reach the Pillars of Bally Mote before tomorrow night. What’s that place?”
“They’re the guardians to the great library in the Keep. A wisdom which is now lost forever to those on Earth. And here.” Keltrain remained silent for a Moment. “After we pass through the pillars, we’ll head into the bogs. It should be a day’s journey at least, getting over their muck. Then we’ll pick up the splintered part of this highway on the other side, hopefully before sunset the day after tomorrow.”
“And find the white willow?” Thomas interjected from behind.
“Yes, and find our marker. She’ll guide us to the true road of the tombs.”
“So we’re going to be traveling at least another two days before we get the sword?” Matt sighed heavily, frustrated at the time their quest seem to be taking.
“Possibly three. I’m sorry, Matt. I know you’re anxious to get to your brother. Please try not to worry; we’ll get the sword in time to help them.”
The travelers fell silent. They walked slowly, following Lily’s orb. The only sound in the blackness of the forest womb was the horses’ footfalls. Echoing in the mist of the night, they rhythmically beat out their pace.
Matt’s mind raced. Another couple of days and the sword would be in their possession, and then, they would be on their way to Black Isle. The awareness of coming face to face with the Black Warlock scared him. Would he have the strength to wield the sword?
Chapter Fourteen
The stillness of the predawn hour was amplified by a rustling of the treetops as a gentle wind swept around them. Cool mist had formed, hanging within the trees like a watery curtain, adding a cold that seemed to penetrate beyond the bone. Matt’s back ached and his feet hurt. The only thing that seemed to keep him upright was the mental image of the Bodach and the fact that they were getting closer to retrieving the sword.
“I’m tired. Are we gonna rest anytime soon?” Ned complained. Drawing his cloak closer to his body, he stumbled along beside his horse. “It’s so cold out here; don’t you think we could stop for a minute and start a fire?”
“Just a little further,” Keltrain replied softly. “If I remember correctly, there’s a fortress outpost not far ahead where we can shelter for a while, and I’m sure they’ll have a warm fire for you.”
Matt tripped over a small tree root. His feet felt too sluggish as he ambled tiredly behind Thomas. It took great effort to force his feet to move in rhythm with the others.
“I feel like I’ve been up for days and months. Momma’s feathered pillows would be so good right now,” Miranda said.
“Gee, it has been days. Or haven’t ya noticed?” Thomas yawned.
“Are you speaking of the outpost of the Findi?” DaGon snapped a large branch away from his face.
“Yes.”
“Didn’t be knowin’ they still be here.” Lamfada adjusted the reins of his ponies within his gloved hand. “I be figurin’ these woods were empty except for the Wulvers.”
“Who are the Findi?” Matt asked, his body shivering without his cloak.
“The Findi are men of old who were trapped here after helping the Fomorians escape the Dark One. After the second war, the elders of their city built an outpost to guard against any other invasion from Black Isle through ApHar Mountains. Queen Erulisse wanted to make sure Green Isle had ample warning. They’ve kept it up through the generations and always have a small regiment posted there. Although at this time of the morning, we may want to make our presence known before we enter. No need for an arrow through the heart.”
“Lily, fly ahead and let them know we’re here,” the dragon instructed.
The small fairy shot away, disappearing in the haze, her golden orb swallowed by the low-lying clouds. Matt wondered if they would even be able to see the structure in the dense fog, or if they would even find it. His question was soon answered by the smell of burning wood. “I think we’re close,” he advised his friends.
“You’re right. We must stop here,” the wizard instructed the group. Keltrain called out, “Men of Findi, are you at post? We’re travelers requesting sanctuary.”
A disembodied voice replied, “Is this the wizard of the river?”
“Yes, and also of the Keep.”
“Then enter, and be quick. There is trouble in the forest.”
Matt and the others moved towards the direction of clanging metal. The fog swirled and parted, revealing the structure of a large round tower and its aging stone walls. A drawbridge was lowered and a lone soldier hurried out from within the fortress walls. “Your companion gave us the message of your approach, but we had to be cautious,” he stated quietly. He motioned to Lily hovering under the arch of the gate. “It is a good thing you sent her ahead. There are things prowling about which you may have been mistaken for. The creatures have been on attack since yesterday.”
Keltrain held his hand out as the soldier grasped his forearm in welcome. Matt studied him thoroughly. The man had dark black hair and broad shoulders, and stood in authority. He reminded Matt of his uncle, who had been killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
“My name is Urcias. I am the Captain here. We know of you, Keltrain, although most has been in legend.”
“Then you know of the prophecy. The legend of the four,” the wizard whispered, motioning to the children behind him.
“Yes. It has been told in our bedtime stories for thousands of years. Please come in quickly. We need to raise the gate.”
The travelers heeded his request and soon were in the shelter of the outpost. Matt marveled at the activity on the interior of the round fortress. Men rushed to position themselves around scaffolds constructed in a circular winding pattern up the inside wall. With weapons drawn, they viewed the forest from small rectangular windows just barely big enough to fit a crossbow through.
“You can tie your steeds within that cover, against the back wall.” The captain pointed to an alcove where other animals were restrained. “There has been a reprieve from the advance for a couple of hours. But I would gather something for defense because we have heard them moving again.”
“Is it the Slaugh?” Matt asked, aware of his vulnerability.
“No,” Urcias replied. “Brollachan.”
“What? The Brollachan haven’t been in these parts since the second war. They were banished to the sub-realm after King Angus imprisoned the Dark One.” DaGon was intensely angry. “I don’t understand how these beings could be unleashed so quickly. First the Slaugh, now the Brollachan.”
“I heard Bera is helping to bring them here. She has a mirror hidden somewhere in ApHar Mountains. We have sent scouts to look for it, but they have not returned and I am fearful they never will. The Brollachan are hard to fight because they tak
e the shape of whatever they touch, and can remain invisible if they want to. Today they are mere clouds, wisps of nothing.”
“It’s worse than I expected.” Keltrain rubbed his beard in thought. “I was hoping we would be able to get to Gwyllion Mountains discreetly, but it seems this will be impossible.”
“Aye. Ye'll be hopeful to make it to the Keep now.”
“What’s a Brollachan?” Miranda asked. She came to stand beside Matt.
“I don’t know. I’ve never heard of it,” he replied quickly as he followed Keltrain and Urcias when they stepped away from the group. He was glad she wasn’t upset anymore. He had worried about her most of the night. Something within him warmed when he thought of her, and it ached too, especially when he knew she had been crying. He only wanted to protect her from the dangers of this world.
“How long have the Brollachan been on the attack?” the wizard asked.
“Since yesterday evening. It was quite sudden. Lightning displayed in the distance and our guards were intent on watching it to see if the storm would be making its way to us. Then without warning they were upon us, appearing from nowhere as if they had been dropped from the sky. I lost four men before we could raise a defense.”
Keltrain nodded, his brow furrowed in deep concentration. “Dropped from the sky, you say?”
“What are your thoughts, wizard?” the Captain inquired.
“Did you happen to find any raven feathers around?”
A scream caused the group to look upward. A soldier at the top of the scaffolding fell down to the next level, his body crashing through the wood and sending fragments of wood raining down on the onlookers below.
“Hurry, put the young ones in there,” Urcias demanded, seeing three distorted figures mount the top of the tower wall. Pointing to a small hut, he urged the four towards its door. “They will be safe and out of the way.”
“I can fight!” Matt insisted.
“No, we must protect all of you. We don’t know who the sword will pick as its champion,” Keltrain commanded urgently as he drew his dagger. He turned to Chester. “Get them out of sight.”
The Forgotten Spell (Legends of Green Isle Book 1) Page 19