“Promise!” Matt grabbed the older boy’s arm.
“What’s gotten into you?”
“I’ve seen somethin’ dark chasing me in my dreams since we’ve crossed into this world. Last night it almost caught me.”
“Hurry up. Or ya’ll are gonna git left behind,” Miranda called from the bottom of the marble staircase.
Matt didn’t look at Miranda. He continued searching Thomas’ face, waiting for his answer. He needed to hear his friend’s promise. He felt that only then would his heart be settled. The battle in his nightmares grew in intensity the closer they got to Black Isle, and it made him realize that there could be a calamity waiting for him.
“Okay. Gee. I’ll get Toby and the others home...safely...if anything happens to ya. But I don’t think it’s gonna,” Thomas said finally.
“Did you hear me and all?” Miranda yelled impatiently.
“We’re comin’. Keep yer hat on,” Thomas replied loudly. His gaze lingered on Matt’s troubled face for a Moment longer, before they both turned and caught up to the others.
Daylight blinded them as they emerged from the backside of the building. The extent of the city ruins stretched far down into a valley below.
“This place musta been really big,” Ned exclaimed.
Matt held his hand over his eyes, protecting them against the sun’s glare. He could see that part of the ancient buildings, where the group had taken cover for the night, sat on a plateau above the dismal landscape. A few yards away, the flooring broke off, its edge a sheer cliff that dropped several hundred feet to a pile of stones below.
Lily surveyed the drop-off, her wings beating rapidly. “How are we going to get down? Those dear children won’t be able to climb down into that. And certainly not the horses.”
“Over here,” DaGon called. He motioned them towards a crumbled doorway on the far side of them. “It seems to slope down to a road within the outer wall of the Keep. It appears solid enough.”
Keltrain maneuvered around the children to where the dragon positioned himself. “Excellent, my friend,” he exclaimed. Holding onto his hat, the wizard scrutinized the pathway. “Yes. This was part of the old route to the sea harbor. It’ll get us down to the bogs.”
Vegetation and short stubby trees covered the entrance to a narrow road leading into the fortress walls. They had to walk carefully through fallen marble stones as they followed the wizard onto the ancient highway. “Watch your step,” he instructed them. “This tunnel’s very old. I don’t know how stable it’ll be.”
The boys had no easy task of coaxing the horses. The wind whipped and howled against them, slowing their progress. Massive holes in the wall overlooked the valley and the gapping expanse of open air fueled Matt’s apprehension. Several times, he felt the stone shift beneath his feet and he held still, wondering if it was going to give way.
When Keltrain finally stepped out of the tunnel on the other side, he nodded in relief. “Not an easy task. Hopefully we won’t have to come back this way.” Taking an over-sized blue cloth from one of his pockets, he wiped his brow and his glasses.
“Look! There’s our dear Quert.” Lily pointed to a barren tree at the far end of the path where the mechanical bird watched the group with his large onyx eyes.
“Come.” The wizard stretched out his arm for the bird.
Quert lifted himself from the gnarled branch and soared to the wizard, his metallic topaz wings glinting in the sun. Settling down, he peered at the companions, blinking at them in absurd fashion, his mechanisms whirling and clicking. “We are close...we are close,” he screeched.
“Any news on the path ahead? Did you fly past the bogs yet? Is the white willow still there?”
“Yes...yes. The willow is there.”
“Good. I was afraid after all these years she may have been destroyed. Stay ahead of us and watch for Bera’s scouts.” Keltrain held up his arm and the bird became airborne again.
“DaGon, would you please guide us through the remaining part of the Keep? But be wary. If Bera claimed this land, her spies are everywhere. Look to the shadows for the Bodachs and Brollachans, and scan the cliffs and rocks above for her pets. Pay particular attention to anything with wings.”
“What do they look like? Those things you call Bera’s pets?” Miranda asked.
“Are they like the Bodachs?” Matt became sullen thinking about the black blob and his warm cloak.
Keltrain shook his head. “No, the Bodachs are mercenary, usually having an agenda of their own. Uthal, or Bera, must be paying a large price for their services. Her pets are entirely different, not the shape-shifting kind. They’re more like rats... nasty little creatures called Fir Darrigs.”
“Fur Dogs? Gee whiz, what the heck is that?”
“Fir Darrig,” Keltrain corrected.
“The Fir Darrigs are her errand boys. They are fat, ugly, hairy little men with long snouts and tails, and smell like rotting food, and make one delicious snack for dragons.” DaGon licked his lips. “They slink around doing the worse possible things and Bera uses them to hunt for her.”
“They sound just horrible. Jeez, I wish I was home. We don’t have nothin’ like these fur dogs there,” Ned said, frowning in disgust.
“Fir Darrigs, dear,” Lily whispered.
“What was that black winged thing I saw last night in the ruins? Is that somethin’ we need to prepare for?” Matt thought about his lost dagger again.
Keltrain was silent for a Moment. “It’s the Raven Queen, Babda. I remember being told that after the Second War, Babda led her clan here to Finley’s Keep. The Queen and her followers fed on the corpses of the dead and laughed while they did it. She and her minions still haunt these battlegrounds.” Keltrain glanced skyward.
“It must be hard for ya’ll, to know what they did to your friends,” Miranda said as she took his hand. “Does it sadden you? I know I would be so sad. When GrandMomma died and all, I couldn’t stop cryin’ for three days.”
“For such a young person, you’re very wise and kindhearted. Yes. It does sadden me. But there’s one more who possesses the knowledge of the Fomorians, besides me, you know. She was cursed, too, and I haven’t seen her for a very long time.”
“Who is she?” Miranda inquired.
“She’s the one who gave me Urldrenn, the dagger I wear. It was a gift from the Shadow People of the House of Murias Donn. Their King was in love with this woman and blessed her with one of their treasured possessions. She in turn gave it to me before she became cursed.” He tugged at the hilt, briefly showing Miranda the silver metal of the blade. “This dagger can kill not only flesh and blood, but also things unseen, which is how I conquered the Brollachan at the Findi outpost.”
“You mean it kills things that are invisible?”
“Yes,” he said, smiling briefly.
The conversation was cut short when DaGon stopped abruptly. Matt could sense that something wasn’t right. It was the same feeling he had had in the ruins, just before he saw the black winged shadow move. “What is it?” he asked.
“It’s a smell. A hint of rotten flesh. I may have a snack today...maybe.”
Keltrain drew his dagger.
“Gee whiz, how far are we from the bog?”
Before the dragon could answer, several rocks fell from the cliffs above. Numerous pairs of yellow eyes watched the group from within the shadows of the boulders. Matt wondered if these were the Fir Darrigs. A loud cry echoed through the valley, and he then saw a dark winged being launch from the cliff in front of them. It was the black thing he saw the night before.
“Run!” the wizard demanded. “Follow DaGon and Chester. They’ll lead you to the bog. Hopefully the Wraiths kept their word.”
“Will we be able to see our way if it’s covered in the mist?” the dragon quickly asked.
“Chester, do you think you can remember where the path is?” Keltrain inquired, as he viewed the horse over his shoulder.
“I’ve not traveled it
for some time, but I believe I can locate the cornerstone. From there the path should be straight forward,” he replied.
“You must keep up with Chester,” Lily commanded. “There are many dangers in Elathe; we don’t want to lose any of you dears.”
Knowing that haste was essential, Matt and his friends hurried behind the dragon as he led them down a sloping path. Matt glanced over his shoulder and watched as Keltrain held out his hand. With several magic words, the wizard was able to topple the rocks where the yellow eyes had been hiding. The avalanche created a dust cloud that seemed to block their escape from the black winged thing flying above them, and just as quickly, they were all soon under the mist.
“Did you locate the cornerstone?” Keltrain asked the horse when he finally caught up to them.
“Yes, I’m standing on it. It’s beneath us.” Turning, the horse instructed them in a hurried tone. “Remember—don’t leave the path. The bog claims those who Wander. And if you do find yourself lost, you will become the Morrigana’s.”
“Morrigana? Who or what is that?” Matt asked.
“She’s the ancient spirit of the land and has existed on this isle long before any elf, fairy, leprechaun or Fomorian did. Her actions follow no reasoning, and we must take care not to anger her by treading away from the set path she created. Her law is the ultimate law, and her magic is a very old magic.”
Matt nodded his understanding and waited until Miranda was in front of him. He wanted to make sure that if she fell, he would be the first to see it. The mist, thick and heavy, concealed much of the watery landscape from their view. But what he saw of it was murky, and knew that one misplaced step would swallow the unfortunate one forever.
Filled with short grasses, the land smelled bitter, and harsh, like decaying meat. A hardened dirt path, worn with years, meandered its way around the marshy underbrush, disappearing through half-dead trees encased in gray moss. From what he observed, the cornerstone was the starting point or marker to the path. Chester said the stone was a remnant of a watchtower, destroyed along with the Keep.
“This smell is going to make me sick.” Ned covered his nose with his hand.
“Sorry. It doesn’t get any better until we’ve reached the other side,” DaGon said. “So you’ll just have to bear it for now.”
“This is pretty horrible.” Matt pinched his nose. He watched as Miranda grimaced and placed her hand over her mouth. He thought she was going to be sick.
“It’s so bad and all. Momma would’ve already started with the lavender water.” Miranda turned slightly and glanced back at him. “Are you still having those nightmares?” she asked abruptly, the question coming from nowhere.
“Why do you ask?”
“I had one last night, too. But I don’t think it was really a nightmare. I saw some ladies who were calling out to me, and then I woke up when I fell into water.”
“Miranda. Matt,” Keltrain called out. “You’re falling behind. Keep up. Getting lost won’t do our quest any good.”
“And what quest might that be?” a hoarse voice called out from within the fog.
Matt turned towards the direction of the words. In the swirls of the mist, he could see a dark gray, hooded figure. Bent and gnarled, it hobbled over the marsh grasses until it was standing on the path in front of them.
Chester bounded swiftly to face the stranger, his voice apologetic. “Morrigana, we welcome your presence. I’ve kept to the path you designed for travelers. I’m just leading these friends to the other side. May we pass?”
“I haven’t come to harm you or discipline you, you silly horse,” the voice assured. Shuffling over the hardened dirt path, Morrigana stopped beside the wizard. Her eyes regarded him with an intensity Matt had never seen before. Hunched over a knotty wooden cane, the ancient spirit pursed her lips, and nodded. “And who might you be?”
“Great Morrigana, I pay my deepest respect to you. My name’s Keltrain and I’m an old wizard. Friend to the Fomorians. Thank you for allowing us safe passage through your land.” He bowed slightly.
The old woman spat. “Elathe hasn’t seen many travelers since the battle, except for Bera and her horde.” She raised her skeletal hands and pushed back the woolen hood from her head. A thin face, framed by long, gray, curly hair, emerged from its fold. “She’s beginning to turn my isle into her wasteland. Ice builds closer to Queen Erulisse and Onagh’s Fairy Dell as we speak. Unfortunate for all. I see Uthal’s shadow haunting this land again.” She touched the wizard’s blue robe. “So you’ve freed yourself from the river, eh?”
“Why, yes. I have,” he replied in surprise.
Grinning, she tapped her way to Thomas and Ned. Peering at the two brothers with pale gray eyes, she pushed her cane at Keltrain, signaling her desire for him to hold it. “Give me your right hand,” she commanded to the brothers.
Cautiously, Ned and Thomas held out their hands. Her claw-like, bony fingers wrapped around both of their wrists, pulling them closer to her. Matt thought Ned was about to faint.
“A little bit of doubting?” she asked Thomas, as she peered down into his palm. “And some needling, but a good heart.”
Thomas nodded twice, his mouth gapping open.
“Doubting is not a fault. You’re aware of hazards. But heed my words. There will be a time soon when you can’t doubt, and you must act upon faith. Don’t think twice. The lives of your friends and those you seek to rescue will depend upon it.” She released his hand from her grip. Thomas brought it close to his body, as if she had wounded him.
Ned swallowed hard as Morrigana brushed the inside of his palm with her thumb. She rubbed the skin hard and then stared directly into his eyes. Her actions made Matt wonder what she was searching for in Ned’s face. Then, without a word, she pulled an object from inside her cloak and draped it over Ned’s neck. He picked up the leather chord and examined what she had given him. Matt could see that it was a tarnished key, its silver discolored with age. The design, embedded with Fomorian figures, was still visible.
“Put it on the inside of your tunic. Don’t lose it or you’ll lose your life,” she rasped heavily.
Without being told, Matt and Miranda extended their right hands. Morrigana’s bony fingers encircled their wrists, pulling them closer to her. The ancient woman was quiet as she studied the palms of the two children. After a Moment she spoke. “Entangled in tragedy, you two are destined to always be. Hmmm...sad. For one of you will see the other side of the mirror and one of you will be pierced by the mirror.” Releasing them, she took her cane from Keltrain. “Watch over them, wizard. They forge the way for a new beginning here on Green Isle.” Laughing, she shape-shifted into a gray wolf and quickly disappeared back into the cover of the mist.
“Morrigana doesn’t visit travelers often. How surprising she chose to prophesy over the children,” DaGon said after a Moment.
“She seems to know something of the future that doesn’t sound pleasant, my friend. I wonder what she saw.” Keltrain tugged at his beard.
“It be a might alarmin’,” Lamfada agreed. “Them ancient spirits always talk in riddles. No one never be knowin’ what’s comin’. She only be carin’ for Green Isle. For that witch to be makin’ her presence known means we be headin’ into unexpected circumstances.”
“She gave Matt and Miranda a warning,” Lily interjected softly, her wings beating frantically. “Perhaps, with this small bit of knowledge that she entrusted to us, it may help once we get to Black Isle.”
“Morrigana didn’t say anything to me. She just gave me this key,” Ned said, holding up the silver object.
“There will be a use for it, I’m sure,” Keltrain acknowledged. “For now, do as she requested, and keep it hidden in your tunic.”
Matt watched Ned tuck the key inside his leather shirt. He frowned. Why did Ned receive something from Morrigana? Was this a confirmation from the ancient spirit that Ned was going to be chosen as the sword’s Champion? He hoped not. He thought about the words she
spoke to him and Miranda. They were cryptic and confusing. What was all the business about one going through a mirror and the other being cut by one? It didn’t make sense. “Perhaps we could try to figure out what she meant about the mirrors?” Matt asked.
“Mirrors seem to play an important part in everything on Green isle. So I’m not sure yet what she meant,” Keltrain replied. “I’ll have to meditate on it while we travel.”
“Whatever it is, Matt lad, it certainly can be nothin’ good about it. “Specially since that demon Uthal is imprisoned in one.” Lamfada snorted. “Let’s git movin’. Morrigana not be comin’ back here anytime soon and I don’t want to be caught in the bogs at night. Horrible creatures come out in the darkness. I don’t feel like being a meal for any of them beasties.”
For the remaining journey, no one spoke much. Matt was glad. It gave him time to think about Morrigana’s words. What she said to him and Miranda fascinated him, and frightened him all at the same time. The riddle about the mirror was perplexing. Maybe when they reached Black Isle, they would find an answer, and this could help them in their battle with the warlock.
When the group finally reached the other side of the bog, they emerged from the mist just as the sun crept towards the horizon. Unable to see their progress beneath the mist, Matt was stunned to see the ApHar Mountains so far away. The peaks looked like small islands in the sea of clouds.
“Jeepers, we walked that far?” Ned commented in amazement. “I would’ve never guessed it.”
“Chester kept us at a steady pace,” DaGon said as he spread his wings, attempting to trap heat from the fading sun.
“I had been afraid that I wouldn’t remember the way,” the horse replied. “But I guess a well-worn path isn’t ever forgotten.”
“Gee whiz, where are we now?” Thomas looked towards several roads that branched away, disappearing into the tree line. “The leaves here are all brown and dry. Wasn’t it just a couple of days ago that we were in spring-like weather?”
“This is Vonannia Valley,” the dragon answered. “It’s a sacred place to those on Green Isle. Or, rather, it was at one time. It looks different than I remember.”
The Forgotten Spell (Legends of Green Isle Book 1) Page 22