The three of them walked down the valley and across the pleasant, grass-covered ground that lay beneath a forest of evergreen trees. Ash remained cautious about where he stepped.
“Are you certain there are no potholes? Have you tested everywhere?” he queried.
“I’m certain. It’s a different bedrock to the last valley and totally safe. The only thing I was unsure of at first was whether or not those birds could fly over the mountains and attacks us. But they haven’t, the peaks must be too high. Trust us, we have encountered no danger since living here,” assured Ugg.
“That’s what bothers me. It can’t be this easy.”
As they got closer to the archway Ash could begin to hear the thundering, intimidating noise of the waterfall. They stood as close as they could to it, right at the convergence of the two rivers flowing either side of them. Ash crouched down to get a view through the archway of the distant landscape that lay beyond. The Gauntlet continued, there was no doubting that, and it definitely appeared to be much lower in elevation. There were no discernible features that Ash could make out. There was no end in sight.
“I’m sorry I doubted you, but this can’t be the end of the journey,” said a desolate Ash. “Do you still have your swords?”
“Yes, we both have, back at base camp. Neither are as big as yours though, clearly guarding the queen had some advantages. We also have plenty of wooden arrows to go with the bow I made from materials found in this valley,” replied Janna.
“So if we went over the fall and survived, we’d be well-armed to take on any dangers that came next?”
“Yes, moderately. If we survive the fall. Look, you’ve got some pretty big scratches and you probably haven’t eaten properly since entering The Gauntlet. Why don’t we go back to base camp and eat, rest and talk?”
At the mention of food Ash’s stomach began to rumble, he couldn’t deny his raging hunger any longer.
“Fair enough, let’s go back. I’m starving.”
As the sun was setting and the valley filled with the pale light of dusk, the three knights sat around a small fire, eating the last of their meat and getting to know one another. There was a definite mutual respect between them for their individual accomplishments in getting so far. Ash had to concede that with a fire, good food and pleasant company he was actually content. In fact, he was happy, given the circumstances.
“The only thing we’re lacking is a decent ale and this might actually be alright,” commented Ash. “Do you miss anything at all about Harwell?”
“Not a damn thing, give me the silence of this valley over the hustle and bustle of the city any day,” said Ugg.
“I miss the sea breeze and a clear blue sky. The air in this valley is so stifling sometimes, like it’s never refreshed and the sun is dulled by the permanent hanging cloud. Apart from that, nothing – I had no family, friends or loved ones. I would never have become a knight if I did. I would never have taken the risk that one day I would have to leave something behind, no matter how small,” said Janna.
Ash nodded. The darkness of the night consumed the valley and Ash closed his eyes. He allowed himself to soak up the feelings of peace and security, becoming drowsier as he did. Finally Ash made up his mind and, before he fell asleep, said: “You are two very worthy companions and I will stay with you tonight, but at dawn tomorrow I shall leave. It is not my fate to stay here. It’s not that I have a death wish, it’s just that I made two promises. The first was that I would return victorious to my family and, the second, that I would kill that witch and free the men of their eternal torture. I do not know what is ahead nor if I will survive the drop, but nothing in The Gauntlet seems natural. I think it may be a test, of mental and physical strength, and I’m sure there is something, or someone, at the end of it. I can feel it in my gut.”
Janna and Ugg looked at each other.
“We believe that also, it is something we discuss together almost every night. But if this is all by design then what sadistic monster must lie at the end? Hundreds of knights have died so far and all for what purpose? In order to prove themselves to some all-powerful being?” questioned Janna.
“I’m leaving tomorrow, with or without you. This perfect valley is a trick, just like the witch. I intend to pass the test – it is a leap of faith. We accepted our fates as soon as we entered. As terrifying as The Gauntlet has been, I have never felt as alive as I have these last few days. If I survive the drop I will try to light a fire to signal to you. I shall give you until dusk to join me.”
Those were the last words Ash managed before he crashed into a deep sleep and began snoring loudly.
Ugg burped and stood up, staring at Ash as he slept soundly.
“Well, it looks like he is the one to help us in our quest. He is a good man. He is younger than me and his conviction is strong, he is compelled to return to his son. I know when a man is intent on their actions and believe me, he is jumping tomorrow. He has the will to overcome all challenges, just like us.”
“With the three of us we stand a better chance of progressing through The Gauntlet, assuming we survive the fall. Our patience has paid off,” said Janna.
“And a little luck. It could have been a very long time before another knight came up through the water and especially one with such a strong determination to succeed. It is quite tempting just to stay here and be safe.”
“I told you we would wait a whole year and then leave regardless. Tomorrow morning we must act like he changed our minds and convinced us to leave, it is easier than having to explain our deception.”
“Why not reveal the truth? It is not good to start the next leg of our quest on the backbone of a lie. Ash will understand,” suggested Ugg.
“Understand that we tested him? That’s the last thing he needs to hear. I will tell him everything in time, but for now it is good for his morale that he thinks he persuaded us. Make sure you are up before him tomorrow.”
Ugg dampened the last of the fire with water and then scattered the sizzling embers with his feet.
“Waking up early isn’t a problem, you know I’m an early riser. It feels exciting to know we will finally be moving on, even if it is to our doom. Still, I enjoyed my time here. I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight, Janna.”
“Goodnight.”
Ugg went to sleep, leaving Janna alone with her thoughts. She had waited patiently for this moment to come. She suspected she would survive the fall, but it was safer to jump with others should she get into difficulty in the water at the bottom. Ugg was mentally strong but his body was aged. Ash was the final link in the tripod that she wanted before she would even risk continuing through The Gauntlet.
Chapter 4: The Leap of Faith
Ash awoke at dawn to see Janna still peacefully sleeping. Ash admired how beautiful she looked, a rare beauty that bewitched him in greater ways than the fake temptress ever had. Ash couldn’t see Ugg anywhere, but regardless, the knight felt completely refreshed and energised. He was ready to take the test that he was sure he would – at least, fairly sure – survive. Ash saluted Janna and began to walk towards the waterfall. It wasn’t long until he bumped into Ugg, who was foraging for mushrooms and berries, and the two knights greeted each other.
“Good morning,” said Ugg.
“Good morning. Those mushrooms look delicious, do you mind if I have one?”
“Of course not, I just hope it won’t be your last meal. Was Janna still asleep?”
“Like a log.”
“Good. She doesn’t always sleep well, unfortunately, so often she wakes up screaming with terror. I have tried to get her to open up about what was causing her nightmares but she won’t tell me. None of my business I guess. I want to join you, but I don’t want to leave her alone now we’ve been here so long. I feel very protective of her.”
“She entered The Gauntlet alone and survived. I wouldn’t feel too sorry for her, she will cope, but I understand your connection to her is obviously stronger than mine. It�
��s been good to meet you, Ugg. I hope to see you again, both of you. For what it’s worth, in our short time I’ve enjoyed your and Janna’s company more than anyone else I knew in Harwell. I’ll make a fire and wait a sun cycle, after that I’m gone.”
Suddenly Janna appeared behind the two men.
“You make less noise than a whisper! I honestly don’t know how you do it, Janna. Have you come to wish Ash off?” asked Ugg, before he noticed Janna was equipped with her bow and arrow, her slender sword and food supplies. “Wait, what are you doing?”
“It should be me to go over first, I’m the one who made it this far on my own before you two. It is my right,” she replied.
“What happened to a nice, comfortable life here?” asked Ash.
“What you said last night struck a chord with me. Our fates, good or bad, were sealed once we entered The Gauntlet. We only have one way to go, and that is forward. It has been good for me here, I think, but there is no point prolonging our fates any longer than we have to. Now seems like as good a time as any, if more knights arrive here we’d soon run out of food anyway.”
“Excellent. We are doing the right thing,” said Ash.
“So we all jump? Wait here, I have to go get some things,” Ugg acted surprised as he quickly ran to grab his prepared belongings.
“We’ll meet you there. Don’t be long,” shouted Janna.
Ash and Janna walked together towards the archway.
“I’m glad you changed your mind, although I didn’t mean to interfere with the dynamics of your situation. You and Ugg can still call the shots if we survive the fall, you were here before me after all.”
Janna was impressed by Ash’s words and the respect he was bestowing upon her and Ugg. She was confident he was the right partner, along with Ugg, to assist her in succeeding through The Gauntlet.
“How old are you? If you don’t mind me asking,” said Ash.
“Thirty.”
“You must be one of the youngest to enter The Gauntlet, but by far one of the most courageous. Why were you so eager to enter?”
“Let’s just say there were worse monsters in Harwell to run away from.”
“I’m sorry.”
“For what? You didn’t do anything to me.”
They continued in silence and Ash felt uncomfortable with the atmosphere his question had created. Luckily it didn’t take long for Ugg to catch them up, out of breath and sweating.
“How about we get out of this valley?! Time for the adventure to continue,” said Ugg.
The time to jump was upon them.
The roar of the cascading water drowned out every other noise in the valley as the three knights stood at the water’s edge.
“I know it is polite to say ladies first, but in this instance, I think I can be excused for saying you don’t have to go first if you don’t want to,” said Ash to Janna.
“I appreciate the gesture, but I want to go first. Though I think we’re still wearing too much, we don’t want to survive the fall only to drown at the bottom. I’m taking everything off except my undergarments and my food belts, it’s the smart thing to do.” Janna said, removing the armour which protected her shins, hands and arms. She held her slender sword, while her bow and arrow were draped over her shoulders.
Ash was reluctant but followed suit. Ugg had nothing left to take off, already wearing the minimum: a torn, dirty beige shirt and ripped leggings.
“Look at us three now. Stripped to the bare essentials and looking like peasants. How different to when we first entered,” said Ash.
“I never did like armour, it just slows you down,” commented Ugg.
“What about your sword, Ash? That thing must weigh a lot?” asked Janna.
“It is heavy but I will not part with it again. We can’t fight the monsters ahead with our bare hands and no armour.”
“Maybe we don’t have to, if we can run away fast enough or sneak around them. Remember that it is our brains and not our brawn that have got us this far.”
“I disagree. My sword came in pretty handy with the birds. I don’t go looking for trouble but if it comes to me, it’s nice to know I can fight. Like I said last night, if I can, I will clear this valley of evil and not just run from it. I’m ready, shall we do this? The longer we stay here the less time we have to walk on the other side before it gets dark,” said Ash.
“If this is a test, then it is a cruel one indeed. I don’t like heights and I don’t like swimming, but… I am ready to leap,” responded Ugg.
Janna turned and gave Ugg a soft kiss on his cheek, before saying: “See you on the other side.”
Janna nodded at Ash before jumping forward into the cold water and, in the blink of an eye, she was carried through the archway and swept over the edge. There were no screams from her that Ash and Ugg could hear and they were impressed by Janna’s lack of hesitation.
“Well, now she has gone we can’t not go,” said Ugg.
“Shall we jump in together? Or do you want to go first? You were here before me,” asked Ash.
“We’ll go together. On three, ready? One, two, three!” shouted Ugg, as both knights plunged into the water.
The current whisked them away and the drop came almost instantly, sending both knights plummeting towards the bottom. After free falling for several seconds they crashed into the plunge pool, before surfacing. The flow of the water swiftly took them away from the waterfall.
“Well, that wasn’t so bad!” shouted Ugg.
“It isn’t over yet,” replied Ash. “Didn’t you see? It’s a step valley. We…”
Ash had no time to finish his sentence before the next drop, an even bigger one which stole the breath from their lungs upon as they landed in the white, foamy mass of water at the bottom. Ash surfaced first, he was a strong swimmer and his sword barely hindered him. Ugg, however, was nowhere to be seen. Neither was Janna. The roar of the water was deafening and it was cold, very cold. Ash swam against the current, which was pulling him towards the final drop – the biggest. Ash wanted a few seconds respite before the next drop and he got it. Ash managed to catch a glimpse of Ugg’s head just before the water took him over the final drop. This time the drop was huge and Ash cried out, the freefall lasted almost five seconds before he finally smashed into the water at the bottom. Ash summoned the last reserves of his strength to reach the surface but when he did, the air he inhaled couldn’t suffice the oxygen his body needed. The weight of the sword was dragging him down and Ash was about to let it go, when he felt Janna’s hands around his shoulder and under his armpit, before he passed out.
Ash came around to find he was laying on a muddy bank with Janna standing tall over him and Ugg on his knees, coughing up water and looking, understandably, worse for wear. Ash immediately put two and two together about what had happened.
“Thank you, Janna. My life is in your debt. I was done for.”
“I told you that sword would be your doom. Unfortunately I lost my sword after the second drop, but that is why I was also able to grab and help you.”
“I owe you, thanks. Are you alright, Ugg?” asked Ash.
“I’m fine now, accidentally swallowed half the river after the second drop. Just managed to keep onto my sword, if it was any heavier I would have been in trouble.”
“Well, we made it. Just look at those waterfalls: I have never seen anything in this world so beautiful and frightening in equal measures.”
“It seems you have a tendency to pass out, that’s twice now and you’re not even as old as Ugg. What is wrong with you?” commented Janna, in an oddly serious tone.
“I never said I was perfect. I don’t know why I pass out but I owe you my life and I’ll be forever grateful. I’ve never passed out before entering The Gauntlet, it must be the water. I have felt fine everywhere else.”
Ash stood up, relieved to find none of his bones were broken. He did, however, have a pounding headache and was cold from his time in the freezing water. Ash surveyed the area but n
othing special caught his eye. “Everything looks the same as before, a little more barren perhaps? No caves that I can see.”
“It’s not as nice as where we were before that’s for sure,” said Ugg. “It’s the kind of place that makes you want to keep moving.”
“We’ll walk until dusk. You were right, Ash, it was a leap of faith,” smiled Janna.
“Or just blind luck. If I jumped on my own I’d probably be dead right now. I wasn’t strong enough.”
“But you didn’t go on your own. It wasn’t smart to go on your own. We are stronger together and three is better than two. For a start, it helps us better share night-watch duties.”
“More sleep for me! Just what an old boy needs,” joked Ugg.
The three of them departed the series of towering waterfalls and followed the banks of the river. Ash kept looking back at the waterfalls, mesmerized by their scale and that all three had survived. They had passed the leap of faith.
Chapter 5: The Valley Ends
The night was cold and there was a brisk wind blowing through the valley. The three knights sat in a circle around a small fire with their backs to one another, each keeping a close watch on their surroundings so that nothing could creep up and surprise them. There was little so far they had encountered which had warranted such precaution, but they knew it was perilous to underestimate The Gauntlet. They had fed on scraps from their food pouches and drunk the river water, which was fresh, cool and reinvigorating. They had not yet seen anything to hunt, nor any fruit trees or berry bushes; so they rationed and underfed their hunger pains.
“Tell me about the citadel, Ash. Is it as glorious on the inside as it is the outside?” asked Ugg.
“No, it’s uglier in my opinion. They covered up the beautiful marble with endless drapes of tapestries, rugs made from skinned animals and countless decorations made of metals and gems. I found it all a bit garish and greedy, to take the people’s taxes and never give anything back. There was nothing glorious about it.”
The Gauntlet ( A Fantasy Novella) Page 3