"Well done!" Chertron shouted support to Sarion, and the wounded men had been quickly pulled to safety.
"I don't think we can hope to kill the beast, but maybe we can drive it off." Grundel gestured as Chertron and another warrior launched more arrows at the ogre, which seemed to be uncertain. As another round was fired it roared, swinging the club at the nearest man, then lumbered back into the forest, swallowed up by the trees and vanishing into the night.
The fight had lasted scant minutes, but it seemed much longer. Grundel pointed for Rundin and Kalen to guard against the ogre's return, then went to the front of the cabin where Chertron was tending to the wounded men. Sarion came close, and winced at the hard look on Grundel's face. The warrior who had been kicked by the ogre lay still, his eyes closed.
Sarion had not even learned the man's name.
Halgur was covered in a blanket, the fighter groaning in agony. He had suffered deadly wounds from the spiked club, and Sarion knew that the veteran fighter would not be returning to his family. Grundel knelt next to the man, whispering words of comfort in his ear, holding onto his arm. Halgur coughed up blood, but there was nothing the warriors could do for him. Seconds later, he dropped his head back, his body racked by convulsions, and then lay still. The brave warrior was gone.
Grundel moved away, talking to the two others that had been injured, while Chertron wrapped one of them about the ribcage.
"A few broken bones, but I think that is it." Grundel nodded as Chertron finished with the man. Barthuk was the other wounded fighter, as Sarion caught snatches of the man's name. He was fairly young, with several scars on his arms, and some ugly bruises as well. Sarion helped to take the wounded men into the cabin, where they would try to find some much needed rest. He took out a small leather pouch from his pack, handing it to Chertron.
"Give this to the men," he said.
"What do you have here?" The warrior gave him a puzzled look.
"Roots of healing, they will help to ease the pain, and bring them swifter to the forgetful corridors of sleep as well."
"Thank you, Sarion. My heart grieves to see my comrades in such distress." He walked away.
Sarion sat at one of the chairs, and Grundel disappeared for several minutes to check on Rundin. He also wondered what had happened to the trapper. There was no sign of him anywhere. Perhaps he had fled when the ogre attacked. Grundel returned shortly, and approached Sarion, who spoke words which contained little comfort. "I'm sorry about your men, captain."
Grundel's face was impassionate. "They were brave fighters, loyal to Trencit and its people. They gave their life in noble service. The loss strikes me like a blade, but it is a risk we all take. Regardless, the sting of death never dulls."
Sarion nodded sadly, but there was little else to say. He was no stranger to violence and death himself.
Grundel sat down. "The nature of the threat has been revealed. Who would have believed such a monster prowls the very borders of Trencit."
"There can be little doubt as to where it came from -- the Lowlands." Sarion's thoughts drifted back in time, to the harrowing expedition against the Glefin's, and the forbidden dark country they'd entered in pursuit of the cruel marauders. "But why would an ogre travel here in search of prey? There is no record of any being seen for hundreds of years, at least according to the royal archives." The captain took off his gloves, rubbing dry hands together.
"You have heard of this creature too, then?" Grundel looked over to his men, where Chertron was keeping an eye on their rest. Some of the other warriors had gone outside.
"There exist many legends of the cursed land, and the borderland folk are ripe with tales for speaking around fires and taverns. Whether the old wives' know more than the common man I can't say, but we have seen enough to learn the truth."
The captain pressed him. "What of our immediate plight, though? Do you think the creature will return?"
"No." Sarion took out his hunting knife, sharpening it with a gray stone. "I think that the ogre did not expect to find such resistance, and will head straight back to its lair. The Grammore Lowlands."
The captain paused before replying. "In the morning we will pursue the creature."
Sarion was startled by Grundel's statement, and raised his eyebrows. "You mean to hunt the ogre?"
"That is my plan."
"A dangerous scheme indeed. Maybe we've managed to drive it away for good."
"My orders are to determine the origin of the intrusions, and to take appropriate action. We have uncovered the nature of one enemy -- now we will seek its destruction. And there are too many stories and incidents to blame it all on any single creature, no matter its ferocity." The tone of the man left no doubt in Sarion's mind as to the captain's resolve. Grundel matched his gaze. "I know what you think, but I cannot allow this monster to roam freely on Trencit's borders. We will find a way to destroy it."
Sarion carefully replied. "I mean no offense, but this is a creature unmatched in the experience of your men, or anyone for that matter. A lesser group would have been slaughtered."
The captain lowered his voice. "Your words are true, but that is my order. You are the best tracker in the west, you can follow the beast."
Sarion shrugged. "Yes, the trail will be clear, but isn't this a reckless plan? It is my belief that it travels primarily by night, and will head straight for Grammore."
Grundel rubbed his hand across the table. "Surprise and cunning. I don't think it will expect to be hunted, either. The element of secrecy will be on our side this time." The captain shifted as Rundin entered, having been relieved by another warrior.
Sarion followed his stare. "And just how far do you intend on tracking the ogre?"
Grundel's eyes were steel. "Until we catch up with it. And then we finish it off. I don't know how many of these creatures even exist, but even one is too many for the future safety of our borders."
Frowning, Sarion replied "Our party is diminished, of course. What about the wounded men?"
"Barthuk and Lerion will head back with our fallen comrades, returning to the fortress of Nighton, where you served years ago. It is our main bastion in the west, and word will be sent to King Gregor. Perhaps more fighters will be committed until this threat is vanquished."
For the first time, Sarion wondered whether Grundel knew more than he admitted. He left it go for the moment.
"All right, but it certainly is a hazardous venture ahead of us. The further west we go, the more comfortable our quarry will become. We will be the trespassers -- entirely on our own. Help will not be found in this part of the world, and there are a lot of unpleasant creatures living in Grammore. Some far more dangerous than the ogre."
"That is as it may be. Good night, then. I must see to the watch." Grundel stood up.
"I'll help, of course," said Sarion. The captain made a gesture to wave off Sarion's offer, but he insisted. "The next turn, have someone rouse me."
The captain nodded before leaving.
Sarion managed to catch some sleep before being awakened by Kalen, and he gazed into the quiet forest as his mind recalled the country that lay before him, and what manner of evil stalked the night unseen. Memories unbidden whispered to him in the twilight, and terrible visions grappled onto his consciousness despite his efforts to throw them aside…
"Sarion? Trullik and Baren can go no further. The poison seeps through their veins and steals their life away."
Sarion looked across the still marsh, frustration giving way to a feeling of helplessness and anger. What to do? Turn back and let the Glefins escape once more, to return on their own time and ravage his people again? But his orders were firm. They were to pursue their quarry until they were all destroyed, to the last creature. And he couldn't forsake Captain Quelm's party either. They were late for their rendezvous, and Sarion had a growing suspicion that something terrible had happened to the other group. The mission had been disastrous so far. Even on the edge of the Grammore Lowlands, it was clear tha
t they were in a much deadlier situation than their leadership had anticipated. The Foresters had not foreseen the savagery of this country, failed to give any faith to the tales and rumours.
They were true.
As he wrestled with such grim thoughts, he spun around, his hand moving to his weapon as shouts rang out in the night, and something dreadful bellowed its fell call, seeking easy prey in the gathering dusk…
Sarion crouched down, resting on one knee. He sighed, reliving some of the nightmares from his venture into Grammore, a place he never wished to look upon again in his life. And now it appeared that fate had something else in mind for him, and all paths were clouded in uncertainty.
***
The next morning dawned cloudy and cool, as the two warriors rode off with the slain men strapped to their horses. There had been no sign of Dustan since the fight with the ogre, so Grundel concluded that he must have run off into the night, his fear overcoming him. No one had seen him leave. And who would hold blame for his actions after what they had seen, and survived?
Sarion led the group of nine with Chertron by his side. The trail was easy to follow as the ogre left large imprints on the moist ground. Drops of blood were visible for several hundred yards, then disappeared. The trees were not dense, and the way was easy on horseback. Leaves lay scattered on the forest floor, and thousands of acorns crunched beneath the feet of their steeds. The air had the bite of morning coolness, but it was not uncomfortable for riding. The company continued after the ogre's trail for the early part of day, stopping only once for a brief pause. Sarion had no trouble tracking the monster, which appeared to be headed due west -- directly to Grammore as he had anticipated. As the afternoon waned on, Grundel conferred with Sarion about the landscape ahead.
Sarion tried to describe the region to the best of his memory. "The terrain gradually slopes, as you may have noticed. The trees grow denser, and the undergrowth will become difficult. There's a great ridge at the crest of the forest, and on the other side at its feet is the very edge of the Lowlands. Grasslands mark the area in places, serving as a border against the wilderness itself. We'll reach the ridge by early tomorrow, if nothing unforeseen occurs."
The captain nodded, and Sarion read the unspoken words in the man's eyes. He knew they both shared the same feelings -- a sense of foreboding about the approaching land ahead. Anything could happen once they reached the dangerous region.
Evening fell early as high clouds moved in from the west, and the company settled around a rocky hillock for camp. The place offered protection from intruders, with piles of large boulders clumped together and forming a sizable mound. But the structure was unusual, and had not been created by nature -- this was clearly evident, and Sarion only shook his head when questioned by Grundel.
"It's very old, and the purpose is a mystery. There are said to be many strange and ancient structures within Grammore and around its borders. The royal archives may even speak of such, the old maps which I've heard about. I haven't seen any sign of recent activity except for the ogre's passing. We draw closer to the creature, but it travels swiftly, fearing nothing in the wild."
They turned their heads at a shout from Kalen, who had scaled the high point of the rocks, and now waved for them to approach. The two men leapt over jagged boulders, amazed by the vastness of the stones. Whatever had placed them here possessed incredible power.
Kalen pointed down, and the pair examined what he'd found. A perfectly round hole opened up from the top of the small hill, and a shaft led into the structure. The opening went right through the rocks. Kalen let out a low whistle, lighting a brand to penetrate the darkness. The bottom was beyond their sight, and could only be guess at. The men were quiet for several moments, exchanging glances. The captain drew in a short breath, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"I've seen rough pictures which are liken to this. Yes, the formation is just as described…" He peered downwards, running his hands across the edge. Grundel's voice was low, cautious. "Unless I'm mistaken, this is the abandoned lair of a Killworm."
They men stared at him in silence for long moments, until Sarion responded. "That's incredible. They were said to exist over a thousand years ago." Sarion recalled hearing tales of the ominous and deadly creatures in the past, and he felt a slight shiver that this could possibly be the ancient lair of such a monster, which existed only in legend.
"How do you know that it's abandoned? Kalen backed away from the opening, looking nervously around. He fingered his weapon.
"Well, for one thing, the ogre passed by here," replied Sarion.
"And if the Killworm was alive, the ogre would have long been dead. With us to keep it company within the creature's lair," added the captain.
"What manner of creature is this Killworm?" Kalen dipped the torch lower, revealing nothing.
" Was the Killworm," answered Grundel. "Long thought to be extinct -- if it ever actually existed -- it was said to have possessed the form of a great, sinuous spider, able to secrete a vitriolic acid that could bore through living rock. It would lay in wait for victims, hearing anything that moved for hundreds of yards in every direction. It then spun a network of webs, snaring the hapless man or animal that walked within sight of its lair. Even the webs were coated with some type of chemical, causing drowsiness. The Killworm liked fresh meat, and the unfortunate victims were dragged below, still alive, to await the hunger of the monster."
Kalen shuddered. "That's ghastly, to suffer such a horrible fate. But how were the rocks moved here then -- by the beast?"
"No. The tale goes that an ancient race of giants used to dominate many parts of the region, and they placed the creatures at strategic points, guarding the borders of their homelands, thought to be Grammore."
"I've never heard the full story before," said Sarion.
"You haven't gained access to the royal archives either, my friend." Grundel clapped him on the shoulder. "But this find here is of immense historical importance, confirming the old scripts, if it is indeed such a den. It was also said that great treasures could be found within the lairs, gathered from the countless victims."
Both Kalen and Sarion stared at the tall captain as he continued.
"And I mean to go down there."
***
"You're serious? Down into that hole?" Sarion gazed at Grundel in disbelief as the captain nodded.
"Kalen, I will need several lengths of rope, and some more torches. Alert Rundin as to my undertaking, and let Chertron know as well." The warrior bounded off.
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
"We know the Killworm is long gone, so there is no real danger that I can think of. I'm fascinated as to what may be down there."
"Maybe something else lives down there now."
Grundel shrugged, but said nothing.
"How deep do you think the hole is?" Sarion peered downward, a growing uneasiness creeping into his heart. The thought of descending into the lair of such a creature -- dead or not -- was unnerving, and a risk not worth taking, even for the chance of precious gems.
"No one recorded that detail. Anyone who ever saw a Killworm never lived to report it." Grundel's words had a profound effect on Sarion, as he visualized the horror of such a monster. The Grammore Lowlands were steeped in legends of countless mysterious creatures and their terrible habits -- and appetites.
Sarion stared into the opening. "The Lowlands have always been extremely dangerous. Who knows what still dwells there yet? We spotted some of the lesser creatures seven years ago. It was to our fortune that the deadlier predators did not come across our trail, or I wouldn't be standing here right now…But what we did encounter was enough to decimate our ranks. I left behind many nearly all of my comrades."
"That may be true," replied Grundel. "How far from here did you enter the region?"
Sarion looked to the north, then pointed. "I would say a few dozen miles from where we now stand, although my recollection is clouded. The ridge was fairly steep, a
nd we ventured inside only a mile or so. The Glefins fell prey themselves to something shortly after going in as well, despite being native to the Lowlands. Lucky for us that half their party was killed by the time we met up with them. We found out too late that they were being pursued, and they determined us to be the lesser threat. What does that tell you?"
"Too much, and not enough at the same time." Grundel turned as Kalen came toward them, followed by Rundin.
"Captain, is this true what Kalen has told me?" The warriors placed their supplies onto the rocks, and Rundin gave Grundel a hard look, his bristling beard not lending any softness to his stern face.
"Yes, and I need you and Kalen to support the rope. I'd rather not be trapped in the lair. Tie three lengths together -- make the knots strong. I'll take several torches along."
The men obeyed and Sarion gazed across the landscape, the moon climbing high overhead, the white radiance complimented by the distant fires of a billion stars.
"I think it would be best if I accompanied you down there." Sarion stared at the captain for a moment, who actually grinned in return.
"Although I appreciate the offer, it is my idea, thus my risk. I need you to stay here, and if anything happens, they'll come to my aid." Grundel hesitated before continuing. "Or if I find something too dangerous, take the men and leave."
The three men looked at the captain, weighing his words. Sarion was beginning to understand this man better, and he knew the fighters admired him. Grundel demanded respect -- he was a man to be trusted. One did not rise to the Homeguard without earning the position. Charismatic and fearless, Captain Grundel was a natural leader. Sarion felt that the loss of his fighters had struck him deeply, but his loyalty to the king was unwavering. He obviously felt that such a discovery called for investigating, and he now took the risk himself instead of setting it upon one of his company.
"Tie the ends fast, under that rock." He pointed to a long boulder, and the men grabbed the rope, pulling it around the one jagged side.
Ogre's Passing Page 4