The Holtur Enigma (The Holtur Trilogy)

by Cameron Wayne Smith

  Vivian felt something brush up against his calf. He followed Kallum’s gaze to see a large, cream-coloured worm clawing up his leg. It had two defined mandibles on its face, about the same spacing between them as the corpses he had seen that morning. “LEECH!” Vivian screamed in high pitched, somewhat feminine voice.

  “No!” Kallum grabbed the chubby worm, just before Vivian had a chance to kick it. “This little guy wouldn’t hurt a fly! This is a worm, one from up your way in fact.”

  “I’ve never seen such a thing!” Vivian looked at the worm with disgust. “Are you sure that’s not what drained those people? I mean, it looks fat enough!”

  “Definitely not.” Kallum affectionately patted the worm, like he would a pet. “They are herbivorous and slow, not bloodthirsty and fast.”

  “What’s with all this ruckus?” an older man appeared from behind a fern.

  “Professor Rungel,” Kallum answered to the man. “The northerners have a problem with some aggressive serpents. This man here, Vivian, told me all about it. I think the Neidos silk might be an answer to their problem!”

  “Oh, my apologies.” Rungel wiped his dirty hands on his brown pants, then offered a handshake to the visitor. “A pleasure to meet you Vivian. I am not quite sure what your situation is, or what Kallum has up his sleeve, but when he has a hunch, he is usually right.”

  “I’m hoping so.” Vivian grimaced at the handshake. He then took in a deep breath, wondering how even the educated people here seem to crush his hand upon greeting. “The pleasure is all mine.”

  “So what is it you are thinking Kallum?” Rungel turned away from Vivian, giving him a chance to shake out the pain in his hand. “That the silk might be a deterrent to these serpents?”

  “Sort of…” Kallum was moving between plants, gathering up a mess of the worm’s silk. “What if it was used to make some sort of protective armour?”

  “I don’t think that would work Kallum,” the professor disagreed, “it's porous, pulls apart too easy, not to mention it becomes incredibly flammable when it dries out.”

  “But it’s abrasively resistant!” Kallum wrapped a bunch of the silk around his arm. “You know that professor, you know how easy it pulls apart because we have to pull it apart, we can’t cut it! Go on Vivian, try to cut my arm!” Kallum put his arm out, holding the silk tightly in place.

  Vivian looked at his arm, scared of what could happen. “But what if—”

  “Just do it!” Kallum snapped back.

  Vivian picked up a small knife off a nearby bench, looked to the professor, then back to Kallum. “Here goes!” He lashed at the silk covering. Not a single thread tore.

  “What if we compacted it?” Kallum already knew what would happen. His idea was in his head, and all he wanted to do, was get it out. “Then thatched it into some kind of mesh? No organic—or even inorganic—object would be able to cut through it!”

  “That could work.” Rungel was rubbing his chin, it was obvious he had begun to think along the same lines as Kallum. “It would take time to find the perfect process… but if the entire arsenal of an enemy was through abrasive force, this silk could very well hold the answer.”

  “Silverton doesn’t have time!” Vivian appreciated the thought, but study time was not on their side. “How could we get the process figured out quicker?”

  “We only have the one worm here in Holtur. We cannot produce enough silk to run all that many tests at a fast pace, let alone produce garments.” Rungel placed his hand on Vivian’s shoulder. “This worm though, it came from north of Silverton. If your people can find the Neidos tribes, they will have plenty of worms with them.”

  Vivian looked into the sunken eyes of the old man, it was almost like he was imparting spiritual advice. “How do we find the Neidos tribes?”

  “That is for your people to find out,” Rungel spoke sternly. “I’ve heard about how powerful Silverton is. Surely your lord could summon up the resources to both find the worms, and process a protective cloth.”

  “Great…” Vivian didn’t like the thought of returning to Silverton empty handed, with nothing more than an idea alone. He was beginning to feel his presence in Holtur was a complete waste, like there was nothing to gain. “I lose everyone I came here with, fail to recruit any slayers, and return with nothing but an idea.”

  “A thank you would have been nice.” Kallum gave Vivian a look of disappointment.

  “You should slow down a bit there Vivian.” Professor Rungel’s wrinkled face scrunched up even further, displaying concern for the northerners attitude. “I can tell that you are a big city person, but big city thinking isn’t going to protect the ones you love. You will be leaving with an idea, but you should know, that every major thing—the city you call home included—started with an idea.”

  “I understand where you are coming from,” Vivian spoke carefully, “just my superiors… they are going to want to see results.”

  “And that’s what you are giving them,” Rungel said, “your knowledge will bring them hope. If hope is not a good result from your journey, I do not know what is.”

  “I guess… You don’t want to come back to Silverton with me do you Professor?” Vivian sighed. “I could use your words to sell that concept.”

  “I’m sorry Vivian,” Rungel said, “but my place, as it always will be, is here in Holtur. I do wish you every success dealing with your serpents though.”

  “Here.” Kallum, still seeming disappointed, but not angered, handed Vivian the silk he had gathered. “Take it with you. If you show the silk to the Silverton Bristrunstium branch, surely they will support my idea, and help you find the Neidos tribes.”

  “Thank you Kallum.” Vivian didn’t know of a Bristrunstium branch operating in Silverton, but knew people of science who would be in a similar position. “I apologise if I seemed a little unappreciative before, like Professor Rungel said, I’m a big city person. I do appreciate everything you are doing, and will try to kick back my pace, for you, and for your family.”

  “That would be good,” Kallum spoke with a grin, “besides, you don’t want to know what my sister does to people who upset me.”

  “No, that I most certainly do not.” Vivian pulled at the neck of his shirt in an attempt to cool himself. “I think I should vacate this room soon. Whilst it is a lovely break from the cold outside, the humidity feels a bit too much for me.”

  “I thought you northerners loved this kind of weather?” Kallum questioned. “As much as I love it in here, I try not to spend too long at a time either. Let’s keep moving, there’s plenty more of the Bristrunstium to see!”

  “Sure.” Vivian followed the excited Kallum. He wanted to hear news of his assistant, and get back to Silverton with the Neidos silk as soon as possible, but for him, this was a waiting game. He figured keeping Kallum happy was the best thing he could do. A bit of curiosity for what else the Bristrunstium held, may have also been on his mind.

  ***

  It had been a long sun exploring the Bristrunstium, learning of but a few of the creatures, monsters, and horrors that had tried to destroy the town of Holtur. It fascinated Vivian just how they bested the invaders, then used their remains for resources to help fortify their home. With the sun hanging low, and the first moon about to rise, it was time for Vivian to escort Kallum back to his residence.

  “So what was your favourite part?” Kallum questioned his guest.

  “I thought the flight module using those wyvern wings was amazing!” Vivian’s face lit up at the thought. “If you people perfect that, you could be the first people to fly!”

  “Well… sort of,” Kallum responded, giving a look of wonder. “You city folk really don’t know all that much outside of your cities, do you? You should head over to Altkruga for your next recruitment venture. If you like the idea of those wings, you’d love that place!”

  “Have they already mastered human flight?” Vivian swiftly asked.

  “Not as we are trying to do, no,
” Kallum disagreed, “it’s a little… different. Pretty cool non the less.”

  Vivian walked silently for a while, thinking about his family, why he is here, and whether he’ll ever be sent anywhere else in the future. Over the last couple of suns, he had found it hard to think there would be anything after Holtur—after the serpents arrive in Silverton. He hoped there would be much life to enjoy after these events had unfolded. “Hopefully my next venture does take me there,” he said, masking his worry.

  Kallum stopped before the door to his residence. “Well, Vivian, you’re a bit of a weird one, but in my books, you are always welcome here in Holtur.”

  “Thanks.” Vivian thought about shaking his hand for a moment, but decided against it. Kallum may have been frail, but these Holtur handshakes were destroying his hand. It didn’t matter, Kallum reached out for it anyway, offering that tight squeeze that Vivian swore was destroying his bones.

  “Kallum, get inside!” Sonja panted, racing up to the two. She stole their complete attention and allowed Vivian his chance to grimace.

  “What’s happening?” Kallum opened the door. “Did you get the leeches?”

  “No, we didn’t manage to find any,” Kaine admitted as he caught up, entering the house after his daughter. “It’s far worse than that.”

  “We’ve had scouts out…” Sonja took in another deep breath, her blue eyes giving Vivian a deathly stare. “Looking for a possible survivor of Vivian’s group. No luck this sun, but they found a fog rolling over the hills. It’s coming from the direction of Lachtod Bog.”

  “The shroud…” Kallum whispered loudly. He rubbed his chin and appeared deep in thought.

  “The shroud?” Vivian questioned, still standing outside of the house.

  “A bloodthirsty race of horrors from the bog.” Sonja gestured for Vivian to get inside the house. “Just get yourself inside, and we’ll make a plan for the coming moons.”

  “You and your family have given me enough,” Vivian politely refused. “I couldn’t possibly burden you any longer.”

  “Yes, we have, but I don’t want to hear about your death next sun.” Sonja grabbed Vivian by the back of his coat, then threw him into the house. “Everything you have seen here so far, is nothing compared to the shroud.”

  Chapter 5: Shroud

  First moon had an uncomfortable quiet about it. The coming of the fog, and the shroud from Lachtod Bog, had deadened the vibe of the already dark town. Everyone sitting at the bench table in the Bluwahlt’s dining room had a sense of fear about them, except for Kallum, his attitude towards the horrors was tainted with a thirst for knowledge.

  “We should capture one!” Kallum couldn’t hold back from the silence any longer. “Think of what we could learn if we did! No more hiding, no more waiting for them to pass, no more death every visit.”

  “You know that we can’t even see them Kallum,” Sonja returned, as if she was used to her brother being a little too eager at times. “Any slayer that ventures too close to the fog, ends up dead before they even realise what’s going on.”

  “But what if we could remove the shroud from the fog?” Kallum’s eyes lit up, it was clear he had been planning something for quite a while. “We’ve never seen the shroud leave the fog, and I believe that without it, they may be incredibly fallible. It could even kill them!”

  Sonja crossed her arms. “That could be true, but what if it doesn’t change them? How would you even separate the two; they are one and the same whenever they come through town?”

  “I’ve put together a prototype air dryer,” Kallum said, a cheeky look upon his face. “Have you noticed that new building, by the alleyway near the Lodern residence? I may have had some input into that.”

  “It’s not ready,” Kaine objected, “the walls aren’t sturdy enough to hold out the shroud just yet, maybe next time.”

  “The dryer works just fine!” Kallum argued. “It can keep them at bay, I know it can. If we don’t use it now, they may destroy it, why waste this opportunity!”

  Kaine slammed his fist down to the wooden table. “I haven’t spent the last twenty-six years taking care of you, just so you can recklessly throw your life away on a hunch!”

  “Dad, have any of my plans ever failed?” Kallum spoke softly to his father. “Besides, it won’t be me running the device, I wouldn’t have the be there.”

  “You want me to do it?” Sonja unfolded her arms and leant into the table. “Fine!”

  Kallum shook his head. “No, not you, scouts would be better for the task.”

  “What?” Sonja tilted her head. “Why?”

  “My device will operate better with five people that have optimum cardiovascular endurance,” Kallum said. “Don’t worry, if it needed physical strength, you would have been my first choice.”

  “Right…” Sonja sat back. “So you want me to go pull out five of our best scouts for this suicide mission?”

  “It’s not a suicide mission!” Kallum argued. Clearly he hated when people weren’t seeing things the same way he did. “This will work, and it could stop the shroud from ever hurting us again!”

  “Alright, fine, I’ll sort it out!” Sonja pulled a chunk of bread from a loaf sitting on the table, then stood up. “So how does this contraption of yours work anyway?”

  “It’s pretty obvious,” Kallum spoke with excitement, “but it’s also pretty awesome! When you head into that new building you will see a large blade by the wall. It’s connected up to five large bicycle like contraptions, all set up in a line before it. Push down the wall in front of the blade—it’s only a mock wall so will fall down easy—then you’ll see a hole in the ground. Start a fire in that hole using the timber from the mock wall. The dry air and smoke from the fire should keep the fog away from the blade.”

  “Should keep them away?” Sonja spat out crumbs of bread, then cleared her mouth. “This is the shroud Kallum, I don’t want any chance they may get near my scouts.”

  “It will keep them away,” Kallum corrected, “the air will be too dry for the fog. As long as they keep the fire going, they will be safe. Now, when the shroud enter the alley is when things will get interesting! The scouts then start to peddle, just like riding a bicycle, only instead of moving wheels, they will force the blade to spin. This will then blow the air into the fog, separating whatever is in the alley away from the main body. Then when the fog in the alley dissipates, we will have, fogless shroud.”

  “It sounds plausible enough,” Sonja mumbled, finishing one last mouthful.

  “The structure will hold,” Kaine confirmed, seemingly on board with the idea, “but they must not let that fire go out.”

  “Alright, alright, I’ll sort it out.” Sonja appeared deep in thought. “It’s near the Lodern residence, so I’ll get Volk to keep an eye on things from there.”

  “Leg strength and stamina are the most important traits for the scouts we use.” Kallum began breathing quick shallow breaths as though he was about to have another episode.

  “Rider had his beloved stallion slaughtered during the shrouds’ last visit, so he’d be easy to get on board. Dash’s aunt and uncle were decimated by them a while back, so I’m sure he’d be willing too…” Sonja kept talking to herself as she made her way out of the residence.

  “I really hope this works…” Kaine sighed while rubbing a hand over his eyes.

  “It will Dad, don’t worry!” Kallum’s excitement continued to grow, along with his rapid breathing. “I cannot wait, to see what, one of these things, looks like, up close.”

  “You’re only getting close to one if it’s dead.” Kaine stood up and grabbed the same vial he had to use the previous moon. “For now, I want you to try to relax, calm down.”

  “Yes, Dad,” Kallum spoke between uneasy breaths that showed no signs of slowing down. Soon his mouth was gaping open for air, failing to inhale anything.

  Kaine splashed a few drops of the elixir on his son’s tongue. “Too much excitement for one moon…”
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  “Does this happen once every set of moons?” Vivian questioned, watching as Kallum took in a deep breath then lay down on the floor.

  Kaine looked resentful, like he blamed himself for his son’s illness. “No, the moons are the worst time for him, especially when he gets excited. He had actually been doing really well. I had begun to think he was getting over it.”

  “Perhaps he should return to Silverton with me?” Vivian offered his diagnosis. “Perhaps the warm air of the north could be good for him?”

  “IS MY HOUSE NOT WARM?” Kaine yelled back with anger, then took a moment to calm himself. “Sorry Vivian, but that won’t fix him. Even if it did.” He gave a sorrowful chuckle. “Could you imagine my Kallum living in a city? Away from the slayers, unable to help them in conquering monsters?”

  Vivian was unsure how to handle the seemingly volatile mix of emotions thrown his way. “No, you’re right. Sorry I suggested it.”

  “Ah, don’t be, you were just thinking about what’s best for him.” Kaine gently picked Kallum off the ground. He was already well and truly asleep. “Stay in the guest room again, and whatever you do—once Sonja is back—keep everything locked tight. Do not venture out through the moons or early sun. In fact, do not open any part of my house without mine, or Sonja’s okay first. Failure to do so, may mean death to us all when the shroud arrive.”

  “They are that bad?” Vivian’s discomfort of Holtur was increasing.

  “They are worse…” Kaine began carrying Kallum up to his room. “It’s simple really, keep everything locked up or we die. If we die because of you, I’ll kill ya!”

  Vivian was unsure whether that was a bad joke, or if the large man would hunt him down in the afterlife. Either way, he felt locking up was the only way to proceed. “Have a good moon of rest.”

  “I will, all that searching for leeches took it out of me,” Kaine said, continuing up the stairs. “You sleep well too Vivian.”

  ***

  It felt as though Vivian’s mind was on overdrive during these moons. He couldn’t sleep a single wink with the thoughts of all these monsters rampaging through his brain. Every time he heard a noise outside, he assumed it was the shroud, and began praying to all the gods he could think of for safety. It was odd for him, he had never really been one for worship. It seemed that the longer he spent in Holtur, the less he thought about Silverton. The less he thought about his job, those serpents, and his family. His focus was shifting to the horrors of this place, and the fact he was fortunate enough to be surviving through them. He wasn’t a fighter or a slayer, he wasn’t good at coming up with survival ideas, he was simply a weak man.