Sir Kahlin let me out of my cell and we traveled 3 hours north from the back of a carriage. Apparently Prince Rythel graciously gave us one of his real nice ones because damn near everyone would immediately dive off the road the moment they saw us. Makes me wonder exactly what that snotty fucker's reputation is.
Sir Kahlin gave me a sweet set of new clothes, some bitching leather boots, and a 4 inch dagger. He says since I passed the "first test" I deserve at least this. I wish I could've taken this test 3 years ago when I lost my only pair of shoes.
We finally pulled off the main road and the bumps begin. My ass is completely numb after about 5 minutes. We are completely enveloped in woods and the path ahead is marked by mud and felled trees. A chill begins to settle in the air. The horses are spooked and begin to fight against Sir Kahlin. They scream and jump afraid of how the shadows dance against the trees. When did it become so dim?
I jump out of the back of the carriage and run up alongside Sir Kahlin. He’s struggling and cursing. I step in front of them. Their massive hooves crash down onto either side of me. I’m scared. Not of the horses, they’re gentle creatures protecting themselves in the only ways they know how. I’m terrified of these woods, I feel eyes on me, and bloodlust in the air. But I can’t let such beautiful creatures feel such terror for any longer. I take a deep breath inwards and steady my presence. I become a calm reassurance and I reach out my hands. At once I feel their anxiety, their fear flow into me and dissipate. They each let out a long groan as Sir Kahlin steps down off the carriage and hands me their reins. The horses are still attached to the carriage.
He quickly says, “Lucas. There’s someone here. Unhook the horses reins from the carriage and ride to the east.” Sir Kahlin draws his blade. He runs two fingers along it while muttering something under his breath.
Fwoosh
The blade ignites with a dull orange flame. A dozen set of green blinking eyes reflect from within the darkness.
This would probably not be a great time to mention that I've never rode a horse before. When the hell did it get this dark? I look above and see a blood red moon above us. The moon is normally green isn't it? What in the 3 hells is going on? And why the fuck can't this moon give off some more light? I fumble with the reins, I can't get them unhooked, they're caught on something due to the horses little freak out.
I take out my knife and start hacking away at the darkness where I can only assume the reins are. Eventually something gives way and the reins loosen. Great. Step 1 is done. Time for the shit show to start.
The eyes have gotten closer, circling us. Now they're just on the edge of the circle of light emitting from Sir Kahlin's blade. 2 of them are on top of our carriage.
I shout, "Let's do this!!" I jump into the air grasping for a handle anywhere on the horse. I somehow manage to find her mane a grasp hold. The horse rears.
The other horse breaks off and runs into the darkness. 3 pairs of eyes disappear immediately and a loud wet crunch rips through the silence. The horse lets out a dying scream.
I've finally got a hold on my dutiful steed and I pat her neck calming her down. I'm ready to ride. The 3 sets of eyes reappear. They seem to be a bit... taller and larger than the others now. How unsettling. Oh well. I'm sure Sir Kahlin's got this covered.
I say, "So... which way is east?"
Sir Kahlin replies, "Oh devils dammit you are such an ass. Just follow your gut. I am quite certain you'll make it." And with that he takes a massive lunge forward. His blade swings in an arch and for a brief instant I can see them, the bodies attached to those almost glowing green eyes.
Their skin is a pale grey and rot has spread all over causing massive festering wounds. Their hair is sparse and frazzled. Even though these creatures look like they were dragged out of a grave, their muscles are extremely well developed and their fingernails are several inches long and sharpened into fine points. Some are missing eyes but they all have 2 massive fangs protruding so far they cannot shut their mouths. A thick brown saliva drips from their fangs and mouth. Plus, they're all naked which is super scary.
Sir Kahlin's blade cleaves through 2 of them like butter, slicing them in half, but each one causes his blade to slow letting the rest dodge into the darkness.
Sensing this is my chance to get away from these nudist freaks I yell, "HYAH". Artemis (I named the horse Artemis) charges into the gap of the now burning nudist halves. We are greeted by a near impenetrable darkness. Holy hells I must pray that we don't trip but naturally Artemis' hooves remain true and like that the light from Sir Kahlin's blade fades into the distance.
Entirely unbeknownst to me, deep into the darkness the red moon has shrouded this forest in lurks the true threats. Here, no light reaches. Here, no humanity reaches. Only death and her servants. These 2 servants are named Swiftblade and Fat Tree, they are of the few ranking members of her vast army. They have each killed and eaten thousands of humans. They watch Sir Kahlin and now Lucas in complete contemplative silence.
Swiftblade is a tall and slender woman. She stands at a staggering 6 foot 8 inches. At her side is her trusted rapier which served her in life and now death. Rot is not allowed to take place on her finely kept flesh. Her hair is cut into a short sleek bob and she is dressed in the finest linens appearing to be some type of noble from a kingdom long fallen. She motions to Fat Tree and commands, "Go chase the girl. I will kill Luther myself. And Fat Tree", an unbelievable pressure emits from Swiftblade's glare, Fat Tree whimpers, "I know ma'am, i know, me gets the boy alive."
The pressure triples, Fat Tree feels his ankles and knees dissolve into powder. He crashes to the ground writhing. Swiftblade scowls and spits, "I said GIRL Fat Tree. Do you think Mother Death would be happy to know you've misgendered our esteemed guest? I will see to your punishment the moment we return. Now begone from my sight you filth."
At this, Fat Tree scampers away, his ankles and knees having already fully healed. He barrels after Lucas running on all fours, easily closing the gap between them.