Order of the Demon Hunters 2, page 10
“And Obsidian’s Rest is in the south,” Elvira said excitedly as she clapped her hands. “Wow, Krea. That’s amazing.”
“Thank you,” Krea said as she graciously acknowledged the praise with a smile and a mock bow.
But then Elvira’s face dropped again as though she’d had a bad thought. The redhead glanced around at the surrounding forest and then up at the patch of sky that we could see.
“What’s up, El?” I asked.
“We can tell which way north and south are now,” Elvira said. “But once we’re back in the trees, with the shadows and the fog, how will the compass work? We can’t take the pond with us. We might stray again without realizing it, and then we’re no closer to escaping this place.”
“All we need is a puddle or another small pond,” Krea said. “And we passed plenty of puddles. As long as we stop every time that we see one and keep ourselves oriented, we should be fine.”
As we gathered our belongings and prepared to head south, I glanced around the clearing, only to stop dead with shock. I could have sworn the clearing wasn’t as large as it had been when we first arrived, though I hadn’t heard or seen anything move.
I glanced up again and saw that the opening in the canopy, which had let in the remnants of sunlight and a cool breeze, seemed to have closed in as well. As I turned on the spot, I also noticed that the roots of the towering trees seemed to have crept closer to the mossy ground we had been resting on. A shiver ran down my spine as I looked at the others.
“Is it just me, or did the clearing shrink?” I asked.
The others followed my gaze, and their expressions shifted from confusion to alarm.
“The trees,” Elvira gasped. “They’re closing in on us.”
“Huorns,” Krea muttered. “Severin, you were right.”
“I wish I wasn’t,” the squire groaned. “How come we didn’t notice a forest creeping up on us?”
“If Huorns are as old as you say they are, they’ll be much more practiced in the art of stalking than we are,” I said as I kept my eyes on the surrounding trees. “They probably crept in slowly while we were distracted by food and then by Krea making the compass.”
“We need to stay focused,” Elvira said. “No more distractions. We stop only to check that we’re still heading south.”
“And stay together,” I said as I remembered stories of people wandering off the Appalachian Trail and never being seen again. “We never lose sight of each other.”
“My map,” Severin said as he started to dig through his pack.
“Forget the map for now,” I said. “Our only goal is to move quickly. We’ll worry about finding Obsidian’s Rest once we’re free.”
I took a deep breath and then led the way back into the trees. I stepped over the roots, which had multiplied while we rested, and tried not to brush up against anything with a trunk. The rumbling sounds we had heard earlier returned, and I realized they must have been the sounds of moving roots under the ground.
Every creak of the branches and rustle of leaves set my heart beating against my chest. The trees seemed to lean in, and their branches cast eerie, elongated shadows that danced on the forest floor. The uneven ground created a real threat to our feet and ankles, and the feeling of unseen eyes tracking our every move was impossible to shake.
But I kept moving forward in what felt like a straight line, though it was hard to be sure. I’d lost all sense of time when I finally spotted a small puddle of stagnant water a few yards ahead.
“Krea,” I breathed. “Puddle.”
We gathered around it like we were about to perform a pagan ritual as Krea carefully unwrapped the makeshift compass and then placed it on the surface of the still water. We watched with bated breath as the needle responded to the Earth’s magnetic pull and aligned itself again.
“We’ve strayed slightly to the east, but not by much,” Krea said and pointed. “We need to keep going that way.”
I nodded and set off in the correct direction. Once again, the trees seemed to close in around us, but I forced myself to watch the ground and measure out a straight line.
We didn’t stop moving until we found another puddle, where we stopped to watch Krea place the compass on the water again. We were slightly off course, but we quickly adjusted. We’d only gone a few steps though, when Severin suddenly let out a startled cry.
I turned to see thick roots snaking around the squire’s legs like serpents. The wood creaked as it tightened its grip, and in less than a second, the squire was locked in place.
“Severin!” Elvira screamed as she rushed to his side.
Severin’s cries of pain filled the air as the roots squeezed against the muscle. Elvira desperately pulled at the heavy tendrils, but her efforts were in vain. The roots were relentless as they started to pull Severin into the ground. The women and I grabbed at the squire’s flailing arms, while Severin, who was now waist-deep in the ground, grasped at us and anything else that might stop his descent.
“Sev!” I barked. “Just give me your arm!”
The squire finally let me grab his arm, and Elvira and Krea grabbed the other one. We pulled with all of our might, but the roots had already wound their way around his torso. It was nearly impossible for us to maintain our grip as the wood started to pull him under.
The ground beneath Severin started to tremble and groan as if to help the trees in their gruesome task. We were now in a race against the forest, which was determined to claim the young squire as its next meal.
I pulled my sword from its sheath and began to hack at the thick roots, though the blade barely scratched the surface. Krea and Elvira pulled their weapons as well and started to pound the gnarled wood, but even that didn’t stop Severin from sinking deeper into the soil. Chips of bark flew in all directions, but the Huorn roots didn’t let up.
“Fuck, are these made of steel?” Krea gasped. “It’s not working.”
“We need another plan,” Elvira said. “We have to save him.”
The squire was now chest deep, and his face was starting to turn blue. He gasped as he tried to hang onto the soil, but the roots were slowly crushing the air from his lungs.
I could only think of one weapon that would work against the trees, but as I glanced at my hands, I wasn’t sure if I could do it. Could I control the flames well enough to burn the roots without harming the squire?
“Ronan….” Severin gasped. “Please… help.”
I locked eyes with my squire friend and knew what I had to do.
“Elvira, Krea, stand back!” I shouted. “Severin, close your eyes and trust me!”
“Ronan, what…?” Elvira started to ask.
“Just move back,” I warned. “There’s only one way to deal with this.”
“But can you control it that well?” the redhead pressed. Her eyes were wide, and I could see she knew what I was thinking. “Even the meisters--”
“Ronan--” Severin gasped again.
“Now’s not the time for a discussion,” I snapped. “Severin, close your eyes, and just breathe. It might get a bit warm.”
Severin clenched his eyes shut, took a deep breath, and started to mutter something that sounded suspiciously like a prayer. But at least the girls moved out of the way, so I forced myself to focus on the familiar fiery warmth.
Flames danced along my fingertips for a moment, and then, in my mind, I pictured them spreading to the roots. At first nothing happened, but then I saw a tiny flicker of light along one of the roots. Another orange light burst to life a second after that, and then smoke started to trail up from the ground.
Every muscle in my body tensed, and my heart raced as I tried to maintain control. I had to block out everything else, from the surprised gasps from the girls to Severin’s rapid breathing. I kept picturing more bursts of fire along the roots, and each time, there was a puff of smoke and another flame.
Soon, smoke and the acrid smell of burning wood filled the air. There was a sound like nails on a chalkboard, and then the roots started to recoil.
“I can breathe!” Severin announced in a raspy voice.
But I wasn’t done yet. I had to make sure that the trees didn’t attack us again, so I continued to incinerate the roots while the girls pulled Severin free. There was a moment when I felt the flames lick one of the tree trunks, and then the roots retreated so deep into the ground that I lost the connection.
“It worked!” Krea laughed.
“I’ve never seen such control,” Elvira said and shook her head.
“Sev, are you okay?” I asked as I studied him for new bruises.
The squire was covered in dirt and sweat, and his clothes were torn, but he was still in one piece. There were a few new scratches, but nothing life-threatening, and from the look on his face, he was ready to leave the forest far behind.
The forest floor trembled once more as if the trees themselves mourned the loss of their prey, but then the woods went quiet again. The branches parted enough to allow a last few bits of sunlight in, and slowly, the normal sounds of the forest returned.
“By the gods, I am sick of this fucking forest,” Sev said as he tried to knock some of the dirt from his clothes.
“Ronan, the control you have over your powers,” Elvira said as she looked at me with awe. “Unbelievable.”
“Thanks,” I breathed as I squeezed my eyes shut. “Took it out of me, though. Fuck.”
“We need to get out of here,” Krea said. “I think the Huorns may have got the message not to mess with us, but still, we don’t want to linger.”
“You’re right,” Elvira nodded. “Sev, can you stand?”
“I think so,” the squire groaned as he got to his feet.
“Let me help,” Krea said as she placed one of his arms across her shoulder.
“You look beat,” Elvira said as she took some of my weight. “Let me help.”
“What would we do without you two?” I replied.
“Be long dead, I reckon,” Severin sniggered.
“You’re probably right,” I chuckled. “Right, south is this way. Come on.”
We didn’t move as fast as I wanted, but with Krea’s compass, we were able to keep moving in a southerly direction. There were still plenty of roots and rocks to avoid, but a quick show of flames from Elvira kept the Huorns away whenever the trees started to close in again. Then finally, the forest began to thin out, and we burst into the open just as the sun disappeared below the horizon.
“We did it,” Elvira breathed. “Thank fuck for that.”
“I never want to see another forest again,” Severin moaned.
“You and me both,” I replied. “Come on, Obsidian’s Rest should be just over those hills.”
Chapter 8
The lanterns and fires that lined the streets of Obsidian’s Rest were a welcome sight after our struggle in the forest. The air was filled with the rich scent of roasting meats and the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread, and the dwarves had spent the day clearing the streets of rubble from the recent raid. There were still signs of the attack, but it looked like a place on the road to recovery rather than collapse.
As we walked through the streets toward the main hall, the villagers paused in their activities to watch us. We must have been a peculiar sight, especially Severin, whose eye was still swollen shut and whose skin bore the deep, purple bruises of every rock and root he’d tangled with.
At least Thralgut was quick to welcome us back to the heart of the city. A huge smile spread beneath his bushy beard as we approached, and he opened his arms with a hearty laugh.
“Inquisitors, yer back,”he said in his Scots-like twang. “Am I to assume yer safe return means ye were successful against the Nightmauler?”
“You’d be right there,” Krea smiled. “No need to worry about your dead now.”
“They can be given their last rites in peace,” Elvira added with a satisfied look on her face.
“Yer’ve done what seemed impossible,” Thralgut said gleefully. “That fucking beast can rot in the underworld now that its reign of terror is finally over. Thank ye, brave Inquisitors. We owe ye more than words can express.”
“We were just doing our part,” I smiled. “All in a day’s work.”
“Ye humble ass,” Thralgut chuckled. “Please, come. The people will be curious about the outcome of your mission.”
Thralgut led us through the lively streets of Obsidian’s Rest to the bustling town square. As we approached, the dwarven villagers began to gather, and their curiosity and excitement was palpable. Thralgut raised his hands, and the crowd fell silent, eager to hear the outcome of our mission.
“Our heroes have returned!” Thralgut proclaimed, and his words echoed off the surrounding stone buildings. “And look at them, battered but not broken. They’ve ventured where few have dared to tread and defeated the nightmare beast that threatened our town. We owe them our deepest gratitude.”
The crowd of dwarves cheered and clapped, and a few even made hooting sounds like an owl.
“Ye shall be forever be honored in Obsidian’s Rest,” Thralgut continued as he turned to look at us. “And I believe that means a celebration is in order.”
“Oh, honestly, no need,” I began to protest. I was normally happy to enjoy a good party, but right then, I just wanted a good beer, a nice meal, and a comfortable bed.
“My fellow Dwarves!” Thralgut boomed. “Prepare the finest dishes, break out the ale, and let the songs and stories of our heroes be sung this night, for tonight, we feast!”
The villagers erupted into cheers once more, and damned if someone didn’t start to play music. A few more musicians joined in, and soon, the whole thing looked like a medieval festival. Tables were dragged outside, barrels of ale were tapped, and the rich aroma of a feast in the making wafted through the air.
Severin almost chirped with excitement beside me as the dwarves bustled about.
“A real dwarven feast,” he bubbled. “I can’t believe it.”
“Ready for some food, are you?” I chuckled.
“Oh, Ronan, you have not known food until you’ve feasted with a dwarf,” Severin said in an awed voice. “Their celebrations are legendary. I never thought I’d be so lucky to be invited to one.”
“Severin’s right there,” Elvira giggled. “The dwarven people don’t do anything by half.”
“Well, now I’m pretty excited,” I said. “I guess I can’t pass up this opportunity.”
“Oh, absolutely not,” Severin replied.
“Just so you know, I’m expecting great things now,” I said. “I’ll be bummed if I’m just given a pint and a stew. Though I could use the sleep….”
Our conversation was interrupted by a young soldier, who looked as though he was wearing his dad’s uniform. He looked at us with glee in his eyes, then locked his eyes on me. He had to tip his head backwards to look right at me, and I was reminded how much of a giant I must have seemed to these people.
“Heroes,” he said. “Please, come this way. Our lord has set aside rooms where you may freshen up and, later, rest.”
“That sounds ideal,” Krea sighed. “I feel so gross from that forest.”
“Please,” Severin groaned. “I don’t think I’m ready to talk about forests again.”
The young dwarf smiled politely, and once he was sure we were ready, he set off across the square. He led us to a large inn that took up most of a block and quickly pointed us to four rooms that had to be the best the inn had to offer.
We all chuckled at the extravagance, but no one turned down the offer, either. And extravagant didn’t even begin to describe what lay behind each door.
Everything in the rooms was adorned with intricate dwarven craftsmanship, from the finely carved wooden furniture to the colorful tapestries that hung on the walls. The centerpiece of each room was a massive, claw-footed cast-iron bathtub, which exuded an air of luxurious indulgence. The tub itself was a work of art, with ornate designs etched into the metal.
“This one is your room, Miss Elvira…” the young soldier said as he bowed his head.
“Oh, yes,” Elvira sighed happily when she saw her tub.
“Mr. Severin, here,” he continued. “And Miss Krea, this is yours.”
They both gave their thanks and disappeared into their respective rooms without another moment’s hesitation.
“And this one, sir, is yours…” the young soldier said to me while he gestured to another open door.
“Thank you, er…” I began. “Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“Tookrin, sir,” he replied. “My name is Tookrin.”
“Well, thank you, Tookrin,” I smiled. “And Ronan is fine. No need to call me sir.”
“Yes, sir,” Tookrin said then the young dwarf began to stutter. “I mean… er… sorry… er… Ronan.”
Tookrin brought his fist to his chest and then disappeared down the corridor with an excited look on his face. I guessed it wasn’t often someone took the time to ask him his name.
As soon as I closed the door to my room behind me, I pulled my clothes off and slipped straight into the inviting bath. The hot water was a welcome relief that soothed every ache and pain in my body, and I even added some of the fragrant oils that had been left on the nightstand. I let the scents of orange and jasmine wash over me as I leaned my head back, and then I closed my eyes as I let the water work its magic.
After a few relaxed moments, I reached for a sponge that had been placed on the edge and began to scrub at the dried blood and dirt that stained my skin. I could literally feel layers of grime scrape away from me, and for a moment, I imagined I was at one of those fancy day spas I used to see people go to in New York.
It was rare that I found myself missing home, but sometimes there were luxuries that I’d do anything for. I wondered whether I could employ Krea’s scientific skills to build me a hot tub back at Krigor and decided it was certainly worth the ask.
