The Forest of Darkness (more)

Chapter 2

The dawn rose the next morning bright, and colorful. The Lady awoke before anyone else, the sun slipping between her Willow’s branches. She let her magic wander around the forest near the travelers. Lady shook her head sadly and pulled out her sword silently. The blade shed a mysterious light, nothing the sun’s rays could produce from the metal. Lady Dark crept over to where the four forms lay still. Her magic drifted swiftly and silently through the woods around where they lay.

Seemingly out of nowhere, a huge black wolf with blood red eyes pounced on the Lady. The thing drove her to the ground with a loud howl. The Lady let out an angry cry, and she hacked at the wolf, fighting to keep the thing off her. The wolf’s fangs tore at her ferociously as she gave another fierce cry. Her hand worked its way free and swiftly drove the blade deep inside the wolf’s body. She whispered an ancient word of the elves and the wolf howled a mournful cry. The wolf collapsed on top of the lady, and was still. It was dead.

Lady Dark pushed the wolf’s corpse off her body. She stood up and leaned against her blade, trembling. She looked over at the travelers and found them all very much awake. They watched her with curiosity in their eyes. Lady Dark sighed deeply and stood up, swaying slightly as she walked over to them. She sat down on the spare log and rested her blade across her legs. The Lady glared at the fire and instantly the fire burned hotter, and brighter. The travelers recoiled a bit from the sudden heat, and light. Lady picked up a cloth and started to wipe her bloodied blade.

The travelers watched her cautiously, but admiration dominated in their eyes. The Lady looked at them and smiled wryly, “You men look like a bunch of children at a market,’’ she undertoned, her eyes lowering back to her blade.

The travelers continued to watch her, all gathering around her discreetly. Kalith looked at her questioningly, “What was that thing, Lady?’’ he asked, an almost childish look on his boyish face.

Lady Dark looked at Kalith and sighed, “That thing, was a rogue wolf. There have been a few here and there. Not very often, but rogues almost never come close to the clearing. There is something out there, something I cannot find. Whatever it is its controlling the rogues. When I said that if you don’t end your argument, none of you would leave alive. This is why. These monsters are drawn negative emotions, like bees to nectar. This is also why I said you must obey me for if you don’t you could die…’’ her voice grew milder, but more irritated with each word before she fell silent.

Romien looked at his companions and then at the Lady. The others moved closer and watched her. Romien took a deep breath, and then spoke, “What if we helped you find this source of power? Whatever that is driving these rogue wolves?’’

Lady Dark looked up at him with sadness in her stare, “Its not just wolves that are rogue. Many types of these beasts if you want to help you may. I would appreciate the help, despite the fact I do not see the use of your help. I have been searching for the past year. I haven’t had any luck,” she whispered. Lady Dark sighed heavily and lowered her gaze. Her figure bending over slightly with the despair burdening her soul. The travelers looked at one another and conversed quietly. After awhile Tabris stood up and walked over to the Lady.

Tabris placed a hand on her shoulder and said, “We will help you Lady. Both Kain and I are superior swordsman and powerful magic. Romien has the powers of his ancestry, and I believe the little human fellow, I mean Kalith. He is very good at archery, and also has the gift of healing. He saved an entire village from a disease. We will use all our power and strength to help you find and purge the forest of this evil.’’

Lady bowed her head, allowing the hood of her cloak to hide her face. She remained speechless for a time, not moving even when Tabris sat next to her. When she finally spoke her voice was slow and quiet, “Why do you men wish to help me. You’ve heard the other stories as well, no doubt. Why would you want to help me? The ‘cruel and heartless wretch’?” she asked him, the last few words were full of scorn.

The three remaining travelers sat down in front of her, looking up into her shadowed face. Tabris’ fingers tightened their grip on her shoulder, pushing her hood back. His words were kind as he spoke, “Because Lady, if you were as heartless, as you were claimed to be, you would have given us no fire and no place to sleep. You could have thrown us out, or killed us. You did not do such things. We wish to help you, no one deserves to be challenged this way. An unknown, and unseen evil.”

Tabris removed his hand, but remained seated next to Lady Dark. Lady absent-mindedly rubbed the spot where his hand had rested. Kalith scooted closer, pressing against her leg as Kain stood up. Romien stood up as well, with the help of Kain, and looked at his companions.

Romien looked at Lady, then at the others. “If we want to find this evil. We each have to take a separate way. I do not suggest for us to go alone however. Lady, you know the forest well. What if we each paired up and searched?” he asked, looking at Lady Dark curiously.

Lady Dark looked at him and shook her head slowly, “As I’ve said. I have already searched. I believe the only way for us to find this, this evil is if we catch a rogue animal and track its power. I would have done it sooner but I cannot catch a rogue by myself. It’s either kill it, or try to catch it and be killed. But if you help, we may be able to catch one and track the extra power.”

The other travelers stared at her. Romien shuddered slightly and stepped back, looking at the Lady warily. “Extra power? What do you mean extra power…” he asked in a hushed tone.

The Lady shrank back slightly and looked to the side, “Err… The rogues have the power to regenerate, and multiply. I thought it would be a good idea to give them this power. To help protect the forest, this was before some turned rogue though,” she replied meekly, keeping her eyes lowered.

Romien groaned and covered his face with his hands. “This is just wonderful! Rogue animals running around with the power to regenerate and multiply. All being controlled by an evil set on destroying you and the forest! Wonderful, just wonderful!” he cried out. Romien stood up abruptly and walked off. He disappeared from view as he headed for the other side of the clearing.

Kalith stared at Romien as he walked off, and he looked over at Tabris. “Do you think he will be alright?” he questioned carefully.

Tabris looked over at Kalith and nodded. “He will be fine. He just doesn’t enjoy an extra difficulty. He will get over it. I hope.” he responded slowly.

Kain stood up and raced off after Romien, disappearing over the hill. Tabris watched them go then he looked over at the Lady, “My lady? Is there a place where I can gather food for us to eat? We have supplies. Still, they are low and no doubt not very good anymore,” he inquired.

The Lady Dark nodded and pointed east. Over a hill, and beyond the rise. “Go over that hill and walk along the blue flowered path, That will lead you to a fruit orchard. Only follow the blue flower path, for if you don’t you may be led to a more dangerous place. This may be my clearing but even I don’t know all the mysterious within it,” she answered formally, staring up at him as she handed him a large basket.

Tabris stood up and bowed slightly to her. He took the basket and turned to face Kalith, looking at him inquiringly, “You coming Kalith?”

Kalith shook his head, his gaze once again on the Lady. “No, you go ahead.” Kalith told him quietly, scooting up onto the log next to the Lady Dark. Tabris looked at him peculiarly but he walked off, over the hill and out of sight.

“You want to talk to me. I saw it in your eyes when you touched me with your magic. You must have sensed the healing power within me. Now is a good time to talk if you have any questions, Lady.” Kalith informed her, searching her face.

Lady looked at him and smiled faintly. She reached out and touched the top of his head, wrapping a very small thread of unnoticeable power within his soul’s magic. He shifted slightly, but kept his eyes on her own. “You are correct Kalith. I did want to talk to you. My main question is who are you? I mean, you looked like you wanted to see the clearing and all. There is another reason why you’re here. So tell. Why you are really here?” she murmured quietly.

Kalith sighed deeply and straddled the log as he faced her. “Lady, you want to know who I am? Why I’m here?’’ Lady Dark nodded hardly, her eyes never leaving his face. “I am here Lady, because I have come to tell you something extremely important. I wish we could get to know each other better before this moment. As it is, I am required to inform you… that I am your brother Lady. Your younger brother Kalith.”

Chapter 3

Romien stood at the edge of the lake, his face blank as he skipped rocks into the water. His gaze was focused on the ripples the rocks made. Romien was so lost in thought he didn’t notice the small, red eyed feline, approach him. The beast foamed at the mouth, its look wild and savage. The large cat crouched down on the ground, and remained still, preparing to pounce upon the rigid figure of Romien. Kain appeared at the top of the hill, just before the thing made its attack. When Kain saw the beast, crouched and ready, he cried out a warning. He raced down the hill quickly as Romien jumped in surprise. Romien whipped out a pair of daggers he turned around abruptly. The creature leapt at him, claws extended and latched itself onto his body.

Romien growled and drove his blades into the beast, trying to get it off his body. He repeated this motion a few times, drawing blood from the cat. The creature in turn scratched at Romien, the scratches shallow, and bled lightly. Kain rushed up to the chaos and wrapped a cord of immense, magical power around the beast. Carefully he pulled the snarling cat off Romien. Romien hacked at it again, and slit its throat. Seconds later he realized what he had done and he let out a scream of frustration.

“We could have used this to track the power!” he protested angrily. He kicked at the bloodied cat, and sent it flying into the woods. Romien looked at Kain still breathing heavily. Kain stifled a laugh, barely succeeding and wrapped an arm around Romien’s shoulder. He led Romien over to a rock and sat him upon it. Romien scowled at Kain, “What’s so funny.”

Kain grinned and took out a flask, He filled it with the clear, cold water of the lake and offered it to Romien. “The look on your face when you realized what you did was funny.” He replied humorously.

Romien glared up at him, taking the flask. He opened it and stared at the water, then he grinned. Romien threw the entire contents of water onto Kain. Kain sputtered and shook off the water, shivering, looking at Romien’s laughing face. He laughed as well and grabbed Romien by the shirt and threw him bodily into the ice cold water of the lake.

Quickly Romien grabbed hold of Kain’s wrist and pulled him in with him. He dunked Kain under the water. Romien squished out of the lake and shook himself off. Kain, still chuckling faintly, followed him and lay out on the warm, dry grass. He stretched out, staring up at the fluffy clouds, letting the sun warm his body. He closed his eyes and fell asleep. Romien grinned and lay down next to him, relaxing against the sun soaked grass, the scent of flowers filling the air, and drifted off into a light sleep.

Tabris walked slowly along the blue flowered path, letting his feet guide him. He stared up the sky, the fluffy white clouds rolling by as he sighed heavily. His mind wandered back to the first time he saw the Lady, it was the way she looked at them when she first saw them. That curiosity and fear that sparkled in her beautiful eyes, emerald eyes. It the way her soft auburn hair fell upon her shoulders, the way she moved... He shook his head, trying to shake clear any thought of her. He walked faster and came upon the orchard.

Tabris stood there, his eyes wide in amazement as he stared at it. Fruits of all kinds, peaches, apples, oranges, and plums were just some of the fruit bearing trees. The ground was covered in various plants as well, watermelons larger than he could ever imagine, multitudes of berry bushes of different, and odd varieties.

Tabris picked up the basket and walked into the orchard. The trees were massive, but elegant. He reached up and started to pick some of the fuzzy peaches off the lower branches. Tabris worked his way along, and started to pick some of the ripe red apples. He kept to the blue flowered path, but a large golden apple caught his eye. It was off the path, but she said only to take the path to the orchard, didn’t she? He didn’t see the harm in going after something so golden, so heavenly. He set the basket down and stepped off the path.

Tabris headed straight for the apple, all thoughts on reaching that apple. All of a sudden, the earth opened beneath his feet and he fell into the pit. Tabris landed on the ground hard and his head smacked against a rock. He closed his eyes and sank into a deep, undisturbed slumber.

Lady stared at Kalith, and then looked away, her body trembling. Kalith reached over and rested a hand under her chin, lifting her face up. She was pale, her eyes confused, and woeful. Lady whispered softly, “I can’t believe it. I will not believe it. You cannot be my brother. This is impossible, how can this be so?” She stood up abruptly and walked off to her Dark Willow tree. Lady leaned against the tree, her face against the bark as she muttered to herself quietly.

Kalith stood up and followed her slowly, giving her time. When he reached the Dark Willow he found her sitting on a low branch. Kalith sighed and wandered over to her, leaning against the branch, he said in a low, sympathetic voice. “Forgive me Lady. I shouldn’t have told you right away. This should have waited. Still, the fact remains that we are sister and brother.” Lady ignored him as she yanked a dagger from the branch she sat upon. She began to whittle an oak branch, her hood drawn over her head.

Kalith shook his head and kept speaking tenderly, “About four weeks after you disappeared. I was born in our little village. You were seven, Lady, when you disappeared like that. There is no way you could not have known.” He looked up at her, his eyes hopeful as he leaned against the branch, his hand resting on her boot.

Lady looked down at him and tapped his head with her fingers lightly. She murmured apologetically, “I did know, I just forgot. Kalith, that was so long ago. I can’t even remember our parents, or my own name. The village were I grew up in. Anything and everything has been forgotten. Kalith, you know why I call myself Lady Dark? Because I don’t remember.”

Kalith drummed his fingers against the leather of her boot and stared out of the Willow’s branches. His gaze blank as he stared at the sky. “I know your name. Sister, if you want me to tell you. I will tell.” he said, his voice almost as bland as his face.

Lady pushed back her hood and lifted his face up with her cupped hand. She stared into his eyes, her eyes flashing bright green. “How do you remember my name? Why do you ever remember? For a matter of fact, how did you even know about me…” she hissed.

Kalith smiled and gently pushed back her hood. She allowed it to fall back, her hair cascading down the side of her head. He trailed his fingers through some of the soft tendrils slowly. “I just do my Lady. You wish to know your name? Well my dearest sister… your name is Faith.”

Romien opened his eyes slowly, and saw the sun sinking down into the west. It was a beautiful sunset filled with purples, oranges, and blues. He sat up and nudged Kain. “Wake up Kain. The sun has set, and we should get back to camp. It’s getting dark quickly,” he said urgently.

Kain grumbled and sat up. He rubbed his eyes then stretched out. He pushed Romien down the hill, and stood up. He ran off before Romien could get him. Romien growled and scrambled up the hill, he chased Kain to the camp. As they approached the center of the clearing, they saw the Lady and Kalith. Both were in deep discussion, not noticing the duo approaching the Dark Willow. They had not gone unnoticed though. Lady Dark waved at them from her position on the willow branch.

Kalith turned to see what she was waving and smiled faintly. “Where have you two been? You look like you’ve been rolling in a haystack together.” He smirked and plucked some of the dry grass off their clothing with his fingers.

Kain grinned and looked at them, noticing his brother was not among them. Romien stepped up and tugged the dagger out of Lady Dark’s hands and stared at it. Kain looked up at her face curiously, “Where is Tabris?”

Kalith looked at Lady Dark with wide eyes, said under his breath to her. “That is true Faith. Where is he? He should’ve been back by now.”

Lady blinked slowly and slid off the branch, landing on her feet gracefully. She looked at them then up at the hill. “Kalith come with me, there is a chance I may need you. Kain and Romien please go to your camp and watch it. If anything goes amiss, you’ll know,” she murmured gently. When they began to protest, she glared at them, “Don’t argue with me, you know nothing of this! Come on Kalith, we must hurry.”

Lady Dark dropped her cloak, and picked up her sword. She turned to the hill and sped silently towards it, and over. Kalith pursued her as fast as he could manage. Romien and Kain watched them disappear and headed towards camp.

Romien sat down cross-legged on the ground and looked at Kain, “Don’t worry. I’m sure everything will be okay,” he said to his friend kindly, offering him a spot near him. Kain sat down next to him, his gaze wandering to the hill and remaining there.