The Orb of Truth (The Horn King Series) (10 page)

“Figures this would happen,” said Dulgin smugly.

“This might sound strange to you, Master Bridazak, but I have received a vision and a calling to find you. Many times I doubted you even existed. Happily I stand before you now, and solemnly swear to protect and serve you. My life is bonded to yours, a bond that no man can break.”

“Well, I don’t know about this bonding you are talking about, but believe me, it’s not strange at all to hear this, in light of all that’s happened to us in the last couple of days. How did you know my name?”

“A voice told me, in my dreams,” Abawken replied.

Bridazak pulled the metallic sphere from his lining and revealed it to Abawken. The Orb gently lifted from his hand and floated between the two.

“Abawken Shellahk from the province of Zoar,” the voice began, Abawken falling face down in reverence, “you have done well—you heard my call and followed my leading. This was your first test. Rest this night and awaken to a new day, for your travels are far from over,” the Orb finished and again disappeared back inside Bridazak’s pocket.

“Welcome to the insanity. Let’s get you caught up on our situation. You might change your mind and head back home after you hear what we have to say.”

They rested next to the dying embers of the fire to keep warm as Bridazak and Dulgin explained what had transpired up to this point. Abawken also told his tales, of how he was lead to this distant and foreign land.

Dulgin asked, “So, what do we need to do with this Orb of Truth, exactly?”

“We need to give it to the Lost Prophet inside the temple within Everwood.”

“That’s it, then we are done?”

“I guess so. The Orb of Truth will let us know when the time is right.”

The night waned and they finally settled in. Their eyes were shut, but their minds were wide open in thought, in question, and in hope.

.

7

Everwood

A
bawken was frequently ahead of them by twenty yards, always scanning their surroundings. Three days of travel had been a bit of an adjustment for Bridazak and Dulgin in learning their new companion’s ways. He seemed always busy around camp and never idle, but the journey was otherwise uneventful. They left the flat terrain and entered rolling hills. The fighter reached the top of a larger incline and stopped to survey the region.

“Master Bridazak, Dulgin! Come look!”

“We’ll get there when we get there! Stop rushing me, Huey!” Dulgin fired back; a nickname he had given to all humans.

They soon reached the summit to view what their companion had hurried them to see: a breathtaking vista of the great Everwood Forest, about a mile distant. Bridazak’s eyes followed the Kullithian River until it reached the enchanted foliage where it was swallowed by a regiment of trees. Birds of this majestic paradise soared over the tree tops and monstrous mountain peaks jutted out of the depth of Everwood. The sea of green stretched beyond his natural vision. The stronghold of the woods was intimidating, and the thought of entering the forest sent shivers through Bridazak’s body.

“We’re going in there?” asked the Dak.

“We’ll set camp here and get a fresh start for the forest in the morning,” said Abawken.

“Great! I’ll start gathering some wood for a fire tonight.”

Abawken gave the Ordakian a look of concern for a moment before responding, “Alright, but a small fire. We are in dangerous territory. There is no telling what kind of creatures we will attract if they spot smoke or smell the embers.”

Abawken cleared out a section nestled between some rocks to hide the determined campfire. They tore at their dried rations as a requirement for sustenance to end the long day. Bridazak took the first shift to watch for trespassers while his comrades slept for a bit. It was an hour into the night, he withdrew the Orb, wanting to study it. The warmth returned to his body as he rolled it in his palm. Bridazak spoke softly, “Are you there? You said you would supply what I need when the time is right.”

“Yes, Bridazak.”

“We have faced so much, but this place we need to enter has only been talked about in rumors and legends. I am not sure I can do this. How will we know where to go?”

“Follow the river, and follow the signs.”

“Can you tell me about the Everwood, and what lies within?”

The Orb of Truth pulsed and then rose several inches; it seemed to glow in a way that Bridazak had not yet seen. The power in its voice both calmed him and caused his heart to flutter, as it began to expand his knowledge of the mysterious woodlands.

“Deep, dark, ancient and unfathomable, the vast Everwood Forest dominates the Northern central marches. From its southern edge near Shree to its northern reaches near Everpass and Pike’s Plume, it stretches nearly five hundred millari. It is like and yet unlike other woods in the North, remaining virtually untouched by woodsmen’s axes.

The Everwood is the wildest of all woods in the North. Trees are bigger here, some approaching gigantic stature, and wildlife is more numerous, also usually of larger size. It is a fairy wood, home to bright creatures like Brownies, Pixies, Sprites and the legendary Unicorn. It also houses dark creatures like the Kechlings, Vesps, Stirges, Night Droppers, and Tree Walkers.

Many have entered the forest confines and few have left unscathed, as this place does not conform to civilized regions of law and order, but beats to its own heart.”

The presence of the Orb relaxed him, bringing a sense of peace, more so than he had expected, especially while waiting at the doorstep of the scariest place he had ever heard of. Bridazak’s eyes dwindled and he tried to fight exhaustion, but sleep captured his mind.

“I wonder if I’ll get to see one of these creatures,” he tried to speak, but the words faded like a dream and he wasn’t sure if he was talking at all.

The night was calm and soon the sun broke the eastern horizon, shedding its magnificence across the realm.

Dulgin kicked Bridazak awake, “Did you get enough sleep, guard?” he mocked.

“What happened?”

“Good question. Abawken, did this Daky ever wake you for your shift?”

“I’m sorry Dulgin, I don’t normally do that. When have I ever fallen asleep on watch? The last thing I remember was feeling nervous about going into Everwood, and asking the Orb to tell me about it. I’m sorry.”

“Well, that explains everything. Maybe we should have the Orb keep watch for us next time!”

Abawken stepped in, “Come, we need to keep our wits about us. Nothing happened to us Master Dulgin, so now, let us focus on that,” he pointed below their vantage point, to the edge of Everwood. They remained quiet while gathering their few belongings, and mentally preparing for the trek into the vast green sea of trees.

They entered Everwood with caution. The sounds that emanated from within grew increasingly louder the further in they went, resonating like an orchestra without a conductor. Exotic birds, animals, and insects were bountiful. They remained alert as they trudged forward, trying to keep near the river’s edge, though it wasn’t long before the foliage thickened and made it impossible to stay along the bank. The sound of the river was now their guide in this foreign place, and they treaded uneasily deeper and deeper. Bridazak found himself lost in the beauty of the ancient forest. He gazed up into the dense tree limbs to find a minuscule amount of light being allowed inside this old domain. He wondered if he was the first Ordakian to set foot in any part of the Everwood.

The sounds of the day faded and morphed into something that chilled them to their very bones. Whirring, creaking, rustling, and frightening squeals echoed throughout the area beyond. What little light penetrated the thick overhang slowly waned. A distant rumble of thunder announced a storm, and moments later droplets of water descended upon them. A musty smell encapsulated them as the rain awakened the decaying layers of foliage underfoot.

“What a wonderful place we have discovered. I could have been in a nice tavern enjoying a good Dwarven remedy to warm my body,” Dulgin scoffed.

“And miss all the fun? Well, at least your armor is getting washed.”

“Listen, Stubby—” Dulgin stopped in his tracks. Bridazak gave him an understanding look. The playful title that for so many years had belonged to their now lost friend, had slipped.

“It’s okay, Dulgin.”

“No it’s not, dammit! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say that.”

“I consider it an honor, my friend.” Their eyes locked, rain water cascaded down their faces as they silently remembered Spilf.

Abawken gingerly interrupted, “I found a place up ahead where we can rest, fill our water skins, and get cover from the rain.” The two felt more settled, finally having taken a quiet moment to grieve together. “My apologies Master Bridazak, I didn’t realize you were in a private moment with Master Dulgin.”

“Lead on. We could use the rest.”

The human brought them to a large, hollowed tree. It was a massive timber that had toppled over and now rested on the ground. Its days of reaching toward the sky had ended centuries ago; moss and thick vegetation now overtook it. They clamored inside and placed their weary bodies against the moist internal casing. The roaring river fought to be heard through the rain pelting their damp haven.

Dulgin settled in and took his pack off while Abawken climbed through another opening to the top of the fallen tree. Bridazak took the opportunity to refill his water skin. The biting cold of the rushing river caused him to slow as he made his way further in to gather the clean water. He stopped when he was shin-deep; the river bed dropped off to a much deeper level just a step away from where he stood. The water skin swelled to capacity. He capped it off and turned around.

“Hey Dulgin, you want to pass me yours so I can fill it up for you?”

The Dwarf produced his half full leather pouch and caught his friend’s at the same time as he tossed his own to Bridazak, who turned to fill it up, hunching over once again, but something caught his eye under the water in the deeper area. He focused, lowering his head to get a better look. A claw suddenly stretched up towards his face and grabbed him. It had greenish skin and sharp, three-inch long fingernails. Another clawed hand reached out from the depths and took hold of his torso. He was yanked into the deep blue water with a splash.

“Abawken!” Dulgin yelled, scrambling up.

The human quickly looked behind him and saw the Ordakian was no longer there. Without thinking, he dove from above into the river. Dulgin readied his axe, but was unable to pursue the creature. He couldn’t swim, but didn’t have to, as a second leathery, green-skinned beast suddenly burst out of the water and towered over him. The water troll opened its mouth to let out a territorial roar, displaying sharp yellow teeth behind the long, pointed, wart-covered nose.

Dulgin responded, “C’mon ugly! It’s gonna take more than bad breath to put me down.”

Meanwhile, Bridazak was pulled deeper and deeper toward a cave entrance directly below the surface. His lungs were already beginning to burn, and his ears felt like they were about to explode from the pressure. The monster moved quickly, but just before it passed safely into its lair, Abawken penetrated the surface above them and moved even more swiftly through the water, as if it didn’t exist at all. He was unimpeded by the fluid—his scimitar in hand led the charge.

Abawken soared toward Bridazak with lightning speed, thanks to the magical power of his weapon. He could breathe underwater and move through it with no effort. Ordakian blood began to flow from Bridazak’s ears. The water troll noticed the human as he glided through the red, inky cloud, and let go of Bridazak to engage him. As soon as he was free, Bridazak reached out toward the surface and began to swim for his life. Abawken grabbed the Dak’s tunic and pulled him hard, launching him toward the air above that he so desperately needed. The gangly creature attacked, but Abawken moved so easily that the monster was unable to grab him.

Meanwhile, Dulgin rolled away from a flurry of clawed weaponry. He had sliced the troll with his axe, giving it a deep wound in its left thigh, and puncturing several of the puss-filled cysts that covered his body. He had no time to think about what was happening below the surface, as this beast attacked relentlessly. It turned and began another assault on the Dwarf. Dulgin instinctively parried with his axe and then countered toward its midsection. It lurched backward, avoiding the killing blow. Dulgin went with the momentum of his axe and turned quickly for another swing. The second one took a chunk from the troll’s forearm. Green blood shot out and it yelped a horrible cry of pain.

Below, Abawken battle danced around the troll, and inflicted several wounds with his magical blade. The life essence of the creature quickly began to ooze, engulfing them both in a cloud. Again, it lunged for the human with reckless abandon. Its eyes glowed brighter in rage and it gave a high-pitched scream. Abawken darted aside to avoid its deadly claws, easily dragging his scimitar through the belly of the creature. Guts streamed out like tentacles waving in the water and the red glowing eyes faded. The monster floated away, swallowed up by the current.

The water troll above backhanded the Dwarf, and he sailed through the air like a rag doll into the berm. Dirt and debris crumbled and fell on top of him. The troll was standing over the defenseless Dwarf when Bridazak suddenly emerged behind it and made a loud sound of splashing water and gasped for air. It only took a second for the green beast to be distracted long enough for Dulgin to regain himself and swing his axe from where he was lying. Bone cracked and shattered as the mighty weapon severed its leg just below the knee. It fell to the ground clutching the stump, whimpering a horrible, gurgled sound. The Dwarf buried his father’s axe blade into its head, killing it instantly.

“That’ll teach ya.” He turned from his attack posture just in time to notice his friend swept away by the current, as the Ordakian had no strength left to try to swim to shore.

Abawken shot up out of the water and then ran on top of the flowing river to retrieve Bridazak. He circumvented the granite rocks and then soon lifted the little-one up and into his arms. The human quickly assessed— Bridazak’s chattering teeth told him he needed to get him next to a fire to return his color. He ran back, still on top of the fast moving river, to where Dulgin waited in anticipation and awe once he saw Abawken walking on water.