Dark Wood: Legends of the Guardians (5 page)

It
seemed no wonder to her now that this part of the Dark Wood was so barren. With
such dark magic consuming the land, nary any living thing would want to stay
long if it were to come near. What was it though that kept her from such
feelings as they’d all made way to the Hollow? Was it Lena protecting them? Or
was it this side of the wood protecting something else? Keeping all that dare
come near at bay in the most efficient way one could: fear. Fear so powerful
that it could overcome you; perhaps even cause such terror that some could not
survive it.

It
was not without great effort that Aryaunna kept it from consuming her again.
That in itself was tiring, but she was managing. Now it lie within her, covered
with a protective blanket of knowing the fear was false and could therefore be
overcome. For strength she clung to her mother’s necklace and prayed to her
Guardians. The whelp on her hand burned as if she’d touched fire, though it did
not bleed as her cheek had. The cut on her face had dried, or perhaps frozen.

Chilled
to the bone, her muscles were throbbing. It would be easy to curl up in her
thick cloak and lay over against the fallen tree so that she may rest her eyes.
It was this want that forced her to stand and dredge on. Night would soon fall.
She had to reach the base of the mountain before then. If she could get out of
the trees, the stars would light her path from there on.

To
ease her mind, Aryaunna had begun to sing. Her voice did not carry far past the
wind, but it did not need to. The only purpose of her song was to keep her from
thinking about her ailments. She’d learned many songs of the Church, but there
was only one she would willfully voice. It was a lullaby…

“Tend a fire,

With kindling and sticks

And watch it burn strong in the wind

And watch it burn higher and higher

Tend a fire

Tend a fire

And brother

Tend a fire

Tend a garden

With sunshine and rain

And watch it grow strong in the wind

Watch it grow higher and higher

Tend a fire

Tend a fire

And brother and sister

Tend a fire

Tend a heart

With wisdom and grace

And watch it grow strong in the wind

Watch it burn higher and higher

Tend a Fire

Tend a fire

And children

Tend a fire.”

Her
voice cut off suddenly as a dark shadow moved, caught out of the corner of her
eye. Aryaunna stopped. Could she be imagining things? Of course, in fact it was
likely. She was worn, in so many ways. Yet she couldn’t believe her vision had
been false. “Hello?” she called out into the snow covered wood. “Is anyone
there?”

After
a moment her eyes rolled. If someone had been there, and they indeed wished her
harm, they were not likely to answer her call. She wished they would though.
Company would have been such a comfort, though she knew that, too, was
unlikely, especially that of a welcomed variety.

Keeping
her cloak clutched tight around her with her left hand, her right touched
against the hilt of her blade. As she wrapped aching fingers around the leather
bound blade she began to sing again. Perhaps it had been her voice that had
drawn it near. Perhaps she was going crazy.

Cautious
of her every foot fall she continued on. Wide eyed, she tried hard to watch
everything around her. Not long had passed before another shadow skirted
through the trees. Instinct told her to stop moving and to fall quiet, yet she
did not allow herself to succumb. She only saw the shadows when moving, and
whilst singing. If she continued, perhaps she could see them better Aryaunna
hoped.

It
wasn’t long before the shadows filled the trees, stealing the glistening light
that reflected on the snow from the sun above. Still fighting the magic that
fought to make her heart race, to frighten her beyond all limits of sanity, it
ate away at her willpower. She watched as the shadows whisped through the wood.
Dancing through the trees they snuffed out the light bit by bit until she
walked on in total darkness.

Still
yet, the melody hummed through her chilled lips: Haunting, enchanting,
devastating, enthralling, powerful.

Through
the surrounding darkness something played with her vision ahead. Had she seen a
cloak, maybe a dress? She fell silent. The trees seemed to bustle ahead of her.
Without realizing it, she’d stopped where she stood. The cold snaked in around
her, biting at her flesh where it could while frosting her clothes stiff. The
longer she stood still, the faster her hear beat, and the more her stomach
tightened.

The
crackling of limbs could be heard as a branch broke and snapped under foot. It
wasn’t close. The sound seemed to come from ahead of her, where she’d thought
she’d seen the figure move through the trees and shadows which threatened to
consume the Dark Wood.

“Aryaunna,
help me! Help me, please!” A blood curdling scream cut through the darkness,
pleading desperately. The voice could only belong to one.

Without
hesitating Aryaunna took off running. Elizabeth must have woken and come after
her. With such little time to recover she’d be vulnerable and weak out here on
her own. Horrific possibilities played out through her mind. She couldn’t lose
her sister. Elizabeth was all she had left. The faster she ran, the thicker the
trees seemed to become. Fog hung so heavy in the air that her breathing became
strained, forcing her to rasp for breath.

Limbs
cut and tore at her as she ran past them, snagging her clothes, and pulling her
back as she fought harder to move forward. “Elizabeth!” she cried out for her
sister, fearful she’d already lost her way. “Where are you,” Aryaunna screamed
to the forest.

Faltered
steps brought her to meet the ground more than once. Firmly packed snow made
for no gentle landing. The ground would crunch and break against her weight,
crackling when her knees broke through the thin sheet of ice covering the pure
white.

Running
harder, she pushed her body onward, despite how haggard she’d become. The wind
whipped past her, so violent that it seemed to take on a life of its own. Its
howl became a daunting moan that cackled at her pain and fright. Her sister’s
screams were scarce, and seemed to come from another direction each time she
heard it.

Hot
tears splashed down her cheeks, and left her skin frigid as the winter’s wind
consumed them. An agonized moan tormented her ears as she stumbled over a branch,
hidden in the clouded dark. “I’m sorry, Elizabeth. I’m trying, I swear.”
Aryaunna had buckled. Elizabeth was all she had left in this world. The thought
of losing her was more agonizing than any storm.

Aching
cold hands braced against the hard frost as she looked down. Dangling before
her hung her mother’s amethyst. Lifting herself to sit to her knees, she
clasped the heart tight in fingers so cold they’d nearly lost all feeling.
Bowing her head, she spoke to her mother, “Help me, mother. I can’t lose her,
too.”

Closing
her eyes, she focused her every thought on her mother as she held the stone
tight in her grasp. Perhaps she’d been hoping for some great revelation, or for
her mother to speak to her and tell her what to do. It wasn’t like that though.
Nothing so clear and simple. A whisper of a memory maybe, or just the only
comfort she could so easily recall from her childhood, the lullaby her mother
had sang to her and Elizabeth filled her heart so earnestly that it fell once
more from her lips.

“Tend a fire,

With kindling and sticks

And watch it burn strong in the wind

And watch it burn higher and higher

Tend a fire

Tend a fire

And brother

Tend a fire

Tend a garden

With sunshine and rain

And watch it grow strong in the wind

Watch it grow higher and higher

Tend a fire

Tend a fire

And brother and sister

Tend a fire

Tend a heart

With wisdom and grace

And watch it grow strong in the wind

Watch it burn higher and higher

Tend a Fire

Tend a fire

And children

Tend a fire.”

The
wind seemed to calm, as if lulled by her song. Her heart calmed, as did the
tightening ache of her stomach. Peace came over her, restful and warm like a
warmed blanket enclosing her. Though her lids were heavy, she opened her eyes
with a peaceful smile pulling up at her lips.

Light
seeped in through the shadows, as if a storm were being broken apart by the
sun’s rays. Fog settled from the heavy cloud that filled the forest to a gentle
mist which rolled along the floor.

Looking
around the woodland that surrounded her, she stood to her feet slowly. Lifting
her hood once more, she trekked on cautiously. A haunting lullaby sang sweet
off her lips. The shadows danced around her like ghosts in the trees. Her magic
could do no more than keep them at bay, but it was enough to restore her
sanity. The voices were gone, though she walked on in the same direction she’d
heard Elizabeth’s call, she heard nothing more nor saw sign of her sister.

Angered,
the limbs of trees would lash at out her when she came too near, which was
nearly unavoidable for the density of the Dark Wood. Each cut they left burned
and stung from the bitter wind.

Dusk
was falling over the horizon. She could see the brilliant fiery glow of the
blazing sun as it sunk lower into the sky. Looking up, she could see a crisp
blue sky and a large white moon. She’d nearly forgotten tonight was the full
moon.

It
seemed like days had passed since she’d entered the Dark Wood on her own. The
trees had grown scarce though, and the land was becoming more steep with her
every step. She’d reached the base of the mountain.

Mount
Dia touched heaven with her magnificent height. Aryaunna was given no direction
other than climb. If she was truly the Emissary then she would find her way,
and most importantly she would find Him. With no idea what she sought, she
looked up the mountain and then back at the woods. While she’d not heard her
sister’s call again, she worried still. Part of her wanted to go back, and not
stop searching until she found Elizabeth or proof she was safe. Allos had sworn
he would stay with her, and that he would protect her though. Could she trust a
man she’d known for less than a day? What choice did she have?

Looking
onward at Dia, she looked up the slope that grew steep as rocks carved an
edifice of strength. Somewhere within this mountain was the answers she needed,
and perhaps even the key to unlocking her magic.

The
mountain needed no monsters to give pause to all those who found themselves at
her wake. Dia, granted its name for the impossibly high peaks that reached well
beyond the heavenly clouds above. There were slopes that were said to be carved
by the Guardians themselves. Deep ridges carved not by streams, but by great
talons. There was an arch carved into the mountain, though no one knew how it
came to be. A hollow pathway, almost like a door. A door to what though? No one
knew for sure.

Mount
Dia was strangely magnificent for many reasons. One being that the entire
mountain of solid stone was utterly and perfectly white. Barren of all organic
life, there were no trees, no grass, not even a single shrub. And perhaps the
most peculiar thing of all, that despite even the most horrendous of winter
months, snow had never once been seen to fall upon the mountain.

For
this, Aryaunna was blessedly grateful. Standing at Dia’s base, Aryaunna stood
quietly with her eyes closed. She waited, listening to the world around her.
The wind continued to whip against her, pulling the cloak every which way. Fed
up with it, she brought her hand up and unclasped what was left of the ragged
cloth. It had been warm while it lasted, but frozen stiff from being drug
through the snow covered forest and torn into shreds it was little more than a
nuance then.

Ridding
herself of the cloak, she stood clad in hunting garments given to her by Mayla.
They were well-made, making them very warm on their own. She was grateful for
them. They were far nicer than anything she’d ever owned before, made of thick
black leathers lined in many places by thin fur. Boots came to her knees of the
same make. They were well soled and kept her dry.

Aryaunna
was a fit girl, having worked hard all her life as the Church’s ward. She was
strong; though not being well fed she was thinner than she should be. Braided
into an intricate braid, her hair was as black as night, which was coming fast
to the sky. The last of the day’s sun had sunk below the trees. Dusk would not
last long on such a night.

Small
rocks crumbled away under her feet, causing her to slide in some places as she
began her assent. Her fingers were painfully numb from the cold. Only
fingerless sleeves enclosed her hands down to her elbows beneath the long
winter’s tunic that covered her body. Less than nimble, she jammed her fingers
a few times while trying to secure hand holds. The further she climbed, the
steeper the mountain became. In many places there were vertical cliffs that
scaled hundreds of feet. It had crossed her mind to wonder if she would have to
climb any, though she fought not to consider it too close.

To
keep from letting the doubt of her task consume her, she sang every song she’d
ever known. It wasn’t loud by any standard, as it was becoming hard to keep her
breath. Her body was wearing as the exertion was getting to her. It would be
too easy to wonder if she was going the right way, too easy to let the many
fears consume her. What if she fell and became hurt? What if she fell and died?

Never
before had she been to mount Dia. Nor did she know personally of anyone who
had. Anything could live on the mountain. Aryaunna would think of nothing other
than Him though. No creature of magic or man would matter this day. There was
but one goal for her, and to reach it she had to keep all her focus.

Hand
over hand, foot over foot. Step by step, bit by bit, little by little. Aryaunna
had come too far to turn back. As her foot slipped and she held precariously to
the nearly vertical slope by her fingertips, she looked down. “Wow,” a whisper
rushed from her lips. She’d not realized how far up she’d made it. It was full
dark now, but the moon was full and reflected brilliantly off the white stone
of the mountain. Pulling herself up to a small divot in the rock, she sat to
take a rest. Turning her back to the rock face, she looked out over the land.
Much smaller mountains and hills rolled out, creating the great valley of the
Dark Wood.

From
this high up she thought maybe she could see Kenan in the day, though felt no
more interest than knowing its distance from Dia. The view was incredible. The
light of the moon lit the entire sky, giving life to the darkness in a way
she’d never imagined. Being up here, with the moon so bright, it was almost as
clear to see as if it were daylight. The mountain she climbed shown a glacier
blue.

It
was dazzling, sitting there on the great mountain. The world was so much bigger
when you were up so high. She felt so small in comparison. Time felt
non-existent as the beauty inspired her thoughts to roam. Sitting up so high,
Aryaunna couldn’t help but think about the Guardians.

The
Guardians were the spirits of the great Dragons. They were the embodiment of
magic. Their Dragon brethren were rumored to still exist in remote parts of the
world. Some in hordes, some so close in kin to the Guardians they themselves
were said to be so massive they could block out the very moon. What might the
mountain look like from the sky? Did they really fly with the stars, so close
they could touch them? Some said the night sky was where the Guardians dwelled
after they’d left the earthen world. There were many legends as to why they
left, but Aryaunna believed she knew the real reason: more room to fly.

As
her body began to beg for sleep, she forced herself back to her feet. Though
she was fortunate there was no snow, the wind was still bitter, and the stone
of the mountain cold as ice. Once she realized how much she’d began to shiver,
she knew it was time to get moving. If she was going to sleep, she had to get
out of the wind. Sleeping exposed to the elements would be suicide.

Another
hour had come to pass when she was forced to stop again. It had been a miracle
her water had lasted that long. The bota empty, she slung it over her back and
licked her lips. There had scarcely been enough to wet her tongue. “This
mountain may just be the death of me,” she spoke aloud to no one but herself.

Looking
over the mountainside, the light reflected clearly over every surface. Except
for one. A black void shown in the side of the mountain, far off to her right.
“Oh blessed Guardians,” Aryaunna gasped in utter relief. The void could only
mean one thing, she’d found a cave. Caves would provide shelter, with any luck
at all perhaps even water. Either way at the least she would get out of the
wind, and perhaps she would survive the night yet.

With
her every limb trembling with cold and fatigue, it took more than an hour to
reach the cave. She’d fallen once, and slipped down a twenty foot slope.
Fortunately she’d suffered little more than scraped palms, bruised knees, and
an ache that rang throughout her body.

It
felt like eternity before she’d reached the large flat pad before the cave.
Turning around, she looked down the mountain. The great round moon above was
high in the sky. How many hours had passed? It must’ve been the middle of the
night. The flat surface before the opening of the cave was far more vast than
she’d realized. It was too beautiful for words. Collapsing to her knees, her
head fell back. Eyes closing, a smile crossed her lips. She’d made it to the cave.

The
Guardians had seen her this far, after a night of rest certainly she’d find
Him. Turning her head, she looked back at the cave. Struggling, she fought to
get to her feet. It was a harder feat than she’d pictured given all else she’d
done.

Inside
felt thirty degrees warmer. It may as well have been paradise. She didn’t make
it far before collapsing to the earth near the opening. The wind whistled
outside the opening though didn’t reach her.

Sleep
didn’t find her swiftly. All she could do was lay there, listen to the wind,
and feel her body throb. It didn’t entirely surprise Aryaunna when she heard
shuffling behind her. A low deep snort of hot air rushed over her body. Too
tired to move, she could do little more than look up at him. A soft smile spread
her lips. “I’ve found you.”

“So
it would seem you have.” A soft scuffle on the ground echoed as he sat down.
“Rest now. You’re safe here.”

“I
know…” she whispered as she rest her head on her arm, looking up at Him.

“Sleep.”
It was not an order, but permission. She was safe there with Him, and she knew
that. For her awe though, she’d do anything to have found the energy to
overcome the exhaustion. Instead, however, she let her eyes close and peace
take her.

The
cave kept Aryaunna sheltered from the sun. This was a blessing, for despite the
winter’s cold, the sun was bright and would burn the skin in no time. He’d
stayed close to her through the night to keep her warm. Once the day had warmed
enough, he let her be so that she might sleep longer. The cave floor of solid
stone was certainly no plush bed, not that Aryaunna had ever known much better.
As tired as she was, she’d slept like a newborn babe.

It
was nearly noon before she started to stir. Hearing her subtle movements, his
head turned to watch her though he sat outside the cave.

Brushing
the dust from her cheek, Aryaunna lifted her head. It took a moment to pry her
eyes open, but when she did she squinted from the light, reflecting bright off
the inner walls of the pure white cave.

Twisting
herself, she sat up cautiously. Surprisingly to her, Aryaunna felt warmer than
she expected to. She took barely a moment to look around her, until she
realized the large white mound sitting outside the cave, near the lip of the
platform of stone, wasn’t a rock as first glance told her. It was Him.

His
head had cocked back. He’d heard her moving. Standing was painful for her.
There wasn’t a part of her body that did not ache. It didn’t matter though.
More than her tire she was in awe.

So
frozen in her amazement, she stood still as she stared upon him. “You have no
reason to fear me, child,” his voice was heavily accented. It rang clear like a
bell, filled with reverence and power.

“I
am not afraid,” Slowly she walked outside of the cave and circled around to
face him. Her eyes drank him in, and all of his magnificence. White skin was as
hard as stone and glistened like wet pearls. His muscles bulged and rippled
with his slight movements as he turned to watch her as she walked to stand in
front of him.

“So
I see.” Brilliant blue eyes, so vibrant she’d never seen the color before,
shown at her. They glimmered like jewels. All she could do was look at him, so
he let her. White horns twisted up off the slant of his massive head. They had
shown like moonstone. Iridescent white, yet multi-colored. Shrewd eyes were
rimmed with blue curling patterns that twisted down his cheeks. The same
pattern displayed over the fans that sprayed backward, giving shape to his
ears. His brow furrowed. “Why are you crying?”