Chapter 12
Snakes
Thaddeus woke the group early the next morning, or at least he thought it was the next morning, it was hard to tell. Everything was so much darker in the Dead Lands, even the sunrise. They wasted no time in departing. The quicker they left the Dead Lands, the better. Thaddeus lead the group with the Hormut by his side and under his feet. The King tried to come up with several names for the canine-like creature, but creativity was not his strong suit, and a beast such as this deserved a fitting name.
The Hormut turned out to be a great companion to the King. It slept at his feet all night. Anytime Thaddeus moved the slightest bit, the Hormut jumped to his feet, ears pinned back and teeth flashing. At first, it was a challenge to calm the Hormut down once he became startled, but by the end of the night the beast responded to Thaddeus on command.
"I would have never imagined a Human could tame a Hormut," Rasmere called out. "It seems he has taken a liking to you."
"So it seems," Thaddeus replied as he stumbled along with the Hormut under his feet.
As the King lead the way, he kept thinking about the Dashi's alternate reality. I wish that Azonis and Rasmere had truly made amends. Things were so much better for a time even if it wasn't real. I look forward to a day when that reality is actual reality.
"If we continue in this direction, we should be able to make our way from this place soon," Rasmere said.
"I certainly hope so. I do not like it here," River replied.
"Me neither," Caleb added.
"Can you not just fly us back to the Free Lands?" Azonis asked Caleb.
"Possibly," Rasmere said. "But at some point, one of us would be left here alone."
"So," Azonis replied. "It would be better than wandering through here for days."
"Are you volunteering to be the last one out?" Rasmere asked.
"Point taken," Azonis said, looking around at the eerie wilderness. Who knows what is out there watching us.
"I can try to fly you all to the top of the cliff again," Caleb said.
"No," River said, stepping in front of him. "You are not strong enough yet. You must conserve your energy."
Well that conversation turned out better than I thought. They had a disagreement and did not end up on the verge of killing one another. Maybe, just maybe, they will rekindle their friendship, or whatever they had, Thaddeus thought.
"It should not be much longer. We have covered a great distance. If we continue to follow this cliff, we are bound to find a way out of this valley," said King Graystone.
When they left from the hamlet, they followed the large cliff deeper into the Dead Lands, seeking a route to the Free Lands before they ventured too deep into the wicked forest. Earlier, Caleb tried to fly River up to the top of the cliff, but he failed to lift her off the ground. He had taken a beating at the hands of the Hoggins and was too weak to carry River, let alone Thaddeus.
With the rounding of every bend, they hoped to find a way back to the top of the cliff. So far, this much sought after route had not presented itself. They traveled onward for a few more leagues, and the valley widened out. They came into a large, round, clearing. The cliff they traveled beside did not end though. It continued on in front of them and wrapped back around in the direction they had just came.
"A dead end," Thaddeus muttered. Now what? Thaddeus's eyes moved left to right, up and down, looking for a way out.
"What are we going to do now?" River asked.
"I do not know," Thaddeus said in a low voice as he surveyed the area.
"There has to be a way out of here," Azonis said as he walked forward.
"It don't seem like it," Caleb said. "This is a large area. Let me fly ahead to make sure."
"That may be a good idea, Thaddeus. I do not want to travel any further. It would not be wise to trap ourselves in this clearing," Rasmere said.
"I agree," Azonis said. "We would be sitting ducks in such a wide open area with no escape."
Thaddeus surveyed the situation. He did not want Caleb venturing out on his own, but he saw no other way. Azonis and Rasmere were correct. If they pushed forward and came to a dead end, they would be easy targets. At least between the two cliffs it would be harder to become surrounded.
"Very well," Thaddeus said. "Go check it out, but be careful. Come back at the first sign of trouble."
"Okay," Caleb said. "I'll be back shortly."
The Shifter launched himself into the air and transformed into the hawk. He soared high above the Dead Lands. Even in the open sky above the forest, it was still dark and dreary. He glided just above the tree line to the back of the circular clearing.
Every inch of the cliff was straight up and down, and he saw no vegetation or natural structures that one could use to climb to the top. When his wings became too heavy to flap, Caleb turned, but from the corner of his eye something caught his attention; the opening of a cave hidden away in the cliff face near the back of the clearing. He swooped down for a closer look. Hovering at its mouth, Caleb did not like what he saw. He flew back to Thaddeus and the others.
"Look!" River exclaimed. "Here he comes."
Caleb touched down next to his companions and took his natural form once more.
"Where have you been?" Thaddeus growled. "Why were you gone so long?"
"I think I found a way out," Caleb said. "There is a cave at the back of the clearing in the face of the cliff."
"Well," Azonis said. "What are we waiting for?"
"There are thousands of bones lying around the mouth of the cave and a foul odor is coming from within," Caleb said, drying his palms on his pants.
"It does not matter," Thaddeus said. "We are not back tracking, and this seems to be our only hope of escaping from this place."
"I agree," Azonis proclaimed.
"Rasmere?" Thaddeus asked.
The Forest Engenium nodded his head.
"River?"
"I go wherever you all go," she replied.
"Rrruuh," the Hormut barked.
They checked their belongings, fastened their armor, readied their weapons and made their way to the cave's entrance.
The mouth of the cave was short, but wide. Thousands of various types of bones lay scattered about the ground, in and outside, of the cave.
"What kind of beast lives in here?" River asked, staying back at a good distance.
"I am not sure," Rasmere said as he picked up a bone. It is hungry, whatever it is. "It seems that it enjoys a wide variety of delicacies. The bones of Hoggins, Humans, cows, and many other creatures are scattered about."
"What would a cow be doing out here?" River asked. Do I really want to know the answer to that?
"Maybe this cave leads to the Free Lands. Whatever is inside might be dragging its prey here from the other side," Caleb suggested.
"Come on," Thaddeus said walking forward. "I will go in first. Let us get this over with."
Thaddeus got on his knees, moved aside a pile of decaying skulls and wiggled his way through the tiny opening. The others followed. The narrow tunnel lead them into a great cavern system. Its ceiling looked to be at least forty feet high.
River held up her staff. Under her breath, she said, "Illum."
"Why do you speak your incantations aloud? You never did before." Thaddeus asked.
"I was shy," she replied. Her cheeks turned a bright red. "I whispered them. I do not feel the need to whisper anymore."
She is coming out of her shell, Thaddeus thought. This is good. "Glad to see you a bit more comfortable with us."
River smiled and nodded.
The cave filled with a bright light, which Thaddeus could not have been more thankful for, although he did not like the picture it revealed.
Bones and decomposing corpses filled the massive cavern. The stench of death made it difficult for him to draw breath. Stagnant blood and body parts covered the cave's floor. Whatever lived in this cave had a ravenous appetite and did not seem too keen on tidiness.
"Come on," Thaddeus said, covering his nose and mouth with his hand. "Let's get this over with."
They explored the cave for a short time when they became faced with a decision; the cave forked off into two paths.
"Which way?" Caleb asked.
"Either way is a gamble," Rasmere replied.
"Should we split up?" Azonis asked.
"No," Thaddeus said. "We do not split up."
The Hormut sniffed the air. He walked over to the right handed path and growled. He did the same at the left handed path.
Well, that was reassuring. "It seems that danger faces us in either direction," Azonis said.
"Which way, boy?" Thaddeus asked.
The Hormut considered both paths, but chose the one to the left.
"Looks like we are going left," Thaddeus said. "Stay close, River. We need your light."
I hope you are correct with you decision, my four legged friend, Thaddeus thought as he lead them into the cavern system.
They followed the left handed path for what seemed like hours. The deeper they traveled into the cavern, the more treacherous it became. Several times the floor of the cave fell away, revealing a black abyss. Azonis almost plummeted into the first of these bottomless holes, but Rasmere grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him back to safety.
The hidden bones that lay beneath the puddles of blood made it difficult to get proper footing, and at times, the walls almost touched one another, but they kept moving forward. They wondered if they would ever find their way out when the Hormut stopped dead in his tracks. He pinned his ears against his head and flashed his large, blood-stained, teeth. He sniffed the air and let out a low, but meaningful, growl.
"Something is ahead. Is everyone ready?" Thaddeus asked.
Azonis got a good grip on his sword and readied his shield. Rasmere drew his bow and nodded. Caleb transformed into his wolf form, and River gave Thaddeus a nervous smile. King Graystone hoisted his dragon bone axe to chest level and crept forward.
The passage opened up into a large chamber. At the back of the cave, a dim light shone through a small hole atop a pile of rubble. The light was the first thing Thaddeus noticed. He almost sprinted toward it, not noticing his surroundings. When he took a better look around the cave, he froze in his tracks.
"What are they?" Thaddeus asked in a hushed voice.
"Cold Hearts," Rasmere replied in a whisper. "River, put out your light."
The Mage lowered her staff, extinguishing the light.
Lying on the floor of the cave appeared to be at least twenty, large, snake-like humanoid creatures, the Cold Hearts. The Cold Hearts lay coiled up in tight balls, soaking up every ounce of the warm sunlight. They had the body shape of a Human, but the head and tail of a snake. Scaly, slimy, skin covered their thick bodies. Their skin was of a checked pattern; brown and gold. At the end of their tails were snow white rattles. A sword, or spear, and shield lay next to each of them.
"How do we plan on getting by them?" Azonis asked.
Thaddeus looked around, but saw no means of eluding them. The King cracked his neck from side to side. We will do what we do best. "I say we slay them while they sleep," Thaddeus said.
"No," Rasmere interjected. "Cold Hearts are mighty warriors. They gave the Brazurkins the fight of their lives when they were driven from Morgorath. I do not think it wise to attack them in their lair. We are highly outnumbered."
"What do you suggest?" Thaddeus asked.
Rasmere thought for a moment, and said, "We could try to sneak past them."
"How?" Thaddeus asked, motioning to the Cold Hearts. "There is no way around them."
Rasmere took a deep breath. As he let it out he said, "We will need to step over them."
Are you mad? "What if they wake?" Azonis asked.
"Then we fight," Rasmere replied.
"Would it not be better to gain the upper hand and attack them while they sleep?" Thaddeus asked.
"Perhaps," said Rasmere.
"Can they be reasoned with?" asked Thaddeus.
"No," Rasmere stated. "We are in their den, which poses a huge threat to their safety."
Thaddeus gave the Cold Hearts a final glance. He then turned to look at his own companions. Caleb was not in the best condition and River still looked weary. Thaddeus, Rasmere, Azonis, and the Hormut were still in shape for battle. Perhaps Caleb may be able to fight, but he was not sure. A sneak attack seemed to be their only sensible option.
"I have an idea," Azonis said.
"I am all ears," Thaddeus replied.
Azonis turned to River and said, "Can you do to these beasts what you did to the Hoggins?"
"I. . . I am not sure. I am weak, but I believe that I may have enough magic to cast such a spell," River said.
"Are you sure?" Thaddeus asked.
"Yes. I think so," she replied.
"Can you do so without expending all of your magic?" Azonis asked.
"Yes," she replied.
Thaddeus stood in front of River and looked her in the eyes.
"You must be certain," he said as he placed his hands on her shoulders. "There mustn't be a shadow of doubt," Thaddeus said.
"I am certain," River said with a more confident tone.
"Very well," Thaddeus said, stepping forward. "Do it."
River drew her staff and pointed it at the Cold Hearts. "Bomonus!" she cried.
The Cold Hearts woke to find themselves floating on the ceiling of the cavern, surrounded by a translucent orb. The Cold Hearts thrashed about in the air, hacking and slashing at the barrier, but it did them no good.
"Let's go," River said. "We must move fast!"
They made their way under the suspended, snake-like creatures. All seemed to be going well. The Hormut jumped up and down looking at the ceiling, barking and growling. They were fifty feet away from the opening that lead out of the cave when River cried out.
"Hurry! I cannot sustain them much longer!"
"You must!" Thaddeus exclaimed.
"Concentrate, River," Caleb said. "You can do this."
His words gave her strength, but only for a moment. River fell to her knees, then onto her stomach, unconscious once more. With River unable to hold the spell, the Cold Hearts fell from the air and crashed onto the rocky bottom of the cave; a few of them becoming impaled on the stalactites below. They took to their feet in an instant. The cave filled with the eerie song of the Cold Heart's rattles.
"Attack!" Thaddeus cried, rushing forward.
The Cold Hearts struck with a speed and might to which Thaddeus was unaccustomed. He dueled with two of the snake creatures, the bigger one their leader. They drove him backward through the cave, their swords against his axe. Thaddeus slipped on the slick bottom of the cave and fell to one knee. He deflected the first incoming blow with his axe, then he shoved their leader back and got to his feet. King Graystone retaliated with a flurry of his own. His axe whirled, hungry for blood, but they blocked each and every strike he sent their way.
Caleb turned into a hawk. He wrapped his talons around River's shoulders and flew her through the opening, the Cold Hearts nipping at her heels. The Shifter placed her on the ground outside of the cave and flew back to the fight.
Azonis and Rasmere fought back to back, just like they had so many times. The Cold Hearts charged them three and four at a time. The two Engeniums called upon all of their skill to defend themselves against the constant barrage of spears and swords. They could not mount an offensive attack. Each time they advanced, they found themselves driven back by another barrage of steel.
Caleb and the Hormut fared a little better than the others. Caleb, in the form of the wolf, had one of the Cold Hearts pinned down, tearing at its throat. The Hormut snapped his strong jaws shut on the end of one of their tails and drug it across the cave. The Cold Heart tried to dig and claw its way to freedom, but the Hormut would not release his grip. He opened his mouth for a moment and latched back on once more, this time a little further up on
its tail. The Hormut shook his head from side to side ripping and tearing at its tail. The Cold Heart's tail came free from its body. It hissed out in pain as green blood poured from its bloody stump. After a few moments, the snake-like being bled out and lay lifeless on the ground.
Caleb and the Hormut did their best to help Thaddeus and the Engeniums thin the Cold Heart's ranks. While the canines dealt with the snake men a little easier than the others, it proved a slow, laborious task even for them.
Thaddeus engaged in a violent game of push and shove with the leader of the Cold Hearts. The snake man lunged at Thaddeus with his sword, retracted it, and back slashed. The blade sparked off of Thaddeus's armor. King Graystone jumped at the first break in the leader’s defense. He thrust the handle of his axe and smashed it into the leader's throat. It grasped at its throat and spun, knocking Thaddeus to the ground with its long, muscular tail. It pounced at him, but Thaddeus rolled out of the way. The King made it to his feet well before the Cold Heart.
You may be fast, but not as fast as I, Thaddeus thought.
He swung his axe and cleaved off its tail where it met its body. Their leader screeched, flopping about the ground like a fish out of water. Thaddeus, showing mercy, put it out of its misery. As soon as the leader had fallen, the others sensed it. The tides of battle turned in The Saviors favor.
Rasmere called out to Azonis, "Brace yourself!"
Before Azonis responded, Rasmere moved out from behind him as one of the Cold Hearts thrust his spear. The spear clanged off of Azonis's armor, knocking the Sestian forward several feet. Rasmere, calm and collected, inserted the tip of his blade into the spear-wielding Cold Heart's throat. When Azonis tumbled forward he used his shield to plow through three of the snake men, knocking them off balance. He went to work, hacking and slashing at them with his golden sword. Rasmere fought his way through a handful of the snake men, leaving a path of death in his wake.
The Cold Hearts still pushed The Saviors to the limits of their abilities, but they now mounted an offense of their own. Caleb and the Hormut wreaked havoc amongst them. They bit, snapped, and tugged at the tails of the snake men, giving the others the opportunity to capitalize on the distraction. The Cold Hearts were mighty warriors, and they showed little gaps in their defense. Caleb and the Hormut helped to expose them.
Azonis utilized the safety of his shield and waited for openings to attack. The Sestian, calculated and brutal with his offense, hacked, slashed, and impaled many of the snake men with his golden sword.
Rasmere did what he did best: counter attack or parry and riposte. He held his sword to his side, dodging the incoming strikes with his blazing quick speed. Once the Cold Hearts committed themselves to their strike, he would slide his sword into their scaly skin. He parried several incoming blows and followed them with a riposte, often finding his target's vital organs.
Thaddeus went about his battle in a more barbaric fashion. The King flew into a rage. His fury gave him strength. He swung his axe in wild, murderous arcs. Each time it connected with one of his foes, an appendage flew across the cave. King Graystone used his size and strength to cleave his way through the snake men.
The Cold Hearts' numbers fell to less than ten, not counting one who flailed about on the ground, legless. The Saviors found themselves able to catch their breath from time to time as the Cold Hearts showed signs of fatigue.
Thaddeus dropped his axe and drew his swords. He simultaneously checked two incoming strikes and then drove the swords into the stomachs of his attackers. He removed his swords, and in the nick of time, threw his arm up to fend off another attack. The Cold Heart tried to bite him, wrapping its large fangs around the King's arm. He tried to shake the beast, but to no avail. Something whizzed by Thaddeus's head and the Cold Heart released its grip on him. Thaddeus turned to see Rasmere standing across from him, bow in hand. Thank you, Thaddeus thought as he nodded at the Sword.
Caleb hovered over top of one of the snake men, tearing at its throat, when another came from behind and kicked him in the ribs. He whimpered and fell to the ground. He opened his eyes to find the Cold Heart falling upon him, mouth wide and bearings its fangs. Knowing he did not have enough time to flee, he turned into a small bird and flew into its open mouth. The Cold Heart looked surprised as the tiny bird wiggled its way down its throat. The Cold Heart cried out in pain. Its body exploded open, and a golden lion emerged. Caleb shook the bits of the Cold Heart from his fur, let out a blood curdling roar, and looked for another victim.
Azonis drove his sword through the heart of a Cold Heart when Rasmere cried, "Azonis! Look out!" He was too late.
Before the Sestian turned, an exploding pain consumed his face. His eyes rolled back into his head, and he fell to the ground. Rasmere let an arrow loose into the legless Cold Heart who was sitting on his bloody stumps, with a large grin on his face. Rasmere ran to the Sestian's side. Although the spear hit no vital areas, it had gone through both of his cheeks. The sight of Azonis turned Rasmere's stomach. Both of his cheeks lay split open, all the way back to his jaw bone. The skin of his face folded down and hung loose, exposing his teeth and gums.
Thaddeus, Caleb, and the Hormut finished the remaining snake men without the aid of Rasmere or Azonis. They checked to make sure none of their foes still drew breath. Some did, but Thaddeus remedied that with his axe.
Thaddeus surveyed the scene. Caleb sat on his rear haunches next to the Hormut, both of them cleaning the blood from their fur. Concern came over Thaddeus when he saw Rasmere kneeling next to an unconscious Azonis. The King did not see what happened to the Sestian, but he feared the worst.
"Is he alive?" Thaddeus asked.
"Yes," Rasmere replied. His bronze skin lightened a few shades. "He is alive, but he has sustained a bad injury."
"What happened?" King Graystone asked.
"A spear struck him in the face," Rasmere said as he stood.
Thaddeus looked at the Sestian, squinting his eyes and curling his lips. His stomach churned, and he broke out into a cold sweat. Azonis, while still alive, was now maimed for life. He no longer looked like the handsome ruler of Lasticall but rather like a creature that one might encounter in the Dead Lands. To make matters worse, the cuts were ragged and uneven. He looked like a monster.
"I will help you with him. We must get out of here as quickly as we can," Thaddeus said.
Caleb came over to see what was happening. He gasped. "What happened?"
"A spear struck him in the face," Thaddeus said. "We need to get out of here."
Thaddeus made his way to the exit. The Hormut stayed by the King's side. Rasmere got Azonis up to the opening in the cave, and Caleb helped to pull him through to the other side.
Once they made it out of the cave, the heroes fell to the ground, exhausted. None of them had ever been happier to see the Free Lands. The sun shone bright, warm, rays down upon them. It was still rather cool, but nothing compared to the desolate land they just escaped. Caleb lay on the ground, bruised and battered, taking the time to notice the pain coursing through his body.
River slept under a large oak tree. She looked as if her life had fled from her body.
The Hormut lay on his side, panting and enjoying the rays of sunlight.
Rasmere tended to Azonis, preparing a mix of herbs he found nearby. Azonis would be in unbearable pain once he woke, and Rasmere wanted to be prepared.
Thaddeus sat by himself, clutching his right hand. Jabs of pain shot up his arm. It felt as if he plunged his arm into a fire. He removed his bracer and the hidden mechanical device. A thin line of dried blood trickled from his forearm. A tiny hole appeared on the anterior portion of his arm. He took a dagger from his knapsack and prodded at the wound. Thaddeus grimaced as he removed the tip of a tiny fang from his arm. It seems that I am not invincible, Thaddeus thought. He looked at it, scoffed, and threw it aside. Once he put his bracer back on, King Graystone joined his comrades, just in time.
The Sestian flailed about on the gro
und, screaming to the top of his lungs, clutching at the gaping wounds on his face. It took all of King Graystone's might to restrain the Sestian.
"What has happened to my face?" he screamed. "What has happened to meeee?"
They did their best to calm him. Rasmere, by force, administered his mix of herbs to the Sestian. It helped to reduce his pain and calm him.
They made camp next to the hidden entrance to the cave. The Hormut stood watch next to the cave's entrance. Rasmere disappeared in the forest to hunt for food. A long time passed since they had eaten a hot meal, and some wild game would do much to restore their worn bodies. Thaddeus and River sat with Azonis as he slept. Caleb dug through his bag looking for his small medical kit which he carried with him since the Civil War. He hoped that the needle and thread were still in his pack. Azonis needed medical attention in the worst way, and Caleb was the closest thing to a healer they had.