* * * *
The track they followed narrowed with overhanging branches. At times, they had to hack through the lush, thick foliage to clear a path. During their journey, Elder noticed Charlotte had stayed curled up for hours without moving. He gazed at her crumpled form for some moments. What must this poor little girl be going through so far away from the people she loved? “Have we much further to go, Father?” he whispered, trying to conceal the concern in his voice.
“Maybe another two days, depending on how this trail holds out.” He beckoned Elder closer, lowering his voice. “We may encounter more hardships before our journey ends.” He paused. “Did you understand everything we talked about back at the farmhouse?”
Elder nodded. “Yes, Father. I have been thinking of nothing else.” He drew a deep breath and let it out with a sigh. “I have been having bad dreams, and they are always the same, that we are being pursued by a dark horseman. It is so vivid that I had trouble sleeping.” He shuddered at the memory. “I can never see his face, just two red eyes staring from beneath a hood.”
His father’s concerned expression matched his own. “So you have been having this dream also?”
“You have had this dream? The same one?” Elder stared wide-eyed. “This must have a meaning of some kind. A warning maybe, do you think?”
“I have no idea, but I’m sure of one thing. If Siren has risen back to the mortal world, the future for everyone is very uncertain indeed.”
They rode for the next few miles speaking little. As the afternoon passed, the light began to fade with the growing presence of dark thunderclouds blocking the sunlight. The wind wailed in sharp gusts, and a steady downpour of rain seeped through the canopy of leaves, soaking everything in its path.
“You had better get back into the wagon and keep dry,” Middleton suggested.
“I was thinking it is about time I checked on Charlotte. Let me know when you want me to take over for you.”
His father gazed up at the sky through the gaps in the trees. “It will be getting dark soon. I will ride to the end of the day, but we will need to make camp and build a fire before nightfall.”
Elderfield put out his hand to feel the raindrops. “We can only but try.”
His father shot him a disapproving glare. “We have no choice. It is imperative we build a fire to keep safe.” He turned his attention back to the road. “I kept some firewood, but if it is not enough, we will have to use some of the wooden packing crates, and hope the weather improves.”
Elder nodded, dismissing his father's overreaction. “Leave it to me, I will see to it.” He clambered into the back of the wagon and surveyed their remaining supplies. Dark thoughts of what may lay ahead of them began to creep into his mind, but he shook them away, deciding nothing would change by dwelling on such thoughts. He went to rearrange the supplies, but noticed Charlotte was awake. He found the last of his mother’s fruit muffins and nestled down next to her. “Here you are. I thought you might be hungry.” He smiled, dangling the muffin in front her.
She made no reaction. “No, thanks. I’m not hungry. Have you got something to drink?”
He reached for a skin bag hanging on a leather cord. “We have finished all the fruit juice, but we have plenty of fresh water.” He pulled out the stopper with his teeth and passed her the pouch.
She took a sip and a tear ran down her cheek. He put his arm around her and she leaned against him, keeping her head down. “I want my mum!” She started to sob.
Elder swallowed past the lump in his throat and blinked the blur from his eyes. “My poor Charlotte. I wish I could do magic and send you back to you family.” He thought of his own mother. “When you do go home, maybe I could come with you? You could introduce me to your family? I would love to meet them.”
“You must be joking! I’m in enough trouble as it is, without bringing a strange boy home with me as well. My dad would go mental!”
“Your father would probably just be pleased to see you again, safe and well.” His words had no effect judging from the look on her face. “If you eat this delicious-looking muffin, I will tell you a story. Do you like stories?”
“Yeah.” She nodded and wiped away her tears with the back of her hand. “I love stories. Not reading them, just listening.” She settled down and ate the muffin.
Elderfield began to tell his favourite childhood story about a troll left behind by his people and adopted by a dwarf family until it grew too large to fit in their little house.
By the time he finished telling the tale, Charlotte was fast asleep. He closed his eyes and dozed to the rock of the wagon.
He woke in darkness to find the rain had stopped. The wagon came to a halt and he heard his father jump to the ground and call out to him. He climbed through the back canopy and gazed around a clearing in the forest. It had ample room to light a substantial fire.
“Elder, I will try to find some dry firewood. Start building a fire, and be sure to unload plenty of torches.”
Elder watched him disappear into the trees then set about building a large fire in the centre of the clearing. He made a smaller fire to cook their food and hung a blackened pot from a crude tripod he formed from branches.
* * * *
Charlotte clambered through the canvas canopy, gazing at her surroundings with a frown. She drew her cloak tight around her to ward against the awful chill in the air. The flickering, orange glow illuminated the huge trees encircling them, making the clearing look small against the giant oaks. “Are we staying here tonight? Can’t we just sleep in the wagon?” she asked, feeling weary despite her long sleep. She could see nothing beyond the darkness, and her unease overwhelmed her. She fought against the fear and stood shivering from the damp cold.
“We will be far safer sleeping close to the fire,” Elder explained.
“Unless we set fire to ourselves, that is.” She watched the sparks and plumes of smoke rising into the sky. “This place is well creepy.” She wrinkled her nose.
A figure suddenly appeared from the darkness, carrying a large bundle of wood.
Charlotte let out an involuntary scream.
Middleton threw down the branches and drew his sword. Elder drew his sword in response. They both stood poised, staring at each other.
“Sorry!” Charlotte put her hand to her mouth. “You frightened the life out of me.”
They both relaxed and Elderfield laughed, slipping his sword back into its scabbard. Middleton didn’t look the least bit amused. He gathered the scattered firewood and made a pile close at hand, storing the rest away in the shelter of the wagon.
Charlotte sat on a log next to the fire, waiting for her food. After what felt like forever, Elderfield served her the first proper meal she had eaten in two days. Nobody spoke as they ate, each too hungry to talk. He had made a delicious stew out of the leftovers from their rapidly diminishing supplies. They shared a loaf of bread that was a little stale, but complemented the stew perfectly.
“Thank you, Elder,” Middleton said, rubbing his stomach. “That was just what we all needed. You really are a good cook.”
“Thank you.” He dipped his head and smirked. “That is not an indication that I am going to do all the cooking on this trip.” His grin widened.
They spent the rest of the evening in relative comfort. They shared stories and Elderfield even sang a song, much to Charlotte’s amusement. As the night wore on, they quieted down. Charlotte showed Elder how to play Tic-Tac-Toe by using sticks to draw on the ground.
Middleton sat alone, keeping watch for any movement on the outskirts of the clearing. The horses had become irritable, snorting and moving in restless circles. He threw some more wood on the fire and started lighting torches, placing them around in a semicircle. “Do we have many more of these, Elder?” he asked, crouching down close.
Elder looked up from his game. “Yes, Father. Shall I get them?”
“Yes, but be quick.” He continued to stare into the darkness.
Elder walked across the clearing and disappeared into the back of the wagon.
“Come and sit close, Charlotte, and hold this torch for me.” He patted the ground beside him.
“What’s the matter, Middleton?” she asked, taking the flaming stick and holding it away from her face. “You look worried.”
“Whatever happens, stay close to the fire and me. Do not let go of the ...”
Before he finished the sentence, the horses broke free from their tethers and fled into the darkness. A blood-curdling growl rumbled from the shadows beyond the trees. Her stomach knotted with utter fear at the terrifying sound. “Elderfield!” she screamed.
He poked his head out through the canopy. “I’m coming,” he called out, clutching a wooden box under his arm.
A harrowing snarl echoed around the clearing. Charlotte dropped her torch and covered her ears, making eye contact with Elderfield just long enough to see his face contort with confusion. She held out her hand in a silent gesture.
His eyes narrowed. A second later, he disappeared in a blur as the wagon crashed into the ground and rolled onto its side. The wheels buckled and snapped like twigs, sending splinters of wood flying into the air. The canopy folded under the strain, and boxes of supplies spilled across the ground.
Charlotte choked on her dread. A haze filled her mind, like thick fog clouding her thoughts. She watched, helpless and confused. Her whole body tingled with pins and needles as events unfolded in front of her. Without thinking, she went to run towards the wagon, her hand outstretched, but a rough hand jerked her back. She stumbled, falling heavily to the ground. Somewhere in the distance of her mind, she heard Middleton’s voice crying out in panic.
“Elderfield! Dark Wolf!”
Charlotte scrambled to her knees and lifted her head. She gasped at the hideous creature she saw. A real life monster.
Beside the wrecked carriage, a huge beast crouched on its front legs, snorting and growling. Matted, black hair covered its muscular body. Heaving and pulsating, it ripped into the wagon like a crazed, rabid animal, smashing it without effort.
“Elderfield! Elderfield!” she wailed.
The Dark Wolf stopped and turned its head towards them. With soulless, clouded eyes, the drooling animal snarled, exposing a pair of curled, razor-sharp fangs.
Chapter Eight
Unexplained
Elder rolled from beneath the wrecked carriage, his sword ready. For the first time, he caught sight of the terrifying attacker. His blood froze in his veins. From the size of the massive beast, he realised at once his weapon would be of little use.
He heard his father calling out his name, and saw a lit torch land on the ground close by. The dark wolf backed away, growling and baring its vicious teeth.
Visions of childhood stories flashed through his mind; tales told around campfires by farmhands merry on ale, recalling mighty historic battles fought by their ancestors. He never imagined how horrific these creatures would look in real life. He remained motionless, his stomach knotted. If I stay here, I will die! He jumped to his feet and scrambled to snatch the burning torch, then made a dash for the safety of the campfire.
The creature let out a deafening roar and sprang forward, cutting off his retreat.
He backed away, waving the flaming torch in front of him, gripping the hilt of his sword with his free hand. Sweat ran down his forehead, blurring his vision. He blinked several times and quickened his pace, stumbling backwards, desperate to further the gap between him and the wolf. The beast crept closer. Muffled cries mingled with the animal’s howl. He recognised Middleton and Charlotte’s voices, but could make no sense of their words. There was nothing they could do for him. He prayed his father would protect Charlotte.
He reached the edge of the clearing and the rough bark of a tree brushed against his back. His choices were limited. He could flee into the forest, or stand and fight. Neither offered a good prospect of survival. The dark wolf stooped, readying itself for an attack. His mind raced. What should he do? He wanted to run, but knew there could be something even worse waiting in the darkness.
With frightening speed, the dark wolf lunged at him.
He stood his ground, fighting the urge to retch. The ground beneath him shook with the weight of the monster’s charge. He gritted his teeth and braced himself against the attacking beast, waiting right to the last second before making his move. Darting to one side, he placed the hilt of his sword against the tree. The dark wolf pounced, impaling itself on the end of his blade. The razor point buried deep into the animal’s chest. The wolf crashed into the trunk, almost smashing the tree in two. The force of the massive body struck Elder hard. The blow sent him sprawling backwards into the darkness.
The dark wolf reared high in the air, letting out a spine-chilling scream. It fell to the ground with a sickening thud, writhing and thrashing. Clawing its way into the undergrowth, it gouged deep groves into the ground. With a final groan, it became motionless, bringing an eerie silence to the forest.
Elder could hear Middleton and Charlotte screaming his name somewhere in the distance. He waited for his senses to return and lifted his throbbing head. Shadows surrounded him. Glimpses of firelight flashed through the leaves. A crushing pain racked his body and he wondered how badly he was injured. With short breaths, he struggled to clear his head, knowing he had to get back on his feet. His life would end if he did not make it to the safety of the camp. Weak and shaken, he heaved himself onto his side with a groan.
He gasped at the sight of two pairs of red eyes fixed on where he lay. Without his sword, he was defenceless, with nowhere to run. One of the vile monsters tore through the trees towards him. With the last of his strength he climbed to his feet, but escape was impossible. The creature was almost on top of him. He shielded his face with his arms, waiting for certain death. A lifetime of memories flashed before his eyes. He would never see the people he loved ever again.
* * * *
Charlotte screamed Elderfield’s name and fought against Middleton, who held her tight to stop her from running to his assistance. She struggled, kicking her legs and waving her arms.
“There is nothing you can do, Charlotte.” He held her close.
A wave of helplessness washed over her. Anger and frustration boiled from deep within. Middleton let go of her with a suddenness that made her stumble forward. “What are you going to do?” she yelled at him, trembling and clenching her jaw. Her rage threatened to overcome her. Hot blood coursed through her veins; a bright light seemed to surround her. Charlotte’s senses exploded in a kaleidoscope of sensations as though she became part of the forest herself. Every atom of sight and sound swirled into one. Warmth tingled down her spine and ran along her arms to her fingertips. What was happening to her? She clutched her head in the palm of her hands. She caught a glimpse of horror on Middleton’s face.
He took a step backwards, staring in stunned silence.
Something shifted in the darkness. Charlotte spun around as a figure bolted into the clearing. “Look! Look!” She pointed at the trees.
Middleton spun around, drawing his sword.
Elderfield sprinted towards them, his face streaked with sweat and blood. He didn’t slow and ran headlong into Middleton’s open arms. They both fell backwards with a thud, narrowly missing the flames.
A tear ran from Middleton’s eye as they stared at each other. “I thought—”
“I know! I know!” Elder cut in, nodding his head.
Charlotte reached out her hands and tried to speak, but no words came out. She fell into Elder’s arms, shaking uncontrollably. Her anger faded and the light vanished, sapping the last of her strength. The tingling warmth turned to a bitter chill, leaving her cold and frightened. She sobbed.
“It is over. I am safe,” he said in a calm voice. “Nothing will hurt us now.” He squeezed her tight, laying his head on hers.
She stayed curled in Elder’s arms for the rest of the night. She didn’t sleep much, except to doze
off every now and then, only to be woken by terrifying nightmares. Nobody spoke again until the sun began to rise. The clearing remained in shadow, and a thick mist hung just a few feet above the ground like a carpet of damp vapour.
Charlotte stirred, sensing Elder beside her. “My legs are numb,” she complained, sitting upright and rubbing her stiff limbs. She climbed to her feet and hobbled around until the blood came back. She took a cautious step towards the remains of the wagon, peering at the wreckage through the gloom. Tears rolled from her eyes. A sense of helplessness seeped from every pour. “How are we going to get out of here now?”
* * * *
Elderfield took a deep breath of the cold morning air. It tasted sweeter than he could ever remember. The sound of Charlotte’s voice warmed his heart. He wanted to cry and laugh at the same time, overwhelmed at the joy of being alive.
Climbing to his feet, he steadied himself, still weak and sore from the battering he had taken. He began a search for the body of the dark wolf in the faint morning light. The sight of the blood-soaked matted fur from its hindquarter lying half covered in the bushes brought an unexpected dread that tightened his throat. He forced himself to overcome his fear. I can do this.
He marched straight up to the corpse, pushing away the foliage and screwing up his nose at the coppery smell of blood. It was bigger than he remembered. How had he managed to slay such a fearsome killer? He located his sword still embedded deep into the monster’s chest. With a trembling hand, he reached down to touch an exposed piece of flesh on the underside of the belly. Maybe it was to confirm it was actually dead, or just to see if it was even real, he didn’t know. He snatched his fingers back at the sudden coldness, and shuddered.
After a moment to gather his wits, he sat down on the damp earth. He placed his feet on either side of the creature’s gruesome body and pulled with all his might, having to wrestle the blade from side to side before finally managing to pull it free. With a defiant sweep, he wiped the blade clean on the lifeless body.
His father appeared at his side.
“Swift and Buttercup have probably been devoured,” Elder remarked, biting his lip. “I have never seen such an evil thing in all my life.”