Chapter XX
Asag the Fair
The trek through the Forest even on horseback had taken some time; they had agreed on a more circuitous route, so as to come upon the creatures without it was hoped, their knowing. As soon as they crossed into Hunding lands the Forest became darker, more twisted and hard. The horses had been, as agreed, left behind at the border. Previously on their way to the home of Polyphemous the troop had kept to the fringes of that savage place, but they were no longer treading near its borders, instead they were heading toward its heart. Runners had been sent on ahead to make sure the way was clear. The trees swayed and writhed as they moved among them; everyone looked for unwanted eyes that might spy them out. Perspiration slid down tired flushed faces, as league after desperate league passed them by, and still they had no sign of the Hundings, it was as though they had disappeared in the mist that had grown up around them.
As they marched Adamous brought them to a halt, his head cocked to one side as if he were intently listening, he turned and vigorously gestured for everyone to take cover, something was moving up ahead. From behind the cover of the trees everyone seemed to hold their breath, as out of the mist appeared a shadowy form; one of the scouts had returned he was breathing heavily and could barely stand up, a gash across his cheek told its own story.
Adamous held the man up as he gasped for air; “What happened and where are the others?”
“We were attacked by a Hunding, we were close to the den of Shadrick Greymane, when we were jumped; it couldn’t have known how many we were, otherwise it would not have been so bold: I’m afraid before it could be killed, it gave a warning as to our presence. We immediately took flight; some that were with me went off in a different direction, so as to lead any Hundings that followed away, if I’m the only one to have returned then it’s a good chance that’s something’s gone amiss. The beasts may soon be upon us.”
Germanicus strode forward, “Okay Romans you’re trained for this. Merit, it’s going to be you against the Moira.”
Merit smiled calmly enough, “Just the way I want it.”
Another scout appeared through the trees, he was less troubled than the first, “I’ve found the enemy lair, and you’re not going to believe this but when I came upon them: the pack was gathered together, there was a great clamour and gnashing of teeth, then as if as one I saw them turn and flee into the forest. The den is on an open rocky plateau sunk beneath a hillock, and, but for a few guards they have left it unprotected. There’s a warren of caves there also, it’s about two leagues west of here. A stream’s cut a trough that runs down the side. Its uneven ground getting to it, but if we are intent on doing this then we should go at once.”
“Were you seen?” asked Adamous.
“If I had been, I doubt I would be here now.”
“Did you see where any of our people were kept?” asked Polyphemous grimly.
“Yes, I could just make out a pit. It’s there that I believe they’re being held.”
“What makes you think that?” asked Germanicus urgently.
“There were Hunding guards around its perimeter. They were there as sentries nothing more. I heard cries and shouts coming from it also. The Moira are definitely there, they’re living in a small wooden lodge. They also have a personal guard, not Hundings though. They were dressed strangely and were unlike any race of men I’ve seen. I believe they were the ones that helped with the attack on our settlement.”
“What did they look like?” asked Germanicus his eyes narrowing with concern.
“Their bodies were riven, as though they had seen many a battle; the skin was sallow, wasted, but worse still, were their eyes, in the shallow light I could barely make them out; though I could see they almost appeared without life; fearful aspects they were. Do you know where they come from?”
Adamous became distant, “They are the Wold, and you are right to fear them, more I will not say.”
Germanicus sighed deeply, “If the Wold are here with the Moira, then Moloch or Haldrago cannot be far behind, we must act quickly.”
Adamous turned back to the scout, “We must seize this opportunity while most of the Hundings are away: take us to their camp.”
The scout nodded grimly, turned and led them away through the thicket. The mist was finally lifting and the early dawn was beginning to filter through the trees; long shadows stretched out forming strange menacing shapes. An ominous omen if ever there was one. They raced forward in a determined silence; rushed passed bush or fallen tree without delay. If the creatures were after them, then it would not take long for their trail to be picked up, and for them to realise that their lair was under threat.
As they closed on the home of the Hundings the lead scout slowed and silently held up a calloused hand for them to stop. Germanicus and Adamous moved to the fore with Merit in close attendance; they were aware that their trampling through the tangled forest should have invited some enquiry but there had been none. Someone was either too busy or too distant to know of their passage.
Soon enough from behind the trees they peered upon a fearful scene, the vast den of the Hundings. Bones littered the rocks, some looked human, and others were only half eaten, yet all appeared desecrated. Polyphemous watched with an intense fire to his eyes. They huddled together so that they were less easily spied; some of the Stratiotai were clearly disturbed by what they could see: none of the Byzantines had ever been that close to the house of such a hideous foe before.
“What next?” whispered Germanicus.
“We split up,” replied Adamous. “You and Merit take some men and deal with the Moira, and their Wold allies; we’ll sneak up on the Hundings and free the captives. Merit your powers, do they stretch to the manipulation of time to any great degree.”
“Not so that it could help in this instance. And such an act would just alert the Moira to my presence.”
“Well nothing for it then, we’ll have to restrict ourselves to using the element of surprise and hope for the best.”
Polyphemous moved slowly forward, “My men and I can take out the Hundings, and the Wold with arrowshot. The distance is not so great as to be a problem. How you battle the Moira after that, will be up to you.”
Germanicus glimpsed out from behind a tree, “It would certainly make life a lot easier for us; do you really think you can do it.”
Polyphemous smiled and gestured for his men to take down their bows, “You Romans have no idea what might be accomplished with an arrow.”
His eyes became focused on the target as did his kin. He gestured for them to get into position and indicated to each of them their mark. It was easy to see that they had some well-practised understanding that did not need to be conveyed by words. They crept close, right up to the tree line. Suddenly one of the Hundings looked up and turned to face the forest, its head lifted further and it began sniffing the air. It was like all its kind, a large ravenous beast with eyes like burning coals. The creature then turned to stare at where the intruders were hiding, and began to snarl. Arrows flew out and the Hunding fell dead. The others reacted quickly, they howled and stamped their feet before hurtling toward their assailants. Germanicus with the monk at his side broke cover, and raced across, cleaving a Hunding in two, as it charged him.
Merit and Adamous with many of the Stratiotai, fought their way to where the Moira were, but by this time the Wold were ready. They formed a line of shields, as the Stratiotai broke upon them like a wave. The fighting now intensified. One of the Hundings threw himself into the pit, as he did so he was met in mid-air by the Monk who cleaved him in two. Ropes were quickly lowered so that the captives could make their escape. And as they climbed their way to safety, a distant roar could be heard. Atop a hillock staring down at them was Shuck the Cleaver. Joining him were other members of his clan. There was a great snarling and gnashing of teeth. The sound was made more terrible by the echoing rasping of the noise as it bounced from stone to stone. They leapt forward into the fray. Some of t
he Stratiotai turned to meet this new threat, as Polyphemous and Remus quickly formed their kin into two lines, and then rained down upon the Hundings, arrow after arrow. Germanicus stood firm holding his sword, ready to strike at Shuck. One of the Moira by this time had appeared from the lodge and was now standing behind the Wold; she let out a harrowing shriek. So fearful was the noise, some Stratiotai were shaken to their knees, threw down their weapons and covered their ears.
The Hundings stopped in their tracks, and as if as one, they all turned and disappeared into the forest. The Romans unnerved stepped away from the Wold. There was complete silence, Germanicus and Adamous looked at each other unsure what to do next. Merit was the only one who appeared to understand what was going on. She gently nudged Adamous to one side and moved to meet the Moira.
“I am here Atropos,” Her tone was firm, commanding.
As eyes both malevolent and cunning set on her. One of the Moira strode forward, “It has been a long time Tekmor. Since your betrayal we have looked high and low for you.”
“I'm sure you have,” replied Merit.
Germanicus had edged his way over to Adamous and mouthed the word, “Tekmor.”
“Azazel sent us to speak with you,” She motioned for her sisters to circle round Merit.
“I have nothing to say to him.”
“That’s as maybe but he has something to say to you, or should I say something to offer you.”
“I would suggest your sisters remain where they are, unless they would like to eat their own faeces.”
The two other Moira stopped cold.
“You are the greatest of your kin, many would follow you, and with you at our side this War would end, and peace once more would reign.”
“Listen to yourself, you started the War,” replied Merit.
“The War was forced upon us. It is after all a question of beliefs: of which Way is right.”
“After all this time you still believe you are blameless. Have you really learnt nothing from this tragedy?”
“Yes, actually we have learnt a lot, we have allies of great power that even you’re unaware of. So I will ask one last time, I will not ask a third, will you join us?”
“I’ve tried to save you the trouble of asking even once, the answer is no. No, no, no.”
Atropos looked at her sisters with a sinister smile, “I guess that’s a no then. Clotho, would you be so kind, as to get the device.”
“Device?” asked Merit warily.
One of them then withdrew into the tent, only to reappear a moment later carrying a golden casket. Inscribed on its front was a picture of a Gallu, a demon, known as Asag. The creature was mockingly known as Asag the Fair, for its hideous appearance.
Germanicus recognised the beast pictured on the casket, “No wonder the Hundings aren’t around: time to leave.”
Adamous quickly turned to the others, “All of you: flee for the forest.”
There was a mad dash as Polyphemous and his kin made their escape leaving only the Stratiotai, Merit and the Monk.
“I said get away,” shouted Adamous.
“I’m sorry sir, but we’re not leaving you,” said Thomas.
Atropos looked at the Stratiotai with a mixture of amusement and contempt, “You really should go. If you don’t, you’ll wish you had.”
“I already wish I had,” growled Callistus, with a withering stare at Thomas.
Merit took hold of her amulet and began chanting. The Moira mockingly laughed, as Clotho opened the casket. A swirling black vapour escaped from it, growing ever larger, becoming a black cloud above their heads; that expanded to blot out the sun.
“Merit, if you’re going to do something, I would suggest now would be a good time,” said Adamous.
Merit held her charm in the cup of her hands, lifted it to her mouth, and blew. A force of bright energy shot up into the swirling dark cloud above them. It shook violently and then exploded above their heads. Merit gazed blankly up at where the swirling mass had been.
“You did it,” cried Thomas.
“That was easy,” said Gallus.
Germanicus and Adamous just stood, staring at Merit, who shrugged at their enquiring looks.
“The Moira and the Wold have gone,” gasped Adamous.
“Did anyone see where they disappeared to,” shouted Germanicus.
Callinicus ran over to the lodge and brandishing his sword, looked inside, it was empty.
From the forest came a sudden harrowing cry, as if something were in great pain. Trees shook violently: there was a heavy thud then another, something ominous was coming their way.
“Merit, I do believe you've upset the forest,” cried Firminus.
Asag stepped from beyond the trees, a monstrous creature: its limbs were the size of tree trunks. It had one large malevolent eye, with no hair on its head, and there were two savage looking horns protruding from the top of its skull. Instead of lips there was just a gaping mouth that bared ravenous teeth. The skin of the creature was scaled and taut. It wielded a mace in one hand that blazed as if it had just been pulled from a furnace. In the other hand was a mighty pointed hammer that seemed to be aflame. It was a Nether Demon from the darkest of universes.
Merit watched it with disgust, “None of you can help me here, escape while you can.”
“We will do no such thing,” cried Adamous.
Arrows fired up at the creature from the trees, Polyphemous and his compatriots had returned. The Stratiotai rushed forward and slashed at the creatures legs. Their weapons jarred against it, without causing any harm. Firminus leapt to one side to avoid being struck by the beast’s large mace.
“Aim for the eye it’s the only weakness,” shouted Germanicus.
The mace swung down once more, this time it flung three of the Stratiotai to one side, they fell lifeless to the floor. More arrows flew out hitting the creature’s eye, it just raged the more. Another swing of its mace struck the monk, who flew through the air, his body crashed against the rocks.
Merit raised her amulet and whispered something over it. A cloud appeared above Asag, it began to swirl violently. The creature realising the threat lifted its mace and held it up to the sky. Energy erupted from the cloud only to be consumed by the mace.
“Now,” shouted Merit, “Your sword.”
“Germanicus,” cried Adamous.
Germanicus instinctively knew what to do next, he knelt down, took hold of a shield, as Adamous raced towards him: as he leapt on the shield Germanicus with all his strength flung him up into the air. As Adamous was flung aloft, the shield hurtled to one side. Sword in hand he struck the creature's eye full on, before being catapulted aside. The sword penetrated right up to its hilt. The creature rocked by this assault let go of its mace, the light that had at first threatened to consume it but had been prevented from doing so, now devoured the beast fully. There was a harrowing cry as the Demon erupted in flame.
Merit collapsed exhausted by her efforts. Gallus, Marius, Firminus, Thomas and the monk lay dead. There lifeless crushed bodies a testament to the creatures great strength. Polyphemous, followed by his companions, slowly approached from behind the trees; there was a strange mournful stillness that rested upon the spectacle.
Germanicus hauled Merit to her feet and checked to see that she was okay. The others sheathed their swords and quietly surveyed the scene, as dirt and debris began to settle.
Adamous rose warily and dusted himself down, “We will have to burn the bodies. I’m not leaving them for the Hundings to feast on.”
“I am truly sorry for your loss, but if we are to do so, then we had better be quick, for the Hundings will surely return soon,” said Polyphemous.
With a gesture from Adamous, the bodies were gathered together and a pyre made, the dead were then set atop it. It was not long before flames enveloped them.
“It is late afternoon so we must leave,” said Polyphemous. “I don’t know how we can thank you for what you have done for us this day.”
r /> Adamous smiled grimly, “no thanks are necessary, I am just pleased we could help and that your people have been returned to you.”
“I think a thank you is necessary,” said Romulus, “and a big one at that. Those that died were all my friends.”
“You never even knew the monk, and most of the others were in a different part of the army to you,” said Callistus.
“That’s as maybe, but if I had known them, I’m sure they would have all been my friends.”
Polyphemous turned his attention to Adamous, “what are you going to do now, do you wish to return with us?”
“That we cannot do, you had better leave and get yourselves home. You will take the Stratiotai that are here with you. I feel you may need their help fighting the Hundings. And to complete our mission, means we must get to Constantinople by another road.”
Polyphemous smiled and took Adamous by the arm in customary fashion, “We will pray for you, and hope that you fare well.”
“Callistus I want you to take charge of the Stratiotai: you are promoted to the rank of Pentarchos. You are to remain with these people until we can send a company of men to relieve you.”
“And if we don’t hear anything.”
“Then you’re probably in the best place possible, because it would mean that Constantinople has fallen, and the war is lost. At least here, you will be safe behind the barrier that the fear of the Hundings provides.”
Polyphemous then gave out a whistle, turned and with his people, and what was left of the Stratiotai, disappeared into the trees.
“What of the Wold and the Moira?" asked Germanicus.
Adamous lowered his voice, “I don’t think we’ll be able to find them. They already had an exit strategy whether that was with or without Merit, or should I say Tekmor. At least we know you have not sided with Azazel, which I would not expect you to do, since you are Djinn, though I understand some of your kin have.”
“I still prefer to be called Merit, Adamous, or should I say Angelos. And no, I am not on their side.”
"It does not look like the Moira and the Wold know of the Codex?"
Adamous smiled and turned to Germanicus, “That is a good point but truly who knows what they know. The question is why are they after Tekmor of the Djinn? And who exactly has she betrayed? Anyway we dare not tarry here any longer; since the Monk informed us of the whereabouts of Perperikon, see if you can open a portal to get us there, or at the very least close to it, as I am weary of this little adventure of ours and would like to finally conclude these matters.”