The Dark Lord himself had given his name to much in the world before he had been finally defeated and sent into Sara Sara. Those who worshipped him were still legion and human sacrifice was still made on the summit of Sara Sara.
All of this the Dark Lord would be called to answer for if the Key Stone could be found and put back in place. Stopping the relentless turn of the great wheel was the only way to ensure that the Dark Lord was never released into the world again. Once the wheel was stopped, the Seal of the Creator could be used to fuse it into place. The Dark Lord would be entombed forever and his followers would melt away.
The Forrest of Mordos – Mordos’s Gloom was to be found on the far edges of the Great Sandy Blight.
“Perhaps,” thought Catharina. “We can close the gap on the Tharsians by riding the machine to the heart of their forest.”
She had seconds to work out a plan. The roar of the approaching machine, it’s huge burning eye lighting the tunnels ahead of it, was drowning out the howls of the Morgoth warriors. They were scrambling to retreat up the stairs but could not find them in the darkens and shifting shadows now caused by the light of the machine. Finally there was enough faint light to allow them to escape back up the stairs. As fearless as the Morgoth were, this huge monster roaring down on them was too much. As one they rushed up the stairs.
Antonin and Catharina watched as the strange machine slid to a halt right in front of their hiding place. Antonin could clearly see the shape and strangeness of it now. It was made of a shiny silver metal with windows of glass, and it was filled with seats. Soft lighting was provided in the interior by strange lamps glowing in the roof of the vehicle. There were actually two such wagons joined together.
There was no doubt that the thing was after all little more than a wagon for transporting people. A very strange one to be sure, but a wagon none the less. Certainly nothing to be feared. If they could get inside it, perhaps there was a chance of escape. Without further hesitation Antonin grabbed Catharina’s hand and together they ran for the wagons. The doors remained firmly closed however and there seemed no way of opening them. They were rapidly running out of time. Either the machine would soon leave, or the Morgoth would be back – or both!
Something had to open those doors. Antonin dashed back to the room. There must be another control. Nothing. He could see nothing. Only the soft green light blinking on and off. In frustration he struck it with his balled fist. He looked up at Catharina’s yell. The wagon doors were open. She was stepping into the wagon as Antonin was half way back to her. Running at full speed he could see the doors sliding shut again. He launched himself into the air in a wild dive and almost tore his legs off as the door tried to shut on him. He crashed in a heap against the doors on the far side of the wagon and to his surprise his legs were still attached to his body. He heard a shout, and looked up to see the Morgoth spilling back onto the floor of the cavern.
The carriage door was open again. It had sprung open again almost as soon as it had touched his legs as he crashed into the wagon.
“What a place to be trapped in!” He said to no one in particular. The Morgoth of course could now see Antonin and Catharina clearly. The soft lights of the wagon’s interior were ample illumination in such a dark place. With a soft hiss the doors slid shut again. The Morgoth howled in rage as their spears bounced harmlessly off the sides of the wagon. They rushed forward and tried to break their way in. One with a huge battle axe was trying to break through the windows. He only succeeded in injuring himself as his axe rebounded from the toughened glass and took him full in the face with the counterbalance spike. He staggered back, the long point of the axe now embedded in his forehead. Blood poured down his face, and his howls of pain and rage threatened to bring down the bricks from the walls.
The wagon gave a lurch. Antonin and Catharina grabbed onto the uprights that ran the length of the interior. The Morgoth trying to break their way in fell back in alarm. With a steadily rising humming sound the wagon began to move in the direction of the tunnel. Catharina looked at Antonin. There was no sign of fear in either face, but Catharina’s raised eyebrows gave the question to her look. Trusting themselves to this ancient machinery may not be such a good idea. The carriages quickly gathered speed and with a whoosh of compressed air disappeared into the tunnel. The Morgoth were left far behind.
There seemed no way of knowing where they were bound, and the speed of the wagons was breath taking. The walls of the tunnel outside were just a blur in the light from the interior of the wagons. Antonin was alarmed at the obvious speed of their travel, but he was not about to mention it.
“Perhaps we should try and discover something about this strange machine Antonin,” said Catharina. “If we can control it, we can use it to our advantage after all. Mei’An will be much surprised”.
“Yes,” agreed Antonin. “Let us start at one end, and see what we can find out.”
He started forward, in their direction of travel. There was a small cubicle at the front, and once inside the dividing door, they discovered it looked a little like the room they had been in, in the cavern. There were rows of blinking lights, levers of metal who’s purpose could not be guessed at, and a broad flat panel with a tiny red light slowly crawling across its surface. Catharina pointed to the panel. Antonin followed her direction and looked closely at the surface. Faintly etched into it was a map. It took only a moment for Antonin to realize that the map represented most of the known world. There was not much detail, but the outline was unmistakable. The small light that shone through its surface could only represent the vehicle they were in. It appeared to be moving rapidly away from their starting point, still shown as a steady green point on the map. Now they were both alarmed.
“Antonin, we are moving very rapidly away from all that we know. Perhaps even to the edge of the world. What have we done? The others …”. Catharina’s voice faded.
Antonin had no answer. He could only look at Catharina with alarm etched in his own eyes.
“We have to stop this machine Catharina,” he said. “We must give ourselves time to think what to do. This thing goes too fast.”
He looked at the panels in front of him. There was nothing in his experience to guide him. Even the language used on the panels was unknown. Everything was covered in a powder fine layer of dust. These machines had been hidden in the depths for so long it could not be imagined. Even the Wind Readers knew little of their existence. They knew nothing of how they worked, nor from what age they had survived. People avoided the buildings associated with them above ground, and none dared venture into the blackness of the underground caverns. None that is until Antonin. There was very little sign of decay in the workings. Whoever had built these fantastic devices and their subterranean tunnels had made them to last. Now even the makers were long gone. Only the machines remained, kept going with a life of their own, powered by forces unknown in this present age. Even the cool lights were a mystery. Neither Antonin nor Catharina could even begin to guess at how they worked.
There were a number of metal levers on the panels, and one large red button shaped, thought Antonin, like a mushroom. Well, even in this age, red meant danger. Berries on the bushes warned birds of it, and glowing coals in a fire warned of it. Without further thought, Antonin hit the red button. They were after all in danger. In danger of being carried right out of their known world!
Neither was prepared for the result. The carriages dropped immediately onto the metal rail that ran the centre of the tunnel. Where it had previously been riding some inches above it, both carriages now dropped with a sickening lurch directly onto it.
The wagons lost speed immediately, almost instantly. It took Catharina and Antonin by complete surprise and they were thrown forward hard against the front window, landing in a tangled heap on the sloping panel. They seemed to be stuck there as if a huge invisible hand was pressing them against the glass. Neither could move against the incredible force pressing them against the glass. Catharina was by chance looking forward in the direction of travel, and could see the tunnel, lit up by the light on the front of the wagon, curving away into the distance. It was curving ever so slightly to the right. The wagons still rocketed forward, though slowing rapidly. Antonin, with his back pressed against the glass could see a huge shower of sparks spraying out behind them. Like the sparks from a thousand blacksmith forges. The machine was grinding against the metal rail. The deafening screech of the metal on metal seemed to fill the whole world. Finally the machine came to rest and Antonin and Catharina were able to pick themselves up.
“Well, we know now what that does!” Said Antonin to Catharina as he rubbed his shoulder. There was total silence in the tunnel. The lights lit up the surrounding area, and the way ahead was lit for as far as they could see by the front light. Catharina pointed. There just ahead was another platform. What else to call it Catharina could not think. They were certainly more than just caverns. Mei’An had spoken of portals, but Catharina did not think this was the same thing.
“Antonin. Another platform just ahead.” She said.
They both peered into the distance. It was immediately obvious that this platform was severely damaged. Some of the roof had fallen in, and from what they could see the platform was perhaps even sealed from the outside world by rock fall.
There was no doubt in Antonin’s mind that even in the short period of time since leaving the last portal, they had covered a great distance. Their speed had been breathtaking and Antonin would never admit it, but he had been very much afraid. Such speed. Even the swiftest bird could not travel so fast. He knew to return along the tunnel on foot would take many days and they had neither food nor water. It was certain that there would be neither in these dark caverns.
“Antonin, should we leave this machine and explore forward? Or return to the place where we came from?”. Catharina’s voice trembled a little, and Antonin could see the faint flush of embarrassment in her face. No matter. It was time for honesty.
“Catharina,” began Antonin, placing his hands on Catharina’s upper arms. “I was very much afraid of the swiftness of our travel, and when I punched the red mushroom looking device there, I thought we were about to die in this awful place. You must forgive me for my weakness. I will not let you down again.”
Catharina looked into Antonin’s eyes. For a long moment she hardly seemed to breathe. “Antonin my friend. Truly you would make a warrior that any of the Mare Altan would trust with her honour. I have never known fear before this day. Our teachers, the Old Ones, warned us we would know fear, and that a true warrior knows it and faces it. I too thought we were being carried to the edge of the world. I too was very much afraid.”
Catharina took a small step forward and embraced Antonin like a sister would her brother. Her head fit snugly against his chest, and in a detached way he observed that he had always thought of Catharina as being about the same height as himself. Slowly he relaxed his hands from her upper arms and encircled her waist.. He could not believe the scent of her hair filling his nostrils. Herbs and spices, the scents of spring, with an underlying hint of something purely human… purely Catharina.
Antonin stepped back suddenly in some alarm and confusion. He blushed mightily, sure his face was a beacon lighting the dark tunnel. Catharina just looked at him and the corners of her mouth tilted in the faintest of smiles.
“My warrior.” She murmured as she turned and stepped past Antonin into the strange wagon.
“Antonin.” She called back over her shoulder. “We should try to get out of this wagon. We must explore. We need to know where we are.”
“Yes.” Replied Antonin. “If we can get to the surface, we should be able to find out at least where we are.”
Catharina was feeling around the door where they had entered the wagon.
“Antonin, what people were they who could build such machines? How old must they be that no one from our age knows of them. Only whispers and rumours. Even the buildings that are part of the system remain deserted.”
The doors hissed apart. Both Antonin and Catharina jumped. Something that Catharina had touched had caused the doors to open. Catharina touched the strange pattern by the top of one side. The doors hissed shut. Another push, and the sprang open again. A thrumming sound began, coming from somewhere beneath the floor. After a moment there as a hiss like a dragon expiring, and the thrumming sound stopped. With a glance at each other as if to say “I don’t know, do you?” The two moved to the door. It was not far to the ground. Catharina wondered now if it was actually a good idea to leave the relative safety of their steel wagon with all its strength.
“Antonin, we must stay together. We must not get separated in this strange place. It seems that we have immobilized this ancient wagon. We should search forward in its light. Do you think?” She added with some uncertainty.
“Yes.” Replied Antonin. He took Catharina’s hand and stepped to the edge. They both landed lightly on their feet. Their heads were almost level with the floor of the wagon they had just left.
It was now possible to see the ground clearly. There was a lot of rubbish. Not only loose stone, and bits of wall and ceiling that had come down over the centuries, but old paper, bits of wood, strange round metal containers, and a wide assortment of unnameable objects. Catharina pointed along the wall. It was unmistakable – there was a shelter built out of timber against the wall. It was a little way ahead of them, and well lit from the lights of the wagon, but so well camouflaged that it would normally go unnoticed. It was only because they were at the same level, and very alert to danger that Catharina had seen it at all.
Carefully Antonin drew his sword. He made no sound of steel on leather as the sword slipped out of the scabbard, his fingers holding both blade and scabbard mouth. He moved quickly forward to the shelter and peered inside. Someone or something had camped there recently. There were ashes in a fireplace, and Antonin calculated that they were some days old. It looked like a permanent camp. The paper that littered the area must be from this age at least. Paper deteriorated quickly. It would not survive for centuries. So, whoever had used this place had access to a supply of paper. Most of it had strange writing on it, and looked like it had been torn from books. It had been used as bedding as well as kindling. There didn’t seem to be anybody about now, and the shelter was empty. It seemed to be purely a camp site rest area.
Antonin and Catharina walked past the shelter toward the distant portal. Even clearer now, it was very badly damaged. Much of the roof had fallen in, and only the iron rail bed was clear. In fact it had been cleaned. Piles of rubble on either side told of activity by someone in cleaning the iron track way. But long ago. There was no sign of recent activity. Only the small campsite. They moved quietly forward. Stepping over and around the rubble until they reached the remains of the cavernous portal. Looking back, the light from their strange wagon could still be seen, and although they were now some way distant, the light was still very bright.
Antonin pointed. The now familiar stairs to the surface appeared to be intact. There was just enough light in the recess to make it out.
“Let us see if we can reach the surface Antonin.” Said Catharina. They clambered up onto the main floor and went across and started up the stairs. At the first turn it became very dark as the light was blocked off complexly now. They knew now though that there was only a couple of levels to the surface. There was a glimmer of light now. “Nearly there Catharina.” Said Antonin, more for self assurance than anything.
Antonin was first out onto the surface. He stood rooted to the spot. Catharina bumped into him as he had stopped so suddenly. There was no landscape. As far as their uncomprehending eyes could see, the land was flat and devoid of even a blade of grass. Even the surrounding rails of the stairwell were gone. The ground itself had a scorched glass like surface, broken only by intermittent stumps of stone that had also been melted and twisted into fantastic shapes. There was not even a small rise or hillock all the way out to the horizon. It looked like a giant roller had moved over the world.
“Antonin, what can we do,” said Catharina. “We could not survive out there for even one day. What has happened here…” She hesitated. “We cannot even guess at.”
She continued. “We must go back to the wagon, and continue on, or go back somehow.”
They took a last look at the blasted landscape and turned back down the stairs.
The strange carriages were still sitting away down the track, and it looked like the only relatively safe haven. Antonin and Catharina started back toward it. Climbing back inside, Catharina closed the doors. They had to think about what to do. The Tharsians undoubtedly had the Key to The Great Wheel of Sara Sara. But had they been this way? Had Catharina and Antonin made a grave mistake in leaving the city? There seemed no way of knowing which direction the Tharsians had taken.
Antonin walked the length of the two carriages. Nothing but rows of seats on either side. They had been made to carry large numbers of people it seemed. There was a small room at either end. Identical controls in each. It had been in the leading room that they had found themselves when they stopped the wagons mad dash through the caverns. Clearing the dust further from the panels revealed what appeared to be very simple controls. Arrows pointing forward, and backward. A small lever that had previously been at the extent of its travel was now at the other end of its scale. This had to be a control mechanism.
“Catharina, do we go forward into the unknown, or back to the others?” Antonin asked Catharina.
“It is certain that we cannot stay here Antonin.” She replied. “No water, no food, and a campsite nearby made by who knows what – or who?”
Antonin paced up and down. It was all very well being the focus of this strange thing that Mei’An called Da'qi. Well actually she was referring to herself as having Da'qi, one who bent the very web of life about herself. She had said he also possessed this strange thing, and Catharina to a lesser degree. He could not figure out why he was singled out for this dubious honour, but it was seemingly of no use to him in this sort of situation. Perhaps he should leave the whole business up to Mei’An and Luan, and simply return to his village.
“Catharina. We return. I will get to the bottom of this business or we do not go on at all. Mei’An will have some answers for us. I want to know why you and I are possessed of this “Da'qi” as she claims. This machine got us here, it can get us back. I hope.”
Catharina smiled. Her confidence in Antonin was absolute. She was not concerned herself. She had been trained since birth to make quick decisions, and had no fears about their current situation. She was happy to go forward, or return. Although Antonin had a good point. She was more than a little curious herself about this thing Mei’An referred to as Da'qi.
“Antonin,” she said. “Let’s see if we can find out how to restart this thing.” She headed toward the end of the carriages that faced the direction that they had come from. Antonin joined her.
He stood looking at what appeared to be the controls of this strange machine. The only difference he could see was the short lever. He looked at Catharina and shrugged. He moved the lever forward one notch. There was a slight rise in the steady hum that came from below the floor. But no movement. Antonin clicked the lever up one more notch. The wagons gave a lurch and a slight squeal of metal on metal, and they could feel the whole machine rise slightly. Looking outside, the walls lit by the interior lights of the carriages, they saw the walls slipping past, almost at walking speed, back in the direction from which they had come. The brilliant front lamp was now lit, and illuminated the tunnel for as far ahead as they could see before the slight left hand curve blocked of the sight of the track.
“Catharina, do you remember where on this surface map we started from?” Asked Antonin, pointing to the map panel.
“I’m not sure, but I think it was this one.” Replied Catharina. She pointed to a spot near the edge of the map. It seemed to Antonin that it could be the one. He was not sure himself. In any case, it looked like there was a long way to go, and at this speed it would take ages.
There was a loud crashing from the other end of the wagons. They both whirled about and there on the track behind them were a horde of Tharsians. The Tharsians were throwing whatever they could grab at the slowly moving wagons. It was plain they could see the occupants. Their intentions toward Antonin and Catharina were equally obvious. There were now Tharsians running alongside the wagons, beating at the doors and windows with axes and spears. Some carried huge long handled hammers. These were doing most damage and some of the glass panels were already cracking under the blows. Antonin looked at them in alarm. He could not guess at what sort of glass it was, and he wondered at the skill of the makers. They seemed safe enough at the moment though.
“We know where the Tharsians went.” Said Antonin, grinning at Catharina. “Let’s have some sport for a moment.”
Antonin drew his sword, and pointed to the short bow slung across Catharina’s back. “I’ll open the door, you give the first Tharsian his surprise.” Catharina laughed. This was more like it. She didn’t feel like running from a battle again. Together they moved to the rear most door on one side. The Tharsians could not resist following them, and did their best to crowd around the door, even while having to walk and hop to keep up with the slow moving wagons. Stumbling over debris on the tunnel floor, their howls of rage and frustration were enough to curdle the blood of mere mortals.
Antonin was poised, his hand on the door release. Catharina stood back in the centre of the wagon, a dozen arrows held in an arm guard and one ready nocked and the bow drawn out full. She held steady. The giant green hide Tharsians, their cavernous mouths wide as they howled and roared, were so excited at the prospect of a quick meal they were fighting each other to get to the door and break it down.
Antonin hit the release and the doors sprung open. Even as they opened Catharina let fly a rain of arrows. Faster than the eye could follow she placed an arrow, drew and released. Every one finding a mark in the hide of the monsters. The howls of rage changed to howls of pain as those trying to enter the door fell back into those behind. Antonin hit the door control again and the doors snapped shut. A Tharsian was caught by the arm in the door. It was being dragged along the tunnel floor, it’s arm caught fast and facing backwards. It tried to free it’s arm, but unable to stand to get leverage, all it could do was scream in rage. The Tharsians seemed to have no language, needing none it seemed. However it was obvious that they could appreciate the situation. The pack keeping up with the wagon made no attempt to free their fellow, but were apparently highly amused at its predicament. It also served to keep the others away from the door.
“Antonin,” called Catharina above the din. “Open the door then shut it immediately.” Antonin glanced at Catharina, again poised with drawn bow. He snapped open the door and the Tharsian died in a hail of arrows as it fell away. In the moment that the door was open, two others died as well. Catharina was almost dancing on the spot she was so pleased with herself. Her face was lit by a grin so wide Antonin thought her face would hurt. There were still Tharsians crowding along the tunnel and there were more running from away back down the tunnel to join those already by the wagons.
“It’s been a fun moment Catharina, but I really think we should depart with a little more haste. The din these monsters make is really too much.”
Antonin’s smile was nearly as wide as Catharina's.”
“Yes, we certainly know which way the Tharsians took now. This is more than just a raiding party. See back there.” She pointed away along the tunnel. “There is Mordos himself. You see his banner there in that crowd?”
Antonin looked closely. The brilliant crimson banner of Mordos, king and leader of all Tharsians could be seen at the head of a squad that was rapidly gaining on the wagons, although still some way distant.
“Time to go I think.” Said Antonin. The pair raced back to the forward control room. The way ahead was clear, except for one Tharsian who had somehow managed to climb up the front of the wagon, and was now clinging precariously to the window frame. It cried out with a shriek as Antonin lunged at it with his sword and fell directly onto the steel rail. The wagons glided over it without a pause, it’s dying cry cut off as it was crushed beneath the wagons. Antonin reached forward for the control lever. “Hold on Catharina.” He yelled, and slammed the lever all the way forward.
The carriages gave a groan as the humming sound rose to an almost inaudible whistle in the space of a heart beat. They leapt ahead down the tunnel at such a speed that it was all Antonin could do to hold on. In the space that it had taken to draw a breath they had gone from walking pace to a speed that left everything behind in a blur of motion. Gradually they became accustomed to the motion.
“Antonin,” said Catharina, some exasperation in her voice. “I wish you would stop doing that. Ease the control back before you injure us both and wreck the carriages.”
Antonin grinned sheepishly as he slid the control back to half way. The scene outside settled into a steady flicker as they passed along the tunnel.
“We should watch for useful signs,” said Catharina, staring ahead. “We will need to come this way again I think.”
They both kept an eye on the small green light on the control panel as it crept across the map, and settled down to watch ahead.
There was little to see. Occasionally they sped past another of the huge caverns where the stairs led to the surface. Each of these was marked on the map panel and it wasn’t long before they both began to recognise features that they saw, with markers on the map. They had no idea what lay on the surface. Neither had ever travelled beyond the Star Field Plain. They were a very long way from there now. They did not want to stop the wagons to investigate. That could come later.
There were no signs of life in any of the caverns. They seemed to have remained unused for as long as they had been there. The people who had built them were long gone. Antonin could not understand why the whole complex seemed to have remained unused. He would ask Mei’An. If anyone knew she would, and it would be just one more question for her. Tiring of the unchanging deadness, Antonin suggested they increase speed. He was hungry in any case. A return to the inn with their news and a good meal would be welcome. Maybe The Trader would be back. It was impossible to tell what the hour was, or how long they had travelled but Antonin’s stomach told him it had been some time. Gradually this time, he moved the control lever full forward again. It hurt their eyes to look ahead. The onrushing walls seemed to be narrowing in to crush them as they sped forward. Catharina concentrated on the map panel while Antonin studied the other panels near the control lever. Some appeared to be indicators of the state of the machine, and there were switches and levers whose nature he could not fathom. At this speed he was not going to try to find out. Such speed. He couldn’t believe it. Indeed it was making him feel ill. He had never travelled faster than a horse could gallop of course, and had often envied the birds their speed. Now he was not so sure. From the look on Catharina’s face, she felt much the same.
“Are we close to our starting point yet Catharina?” Antonin said in a slightly strangled voice.
“I think so, yes.” She replied, with a glance at the controls. That was all Antonin needed. He slid the lever all the way back to the first quarter position. The wagons rapidly lost speed and settled to a speed that seemed quite sedate compared to moments before. Suddenly they entered a huge cavern. In the bright light they could see rails leading off into tunnels in many directions. There were many raised platforms, and stairs to the surface in many places. The walls could only be seen in the dim distance. Huge pillars held up the roof, high above them. Within moments they were back in the tunnel. Antonin noted the position on the map indicating where they had just been. Many lines radiated out from that point. He scratched a mark next to it. “We may need this reference.” He said aloud.
His stomach rumbled loudly, Catharina laughed. “I could use a meal myself.” She said. “The next cavern should be the one we left from. Let us hope the Morgoth warriors are not still there to welcome us back.”
Antonin slid the control lever nearly all the way back. Once again they were travelling at little more than walking speed. A cavern entrance loomed ahead. This was different than others that they had traversed. The strange bright lights were all lit. The cavern was like daylight. There was no doubt that this was where they had left from. The bodies of a dozen Morgoth warriors lay on the platform still. Written into the dust on the glass of the control room where they had first hidden were the words “the inn”.
So their friends had come looking after all and dealt with the Morgoth.
Antonin was happy. They had discovered how to control the travelling machines, and most importantly had learnt the whereabouts of the Tharsian pack that possessed the keystone and that Mordos led them.
Antonin stopped the carriages. The wagons settled onto the track with a slight sigh. Together they stepped onto the platform. They could not see any way of closing the wagon door behind them and it didn’t close itself this time, as it had done previously. Well, nothing could be done but to leave it open. Cautiously they mounted the stairs and came out into the huge empty hall, empty of all but more bodies. The Morgoth had left many warriors behind.
It was dark outside, and when they stepped out they saw it was very late. There were very few lights on, and a waning moon lit empty streets in all directions. Only the mournful howl of a dog in the distance gave any indication of life at all.
Quickly Antonin and Catharina trotted back to The Inn of the Blind Man.
“It must be early morning.” Whispered Catharina, glancing at the moon. “See where The Maiden sails. Almost dawn I would say. We travelled far I think, in that strange machine.”
The innkeepers dog barked half heartedly as they stepped into the yard. The shadows in the yard were deep, the night inky black against the weak light of the moon. Catharina led the way to the back of the inn. She was about to climb the stairs when she felt a sword point at her back. Slowly she turned her head to face the holder of the sword. Her face was now lit by the weak moon. She heard the sigh of expelled breath and tensed for the sword thrust she thought was coming. Instead the sword dropped away. Antonin growled with a savage snarl. His sword was out. “Who dares raise a sword against my friend dies by mine. Show yourself, or you die in the dark as you deserve.” His sword glittered in the moonlight, the tip moving in small circles. Catharina relaxed like a cat relaxes, stepping back a pace almost on tip toe.
Luan stepped out of the shadows, his long cloak swirling about him. He was all but invisible. “You talk too much Antonin. Next time, thrust first and talk after. I could have killed you six times before you finished your speech. Those we hunt will not be so patient. Your stomach announced your arrival before I even saw you.”
It was as well it was dark. Antonin was blushing deeply. He could feel his face almost glowing in the dark.
“Humph.” Was his only comment as he sheathed his sword. Catharina relaxed and started up the stairs into the kitchen. The stoves were still banked for the night, giving off a low warmth. It was still to early for the cooks.
Antonin lit the lamps and hunted in the larder for some cured beef. It was always kept on hand for late travellers by any innkeeper worth his salt. There was a cask of good wine on the shelf as well as last night's bread. With some enthusiasm, the two young ones settled down at the table to eat and drink. Luan stood just inside the door, again in the shadows, and watched and listened to everything in the night. He paid little heed to the two eating at the table.
Antonin sat back a little and took a sip of the very good wine. It seemed to him that something was amiss. Luan was no talker, but he was being a little too quiet and cautious.
“Catharina,” he said softly. “Don’t look in Luan’s direction, but something is very wrong here. I can feel it.”
“I too have noticed it,” she replied. “Be on guard.”
Casually, as if to make herself more comfortable, she placed her short spear on the table by her left hand. Slipping off her short bow, she placed it and a hand full of arrows in seeming disarray on the table by her right hand. Anton unhooked his axe and propped it by his knee, and lay his sword on the table.
With a long sigh Antonin took up his wine goblet and leant back, looking casually about the kitchen.
“What a journey my friend.” He said.
Catharina blinked a few times as if in tiredness, each time her eyes darting into dark corners. Something or someone was watching them, and it wasn’t Luan. He stood as still as a piece of furniture in the shadows. His sword still drawn, and resting lightly on his shoulder.
The sky would be showing the first streaks of dawn very soon now. All knew that this was the time to fear most. Enemies who came in the night would think all were asleep at this house, and hope for surprise.
“Catharina,” Anton stretched his legs out. He was tired. “I think two should return to the village and request help from the Asha, and Mare Altan. We will need much assistance if we are to confront both Tharsians and Morgoth in this quest. Gaul and Edina I think. Rees is trained by Jardine. We may need him with us. Elsa seems to be able to communicate with Mei’An in some manner I can’t understand, and for that we may use her. If Gaul and Edina can request warriors of Jardine and Riadia, we can wait for them here.” He placed his mug on the table. He knew Luan had heard him, but had made no comment.
“What do you think Catharina?” Antonin prompted her again. She seemed to be only half listening. He could see that she was poised like a coiled spring. Ready to leap away in any direction in an instant. Antonin leapt to his feet, his chair crashing back against the warm stone. The hair on his arms was standing on end.
With a hiss of wind being sucked into a void, a bright line of light appeared in the air right where he had been sitting. It reached from the floor almost to the roof beams. Suddenly it expanded out into a rectangular shape, scorching a line in the floor. It spun sideways and opened like a door. Both Catharina and Antonin could see into the bright doorway to what appeared to be another world. A very different place. They had only a second to wonder though, before the Morgoth warrior Cinnabar stepped through into the room and the doorway winked out. He stood there in a defensive crouch, his face hidden deep in the shadows of his cape. A long glittering sword in his hand. The legs of the toppled chair had been neatly sliced through by the opening of the gateway, and lay smoking at his feet. He made no move, and no sound, only turning his head slowly between Catharina and Antonin. He seemed not to have noticed Luan, as still as a stone by the door, deep in shadow.