Dryad-Born(47)

Lukias halted the group and pointed to shrubs farther up the river. “This is the road.” A narrow trail followed the river north, and it was overgrown with shrubs and boulders. They would have missed it completely.

“Does it cross the river eventually?” Annon asked him.

Lukias shook his head. “No, but it is guarded by several threats. We must be cautious.”

“What threats, Lukias?” Annon asked.

“I cannot divulge what the protections are nor the information you need to bypass them. As we draw nearer, they will test your resolve to enter Basilides. If you succeed, it will be by your own merits.”

As they started up the steep incline toward the patchwork of shrubs blocking sight of the road, Annon began to feel a nervous warning in the pit of his stomach. He glanced around for the appearance of spirits, but saw none in the area. The place was devoid of life.

They crossed the hedge barrier and started up the shattered shale road, their boots crunching softly as they plodded along. As soon as they crossed the first bend, a feeling of intense dread struck Annon.

In the center of the small makeshift path was a waist-high stone boulder with a bronze disc mounted inside it, facing them. The bronze work was sculpted into the image of a face with a grim-set mouth and stern look. The eyes were vacant of pupils and knifed through Annon with shards of fear. Nizeera growled in warning, pausing at his side.

The feelings were terrible and real. Lukias continued to walk forward, but the rest had halted, staring in dread at the bronze work. He paused and turned back to them. “It is only fear,” he said with a gentle voice. “Walk on…if you can.”

It reminded Annon of the Fear Liath and his muscles constricted, holding him in place. He rallied his courage and put a foot forward. Then another. Khiara followed him but Erasmus was rooted in place, staring vacantly. His lips moved but his words were inaudible.

Annon could sense the waves of fear pounding against his own mind and realized that the Preachán was lost in the struggle. “Khiara, take his hand. Erasmus, close your eyes.”

Khiara took his hand and pulled him after her. His legs shuffled slowly but soon he was walking, staring down at the broken rocks at his feet. Annon approached the strange marker, staring into the void-like eyes, steeling himself against them. “Is this a trap?” he asked Lukias, feeling the ring on his finger and focusing on the answer.

“It is here to keep away trespassers. That is all. Come.”

They walked past the bronze work and the feeling immediately left them.

Erasmus twisted his neck and stared back at the rear side of the boulder. “You were right, Annon. It affects the mind most of all. I could only think of a thousand things that might be hiding up ahead. I couldn’t move my legs.”

Khiara patted his hand and released it, moving ahead down the way. The trail followed along the edge of the churning river. It began to grow colder as they ascended into the mountains, crunching on loose gravel as they walked. In some places, the path grew narrow as the side of the cliff was eaten away, spilling down into the river below. The defiles were dangerous but not too difficult to cross. Nizeera stayed close to Lukias, her tail lashing back and forth as if ready to pounce.

Farther up the road, another bronze work sculpture met them. This one did not radiate a feeling of fear. It looked similar to the one farther behind. As they approached it, the mouth of the sculptured face began to move. It spoke.

“This road is forbidden,” it said in a wintry voice that was neither male nor female. “What is the seventh seal of the Ruby Goddess?”

Khiara stepped forward. “The Grave,” she answered.

Lukias turned and looked at her in surprise and respect. “You know our lore surprisingly well, Vaettir. If you had not answered it properly, then the sculpture would have discharged energy into you that would have stopped your heart beating.”

She said nothing in response. The bronze work fell silent. The group progressed up the road. Long before they reached the end of it, the sun started to set, draping shadows through the pass as they wound their way up the shattered rock, maneuvering past boulders and trying to follow the path of the river. Lukias insisted they proceed. Clouds began roiling in the sky, bringing with it a faint drizzle that turned heavier and began pattering down on the rocks, promising a squall before dawn.

Annon hugged himself for warmth, focusing on the hard march and the pace Lukias set.

“Will we rest at all tonight?” Erasmus asked impatiently.

“We are almost to the summit of this pass,” the Rike answered. “You will see the advantage we gain by darkness soon. Farther.”