Celestial's World by Robert Ian Wilson

Author:Robert Ian Wilson [Wilson, Robert Ian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798636554363
Publisher: Roan House Publishing
Published: 2020-06-12T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven - An Unspoken Door

We ascended the jet cliff and crunched along a rocky trail that stretched across the valley. We were high up and it unnerved me; the gnome was adamant that the easiest passage was the hardest. The Maylok creatures hunt on the easy routes, knowing they’d expect company. In order to stay under the radar, we had to work for our safety; a minion was a threat, but the terrain was our main problem.

The air was thin, and the stone became jagged, which slowed our progress. The clouds were low and dark. Thea had the illusion of being headless at one point, as she disappeared into the cloud. It was awfully quiet for a mountainside; my travels along the Peak District was certainly a different experience.

As we sauntered along, I began to wheeze like a panicked bulldog. Thea was struggling to breathe too and so; Umber made the quick decision to head down a lower path. The air was incredibly thin, which caused nausea.

We made a quick pit stop on a cliff edge to catch our breath and recuperated a little.

“Do you think it’s risky for a fire?” asked Thea. It was a desperate question for some familiarity and warmth; she knew what I’d reply. The gnome simply said, “Yes.”

“Tell me Umber, what does this Citadel look like?” I asked.

“It’s built within the hollow stump of a humongous tree and is surrounded by the valley. The stronghold is made from the ashes of this ancient woodland.”

“Woodland?” I questioned, as there was no wildlife in sight.

“This mineral that we walk on, is the remains of a forest. Darkness had touched these lands and has turned it into something ugly and cold.” The gnome stood up, “Come, it is not too far now.”

We gathered ourselves, but before venturing further, I heard a noise over a ridge.

“Stay here,” I said.

I carefully pulled myself up a large stone and peered over. A group of strange apparitions aimlessly floated around the mountainside. They wore black cloaks to conceal themselves. I could see through them; they were transparent like a ghost. One came directly into view and I saw the face under the cloak; it was an expression of dread and sorrow. I backed up and descended.

“What is it?” asked Thea. I must have been pale because she’d noticed my anguish.

“There is – something paranormal – they look like spirits…”

“That’s because they are. They are beings who have betrayed their morals and common decency, the lowest of the low. Minions without a purpose, who’ve been rejected from the council and put to death. The creatures roam the lands in search of their master’s approval.”

“Do these beasts have a name?”

“Individually no, but in a group, they are named the Hoard. Together they are dangerous.”

“That sounds pleasant...” quipped Thea. “Can we go by without being noticed?”

“Yes girl,” replied Umber. “They only react to noise, as their eyesight is weak.”

Umber began to take his shoes off and gestured for us both to follow suit. It

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