Daughters of Thine Lesser Evil by Robert Clifton Storey Jr

Author:Robert Clifton Storey Jr
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
Publisher: Robert Clifton Storey Jr
Published: 2012-07-11T00:00:00+00:00

❖ Chapter 28 ❖

IZERANDRIN AND ONE of the knights the Consulate had commissioned to escort them to the coast rode at the head of the company. Jeela, Angelterra and Chasladwinia were just behind them. With Traydreal, Altirdron and two additional knights taking up the rear. It was an easy ride during most of the morning as the group kept to the wide main roadway heading east. It felt strange to be riding back in the same direction of their enemy, but after they stopped for a noon meal, the company turned north, down a much narrower path through the thick woods.

“This way will take us very near the Danava Vana, the Devil’s Forest, but it is the fastest route to the northern coastal city of Piladonia,” said Jeela.

“Is it a scary forest?” asked Chasladwinia.

“Not any more,” said Jeela reassuringly. “There was a war fought there a long time ago against a powerful demon by the forces of the Spirit. Even though the demon managed to burn down the entire forest, he was eventually defeated in the end. But the trees never grew back. And some say they never will.”

“That is an awful thing to do,” said Chasladwinia. “How could anyone like such a bad person as a nasty demon?”

Angelterra thought about the small book she carried, which contained the story about the sad love between the wizard, Albestdillia, and her demon lover, Abomirendor. The ancient female wizard had found something in the nature of that demon to love. Could Abomirendor have truly had a good side or was he just a liar, deceiving the heart of a naive woman when he had taken on a human form. The Princess decided not to mention the tale, fearing she might be trying to explain the meaning of that story to the little girl for the rest of the trip.

“This road not only skirts the edges of Danava Vana, but it also runs right along the border with Daravinia,” called back the knight in front. “There is always a possibility of a raid, so keep on your toes.”

Chasladwinia glanced over at Jeela with wide eyes. The little girl’s experience in Daravinia had not always been a pleasant one.

“I am right here,” Jeela assured the nervous girl.

As they traveled along the small path northward, the sky began to cloud up. In a short time, the entire afternoon sky was gray with dark, churning clouds. The wind picked up as well, rustling the leaves and palm branches of the thick forest. The air began to smell of rain and, even more oddly, the temperature suddenly started to drop, forcing them to don their riding cloaks. The path turned eastward for a time, and just around a small bend, they all saw it. They stopped for a moment to regard its terribleness in silence.

“I have seen it several times,” said Izerandrin. “But it still shocks me each and every time.”

Before them stood a densely populated forest of dead, scorched pine trees. The trunks of these barren trees were lean and tall like a forest of pikes trying to bar anyone from entering.

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