The Warsworn Trilogy: Omnibus Edition (The Warsworn Trilogy: 1-3) by Ben Hale

Author:Ben Hale [Hale, Ben]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Snowlight Publishing
Published: 2016-06-08T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23: The Dark Wood

Two days after their conflict with the riders, they reached the border of Orláknia and paused on the threshold. Dark and damp, the forest reeked of rot and mildew. Branches were twisted and gnarled as if the trees had grown in agony. Black moss carpeted trunk and rock, root and branch.

"What manner of creature cursed this place?" Destrier growled.

Captain Drowan raised his bound hands and swept them toward the dark wood. "The elves lived in this forest prior to the Great Draeken War. When they migrated west they took their magic with them, and the forest lost the luster that once illuminated its paths."

Used to the sun and warmth of the Fractured Plains, Sybrik fought a rising sense of revulsion at the prospect of entering Orláknia. But he could not turn away. Unwilling to let the others see his hesitation, he forced himself to step into the dark wood.

"Human," he barked, and Kaber shoved the man to him. He placed his thick hand around his neck, forcing him to look up at him. "It would be unwise to lead us astray, Captain. I doubt you fear for yourself, but does your bravery extend to your wife and children? I will find them if you disobey, and I'm sure you can imagine what I will do."

The man glared up at him, but ultimately quailed under the threat in Sybrik's gaze. Bowing his head, he stepped in front of Sybrik and led the way into the darkened trees. Sybrik followed, and the trees were quick to envelope them.

Silence crushed his ears, oppressive and angry. Sound and sign of animal were absent—but Sybrik sensed the presence of predators. He'd fought moordraugs, reavers, giants, and even dragons. Never had he felt fear such an omnipresent fear.

"What creature stalks this wood?" he asked.

Drowan looked back at him. "They call her the Hauntress."

"Beast or man?" Kaber asked, his eyes searching the shadows.

"I cannot say," Drowan said. "No one has survived an encounter. Some call her the guardian of Orláknia, others call her a harvester of wicked souls. I can say that most of those taken have been killers themselves." He looked at Sybrik and smirked.

"You think to cause us fear?" Sybrik growled. "We are the flesh of war. Whatever this Hauntress is, she has not faced a rock troll."

Drowan shrugged and turned back to the path. Sybrik resisted the urge to snap his neck and turned his attention on the forest. Normally he relished the challenge of a powerful foe, but this time he felt a measure of hesitation. Whatever the Hauntress was, he had no desire to meet her in battle.

For the rest of the day, Drowan led them deep into Orláknia. Sybrik never ceased to scan the rank forest, but saw nothing. Despite the emptiness he felt the presence of another. Several times he nearly broke his vow and asked Kaber for a weapon. Unable to bear them thinking of him as weak, he clenched his fists and remained silent.

The night fell upon them suddenly, as if there had never been any light in the first place.

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