BlackThorn's Doom Page 0,18
Their supplies were running low, should they succeed in their mission it was going to be a long hungry walk back to friendlier lands.
Yoladt looked out over the dark land and paused at the ledge. He looked uncomfortable and less sure of himself, the seeds of doubt clouding his judgment for the first time since leaving the lands of the Mahjie.
“I have led you thus far.” He said turning to look at each of them in turn. “With knowledge passed down among my people for countless generations. I must now confess that I know little of what yet stands before us.” His eyes darted to the distant volcano. “No Mahjie has ever ventured further than where we now stand.”
“Yoladt,” Casius said. “You have guided us well thus far. I for one am confident that you will see us safely to the land below.” A quick glance to either side showed him that his companions agreed.
Yoladt’s face relaxed, “Then we must move cautiously. Once upon the ledge we will be exposed. Ensure that no metal is left uncovered, one reflection and we are done for. Wrap your Morne cloaks tight about you and try to stay against the rock face.” He nodded to the plain below. “There is one choice to be made before we descend. Do we strive to cross the burning plain or swing north east and use the cover of the forest?”
“Which is safer?” Connell asked not liking either choice lying before them.
“Both are dangerous.” Yoladt replied. “The Muel’Don is filled with poisonous clouds and the rock is thin and may rupture underfoot casting us into pits of molten rock. As to what lies within the wood none truly know.”
“Sounds pleasant.” Connell muttered studying the way before them. “Swords and skill are of little use against gas and molten stone. The forest may be unknown but its dangers have not killed the trees. It is by that route I would venture.”
Suni nodded. “Connell has spoken my thoughts as well.”
Marcos looked to Casius. “As the sword bearer it is your decision to make.”
Casius stared for a few moments at the plain and the woodland beyond. “Under the cover of the wood.” He said.
“By Havoc’Mor then.” Yoladt said recalling the name from tales told to him as a child.
“It’s either hot coals or boiling water.” Connell said with a grin.
“It is always so.” Yoladt said stepping down onto the ledge. “Mind your footing.” He warned them as he started down along the cliff face.
Marcos followed with Suni after him. Casius took a deep breath and followed. He did not like heights but he knew should he slip Suni would keep him from falling. He trusted the Anghor Shok, the stead fast guardian of Marcos was as dependable as the rising sun. He looked skyward and shook his head for no sun shone here.
Behind him came Connell, taking up the rear, an uncharacteristic position for him. Ever since failing the test of the blade Connell had become quiet. He had learned something about himself he did not like, and was fighting an internal battle to come to grips with it.
What ever it was, Casius hoped he would work through it soon. He would need Connell’s strength more than ever in the days ahead.
The ledge was narrow, at times it descended so steeply that they were climbing rather than walking. Loose stone added to the danger and they had a few close calls when the rock beneath their feet began to slip.
The air grew hotter and fouler the further they descended. Becoming thick and humid, the stench of sulfur burned their throats and made their eyes water. The Unnatural winter had no hold here, in this damned place it was always summer. There was no breeze within the pit, heat sapped their strength and yet they pressed on.
The climb took them six hours. Upon reaching the shelter of the broken rock at the craters base, they tore off their heavy winter cloaks and collapsed onto the ground to rest.
Suni fared better than the others, he removed the dark cloak and stood watch within the shadows of a large boulder while his companions regained their strength, his dark eyes missing nothing.
He surveyed the fiery plain less than a half-mile away. He watched the noxious vapors drifting over the smoking stones and steaming dunes of ash and cinders. Nothing moved within its borders, an alien landscape hostile to all life.
Suni left his post and joined the others. “The forest is the wisest choice.” He