Unnatural

Ch. 6. Trees and Roots

As they get closer to the stronghold, they notice a small opening down the path with two armoured people standing outside of it. One is leaning lazily against the trees looking almost like they’re asleep. The other stares the group down as they approach. Lottie gets uncomfortable with the constant staring and walks slower so she can be hidden from view.

Looking everywhere but the staring guard, Lottie notices that the wall of trees is much taller and thicker than her first look told her. All the trees seem to be twisted and interlocked together creating a very thick and sturdy barrier protecting everything inside. The ground was riddled with the tree roots, they looked as though they could grab onto you. When the thought of the tree roots grabbing onto Lottie and pulling her into the ground passed through her mind a chill ran through her body. It's like the trees were telling her how deadly trying to infiltrate the stronghold would be.

“State your name and purpose!” The alert guard shouted towards the trio, the lazing guard sits up with a start and looks around confused.

Nasira steps forward and in her usual form you hear her song “I am Nasira The Agile of Ruhanni, I have returned from my mission with the intended party”

The guard nods his head and motions for the group to move through. Once they step through the entrance, Bee and Lottie are meet with a strange looking forest. Every tree is huge, and they all have a large lump on it with windows carved into it. The tree roots are very unformed, marking out pathways and holding up little beams of light. In the middle of the forest stands a willow tree. There are all different types of beings walking around the place, some even flying. A few people walk past the group, one of them has what can only be described as dragonfly wings, they shimmered with the light and looked so delicate. Another of the passing people had skin the colour and texture of oak tree bark.

As the trio gets closer to the Willow tree, they see that around the trunk of the tree is a castle with vines covering the walls, almost like its holding it all together. Parts of the castle are crumbling, these spots have an abundance of moss, almost like it’s trying to hold the pieces on.

“Derron Stronghold is one of the few structures left over from the split.” Lottie looks over to Nasira,

“So, there are a few structures like this then?”

Nasira nods and points to one of the crumbling walls “Not all of the structures stood the test of time. We have just been lucky so far.”

Bee jumps out of the way of a young child speeding down the path. “What’s this place used for then?” Lottie asks.

“It’s a town, but the stronghold is used as a guard post and for training. There is almost always a guard post near a Gateway.” The girls hear.

The group reach the underneath the branches of the Willow tree, underneath the tree is a large field of flowers. There are so many types of flowers and colours Bee and Lottie stare in awe. Lottie quickly snaps out of it though as she realises one vital piece of information.

“Why was I brought here?” She questions Nasira.

“I cannot tell you. Just following orders” Nasira’s tune is slightly apologetic. She picks up speed almost as if she is avoiding any more questions.

Lottie sighs and follows after her, not forgetting to grab Bee and pull her along.