The Turning

Two

TwoSouth of Elksberg

The lone mountain stood proud and solemn over the land. To the east, the land rose steadily towards a huge gorge that ran like a crippled spine from south to north. The north was a nondescript grassland, dotted with farms and outcrops. To the south lay swamps that carried on for miles towards the grey sea. They were crisscrossed with paths and stunted trees. To the west lay a sprawling forest that stretched as far as any eye could see. Darkened mountains lay farther off to the west, shrouded in low cloud. On the upper slopes of the lone mountain that folk called Agar a figure sat in the shadows of an enclave, brooding. He scanned the land in three directions, looking for any signs of movement. Pickings had grown slim lately. He knew why. The forest to the west lay in darkness. He could see that it was not low cloud that made it dark like before. The darkness seemed to seep from the earth, wrapping itself around the trees that had stood for countless seasons. It unsettled him. Something was wrong with that place. He knew that if he plucked up the courage a doorway could take him somewhere else. Somewhere new. Try as he might he could not bring himself to venture towards it just yet. The nights were the worst. Noises and voices carried to him from the vast forest, making him pull his knees up under his chin and shiver. The forest was actually two forests, joined together. The one, Amatoll was where Eddie had recently ventured. He'd entered through a doorway and had taken the soul of a young girl. That had seemed to start a chain of events that culminated with two battles. Two battles that he'd been involved in. Two battles that had taken their toll.

Eddie looked at his ruined hand. He remembered the young man whom he'd challenged to follow him and his woman. How he'd blasted three fingers from his hand with his weapon. It had all gone so wrong. Eddie was ready to be accepted into a new coven. He'd done all the hard work, travelling through two worlds to bring his new master a prize, telling his new family that a single man would be following. The trap had been set. Reggan's clan were ready for an easy fight with one man. But two men had arrived, with a strange looking creature alongside them. No sooner had the fight erupted, Eddie knew that things would turn ill. The little creature with the flaming eyes took down half of the clan while the men did the rest. He had flown at Jake, hoping to take his head clean off. The man was cunning though. He was quick and his aim was true. The hand that was aiming at Jake's head suddenly lost half of its form as the shotgun blasted it apart. Eddie had reeled back as the man fired another shot, peppering him with lead. He tried to attack, but was repelled by the older one with his cross and weapons. He fled the cave. The last thing he remembered seeing was the younger man locked in a fight with Reggan. That was when he knew all was lost. Others must have heard the fighting and were running to help. However the damage had been done. They would blame Eddie for bringing this to their door. He fled from the catacombs out into the relentless storms. He'd blindly stumbled through the landscape as stones and debris pummelled him. Eventually he found refuge in an underground lake that was devoid of life. The water fizzed and bubbled as he lay trying to gather his thoughts. He didn't feel pain like humans. Biting the remains of his damaged fingers off didn't affect him in that way. To Eddie, it looked repulsive. His grey skin was tattered and torn around the wound, exposing the yellowed flesh and stark bone underneath. Even now it had not healed. It was exposed. Only the thumb and index finger had escaped the blast. He had wrapped and old rag around it to keep it concealed. But to no avail. He needed a glove. The prey that he had encountered since were traders and wanderers. Once he'd drained their life, he'd searched them for anything of use. Nothing. He would find one though. He needed a plan.

He'd sat on this forlorn rock l*****g his wounds for long enough. Eddie had thought about revenge. He'd imagined twisting the head from the young man's body. Drinking his blood, before taking his woman too. However nice it played out for him, he knew that Jake was dangerous. His thoughts strayed to Elias. He had no idea what had become of Korgan's henchman. The last time he'd seen him was during the battle in the Vale. They had locked horns during the fight, reluctantly coming to an accord at the end. Elias had left the humans for him as he'd set off to hunt Jake and the woman. That seemed like a lifetime ago now. He shook his head, clearing his thoughts. He looked over the expanse of forest as the shrouded sun kissed the mountain far off to the west. He moved further into the recess, away from the wind and sounds. Curling up as tight as he could, he began to plot his course.

* * *

Far off to the east the village of Shetland was hosting a union party for two of the folk. The village had been transformed over the last few seasons. The solitary farmhouse was now accompanied by six additional homes. When Wilf and his kin had arrived in haste at Fingles, Zeebu and Zeeba the elders, had provided shelter. Over the next few days they'd held talks with Wilf and the folk from Elksberg. Although strange in appearance, with stunted bodies and giant heads, the Finglers were good allies. The next day they had proceeded to accompany the villagers out to Shetland to begin work on a new home for them. Now, as Wilf stood puffing on his pipe he thanked whatever gods were out there. His folk were safe. They had a new home, and the food was plentiful. Some of the women had even started a vegetable patch down by the ford. The ford was where Shetland joined the long rocky spit of land that led back to Fingles. Wilf remembered as he puffed his pipe how they'd just managed to pull Jake from the frigid waters before he was torn apart by two Orgas. The arrival of that young Outlander had altered the path of their lives. For the better though, as it had led them all to Shetland. One of the first jobs they'd completed when they started work was to build a bridge over the ford. The Brynn Halfsted swamps to the north had provided the wood for the bridge and homes. It was unnaturally springy, but tough as steel. The village of Fingles was built almost entirely from the special timber, as it absorbed the sea's wrath with ease. The bridge was quickly erected, giving the villagers unrestricted access to the mainland. The tides still had to be watched as the roadway to the mainland almost disappeared when the sea levels rose. Only a stout tree halfway to the mainland would offer refuge to any traveller or villager who became marooned. Wilf was content. He had almost everything he needed, with one exception. His niece Katherine was not here. She was far away, under a different sky. Wilf hoped that she was safe, happy, and that the sun warmed her skin every day. If only he could see her once more. To hold her to him and feel her warm embrace. The old man smiled at the thought. Jake would be taking care of her. He didn't hope, he knew. He walked inside the farmhouse, his stiff legs taking a moment to get going. In the snug living room, he sat himself down at the table with a thump. He reached across to the earthenware bottle and mug, pulling them towards him. He flipped the mug upright and poured a good measure of hokie. He took a swig, letting the spirit sink in. His mind was drifting back a few seasons, honing in on that night.

He was cast back to Reggan's stronghold. A dank lair that had made his brother Korgan's seem almost lavish. They had come to reclaim their loved ones. The diminutive figure that stood with them was there for his sister. Wilf played it out in his mind once more. He had spotted the bulky vampire almost immediately. Their eyes locked. Wilf remembered how they'd drawn him in, soothing his fears. The eyes wanted him to be their friend. To drop his trinkets and talk.

It had almost worked before the strange figure with them, shook him from his trance. “Don't fall for his charms, we're here to fight,” he said to him. The vampire called Eddie knew his hold was broken. Wilf watched frozen as Jake and Tamatan set about the hoard. Jake felled two with his shotgun, making sure with a stake to each of their dead hearts. Tamatan took down four in the blink of an eye. In a blur he sucked what life force remained inside from them, leaving withered husks on the cold stone floor. Wilf noticed the bulky one make his move. He flew at Jake, ready for the kill. Wilf watched frozen in horror, knowing that the young man was done for. Or so he thought. In a flash, Jake's shotgun had taken the hand from the beast. He fell backwards towards the tomb. Another blast had sent him crashing into the wall, beaten. That's when Wilf was spurred into action. His cross came out, shining bright in the gloom. Any foes that were still standing were pushed back by its force. The power of light over dark. He turned to see Tamatan wincing at the sign of the cross. Wilf knew instantly that it was hurting him. Although he was their companion, he too belonged to the darkness. He slipped the cross back into his bag, noticing the bulky one beating a retreat. It had been too easy. Or so he thought. Reggan was not done just yet. Jake was reloading his weapon when he was plucked into the tomb by two large hands. The outlander cried out in anger as the beast clamped its huge jaws into his thigh. Wilf watched helplessly as the monster worried Jake's leg, shaking his head from side to side. He'd come to love the strange outlander. He might have been the son that he'd never had. Now he saw him locked in a deadly battle with a giant vampire. Before Wilf could try to help, Jake raised his shotgun, firing it point blank into the beast's face. Reggan's head was blasted against the cave wall, chunks of bone and brain creating a hideous collage on the red rock. Jake fell out of the tomb, floundering on the floor before he limped back to where the now headless Reggan lay. Screaming as he did so, Jake unloaded the rest of his shotgun into the vampire's body. When the shotgun was empty, Jake pulled two stakes from his pack, stabbing the corpse over and over until he finally slumped to the floor exhausted and crying.

Tamatan had finished the rest of the fighting, leaving the floor littered with bodies. He looked at Wilf, his red eyes burning with blood l**t. He then relaxed, sniffing the air. “This way,” he shouted, heading off into a low corridor.

Wilf looked at Jake. “Stay here. I think he is going to lead us to his sister and Katherine.” Jake nodded, sweat and blood splattered across his face. Wilf had only reached the entrance to the corridor when Tamatan emerged with a strange looking creature. Her skin was deep green that seemed to shimmer in the torch light. She moved with a grace and fluidity that seemed almost unnatural. Her eyes sparkled like vibrant emeralds, green tears running down her beautiful face.

“JAKE!” Katherine shouted from the entrance to the tunnel.

Jake looked up at the sound of her voice. “Kath,” he blurted, his emotions boiling over as she broke away from Wilf, running over to him. They embraced, kissing, sobbing. Trying to find the words to convey their joy at being reunited. Jake tried to lift her into his arms but suddenly lost his footing, wincing as he put her down.

Katherine looked down at his leg as Wilf, Tamatan, and his sister joined them. “You're hurt Jake,” she exclaimed as she saw a giant grey fang protruding from his leg. “We need to get you help.” She looked at her uncle. “How can we help him? Do we need a healer?”

“We need a shaman,” Wilf said looking worried. “And fast. Trouble is finding one. We need to get back through the doorway as quick as we can. But we may be searching for a long time in Elksberg.”

“I know someone who can help us,” Jake said through gritted teeth. “We need to get back to my home.”

Tamatan's sister who had been silent until now walked forward and knelt in front of Jake. She looked up at him, taking his leg in her hands. “Veltan,” she said in a soft voice. And bowed her head to the floor.

“Veltan is her name,” said Tamatan. “She is going to delay the spread of infection. It will drain her strength. But she can take it, for she is strong.”

“Infection?” Jake said as he suddenly felt the throbbing in his leg subside. It was being replaced by a tingling coolness that felt like pins and needles.

“Jake has been bitten by a vampire. And not just any vampire. By a king. A powerful vampire king,” Tamatan exclaimed. “If he doesn't get help soon he may start turning. My sister is slowing down the spread. Once she has finished we must be on our way as fast as we can. Jake, who is this person who you think can help us?”

“I've known him all my life. His name is Father Stephen.”

Tamatan nodded as a deep drone came rolling through the passageway. “We must move. We have won this battle but there are things deep down below us that are stirring. Things that we really do not want to become acquainted with. We must make haste, or we may never live to tell this tale.”

* * *

Wilf stood there as the doorway vanished before his eyes. He shut them tight, the outline visible under the lids. “Goodbye Katherine,” he muttered before turning to Tamatan and Veltan. Their eyes shimmering in the darkness. “What now? It feels like we have dark things heading our way.”

“We feel it too,” Tamatan nodded. Veltan looked around her, spooked by something that Wilf could not see nor hear. The forest was coming alive above them. Birds and other animals started to call and wail as wisps of mist drifted through the trees towards them. Wilf shuddered as he felt a cold wind ruffle his clothing. “Something is coming for us. We need to be gone from this place. How far to your village?”

“Not far.” He pointed off into the forest as the wisps of mist were gathering around the trees, wrapping themselves around the trunks. Wilf could make out faces in the mist that almost stilled his heart. Hideous faces with blackened pits for eyes. Gaping mouths laden with fangs. The others saw this too. Veltan let out a low moan as her brother took her hand. “Follow me,” Wilf said as they broke into a run towards the far off lights of Heronveld. Wilf lost his footing a few times on unseen branches and plants, almost falling over. He could not afford to stop. The forest was protesting their escape as they neared the flickering torches of his village. He called out, “FOLK. WAKE UP. WAKE UP!” Wisps of smoke started falling from the trees, malevolent faces blocking Wilf's path to the village. He pulled out his cross and held it at arm's length as he ran. It instantly lit up, banishing the mist around him. He heard Tamatan and Veltan cry out in anguish, knowing that it was affecting them. He turned to look at them behind him. “I'm sorry. Stay with me. We are almost at Banners Gate.”

“We will endure. Don't put the cross away until you reach the village,” Tamatan said. Wilf could see a few of the villagers stumbling sleepily from their homes. They gathered on the village green looking anxiously at the noises they could hear in the darkness. Wilf banged into the heavy wooden gate at the edge of the forest. He half climbed, half floundered over it, landing in a heap on the other side. Two strong hands lifted him as though he was a baby, propelling him towards the group of men and women on the patch of grass.

One woman cried out in horror. “MONSTERS!”

Wilf waved his hands at them, trying to gather himself. “Folk,” he began, trying to draw breath. “They are not monsters. They are our friends. They've just helped me free Katherine from the other place. The place where Reggan lies.” At hearing the name, villagers started cowering and crossing themselves. “Reggan is no more. The outlander Jake put pay to him. He has taken Kath back to his land where they will be safe. Now we must flee. Whatever was lurking in that land has followed us back here and wishes us all harm.” The forest was filled with noise and mist. A long tendril snaked its way through the gate and headed towards them.

“Fuckenell!” a man gasped as he pointed towards its advance. They all turned to face the oncoming mist. The women ran for their homes as children stood on the porches, crying and confused.

“WOMEN AND CHILDREN INSIDE!” Wilf shouted as the men closed into a tight circle. The long streak of mist began taking form in front of them. They all stared in silent horror as it took on a human shape. A long misty cloak constantly changed shape as it was blown by the forest. The face was a dark pit, except for two yellow eyes that shone out towards them. Wilf advanced on the misty apparition, his cross held aloft.

“NOOOOOOO,” it wailed, evaporating into the grass.

Wilf looked at the group behind him, his heart racing. “I'm not sure what we've done by destroying Reggan, but something has stirred and has followed us. We need to leave as soon as it's light. Pack up everything that is vital. We leave for Shetland at dawn.”

“But this is our home,” a tall man called Pat challenged back.

“Look at the forest Pat,” Wilf said. The men folk knew they had to flee. Any arguments were futile. “Gather up your things. We must go. We can start a new life in Shetland. Trust in me.” The men made their way back to their homes leaving the threesome stood on the damp grass. Wilf suddenly felt very small, and exposed. “Come with me,” he said to the couple as he made his way towards his home. Inside he quickly poured three mugs of hokie, downing his mug in one go. He lit two candles on the table before pouring another. Taking a smaller sip. The burn felt good. It felt real. Veltan sat in a wooden chair. Wilf suddenly noticed that she looked exhausted. He turned to Tamatan. “What is your plan?”

“We will head west at first light. I think that we've unearthed something that Reggan was holding under his power. Who knows what it is. Whatever it is, it is evil and we need to be as far away from it as possible. I only hope our forays were worth it.” He looked at his sister, concern etched on his face.

Wilf considered his statement for a moment. “What is out west? I've never ventured too far that way. Cedric and I travelled as far as the glades at the edge of Amatoll. A pair of huge black unicorns forced us back towards home. That was long ago,” he said, trying to recollect.

“We will head for Monk's Passage. It's a long road, with many foes scattered here and there. If we make it through the passage we will then cross Mantz forest.” He looked at the old man, his eyes like two red orbs. “You think Amatoll is big. Mantz is huge. The trees are an impenetrable blanket which have laid waste to many a traveller over the ages. No two trees are more than this far apart,” he said, spreading his arms. “It's dark as night once you're in there. That's the way they like it.”

“They?” Wilf said.

“The Cravens. They are human, just. They eat anything that strays into their woods. Animal, man, monster. If they can kill it, they eat it. That will be a testing bit of sport,” he said chuckling. “If we can make it through the forest I can reacquaint myself with an old friend who has a boat. He can take us to the Unseen Lands across the sea. That's where my kin hail from. I've not been there for a long time.”

Wilf pondered the little demon's words. He looked across at his sister who had now curled up, lightly snoring. Her turquoise skin shimmering in the candle light. He considered his statement for a moment. “We've fought well and won through. Katherine is safe with Jake. We will build a new life at Shetland. And you,” he walked over to Tamatan, holding his weathered hand out to him. “Whatever your name truly is, you now have your sister back.”

Tamatan took Wilf's hand, shaking it gently. “Thank you.”

“Thank you too, my friend.”

At hearing Wilf's words his face lit up in a beaming smile that outshone the candles. “Tis such a strange happening that would make man and demon friends. However, we are both the better for it,” he said, slapping Wilf on the back.

* * *

Wilf's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. The memory blew away like sea mist on a morning's breeze. “Yes?” he croaked.

A young man entered the low slung room, a look of hesitation on his face. “Sorry to disturb you Wilf. The happy couple are about to perform their union dance. They want the Elder to oversee it.”

“Of course. I will be out in a minute. Tell them to prepare.” The young man excused himself as Wilf levered himself to his feet. Tamatan's words echoed in his ears. He smiled to himself. A dark forest full of cannibals. Let's hope I'm never stupid enough to end up in that hell hole, he thought as he made his way outside to the dance.