The feline hunter had made its way swiftly and silently to its position, the animal’s stealthy approach helped by the numerous small crags on the mountainside. The distance was far for the normal range of a short spear, but Astrid’s abilities had obviously improved.
As the projectile hit, the panther was violently thrown sideways for a few feet, and a large spray of blood showed how the lethally accurate strike was accompanied by a small explosion at the point of impact.
Asem’s teaching no doubt. That burst of magical energy was not part of her repertoire before, observed the startled Tyler.
Habrok looked up when he got near the party, a spurt of speed immediately marking his movements after Astrid flung her weapon. After the ranger saw the body of the panther, he gave the Valkyrie a wave.
“That was a close one, sire. Animals here are more cunning, larger, and quieter than usual. But at least they look normal,” said Habrok as he steered his mount beside Tyler. The mage was standing, having dismounted when Habrok went to scout ahead.
“I really can’t say if it’s the stray energies of the Void Lands or the Barrens, Habrok. But you’re right. At least they look normal. There are even a few trees on the heights. Normal trees which are immobile and do not walk,” replied Tyler.
“Ah, that would be a difficult proposition, sire,” remarked Tyndur. “I wouldn’t know which branch to chop. Fire would be more effective, but it would take a damnably long time to bring one down.”
“We would sense such a being well before we come close, Tyndur. They’re of magical origin, but there are several kinds. In Hellas, they have dryads and hamadryads. Among the Romanii, they have querquetulanae. In the north, they have hyldemoer. All deemed as nymphs. Lore makes mention of demons occupying trees, such as the hantu tinggi. Each kind has its own characteristics and weaknesses,” said Asem, showing her mastery of arcane knowledge.
“In our land, we also have such things,” added Kobu. “The jubokko, for instance. A vampire tree. Good thing they’re immobile and the skeletons on the ground are a dead giveaway. Miserable pun intended.”
“Right. Lesson learned. We have to be careful about trees,” commented Tyler, anxious to have Habrok’s report. A few days of inaction had gotten the party into a talking mood. Not that it was bad, but it was distracting for the mage. He looked at Habrok.
“My report, sire. We’re close to the marker that Balashi fellow told me about. An enormous warrior statue on top of a mountain. That would mean the first of the Monarchy’s forts facing the Barren Lands is only several miles away. Time to release the horses and cross the Barrens,” said Habrok.
“It would have been nice to be mounted all the way,” mused Tyler as he thought about the punishment his legs would face in the wasteland before them.
“I agree, sire. But the fodder issue…”
“I know, Habrok. There’s no assurance we’ll find food for the horses once we start to cross,” answered the mage.
“At least the horses would find their way back through the forts. The rune plates on their harnesses will make sure of that,” replied Habrok.
“Too bad we don’t have similar rune plates for our own use,” laughed Astrid. “Though my sister should give you one, Habrok.”
Sniggers and suppressed laughter sounded. Everybody now knew of Habrok’s dalliance with Astrid’s sister, resulting in a son.
“Hey, I already accepted he’s my son. I can’t deny it with the lad bearing the same handsome looks,” protested Habrok, the reply resulting in more hilarity.
“Let’s camp here for now,” declared Tyler. “We can release the horses after we give them the last of the supplied fodder. Then we begin the arrangements to cross the Barrens. Astrid, please look for a safe spot. Preferably with no panthers.”
The companions got down from their mounts while Astrid went to scout for a campsite. Kobu and Tyndur went to check the surrounding area, while Asem and Habrok remained with the mage.
“Now comes the hard part. Again. At least this section is the narrowest area for crossing the Barrens,” advised the priestess, with caution in her tone.
“That’s according to the Girnita, priestess. And based on their lore. Nobody from the Monarchy has been able to cross in living memory,” warned Habrok.
“Let’s hope Girnita Balashi’s information is accurate. I would hate to stay in the Barrens for a period longer than we need to reach Hellas,” said Tyler.
“At least we have kept to the borders of the Monarchy until this point. Mountainous, rocky terrain for the most part, but essentially natural landscape after we left the Void Lands. Well, a few miles after we left those cursed lands behind,” remarked the ranger.
Tyler absently nodded and examined the unusual landscape. They had been traveling north for five days now since the time the party left the destroyed shrine of the Followers of Zin. Aside from the panther Astrid just killed and a few large predatory birds looking like the misbegotten offspring of a mating between a vulture and condor, the journey was so far uneventful. Arrows and a few attack spells drove the avians off, killing several huge raptors.
The Barrens
To ordinary eyes, the land awaiting them appeared as a typical desolate plain bordered by mountains and hills. But to the mage’s enhanced eyesight, the area of the Barrens, viewed from a distance, was blurred by a slight, distorted magical field. It was as if he beheld the land through a pair of graded eyeglasses.
We transported into that mess. And now, we will walk through it. I hope it doesn’t cause mutations. I’m looking forward to having healthy children, Tyler thought with dismay.
The night passed quickly. As with the past few evenings, slumber was undisturbed by an errant phantom or prowling beast. Habrok woke up everyone just before the break of
