Chapter Two: Papers l
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Beneath my feet dead patches of grass stirred, churning as slick mud formed. Distant thunder now overhead, with it a downpour I stopped wiping the sweat from my brow. Tossing the shovel I jumped down, impulsively; felt lured as goosebumps ran down my arm and back, staring at the black box before me. Nary any bones or rotted cloth just what was inside the thin box' I couldn't help but ponder as I ran my hand across its singular latch. I gulped at my own reflection, as dirt and grime fell off, the latch wasn't tarnished. Heart jumped, a lump formed in my throat 'gold' or an amalgamation, whatever it was, the price would fetch high. Gold was an excellent conductor for mages the opposite to lead.
Crackling struck in the void, my sight tore toward the treeline.
Something stalked in darkness.
..
My throat ran dry, exasperated breaths left, as another rotted log forced me to vault over barely holding onto this dammed box. The latch still wedged shut, indents of the shovel doing little- But that wasn't the issue- The slick mud wasn't bad nor torrents of rain pouring down my backside. I saw it, out of reflection if not for the grave and this box' It's shape blurred in my mind as ramping thoughts escaped me, an approaching grumble hung my neck something moved, something large. It's body was tens of men wide still; I could only catch glimpse between darting glances despite the size it was fast.
A ramping stampede bellowed from behind, its patter slowly drowned the sounds of rain and wind, swaying branches flew, the flock of screeches were stomped out in a following thud. Tightening, a hot flash ran down my back, I ducked as torrents swept past a fingernail's width away. Overhead a form shadowed me, struck my path in the same stroke; debris blasted up, I hadn't known when the ground felt so close.
Grime slid down my cheek, blood rushed as I pulled myself from the mud, a tree trunk-No, more like javelin had pierced the ground before me, I dared not look to what did it-- Evergreen stuck to my boots, the tender scratches of barbed thorns tore my cloak' My mind raced, 'How close?' Forest neared it's end, I had to reach Freywyn. Rotten weeds, bark snapped just tens of feet away- I pushed myself, the surroundings turned a blur as I ran down the hill's incline. Fumbling in the lining of my coat I cursed, fingers traced along a hole and subsequently not potions.
Violent chords plucked within me, ready to burst my chest pounded like a drum the rhythm gave focus. The weight, ache would come in spades the body had it's ways to make sure the toll' be met. Adrenaline pumped through me, vision swayed, blurring till I felt not mud but rock beneath my boots. The forest trail ended, as my eyes adjusted shinning light came before the barren field. The cold wind blew past, whisked between the dead brush and cracked stone pouring a dull harmony kin to voices, as my own thoughts rushed running through the open space. I could feel the vibration behind, and it no doubt saw me.
The air turned hot, humid it wasn't panic illusion. The pools of shifting water a stride away was confirmation enough, this turbulent field was a obstacle to avoid on any other day... The ground shook from below, tumbling to the creature behind, it's weight that tore boulders and trees by their roots. How would it fare? A deafening hiss, nearly cost an arm as I fell forward inches away from bubbling water. The lying gas filled my lungs, I coughed- The thickening knot in my stomach eased, I willed myself to look. Lining cracks pointed in the direction, massive a bulging cloud of steam and water burst past treetops. The stone had buckled, the creature's immense size doing it no favor.
The curdling screams were par for the course, the smell of roasting flesh filled the air. Shifting fog, made indistinguishable. I ran best keeping my pace and steps light, the geyser field's desolate expanse was one natural barrier from monster and man. The stone pathways receded as rock turned more crystalized, extreme heat bending the landscape only orange fungi growths persisted. Guiding my way just between the pools and frequent blow's of water.
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Securing on jutting roots and lining rocks, I found myself scrambling up the lying hill that surrounded the field's edge. The putrid smell, distinct like that of rotten eggs I'd come strangely custom dissipated by the almost now foreign fresh air. Weakness in my legs tried its best to abate me, I couldn't stop now-- I could still feel the tightening around my neck the oppressive nature of it's aura alone, the creature was beyond just mutation' something that big this close to Freywyn? It was senseless to risk my blood over it, "The wizard and the local militia's problem now.."
Idyllic crescent moons, lunar trinity even in day each shined bright not that I needed a guide back, too who you spoke gods lived amongst the stars. Leaving in place the moons to guide the wind and sea, to watch over all and decide the worthy and bring salvation to the unjust. Out of the mouth, from one ragged robe man to the next till they were dragged off; fervent religious faith had been abolished, since long past the mage lords made sure of it. Not that I' care, if there were gods above what use was my empty faith and body to them? Being branded and forced to work as a mule for an intangible purpose' I swayed my worry. Passing by the lying stonework, and direct road to the town ruined buildings and abandoned two story cottages, dilapidated fences all overgrown.
Insidious roots were far reaching, clutching man made structures with ease. Mother nature was fickle just like any woman, the spurring of magical anomalies and lost experiments had turned this part of the isle a maze of treacherous fauna. Only by reinforced barriers, a wizards ward and course constant burning was land safe.
Clouds had parted by now, as shadows recessed. A sprawling wall took shape, it was too big not to notice, a haven from the cold and wilds, wood palisade and cobbled brick same as it always been broad and thick. Towering against the plains and topping trees. Gleaming in the sunlight every so often guardsmen could be seen peering out, standing vigilant overlooking the scenery. I wasted no time, passing the creaking windmills and grazing livestock. The patches of grass field and dirt paths became a proper road as gravel and stone spread from the wall's gate. A large banner hung fluttering in the wind, the words seemed to beam from the sunlight inscribed "Freywyn"...
One point in time, the day sky would cast upon a beehive of people, shifting with a constant flow from the Freywyn's gates. Not that I've seen it, side the hanging pictures from the local tavern. Only a worn cart towed vagabond, some merchants donned in masks moving with eerie steps waited before me through inspection. When I approached the guard still had his eyes fixed, staring at the more revealing vagabond women, dangling chain jewelry. He was new. Not the usual scars or shifting disposition one expected. Not that I was that observant-- It was when the guard stood blocking my way, taking a gruff appearance and tone.
"Toll, five silver payment, not one foot further *stranger*." I was quite calm, the imagery of strangling this guard only crossed my mind for a brief moment. A toll? It irked me, I could still feel the creature's breath upon my neck. Why? Surely my fellow man wouldn't just willingly open heir arms to me. I knew such, I'm no fool to it. Still my eyes begged another scene. The toll was reserved for wanderers only. Anything not nailed down was bound to be ripped from you eventually, even then you'd best be on the lookout for a jackass with a prybar.
With a sign I leaned back slightly, placing the box down "Get coin from the next lot, I have my license here..."
Pulling out my card, I handed it to the guard whose perplexed look and raised eyebrow struck me. Then I too saw it, he could read just the card itself was faded' I inwardly cursed the humidity and heat must've damaged it. "Anieel?" The guard mumbled, "Asriel." I spoke, faded or not I could tell my mispronounced name, the locals here had trouble with it. I let a half smile slip, we stared briefly. "Go, I'm taking the card a reminder to get it replaced scavenger."
Actions betrayed thought, no matter how I disliked it. Strong ate the weak, taking back was theft 'reacquiring' my own property from an enforcer meant an exclusive vacation behind bars. The line dwindled, I neared Freywyn's gate the wagon and group infront stopped. Galloping came out ahead, a man robed in dark blue let off their horse in moments their golden eyes scanned the crowd till me, piercing past lingering at the black box I held.
Shit.
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