Chapter 2 – Part 2

This was my very first time, seeing Amber Light from a distance. It had huge limestone walls around the main town; while outside of the walls were multiple scat-folds with construction workers scattered about.

Ten minutes have passed since leaving the east gate, when we finally made it to the city limits. Upon exiting, we noticed that a second limestone wall was being constructed, isolating the new section of the city.

While galloping away, I asked Sam, “Is it really necessary to have a second wall?”

“Not really, but having it here, gives a good sense of security.”

“But it must cost a fortune though, to log around those blocks. I don’t see why they would do that.”

“I don’t know the details, but it is a bit expensive, but the mayor can still afford it. Mainly because the feudal lord is being funded by the crown, in an attempt to develop this place into a satellite city.”

“A satellite city? Is it close to the main city then?”

Holding his chin, Sam said, “Four days by carriage and two by horse. The place is further north and it’s called Twilight Apatite, named after its apatite mine. Same with how, Amber Light is name after its amber mine.”

“Pretty straight forward, for a name. Who came up with it?”

“I don’t know that much, but I can guess the queen. When considering the rumors, they say she’ll kill anyone over a pretty stone.”

Briefly being shocked, I said, “Seriously?”

“Like I said, I don’t know. It could be that someone under the king was piss drunk and just came up with it on the spot. Doesn’t really matter much to me though. I get paid either way.”

Thinking for a moment, I asked, “I can’t see the reason to spend so much money, developing this place, just for some pretty rocks. There must be something else?”

Grinning then shrugging on his horse, Sam replied, “There’s a bunch of underground caverns in the area. In more than a dozen of tunnels below us, they’re mining deposits of magicite ore.”

“Magicite? What is that?”

“Don’t know much, Dustin. All I heard is, it’s used in research related to magic, and the royal guards have weapons made out of it. Apparently it’s a good conductor of magic, found naturally in the environment.”

“That’s rather unusual for a rock. Maybe I should go find some later and take it to Max or maybe Cecilia and see what they can do with it.”

Giving me a laugh, Sam retorted, “It’s illegal to personally own anything made out of magicite, but if they don’t find out, no harm done.”

“That just make me want it more Sam. Must be some secret they’re hiding if there willing to throw so much money, into Amber Light.”

“Maybe so.”, Sam replied, forcing his horse into a dash, “Let’s hurry up, so we don’t arrive before night fall.”

“Agreed.”

Cutting our conversation short, I followed Sam, as we dashed farther away from the city and came swiftly across the intersection. Taking the road south from here, should get us to our destination.

Eventually the scenery changed from being plains, to being a forest. Slowing our horses to a gallop, we quietly followed the trail leading into the woods.

“Dustin, be careful out here in the woods. I heard from some mercenaries, that giant spiders roam somewhere around here.”

“I heard about that too, from the inn I’m staying at. Apparently there are quick black ones, and red colored ones, who can spit venom into your eyes if you’re not careful.”

Turning serious, Sam said, “Dually noted. Let’s be cautious then. Holler if you catch anything suspicious.”

“Right back at you.” I said.

Slowly we proceeded down the path, noticing some areas burnt down. Judging from the warm coals left over, it must have been from the brigade that passed through. Quickening our pace, we came across more burnt places, and started to notice multiple spider threads starting to appear in the area.

“I’m not liking, how this looks Sam.”

Waiting for a reply, I turned my head and met Sam’s glance.

Speaking quietly he replied, “Me too. Look over here. There is a few corpses.”

Following his drawn sword, I saw a few spider caucuses lying on the ground. Looking at the multiple wounds, they must have ran into a few soldiers around here.

“Is this the reason, they took the east gate, instead of the southern one?” I asked.

“Looks like it. The mayor must be trying to kill two birds with one stone.”

Hearing this, I slowly draw my sword, just in case.

Speeding up to a quick trot on our horses, Sam and I began discussing, about how to avoid the spiders nested here; until we came to the middle of the woods, and found a burnt down clearing.

From one side to another, the clearing was over two hundred meters across. While looking at the ground, we saw multiple charred bodies scattered around.

Looking at me, Sam nervously said, “When I agreed to be your escort, I wasn’t planning on walking into a fucking spider nest like this.”

Wearily, I said, “I never expected them to go out and cull the monsters around here, to begin with. I just assumed, they would just charge straight towards the horde farther south.”

“Well Dustin, you short of assumed wrong…” Sam said, before cutting himself off.

Noticing him becoming quiet, I looked around slightly startled. All around us, ash mounds were shaking and then something came out from underground, sensing that we were here.

Continuing, Sam retorted, “Just my fucking luck. Trapdoor spiders. I really hit the jackpot today. I should just call it a day, instead of chasing some tail….”

Slightly chuckling from his remark, I jumped down from my horse.

“Sam I only see around seven spiders. Luckily they’re all black.”

“Good. I’ll take on three of them then.”

“What? Why do I have to take on four?”

“Hey, you’re the one who drag me into this.”

“If I remember correctly, you pretty much volunteered yourself, trying to get out of guard duty.”

Slightly mumbling to himself, he replied, “I saw your duel with the captain. You’re a better fighter than me, okay.”

Taking that as a compliment, I gave him a nervous grin, “Thanks, maybe I should help you out then.”

Nodding slightly, Sam got off of his horse, and took a stance with a sword and shield in hand.

“Just be careful Dustin. Back off if you need a quick break. I’ll bash them with my shield for you.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. They’ve finally made it to the surface.”

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Looking around in the burnt field, seven black creatures arose from the ashes, and gathered to form a pack.

Gradually, they walked in unionism with their gigantic legs, silently approaching us.

Once they were within ten feet of us, they stopped and looked at me.

Gulping I realized something was up. Noticing saliva dripping from their mandibles, I shivered for a bit.

They must think I’m an easier target. I’m not wearing full-plate armor like Sam.

Then one spider pointed at me and made squeaking noises, while the others gave a nod.

These fucking, three feet long spiders.... I’m lean and fit. Do I really look that tasty?

Taking a brief breath, I held my bastard sword with both hands, taking a defensive stance.

Seeing that I wasn’t moving, they must have thought I was frighten and was shocked still. However, I was just waiting, ready to counter anything they throw at me.

Eventually, one of them couldn’t stand their hunger any longer, and hurled itself at me.

Seeing the tiny red eyes preying on me, I swiftly dodged to the side, slashing where I was.

With a hiss, the spider jump over my swing before landing next to Sam. However, Sam managed to strike it down, penetrating his sword straight through its gut and into the ground.

“You’re pretty damn unlucky Dustin. They’re looking at you like a butchered pig.” chuckled Sam.

“Hahaha, very funny. Maybe I should throw a couple more spiders at you then.”

“I’d rather you not.” he whimpered.

Noticing, one of their comrades had abruptly died, they decisively scattered, with four aiming at me, while the last two went after Sam.

Great why do I still get four of them?

Coming back to reality, I noticed them shuffling towards me attempting to corner me from all four side.

Within seconds, they decided to charge. Once they were close enough, they reared up their front legs, leaping towards me, trying to stab right through my gut.

Making a split second decision, I charged to the one to my left; until I was within a few inches from the spider’s claws. Before it could kill me, I slid on the ground raising my blade, managing to shred four of its legs off.

Without stopping, I got back to my feet and ran. While looking back, I saw the other three chasing after me.

Slowly they grew closer and closer, until two of them lunged towards my back. In reaction, I abruptly stopped, turned around and slashed into the air, feeling two distinct crunches. Then I jumped back, dodging the third spider, where I noticed two split carcasses laying on the ground.

Suddenly the last spider stopped its pursuit and eyed me carefully. With a hiss, it slowly circled me looking for an opening in my defense.

Huffing for a bit, I gritted my teeth, feeling my old wounds opening up again. Feeling a throbbing growing stronger in my shoulder, I looked for Sam, seeing that he had only one foe left too.

“Sam, cover me for a bit.” I yelled out.

Giving me a brief nod, he slowly made his way to me, as I slowly walked to him.

Finally being back to back, he asked, “What wrong Dustin?”

Squeezing out an answer, I replied, “Just a few injuries reopened. I just need a breather, so keep them off me for a minute.”

Giving a bright smile, Sam raised his shield, bashing his sword hilt against it, managing to draw their attention.

While looking at Sam, with all of their thirty six eyes, they reared their front legs up.

Swiftly, they both slashed there appendages towards him, having their claws screeching off of the metal shield. Taking the initiative to counter attack, Sam abruptly bashed his shield into both of their faces.

Slightly dazed and trying to fall back, allowed Sam to make a quick sprint towards one of them, plunging his sword into its horrifying maw.

Ripping his blade out of its skull, he silently observed the last spider.

Gazing at its last brethren being slayed, the monster briskly turned around and accurately shot out silk, towards Sam.

Luckily, Sam read this beforehand and moved his shield into its trajectory. With sticky web on his shield, he abandoned it and threw his sword at his last opponent.

With a screech, it fell to the floor with a sword sticking out of its abdomen.

Checking to make sure it didn’t move, Sam gave a victory pose, while casually walking over to the body. Suddenly, behind him, the ground began to shake, as a red figure clawed its way out of the ground.

Gazing at it, I suddenly sprinted over to Sam, tackling him to the ground.

With both of us rolling on the ground, I heard a whistling sound. Looking back up, we then saw corrosive spit splattering on the dead spider, eating away at its flesh.

Taking a risky gamble, I hurled my sword, watching as it arced in the sky, before ripping through the beast.

Without a single sound, it fell to the forest floor with a thud.

Looking at what just happened in shock, Sam gave a blank look.

Sheepishly he said, “Thanks Dustin. Those bastards must have planned this from the start.”

“It’s no problem. It’s the least I should do, after dragging you here.”

Brushing ourselves off, we bee-lined it back to our horses.

“Let’s get the hell out of here quick!” Sam said.

“Don’t have to tell me twice.”

Quickly, we galloped out of the spider nest and made it back onto the trail.

The further we got from the nest, the fewer webs appeared, and soon the forest turned normal once again.

After an hour of galloping through the woods, we finally made it out back onto the plains.

“I never want to go inside those woods ever again.”

After agreeing with Sam I eventually said, “Its midday, we should hurry a bit.”

“Won’t argue with that. I can’t wait to see Farris. You think she would be interested in partnering up with me?” asked Sam.

“Don’t ask me. I never had a girlfriend before. But, if you tell her how you risked your life to come see her, maybe she might become interest.” I replied shrugging.

Hugging himself, he said, “Thanks lil bro. I definitely will make her happy.”

Being grossed out for a bit I gave a strained smile.

“Why are you being so creepy now Sam? Back in the woods, you were, kind of cool and brave. What happened to that Sam?”

“Silly Dustin. Love does strange things to men. It was love at first sight, when I saw her in front of Max’s.”

“Well I hope you won’t think twice when you actually get to know her. She can be a bit devilish at times.”

“It doesn’t matter. She will change for me. I just know it.”

“Right….”

After listening to him talking about future plans he has for Farris and me, we continued down the dirt road, making our way to the camp.

Two hours later, dusk was swiftly approaching and in the distance we could see smoke rising.

“You see that Sam?”

“See what?”

“The smoke. It’s coming from over there.” I said, pointing to the south east.

“Oh I see it now. You think they already encountered the enemy there?”

“Don’t know. Let’s hurry and find out Sam.”

Forcing our horses into a sprint, we quickly approached our destination.

The closer we got to the area, the more pronounced the smell of ash filled the air. All around us, we started to hear the clanging of weapons and roars of beast.

Finally, we made it, coming across the campsite with hundreds of tents and a makeshift wall and moat surrounding the place.

“Dustin, you see over there? Past the camp and on top of the hill?”

“Yeah, I see it.”

Looking over, there was thousands of monsters of all types facing a brigade of soldiers. In the sky over the battlefield, we were able to make out streaks of red and blue, as they exploded into swarms of enemies.

“Where do you think she is right now?” asked Sam.

“I don’t know, but I would guess, likely inside of the camp.”

Thinking for a moment, he said, “I should probably lead then. The soldiers stationed inside should recognize my uniform.”

After gesturing him to lead on, we swiftly ran down hill, and came across a wooden bridge leading into the fort. After passing a few sentries stationed around the perimeter, Sam got us in without a problem.

Looking around inside the camp, multiple white tents were scattered about and very few guards had stayed back.

Most of the soldiers should be on the battlefield already.

“You know where she might be at?” I asked Sam.

“Yeah. They keep the medical personal inside of a tent with a red cross. Just prepare yourself lad. You might see some gruesome things inside of the tent.”

“Don’t worry too much. I can take care of myself. Let’s hurry.”

In five minutes, we spotted the tent we were looking for. Seeing multiple injured people entering the tent, we closely followed them in. Once inside, I looked to the side, and saw a tons of dead bodies, all piled up to one side of the tent. Then on the stretches, where I heard screaming and moaning, were men grasping at their missing limbs.

Pushing those images out of my mind, I looked around and didn’t see Farris anywhere. However, I noticed an older gentleman coming up to us.

“You guys don’t look like you came with the army. What are you here for?”

Speaking up for the both of us, I replied, “I’m Dustin and I was looking for Farris. Do you know where she might be?”

“Farris you say? Dustin…. Oh you’re that boy who came into my infirmary a day back.”

“Your infirmary?”

“Ah yes. My name is Peter and I run the clinic in Amber Light.”

***