Chapter 266: In The Dark Woods

Chapter 266: In The Dark Woods

Veronica Sientia led her friends through the woodland outskirts of Undergrowth in the cover of the trees. Even though it was already past midnight the visiting crowds of commoners and aristocrats alike were still partying and roaming the streets of the city. House Thorn had been forced to station hundreds of guards throughout the citys market and tavern districts to keep the peace. A fact that had not gone unnoticed by Veronica.

Are you sure about all of this? Damian asked her.

Relax, most of the guards are back in the city, Veronica patted his arm. There are only a dozen guards patrolling the Sunken Temple at best. It shouldnt be difficult to sneak past them, especially with an expert Parvus ranger with us, she winked.

Damian smiled at the compliment, but as he glanced behind, he spotted Stryg and Plum following a dozen feet behind them.

Why did you have to bring him? Damian scowled. Hes our enemy and we all know it.

Yeah, this is dangerous, Veronica, Heather said. That Hollow Shader could turn on us at any second. Plus, if we get caught by the temples guards Lady Thorn would be furious.

Aw, come on you two, where is your sense of adventure? Veronica grinned. My dad is hiding something in that temple that even Lady Thorn is dying to find out. Dont you want to know what all the fuss is about?

Its not worth Lady Thorns wrath, Heather shivered.

Agreed, Damian nodded. We should just go back.

Whats Lady Thorn going to do? Veronica asked. Worst case scenario the guards catch us and we, the citys tourney competitors and First Challenge victors, are going to be sent to Lady Thorn for what? I mean, really, what is she going to do? Scold her sons friends?

She could do a lot more than that and you know it, Damian swallowed.

Yes, but not to us, Veronica said. We are representing Undergrowth. Our success is the citys success, House Thorns success. We have protection now.

Hmm.. maybe, Heather rubbed her chin.

But what about him? Damian pointed his thumb over his shoulder at Stryg.

That again? Veronica groaned. Hes one guy. On the off chance he does try to betray us, I think we can handle a single Hollow Shade mage.

Their team did seem pretty weak, Heather muttered.

You know, when you put it like that, I wouldnt mind if he did try to do something, Damian smiled smugly.

~~~

Little moonlight filtered through the trees, but the fluorescent lights lit the canopy with a soft glow of soft pinks, greens, and blues. As their group grew closer to Shadow Lake the trees grew sparse and there was hardly a flicker of fluorescent light to be found. The dark cover of night finally began to wrap around them.

Stryg preferred it this way. The others had a difficult time navigating in the dark, but he had no such qualms. He could easily see the backs of the three Undergrowth mages walking ahead of him.

It seemed easier to eavesdrop on their conversation than to figure out the right thing to say to the estranged drow walking next to him. Plum had hardly spoken a word since he had snuck out from his tavern and met up with their group at the citys outskirts.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Plum had seemed peeved all night and he honestly didnt know what to say that could make things better between them. If that was even possible.

Stryg spotted a tree root sticking out from the ground a few paces in front of Plum. Watch your step, he whispered and hoped it was the right thing to say.

Huh? Plum looked up and walked right into the root. She tripped and stumbled, but managed not to fall.

And that was clearly not the right thing to say, Stryg winced.

Plum cursed under her breath and adjusted her glasses, I cant see shit.

Sorry, he said.

Thats what you apologize for? she said indignantly.

Um, yes?

Whatever, she shook her head and kept walking.

As usual, Lynn carried a massive sword on her back and walked with all the grace of an elephant. Cordelia wanted to ask what had possessed Kalliste to allow Lynn to come along on a stealth mission, but she held her tongue.

Instead, Cordelia said, Yeah, but why are we here? If all were going to do is tail Calexs lackeys then why didnt we just let Nalla do it. We could have stayed back in the city and kept Kalliste safe in case anything happened.

Kalliste will be fine, Lynn smiled. Ive known her since we were children, she can handle herself, even against a Thorn.

True, but the dwarf is right, Lynn, Nalla said. You two should go back, I can handle this on my own.

I have a name you know, Cordelia glared at her.

Good for you, Nalla said calmly.

Even in the dwindling fluorescent light, Cordelia could still make out that composed blue-grey face, and those ashen eyes that seemed to look down on everyone. Cordelia really wanted to punch that stupid indifferent expression off Nallas face, but not even Kalliste had managed that yet.

Lynn nodded, If you insist, Nalla, well go back.

I do, Nalla said with a detached tone.

Cordelia swallowed her anger and nodded begrudgingly, Great.

Wait, Nalla abruptly raised her hand. She spun around and stared at the dark trees behind them, Someones coming.

I hear them too. Lynn raised her arms, shards of elemental ice grew around her fingers like claws.

Cordelia narrowed her eyes and tried her best to peer into the dark from a distance, ...I dont see anyone.

Slowly, an enormous pale figure emerged from among the trees, like a specter in the night. It stood taller than even Lynn and though a white cloak obscured its features, Cordelia felt a shiver run down her spine as the specter turned towards them.

Cordelia suddenly felt sick, she could hardly breathe. This creature wasnt like the shades she had created, this was different, this was pure dread taken form. She tried to back away, but her legs buckled underneath her.

Cordelia! Lynn yelled, terrified at the sight of the monster.

Lynn, my sword, now! Nalla shouted.

R-right! The frost giant nodded. With trembling fingers, she unbuckled the straps on her back and dropped the massive sword on the ground.

Nalla channeled brown mana into her veins. A bronze sheen of vigor magic quickly wrapped over her arms. She picked up the massive sword and unsheathed its black blade. The sword pulsed with power, eager to battle.

Nalla stepped in front of her teammates and pointed the blade at the cloaked figure. Lynn, take Cordelia and run.

Lynn shuddered and bit her lip, But-!

Thats an order! We cant stop this monster! Ill buy you time, just run! Nalla said resolutely. She took a deep breath and fell into a battle stance.

Monster? the specter muttered. A soft chuckle rumbled from beneath the pale hood. You need not fear me, Unalla.

Nallas eyes widened, dumbfounded, How did you?

The specter drew closer until it towered above the shock-still drow, You were willing to die to protect your friends. I see selfless bravery lives in your heart, indeed. Una has raised you well.

Tears formed in the corner of Nallas eyes, Y-you youre

Be proud, child. You are a worthy successor of Votum.

Nalla fell to her knees and bowed her head, Lady Holo!

...Nalla, where did it go? Cordelia whispered.

Wha? Nalla looked up.

The pale specter was gone. The three young women found themselves alone in the dark grove. Flakes of orange light floated around them and faded into dust.