The Lost Eight by Duron Crejaro (read me a book .TXT) 📕

Abruptly the tunnel ended at a rickety looking old ladder. Elris climbed quickly throwing the trapdoor open above him. Immediately rain began pelting him. Blinking water from his eyes, he lowered his hood back over his head and pulled himself out into the darkness. With his assistance, the children were helped from the tunnel. Elris quickly hid the escape hatch again. They set off at a quick pace into the woods around them, Elris' keen senses unhindered by the darkness and rain. It seemed to take forever, though Elris knew it had been only a few minutes, when they reached a thinned out grove of newer forest growth.

Waiting almost silently in the shadows of the trees stood three fully geared chestnut colored mares tethered to a small overhang. They stamped warily as the three approached, but quickly calmed recognizing Elris. "Come children." He spoke softly, helping the two into their saddles.

"So where are we going Elris?" chimed in the eldest loudly, trying to make himself heard above the crash of the storm.

"I can't tell you, but I promise that it will be somewhere you'll both be safe." his voice soft and low as he mounted as well, "Do not be afraid, I will always look after you both. Eventually all memory of this place will fade." His hands taking the reins of their mounts, giving off a light clicking noise. The three horses began to trot off into the darkness.

A cold wind blew harshly across the bare landscape. Elris ignored the biting chill across his face. He stood precariously at the ledge of a cliff, high up in the Qemara Mountains. Darkness had already descended, only a few lingering highlights of color danced about horizon. Small splotches of leftover snow littered the area, hiding within the shadows of large overhangs of jagged rock faces.

Normally Elris would not risk coming this close to her territory. His network had been active for over a decade, his eyes and ears behind enemy lines. Now though, word had come to him that she had finally consolidated her power. She was on the move again. He felt as if he had been waiting an eternity, though in reality it had been only a week now. Huddled in his cloak, daring no fire, eating cold rations. His informants had been sure it would be this week. Fighting the urge to shiver, he sincerely hoped they were wrong. Help him Renad, he hoped they were wrong.

Into the darkness he peered, as night deepened around him. His heart fell, nausea hitting him in a wave of despair. A single torch flickered to life far below him, farther than any normal man would have been able to see.

   It would not stop there he knew turning to retreat quickly. He did not wait to see; he already knew what was happening within the confines of the Great Jergan Forest. An ocean of lights had come to life behind him. A flickering mass in the darkness, like ghostly will'o'wisps. He broke off into a run, he had been given time. Was it enough Renad? He did not expect an answer, or wait for one. He just kept running. Reservation about the role he knew he was to play filling him, just as bitter as the air he gulped down as he ran. Renad be damned.

*   *   *

Morning dawned gently, an orange glow upon the land. The dry crispness of winter had yet to settle into the valleys and rolling hills before the Qemara Mountains looming ahead. Two young men sat upon their horses. The dry leaves of the fall crunching underfoot of the mounts as they trotted along a well-worn trail.

The young men looked at each other bored, morning patrols were always lacking in entertainment. One was slight in stature; medium length sandy blond hair with heavenly green eyes gazed out over a thin blond mustache. Adorned in silvery steel mail from neck to toe, he made an imposing figure, despite his height astride his dark black stallion.

The second man sat quite a few inches taller. Short well-trimmed brown hair danced lightly in the morning breeze. Intense dark brown eyes seeming to scan his surroundings constantly. His face looked younger than his companions for lack of a mustache, not that he could not have grown one. He simply chose not to sport the common feature of his Kynnorian Knight brothers. His armored form was polished and poised atop his Palomino.

"Creolis," uttered the first, almost whining. "Aren't we going to take a break soon?"

A slight shake of his head causing Creolis' hair to flutter more wildly, "I know these patrols are painful at best Julius, but remember your duty. Should we be attacked, we are the forts only early warning."

Julius scoffed loudly at this, " Please, when was the last time anyone threatened Thyrinn's borders?" Upon receiving no answer he continued, "That's what I thought," giving a brief snort "Never. Other than the occasional Wilkhurst or roving pack of Silardens, there are never any incursions or major threats. Everyone knows this post is a joke, reserved for trouble makers mostly."

"That’s not really the point is it?" Creolis stated flatly, not denying what the young man said. "Lately though, you know others have been reporting strange sightings."

This quieted Julius. It was true; many of the others had been reporting strange things. Shadows moving through the trees, unusual tracks leading towards and away from the Qemara pass. Even two knights had completely vanished several weeks back. Though, most people assumed they had deserted.

He took a moment to gaze at the mountains, something he had long since stopped doing since being stationed at Fort Konway. No one really knew what lay beyond. Traveling beyond the pass had long since been banned by the Thyrinn government, after several attempted colonies beyond had vanished mysteriously during the past one hundred years.

The rest of the patrol was uneventful, aside from Julius' horse nearly throwing him when it was startled by a large rabbit. Of course Creolis had been overwhelmed with a fit of laughter at this. After a bit, his laughter began to die down, becoming nothing more than an occasional chuckle. He swore to Julius he would not mention it to the others. It was nearing late afternoon as they neared the fort.

Fort Konway was not overly large or imposing. It was a simple stone and wood fort built up over time by its inhabitants. Thin stone walls hewn from the Qemara shale made up the bulk of its walls, standing no more than ten feet high. A thick wooden barricade of spikes lined the walls, having been ordered by a previous commander, with a deathly fear of being trampled to death. A small watchtower adorned the single gate, two fully armored knights standing at their post, watching the comings and goings of all.

They hailed loudly to the two as they approached, recognizing them at once. One pulled the crank to raise the gate, while the other nodded waving them through. As the gate closed with a dull clink behind them, they began making their way to the stables. "Wait, Creolis." a loud yell echoed from behind causing them to halt. One of the guards was leaning over the back railing of the tower, frantically waving, "The commander wants to see you in his office. I almost forgot."

Julius volunteered to stable both horses. Creolis gave a nod of thanks as he dismounted, handing the reins off to him. He shuffled off quickly, wondering what Commander Harvis could possible want. A small squat building at the center of the fort served as the commander’s quarters and office. He entered without hesitation, not even bothering with the formalities of a knock. Everyone knew everyone well enough to dispense with such pleasantries.

The office was small and simple. A few portraits adorned the wall, two simple wooden chairs and a slightly oversized desk in the center. Commander Harvis sat behind his desk, brooding over a large document rolled out before him. Another man, sat hooded, opposite the commander, not bothering to turn as Creolis entered. He ignored the man, directing his attention to the commander. He was an aging man, near his sixties probably, though no one really knew for sure, and it was not something that any of them dared ask. Everyone assumed he had been posted out here to live out his command in peace. Though no one had the nerve to ask him about the actual specifics of his reassignment, "You wanted to see me Sir?" Creolis said, giving a respectful bow.

"Yes of course. It seems that this messenger has come to deliver new orders for you,” stated Harvis matter-of-factly, "I'm still going over them, but it appears that you're being moved to the capital."

It took a few moments for the information to register. A slow look of shock spreading across his face, "But sir, I specifically requested this assignment."

"I'm well aware of that Creolis, but orders are orders. Also it seems that this man is here to personally escort you to the capital." Harvis quizzically said, motioning to the other man sitting with them as he continued to read the parchment.

The man who had remained silent up until this point stood, pulling back his hood, "Yes, I'm to personally escort you, Creolis." the man said with a bemused grin.

"Elris! What in Renad's name are you doing here?" exclaimed Creolis, quickly embracing his old friend.

"I'll explain on the way my friend. I've got two fresh horses waiting in the courtyard. We need to leave right away." A strange look passed over Elris' face as he finished, all humor and emotion fleeing from his tone.

"Well, I've just returned from patrol. Can't it wait till I've eaten and had a good nights rest?"

"No, We must leave." Abruptly he turned to leave with a nod to the commander, "I'll see you in fifteen minutes Creolis, do hurry."

Creolis was a little stunned at Elris' shortness as he quickly left. A curt nod to the commander was all he needed before departing to his quarters. Silently he brooded as he packed what little belongings he had. Wondering what seemed to have Elris so worked up. He had never seen him act so mirthless. He was always the first to laugh and carry a smile on his face.

Upon meeting Elris, he noticed the waning sunlight and the bitter chill beginning to set it. He retrieved a thick fur-lined cloak from his pack; strapping the small saddlebag to the horse Elris pointed him to. He continued to ponder the strange events as they mounted. What bothered him most was why the knighthood had sent Elris with the orders, instead of a replacement knight for his post.

He tried, rather successfully to push these thoughts from his mind. A friendly smile and wave to Julius as they departed. He was more than a little disappointed he had not been given a chance to give his friend a proper farewell, of