Dark Wood: Legends of the Guardians Read online

  Aryaunna’s hand reached out to touch the bridge of her nose. “What do you think, Sita? Shall we be friends?” The horse’s ear twitched forward as her head bobbed. She seemed to be in agreement. Aryaunna walked forward, to round herself to the side of the horse. “How about we go for a ride? Give it a shot, huh?”

  Aryaunna grabbed a strong hold on the mare’s mane at the base of her withers. She was surprised when the horse kneeled its front legs down accommodatingly. “Thank you, Sita.” Aryaunna leaned against the mare’s back, sliding her legs around until she was mounted. Sita rose up steadily and without waiting for direction she began to walk briskly through the field.

  Aryaunna laughed out for the sheer joy of it. She was riding a wild horse, bareback through a valley filled with Guardian magic. The impossibility of it was astounding. It wasn’t long before the brisk walk by hooved legs became the long strides of an easy gallop.

  She’d ridden bareback before but never rode quickly while doing so. It was exhilarating if not just a bit frightening. Sita’s legs moved like water, fluidly running through the grain with long strides. Another horse came in beside them which encouraged Sita to run faster. This was their play. Aryaunna leaned forward against the horse’s neck. Her hands wove into Sita’s mane with steady grips. Together they raced a young stallion and before long two other mares had joined them.

  They rode together until they all grew winded. Sita returned to an easy trot through the tall grass plane. “Well, Sita, what do you say? Shall we be friends? Would you choose to stay with me?” Aryaunna rubbed soothingly against the horse’s back. The horse was warm from their brisk run.

  For answer, Sita continued her easy trot, rounding the valley towards the base of Dia. Sita seemed to have no qualms being so close to a Dragon, which astonished Aryaunna in truth. She continued up the shallow slope of the base of the mountain to where Reign had sat for the past couple of hours watching. The sun was falling lower in the sky. In a few hours it would be full dark.

  “You’ve chosen well, my friend. She’ll be good to you, as I trust you will do right by her.” Reign nodded to the two.

  “Of course I will,” Aryaunna started.

  “I wasn’t talking to you, Ary.” Reign’s scaled lips curled up in a grin that would frighten many she thought. “I have known Sita for as many seasons as she’s seen. She is spirited, but loyal. You will be a good match.”

  Aryaunna dismounted slowly, cautious as she dropped her feet to the rocky surface. The odd trio took their time walking around the base of the mountain. Though Sita and Reign were agile creatures, they knew well enough not to underestimate Dia’s dangers. Reign and Aryaunna talked of what training she would need, and when she would come back to see Reign as they stood at the base of the mountain, nearest to the Dark Wood.

  “It feels as if I’ve only just found you. There is so much left I wish we could talk about. So much left you have to teach me. I find it strangely difficult to leave,” she confessed to Reign.

  “You have much to tend to. The Drow will be your teachers in ways that I cannot. I shall be here whenever you need me. Together we will progress your power.” Her brow arched as she looked away from him towards the woodland that awaited her. “You have no reason to fear the woods. The Dark Wood will not be of consequence again for you.”

  “Why, because I’ve proven myself?” she asked doubtfully.

  “Because you defeated it. It will recognize you now. And with your magic, it can even be brought to your aid if you beckon. I don’t suppose your Drow friends ever told you that no human had ever survived the Dark Wood before?” Reign looked smug, if a Dragon could ever be said to show such an expression.

  “No. I don’t recall them telling me that much.” Shaking her head in grim amusement she looked at the wood. Its sight before had been daunting. It was true that she felt no such emotion as she looked upon it now.

  “Good. That was wise of them. Doubt is a crippling disease, don’t you agree?”

  “Indeed.”

  “Your Sita will see you through the wood quickly. Your journey will take no time at all.” She looked at him, disbelieving. “The wild horses of Dia are creatures of magic… just the same as you and I are.”

  “Then I am truly lucky to have her, as lucky as I am to have a friend like you at my side.” Aryaunna smiled kindly, truly happy to say she had them both. She knew how to be grateful in life for all good things, especially when such few good things had crossed her path before. “I suppose it is too selfish to ask you to return with me?”

  “My place right now is here. But when you need me… I will hear your call. However, when you are under the light of the moon, we will have the greatest connection,” he said this with significance. The Emissary was tightly bound to the Guardians of course, but to a living breathing Dragon she would be truly connected-and Reign was indeed the last of his kind.

  Grabbing Sita’s mane, and bracing her other hand against the mare’s back, Aryaunna mounted her swiftly. “Until we meet again, Ary.” Reign bowed his head to her as the horse snorted and gave a soft whinny of eagerness.

  Soothingly, Aryaunna rubbed Sita’s strong neck. A soft, nearly sad smile was returned to Reign as she bowed her head to him, pressing her boots gently against the mare’s side. Sita needed no more encouragement, taking off at an easy gallop without hesitation into the Dark Wood.

  As Reign had promised Aryaunna had no trouble within the forest. She heard no voices, and felt no daunting fear. Sita would only slow for terrain that was difficult to maneuver in the snow covered wood.

  It seemed like only a couple of hours had passed before Sita was clearing through the trees into the Hollow. Steam rose from the mare’s nostrils as she slowed to a light trot. Aryaunna never would’ve imagined she’d be so easy to ride. Sita seemed to sense the direction Aryaunna wished of her, and needed barely a tug on her mane to guide her.

  They slowed to a walk as they made way through the earthen streets. “Aryaunna!” a voice called from behind. A light pull of the horse’s mane turned her around. Lena was walking closer. Anxious eyes of many Drow watched Aryaunna closely. It was a strange sensation. Sita could feel it, too, and had grown more tense for it.

  “Lena,” Aryaunna greeted as she leaned forward, rubbing the mare’s neck soothingly. “Easy, Sita. We’re safe here, my friend.” Leaning her weight to her left, Aryaunna dismounted slowly, easing her right leg over as she did so.

  Keeping a hand on Sita’s shoulder, Aryaunna turned to Lena. “How is Elizabeth? Has she woken?”

  Lena stepped closer to Sita, gently raising a hand to the soft spot on the horse’s muzzle. “Magnificent,” Lena breathed, running a hand up to the bangs of Sita’s mane. Sita gave a soft snort in form of acknowledgment, as if to say she knew that she was. Disregarding Aryaunna’s question she called to a young boy.

  He was only a child to Aryaunna’s eyes, but that meant little for his actual age. Though the boy appeared to be maybe nine, he could easily be in his fifties. Aryaunna hadn’t the slightest idea.

  His skin was dark grey, his hair fairer but just. Though the Drow were a naturally slim people, this boy had a childish roundness to his face. “Veyn, see this horse is well cared for. Ask Dyxin for scraps from the kitchen. She is in need of a good meal.”

  The boy nodded but refused to look at Lena or Aryaunna. His tender hands held under the horse’s chin and guided her away. Sita followed easily enough, though snorted in his hair, nudging the boy’s head as they walked. He laughed in play and tickled her chin back. Though concerned for Elizabeth, it was impossible not to smile at the two.

  “Come with me, Aryaunna,” Lena called for her attention. The beautiful warrior Drow, dressed in simple yet beautiful white tunic and closely fit trousers covered from the knee down from fine black boots, had turned away and was walking back to the small hut that belonged to Mayla. There were small buildings and shelters throughout, but Aryaunna had little more chance than to glance their way. She followed Lena, tryi
ng to keep her eyes open to all that was around her as they walked the short way.

  It felt ominous that Lena had not responded to her questions about Elizabeth. Aryaunna grew tense. For lack of anything constructive to do with her hands, she held them against her belt. One gripped her knife, the other hung on the strap around her shoulders holding the empty bota.

  Lena opened the door to Mayla’s and stood aside for Aryaunna to enter. Korena was inside standing by a shelf that stretched high above her reach. A basket hung on her arm as she reached on her toes for a bottle. Aryaunna came up behind her, stretched and pointed. “That one! Yes!” Korena exclaimed as Aryaunna handed it down to the girl. “Can you get the green one, too? The one above it.” Obligingly she got it down and laughed at the girl’s heavy sigh of relief. “Thank you.” She tucked both bottles into her basket and went on about her business gathering the other things she needed.

  Aryaunna wanted to ask about Elizabeth, but before she could, the door to the staircase opened and Elizabeth stepped through. Relief washed over her, nearly causing her to collapse to the floor. “Ary!” Elizabeth called happily, forgetting her task she ran to her sister. The two grabbed hold of one another in a tight embrace. “Thank the stars you’re back.”

  “How are you? Are you well? Is your ankle better?” Aryaunna drilled her with questions as she pulled back to look over her sister nervously. She seemed to be walking much better at least.

  “Of course I am. With great thanks to you I am told.” Lovingly, her hand held to Aryaunna’s cheek. “It’s so good to see you back safely. When Allos told me where you had gone it took all the strength within me to keep from going after you.” They hugged again. To be apart had been painful for them both.

  Few times had seen them separated in life for more than a few hours for chores. The times that had been longer had been such horrific events that it had been ingrained in both women to keep the other close. “I’m very well,” Aryaunna assured. “You won’t believe what all has happened. I met a Dragon,” she whispered excitedly. “His name is Reign. He’s more incredible than we ever could have imagined. I have a horse now, too! Her name is Sita. She’s so very beautiful, you must come see her.” When Aryaunna was happy she became very enthusiastic. It was amazing she could even find time for a breath between words. It was a rare glimpse of her youth.

  “Of course!” They held hands and turned for the door just before Elizabeth’s common sense reclaimed her. “Oh but I cannot. Not yet. I am helping Mayla with a young man, Ballos is his name. He was hurt while hunting. I came up to help Korena with the supplies.”

  They looked back to the girl who was climbing a cupboard to get the bowl she desired. “Korena!” Elizabeth lectured as she hurried to the girl’s aid. “You can ask you know.”

  “It’s not like I haven’t done it a thousand times before.” Elizabeth pulled her down as Aryaunna reached up for the wooden bowl. Its surface was smooth and polished. The wood grains blended like dark cherry and white oak swirled together. Korena took the bowl without a word and hurried for the open doorway to the stairs.

  “Where is Allos?” Aryaunna inquired as they followed after her.

  “Here,” the sudden voice startled Aryaunna but Elizabeth only laughed. Allos had been waiting in the open door. Aryaunna had been so excited to see Elizabeth she hadn’t even noticed him standing there.

  “He has hardly left my side for more than a moment,” Elizabeth explained. Aryaunna hadn’t missed the subtle flush of her cheeks.

  “Good. Thank you, Allos. Truly. Knowing Elizabeth was safe here with you kept me strong… In more ways than you could know.” The memory of hearing Elizabeth’s voice, calling out in pain and fear was not easily forgotten. Being able to believe Allos’ word that he’d protect her helped her keep going. Aryaunna came to stand before Allos and spoke low, “I will not forget this favor.”

  He said nothing, only nodding deeply in response. “Excuse me,” Korena said almost shyly. “Mayla needs us now.” The two were blocking her path, and she was heavily burdened with a basket full of supplies.

  Aryaunna took hold of the basket’s braided handle and relieved the girl of her load as she stepped aside for her to move ahead. “Lead the way, Korena.”

  As Aryaunna followed Korena down the stairs, she heard her sister’s words. “You should go eat something, and rest. I won’t be your burden now that my sister has returned.”

  “You’re no burden, Elizabeth,” he sounded surprised she would say such a thing. Elizabeth’s lips pressed together into a tight line. She didn’t know what to say. He paused a moment to consider something. “Korena will be busy attending to Ballos, and Mayla will need to speak with your sister. I wonder if perhaps you might assist me for a short time? I do have some things to attend to in the village elsewhere.”

  “Of course. However I can help.” Feeling she sounded too eager she thought to say more. “And it would be good to meet more of the people here.”

  Metal clanged loudly, scraping in ear cringing screeches. Aryaunna grit her teeth as she braced against him. He was so much stronger than her. How could she ever defeat him? The blade of his sword was an inch from her face, held so tight against her own sword. A second blade was flat against her stomach, X crossed against her second. His hot breath washed over her face as he loomed above her. “You look weak,” he mocked. “Getting tired so soon? Whatever will you do when your arm slips and my blade touches your thin flesh?”

  He got what he wanted. His mockery angered her and she reacted from it. Her knee shot up hard against his inner thigh which caused him to flinch back. As he stumbled she threw her weight forward, pitching him back. They were in the same position but now she had the advantage as she propelled herself, and thus him, forward until his back hit a wall.

  His height and weight was well past her own and it gave him the advantage. Her knee would bruise him and it may even have hurt but now he showed no sign of that. With his back braced against the wall, Allos shoved her backward. Their swords sounded in a shing as metal slid past metal. Aryaunna was flat on her back, swords still in hand at least this time though one of his was aimed for her chest, the other held higher as a back guard in the same stance he’d shown her a hundred times before “Are you done?” he asked her coolly.

  She had a split second to respond. Though winded she brought her right sword hard into his as she rolled up to her feet, barely level with his knees. She parried with her left sword against his as she rolled her body so close to his that his swords would be of little use as she threw her shoulder into his legs. It brought him down.

  As he fell, she pushed against him to bring her back to her feet as he went down. Dropping one sword, his free hand grabbed for her ankle while his armed fist rose back above his head. Both her swords came down to meet with his in the middle, locking his motion. “Stop worrying you’ll hurt me, Aryaunna. You see the way out, now take it!”

  She yelled as she brought her foot down on his gut. He balled up and released her ankle. As she scrambled back he rolled onto his side. “Uhh,” he groaned. “That’s better. Next time go for the sternum.” His fist pounded the center of his chest. “Crack the ribs, maybe splinter the heart. From there the kill will be swift.”

  Panting, Aryaunna sheathed her left sword as she walked over to him and offered him her hand. “I have no intention of killing you. You do realize that I hope.”

  With a bitter laugh he took her hand and stood to his feet. The next second the tip of his blade was pressed into her neck. “Aren’t you lucky I feel the same about you?” He grinned.

  “You’re a horse’s ass.” Aryaunna glared up at him.

  “And you are sweet as mule muck.” He pulled back with a chuckle as they stepped off for a break.

  They’d been in the Hollow a few months. Aryaunna started training days after she arrived. She’d needed the time to regain her strength. For the first time in years she was able to eat as she wanted which was thankful as she was always hungry.

>   “You two are as horrifying as you are childish,” Elizabeth scorned as she filled two wooden cups from a pitcher. Aryaunna and Allos sheathed their swords at nearly the same instant as they approached Elizabeth. Allos swooped down and grabbed the hilt of his discarded blade, sheathing it at his side.

  “You’re the one that insists on watching, you know,” Aryaunna kindly reminded as she gratefully took the cup, drinking deeply.

  Allos said nothing but fought a smile as he nodded his gratitude. His eyes held Elizabeth’s for a moment before he turned away and drank. “Yes, dear sister, I watch on in horror waiting to treat one of you for what I can only pray isn’t a fatal wound.” She tried to sound brash but it came out almost flustered instead.

  “I know. And we’re ever grateful you care so.” Aryaunna laid a wet kiss onto Elizabeth’s cheek. She scoffed in mock disgust as she wiped the side of her face dry with the sleeve of her dress.

  They were in an underground arena that was far larger than anything the two women had ever expected to find in the Hollow. They’d learned in the past couple of months the Hollow held many surprises, though.

  “My thanks to you,” Allos side stepped to place his cup down on the bench.

  “Of course. Would you like some more?” Her hand reached for his cup, but as they touched they stepped away from one another automatically. Aryaunna’s brow rose but she hid it quickly.

  “No. And no more for you either, Aryaunna. We’re not done yet. Too much will make you ill, and slow you down.” He gave her a stern look as she drank deeply.

  Her brow furrowed into a pout as she relinquished her water to Elizabeth. “Very well.”

  “Elizabeth,” Allos called for her attention. “It is good of you to worry, but I do hope you know that I would never intentionally cause her harm.”

  “I know…” her voice softened. “Must you really always work with the swords though?” She grimaced at the weapons on the wall. “Maybe the staffs instead?”