BlackThorn's Doom by Dewayne M Kunkel Page A

land was higher, a dense tangle of sinister looking trees blanketing the earth. They were sickly looking, with pale yellow leaves and twisted trunks whose bark hung in tattered sheets. Where the forest touched the mountain’s base the trees were swathed in a thick fog. Their limbs without leaves, swaying over dead trunks bleached white as bone.
    As Casius gazed into the gloom a feeling of despair and helplessness came upon him. “So this is where evil dwells.” He said to himself.
    Marcos who was standing nearby looked up from his examination of the path ahead. “This is only a manifestation of evil Casius.” He said softly. “Evil shares its home with good. Look only into the hearts of men, there you will find the seeds of both.”
    Casius placed his hand upon Aethir’s hilt. The blades hum was barely discernable. Since passing over the Vurgwall the blade had grown Quiescent. As if it sensed their need for stealth.
    Casius looked down the Vurgwall at his feet. The stone fell away in a sheer drop of several hundred feet before flaring out into a gentle slope of jumbled rock that bordered the fiery plain below. A narrow ledge marred the rock face, sloping downward towards the northeast.
    He was not looking forward to the next leg of their journey, even if they survived the descent they still had to cross the plain and somehow enter the flaming heart of the volcano below, and defeat Sur’kar within his seat of power.
    Taking a deep breath to settle his nerves he hoisted the pack upon his shoulders. The lightness of it bothered him. Their supplies were running low, should they succeed in their mission it was going to be a long hungry walk back to friendlier lands.
    Yoladt looked out over the dark land and paused at the ledge. He looked uncomfortable and less sure of himself, the seeds of doubt clouding his judgment for the first time since leaving the lands of the Mahjie.
    “I have led you thus far.” He said turning to look at each of them in turn. “With knowledge passed down among my people for countless generations. I must now confess that I know little of what yet stands before us.” His eyes darted to the distant volcano. “No Mahjie has ever ventured further than where we now stand.”
    “Yoladt,” Casius said. “You have guided us well thus far. I for one am confident that you will see us safely to the land below.” A quick glance to either side showed him that his companions agreed.
    Yoladt’s face relaxed, “Then we must move cautiously. Once upon the ledge we will be exposed. Ensure that no metal is left uncovered, one reflection and we are done for. Wrap your Morne cloaks tight about you and try to stay against the rock face.” He nodded to the plain below. “There is one choice to be made before we descend. Do we strive to cross the burning plain or swing north east and use the cover of the forest?”
    “Which is safer?” Connell asked not liking either choice lying before them.
    “Both are dangerous.” Yoladt replied. “The Muel’Don is filled with poisonous clouds and the rock is thin and may rupture underfoot casting us into pits of molten rock. As to what lies within the wood none truly know.”
    “Sounds pleasant.” Connell muttered studying the way before them. “Swords and skill are of little use against gas and molten stone. The forest may be unknown but its dangers have not killed the trees. It is by that route I would venture.”
    Suni nodded. “Connell has spoken my thoughts as well.”
    Marcos looked to Casius. “As the sword bearer it is your decision to make.”
    Casius stared for a few moments at the plain and the woodland beyond. “Under the cover of the wood.” He said.
    “By Havoc’Mor then.” Yoladt said recalling the name from tales told to him as a child.
    “It’s either hot coals or boiling water.” Connell said with a grin.
    “It is always so.” Yoladt said stepping down onto the ledge. “Mind your footing.” He warned them as he started down along