CHAPTER 18: DOOMSWOOD

Nassima and Norrin followed the path down the base of Hellhorn until it disappeared in the dark overgrowth of the forest. Nassima continued to act as a guide, ever vigilant against the dangers ahead. She moved in and out of the trees, on a desperate search for a sign that could lead them out of the wilds of the forest But, Norrin was hesitant after the battle with the scorpinock and Nassima knew why.

“You have to remove your bandero. That color is a beacon to the beasts that roam these woods.”

“I know. But I can’t…” Norrin hung his head. “Removing the bandero while in the field is a crime for a Chaser. It is an act of cowardice and dishonor, punishable by death.”

“I need you in one piece. You can’t be expected to fight your way through this forest out of obligation to your brotherhood,” Nassima argued.

“It’s more than that. When we complete our training, all Chasers are given a tattoo of a half skull and a unique identifier on our necks, which we cover with the bandero,” Norrin explained. “The second half of the skull is given only when we are retired, crippled, or dead. No one has ever seen my mark. I have always kept my bandero on in front of others. Keeping the bandero on at all times is a sign of courage. People respect that.”

“So, this is why you feel guilty about removing it,” Nassima responded. “I saw your time with the Chasers in your memories but did not understand the significance the tattoo and bandero carried for you. Only that you celebrated when you received it.”

“Yeah, all of my class of Chaser graduates were so excited to get our marks and colors. We had just joined a guild with a free pass to travel all of the lands, and it was sold to us as an incredible privilege and gift. It only dawned on me over the last solar, that the bandero was my entire life. A turquoise shackle around my throat. Seven solars or seventy thousand coins, that is our service. It sounded easy, but almost no one makes it the full seven without being injured or killed, and with the taxes, fees, and dues we owe, plus other expenses, hitting seventy is near impossible. But the job I was on that led me to you paid almost fifty upon completion and I have a stash of a little more than 15,000 coin saved. I was almost done…”

Norrin pulled off his bandero before he had a chance to change his mind. He folded it with care and tucked it into his pack as if it was a delicate piece of priceless treasure.

Norrin felt Nassima studying the design on his neck, and he instinctively covered it with his hand. His tattoo had not been seen before by anyone. He was ashamed that it was out in the open. However, he did not want to repeat a battle like he had with the scorpinock. He did not know what other beasts lurked in those dark woods and did not want to find out.

“Norrin, it is wise to not let your pride jeopardize your safety, “Nassima said to alleviate his worries. “Fragile men may let their ego overcome their common sense, which puts them in grave danger. Warriors know it is brave to sometimes concede defeat in a situation, in order to fight another day.”

“I know that. It just feels wrong.” Norrin replied.

“If you are worried about respect from me or others, don’t be. People respect your actions not the cloth you wear. I know the stress you are under and understand that you have to do what is best to ensure we will survive this dangerous place. Let us continue on,” Nassima reassured him.

Deeper into Doomswood they travelled with Nassima continuing to lead Norrin’s way. The two did not know how long they had been traveling, because the dense woods and thick fog blocked all light of the day. In the dim light, strange noises and stirring shadows had them both on edge. So much so, Norrin decided it would be better to dash amongst the trees, than to risk navigating the forest floor, despite the extra strain it put on his body and mind.

“Wait here and rest, I will try to see if I can a get better heading from above” a concerned Nassima said as she drifted up into the canopy of trees and fog. She could sense how exhausting the journey was for him and longed to find the exit.

Norrin perched himself above the ground, on a half-fallen tree, scanning the darkness with his heightened night vision, when he was startled by the familiar tingle of Light’s Reach giving him warning. He wondered about the reason for the alert, until a slight shift under his feet made him realize what he was standing upon. What he thought was a branch of the ancient, broken tree, in truth was a giant multi-legged insect camouflaged amongst the foliage.

Its long spindly feelers brushed against Norrin’s skin, and he pulled back in revolt. The weird organism let out a loud screech before lunging at Norrin with its circular mouth filled with razor sharp fangs. But Norrin was able to strike quicker with his powerful spear. The creature’s head exploded in a blast of lightning and sent greasy chunks of insect all over him. His stomach turned at the smell alone, and he wretched and started to vomit. But he paused from the sound of ghastly noises coming from all around him. The brief commotion from the battle with the branch creature caused the dark forest to come to life.

“We have to go!” Shouted Norrin as he dashed away from the area. Nassima, who witnessed the entire disturbing scene, reappeared before him mid-flight and set the pace for him to follow. The forest behind Norrin was filled with the sound of skittering legs, buzzing wings and various shrieks, sending shivers down his spine. Nassima tried her best to lead Norrin away from danger but could only do so much. Occasionally, a creature would pop out of its hiding spot and into his path, causing Norrin to unleash a blow from his spear. Every strike he let loose seemed to add more creatures to the pursuit.

Then in one abrupt moment, the noises dissipated and the pursuit ended. Both Norrin and Nassima stopped their flight, but neither felt safe enough to rest.

“Ugg, I still feel things crawling on me,” Norrin shuddered while brushing imagined critters from his body. Nassima ignored Norrin’s complaints and surveyed the eerie silence now filling Doomswood forest.

“Behind you!” Nassima shouted. Without hesitation Norrin flipped and twisted, avoiding the ambush from behind by a hair. He then thrust his spear out mid-air, striking his assailant in its back. When he landed, he was able to get a good look at the beast that attacked him, and his heart skipped a beat when he recognized the beast.

“Godsdamnit, a demonwolf!” He exclaimed. Demonwolves differentiated from regular wolves by their sheer size, the thickness of their necks and front shoulders, and the bat like wings that were attached to their front legs. They only used the wings for short gliding flights because the massive bulk of their bodies would not permit them to stay airborne very long. Still, they were formidable predators on land and in the sky.

“On a past mission, I was stuck on top of a five-story high tower for two days fending off attacks from a trio of these blasted things!” Norrin recalled. “I had to use a rusty metal rod and the broken stones of the tower to hold them off, until they tired and went off in search of easier prey.”

Norrin caught the look of concern on Nassima’s face as she ignored his words and stared at the woods over his shoulders. He didn’t need to turn around to know what was behind him, because demonwolves never hunt alone.
A full pack emerged from the forest, all creeping black fur, snarling teeth and glowing eyes, sensing Norrin’s fear. Without warning, one after another lunged at Norrin with unbridled fury. He struck down and drove back the first wave of attacks, but there were even more demonwolves lying in wait. They seemed to communicate with each other with their barks and low growls, and encircled Norrin’s position. All at once, they jumped in a coordinated swarm, and overwhelmed Norrin to the point he had to make several dashes to safety.

“Over here! Quick!” Nassima yelled as she pointed out an opening in their formation, which Norrin dashed to with haste. The demonwolves, undeterred by the speed Norrin moved with his dashing ability, gave pursuit without delay. The pack seemed to grow larger at every minute and stayed close on their heels. Their vicious growls and angry barks drove Norrin to move faster.

However, Norrin sensed something was different about their pursuit, because no matter how close the demonwolves came, they did not press their attack. Nassima and Norrin both could tell that they were surrounded on both sides and the rear, but the pack never moved to block their escape. Sometimes, the movement of the pack would cause Norrin to change direction, but the attack would be short lived. Norrin recognized what was happening, because he had seen Trapsmen perform the same action on the masses of lumbering Oxenhogs they pursued. Norrin and Nassima were not being hunted, they were being herded.

“Where are they leading us?” Nassima asked as she flew close by. She too sensed they were being shepherded through the dark forest. Norrin did not answer the question, for he feared the answer was obvious because, like the Oxenhogs, they were being led to the slaughter. He prepared for the ambush that, in his mind, drew closer with every step.

Suddenly, the woods gave way to a large paved circular landing, decorated with a mosaic of colorful stones. The floor was ringed by twelve large and smooth standing stones, each rising as tall as the trees of the forest. At the center of the circle stood a solitary wall, which held the same circular markings of a gateway. Norrin landed inside the circle with a roll and readied himself for what may be his final fight.

Instead of attacking, the demonwolves ended their pursuit and surrounded the area outside of the circle. They sat guarding their prey in a quiet and almost obedient manner. Norrin and Nassima stayed on edge, even though they were surprised to have a moment of reprieve. In the tension of the moment Norrin noticed a figure sashaying through the forest in the corner of eye. His eyes widened and a lump formed in his throat at the sight of a woman with an all too familiar aura and skin the color of the sky. Because, for the second time in his life, an Azuri Goddess appeared before him.