Brad lay on the cold ground as the morning sun warmed his back. He saw they were located on a small ledge facing south into Lost Valley. The ledge was about half way up the face of North Peak. The Monastery of Toms would be located to the east. The foul black smoke continued to flow in billowing puffs from the opening. Brad decided it was time to assess their present situation. The three wood elves and Starhood were starting to awaken from their sleep. Everybody else sat against the ledge wall in a state of drowsy confusion. The combination of fresh air and rest was the medicine needed to cure their disorientation.
When everybody was back to normal, Starhood said, “Gutrot may send his friends to find us after the smoke dissipates. I do not want to be here when they arrive. A trail descends the mountain in the direction of the Monastery of Toms. I propose we follow it until we find a good campsite. The farther I am from Gutrot the better I will feel.”
With nods of agreement, the group readied to depart. The trail down the east face of North Peak was easy to follow. By late-afternoon the path entered a meadow with a small stream running through it. Brad sent Starhood and Treeshine to find a secure campsite. Shortly, Treeshine returned with the ideal location. It was situated in a small crevice against a low hanging shelf. If the group was attacked during the night the ravine would provide protection. A hot meal of trail food provided the opportunity to celebrate the group’s escape from the cave. The festivities consisted of short speeches, humorous reenactments of the escape and time for causal talk. As darkness descended onto the campsite, the travelers rolled into their sleeping blankets. Under the watchful eyes and ears of the guards, the night passed with an uneasy tension.
After an early breakfast the party left the meadow. Brad wanted to reach the Wasteland before night fall. A good trail helped achieve their goal. As the sun dropped low into the west, the escapees topped a rocky ridge. To their delight, the vastness of the Wastelands spread out before them. A hazy mist covered labyrinth’s intricate pattern of channels. The distant horizon of the Wastelands disappeared into the haze of evening light.
The travelers arrived at the breaks of the Wasteland as the sun set behind North Peak. Brad selected a campsite in a steep walled gully. In spite of the wilderness conditions, a warm fire and hot food offered relief from the cold. Brad posted two guards to watch during the night.
At midnight Starhood was on guard duty. The light from the stars flooded his spirit with the warmth of an ancient rhythm. He added wood to the fire to provide heat and to keep wild things at a distance. He sat with his back to the fire to protect his night vision. He did not want to be night blinded by staring at the flames of the fire. As he sat in a state of alertness, he saw four sets of eyes appear in the distance.
Starhood gave a shout, “Be aware, my friends, we have visitors!”
Everybody in the camp bolted to a defensive stance. As the eyes drew nearer, they could see the outline of four large wolves with broad, flat faces.
He commented, “These are not ordinary wolves. These beasts have been brought out of the Chamber of Oblivion. These evil creatures are called spirit wolves.”
Starhood pulled the blue gem from his pocket and walked toward the creatures.
He projected his thoughts at the wolves saying, “Depart from us and do not return.”
The wolves backed away several steps. Then the largest beast leaped forward. Starhood raised the gem into the air and projected a strong beam of light at the lead wolf. The beast stopped when the light hit its eyes. The wolf gave a growl of anger as the light burned into its mind.
With contempt and arrogance the wolf responded, “The light is a nice trick, oh noble elf. We are not here to play children’s games. We will destroy you, so beware. You will not arrive at the Monastery.”
The wolves slowly turned, disappearing into the dark. The howl of the wolves continued throughout the night, but they did not return to the camp.
In the morning Brad told the wood elves they could return to their homes. Brad said, “I do not believe the wolves will bother you. They want Starhood, Ingrid and me. Go in peace. Without your help we would have died. I extend to you my thanks. Your noble efforts have allowed the conquest of evil to continue. Go in peace, for your courage has provided a chapter in the history of the Empire.”
Treeshine said, “We accept your thanks. Your mission is also our quest. If you need help, the wood elves will stand by your side.”
Brad responded, “We extend to you prayers for bright stars, warm fires, happy songs and clear trails.”
After a round of handshakes the wood elves walked in single file toward Rolling River. Sadness gripped the remaining travelers.
Starhood stated, “I do not know the route to the Monastery from this location. We will let the One Presence provide for us. It is best to allow the route to the Monastery to find us.”
Brad suggested they wait in their campsite until they received guidance. They spent the morning sitting in front of the fire talking about the adventures of the past few days.
At mid-day a stranger in a green robe walked into their campsite. He bowed respectfully and stood in silence until Brad recognized him.
Brad said, “Welcome to our most humble encampment. Would you like a hot drink and food?”
The monk responded, “Yes, I would. Thank you.”
After finishing his meal, the stranger responded, “I am Brother Patrick, a warrior monk from the Monastery of Toms. I extend the greetings and blessings from Abbot Hugh. I have been sent by the Abbot to guide you to the Monastery.”
Brother Patrick was a tall man with broad muscular shoulders, a black beard and long hair tied into a knot. He moved with the grace and confidence of a seasoned fighter.
Brad questioned him, “How did you know we were waiting for help.”
He answered, “We received information about the invasion of Lost Valley. Your escape from the mountain has been closely monitored. I was sent to you as soon as your location was confirmed”
Brother Patrick walked around the campsite examining the ground.
He then said, “The wolves have found you. These evil spirits have been sent to destroy you. We must be alert to a possible attack as we journey through the Wasteland. We have many hours of hiking ahead of us. We should arrive at the Monastery by midnight.”
Brother Patrick walked to the fire, sat in a cross-legged position and mediated for several moments. He then led the way into the Wastelands.
As travelers proceeded through the maze, they paid little attention to the unending number of turns and corners. They placed complete trust in Brother Patrick’s ability to guide them safely to the Monastery. Each person watched for any sign of the wolves. By late afternoon the traveler’s alertness relaxed. The sun was getting low in the west when Brother Patrick paused. His eyes shifted back and forth with total concentration. Brad and Starhood were jolted into state awareness. They were embarrassed at being so lax in watching for danger.
Brother Patrick signaled the party to gather around him. He whispered, “I sense danger. We must find a place to defend ourselves.”
At this point, a pack of spirit wolves appeared ahead of them. The wolves were in no hurry to attack. They slowly walked toward the travelers. When the wolves were about 20 strides from the group, Brother Patrick stepped forward, pointed his sword at the ground and gave a short command in the high elf language. To everybody’s surprise, a giant wall of flame filled the canyon between the group and the wolves.
Brother Patrick said, “Please follow me. We do not have much time before the flames will burn out. I know of a place where we can make a defensive stand.”
Brother Patrick jogged down a side canyon. After several minutes the group arrived at a wide clearing with a mound in the center. Brother Patrick led the way up the steep, rough path ascending the mound. Brad stood rear guard to protect the group’s retreat.
The wolves burst into the clearing at a full run. Their large red eyes were burning with blood lust. To slow the wolves attack, Bra
d killed the first two beasts with a wide swing of his sword. He ran up the narrow path to the top of the mount as several wolves ripped at his feet and legs. Starhood and Brother Patrick grabbed Brad’s arms and pulled him up before the wolves’ jaws could lock onto his legs.
Brad rolled over and looked at his torn clothes and wounds. He had several large cuts on his left leg. Brother Patrick took a bottle from his side pouch. He opened the wounds with his knife and poured the healing ointment into each cut.
He said, “This healing ointment will kill any chance of infection. You must lie still for several hours to allow the healing to begin.”
Brother Patrick wrapped the wound with a clean, white cloth and elevated Brad’s leg. Brad tried to get to his feet, but Ingrid gave him a gentle push, forcing him back to the ground.
She said, “Lie still or I will do more damage to you!”
Brad and Starhood laughed at Ingrid’s aggressive behavior.
Several wolves tried to run up the path, but ran into flashing swords. Two wolves rolled back down the hill and disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Brother Patrick said, “These wolves are evil spirits. They have no fear of death and feel no pain. They are difficult to defeat because of their intelligence. We must stop any attack before the wolves reach the top of the knoll.”
Five wolves rushed up the steep path to initiate their second attack. The defenders killed the first four wolves before they could reach the top. The last wolf was able to leap onto the mound without being stopped. It ran toward Brad sensing his weakened condition. Brad jumped to his knees, raised his sword and thrust it at the chest of the charging beast. The forward momentum of the wolf carried it over the top of Brad. It landed next to Ingrid with a bounce and roll. The wounded wolf staggered to its feet, opened its large mouth and prepared to attack Ingrid. Its large, fierce eyes burned with the desire to kill. Ingrid did not back away but faced the beast with cold contempt. She drew a small knife from a fold in her dress. She raised the weapon in defiance. Yet, to her great relief the wolf was transformed into a shimmering vapor. She looked in awe at the empty space where the wolf had once stood.
She looked at her companions saying, “What type of evil could create such a foul beast?”
The spirit wolves backed away from the mound at a short distance and lay down. At sunset five more wolves rushed up the steep path. Three of the attacking wolves were destroyed, but two made it to the top of the mound unopposed. These two wolves started to move in a circle around the defenders in slow calculated movements. Then, five more wolves made a rush at the mound.
This attack came to a halt when a trumpet sounded in the distance. Out of the narrow canyon a group of fifteen monks in green robes entered the clearing with their weapons in the ready position. Without hesitation the monks attacked the wolves with a wide sweeping offensive front. Arrows were released as the first line of offense. Several beasts dropped to the ground with arrows protruding from their sides. As the front line of the attack reached the wolves, spears were released with pinpoint accuracy. Three wolves sagged to the ground with spears thrust deeply into their bodies. The remaining wolves’ resistance crumbled in front of the assault of flashing swords.
In the mean time, Brother Patrick, and Starhood quickly destroyed the remaining two wolves on the mound. A great silence followed the conclusion of the battle. The few remaining beasts slinked away into the growing darkness. The monks formed a circle in the center of the battlefield, bowed their heads and gave thanks for a successful victory.
Brad learned later that Brother Patrick sent a mental message to the Monastery asking for help. To everyone’s satisfaction the monks’ arrival saved the day. Brother Patrick informed the travelers of the necessity to continue the trek immediately. Brad was carried on a stretcher to prevent the deep wounds on his leg from bleeding. He complained, but after several sharp words from Ingrid, he became much more cooperative. He humbly submitted to the wishes of his determined and caring spouse.
The moon rose in the eastern skies shortly after sunset. Starhood watched the moon with the appreciation of an old friend. His soul was warmed when the moonlight flooded his being.
He said to himself, “As long as the moon glows and the stars shine, I will have the courage and strength to continue this crusade.”
After many hours of hiking, the twisting channels of the labyrinth opened into a wide expanse of fields and farmland. In the distance the grandiose presence of the Monastery of Toms could be seen. The light of the moon reflecting off the Cathedral towers created a mystical image. The travelers stopped to absorb the immediate splendor of the majestic view. The beauty of the Monastery was a striking contrast to the violence they had experienced in the Wastelands. The travelers only vaguely remembered the remaining journey to the Monastery. The hike through the fields, village and Monastery complex was only a blur of images to their exhausted minds. Upon arriving, a warm dinner was followed by soft beds and pleasant dreams. The end of the challenging day was blessed with the gifts of safety and comfort.
~ ~
The Monastery