* * * * *
Eian led the group through the outer edges of Rinii forest until the pathway lead to a more barren place devoid of any foliage. Eian raised his hand to stop their advance, he turned, “Let’s wait for a short while before we enter the tar pits of Noire, drink plenty of water and try not to inhale the pungent fumes. Dan and Raj sat, as did the other Elfen. Brazen had approached the group crawling upon his belly to gain closer access to the Ricars, remaining hidden under the thinning foliage. “Ricars it's me Brazen, I bring you news from the parrots.” Dan immediately looked at Raj who nodded quickly to acknowledge the voice running through his head. “The Elfen that you seek has befriended the devlins. They travel as one- they now assist the Elfen on his journey to Ivany. You must stop him but he’ll take a different route. His route will be longer and safer for he’ll travel around the tar pits. The devlins will take him through the rocky passages of Barden. You cannot take this route; it will be crawling with devlin packs unsympathetic to your cause. You must follow the Elfen through the tar pits but it's treacherous and best navigated through the day - you must rest at night. The tar pits are a dangerous place full of opportunities to commit a fatal mistake. I have four rules that you must obey. One: do not get close to the tar pits - ever. Two: never touch a mud column - ever. Three: Don’t inhale the tar fumes from the pits; cover your nose if you have to. Four: never travel at night, stay calm on high ground and stay put. If you follow these rules then you’ll emerge safely from the pits. Dan, I will offer you some help but you must give me your word that you will keep my brave friend safe - look down at your left boot.”
Dan followed the instructions in his head spotting a small black mouse cautiously approaching his large boot. This mouse knows every inch of the tar pits; he will guide you and provide you with safe passage. Always follow the mouse even if the Elfen tell you differently. Try to get to the front and let him lead the way. You may have to hide him in your bag, your pocket or another warm place at night. There is nothing to eat or drink in the pits so you will need to give him some of your rations. Good luck and I will see you on the other side.”
The brave mouse jumped onto Dan’s boot resting at the top of his boot at the ankle. Raj had heard the instructions clearly in his head and decided upon a plan. He walked over to Eian drinking from his water flask staring at the ominous site of the tar pits that stretched out before him. “The tar pits are a dangerous place, many have entered and have never been seen again. Ricars know the way through this place; we’ve led armies across the tar pits. This is where you have to trust us, let us lead the way for we know of a fast and safe passage. We’ve crossed this many times and you must trust us now. Let us lead the way, for we can navigate the dangers of the Noire.”
Eian rubbed his chin while staring at the smoldering pools of hot tar surrounded by soil stained black with ash and soot. Small trails of blackened ground ran between the pools supporting large columns of black mud. The columns looked like weeds growing out of the ground perfectly formed cylindrical cones that served no purpose. There was nothing green as far as the eye could see and the smell was foul like burning flesh. Reluctantly Eian agreed. “This is as far as I’ve ever been, I’m not familiar with what lies ahead, so I’ll trust my men and my life to you - don't let me down.”
Raj tapped him on his shoulder reassuringly. “Come on men,” he said loudly, “we must travel only during the day light hours. Daniel will lead the way. Keep a steady distance between us; I suggest three paces only. I will follow Daniel, Eian why don't you bring up the rear.” The men formed a column as Dan led the way. The black mouse crawled down his leg and scampered ahead to lead the way. The mouse veered to the right ignoring the obvious path through the steaming pits.
“Where are we going?” shouted Eian.
Raj shouted his reply without turning his head or breaking his stride, “The safe way. Just follow us, it will all make sense.”
The mouse was clever guiding the group away from the blowing wind and the wash of poisonous fumes. He blended in with the dark ground making himself visible only to Dan. They weaved between the pits snaking their way past large columns of mud protruding from the ground. “Do not touch the columns - ever!” shouted Raj repeating Brazen’s instructions. The mouse led the group into the heart of the tar pits - once they had entered a large circular section devoid of columns and pools, the mouse ran back to Dan and snuggled into his pant leg desperate to give his sore feet a rest from the hot ash below.
“Why are we stopping?” inquired Raj quietly.
“I think we all need a rest,” said Dan glancing at the mouse nestled in his pants at his calf and licking his sore hot feet.
“This is a good place to rest. Grab some water and eat a small amount of food.” The Elfen Rangers didn't need any more encouragement. They'd been walking for three hours and their feet were sore. They sat, drank and ate. Dan managed to place the water flask near his foot and screen the small black mouse that appeared to gratefully take sips of water. Dan ate some bread from his rations allowing a small piece to fall upon the heel of his boot. The mouse poked his head out from beneath his pant leg before disappearing with the bread to enjoy his well-earned meal.
“Time to go,” said Raj watching the Sun move across the sky. “We move during the day, never at night.” The column of men resumed their journey led by a small courageous black mouse. They’d been walking for about another two hours when the wind started to shift. The mouse pointed the group to a channel of land that parted two large lakes of bubbling tar. The wind was blowing across the lake pushing the toxic fumes towards the men. They had to push onwards and along the channel that passed between the two lakes.
Dan noticed the mouse had slowed down struggling to breath in the suffocating fumes spilling over onto their path. The mouse turned and skipped up onto Dan’s boot before disappearing into the safety of the top of his boot. “Cover your noses, shield yourself from the fumes,” shouted Dan.
Raj repeated the order loudly before covering his nose with the edge of his tunic. The men behind complied. Everyone pressed onwards crossing between the two lakes of boiling tar. The Elfen Ranger in front of Eian was getting tired and irritable. He was hot and sweaty and his feet were starting to blister. The tunic across his face felt heavy and scratched the bridge of his nose with every step. He peered around the column of men and glanced across the lakes of bubbling black tar, “What a terrible place,” he said quietly. The men were almost across the tar pits as the wind howled blowing the smoky fumes around, his nose was beginning to feel raw from the friction that the rough tunic material caused. The Elfen Ranger made a decision that would be his last; he slipped the scratchy tunic from his nose to provide some welcome relief. The strong winds continued to push the toxic fumes his way and he inhaled their toxic scent. At first there was no effect but after pushing against the wind and breathing in the fumes he started to feel light headed. His steps became heavy and labored and he staggered a little. Eian didn't notice with his nose and chin tucked deeply into his tunic and his eyes focused on his feet and the uneven ground in front of him. Eian kept a steady pace trying to keep his rhythm and trying to cross the tar pits safely. The Elfen started to breath heavily with a burning pain rasping through his nostrils down to his lungs. He continued to feel increasingly dizzy and nauseous.
The Elfen staggered and finally stumbled to the ground losing his balance. As he fell he lunged forward violently falling to the left. The longbow strapped across his chest and his hand thrown out instinctively to break his fall slapped the surface of the burning tar. He let out a scream of excruciating pain as the black, hot, sticky substance adhered itself to his hand eating away at his flesh. The men raced to the Elfen’s aid trying to console the injured Ranger. The Elfen had inadvertently slapped the surface of the tar sending a small shockwave across the lake. Lurking just offshore was a Tartumal, an Octopus like creature that fed on the minute creatures that move through and skate across the tar. The tartumal have no natur
al predators, they stay safe in the confines of their hot tar pools and grow to be very large in size. They have long life spans and can sense minute changes in the tar’s vibrations allowing them to hunt. Occasionally they are treated to larger prey and today would be one of those days.
As the men tried to assist the injured Elfen a ripple broke the surface of the tar pit lake, followed by the emergence of a slick black mass rising from the shoreline alarmingly close from the men. Tar dripped from the black shape to reveal a dark formless body. Within seconds a large tentacled arm shot from the sticky shallows with great speed wrapping itself painfully around the Elfen's leg. He screamed louder, as the hot tar scolded his flesh. Another long thick tentacle emerged this time wrapping itself around the frightened man’s waist. The men struggled to keep him rooted to the thin strip of land; they drew their swords as the Tartumal dragged its frightened prey screaming into the black abyss. Another thick tentacled arm emerged dripping with hot tar followed by another. Both arms were raised high into the air waiting to strike their next victim. The Tartumal had no eyes and relied upon its ability to sense vibrations in the tar together with any noise to locate its prey. The petrified mouse pushed itself harder and further down into the top of Dan’s boot looking for a safe place to hide. Raj knew they were all in danger and saving the half submerged Elfen was beyond them. Strong black arms dragged the screaming man into the tar but the men held on furiously to his outstretched arms. “Let go, run, save yourselves!” shouted Raj to the other men.
Another large black arm emerged as if to convince the men; they let go and ran along the narrow strip of land. “Just keep running!” shouted Eian brining up the rear. The men ran hard for they could see solid land on the other side and it was in reach. They were frightened that a black arm would emerge halting their path to safety. They ran - not wanting to look back. The poor Elfen’s screams subsided and all they could hear was their hearts pounding as they ran for their lives.
The captured Elfen was fully engulfed, now trapped by the hot tar; the Tartumal would feed for weeks. The remaining men made it across the tar lakes collapsing into a heap once they'd finally cleared the last pool of tar. The men crouched together heaving desperately for air and tired from their exertions. “Cover your noses,” shouted Raj. The men gazed at the smooth surface of the tar lake - the tartumal had left no trace of its submerged prey.
Eian placed a supportive arm on Diwar’s shoulder, he was the dead Elfen’s closest friend; “He was a good man, a brave Ranger and a loyal servant of Cressmore,” said Eian. Diwar was in shock; he pushed his chin down further into the safety of his tunic. The winds changed again, suddenly swirling the poisonous fumes in another direction. Streams of fresh air swirled over the welcoming men as they greedily filled their lungs. “We have to move while we can, come on, get up,” said Raj, rising to his feet. The group complied and the walking resumed. The small black mouse emerged cautiously as the men started to walk. They'd cleared the tar pits and now faced the long trek through the raised columns of mud. The mouse provided expert navigation for the men plotting a careful path through the columns. The winds continued to shift their direction and after a long day the light had now started to fade. The little mouse stopped in his tracks abruptly; he tried to assess their progress while looking for a familiar landmark. The mouse sat on his haunches peering around nervously while trying to locate to a specific path. Dan stopped and raised his hand to pause the advancing men. Finally the mouse spotted his landmark, he led the men to a large rock overhang - perfect to provide shelter and to make a camp where they could spend the night. The overhang was positioned high upon the ridge; the men were tired and trudged on wearily. As they ascended the hill the raised mud columns increased in numbers and became more tightly packed in a dense concentration. The gaps between the columns became narrower and the men had to squeeze their bodies carefully between them.
Diwar was tired but he managed to keep up with the Ricars ahead of him. As he squeezed between two large mud columns he made a clumsy mistake. Diwar forgot about the longbow strapped across his back. The tip of the bow banged the mud column hard as he passed; the hollow clanging noise caused the men to freeze in their tracks. The Ricars stopped and turned to see what had caused this hollow sounding noise. The black mouse immediately scampered onto Dan’s boot pushing himself deep into his protective haven. The mouse wasted no time; he was clearly petrified of the consequences associated with this unfortunate mishap. A strange dull rumbling sound started to emanate from the dried mud column. Diwar remained still, rooted to the spot and hoping his error would pass by unpunished. Eian was more proactive moving around the noisy mud column and carefully making his way to the front of the line by navigating through and avoiding the cluster of columns. The rumbling seemed to get louder followed by the emergence of a few small black insects. They looked like Ants, streaming from the top of the column. More Ants poured down the side of the column covering the ground.
The petrified mouse dug his back claws into the top of leather boot pushing his nose down as far as it could go deep into Dan’s boot. The mouse was clearly petrified as a stream of Ant like insects had poured from the mud column and swirled around Diwar's feet. Instantly swarms of insects pulsed out of the column and continued to cover Diwar’s boots, legs and body. He panicked now screaming and shaking wildly as he tried to brush the swarming insects from his body. They were starting to blanket his exposed skin as they entered his tunic, pants, and boots, covering his face. They engulfed him quickly, devouring his flesh like a pack of ravenous Piranhas. He buckled and fell to his knees screaming in agony and grasping his face. The men backed away from the black carpet of approaching insects, "Walk very carefully towards that ridge, do not run, do not fall - now!” shouted Raj pointing the way forwards.
The men extracted themselves from the densely packed field of mud columns and made it safely to higher ground. Diwar’s screams subsided as his body was reduced to a pile of dusty clothes. The petrified mouse remained hidden as the men walked for an hour to ascend the hill and reach the stone ridge overhang. The light had now faded and they all knew it would soon be dark. They crested the rise of the hill and gratefully collapsed into the safety provided by the rocky overhang - their intended destination for the evening. Their exhaustion masked their fear but it was clear to everyone there were only three men alive now. Dan moved to the very back of the overhang while Eian sat looking over the vast wasteland of columns and steaming tar pools they’d tracked across; his thoughts turned to his men. His body slumped forward as he placed his throbbing head within his hands. Raj sat quietly next to Eian surveying the barren landscape barely visible in the encroaching darkness.
“They were good men you know, my best Rangers, and they didn't deserve to die like that,” said Eian clearly distraught.
“This place is so dangerous, one small mistake and,” Raj stopped; he didn't need to complete his sentence.
“I don't want to die like that.”
Raj rubbed his dry face with his hot hands, “You won’t - if you’re careful and follow our lead.”
The tar pits warmed the evening air as the Sun disappeared; the men settled in for the night. Eian was stressed, exhausted, scared and tired. He was soon asleep - curled up - safely at the back of the overhang.
“Have you crossed these tar pits before?” inquired Dan, his voice no more than a whisper.
Raj glanced at the sleeping Eian before offering his response, “No, the Dream Cane had always placed me deep within the battles at Rinii or in my home village of Revercan.”
Dan finally felt movement deep within his boot as the small black mouse tentatively emerged from his sanctuary. Dan offered him some water, “Hello little buddy you’re safe now. You did a great job today - thank you.” The mouse greedily gulped at the cool refreshing water that Dan had poured into his cupped hand. Dan noticed how sore and blistered the little guy’s feet looked from walking over the hot soil of the tar pits of Noire.
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??I hope we’re almost out of this hell,” lamented Raj.
“Yeah, me too,” said Dan, feeding the little mouse morsels of bread and offering a few seeds from his food supply.
Once satiated, the mouse ran to the safety of the overhang's depths and snuggled in Dan’s canvass bag to create a makeshift bed for the evening. The winds continued to swirl alternating between fresh air and sleepy toxic gas. The Sun's hopeful light finally disappeared - it had been threatening to do so for the last couple of hours. The stark darkness occasionally gave way to the sporadic glimpses of the Moon’s silvery light, only to be obscured by the dark thick toxic clouds emitted from the steaming tar pits.
“Noire,” said Raj. “Black,” he said, staring into the bleak darkness.
A rumbling sound could be heard below as millions of ant like creatures swarmed from every mud column to cover the floor below. The Moon's light would break through the gaseous clouds occasionally illuminating the plain below. The frenetic movement of the Ants made the plain look like it was flooded with thick black undulating water as they swarmed and fought for territory. Each muddy column would battle the occupants of the next where they would attack in waves. Dead insects were transported into the columns to be consumed as food. The floor was alive with devouring; battling insects, “Why don't they come up here?” questioned Dan.
“I don't know - maybe we’re not that safe up here after all?" mused Raj, his concern growing.
"I don't think he'd be sleeping that soundly if we weren't," said Dan, resting his gaze on the cloth bag containing the exhausted mouse.
Raj felt the gold contained within his leather pouch, “What good is Gold when you’re faced with these ravenous insects, yet I carry this extra weight?” he said shaking his head.
Below them, half way up the rise, the ground started to swell buckling with little mounds of soot appearing to force their way up through the dark soil. Furry creatures, about the size of a large Rat, burrowed free from the powdery soil. They looked a little like Armadillos, covered in a thick black protective shell and sporting a long ridged snout that resembled the hose of a vacuum cleaner. The creatures ambled down the hillside slowly leaving trails in the fine powdery soil as they made their way to the insects below to commence their midnight feast. The creatures approached the battling ants where they sucked up the insects protected by their hard shells. The creatures would swing their snouts from side to side catching any unfortunate insects in their path. The Tartumal patrolled the edge of their tar pits occasionally flapping a tentacled arm onshore and rolling it among the unsuspecting insects. They would stick to their tar covered limbs and provide a source of food for the mighty beasts.
The swarming fights would continue until the first hint of sunlight encroached upon the valley. The nocturnal Armadillo like creatures had long since waddled their way back up the ridge’s slope and burrowed into the soil to sleep through another hot day. The insects knew the higher, softer ground, belonged to the hordes of Armadillos; this was where their burrows were located. This provided the explanation of why the insects avoided the high ground and why the mouse slept soundly.
Dan was the first to awake in the morning as the mouse frantically scurried around his feet wanting water. Dan dutifully provided the water from his cupped hand, “Good Morning - You did well yesterday little friend, and you’re a smart one for leading us up here to spend the night." It wasn't long before the men gathered on the edge of the ridge to survey their journey ahead and out of Noire. As the Sun started to rise announcing a new day they could see the outline of the lush green border of Belladonia forests in the distance. What lay between them and the forest were about half a day of walking gingerly through intensely packed mud columns.
The men were anxious to get started but devised a careful plan to ensure no more fatalities would occur. Each secured their baggage to their backs. Each pointed their longbows skywards, secured upright, and held by two hands in front of the bodies. They used them as walking sticks to steady their balance and avoid inadvertently clipping the mud columns. The mouse rode on Dan’s boot affording his scalded feet a rest. They could see their target but their progress was slow and tedious as they sidestepped their way through the mud columns in a slow but deliberate dance. Half way through they decided to rest for water and consumed their remaining food supplies. They could not sit for there was no room. Raj provided constant motivation ensuring they remained vigilant and did not tire. It took them longer than they had imagined as the density of the mud columns was thicker than before and they had to take great care not to alert the ravenous insects within.
Once they had made it to the forest they were relieved - crashing to the ground and rolling around in the soft green grass. Small holes dotted the grassy border where the hard-shelled creatures would emerge at night to feed - stopping the onslaught of insects from entering the forest. Nature has a way of keeping everything in balance.
The men were tired but the forest surroundings of Belladonia provided a welcome respite. Dan pushed onwards into the forest trying to leave Noire as far behind him as possible. They found a large tree perched on a raised mound and decided it would make a good place to setup a camp so they could spend the remainder of the day restocking supplies as they prepared for nightfall. Eian went in search of food while Raj and Dan secured the site and collected wood to build a fire. Eian returned with fruits, berries and a weird looking purple object that resembled a banana. The men made the fire and relaxed as the night's darkness drew closer. They didn't speak preferring to watch the fire's hypnotic dancing flames as it warmed their faces. The little mouse greedily gobbled at a large piece of the purple banana afterwards spending time to clean his whiskers and snout. He would settle into Dan’s bag for the evening feeling much safer to be away from those nasty devouring insects.
Darkness descended into the forest and the men fell asleep. Dan felt a slight tug on his pant leg and raised his head gently. It was a small Kukumic parrot perched carefully upon his ankle. Raj was asleep; he smiled and followed the bird to a small clearing away from Raj and Eian. The bird then suddenly elevated upwards high into the tall trees leaving him exposed and alone. Dan looked around quickly his attention shifting to the movement to his left. Brazen, the fox, emerged from the brush where he sat proudly accompanied by the little black mouse crouched in front of the fox’s left paw. “Thank you for looking after my friend, he’s served you well.” The mouse lowered his snout respectfully and scurried off into the underbrush relieved of his duties. “You’ve done well my friend but there is still much to do if we're going to stop this Elfen from releasing the Witch.
“How did you get over the pits?” inquired Dan.
Brazen stared at the inquisitive Ricar, “The owls helped me last night. Listen to me now, my sources tell me the Elfen boy and a large pack of devlins are now on the move - crossing Barden and heading for Ivany. We must intercept them and be prepared to stop them. I’m making preparations but I’ll need your help again. Far from here lives the Crocodile Queen, she’s a special lady, a spiritual lady, who usually forbids visitors. Many believe that she's here to safeguard the peace and harmony within our land. Some say she's a star child - like you. She's graciously agreed to meet with you; I’ve been told she wants to give you something. Very few people have ever seen the Crocodile Queen it will be a great honor. It's a common belief that she is not real, a fanciful legend or fireside story designed to make us all feel a little safer. The elders will often talk of her and her role in fighting the dark forces. Many fear her. She lives in a far away place, far beyond the three rivers delta.” A large badger emerged from the brush gazing at the fox and the Ricar standing before him. “This is Relte, he’s the fiercest badger this side of Noire; I want you to follow him. He’ll escort you to owl’s point where you’ll be met by one of the largest owls that you’ve ever seen. You’ll need to trust them; they’ll take you to three rivers delta.” Dan nodded his agreement. “Good, follow Relte - quickly we don't have much time.??
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Raj was having nightmares; insects were crawling all over him as he slept. He was startled awake from his dream sitting upright and brushing off the imaginary predators. Raj squinted trying to adjust his eyes to the darkness but failing to see the outline of Dan’s sleeping body. Just then his attention was directed to a crimson butterfly that fluttered past his face.
Relte was about to lead the way when a sudden movement held his gaze. It was the unmistakable sight of a crimson butterfly flapping its wings and heading straight for Dan. Dan knew what this meant bracing himself for the bumpy return. A bright light appeared and his head started to swirl. Travelling through realms didn't get any easier the more he did it - he still hated the feeling, it made him dizzy and dis-oriented.
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The Fifth Realm - Earth
Chapter 6: Deceit’s Veil.
Westtown, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
“There comes a time when deceit and defiance must be seen for what they are.”