Lad Chapter 2

ElderDoe kept up a brisk pace. BigJon was impressed. He was sure he would be the pace keeper constantly urging the company forward. As it was, everyone was keeping right up and BigJon was slightly worried the others might notice him slowing down. So periodically he would announce that he would scout the terrains ahead of them, this way he could get a moment rest before resuming.

AmonJon, PrideJon, and the lad picked berries and placed them in leather pouches as the walked. It didn't slow them down at all as the berries were right where they were walking. Still this annoyed BigJon. "We must not dally, you can pick berries on our way back. We must make haste." BigJon waited for a response, but none came. He let out a quiet grumble and attempted to lead again.

ElderDoe called out, "BigJon, we cannot go that way, I have a map. We need to follow it. Come, let's head for the ridge and go over, it should be easier going on the other side."

"And just when were you planning to tell us about the map" BigJon demanded.

"When we make camp. I will lay out a path that should take us to the road." BigJon was more annoyed now.

"Fine, I will scout the other side for you." And BigJon took off before anyone could protest.

"Let's take a short break. Some water and perhaps some of those succulent berries perhaps?" It was more a request than a demand. The lad was not used to an elder talking this way.

"ElderDoe?" Queried the boy as he offered the ripe berries.

"Yes lad?" Answered ElderDoe.

"I don't know of any other Doe clan, are you the last of your clan members?" The lad asked the question and the others leaned in. They too were interested in the answer. But PrideJon spoke up first.

"Lad, you are too young to be asking questions of the elder. You must complete your rites to adulthood and receive your name first."

ElderDoe laughter and responded. "That's quite all right Pride. The question is relevant to our journey." PrideJon looked surprise to hear the elder speak with such informality. This is reserved for the family members within their own home. "Now Pride, if we are going to succeed, we must start thinking of ourselves as a family. So it is fitting that I start with what happened to my family."

ElderDoe took a mouthful of ripe berries. "These are good, what kind of berries are they?" The lad didn't know and shrugged his shoulders. AmonJon spoke up.

"They are Mountain Berries. But they only grow on about four hours into the mountains and after that they don't grow at all. So enjoy them now, in another couple of hours you won't find any more. In fact, the first few times I traveled to the West Village I never saw them there. If you travel today you will find them just like here. Mountain Berries are strange as they don't always appear where you found them before."

ElderDoe looked surprised. "I didn't know that. I wonder why that is? Oh, yes, the Doe family. I don't know how long ago or exactly where, but the Doe family used to be Mountain folks." PrideJon and AmonJon had both heard of this before, they nodded their heads and stayed quiet and the Elder continued. "A very long time ago, before I was born so perhaps a very very long time ago." The Elder chuckled. "My family and the Jon family were once related. In fact, I suspect all five of the families were related. The story is that the daemons came from the skies killing every last Doe, except two. These two were young children out playing in the hills. They were found after the deamons left by a Jon trading party. The children had been living among the dead for a while. They were so dirty and pungent that the traders nearly killed them on the spot.”

ElderDoe paused to take another sip of water. The lad sat on the ground a couple of paces away. His eyes could not get any bigger. A hundred questions raced through his mind. He didn't know which one to ask first. AmonJon spoke up first throwing caution to the wind by using a casual name. "Oh come on Elder, that's just a fairy tale told to scare little children so they don't run off at night."

ElderDoe had a twinkle in her eye, as if she knew something the others didn't. "How do you think these stories get started? You can find an element of truth to almost all of them. If enough time passes the stories even change. This is one of the benefits of being an Elder. I have seen many changes in my life and not all of them good."

By this time the protector was returning. "If we hurry, we can be down in the next valley by sundown." AmonJon wasn't so sure. He had been through this valley before and it wasn't an easy climb. He wasn't even sure the mule would be able to navigate it but it was better than the alternatives.

"Protector." AmonJon said out loud. "I've been in that valley before, it's a challenging climb. I recommend we find a safe place and camp the night here."

The protector did not like to be challenged. "No, there is plenty of protection on the other side. It will be much easier to defend if we need to."

ElderDoe stood up and put her hand on BigJon's shoulder. "Protector, that is good enough for me, let's move on, I'd like to get camp going before the light fails us." PrideJon picked up the bag of oats from the mule and strapped it to the mule's back. And the party each picked up their packs and followed the protector with PrideJon and the lad leading the mule.

BigJon took the lead scouting for the best way down into the valley. He found a game trail and followed it down the side at an angle. Trees threatened to bar their passage. The protector wielded his sward like a machete removing brush from the path. The sun was already behind the hills and darkness was closing around them. They were not even half way to the bottom.

AmonJon spoke up, "ElderDoe, we should consider making camp at the cliffs ahead among the rocks. There is no way we can get to the bottom safely in the dark."

ElderDoe looked back at AmonJon and further back at PrideJon and the lad struggling to keep the mule moving forward. "I agree. Protector, lets make for the cliffs up ahead." The protector was about to change direction to continue down the hill, turned back, nodded to the elder and started hacking at some thick brush blocking their way to the cliffs.

Darkness was upon them before they reached the cliffs. The night was quiet with only the sounds of an occasional insect. It was as if the Forrest was holding its collective breath. Suddenly the mule whined and started pulling back. PrideJon gave a warning yell moments before they were attacked.

BigJon pulled ElderDoe to the safety of the cliff. Then he and AmonJon rushed to protect PrideJon, the lad and the mule with all of their food. AmonJon pulled out the sharp claw from his belt pouch slicing the leather pouch in the process. For the first time, they could all see their enemy clearly. Huge black creatures with wings that drip foul smelling fluids. The stench filled the air and the mule started bucking.

AmonJon and PrideJon together pulled the mule between a large stone and the cliff. The protector took up the rear protecting the mule and the lad from the assault. Two winged beast attacked at the same time. The protector slashed at one and jumped to the other not knowing if he was even damaging the creatures.

The lad pushed up against the cliff and watched with fascination and fear. With the mule mostly protected, AmonJon took a defensive position at the head of the mule and in front of ElderDoe and PrideJon. The screeches of the two black creatures brought more of the same. Within minutes both BigJon and AmonJon each faced several attackers. The mule was blind with fear.

The lad tried to avoid the mules bucking and managed to release one side of food and supplies. PrideJon saw what the lad was doing and released the straps on the other side and the front. The mule suddenly reared pulling PrideJon nearly out of the protection of the cliff. The mule then attempted to sprint away with PrideJon firmly attached to the led.

AmonJon slashed at the nearest attacker slicing a chunk of wing off wounding the beast. With blood spilling another black winged beast attacked the wounded beast killing it and giving the humans time to release the mule before the next attack. The mule shot out of the protected cove and into the darkness. All but one of the winged beasts took off at the racing prey.

The protector slashed and poked the lone beast without making mark on it. The beast landed and showed its teeth to the group and screeched loudly calling for more winged attackers. Then suddenly the beast took to the skies joining what looked to be hundreds already in the sky.

The five huddled close between the boulder and the cliff with AmonJon on one side with his claw and the protector on the other side. Throughout the rest of the night screeches and wing flappings kept everyone on alert but no more attacks came. Early that morning before the sun lit up the skies the beasts returned to the north.

ElderDoe stretched and finally sat down as the danger was gone. "What kind of beast are these winged creatures?" She asked to no one in particular.

AmonJon responded, "I think they are dragons. I've only seen a dragon once before and I only saw the eye. This is where I got my dragon claw from." AmonJon held up the claw and noticed all the blood covering the claw, his hand and all down his arm.

The elder reached out to AmonJon, "are you injured?" Everyone gathered around as AmonJon opened his hand to reveal a strangely clean palm.

"No, I don't think so. How about you protector? Are you hurt or the lad?"

BigJon placed his hand on the lad, "we are all right too. I think we were lucky. There were so many in the sky I doubt we would have survived if they all attacked us. I fear we may have fared better than our village."

The lad suddenly realized what BigJon was saying. "The village! We have to go back!"

ElderDoe responded. "No, if we are to help them at all, we must press on. We must defend ourselves better. We need weapons for everyone. Protector, how effective was your sward last night?"

BigJon looked serious, "ElderDoe, my sward served only to slow them down without doing any serious harm to them. I might be able to sharpen the tip, but I doubt it will help much. They are so tough I don't think I even nicked one."

"AmonJon did pretty good with that claw of his." ElderDoe pointed to the black winged beast laying a short way down the hill. "Let's take a look at what we are up against."

PrideJon turned to the lad. "Keep an eye on the supplies, we will be right back, and stay here." The lad stepped back disappointed but only nodded. He knew better than to argue.

ElderDoe took a good look at the creature. "Here, look at the beasts claws. Nowhere near as big as the claw you have." ElderDoe took AmonJon's claw and placed it beside the black winged beast's talons. "Do you think this might be a juvenile? I fear this will get much worse before it gets better."

BigJon bent down to inspect the creature's head. "Look here, these fangs have holes in them. Like giant snake fangs." He pulled his sward out and placed the blade underneath the upper fang to lift the head and get a better look at it. As he lifted the head, the fang shot out a stream of liquid that sizzled on the ground burning every living plant it touched and turning to green slime. Gently he lowered the head and backed away. "I recommend we leave it be, burial would be risky and dangerous." The others agreed.

BigJon took his sward to the beast’s talons, he tried sawing off a claw and tried chopping too, but neither would penetrate the tough flesh or bone. It was as though the beast were made of unnatural stuff. The claws were not really big enough to trouble with anyway.

ElderDoe was content with the review of the beast. "Let's get back to the supplies and plan our move forward." The 4 adults climbed back up to the cliff side and found breakfast waiting for them. A small fire with water boiling with oats and bread and cheese. They were famished from the long fight last night and once breakfast was completed they all resisted the temptation to lie down and sleep.

ElderDoe pulled out his pack an old looking map. "This map is the only map known to show the old Carion road. If we can find the old village of the Mountain people, I'm sure we can find the old road. It's been so long since anyone has seen the old village, I'm not even sure there will be anything left to see."

AmonJon looked up at ElderDoe and the rest of the team. "I know the way to the old village. Several years ago I took a wrong turn to the west village and ended up going around a huge Mountain. I had no choice but to go around or go back. Since there was no rush, I went around. The village lies to the northwest of us. Right about here." He placed his finger on the map about half way between their position and the mountain tower.

"This is not going to be an easy trek, looks like our best route will be to follow this valley north until it turns full west then cut north over the next range. We should keep this mountain to our west." ElderJon placed his finger on what looks to be a huge mountain and named in the old language Eagle Peaks. "I estimate two days from here to the old village. Do you remember if there is any shelter left standing in the old village?"

"I'm sorry, all I saw was an old stone post with the mountain language written on it." Responded AmonJon.

"Oh? I had no idea they had a different language." ElderDoe looked eager for more information.

AmonJon could only answer,"I only now because I asked a trader family in the West Village. They have some of the mountain village writings and trinkets. Perhaps after this trip we can pay them a visit." No one had ever considered traveling to the west town for information. Everyone just assumed they knew all they needed to know.

"Most excellent idea Amon!" BigJon looked at the elder disapprovingly but said nothing.

The five divide up the supplies so each person had some food and some supplies. ElderJon refused to let anyone carry her portion of the supplies. Even the lad was weighted down with what looks to be more than he could carry. Still there was food and supplies left over. They decided to hide the supplies here on the chance that they might return this way and they would need the supplies.

The trek down the hill into the valley went much faster without the mule slowing them down, but the way was also treacherous where a misstep could send a heavily loaded person careening down to their death. By high sun time they were firmly at the bottom off the valley where the brush was thickest and a stream ran through. They refilled their canteens, ate some bread and cheese and resumed their course along the stream through the valley.

As the sun lowered among the mountains, the teams started desperately searching for protection from the night creatures. BigJon went part way up one side of the valley and AmonJon went part way up the other side of the valley. ElderDoe, PrideJon and the lad continued in the middle where a game trail took them along an easy walk following the valley and the stream.

As the sun started dropping behind the mountains and the shadows grew long, AmonJon gave a shout. "Here! A cave! We can take turns defending and sleeping!" ElderDoe surprised everyone with a sharp whistle to call BigJon's attention and singled him to join them.

The team entered the cave and came face to face with a very frightened mule. The mule was badly scratched up with his spine exposed and chunks of flesh burned from the venom of the winged beasts.

The lad started gathering firewood while PrideJon started a small fire at the mouth of the cave. The mule refused to leave the safety of the cave so they left him there. BigJon wanted to end the beasts suffering right then and there but ElderDoe stayed his hand. "He might still be of use to us. He probably saved our lives by running off last night. He might do so again."

They made two fires one at the mouth of the cave for protection and one at the side for cooking. The lad collected so much firewood there would be no doubt about surviving the night.

ElderDoe stood up. "I will take first watch along with Pride. The rest of you get some sleep while you can." BigJon started to protest but realized he was indeed extremely tired. Sleep, however, did not come easily. They slept on wool blankets right on the ground. The mule kneeled down to sleep too.

About an hour after the skies turned dark, the mule suddenly woke. He tried to stand up but couldn't get off the ground. He looked around nervously at the men sleeping and the fire glowing at the entrance. He decided he was more afraid to be out there than in here so he quieted down as the sounds of wings flapping and screeches filled the air.

PrideJon wielded the sward awkwardly while ElderDoe stood back with the dragon claw in hand ready. The claw was wrapped at the base with leather straps to make it easier to hold. But ElderDoe was not confident she would be able to fend off an attacker. The blacked winged beasts swooped in close several times avoiding the fire each time. They stood outside away from light from the fire eyeing the occupants of the cave hungrily. Several times they would screech, dive in and swoop away only to return a short while later.

The protector snored loudly waking AmonJon and the lad. The mule never went back to sleep. About mid night AmonJon woke BigJon so the elder and PrideJon could get some sleep. The dancing charade with the black winged creatures continued until about an hour before the skies started to lighten up. The protector and AmonJon watched as the skies filled with winged creatures returning north.

The lad woke surprisingly refreshed. And asked if he missed anything last night. PrideJon laughed and said, "only the protectors snoring. I bet that's why the winged beasts didn't attack."

The lad didn't think so. "I don't think so, I heard the beasts but they never came close like they did last night. I think it was our fire that kept them away." The mule voiced his agreement and finally stood up nudging the lad for oats.

They didn't bring all of the oats thinking the mule lost, but they split their oats boiling enough for three and the remainder for the mule. The mule finished his oats before the rest of the group could finish cooking their food. The mule paced around impatient to get moving while the group sat down to relax and get some all important nutrients in them. AmonJon pulled out several sticks of tooth root and handed them out. The lad had never eaten tooth root raw so he watched the others bite off a chunk, chew it and suck it clean then spit the remainder to the ground.

"I say we leave the mule here, he is too injured to carry our supplies and we cannot afford to keep feeding him. His best chance of survival is to remain here, hopefully until we return. If we make haste, we can be out of the valley and close to the mountain village by nightfall." After speaking, the Elder rose and prepared her pack for the days travels. The rest followed suit. AmonJon put out the fire with water from the creek and filled their canteens again. Donned his pack and the five continued their journey following the valley west now with the Eagle Peaks now in view ahead of them.