Free The Trees And The Night (Book 3) by Daniel McHugh Page A

many of these stories. The more we fear a place the more unlikely we are to enter it.”
    “The riders of the Eru plains do not fear much, Kael Brelgson,” returned Hai.
    “I am sure a lone rider would face a dozen Ulrog Hackles with little or no fear, Master Hai,” bowed Kael politely, “but a very wise man once told me, it is foolish not to fear the unknown, as long as you control that fear. Certainly the Toxkri is unknown. Even more certain, it is a place to fear, fraught with dangers few can comfortably navigate. The Sprites used your people’s fear of a dangerous place and added some quantity of the unknown, making it even more unlikely your people ever attempt to enter their realm.”
    Hai pondered Kael’s assessment then turned to stare at the spot on the ledge Sprig had held.
    “I am not qualified to determine the extent of physical danger the Toxkri itself holds,” said Hai, “but I am certain of one thing. If that one, little man defeated an Ulrog priest in hand to hand combat, then most certainly the people of the Toxkri are formidable warriors no matter their size, and have scant to fear within their realm.”
    Hai turned toward Ader and concern spread across his face. Once again he bowed to the Seraph.
    “Forgive me for babbling, Lord Ader,” said Hai. “You are ill?”
    “I simply need a long rest,” smiled Ader weakly. “Perhaps we might avail ourselves of some renown Eru hospitality.”
    “Of course,” exclaimed Hai.
    The young rider turned to his men.
    “Burn the Ulrog bodies and ready yourselves,” shouted Hai. “We ride to my father’s camp.”
    Quickly the Eru captain turned to Ader.
    “It is but a short distance from here, my lord,” stated Hai. “I trust you are capable.”
    “Absolutely,” replied Ader.

CHAPTER 6: THE STONE BARRIER
    The climb was slow and tedious. The conditions made it even more miserable. Cold crept into Cefiz’s hands and feet. The pain within his chest throbbed continually. At times, he and Granu paused to listen. They heard nothing save the wind. Apparently they were not followed. Their pace was unavoidably slow. If the Hackles and their Malveel master trailed them, Granu and Cefiz would most assuredly be overtaken by now.
    Granu estimated they ascended a thousand yards in their trek upward. Ice coated the cliff's face. Even the lichen found this elevation inhospitable for growth.
    “We will slow,” said Granu. “I believe the scribe acts in good faith. The Ulrog do not follow. If you are to survive, we must pace ourselves in this thin air.”
    The slower pace allowed the Guardsman to gather himself. Soon his color improved and the pain receded. Sorrow gripped him. He glanced to the Keltaran trudging up the slope beside him.
    “She died with honor,” said Cefiz finally.
    The giant’s eyes did not leave the trail.
    “She died with honor,” slowly repeated the giant in affirmation.
    Cefiz stopped and turned to the Keltaran.
    “She could have left at any time,” protested Cefiz. “Escape was possible, yet she chose to stay.”
    Granu halted and faced the Guardsman.
    “I do not offer false comfort, my friend,” stated Granu laying a hand on Cefiz’s shoulder. “You assessed her character correctly. She was loyal. She died with honor.”
    The lieutenant nodded in agreement. He was satisfied. The pair moved upward again and entered another ravine cut high upon the mountain. On either side the walls of a steep “V” rose within the peak of Hdjmir.  It was still, dark and cold. A dead place. Granu and Cefiz crept forward through the darkness.
    “It may seem colder within these shadows,” stated Granu, “but in the evening the walls of this ravine will shield us from the wind and we will thank Avra for them.”
    Cefiz grunted his agreement. It seemed as if they moved into the heart of the mountain itself, but Cefiz looked above and noted clouds drifting over a fissure of gray light a thousand feet overhead. The walls of the ravine rose so