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

steeply, Cefiz nearly stumbled from vertigo. The air grew more still the further they advanced and a feeling of confinement came over the Guardsman.
    Fifty paces ahead a more palpable darkness loomed within the shadows of the ravine. As they approached, it took shape. Long ago, someone chiseled, pried and spilled the walls of the ravine onto the path, creating a dense wall of broken rock. Its jumbled mass rose like a sentinel before them, barring their way. Huge boulders lie hurled down upon huge boulders. Their eyes fought the semi darkness and strained to determine what they viewed.
    “There is writing,” murmured Granu.
    Cefiz stepped closer and inspected the markings. Scrawled on the boulders and walls of the ravine were the chaotic symbols. They were deeply etched in the rock by stone or steel. The name of Amird jumped from the walls everywhere one looked.
    “I do not like the look of this,” coughed Cefiz. “We are safe from the wind but I do not wish to tarry here. We should rest and decide our next move.”
    Granu moved closer and inspected the writing quietly. Cefiz waited a moment then anxiety overtook him.
    “This place is surely a crossroads for evil. The Ulrog call for their master here. They rally here to build courage.”
    Granu eyed the writing critically.
    “I see it with a different eye,” stated the monk finally. “I read a fear of this place in the hearts of the Ulrog. That which lies beyond this wall engenders that fear. They call on their masters to offer them protection and strength against the other side.”
    The giant stared at the wall a moment longer then addressed the Guardsman.
    “You are weak and the ravine affords us the greatest protection we are likely to find. The Ulrog have not followed us thus far,” said Granu turning to face the wall of broken stone. “I must see what is beyond the barricade.”
    Cefiz hesitated then nodded as he laid a hand on the Keltaran’s shoulder.
    “Take care,” warned Cefiz.
    Granu smiled and began to scale the wall. The climb was treacherous. The heavy giant dislodged many loose stones as he headed upward. The rock tumbled down, creating a reverberation of echoes within the ravine. He looked down to see Cefiz move back with concern on his face.
    “Perhaps it is you who need take care,” called Granu over his shoulder playfully.
    Cefiz smiled and waved in return. The Guardsman still looked weak. Granu already questioned his decision. After ten minutes of difficult climbing, he stood atop the great barrier of stone. Below him to the North, the ravine’s trail continued up the slope toward the summit of Tar Hdjmir. It narrowed as it advanced, darkening even further.
    Granu looked to the sky. The walls of the ravine still towered above him. The fissure of sky could be seen and the day grew long as the light faded. Granu descended the opposite side of the stone barrier.
    The stillness grew tenfold. Neither wind or sound entered the ravine. It was effectively walled shut. Granu stepped forward, the granite walls drawing closer with every step. In the hazy light ahead, the walls converged upon a massive stone block set in the side of the mountain.
    The block was unlike the boulders strewn upon the path behind him. Those massive cuts of rock were crudely hewn. The monolith before the giant was crafted with care. Its edges were assuredly shaped with masonry tools and it sat fitted within the mountain’s wall.
    The stone slab stood slightly taller and wider than the Keltaran prince. Its outer surface jutted a full foot from the wall and Granu assumed much of the stone lay buried within. He ran his fingers along its edges. The tight fit within the mountain amazed him. Whoever placed the stone here spent a good deal of time fitting the slab.
    Granu moved around to check the opposite edge and stumbled over a clutter at his feet. He bent down and found a scattering of torches and iron pry bars in the darkness. The prince retrieved an old, dust-covered torch