Chapter Thirteen

Orden

“I don’t get it,” Erica mumbled, “Where did they go?”

That morning, they had awoken to find the Gypsies had departed. There was no sign of their caravan, and no tracks in the ground to suggest which way they could have gone. It had been an unsettling greeting that morning, especially when Ivan had opened his eyes to find the prophecy written onto a parchment held in his hand.

The mist had cleared considerably, and whilst it still looked cold, the warmth from the fire had provided a comfortable nights sleep. With renewed energy and a hearty breakfast, they were all ready to push on and reach Orden.

“Their departure was perhaps not mundane,” replied Ivan, with a sagely ‘I’m more intelligent than you’ look on his face. Erica didn’t reply, but El-Shad and Herman debated the prophecy continuously. By the time they could see Orden Tower rising up out of the forest, they had agreed not to think about it too much as they had gone round in circles with many “what if’s…”

Orden was a small town, but impressive nonetheless. Its lookout tower rose above the other buildings, and guards acting as spotters could be seen atop the ramparts. After approaching the tower, Ivan spoke to the gate guards and got directions to the Officer’s quarters. Introductions were exchanged, but Vigilant Carter seemed uninterested in any other than Ivan, perhaps due to his military rank.

“There have been odd reports,” explained Vigilant Carter as he briefed the adventurers, “of a vicious beast like animal prowling in the woods. Three people have gone missing, and four more attacked. I’ve spoken to the surviving four who made it back into the town and they all tell of large teeth, large claws and large eyes. I suspect their terror may have amplified this creature’s stature, but still, it’s clearly a danger. My primary responsibility is to the safety of the town and the tower, thus I cannot spare the men for a patrol. I have informed the townsfolk not to venture into the woods. The monster doesn’t appear to want to stray into the town as its methods seem to suggest vulnerable victims or attacks of opportunity.”

Carter leaned back in his chair and cricked his neck. “Not only that,” he continued, “but my night watchmen have spotted an unusual area of darkness in the forest to the east. I have seen it myself, as it’s been present each night over the past three nights. It’s a very disturbing blackness… darker than the night itself.”

“Do you think the two incidents are connected?” asked Ivan.

“That was my initial thought,” Carter replied, “but the first attack happened before the darkness was spotted. However, that’s not to say they’re not connected, as the night watchmen may have missed the darkness the first few nights. It’s only when you’ve seen it do you realise quite how terrible it is.”

El-Shad glanced at Herman and caught a brief flash of fear in the priest’s expression.

“What aid we can provide you with, we will,” offered Carter, “Report to me any findings.”

Ivan saluted by holding his fist up by his head, and turned to leave. Herman began to mimic the salute, but Ivan waved him down. “Not appropriate!” he whispered. Herman merged the salute into a casual movement of running his hand down the back of his neck, and graciously inclined his head to the Vigilant before exiting with the others.

“Sorry,” said Herman sheepishly.

“It is okay, my friend,” Ivan replied, “The military salute is an acknowledgement of the bond between soldiers. It also describes strength in the chain of command. He’s not your superior, unless you’re wanting to enlist? But then I’d be your superior!”

Herman smiled in understanding, “Perhaps not just now!”

“Right then,” exhaled El-Shad, “Where now?”

Standing in a circle, Herman expressed an interest to visit the church and Erica wanted to find an armourer. It was agreed that whilst they did that, El-Shad would collect some tents, cloaks and blankets for everyone, and Ivan would arrange lodgings at the Inn. It wasn’t long before they had all rendezvoused and were enjoying the warmth of the fire in the Iron Manor.