Forest of Blood: Chaper 1

The two knights walked along the narrow path, slowed only from the steep uphill grade the path had recently taken. They travelled in silence until they crested the ridge. Pausing a moment to catch their breath, the younger of the two, Cromar looked about with the wide eyed amazement of one new to such splendor and natural beauty.

In part, this was true - King Leran had only recently knighted Cromar. He was also from the ocean port of Nor'haven, about as far away from their present location as possible without crossing into neighboring kingdoms.

Now he was on what he was told was a mission of grave importance. Except he didn't know what it was. Jedrik was given the orders and told to hand pick his accompaniment for the journey. While it was truly an honor to have been picked, Cromar wished that Jedrik would treat him like the trusted knight of the King that he now was and not as the squire that he used to be. "In due time, Cromar. In due time. A King's knight is never impatient." he'd been told.

That was three days ago. And why, if this was such an important mission, were they now on foot and no longer riding? Whatever it was would probably be done and over with before they got anywhere!

Yet, as quickly as all of these thoughts flashed through Cromar's mind, they were gone and replaced with a mixture of confusion and realization. At first it wasn't obvious, then it dawned on him. "Now I see why they call this the blood forest - the flowers are all... red...!"

Jedrik smiled faintly. Without a word he began walking again, Cromar falling in easily beside him as they continued on their way. The vegetation quickly filled in with thick undergrowth, leaving the path barely wide enough to walk side by side, signalling the change in territory as well - they were now on the Fringe. The thick forest lands bordering the Kingdom of Rivnor and the elven kingdom of Dark Forest they were now journeying towards.

Cromar sighed, "Why in the name of all that is holy, aren't we riding? We'd be there by now!" His frustration finally getting the better of him, muttering, "And I still don't even know where 'There' is."

Jedrik pointedly did not tell him the destination. The young knight could stand to be patient just a little longer. "Ride? Aye, we would at that. Tell me, young knight. Do you see any wildlife here?"

Cromar blinked. There hadn't been any sound but that of the wind in the trees and the sounds of their footfalls. It had been flickering in the back of his mind, but it hadn't registered. Apparently he did have a lot more to learn.

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Last Modified 02-03-01