The Abyss

They walked on foot, following the shade with the golden eyes as it glided across the land, sticking to the more dense shadows. As they climbed, the shades up top slunk back, as if retreating. They really were controlled, intelligent. Bard felt Sen sling to him, shivering. Without saying a word, they walked through the silent forest, making their way to the mountain.

During this time, Bard had time to think. The revelation of and Empress of the Night and her shades she controlled, taking over the world, did not bode well for Sal Shefa. And seeing even Father, whose forest had never had shades, in this state, it only made that concept sink further.

Their guide, Sa’ar, the bird shade seemed odd to Bard. He remembered it talking with Father when he was a boy, but he couldn’t remember if it had those golden glowing eyes. Had it already been a shade? Was it him who kept them out of the woods along with father? There were so many questions, and one of the sources was now silenced, black and behind them.

Sen pulled on her tokens, drawing his eyes to the black ones. None of the tokens of the Elders that were in Sal Shefa were black, a bit of relief in these moments. But, seeing Father’s so black was hard to swallow.

He shook his head, ridding himself of these thoughts and feelings. He still had a task to do. It stung that it was Father’s last request, but perhaps he could undo this, if he reached her. He shook his head. That was wishful thinking. It didn’t hurt to act on a wish. At least until you knew the truth.

Father had counted on him to reach the empress with his songs. Just what sort of melody would he need? Did she even sing a song? All the shades he had come across were silent, as if their song was snuffed out.

The bird shade guided them to a large cave. Bard looked up in awe. This hadn’t been here when he was a child. Had the shades made it? It was tall. He doubted he could reach the top even if he stretched. Kai would have to duck to get in, but he could walk inside.

Following their guide, they descended into the cave, it’s gentle slop downward growing steeper as if swallowing them up. Kai struggled as it went down and eventually Bard had him stop.

Sa’ar waited as they grabbed some supplies and packed it onto themselves.

“I’ll make sure he is left alone by those outside,” he said, his slow words bringing a modicum of comfort as they left him behind and wound their way down. Finally they dropped into a path that was clearly sculpted. Bard felt his skin itch. This place was nearly dark, other than the glow of the golden eyes.

He reached into his pouch and grabbed a light stick, snapping it and holding it high. Shades skittered away, their red eyes glaring at them as the light filled the space. Perhaps because of his cloak, the bird stayed nearby, moving once more. They followed and he felt unnerved at the silent walking of Sa’ar.

Ahead, the tunnel opened up and as they came to the edge of the opening, it became a narrow path over a deep chasm of darkness. The dark below became a mist that surged up and enveloped the path. Bard moved the light stick down, but this mist persisted. The light barely showed the edge before it dropped off. Sa’ar walked out and then looked back at them, quietly waiting. Bard gripped Sen’s hand and they followed after, careful of their footing as they moved.

They continued on for what felt for hours, but other than the plodding of their feet, and the constant presence of Sa’ar, it was hard to tell the time in this void.

Suddenly a shade leapt up from the murk below and Sa’ar spread his cloak and the shade shrieked before retreating down. Sen became rooted to the spot at this. That thing had come after them. Sa’ar was protecting them, but how would they go back? Bard nudged her gently, pulling her along. Her emerald eyes were wide as she watched their surroundings. Then her expression firmed and Bard watched her confidently walk forward, as if her mind was made up. He smirked and followed her, shaking his head. She was still just as stubborn, fear or not. Sa’ar let her stand next to him as they continued on the path. Bard only hoped that he would find some way to undo this, or make it so they could leave peacefully. They didn’t have many light sticks, fire sticks or arrows left. The sunstones were dead and he had no idea if this place would even respond to his music to keep them safe. Even the tokens around his neck sung faintly, as if they were far away, almost unreachable.

He took a steadying breath and began to conjure up Father’s melody in his mind. Even now, it still offered a bit of comfort, with a little sting at his passing.

And.... we have reached the end of this Arc/Book. What are your thoughts? 

Yes, Arc/Book 10 is ready. Just give me a moment... oh ya. Make sure you've checked out the art. ;) It really does help.