Achil & The Dragon Lord Of Osgaroth Read online

  Chapter III

  The Witches of Haven Forest

  Nishga directed them as best she could, but it had been a long time since she had passed that way, and the path was overgrown and in places it was impassable, or worse still it was invisible; she had intended that they should take, what was thought to be a quicker route, by going through Haven forest, as opposed to going around it, unfortunately things were not going according to plan. And so they jostled their way through, deeper and deeper into a thicket of wooded crop. The canopy of embracing branches sweeping casually above their heads filtered out a substantial amount of the light, the shade closeting them in an uncomfortable heat. Soon they entered the vast heaviness of Haven Forest with its almost impenetrable thatch of choking brush, which in places needed to be cut back. As the gloom began to deepen Nishga held Achil close, the creeping shadows of the trees made the forest seem to cling to them, she felt some forgotten memory creep close.

  “Hey,” cried Achil, as her arms tightly gripped him. “In a moment I won’t be able to draw breath, there’s nothing to fear here. Besides we do have that sword you made me.”

  Achil’s tone though light, could not hide the fact that he too felt there was danger lurking nearby.

  Nishga knew well the type of creatures that often wandered the forest; she had many seasons before, seen her Uncle fight off a pack of hungry Wolves; the thought of which made her sit up rigidly and stoically in her seat.

  “I know there’s nothing to fear,” said Nishga turning to look away. “I was just keeping warm that‘s all: I believe with the mountains in the distance over there we need to start heading more north westerly.”

  Achil nodded, though he was pensively studying the path which only recently had been disturbed.

  “It has been a long time since I ventured into these parts, and I do not recall the path you are now taking us down.”

  Nishga’s eyes narrowed as she looked for visible signs of the track she once knew, there was something different about the area that concerned her. It was more foreign than she had remembered it to be, more wild.

  “I was here as a child,” said Nishga. “My mother was a mystery to me; you see I never really knew her. I‘m afraid, from what I understand, she was taken into captivity while travelling through this country. I escaped on foot, into the forest where I was found by a man who took me in. He was as close to a father as I will ever know; he treated me as a blood relative, teaching me the ways of the forest, and more importantly how to survive in the wild, and he also taught me a trade, to be a smithy. Having said that I haven‘t been back through these parts for some time, these are secret ways only known to a few woodsmen. They used to be the guardians of the forest, until a shadow fell over Haven Forest, and people started to go missing and were never heard of again; some darkness infected this place, and has lordship here now.”

  “If such a tale be true then perhaps we shouldn't have come this way. Or maybe this place has grown so wild that those people fell prey to bears and wolves,” whispered Achil. “A sign of the times I fear. With raiders crossing the borders testing our defences, all this area has been neglected. And if you grew up in these parts then that certainly tells me why it is that someone as slight as you can take care of herself. Also you may not have known your mother, but looking at you I think she must have been very beautiful.”

  That last comment made Nishga’s eyes sparkle and brought a soft smile to her face.

  “That’s good of you to say so,” said Nishga. “But let us not stray from the subject, which was how different these parts are since I was last here. You need to realise; that the forest contains many fearsome beasts that maybe unknown to you. So let us take care there are more fearsome creatures than wolves and bears in the gloom of the wood these days. I heard tales from my Uncle of half human Wild Men, Dark Spirits, and Witches.”

  Achil listened curiously to Nishga, and suddenly the strange sounds from the forest took on a very different meaning, a simple scratching resonated more harshly, a crows rasping screech gave warning that strangers roamed abroad among the trees. The shadows seemed to have real shape to them, making it appear that twisted grotesquely crafted demons followed their every movement. Their heads would dart one way then the other, fearful of what they might be confronted with. Achil turned and to his surprise found her grinning up at him. She suddenly quipped that any creature they came across would have to brave the great and the good, and that was her being great and her being good, and then she burst into laughter, as though any danger that was close was of no consequence. Her teasing had had the desired effect. Achil also smiled lightly, studying her youthful lines, the Gypsies had thought her, incorrectly as was proved, a thief, but after the life she had led, it was no wonder she had not become something far worse. Notwithstanding her keen wit, since he was armed with the knowledge that Witches and other strange creatures existed; though he thought them rare. He would certainly be watchful for anything out of the ordinary. Achil had never really left the lands of Findolin before. Not like this. Usually when leaving his city, it was by following roads well-travelled. Keeping to maps well drawn, which gave him the necessary details of what lay ahead, and what places to avoid, his main travels recently had been to guard the border against raiders from the lands of the Mead.

  Achil reached into his bag and pulled out a leather water bottle. He passed it to Nishga; who gulped the fresh water down relishing every drop. It was not long before shady light turned to darkness. So they decided to find a place to camp for the night. Nishga pointed in the direction of where she thought there was a clearing where they could rest for the night. It was actually close to where the Haven mountain range began from. The trees seemed to disperse, space out, leading into an area free and unencumbered by anything other than a grassy knoll. There was also a small stream which sprang from the craggy rocks which lost itself in the forest. They made camp by the edge of the stream; Achil built a small fire and left Nishga to warm herself, whilst he went hunting for their dinner. He had wanted something fresh like rabbit, or some wild fowl.

  Achil checked every so often to make sure his bearings were correct, looking through the trees, clearly could be seen, like a crystal cut into a velvet cloak, the North Star. Feeling reassured as to his whereabouts he disappeared further into the Forest. Nishga lay back on her blanket staring up at the sky. For the first time in an age she truly felt secure, that she was not alone. The crackle of the fire offered up a pleasant warmth that took away the night chill. Achil discovered the trail of a small deer; he tracked it as far as he could, making sure he did not stray too far from the stream, but lost it when it crossed over. He decided to fill his small water bottle before venturing on. There were also some unusual tracks on the ground that he did not recognise, and though curious Achil chose to ignore them.

  His eyes adjusted to the dark and being an expert tracker he was not unduly disoriented by his surroundings. He finally heard some rustling. In one movement Achil took his bow from his shoulder and fixed an arrow to it. Then creeping close, and making sure he kept to the cover of the trees. He peered through the brush, and could just make out a large bird. Steadily Achil pulled back the string, the bow tightened in his grip, he carefully edged himself forward a little more, so as to get off a better shot, when for no apparent reason one of the branches that he had pushed past struck him on the back, with such force that it flung him forward. The bird, in a frenzy leapt into the air, bounced off Achil’s head and was lost in the branches of a tree. He stood a moment, hands on hip, wondering what had just happened. This meant that for the time being Nishga would just have to go without anything fresh to eat. Better still, he simply would not tell her how close she had come to having dinner, better that, than listen to the annoyed rumblings of a hungry person.

  He made his way back to their camp. On route he came across perhaps the last chance for something fresh to eat. Silhouetted in the dark, was a large stag. This time he would make the kill. He slowly took his bo
w, attached the arrow to the string, and took aim.

  The stag dropped to the ground shot through the heart. Kneeling over it, he said a small prayer to Artruo spirit of the forest for being kind enough to provide him with something to eat. Achil stood up and realised he had a problem, the creature was too large to carry with any comfort. He tied its legs together and picked it up over his shoulders, and slowly made his way back to camp. The journey seemed longer than it was. His shoulders were beginning to ache, until success, he had arrived at his destination, and so Achil flung the carcass down with a triumphal grunt. When he looked up, instead of seeing a face filled with gratitude, what greeted him both surprised and puzzled him.

  Nishga was gone. Not only was she gone, there were signs that a struggle had taken place; clothes littered the camp that were flung randomly in every direction, the contents of their bags were scattered and torn. With concern etched on his face, he immediately began to examine the area trying to piece together what had happened, which was not difficult. The evidence was easily discernible, clothes had been torn and paw prints gave away the attacker, it looked like she had fought with a bear. She had been overpowered and then finally hauled limply away on her back, which meant she was either dead or unconscious. It was unusual for a bear to attack a camp, especially one well lit by fire, and even more unusual for it actually to abduct a person. The bear had even left the horse which appeared still agitated by the ordeal, but had been unable to break free from where it had been tied. Breathing heavily it stamped the ground as if to ward off any further intruders. There were too many questions here, and not enough answers. Achil quickly made his mind up, even at night the bear would not be difficult to find, after all bears did not conceal their tracks; so there was only one thing for it, he had to seek it out and free Nishga, if she were still alive.

  Achil lifted his shield over his shoulder, untied the horse and let it roam free, just in case he could not return, and slipped away. The path the bear had taken was so clearly marked that a blind person could have found them even in the dark. Achil knew that a bear's sense of smell was very acute, so he kept downwind as best he could. He made sure not to step on twig or rustle any bush in his path, so as not to alarm his prey of his coming.

  He had followed the tracks for many leagues when he came upon a curious smell in the air; it was tinged with a strange rasping fume that seemed to exaggerate the suspicious silence that thickly lay all around. He bent down, picked up a broken sapling placed it in his mouth and tasted it. Intuitively he knew there was something not quite right about his quarry. The mystery of Nishga’s captor only increased as the tracks had changed from a bear carrying somebody to that of a man hauling a heavy burden. Achil could see that the trail led into a clearing, so he silently crept forward more cautiously than ever. Peering through the trees, he could just make out the silhouette of Nishga. He breathed a heavy sigh of relief, she was alive, and alert to her surroundings, though probably to her dismay she was once more tied up; this time to a tree.

  With the moon risen, Achil could see the shadow of a giant man, he was covered from head to foot in furs, and was shuffling his heavy frame over to a well, the dark figure then pulled out a large cauldron filled to overflowing, and then heaving it up onto one shoulder he carried it over to a wooden log cabin. A door opened and a reddish fiery light escaped. The door was quickly closed behind him as he entered in. It would take some doing thought Achil, should they come to blows, to bring him down. After a while the man exited the cabin with the cauldron and placed it onto a fire, and stood in the middle of what was a small homestead. The Compound was fenced off for the most part with a corral of pigs and goats separated by a wooden fence. The man bent over on all fours and to Achil’s amazement as he fell to the ground, he altered shape into a bear, before disappearing off into the forest. Achil hidden from view, froze in disbelief, he shook his head as if to wake from a dream.

  Slowly he crept round behind Nishga, he was about to cry out to her. When out from the cabin stepped a women. She held up a lantern and could clearly be seen beneath it. What Achil found remarkable was that she was incredibly old and yet she was also supple, she had long greying hair, icy blue eyes that cut into the night, and a face of rough leather that matched her long weathered dress. She walked over to Nishga and took her by the chin forcing her face from side to side.

  Achil silently listened to their sharp exchange barely drawing breath so as not to be overheard.

  “You’re a thin one, but you’ll do,” said the old Woman. “I intend to take your youth from you, keep it locked away in this crystal, until I need it.”

  Nishga fixed her gaze at the old woman before responding defiantly.

  “I’m not afraid of a Witch,” said Nishga. “I don’t even think my youth can prevent you from sagging you old hag.”

  The old Woman just cackled back, “I’ll soon cure you of your impudence, forever. And you‘ve guessed correctly, I am a Witch so why don't you have a little more respect with what you say, or things could turn very nasty for you.”

  She then turned and went back into the cabin while Nishga just glared up at her with undisguised scorn.

  “Nishga you need to keep calm while I work something out,” whispered Achil.

  “What took you so long to find me?” cried Nishga. “And you try being calm when someone wants to eat you.”

  “Quiet! The bear or whatever it is has come back,” said Achil.

  Achil watched from behind a tree waiting for the right moment to make his move. The bear had brought back some forest herbs and a dead crow. He put everything on the ground, and then turned back into a man. The witch once more came out of the cabin, and directed the man to back away. The old woman then placed some herbs and spices into the cauldron and began stirring it, whilst chanting an incantation over the pot. The man stood listening as if fascinated by what the woman was doing. He then stepped back and went over to a large pole. Attached to which was a chain and collar. He placed the collar round his neck, and like a dog on a leash, lay down sullenly.

  The Witch began stirring the pot faster as her chanting also quickened then she abruptly stopped. She then drew a knife from her belt and walked over to Nishga. Who stiffened and braced herself for what she thought would be a fatal thrust unless of course someone intervened.

  “I would suggest,” cried Nishga with a grimace. “If anyone wants to try and help me, now would be a good time."

  “There are only ghosts here to keep you company, but do not worry," said the Witch. “If it's their companionship you're after, I’ll soon send you to them."

  Achil pulled back his bow ready to fire, but lowered it again as the Witch cut a slip of hair from Nishga and then walked back to the pot to throw it in, the reaction of which produced a green glowing vapour. Nishga breathed a sigh of relief and shot Achil a deep frown that fortunately in the dark he could not make out.

  By this time Achil had seen enough. Next time the Witch entered her cabin, he would cut Nishga’s bonds and they would be out of there. He waited as the old woman finished what she was doing, and though time seemed to pass interminably she turned to enter her cabin.

  As the early morning light began to lift the gloom, he slipped out from behind a tree and over to Nishga. He put his finger to his lips for her to keep quiet, she nodded in acknowledgment. He then cut her bonds. She rubbed her soar wrists, trying to free them from the feeling of being strangled. Achil speaking softly so as not to be overheard directed her into the forest, and just as they were about to make good their escape, Nishga clumsily slipped, giving out a yelp as she did so. The man was immediately alert, and turned as if by instinct into a bear and roared.

  The Witch quickly emerged from the cabin; Achil drew his sword and shouted for Nishga to run. The Witch like lightning was on them in an instant. With a long knife in one hand and a cleaver in the other, she was a formidable opponent, slashing first one way then the other. It was all Achil could do from being sliced in two. He ducked down l
ow, dived to one side, rolled over, spun round, whilst always managing to maintain a safe distance between himself and his adversary, and to the frustration of the Witch, he lay beyond any bloody impact that might impale or decapitate him. Achil could sense that the Witch was beginning to tire, so he struck, but the Witch was unbelievably fast and the sword simply sliced through the air. The bear still tethered to the pole could not interfere, he roared ineffectively, giving the scene an unaccustomed symphony that was different to the usual blade on blade rattle and focused dance that accompanied such a desperate struggle.

  Achil swung round and into the midriff of the witch but instead of being a fatal blow the blade simply bounced off as though she had some invisible shield. He could not fail to notice that every time he struck at her, the crystal around her neck pulsed with energy, and his blows simply fell harmlessly away.

  The Witch began to laugh when she saw that he realised that she could not be harmed.

  “You fool,” said the Witch. “Your weapons are impotent against my magic. When I first took this crystal it was imbued with all sorts of powers enabling me to move with great speed, to protect myself from harm, I have abilities beyond your understanding, so you see I know for a fact that nothing born of man will ever destroy me.”

  On hearing her dark scorn Achil shuddered knowing he now had a very real problem to deal with. The old Woman jumped forward knocking Nishga to one side and aimed a shattering blow at Achil, who barely managed to leap out of the way of what would have surely been a fatal hit, another strike almost cut him in half; he had to lean back so far that he almost touched the ground with his back, whilst watching in awe as the blade sliced through the air above him. The Witch was eventually in a position for Achil to employ the only strategy he could. He lunged forward knocking the old Woman back with his shield, as the two of them came together, the energy of the crystal exploded with such force it was as though a horse had kicked Achil in the midriff, throwing him clear.

  But what he had wanted to achieve was done, she hovered on the edge of the well, before losing her footing and disappearing in. She was not dead but she was contained. Achil picked his things up and grabbed hold off Nishga.

  “We’re leaving!” cried Achil.

  Nishga did not need a second invitation.

  “What about her?” asked Nishga gesturing toward the Well. “She’ll come after us.”

  The bear by this time had changed into human form.

  “If you free me I will deal with the witch,” said the man. “I have been her prisoner for many years, it is the price paid for desiring to be human. But I just wish to go back to the wilds and my kin. She seduced me into believing that becoming a man was what all creatures wished for. And since men are rulers over all; I wished to be like that. But I now understand all she wanted was a slave.”

  Achil warily agreed lifted his sword and brought it down hard onto the man's collar, snapping it in two.

  “I hope you will learn,” said Achil. “Not all people are callous, or wicked like her.”

  The man nodded and took the collar from his neck, he rubbed the uncompromising mark it had left behind, and then he let the yoke drop to the floor with a clank. For the first time in an age he breathed freely.

  “Thank you,” growled the man, his eyes narrowed as he knew what he must do. “I must warn you,” he continued. “She has two sisters that make up their coven in this forest. They have a moot tonight; you have until then to make good your escape. As soon as she doesn’t turn up for that meeting they will seek her out and when they find out what has happened to her, they will be enraged. First they will come looking for me. If they catch up to me they will force me to talk. You will need to be far away by then. I do not need to tell you of the consequences if you’re not."

  The man ran over to a large boulder and reverting to his natural Bear form he picked it up and lumbered across to the Well. The Witch meanwhile had been trying to climb out of the Well and had almost succeeded, only to find a rather large boulder come crashing down on top of her. As it crushed her, the crystal smashed letting go a plume of energy that shot out of the shaft, shattering the boulder and catapulting pieces everywhere. The bear was thrown back, rose awkwardly before making its escape into the forest, truly free at last, it glanced back at Achil as it left, to bow its head, as if to say thank you, before it was lost in the forest. The spell that had turned a bear into a man had been broken forever.

  “Do you think she’s dead?” asked Nishga.

  “Well if she’s not. Then she’s going to wake up with a really bad headache.”

  Achil left the compound as it was; he had been tempted to set fire to it but the smoke would surely have brought the Witches sisters down upon them. Without looking back the two disappeared beneath the canopy of the trees.

  They raced back to their camp to get their belongings, rushing passed broken tree and craggy knoll not daring to stop for breath or comfort, for the chase was surely on.