The Resting Place

Tom’s mind was spinning as he rode Skreel towards the Forest of Mordula.  He was filled with conflicting emotions resulting from the sudden rush of events that had changed his world.  Part of him was excited by the prospect of new adventures and the possibility of returning to his world to see his parents.  At the same time, he was sad to be so quickly leaving the friendship of the dwarves and the Forbidden Mountains in which he had grown up. 

Tom sensed that there must be grave danger before them as Willet had told them to put on the elvish armor from Dinwald’s Deep.  To wear this armor or even to hold it had been forbidden by Willet for the past ten years.  He had instructed them that it was only to be used in times of great need.  Despite his extensive training in military skills and tactics, he felt humbled and inadequate to be wearing such honorable apparel.  Although he was nervous at the prospect of danger, there was an intangible presence that seemed to reassure him.

“Bear to the left!”  Etain shouted to Willet as they rode the lead eagle. 

“Look!  There is a disturbance in the forest ahead!  That is where my resting place is!  I fear that we may be too late!”

They soon arrived at the source of the commotion.  In a clearing below, was a group of about thirty where-wolves and several vampires.  They had surrounded a single tree in a small clearing in the forest.  Tom  rubbed his eyes and blinked because he thought that the evening shadows must be playing tricks on him.

“The tree is fighting them!”  Tom shouted to Skreel.

Skreel replied, “It must be some magic at work!  Hold on!  We are going in!”

As if by some unseen signal, all of the eagles dived in unison into the midst of the where-wolves.

In the chaos that ensued, Tom found himself hovering near the base of the strange tree.  Tom’s stone began to glow brightly which temporarily blinded some of the nearby where-wolves.  Tom’s senses and fighting skills seemed enhanced as though he were being helped by some unseen presence.  In the glow of the seeing stone, Tom discovered a large demon near the tree.  He was reaching towards Etain’s lifeless form as if to take possession of her body.  Tom felt a strange surge of energy and he sensed that he had to keep the demon from touching her so he said, “Do not touch her foul fiend!”

The demon turned towards him and laughed cruelly as he said, “You are no match for me young fool!  I shall possess my prize and then torment you!”

A voice within Tom replied, “I am no mere youth!  Behold!  I am Sir Egric of the Aigneis!” 

The spirit of a mighty elf lord emerged from within Tom and attacked the demon.

Skreel shouted to Tom, “Hold on!  I’m going to get Etain!”

Skreel swooped to the base of the tree and grabbed Etain’s body.  They began to escape when Tom noticed a vampire come after them.

“Vampire in pursuit!”  Tom told Skreel who gave a loud screech and began to accelerate.

Despite the speed of their flight and several evasive maneuvers, the vampire closed the distance between them.  Tom could see that this vampire had body armor and appeared to be of noble rank.  He remembered that Willet had told him vampires could only be killed by piercing their heart or by cutting off their head. 

He signaled Skreel, “Barrel roll when he get close!” 

Skreel gave a scream of acknowledgement. 

When the vampire was about to overtake them, Tom shouted, “Now!”

Skreel looped back over the on-rushing vampire.  Tom released his grip once they were upside down and over the vampire.  Tom did a summer-sault and landed on the shoulders of the vampire.  Before he could react, Tom plunged his sword between his neck and breast plate piercing his heart.  Skreel completed his looping maneuver and dove under Tom as he and the dead vampire fell from the sky.

Skreel looked down at the battle below and said, “The where-wolves have been slain or have fled!” 

Tom said, “Let’s find Willet and Etain!”

“No need,”  replied Skreel.  “I see her spirit approaching.”