As soon as they entered the undergrowth, the pressure around them changed to a heavy weight, making them feel like they had eyes peering into the back of their heads. They were mostly able to shrug off the pressure, but they couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. Even with Griffiths help and watchful eyes, every noise in the underbrush around them put them on edge.
They walked into an open area in the forest where Alexander had them stop. He ordered the mule to come forward and then turned to face the group again.
"This is going to be our center of operations, if you run into trouble come back here. I hope we won't get separated, but if we do then at least we'll have some kind of home." The group nodded and threw down their small personal bags. They sat and ate some jerky before discussing their plan.
"So, where's our objective?" Griffith asked.
"Apparently there's a creature on the eastern border that's been giving recon teams trouble, so he wants us to take it on." Alexander bit into a piece of jerky and continued speaking. "He claims we're the only squad strong enough for the job, so at least he has diplomatic immunity when he sends us to die."
"You don't sound very optimistic about it." Churchill noted.
"Why should I? There isn't a lot to look forward to. With the Fey kidnapping people left and right, there's no guarantee that we'll stay together out there. If we get separated, I'm less confident in our chances."
"Realism is great until it comes to motivation." Drew said, twiddling his jerky in his hands like the motion brought him solace.
"I hate to break it to you, but there's a lack of anything positive here. It's humid, hot, and most importantly dangerous." Malcolm noted, standing up and throwing his bag over his shoulder. "Doesn't mean we won't make it, just means it'll be a bit harder than anticipated."
"Malcolm's right, it's better if we get moving now rather than later. We don't want the night to take over before we move out." Archer followed Malcolm's actions, and everyone else rose to their feet soon after.
"Alright, we'll scout the east side before dark, then we'll push in tomorrow." Alexander stated, leading a trek into a thick area of low hanging trees and shrubs. They made their way through the initial shrubbery without much trouble, but then Griffith alerted at the rear.
"Fey, a few imps up ahead from the mana signature." He drew his spear and everyone else followed suit, slowly pushing forward. Malcolm insecurely held his twinblades as Archer placed his hand on his back.
"It's gonna be fine, just kill them before they can hit you." He drew his blade off his back and quietly revved it as they approached the edge of the shrubbery. Malcolm stood next to Alexander and peered through the bushes, watching Fey converse. The sound of their high pitched and shrill voices irritated his ears, but he soon began to understand it.
"Soon, it will be finished. We can leave this restricted land and feed." Its voice had an ear piercing echo, but Malcolm intently listened.
"Yes, soon we will make our push against those stone maggots. We will reclaim our land." Alexander gave a concerned look to Malcolm.
"Can you understand them?" He whispered.
"Yea, I can. Something about finishing something and taking back land." Malcolm whispered back, the rest of the group concerned. Griffith chipped in from behind them,
"Do you think that's what he sent us here to stop?"
"Probably, we shouldn't dwell on it too much. Griffith, how many do you see?" Alexander ordered.
YOU ARE READING
Coalescence
FantasyThis book begins the story of Malcolm Van Licht, a boy who gets caught up in societal problems way beyond his reach. His singular goal in life is to become a Knight, specifically the Platinum that leads his nation. With the help of his father, the B...
