Michrinor: The Fates of The Heirs

Chapter 24 - Swamps of Coden

As the Momos and Ava moved cautiously through the treetops, the dense canopy provided little respite from the challenges of the swamp. With Lake Mor looming to the west, the Coden River winding to the east, and the threat of the Bulkru ever-present to the south, the Momos decided their safest course lay to the north, toward the village of Knobcast. Though the swamp's inhabitants often troubled the village, the guards stationed at the eastern and southern bridges kept it secure under the vigilant protection of the Naitseers. With well-established trade routes to Kinginset, the Momos hoped that their Naitseer friends might find them there, or failing that, they could make their way to Dabar after explaining their mission to the governor of Knobcast.

But the journey north would take days, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the swamp, they knew they needed to descend from the safety of the treetops to search for water and food. The heavy humidity clung to them like a damp shroud, the stillness of the swamp making it difficult to breathe. Ava's anxiety grew with the thickening darkness, her heart pounding in her chest. As she reached out to steady herself against a tree trunk, something cold and slimy brushed against her hand. Startled, she let out a small squeal, quickly clapping her free hand over her mouth as she realized her mistake.

The Momos froze, their ears pricked for any sign of danger below. A faint rustling reached their ears, and Meepat turned to Lundas, whispering urgently, "Lundas, do you still have the Garlow Berries?"

Lundas nodded, already retrieving the small pouch of berries from his satchel. He chewed on them, grimacing at their bitter taste, but determined to keep quiet. As the berries took effect, Meepat watched in awe as Lundas' eyes began to glow with a bright green light, casting an eerie but useful glow in the darkness.

While the Momos were preoccupied with the berries, Ava strained her eyes, trying to pierce the thick shadows below. She could hear movement but saw nothing. When she turned back to the Momos and caught sight of Lundas' glowing eyes, she gasped, nearly losing her grip on the tree. Meepat grasped her hand, steadying her. She took a deep breath, calming her nerves as she watched Lundas scan the swamp floor below with his enhanced vision.

The glow of his eyes revealed the scene below—Bulkru, not searching for them, but busy in a village of their own. The mud homes and makeshift forges, the weapon makers and cooks, all bustled with activity, unaware of their presence above. Lundas exhaled in relief; Ava's cry hadn't been noticed. His glowing gaze swept further north, revealing a small river cutting through the swamp, its waters dark and foreboding.

Their choices were grim. They could risk sneaking through the Bulkru village below, or they could attempt to cross the river and continue their journey through the treetops, staying out of reach of any potential threats. Lake Mor loomed near, a dangerous but perhaps necessary path. Lundas turned to Meepat and Ava, his eyes still glowing with the Garlow Berries' magic, and whispered, "We must choose wisely—sneak through the village or brave the river. Both paths are perilous, but the treetops may be our best chance to remain unseen."

Ava nodded, her mind racing. She knew they couldn't afford to be discovered. Steeling herself, she whispered back, "Let's go for the river. The treetops have kept us safe so far; they'll do so again."

The decision made, the group prepared to make their way north, knowing the challenges that lay ahead were only beginning.

Lundas motioned for the others to follow him higher into the tree, where the leaves formed a dense canopy. Once they were safely concealed, he spoke in a hushed voice. "We're in a tight spot. There's a large Bulkru village directly below us."

Ava and Meepat both gasped, their eyes wide with fear. "To continue north toward Knobcast, we'd have to pass through the village," Lundas continued, pointing to where the treetops abruptly ended. Ava's heart sank as she saw the gap, the dense trees giving way to the open ground. She reached for Lundas's paw, seeking reassurance.