The Shield Bearer

Chapter 19

As she followed Lawrence down the stairs, carefully, Rene gasped in awe of what came into view. They had exited the narrow corridor, into a massive open cave that was magically lit, by a large glowing orb that floated at the top of the cave. The orb, was like a miniature version of the sun. She could feel a gentle heat radiating off of it.

Beneath the orb, on the floor of the cave, was a thick forest of thirty and forty foot tall trees. The ones that she could see at the edge of the forest, were huge evergreen pines and firs The canopy extended beyond her sight. The sound of a waterfall, reached her ears, but she couldn't see it, yet. There was lush greenery protruding from amongst the trees. Rene had never seen so much green, in her life.

"It's beautiful." The words didn't seem to match the vista, but they were the only ones she could find to even slightly compare to it's magnificence.

"Yes, yes it is. It's like a secret little world, hidden from the bigger realm. But don't let it's beauty deceive you. This forest is populated by a number of familiar creatures along with strange, new and dangerous ones. That's why it is important that we stick to the path. It offers special protections against the denizens of this place." Lawrence looked over his shoulder, giving Rene a very serious look, before he continued down the stone staircase.

After a few moments, they reached the moss covered floor of the cave. They were nearing the edge of the forest, when a horrible screeching sound came from behind them. Both turned to see at least three of the dark figures that they had seen earlier, bursting into flames and falling down the staircase. They turned into a pile of ash, as their burning bodies reached the bottom.

Lawrence chuckled with satisfaction at this event. "I thought that might happen. This is hallowed ground. Demons and their like, cannot step foot, in this place. I am a bit concerned that they were so close behind us, though."

Rene nodded in agreement. "I know that there were more than three of them. I'd say that those were the ones sent forward to scout for the group."

Lawrence sighed heavily. "I hate to see things like that, even getting close to this place and to you. Dad said that helping you would be complicated, if I chose to do so." He shook his head and turned toward the forest. "I was really hoping to have the chance to know you better, before the craziness started." His voice was filled with sadness.

Rene followed, her head hanging low. She had enjoyed the past few days, getting to know Lawrence and getting to like his company. She had even considered giving him that unladylike look again, in the hopes that he would demonstrate his skills for her. But now, she had to put those thoughts and feelings on the back burner again. Her enemies were hot on their heels and it was time to become the shield bearer again. Maybe she would have the opportunity to be a woman again, soon.

Her decision made, Rene loosed her shield from her belt and let it settle onto her arm. That simple act, seemed to flick a switch inside her. The air around her changed as her senses expanded. There was something coming from behind her. She spun around, putting her shield between the threat and herself. The arrow thudded against her shield and fell to ground in front of her.

At the entrance of the cave, where they had just observed three demonic creatures falling to their burning deaths, was a darkly clad figure that had started down the staircase. He had a long bow, readied with another arrow, trained on Rene.

The path, beneath Rene's feet began to vibrate and then shake, under her. She felt, Lawrence's large hand grab her shoulder and spin her around, pulling her into the cover of the forest. "Don't look back!" He growled as he began jogging down the path.

Rene broke into a run, to keep up with him. "But they are going to pursue! We should use the cover of the forest, to take care of them now."

"No!" His answer was crystal clear. "This is hallowed ground. Anybody that uses a weapon here, will face the wrath of the guardian. Your only saving grace, is that your shield isn't really considered a weapon."