HOLES IN THE FABRIC: Bk 1 The Weaver Prophecy

Chapter 17: The Land of Nub

Shu had been enjoying himself immensely watching her, listening to her words, seeing her passion, when he caught a flashing out of the corner of his eye. He dropped behind the monk and Moana and turning ran silently to the opening of the cavern.

            Outside three warriors waited.

            “My Lord, you must come at once. Something terrible has happened.” An older man stepped forward, his face well weathered, clothed in ancient armour.

            “What is it? Surely you can handle it. I told you not to come for me. I thought I made that quite clear. You are experienced seasoned warriors. Now go. Leave me be.” The Lord turned back to the mountain.

            “It is the Queen of Nub My Lord.” The warrior persisted.

            “Why didn’t you say so?” He turned back immediately. “What happened?”

            “The dark forces have managed to break through into the section of Nub. They found a weakness in the portal near the wall and entered.

“How long ago?”

“It seems it was some time ago, they have been coming and going without anyone’s knowledge. They were discovered last night. Her husband has raised the alarm. He asked for you.”

            “Of course.” A warrior appeared with three horses. One white, one golden, one red. The Golden Lord leapt upon the back of the Golden steed, his companions following on theirs. He gestured at two men still on foot

“Stay here and guard the entrance, no-one goes out or in.” At his words a large gold gate appeared over the entrance of the cavern and locked shut.

 He called forth to the skies.

            “Great winds of the North, East and West carry us to the palace of Nub.”

He never was much of a poet. The skies thundered and the winds came gushing forth from all directions, except for one. Their horses were borne into the air and up through the skies. The golden Lords hair flew behind him leaving a trail of golden dust in his wake.

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            Stripple's form was hidden at the base of a cliff looking up at the Palace fortress. His black beady eyes glittered with greed at the prospect of his first reward. This sacred palace would be his.  His white body quivered with excitement and his long tongue darted forth from his blackened lips. He waited for the signal.  A black shadow flew forth from above the mist and plummeted down the cliff leaving a black trail in its wake. Stripple stretched out his arms and legs and claws protruded out from where his fingers had been. The black shadow twisted forming a black rope. Using his claws to cling onto the black rope, he tested his weight upon it first to check it held firm. Pleased with its strength he scrambled up the side of the mountain disappearing up through the white mists that separated the land from the world below. He emerged at the top, saliva already dripping out of the corners of his mouth at the thought of his prize. He scaled the weak wall and before him stood the Palace.

            It was an ancient structure, yet it sang of power contained within its walls. It was placed between the worlds and as such was an important step if one was going between them. Whoever held it, would control who came and went via this pathway.

            Stripple laughed. They had grown stupid.  Forgotten their own purpose. Serves the fuckers right.

            Its walls appeared to be small and made of wood, but he knew what lay beyond the illusion.  It was made to be overlooked by travellers such as him. A simple gateway stood before him, the latch broken. She had done her work well.