The Greylands: Volume VI

By Susan Skylark

A land of shadows, of mystery, of obfuscated Truth. Welcome to the Greylands, that strange world, within the bounds of Time, peopled by mortal men. We cannot see truly, only as through a glass, darkly. There are things that move and have their being completely beyond our ability to perceive them. There are things beyond our mortal ability to comprehend. There are hints and glimmers hidden within the body of revealed Truth, but there is much we do not know, cannot yet understand, and could never dare dream. These stories are mere fancy, with a seed of Truth at their core. They play with the ideas of mortality and Eternity, Time and things beyond it, and of course the epic battle of Good against Evil. Each stands alone, and though there are common themes, threads, names, and concepts, each story is an entity unto itself and should not be seen as occurring in the same world or mistaken for installments of a series. These are random musings, not Gospel Truth, and should not be taken as such. Joy, hope, and encouragement are hopefully a byproduct, but certainly not sound Theology. If you would know more of the true world beyond these Greylands, one must be a careful student of the Scriptures, not of silly stories such as these.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Skylark
• Release date: Dec 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310483356

Susan Skylark

Once upon a time there was a sensible young lady who pursued a practical career, but finding it far less fulfilling than the proponents of the modern fairytale promulgate, she then married a clergyman, much to everyone’s astonishment, including her own, and in proper fairytale fashion keeps house for the mysterious gentleman in a far away land, spending most of her time in company with a very short, whimsical person who can almost speak English. She enjoys fantasy, fairy tales, and adventure stories and her writing reflects this quaint affectation. She considers Happy Endings (more or less) a requisite to good literature and sanity, though real stories never, truly end.

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The Greylands: Volume VI

Susan Skylark

Copyright 2014 Susan Skylark

Smashwords Edition

Revised 2019

Author’s note: each story is unique to itself and not related in any way to any other story, character, or world in this or any other series.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to an authorized retailor and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents:

Beyond the Morning

Upon a Far Mountain

Into Shadow

Other Books by this Author

Sample Chapters

Beyond the Morning:

The historians and astronomers and geologists will tell you that the world revolves around the sun and that the earth is round, but my dear child, they are all of them wrong. Yes, quite wrong, utterly and completely. Men once thought the world flat and that the sun revolved around the earth, and I think, perhaps men were wiser in those days. Of course, this is a fairy tale so I might be mistaken, but at least in this particular world this happened to be the case. In the beginning of things this world had been quite like all the others, but men did not like the way things were so they rebelled against Him who made the worlds and quite made a mess of things. So it was that the world literally fell to pieces, leaving it flat with little bits like islands floating to the East and a shadowy chunk lurking beneath, where nasty things lived and breathed and had their being.

Mountains ringed the whole world about, keeping the water and most of the inhabitants inside, save for one small gap where the Great Sea found an outlet and fell in a great waterfall into fathomless depths below. But the sun boiled the water every night as it passed beneath this strange world and it fell again as rain very early every morning. Thus the Sea was fresh water (and not salt as you might think) and the world never suffered drought nor a rainy day thus sparing all the picnics. So in general, it was a rather prosperous and happy world. Except of course for that minor problem of man’s rebellion against his Maker. Besides for that minor glitch, it was quite a wonderful place to call home and an especially good place to have a picnic.

But what was to come of that little matter mentioned above which brought sorrow, death, illness, and violence upon a once joyous and peaceful world? Well, things certainly could not remain as they were, for the Master loved His creatures far too much to leave them in such a miserable story, so the Author came Himself to set the story right. To think that He who made everything would leave unimaginable Glory to spend time amongst the very things He created, naughty as they were. At first, they were quite happy to listen to His stories and benefit from His miracles, but they grew tired of His preaching and jealous of His power, so they did the only reasonable thing and killed the One who invented Life.

Only you cannot kill Him, at least not forever (no matter what the skeptics tell you), and He lived again, but in dying He conquered Death and since the price of rebellion and sin is death, He just happened to pay for all the mistakes and bad deeds of His poor, sundered creatures. The only problem was, most of them were not interested in such a silly thing as redemption, thank you very much! They were quite happy with life the way it was and really could not care less about such wondrous Love. They wanted to mind their own business and wanted Him very much to mind His own, of course not realizing that their wellbeing was His business. So it was, that He returned to His place and left the world to do as it pleased, at least until that exciting day when He promised to return and stay forever and ever with his Creatures that really wanted to be with Him; the rest could spend all of eternity in a place where He would never bother them again and they could do very much as they pleased, which they would soon come to realize was not very much fun at all.

The centuries passed and men multiplied and filled the whole earth, and with more people came the obvious problems of greed, war, strife, jealousy, and rage with the strong oppressing the weak, not to mention an increase in littering and other such crimes. Certain countries were better or worse than others in matters of justice and peace, as is always true of the lands of men. In this particular time and place, it was a rather peaceful and prosperous country that was a little more just than many lands in the history of this world. Its neighbors too were relatively peaceful, which allowed them all to dwell for a time in quiet harmony. In the specific neighborhood where this story begins, there were a number of rather rich and influential families with any number of well-bred and educated offspring, all ready to make their way in the wide world.

There were three boys who were quite good friends and had been since the dawn of time, or at least for as much as they could remember of it. There was nothing that could ever come between them, save perhaps those insurmountable forces of love and death, for taxes, as we currently know them, had not yet been invented. One of these young men was quite sick and on the verge of that dreadful enemy of mortality, or at least of childhood, yes, romantic love. He was quite sure he wanted to marry the most beautiful (and rich) girl in the neighborhood, and while his friends were quite happy for his good fortune, they really did not wish to see their little trio broken up. While our love-stricken Kyan was off romancing his ladylove, our two remaining heroes, Bayard and Griffin, fell in with an old man who told the most wonderful stories.

He told them of things long ago and things yet to come, of a Great King who had left His Eternal Throne to dwell among mortal men. Of the Great Enemy who had left the service of this King long before the worlds were made, and his intent to corrupt or destroy all that his former Master had wrought, including mankind. They were intrigued by these tales, especially when told that even Today, men must decide on whose side they would live and fight, for it was a war older than Time and none could stand aside or plead ignorance. They must either stand with the King or fall with the Enemy. Quite excited by this prospect, the youths dashed back to find the missing member of their little company, who was just bidding farewell to his darling, both with stars in their eyes.

I must soon propose, said he, as if in a dream.

Yes, yes, said Bayard impatiently, all in good time, but come, there is something you must hear!

Smiling dreamily, Kyan did not resist his friends as they led him back to the interesting man who had so excited their young hearts. The man smiled upon the lovelorn youth, remembering his own days of courting, back when the world was new. Finally, the young man roused from his rosy visions enough to listen to those things the man had to tell. A thrill of excitement ran down his spine, for here was a purpose and a calling indeed!

To tell the truth, the boys and most of their cohort were bored, dreadfully so. They had every material pleasure their hearts could desire but it was not enough. Kyan thought himself in love, but mostly he just liked being liked and had no comprehension of the true meaning of the word Love. They had no purpose, no direction, no meaning. What was the point of living? But here was an explanation for why the world was as it was and a challenge to live a life of significance. Said the man in caution, remember lads, the Master demands your whole heart and being, your very souls! There are those that oppose Him bitterly and you might well pay for your devotion with your lives. If you still wish to pursue this calling, come tonight when we shall all gather in one place.

The boys exchanged an excited smile as he told them when and where to gather, so too did the dark figure smile as he listened intently from his hiding place, but his grin held only eager malice, there was no joy in the gesture at all. The boys dashed off to further discuss these exciting revelations while the old man continued on his way. The dark figure went in search of reinforcements, for he wanted this to be a memorable evening indeed.

Just because they had a secret meeting scheduled for later in the evening, did not mean the three lads could miss the biggest ball of the season. They dandied themselves up to perfection and looked forward to resuming their eager conversation in some quiet corner of the great house that hosted the evening’s festivities. But their mothers and the assorted ladies their own age expected them to dance unceasingly for the first part of the evening. Having accomplished their social obligations, Bayard and Griffin managed to slip quietly away but Kyan found himself unable to disentangle himself from Suzanne, who though very attractive this evening, no longer dazzled his mind into pure and utter worship. He tried time and again to join his friends, but the girl was persistent and would not loose her hold on his sleeve.

Finally he said, Suzanne, you must let me go! I cannot remain here any longer, for there is a needful thing I must do this evening.

She pouted quite alluringly, I had hoped you meant to propose this night.

He swallowed hard, what had he been thinking to be so enamored with this girl? This would not be easy, but it must be done, he said as gently as he could, I have come to realize I cannot marry you my dear…

He trailed off as she shrieked, What!?! at the top of her lungs and froze the dancers in their steps. Kyan blushed scarlet, but did not lose this chance to escape the clutches of his lovely and furious companion.

His friends laughed merrily at Kyan’s predicament, but eagerly hastened to the secret meeting arranged by the old man. In the depths of the woods they met, with a glorious sky full of stars looking on and the trees standing in silent vigil about them. The embarrassed trio was the last to arrive and the old man said amusedly, I was afraid you would not make it.

Now, said he, to the dozen young men that had answered his call, you are probably all wondering why we are here? There were several murmurs of excitement as the man continued, I invited you here tonight to learn more about those things that I hinted at in our previous conversations. You are those who seemed most eager for this mysterious calling. It is in no way required that you go any deeper into this matter if all you wish is to serve our Master in your daily lives, this you can accomplish quite easily in your day to day living by following those precepts I have already imparted to you. This meeting is solely for those who wish to know more of this ancient war and your potential role in it. If you commit to this venture, your lives are no longer your own. You will agree to dedicate them solely, and wholly for the use of our Master and whatever task He appoints each of you. There are those who oppose us with every fiber of their being and every power they possess; they will stop at nothing to thwart our Master’s will. This quest will claim your lives, whether it be tonight or a hundred years from now, I cannot say when, but you must know this before we continue. If there are any here who wish to leave at this point, by all means, get you gone.

There was some embarrassed shifting but no one moved. The man smiled grimly, then if you are serious in this endeavor, I hereby swear you all to utter secrecy. What you are about to hear is known to very few who still walk this mortal earth. You know of the ancient war between the Master and His once great servant, who has become His greatest Enemy. This Enemy does not sleep, nor is he willing to let mortal men live in peace. There are men abroad who have sold their souls into slavery to this dark lord, some even have entered a living death and have become terrible creatures that do naught but his will. What I ask of you this night is to join the ranks of those who oppose these vile men and their undead comrades, that your kith and kin might dwell obliviously in peace.

The three latecomers exchanged wide-eyed looks of wonder, excitement coursed through their veins. The old man continued long into the night, making sure his listeners fully understood what it was they were about to undertake. Finally he finished and asked, are there any who now would stand aside? No one moved. Very well, said he gravely, come forth one by one and swear yourselves to this service. And so they came forward, each stating his intention to fully abide by all the old man had said, and then taking a long draught of water out of an ancient flagon. Now, he said, once the last had come forth. you are each sealed to this cause. Your duties and service will vary, but in the days to come you will each know what is asked of you. Let us disperse before our enemies find us, go back to your homes, and await eagerly your Calling.

The moon had risen and was well overhead by this time, giving plenty of light to the sojourners as they talked eagerly amongst themselves and started slowly to drift away toward their respective homes. All chaos suddenly broke loose amidst the scattered company as nameless creatures howled, wailed, and shrieked in the night, even as arrows and swords, claws and teeth struck wildly into the now panicked gathering. Run! shouted the old man, and then everything was terror and frenzy amongst the once eager initiates.

Bayard screamed as something viciously sunk its claws into his back, but his two friends each grabbed one of his hands and drew him along in their flight. They found their horses still tied where they had left them, but mad with fright. They disentangled the panicky beasts, who needed no further urging to run. They galloped madly off into the night, heedless of holes or branches that might suddenly end their mad flight, only knowing that worse was behind than any danger that might lurk ahead.

They almost thought themselves away, when a fiendish howl behind them fed fresh fire into their horses’ panic and the fear coursing through their own hearts. They prayed desperately to the Master they barely knew for salvation and wondered at the strange fate that would rob them of their lives the very night they decided to make something of them. Griffin’s horse screamed, as only a mortally wounded equine can, and went crashing to the earth with his master upon his back, crying, ride, ride! My horse has broken his leg. Don’t stop, it will be the death of us all…

Bayard and Kyan exchanged a terrified look, wanting to stop their mad flight and aid their friend, but his cries were already lost as whatever was pursuing them fell upon their fallen friend. All they could do was ride on in horror and grief. They galloped on until morning, having heard no sign of pursuit since poor Griffin had fallen behind. The rosy shades of dawn revealed the Great Sea shining crimson before them as their poor beasts collapsed on the beach in exhaustion. A little boat lay upon the shore and beckoned to both of the exhausted boys; they exchanged a tired smile and quickly climbed into the little craft and put out to Sea. They soon caught the current that carried them swiftly east towards the sunrise and the end of the world. They collapsed into an exhausted sleep as the day brightened and the little boat floated gaily along, caught in the strong eastbound current.

The sun had set and both boys roused in the cool of the evening as the first bright stars appeared in the darkening sky. Bayard moaned in agony, for his entire being felt afire with fever from the deep scratches he had received from some fierce beast on the night that seemed more nightmare than terrible reality. Kyan said quietly, why are we at Sea?

Bayard smiled weakly, it felt like the right thing to do at the time.

Kyan thought back to that surreal morning and nodded, I know of a certain that it was the right thing to do, but where are we going?

Bayard shrugged and winced with the effort, at least we left those fiends far behind.

Kyan implored, but what lies ahead of us? We have no food, you are wounded, this current will bear us right off the edge of the map!

Bayard smiled, we wanted an adventure didn’t we? The old man said this venture would claim our lives. It seems to me that perhaps death is just the beginning of the true adventure which we have set ourselves.

Kyan smiled thoughtfully, I think you are right. What is the point of gathering such recruits if they do not survive their first night? There must be more to this strange story than we can even dream. He frowned, staring at Bayard’s hand, what is that mark on your palm? Bayard frowned and looked at the indicated hand, trying to scratch away what he thought to be dirt. He looked at it more closely, the mark seemed a part of his very skin; it was the figure of a winged horse graven in black upon his palm. Kyan looked at his own hand and gasped when he saw the same image thereupon.

What does it mean? asked Bayard.

Kyan smiled, it is the mark of Him to Whom we belong.

They drifted along for a few days with no sight of land. The weather was mild by day and not overly cool at night. The merry stars danced overhead and the Sea offered plenty of fresh, sweet water to drink. Hunger began to gnaw at Kyan, but Bayard was beyond noticing, for he was overcome with the fever from his wounds and had not stirred since the third morning of their adventure. By the fifth morning, he was barely breathing and by evening, Kyan was the sole survivor of their little trio. Tearfully, he eased his friend’s remains over the side of the faithful little craft and passed onward into the night. Morning brought a sudden end to his loneliness and hunger, driving them completely from his mind, for the edge of the world loomed before him, mountainous jaws towered on either side of him and the roar of the bottomless cataract filled his ears. He scrambled out of the boat as the cascade bore it over the edge and sat precariously upon the rocks on the very verge of the waterfall, slippery with mist and moss.

You cannot go that way, lad, came a squawking avian voice just above his ear.

Kyan looked up in astonishment to see a gull perching there. Kyan gasped, where then should I go?

The bird shrugged and said, you had best go home.

The boy frowned, I am not sure how to get there.

The gull seemed to smile in amusement, oh, you will undoubtedly find a way.

The boy’s only reply was a yell of terror as he slipped and plunged over the edge, but his infinite fall was of short duration, for strong arms caught him and held him firm. He looked up into the sparkling eyes of a man of indeterminate age who seemed vastly amused in his rescue. The boy wondered how the man held himself aloft when he suddenly glimpsed the great wings and head of some sort of winged horse; overwrought with hunger, grief, and surprise, he fainted dead away. The man shook his head in wonder as the great beast soon carried the wanderer home.

He awoke upon his own lawn, thinking it had all been a peculiar dream. He sat up, put a hand to his throbbing head, and froze when he saw the mark graven into his palm. It had been no dreadful nightmare but the awful truth. Only then did he realize that his savior was still beside him. The man offered the boy his hand; the lad took it and he pulled the boy to his feet.

Tears of confusion and grief were in the boy’s eyes as he demanded, what does it all mean? What am I to do now? Did my friends die in vain?

The man shook his head and said quietly, go see your family lad, from there your path will be clear. Do not doubt our Master’s will or your choices or those of your friends. Their sacrifice and yours are not in vain, even if we cannot yet understand the purpose in it. You will not be long sundered I think. The boy nodded grimly, thanked the man for his aid, and walked boldly into the house.

His family rushed upon him the moment he entered the house, demanding to know where he had been, where his friends were, and what had come of so many of the young men of his acquaintance. It seemed a dozen such boys had vanished from the neighborhood within the last week without a trace. I am the last one, whispered Kyan to himself.

He could not tell them anything of much use and he hardly noticed their continued demands and confusion, busy with his own thoughts, until his oldest sister blurted out, and Suzanne is set to marry Tyne.

Kyan said in amazement, what is this?

His sisters tittered nervously as the eldest continued, right after you embarrassed her at the ball, she ran off sobbing and the next thing we know, she’s engaged to Tyne.

Kyan shook his head in wonder, how could she marry him? He is the meanest, cruelest boy in the neighborhood!

His sisters shook their heads in wonder at his lack of understanding, such things mattered little to a woman thwarted in love, especially if she was as young and inordinately passionate as Suzanne; she would seek solace wherever she could find it. He sighed, knowing what he had to do. Where are you going now? demanded his mother.

He shouted over his shoulder as he dashed from the house, to see Suzanne of course.

He ran quickly to her house, knocked upon the door, nearly trampled the poor maid who answered the summons, and burst in unannounced on Suzanne and Tyne. The latter snarled, well, if it isn’t the star-crossed lover! You are too late, fool, your one time beloved is now mine! Suzanne looked guilty, eager, terrified, and angry all at the same time but said nothing. Her heart pounded, wondering hopefully if they would fight a duel over her, oh, how exciting! Something in Tyne tingled with anticipation, I had thought you vanished with all your foolish companions. A pity I was not there that night, you do not know how it could have availed me.

His cruel smile deepened as he put his hand on his sword and drew it forth. Suzanne shrieked in terror and fled the room, perhaps a duel was not so exciting after all. Kyan took a nervous step back, but not before Tyne grabbed his right hand and turned the palm upwards. His smile became malevolence itself. He dropped the boy’s hand and revealed his own, on which a vicious dragon snarled. Tyne raised his sword and said, perhaps your blood shall suffice after all. The boy fell gasping, pierced through the chest by his murderous companion, who raised the bloody sword to strike again.

Enough, came a firm, commanding voice, stand aside and you need not be destroyed.

Tyne looked up in astonishment and rage, where had this stranger come from and what right had he to give orders in this, his moment of triumph?

It would be wise to listen, hissed a third voice, do not let hot blood and surging power overcome what little sense you have. You have not yet completed the Ritual and are vulnerable until you do. Leave the corpse, it is not worth your life and belongs to their foul Master.

Tyne looked utterly vexed and not a little confused but he backed away from the gasping, wide-eyed Kyan. The first stranger, the very man who had rescued the boy that morning, approached and knelt beside the dying boy, saying, easy lad, it will soon be over. The boy seemed to relax at his words and touch but each breath became more and more a struggle.

Tyne whined, why am I denied my triumph?

The kneeling stranger answered, he has sworn himself body and soul to the Master, meaning even after his soul has fled, his mortal remains yet belong to our Master. Tyne raised his sword threateningly, but both strangers only shook their heads at his foolishness. Finally, the boy’s struggles ceased and he breathed his last.

Come, snarled the darkly clad stranger to Tyne, you must complete the Ritual soon or you will meet the fate of your pathetic friend. The pair vanished from the house, leaving the stranger to bear the dead boy whither he would.

The great winged horse suddenly appeared and allowed the man to mount with his grim burden; both vanished from mortal gaze. They reappeared suddenly upon one of those strange floating islands beyond the eastern rim of the world. It was a small island with a great pool in the middle, covering all but the very edge of the little landmass. The man dismounted and laid Kyan on the grass ringing the pool, saying as he stood, he is the last.

At last! came the voice of the diminutive old man, who not long ago had gathered twelve enthusiastic boys about him; in this curious part of the world he seemed to be a wizened creature of elvish-make. The mortal remains of his young protégés, or whatever could be salvaged of them, lay scattered about the edge of the pool.

The man quickly climbed aback the Pegassi and the elf was not long in following. The minute his passengers were aboard, the great beast took wing even as the pond overflowed its banks, immersing each of the twelve fallen youths in its mysterious depths. The water receded as quickly as it had risen, but instead of carrion in various states of decay, the water revealed twelve astonished young men, trying to comprehend what had just happened to them. The moment death took them, they each stood trembling before their Maker and gave an account of themselves, as all mortal men must one day do, but having sworn themselves to this peculiar service, the end of the interview was somewhat different than whatever they had expected. Instead of beginning an eternity with or away from their Master, they found themselves back upon the brink of Time, in a place where only legends lived: the Lands Beyond the Morning, though technically they were still on the earthward side of the sun, for poetical purposes, exceptions will be made.

The flummoxed boys were quite beyond mortality but not yet residents of eternity. Their only purpose now, was to stand between mortal men and unendurable night. The ancient elf and his companion resumed their place on the turf, ready to answer questions for this new class of Messengers. Jubilant smiles and greetings were exchanged all around, especially as the young men began to recognize one another, a thing quite difficult in the night dark wood what seemed a lifetime ago.

Said the ancient elf, this is not what you had expected I think, but it will be quite an adventure and none of you will be disappointed in what is to come. Welcome to the King’s Messengers! As such, you are beyond mortality but have not yet entered Eternity, a thing you may do at any time, but from which you cannot return until the end of Time when our Master Himself shall come forth in triumph. Your main duty is to keep the undead servants of the Enemy at bay and protect mortal men from such terrible foes. But at times, you may find yourselves as guides, teachers, or giving warning to men in need of direction or purpose. Fear not, you will know what you must, when you must. You have many questions, but they shall find answer soon enough. Off with you now!

Suddenly, there was a great flutter of wings and none could look comfortably for the brightness. Nearly a dozen Pegassi (a herd or a flock perhaps?) descended on the little gathering, each alighting beside his new companion. There was much joy in the meeting and soon, the whole lot of them were a-wing and aloft and vanished from sight, all that is except Kyan, the elf, and the elder Messenger and his mount. The veteran bipeds exchanged a surprised look and gave a questioning glance at the Pegassi, who shook his head grimly and blew out his nostrils in astonishment.

Garren, the elder Messenger, said to the boy, we cannot leave you to walk lad! Come, we shall give you a lift until this little matter can be straightened out. It seems your intended companion has said, ‘no!’ But we can work around this little inconvenience. Kyan looked quite disappointed, but also very eager to see what this strange, new world held for him. He and Garren quickly vanished aback the ever patient Pegassi.

They were once more in the mortal world, in Kyan’s very neighborhood to be precise. He smiled amusedly at Garren and asked, and what are we to accomplish here?

The man shook his head, that is for you to discover, we are only dropping you off. There is a reason we were sent recruiting into this neighborhood and why so many of you answered our Master’s call.

The boy smiled eagerly, this shall be interesting then! Farewell! But the man had already vanished.

The boy shook his head as he entered the great house, whose doors stood invitingly open before him. He wondered at this sudden ability to know where he must be and what he must be doing there, but knew it was as natural to his new profession as once breathing had been to mortal life. He knew that there was to be a great party this night, at this very house, and also that all his companions would make a fashionable appearance during the course of the evening. The neighborhood would be quite astonished to see their vanished sons return without a clue as to where they had been the last week, but Kyan knew that he himself would not be recognized, though all of his companions would. There were those lurking about who might take his reappearance amiss when they thought they knew his true fate. He smiled in anticipation, it would be fun to come to a familiar ball as a stranger! He hurried into the house, eager to see what adventure waited within.

The vile stranger led Tyne out into the gardens, where a reptilian creature of vaguely equine shape and size waited impatiently for its dark master. They climbed aback the gruesome beast and suddenly the world spun. Tyne found himself in a place utterly dreadful. It was dark, warm, moist, and smelled of rottenness and filth.

Welcome to your destiny, laughed his dark companion, this is the Underworld. Tyne gasped and the creature continued, not the mythic realm of the dead, fool! This is a tiny world, an island as it were, beneath our own world. It ever lies in shadow from above, save as the sun passes beneath the world, then there is a slight lessening of the gloom as it passes but little more. It is populated by all manner of vile and loathsome creatures, anything that has slime, scales, coarse hair, venom, claws, fangs, or the like is undoubtedly found here. Here it is you must find your destiny. You may find a suitable mount to bear you on our Grim Master’s business or one of the wretched denizens of this drear place might take a liking to you and impart some of its own characteristics to you. Whatever happens, you will soon be a far more useful slave. The boy did not look eager for this part of the Ritual. Sneered his companion, refuse and you shall remain here indefinitely.

Tyne shivered, slid from the monstrosity’s back, and stalked deeper into the gloom, hoping the worst he came upon was some sort of reptilian horse like the creature he had just vacated. But his hopes were dashed as something unseen inflicted a painful bite upon his left arm. He screamed and fell, clutching at the wound, but worse was yet to come. His vile companion loomed out of the murk with a cruel knife in hand, he lunged at the wounded boy and completed what Kyan’s murder had begun. He took up the now unconscious form of the new recruit and once more mounted his horrid beast, leaving the mindless denizens of that miserable place again to themselves.

It did not take Kyan long to spot Tyne, though this time there was something quite distinctly evil about the vile boy. Kyan shuddered but dared not approach his foe at the moment, instead, he melted into the growing crowd and sought out his companions. It was not difficult to find them, their assorted friends and relatives were quite surprised and relieved to find them apparently hale and hearty and gathered about them in an eager throng. Kyan fell in with Bayard, who smiled joyfully at his friend, whom no one else seemed to recognize.