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Chapter Four
Part Six

Hreid led them through the tunnels to some intricately carved doors, opening into a large cavern. Lydia had the impression it had once been a natural cave, but had been smoothed and expanded into an elegant hall. Natural columns formed by dripstones had been carved into the form of trees and inlaid with richly stained wood. Polished glass globes filled with a glowing liquid hung from the stone branches and cast a warm glow over the chamber. Speakers of various kinds stood in small groups around the room, murmuring in conversation. Most of them glared at them as they passed.

The dark-haired svart alf who had stopped Korrig’s brother Hardma from attacking them was seated on a throne at the end of the chamber. A huge shining black mirror took up the entire wall behind him. Something about that mirror drew Lydia’s attention and she studied it as Hreid led them forwards. Four chairs, a large cushion and a perch were encircled by several heavily armed guards. Read the rest of this entry »

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Chapter Four
Part Five

“Your hair is a mess!” Karen yanked her comb through Lydia’s hair. “Have you brushed it at all since we got here?”

“I don’t think so,” Lydia admitted. “I’ve been a bit distracted.”

Karen snorted. “You forget to brush it home as well. But if we’re going on trial, I want you looking presentable.”

“Home.” Andrew looked down. “Mum, Dad and Daniel must be worried sick.” Read the rest of this entry »

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Chapter Four
Part Four

At least they’d been kind enough to give them some light in the cell, Lydia reflected . Even if it wasn’t very much, it was a relief after the stygian darkness they’d walked through since entering the shadow of the dark mountain. At least they could see now – once their eyes had adapted, anyway.

The dim light was, however, the only comfort in the cell they’d been tossed into. The walls were bare and damp, and the space was clearly not meant for so many. A single bare cot lay in the corner but was clearly not intended for a human sized individual. Read the rest of this entry »

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Chapter Four

Part Three

The rider flicked his spear idly and Maran flew sideways into a bolder. The prince rose to his feet, shaking his head and looking disorientated. Before he could regain his bearings, the lightning wolf had him pinned to the ground. Two of his pack blocked the two storm sprites he’d called to aid him from reaching him. The wolf lifted his head long enough to look at Tonara.

“That was an admission of guilt, I think, but we still have a mission to complete.” Read the rest of this entry »

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Chapter Four
Part Two

Mela jerked awake as the Dark Rider and Ebona came to an abrupt halt. He lifted her down and pointed to a patch of swampy ground among the trees.

“Go and hide,” he said. “Valeria’s finally got round to sending someone after me – or possibly you. You’re valuable, little one. I don’t want you caught in the crossfire if this turns into a full blown fight. There’s some water you can hide in over there, but it’s not very pleasant I’m afraid.”

Mela looked around. Now that she was awake, she could sense the large body of Speakers closing in on them. She didn’t need a second bidding to get out of the way. Read the rest of this entry »

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Chapter Four
Part One

In the end, they’d decided to take the pony but to leave the cart behind at the cave. Lydia had rigged up a pack saddle for it, so they loaded her rucksack and the food onto it and set off across country towards the mountains with Eyvindr as their guide.

Four days later they reached the foothills. It would have taken longer because Karen and Andrew weren’t used to walking long distances, but Kimi had transformed and started carrying them after they both developed blisters.

Eyvindr pointed to a mountain in the distance. It was the tallest in the range by a good margin and pushed into the sky like a jagged black trident. The way it seemed to absorb the sunlight made it look more like a crack in the sky than a mountain. Lydia got the feeling that it would be dark all the time once they got close to it.

“That’s our destination,” he said. “King Dariad’s palace lies within.” Read the rest of this entry »

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Chapter Three
Part Nine

“We can’t actually take the cart, you know?” Karen said. It was a couple of hours later and she and Eyvindr finally seemed to be back to normal, though both were still shivering.

“I guess not.” Lydia looked at the cart and the pony grazing placidly beside it. “We were hidden in the back before. We’d stick out like a sore thumb on the roads-” She stopped as Eyvindr laughed. “What?”

“Sorry, your idioms are strange.” He looked at the wagon speculatively. “I’d offer to drive, but an alf in resting form driving a cart would attract almost as much attention as three humans doing so.” He fingered a lock of his silky blonde hair as he spoke. “Korrig said you were going after the Light bracelet?”

“We are,” Lydia replied. “Do you know where it is?” Read the rest of this entry »

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Chapter Three

Part Eight

“Urg!” Lydia lifted her head and looked around groggily. The Dark Rider had gone, so she picked herself up off the ground and checked on the others, reassuring herself they were okay and coming round. Then she turned unwillingly towards Korrig. Blood was seeping from his many wounds. A human would have been dead from the amount of blood he’d lost but it seemed he was made of sturdier stuff, because his chest was still rising and falling, but she didn’t think that would last. She walked over and knelt down beside him.

His eyelids cracked open and he looked up at her through clouded eyes. Read the rest of this entry »

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Chapter Three

Part Seven

A hooded figure riding a black unicorn emerged from the trees. Shadows pooled inside the hood and concealed his face, but Lydia could feel the weight of his regard.

Kimi made a hissing sound. “The dark rider!”

“Hmm… you made good time. I thought I was still ahead of you.” His tone was musing and his voice echoed oddly, as if distorted somehow. His head turned towards Kimi who was standing between him and Andrew. Her fur was on end as she growled at him. “And I see I’m too late.” He folded his arms. “You should go home. You’re out of your depth here.” Read the rest of this entry »

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Chapter Three
Part Six

“Controlled?” the Chief Spider said after Andrew explained what had happened earlier. They were standing in nest chamber looking at the sole surviving alf. “I’ve been considering it, and those circlets have all but convinced me.”

“I’ve certainly never seen alfer wearing anything like that before,” Korrig agreed.

“We tried to remove one when it first occured to us, and it shattered the alf in question’s heart stone.” She gave a brief shudder. “No one would willingly wear something that did that. It’s why we haven’t eaten this last one, but we don’t know what to do with him. We can’t release him if someone’s controlling him.” Read the rest of this entry »