Forbidden Places
By Richard LeBlanc
Chapter Ten: the water wind and trees
Three weeks had passed since the travelers had their run in with the Mountain King. In that time - they had made their way through the mountains - and through some lucrative trading they managed to acquire a fair sized boat from the dwarves that worshiped Chaos. Now they were drifting along the northern coast of the Forbidden Isle to see more of the unusual and wondrous things that this strange land had. But all of the strangeness was not just outside of the ship - but within. For the child Markys - their guide through this dangerous place was no longer a little girl - in the course of weeks she had aged almost six years.
"She wasn't joking when she said she grew up fast here." Enchanter commented. Lord Arachnid casually looked over at the teenager at the front of the boat and shook his head.
"So she's growing. Hopefully she'll be more reasonable now." Arachnid replied lowly as he fed some dead animal to his pet spider Nibbles.
"You - my spider obsessed friend - lack vision." Enchanter commented. Arachnid looked over at the wizard and tried to think of a reason not to throw his royal carcass overboard. Unfortunately for him - a reason entered his head.
"Enchanter?" Markys called out.
"Later." Enchanter commented as he walked over to where Markys was.
"Look over there." She requested. Enchanter looked out into the ocean around them and saw what she was pointing to. Hovering over the water were several flashing lights that seemed to sparkle when the light hit them.
"Wow - that's beautiful. What is it?" he asked curiously.
"They're Water Wisps. You know? Like Willow the Wisps - only these live out at sea." She replied.
"They're something else." He stated calmly.
"I sometimes forget how beautiful some of the wonders are in this strange place." She commented.
"I don't know. I've seen a lot of beautiful things since we set foot on this place - I'm sitting beside one of them." he added with a smile. Markys looked over at him and quietly laughed.
"That's sweet of you to say - but you probably still think of me as a kid." She replied - trying not to blush.
"I'm trying - but it isn't easy." He replied as a rose appeared in his hand. Markys took the rose and stared at it as though it was a rare exotic treasure.
On the other side of the boat - Toy maker was working on a new invention - Tuly was glaring at Enchanter and was digging her claws into the table.
"Oh - it disgusts me to see him do that." she muttered.
"Then look away." Toy Maker stated not turning his attention from what he was doing.
"Look away? But his lies - his voice - his..." she began. Toy maker sighed and stopped what he was working on. It had become abundantly clear that he wasn't going to get any work done at this rate.
"Did it ever occur to you that he might be doing this for your benefit?" he asked. Tuly was going to comment - but the question wasn't what she was expecting.
"What?" she asked as she turned away from Enchanter.
"You probably know him better than I. I just had one chance confrontation with him before we met up on this quest. But people like him - they are about power - control - and knowing how to pull the right strings. By letting him get you this incensed - you are showing him just how much power he has over you." He stated calmly.
"Uhm, I - I never really thought about it like that." she commented.
"Passion does that. And I can tell that Enchanter is a man that knows how to use such passions as weapons - deadly weapons." He continued.
"How so?" she asked hesitantly.
"Because the passion makes him stronger - and makes the people on the receiving end - like yourself - weaker. Don't give him the satisfaction. He isn't worth it." He concluded as he picked up his tools and began to resume what he was working on.
"It won't be easy." She admitted.
"Most things in life aren't." he replied. Tuly looked over at the odd looking device that he was working on.
"That is the oddest looking thing I have ever seen." She commented.
"It isn't done yet. " He replied with a smile.
"What is it? Or what will it be?"  she asked. Toy Maker quietly laughed and put his tools down again.
"I thought it was cats that were supposed to be curious." He commented.
"They are. But the same holds true for Hawks and women. So what is it?" she replied humorously. Toy Maker looked over to the front on the boat and saw Enchanter still flirting with Markys.
"Enchanter. He made mention a while ago that he was a wizard for a great deal longer than either Arachnid or I. From what I've seen his do - and heard him speak of - I would be inclined to agree." he stated quietly. Tuly hopped over so that she was a little closer to the wizard.
"How - old is he?" she whispered.
"I don't know the answer to that. But I did some checking through all of the records I have of artifact lore - and the Antiquity Wars - and I have a feeling he was there. He wasn't one of the key players - but some of his power does stem from those grounds." Toy Maker replied.
"That - old?" she asked in disbelief.
"And that strong." He replied.
"You mean you can't take him down?" she asked - almost disheartened.
"I never said that. But he's a lot stronger than I first thought. I'll have to be - cautious when I do take him down. This - odd looking thing I am working on - is an insurance policy of sorts. By looking at the man I can see that he hasn't been harmed - or even close to being harmed in a great deal of time. This device will help me exploit that weakness." He replied with a sinister gaze.
"Wow. Must be a hell of a device if it will be able to take him down. Especially if he is as strong as you say." Tuly commented as she looked over at Enchanter again. Somehow - after hearing what she had - the man looked different.
"If it works - it will be. The key will be making sure it works." He replied. he looked at the hawk and how she looked at Enchanter and Markys.
"You still care a great deal for him - don't you?" he asked. Tuly recoiled as though she were struck.
"What? That's absurd? I mean - and then - but - maybe - a tiny bit." She reluctantly admitted.
"You can't tell your heart who to love. You can - it just won't listen." He replied quietly.
"I tell myself that everyday - I tell myself every hurtful thing he did to me - but..." she began.
"Happens to the best of us." Toy maker added.
"Why are you being so nice to me?" she asked hesitantly.
"I - I don't know the answer to that. Let's just say - that you aren't the only one on this boat that has been hurt. And that has lost everything of substance. Fair?" he asked curiously.
"Sure. I'm sorry for being so suspicious." She began.
"After what you've been through? I would be suspicious if you weren't. But if I may inquire something of you..." he began.
"Hey - ask away." she replied.
"I know why you came here - and I have a good notion as to how you got here. What I am curious to know - is how a plainswalker - ended up becoming a powerless hawk." He asked. Tuly looked over at Markys and saw her glaring right back at her. Toy Maker saw the visual intensity between the two - but kept the discovery to himself.
So that was how. He thought.
"Uhm, I was in a duel and got enchanted - no pun intended." She replied.
"The enchantment robbed you of your powers and turned you into a hawk?" he asked curiously - taking note of the not so subtle interest Markys was having in their conversation.
"No - I lost my powers when the duel ended. Then this spell was placed on me." she explained.
"I'm sorry if I seem prying. But if I understand the nature of the spell that did this to you - I might be able to undo it." He explained. He noticed Markys returning her attention to Enchanter - who was oblivious to her momentary lapse of infatuation.
"Really? You mean that? Wait - wait. What do you want? What's in it for you?" she asked hesitantly.
"Every now and so often - I meet a person - see a face that reminds me - of an innocent person that I hurt - killed - because I couldn't control my power or devices. Nothing I can do will atone for what I have done - but sometimes I like to delude myself into believing that such a thing is possible." He replied.
"Wow - it's been a while since anyone called me innocent." She remarked.
"I believe you know what I mean." He retorted as the two continued to talk. On the deck below - a short distance between the two parties - Arachnid too noticed Markys' abrupt shift in focus. He didn't hear what the artificer and hawk were talking about - but it must have been something serious to merit the look of hate that was sent.
"That was interesting." Arachnid said in a language used only by spiders.
"You saw it too?" Nibbles replied - in the same language.
"Did you hear what they were talking about?" Arachnid asked as he looked up at the artificer and the hawk.
"No. I think we should focus on our own agenda. Everyone else is preoccupied - now would be the perfect time to plan our next move." Nibbles answered and suggested. Arachnid nodded and discreetly took out the scrolls he had purchased earlier during the quest.
"If what the old lady claims is true." Arachnid began. As he traced his finger across the rough map of the isles. He placed a finger where he believed them to be - and then traced it over to where the old woman stated he should go.
"Most of what I heard was true - but she was holding something back." Nibbles replied.
"I know. But I believe what she was telling us about our long lost brother - the Spider of Crae - I believe that was true." He stated as he looked at the map.
"I'm not so sure. I believe what she was saying about the Spider Lords - was true. I think that would be the wisest recourse. But I will differ to your wise judgement." Nibbles replied.
"You're right - of course." Arachnid stated as he looked at the others who were paying no attention to him.
"The Tombs should be on the way. Once we find them - we will ditch these losers." Arachnid began.
"And we will punish - the artificer accordingly?" Nibbles asked. Arachnid quietly laughed as he petted the spider like a pet cat.
"I like the way you think Nibbles. I was going to say the exact same thing." He replied in human language as he looked up at Toy Maker and Tuly. Nibbles made several clicks and chirps. Arachnid looked over and saw Markys discreetly watching them from the corner of her eye.
"Don't worry Nibbles. I haven't forgotten about Enchanter." He stated calmly with a quiet chuckle.
Over where Enchanter and Markys were - Enchanter deduced that the attention of the teen was elsewhere.
"Problem?" he asked.
"Hmm? No. The others - they are conspiring against you." She stated calmly.
"Let them. if they weren't I'd be suspicious." He replied.
"I know that you can take care of yourself - but I don't think you should underestimate these two. They're - a different breed from most wizards." She suggested. Enchanter placed his arm around Markys and looked off into the distance.
"That feels nice." She commented.
"I will be cautious - although there isn't much need for me to be." he stated calmly. He looked down at her and saw that she had fallen asleep. He smiled and lightly kissed her on the forehead. As soon as he did - thousands of images flooded and bombarded his mind. Markys instantly woke up and looked at the startled wizard.
"Sorry - I - didn't mean to wake you." He stated calmly. He tried to make sense of what he had seen - but as fast as it had come to him - it vanished just as quick.
"It's okay. I can think of worse ways to wake up. Please. Be careful. My control over my powers isn't at its peak. I don't want to hurt you." She requested as she held onto his arm. He was going to argue the fact - but after experiencing what he did - he decided to take it to heart. In the distance - two small islands began to come into view. At first glance they appeared ordinary - but then two large dragons flew up from the islands and began to do battle. As they got closer - they could see that the dragons weren't alone in their conflict - for the skies over the mountainous island - drakes and other flying lizards filled the skies like a swarm of hostile insects.
"That - looks like an unfriendly place." Enchanter stated seriously.
"Two rival Dragon Lords live there. They have been fighting their war for as long as I can remember. If we stay clear of them - they won't even notice us." she stated. Enchanter looked at the map and motioned for her to touch it. As soon as she did - it showed that they were charted to go right passed it.
"Are we going to have to fight our way through that swarm?" he asked.
"No. Like I said - if we stay out of their way. They won't even notice us." she reassured. Enchanter looked over at a second island that they were nearing. It looked similar to the island that they had first landed on - only this one was much larger.
"What - a horrid looking place." He commented.
"You wouldn't like it there." She stated.
"Why?" he asked.
"Lots of swamps - bugs - rats. I don't think that you would be at home there." She stated.
"Is that all that's there?" he asked.
"No. All of the lesser creatures on that entire island are controlled by a vampire lord called Baron Sengir. Like I said - you wouldn't like it there." She repeated. Enchanter calmly moved his hand to his neck and shook his head.
"The - Baron Sengir? He's here?" Enchanter asked in modest disbelief.
"Unless you know of another one. He came here in search of power much like everyone else. The sisters of the abbey accompanied me to ensure that he behaved. We are fortunate that it is daylight out. Otherwise we would be in for a nasty fight. The Baron is a tough customer." Markys replied. She looked over at Enchanter and saw him looking down her shirt.
"You haven't heard a word I said - have you?" she asked curiously.
"Why would you say that?" he replied. Markys did up the top two buttons of her shirt.
"What did I just say?" she challenged. Enchanter laughed and shrugged his shoulders.
"Alright - maybe I was a little distracted. But I was following you up until you mentioned the Baron." He replied with a smile.
"I know that you're lying - but thanks." She said modestly.
"Why do you say that?" he asked seriously.
"I've been watching you. I've see how your eyes almost pop out when you see a well endowed woman - and I'm no where near as built as the women I've seen you staring at." She replied hesitantly.
"Built? What are you - an artifact creature?" he joked - making her laugh.
"You know what I mean." She replied.
"Yes - I do. But that doesn't make you any less beautiful." He added with a wink. Just then Tuly landed on his shoulder and glared at him.
"I remember when you said those same exact words to me when you seduced me. My god - you do make it sound sincere don't you?" she stated sarcastically.
"This is a private conversation Tuly - do you mind?" he asked seriously.
"I don't - but I'm sure when she sees through your façade that she will." She remarked. Just then he quickly reached over and plucked out one of her tail feathers. Tuly screeched and flew up. She was about to dive at the wizard when Toy Maker held her back.
"Let go!" she exclaimed.
"He isn't worth it." He stated.
"Tell that to her." Enchanter commented. Tuly struggled harder to get free but Toy Maker wouldn't let go.
"He pulled out my feathers!" she exclaimed.
"One - just one." Enchanter commented as he admired the feather as he waved it like a fan.
"Enough! Both of you! This journey is far from over and I will not have you make this situation worse by inciting situations like this!" Toy Maker stated strongly.
"Me? I was just talking with Markys." He stated calmly.
"Save the stories for some bar room whore. Tuly..." Toy Maker began. He reached into his pocket and pulled out an odd looking stuffed doll. With a wave of his hand it took on the appearance of Enchanter.
"You want to vent - rip this to pieces." He continued. Tuly threw Toy Maker a nasty look. She knew that he was just trying to defuse a volatile situation - but it still upset her.
"Fine!" she hissed. She snatched the doll from his hand and flew back to where Toy maker was working. Enchanter looked up and saw Tuly ripping the doll to pieces.
"You got here pretty quick. I'm impressed." Enchanter stated coolly.
"I will be the first to admit that I didn't know what I was dealing with when we first met - but I have a good idea now. Stay away from Tuly." Toy Maker warned.
"Is - that a - threat?" Enchanter asked in modest disbelief.
"I never threaten - I warn. There's a difference." He replied.
"I did. I was over here. She came to me - but then again - she was always that way." He began. Red mana instantly spiraled around Toy maker - five artifacts on Toy Maker's table instantly shattered. Before Enchanter could think of reacting - the sword of Chaos was being held millimeters from his neck. Arachnid slowly rose to his feet to get a better view of the confrontation.
"Do - not push me - Enchanter." Toy Maker warned as the cold blade touched the enchantment wizard's neck. Markys stepped back and looked to see if one of the others was going to break this up - but it was clear that no one would.
"You wanted my immediate attention - you got it." Enchanter replied calmly - showing no fear.
"I know I may not be near as strong as you - I know that I might not have been around - as long as you - but I promise you that my devices will more than make up for any short comings." He warned as Enchanter smiled. Toy Maker pushed the blade even closer. Markys could hear a hissing sound as the blade burned the wizard's neck.
"Don't even think of trying a spell." He added. Markys watched as a trickle of blood escaped from the cut the sword was making.
"Careful Toy man - I don't think you are quite ready to commit to what you are starting." Enchanter warned. Toy Maker glared at Enchanter and quietly laughed. The sword vanished. Toy maker snatched the feather from the startled wizard's hand.
"You're quite right - I'm not ready yet - but I take it that I made my point." He replied seriously.
"Point taken. Just so you know - I do not forget readily." Enchanter stated as he placed his hand over the tiny cut and burn.
"If it gets to the point where we have to have a conversation like this again - it won't matter. Memories die with the host." Toy Maker concluded as he stormed by Arachnid to get to his work area.  Enchanter watched the artificer leave and looked at the smug looking spider wizard that had found the show most entertaining.
"Are you okay?" Markys asked. Enchanter looked at the blood on his fingers - his blood. Markys reached over and grabbed him by the wrist. He watched as she leaned forward and lightly kissed his blood stained fingers.
"Do you want me to deal with him?" she asked with a seriousness he did not expect.
"You?" he asked.
"Yes me. I happen to like you and would be most displeased if you lost your head." She replied as she looked into his eyes. Enchanter looked over at the artificer who was arguing with Tuly. He sighed and shook his head.
"That won't be necessary. I am more than capable of dealing with a boy and his toys." He replied with a smile. He gently traced his finger behind her ear - leaned forward and lightly kissed her on the forehead.
"But thanks for the offer anyway." He added with a wink. Markys sighed began to walk away from the wizard holding her hand over her heart.
"You okay?" Arachnid asked curiously.
"I never knew you cared." She replied sarcastically.
"I don't but if our guide is about to keel over..." he retorted.
"Duly noted. No - I'm fine - nothing a cold bath wouldn't fix." She replied with a smile. Just then Nibbles hopped from Arachnid and landed on her chest. Arachnid was expecting her to panic - but much to his surprise - she handled the spider as though it was a child and tickled Nibbles playfully.
"You didn't freak out." Arachnid stated.
"Why would I? I've seen how gentle he can be." she replied as she handed Nibbles back to Arachnid.
"Well - it's just - when you saw him before." He began. Markys quietly laughed and shook her head.
"I was trapped in the body of a ten year old. How do you think a ten year old girl would react to seeing a pumpkin sized spider racing towards her?" she asked curiously. Arachnid nodded and looked up at Toy maker and then over at Enchanter.
"That was pretty intense. A shame they didn't kill each other. Oh well - tomorrow is another day." He remarked. Markys smiled and sat down beside him.
"Can we talk for a moment?" she asked hesitantly.
"I thought that was what we were doing." He replied calmly.
"Seriously - just for a moment?" she requested. Arachnid looked at Nibbles and then looked over at her.
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt. Besides - Nibbles seems to like you." He replied.
"I like him too - but I guess it doesn't matter - does it?" she asked hesitantly.
"What do you mean?" he asked hesitantly.
"I mean that - you will kill me with the others as soon as you find what you seek." She muttered.
"Why would you say that?" he asked hesitantly.
"I heard what you and Nibbles were talking about." She replied in spider language. Arachnid tensed up and looked to see if the others were watching - they were not.
"You - speak spider?" he asked hesitantly in spider dialect.
"One of my many talents." She said in human.
"You are just full of surprises." He muttered in disbelief. Markys looked around and closed her eyes.
"It isn't my fault - Enchanter has me under a spell - I am powerless against it." She whispered in spider. Arachnid looked over at Enchanter but could see that he was too lost in his own thoughts to notice what was going on with them.
"Really?" he replied quietly in human.
"Your map - its all wrong." She added in spider. Arachnid tensed up and looked over at the teenager.
"What - map?" he asked hesitantly.
"If I tell you where the spiders of Crae really are - will you promise to spare me?" she whispered in spider.
"How would you know where?" he replied hesitantly.
"You are a spider wizard - only two things would draw you here. The secrets possessed by the Ancient Spider Lords - or the Spiders of Crae - and no disrespect to you - but the Spider Lords were way before your time." she replied in spider. Arachnid quickly took out his map and placed it on the floor before Markys. She leaned over and shook her head at it.
"No. It's all wrong. The city of Crae is no where near the Forbidden Swamps - all that is there is uncontrollable evil magic. If you went there alone - you would have perished - or worse - Nibbles might have." She stated - she looked over and saw that the message had hit close to home.
"If not there - then where?" he asked hesitantly. Markys closed her eyes and tried to answer the question but couldn't. she sighed and shook her head.
"I don't know. Just as all of my powers haven't returned yet - the same is true with my memories." She replied timidly. Arachnid sighed and looked at the map.
"Don't worry about it. I had some suspicion that - the city wasn't there." He replied as he took the map and crumpled it up in his fist.
"You are not angry with me?" she asked hesitantly.
"I suppose not. But should you remember anything - no matter how insignificant..." he began.
"I promise you will be the first I tell." She replied as she slowly got up.
"One thing though - how did you know about the Spider Lords?" he asked. Markys looked over at Enchanter and slowly lifted her dress up a bit to reveal a small spider tattoo on her ankle.
"Easy - I studied with them when I was really a teenager." She replied with a wink.
"I hope we can talk like this again." He stated calmly.
"I would like that. I bet we have much in common." She replied.
"I bet we do." He admitted.
"Could you let me know when we reach the Floating Islands?" she asked.
"Where will you be?" he asked hesitantly.
"I was going to head down below to take a bath and a quick nap." She answered quietly. Just then Nibbles scurried away from Arachnid and climbed up to her shoulder. Markys quietly giggled as she scratched the spider's back.
"I think he is offering to stand guard." He replied.
"You wouldn't mind me kidnapping your pet?" she asked.
"He's more than a pet to me - he's more like a brother." Arachnid replied. Markys stood on her toes and lightly kissed Arachnid on the cheek.
"Thanks for everything." She whispered as she went below deck. Arachnid slowly moved his hand to the spot she had kissed and shook his head in disbelief.
"What a curious girl this Markys is." He said to himself as he sat back to think about how he would deal with the others.
To be continued...
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