| Chapter Four The Trap Several days of travelling through the dense lava forests and treacherous mountain trails led the group to a narrow weathered ledge. They knew that there was no other was across, but that didn�t make it any easier. �I don�t like the look of that.� Motun stated. Below the ledge was the equivalent of a ten-story fall. On a positive note, they wouldn�t hit ground if they fell � they would land in a torrential stream of lava that was flowing from a newly erupted volcano. �I don�t even think a Lavan could swim in that.� Tauhn added. Before either of them could say another word, Samona quickly ran across the narrow ledge and waved to them from the other side. �Cute trick � I doubt either of us could do that though.� Tauhn stated. �You won�t have to. Tie the rope to something secure and toss the free end to me. That way if the ledge does give way, you will still be able to cross.� She suggested. It was still a chancy venture, but it was the safest option available. Tauhn took out the rope he had in his pack and tied it securely to a rock and tossed the loose end to the Flamite. Samona caught it and tied the end to the nearest rock. �Wait here lore keeper. I�ll go first.� Tauhn stated. �Why you?� he asked. �If the ledge gives or one of the knots fails � could you pull me up?� he rebutted. �Good point.� Motun replied. The Volcannar held onto the rope and slowly made his way across the narrow ledge. He could feel the ledge growing weaker with each step, but he focused himself and kept going forward. Within seconds, the large Volcannar was across. He then gestured for the Heatuk to join them. Motun studied the ledge and the lava below. Both were undesirable, but he had bigger things to deal with than his petty fears. He took a deep breath and slowly inched his way across. As soon as he was about halfway, he heard a familiar voice somewhere down below � namely that of Tuun�s! He froze up and silently told the others to keep quiet. Down below, Tuun and the Phtor were still following the trail next to the shore of the lava stream. They came to a complete stop where the trail forked. Unknown to the group of hunters, the prey was closer than they knew. �This makes no sense. The tracks say that they went down both trails.� Tuun whispered to himself. He then stood up and spoke to the Phtor in their language. As he spoke a small piece of rock fell from above and hit the shoulder of one of the Phtor. He was about to look up when a bubble of lava popped and sprayed him. Instantly he forgot about the rock and frantically tried to get the burning liquid off of his green side. �I know for sure that they came this way. They went down one of the two paths. If we split up � we will have a better chance at finding the pests.� He said slowly. The monstrous Phtor discussed the option in their own language. The group looked at Tuun and gestured for him to lead the way down one trail. He began to walk when he noticed that two of the Phtor were scouting the other path as he had suggested. He also noticed that one of the Phtor that was still with him carried the metal rod. Back up above, Motun was hanging on for his life. Three things almost killed him. One, the fall. Two, the lava. Three being spotted by those butchers. He managed to regain his composure and move his way over � hand by hand. Within a few moments he was reunited with his friends. �We have a problem. Tuun is closer than we thought and he brought his friends.� Motun stated. Tauhn nodded. It was a problem he had foreseen and had the means of dealing with. �It isn�t anything we can�t deal with. All we have to do is level out the playing field. Did you see how that creature freaked when that lava splashed it? They are strong enough to cope with the heat of our planet � but they aren�t completely immune to its elements. We may be able to use that against them.� Tauhn suggested. �This sort of thing is not my trade. Tell me what needs to be done and we will do our best to assist you.� Motun offered. Tauhn smiled and gestured for them to step closer. He then whispered his plan of attack to his allies. *** A short distance away and a short while later, the Steamarch and two Phtor were at the spot where The three had crossed. As luck would have it � the rope was still there. Tuun looked around suspiciously for the ambush he knew was here. He was about to turn back when the Phtor nudged him towards the rope. When I get my hands on the Key�he thought. He grabbed the rope and slowly pulled himself across. Much to his surprise, the rope held up. He looked around � but still there was no trap he could see. He stepped back and watched the first Phtor make its way across. The rope strained but held. The second began to make its way across when a rock arrow snapped the rope. The Phtor fell and hit the ground hard and then rolled into the lava. Tuun looked up and saw Tauhn waving. The man he shot was still alive! It was a problem he would rectify soon enough. �You are just delaying the inevitable. There is no where you can run to! The rest of the Phtor that came with me have the road blocked off. Surrender the Key. That is all they want. Once they have that, they will let you go.� He called out. Tauhn vanished into the shadows of the rocks up above. Tuun looked down and saw what was left of the other Phtor floating down the stream of lava. �Let me guess � you want me to scout ahead.� Tuun stated coldly without turning around. The Phtor grunted a reply and nodded. The Steamarch grumbled and made his way down the path. *** Up above, the three were setting the next trap. �He asked for the Key by name? The idiot must think it is the doomsday device I was going on about.� Motun stated in disbelief. �Don�t be too hard on the creep. He is an ambitious, back stabbing bastard. You can�t blame him for looking for something to give him an edge over the other back-stabbing bastards.� Samona stated sarcastically. �Ironically enough, we will be able to use his own greed and ambition against him. Lore keeper. Are you sure you can shoot that thing straight?� Tauhn asked seriously. Motun studied the bow and nodded. �Samona, hurry ahead and scout. See if what the bastard says is true. If it is, lay low and wait for us. Lore keeper, find yourself a nice place with a view. The show should be real interesting.� Tauhn suggested. The two hurried away to assumed their positions. Tauhn stood near the ledge and examined the Key of Moltaria. A few moments later, Tuun scampered into view and aimed his weapon at the Volcannar. �You have no shadows to hide behind now!� Tuun stated. �I don�t need them.� he retorted. �You�ve been living in the fumes too long.� Tuun replied. �Then by all means shoot.� Tauhn began. In a quick motion he held the Key of Moltaria over the ledge. Tuun�s eyes widened. The Key was real � and it was so close. Just then Tauhn dropped it and quickly caught it. Tuun almost felt his heart stop. �I know your kind Tuun. You want this so bad you can taste it and if you shoot me like you really want to � my grip will slip and it will fall into that lava stream below and poof � there goes any of your grand ambitions.� Tauhn rationalized. �No. I can do without it.� He tried to bluff. Tauhn shrugged his shoulders. He tossed the Key into the air and made no motion to catch it. Just before it could fall, he quickly kicked it up into his waiting hand. �You are a terrible liar. I can see your hand shaking � what�s wrong? Is your master getting closer? Does he know you plan to betray him?� Tauhn goaded. Tuun glared at the Volcannar that was mocking him. �Ambition be damned!� he retorted. He raised his weapon and prepared to fire. Just then a stone arrow shot out of the air and slammed into Tuun�s shoulder. The impact from the shot spun him around and knocked him to the ground. He quickly tried to find his weapon, but saw only the boots of Tauhn. He looked up and saw him holding the Key and his gun. �Nice toy.� He stated. Tuun watched as the Volcannar casually tossed his gun over the cliff. Tauhn then pulled the bullet that was shot at him and held it inches from the traitor�s face. �You tried to give me this remember?� he asked. In a quick action he savagely knocked the Steamarch out. Just then Motun came out from his hiding spot. Tauhn handed him the Key and stepped aside to show him the creature he once called friend. �Killing him would be justice by some.� Motun said calmly. �No. Let him live. I have a far worse fate for him.� He began. Just then, the Phtor stepped out from around the corner. Before either Motun or the Phtor could react, Tauhn rushed the Phtor and rammed his fist into the monster�s slimy mouth. Tauhn let out an intense scream. All of the green parts of the Phtor exploded. The shock of the blast almost took Tauhn over with the dead beast, but Motun was able to get to his friend in time. He looked at his friend�s arm. It looked both frozen and diseased. � � that � really hurt.� Tauhn strained. Motun helped him up. �I�m almost afraid to ask what your worse fate is after seeing that little display.� Motun stated lightly. Tauhn smiled and looked at his arm. �Remove the arrow. Bind him and gag him.� He instructed. Motun nodded and did as he was told. Within moments, he former friend was unconscious and gagged. Tauhn gestured for the lore keeper to follow him. The two followed the trail until they met up with Samona. �What happened to your arm?� she asked. �Unimportant for now. We need to sneak down. Once we are safely out of sight start shouting out this�� Tauhn whispered something to Samona. Upon hearing it she almost burst out laughing. �I�m going to enjoy this.� She muttered. She watched the two men carefully stalk their way down the mountain. Once they were in a safe spot she stood in a spot that she knew they could see. �I sure am glad that Tuun helped us out! If he hadn�t, we never would have been able to kill two of those Phtor bastards!� she yelled out. She could hear the Phtor scream out in anger. She then dived into the shadows of the rocks and crept down the mountain as Tauhn and Motun had done. Just as she hoped, the two monsters rushed passed the spot she was at. She hurried out and raced down the hill. The two Phtor had other game on their mind than her. Minutes later the group was back together. �Not that I care or anything, but what do you suppose will happen to that pig Tuun?� Samona asked curiously. �If he gets passed the Phtor, then he will have to worry about running into any Moltarian. He has stepped on a lot of toes and the only thing that was protecting him was the fact that he was hiding behind the Phtor. But then again, that is if.� Motun replied. �Now that we have a little time, let�s look at your arm.� He continued. Tauhn slowly extended the diseased arm to Motun. He looked at the pulsating sores and knew that it couldn�t be good. �It�s a combination of a Khorta spore attack and a Drortah ice attack. Try purging it in the lava.� He suggested. Tauhn nodded. He walked over to a calmer part of the stream and slowly stuck his arm in. all three could hear the sizzling sound. When Tauhn removed his arm from the lava, the pain was gone, but his arm was now terribly disfigured. �Thanks � that feels much better.� Tauhn said sincerely. Just then they all heard Tuun scream out in pain. Although they tried not to feel happy that he was dead or in pain, all they could think of were the countless victims that he did worse to. �I guess he didn�t get away.� Samona said calmly. �You won�t be missed.� Tauhn added. Motun didn�t say a word. He knew that Tuun had turned evil, but all he could see was the face of a friend that helped him out shortly after his father was taken away. �I guess we should move on. His friends will be here shortly.� Motun said quietly. The others nodded and continued on their way. *** Night fell on the fiery world. The group was resting near where a stream of lava flowed over a cliff. Tauhn looked over and saw that Motun was fast asleep. The toll of this adventure on the lore keeper was starting to set in. He then noticed that Samona had a somewhat distant look in her eye. A look he had seen in other females her age. He quietly walked over to where she was. �You haven�t told him � have you?� he asked quietly. Samona tried her best to look surprised or confused by the question. If either was her intent � neither worked. She sat down and looked over the cliff. �I was going to tell him when he came to see me. Back when this all began. But then he started telling me how important everything was. Had I told him � it would have clouded his judgement.� She replied quietly. �Be that as it may � he will learn. One way or another.� Tauhn pointed out. �I know. If I may ask � how did you know?� she asked. Tauhn smiled and walked away. Samona shook her head. That Volcannar could be frustrating when he wanted to be. She then looked over at her sleeping boyfriend. Tauhn was right � sooner or later Motun would find out. She walked over and sat down by where he was resting. Almost as if sensing her near, he slowly woke up. �Samona? Is something wrong?� he asked tiredly. �No. I was just remembering back to when you, me, Tauhn and Tuun first went on a quest. Do you remember?� she asked curiously. Motun smiled and sat up. He would be a fool to forget. That was when he first fell in love with her. �Almost every detail.� He replied. �That third night. When the others fell asleep � and we walked by the burning ocean. It was my first time.� she said modestly. �It was my first time too.� He replied sincerely. �When you left to go home � there was something I didn�t tell you.� She began. This was turning into a confusing conversation for Motun. He was about to ask a question when she extended to him a locket that she wore on her wrist. He opened it and saw a picture of a baby no more than a few weeks old. At first it didn�t kick in, but then he saw the likeness of the child. He slowly looked up at Samona. �Our child?� he asked quietly. She nodded. She turned away and looked at the cliff. The view from where they were was amazing. Motun looked at the picture some more. Hundreds of questions flooded his mind � yet he could not say a single word. �Her name is Tee. After my great grandmother. I would have told you sooner � but I feared it might distract you from your quest.� She spoke softly as she thought of her daughter. Motun slowly closed the locket and looked over at Samona. �Was she with your mother?� he asked. �Yes. She has helped me so much. I guess that�s what mother�s do.� She replied. �When this is over � whatever you desire of us � it will be.� he said elegantly as he kissed the back of her hands. Samona hugged him and sighed. She disliked keeping this secret from him. The fact that he was so happy was a weight off her heart. �We can discuss the future when this quest is done.� She replied with a wink. Motun was about to return the locket but she closed his hands so that the locket remained with him. �I want you to have that. I have so many pictures of Tee in my head that I don�t really need that.� She said politely. Motun closed his eyes and held the locket close to his heart. �I will keep it until we return home. Fair?� he asked. �Fair.� She replied. Over where Tauhn was, he both heard and witnessed the entire emotional display. He allowed himself to smile. In a dark time like this � there were so few moments that could lift a heavy heart. This was one of those rare moments. *** Midday approached. Motun and Samona were fast asleep. Both seemed to be dreaming of happy thoughts. Had Tauhn a choice, he would have let the two rest, but there was still much travelling that needed to be done. �Wake up lore keeper. We still have a lot of ground to cover and those Phtor we left at the mountain will be looking for us.� Tauhn stated seriously. Both of them slowly woke up. Both were surprised that they had been asleep for so long. �It must be midday by now. Why didn�t you wake us?� Motun asked. �We have been through a lot. The two of you have seen things that you never should have witnessed. This quest was beginning to take its toll on you both. Hopefully, after your little nap your thinking will be much more clear.� Tauhn answered. Motun looked at the locket in his hand and smiled. �My thoughts have never been more clear about anything.� He stated. �Glad to hear it.� Tauhn stated. �So where do we go from here?� Samona asked. Motun took out the Key and emitted a small flame into it. Just then the rock began to glow. A wispy flame flowed out from the stone and pointed out the way that they had to go. �That way. Across the lake.� He replied. �That could be a problem.� Tauhn stated. �Why?� Motun asked. �Look.� He pointed to the shore of the lake. Motun noticed several grooves that led out of the lake. It didn�t register at first, but when he saw a few Magamars waddling out of the lava. �Magamars. There must be a colony under the lake.� Samona stated. �They tend to be territorial don�t they?� Motun asked. �Almost as much as Volcannars. Only those creatures are stronger and more vicious. Luckily they aren�t very bright. Is there any way around the lake?� Tauhn asked. Motun and Samona looked at both ends of the large lake. If there was a way around. It would take days to do so. �I can�t see anything.� Motun stated. �Same here.� She added. Tauhn sighed and shook his head. �Then we will have to find a way across.� Tauhn stated. The three watched as the Magamars crushed solidified lava with their powerful jaws. All three had mental image of what it would feel like if those teeth bared down on them. �I heard a rumor once that a Magamar actually bit the arm off a Kjoranan.� Samona stated quietly. The others looked at her and smiled. They too had heard similar stories, but they knew them as just that � stories. �Doubtful. So what is our next move lore keeper?� Tauhn asked. Motun looked at the landmass on the other side of the lake. None of them would be able to swim that kind of distance under the best of circumstances. He then looked at the way they had come from. Sooner or later, the Phtor would find their trail. He looked at the shore of the lake and saw some of the cooler lava wash up onto the shore. �We ride on the solidified lava. It floats.� He stated. Samona and Tauhn didn�t look overly enthused by the idea, but in the absence of any better ideas, it was all that they had. The three carefully made their way down to the shore. Each of them pushed a piece that was big enough to hold him or her into the lake. Once this was done, they began to paddle their way across the lake. Once they were a safe distance from the shore, they looked back and saw that several Magamars were chattering and looking in their direction. At first Motun was concerned, but then he noticed that they weren�t pursuing. �They aren�t swimmers. They walk along the ground below the lakes and oceans. We should hurry though. Otherwise we may have to deal with them on the other side of the lake.� Tauhn pointed out. The others nodded and began to paddle towards the distant shore. Roughly half an hour later, the three were across. All of them were tired from the physically draining effort the trip. �On a positive note � at least the Magamars aren�t here.� Samona muttered. They slowly got up and entered the nearby forest. Like all of the other trees on the planet it was made of solidified lava. They all looked back at the lake. �At least that should buy us some time. Phtor can�t swim across lava.� Motun stated. Just then, Tauhn noticed something twinkle in the sky. Without a word of warning he grabbed the two and threw them behind several rocky bushes. Before they could say another word, he hid. Just then they noticed a redesigned Moltarian ship. At the helm were Phtor! Luckily it soared on past them, but that meant that their journey was going to be even more dangerous now. �They found a quicker way across the lake.� Samona muttered. �Indeed. If it is just the two that were following us, we have a slim chance. If that is their reinforcements � we are in big trouble.� Tauhn stated. Motun got up and dusted himself off. �Trouble or no, it changes nothing. We are close to the Oracle � I can feel it. We can not let them scare us off course.� Motun stated seriously. The others smiled at his poetic sense of dedication. �Where you go Motun, I will be by your side.� Samona offered. �Duty demands the same of me.� Tauhn added. �Glad to hear it. Come on. I want to see if that ship landed near here.� Motun stated calmly. The three cautiously made their way in the direction that the ship had traveled. Almost half a day later, they had found the landing site. Much like Tauhn had feared, the ship had the two that were pursuing them plus about six other Phtor as reinforcements. �More of them � perfect.� Tauhn moaned. �It makes sense though. We would be considered a threat by their standards. We did kill two of them.� Motun stated rationally. Tauhn threw him a nasty look. There were many times where logic would work. This was not one of them. �You aren�t helping.� He retorted. Motun took out the Key. He imbued it with his flame. Again, like the times before, a wispy flame pointed the way. Much to their good fortune, it was not towards where the Phtor had landed. �Let�s get out of here. If they come this way looking for us, I want to be far away.� Motun stated. The others offered no argument. The three slipped away without being noticed. *** Over at the landing site, the Phtor in charge was ranting on and on about the fugitives in question. The others listened on. Just then, he slammed a metal rod into the ground. On the top of it was the severed head of Tuun. The leader pointed at the head in disgust � as if to warn them of the potential for treachery in Moltarians. He then waved his tentacle like hand. The rest of them dispersed. He remained by the ship. In case the foolish Moltarians tried to take the vessel. Moments later, back in the forest, the Phtor made their way over to the shore of the lake. From there they could see that the people they were after made it across and went into the forest. They were about to pursue when five Magamars leaped out of the lake and attacked one Phtor. The ferocity of the attack momentarily stunned them all. The effect didn�t last long. The strongest of them stepped forward and blew a greenish blue wind at the savage Moltarians. Within seconds the Moltarians and the body of the half -eaten Phtor were encased in vine laced ice. The Phtor grunted to the others and gestured for them to get back to work. The group followed the tracks from the shore into the forest. From there, the trail seemed to vanish. The Phtor split up and began to search for the people that were directly responsible for the death of two Phtor � and indirectly responsible for the death of another. *** Meanwhile, a safe distance away, the three travelers were far away from the forest. Before them was a great steaming plain. Land coveted by Steamarchs. To either side was extinct volcanoes. Territory desired by rogue Volcannars. Behind them was the path that led to the forest where the Phtor were searching. All three were unpleasant choices. �This day is just getting better and better. Our choices are rogue Volcannars who would as soon kill us as listen to us, Steamarchs who would sell their mates to the highest bidders or the bloodthirsty bastards that are hunting their way towards us. Inspire me leader � what is our next move?� Tauhn asked with a great deal of sarcasm. �The Volcannars and the Phtor here would kill us on sight. We will just have to play on their greed if we get into a situation with the Steamarchs. Let�s get this over with.� Motun stated as they walked down towards the great plain. After a few minutes of walking, they all could see a nomadic settlement that a clan of Steamarchs called home. Much to their surprise, this clan was much more passive than the Steamarchs that resided near where they all resided. �Excuse me, may we speak to the elder?� Motun asked. The Steamarch nodded and gestured for them to follow him. The three were utterly speechless at what they saw. Not one of the Steamarchs within view were warriors or merchants. If anything, they all looked like poor villagers and peasants. �This is not what I was expecting.� Samona whispered. �Nor I.� Tauhn added. Within moments the three were led into an old looking tent. In the center was a tired looking person. He was the chief of this clan. �I bid you welcome. I am Tu, Chief of this tribe.� He introduced. �I-I am Motun, a lore keeper. If I may be allowed to say, this is not what I would expect of a Steamarch settlement.� Motun stated politely. The chief smiled and shook his head. The chief gestured for them to sit down. �No insult is felt by the comment. We are different from our other brothers and sisters. The fire that drives them is not within us. We tried to associate with them, but they � no. I will not speak ill of them. We of this tribe have no desire for war or profit. We only desire to be left in peace.� Tu said tiredly. �If that is your wish, we will comply. But you should be aware that � � Motun began. � � that Phtor are following you? Yes. We are aware of this. They like everyone else believe us to be greedy and ambitious. They know we are here. They simply do not care about us. Go in peace.� Tu interrupted. �It is an honor to meet you chief elder Tu. Others will know that not all Steamarchs are greedy and ambitious. It will be known that some are better than that.� Motun added. He and his companions got up and bowed politely to the chief. �Do know, that if they ask � we will speak honestly. It is not to betray you, but dishonesty is simply not our way. May the Sacred Flame guide your journey.� Tu warned without any malice. The three nodded and left the tent. �We had better hurry.� Tauhn stated. Motun agreed. He looked over at the tent and was sincerely surprised that any tribe of Moltarians could be so tranquil in such harsh times. And the fact that the tribe in question was Steamarchs was an even greater stretch. �Lore keeper, you do realize that no one will believe you if you write that there was a pacifistic group of Steamarchs. It would be about as believable as an intelligent group of Magamars.� Tauhn pointed out. There was a certain ring of truth to what the Volcannar was saying, but it didn�t phase Motun. �It doesn�t matter if people chose to believe it or not. If only one person in a hundred chooses to believe � it would make the effort worth while. It just means that maybe there is hope for Moltaria after all.� Motun replied with a smile. Tauhn shook his head � more poetic nonsense �Save the speeches for the Oracle.� Tauhn retorted with a smile. The three walked away from the settlement and disappeared into the dense steam that blanketed the area before them. |