The Tower of Ranphoon - Part 1

As I stand at the forest's edge, its vastness stretching out before me, I glance back at far off Castle Sengat, my new home. Its grandeur always amazes me with its towering white ornate triple twisting spires that seem to reach up forever into the crisp blue sky. A place of peacefulness and prosperity; a place I'd called home since vowing my allegiance to King Sengat. He did not ask why I'd chosen to align myself with his people, he did not judge nor demand an answer; all he knew was I had been outcast from my homeland, and had asked, no begged, for a place to call home once again.

Looking back at the castle, my thoughts turn back to earlier this morn. Just why the king had seen fit to send me on this quest nobody wanted to enlighten me. I had been summoned to the king's personal chambers where he informed me of what was expected. As I knelt before his majesty, he smiled his greying beard wrinkling slightly as he did so.

"You are to travel beyond the forest to the place known to us as Ranphoon; there you will find a single tower. The quest is that you scale its walls and bring to me the chalice you find inside. But beware, for the tower is not all it would seem.

"The honour is mine Sire, but why have I been chosen, I amongst all your soldiers?

"You are not of our blood, this the tower will not expect this unknown courage and valour. Many have gone before and have never returned. This warning I give, do not trust what you see; do not trust what you hear, and do not fall prey to the tower!

After the audience with his majesty the Master-at-arms had presented me with a sword and shield, taking my own to be handed back on my return. The Master-at-arms advised this new sword would cut clean and fast through any that stood before me, and that the shield would protect against dark sorcery found in the forest but would not serve within the confines of the tower of Ranphoon. He added I will be deigned a steed and squire, for I must make my way on foot and alone.

I slowly turn my eyes back to confront the ominous forest before me, taking a deep breath I feel the hilt of my new sword, it feel heavy in the scabbard lashed to my hip; the shield is surprisingly light and easy to carry strapped across my back.

Do not fall prey to the tower! Those last words of warning slowly sift through my thoughts as I take one more deep breath and step beyond the threshold into the forest and its unknown.

For two days I had walk, not hearing or seeing anything other than the occasional bird in flight, even they seem to keep silent. The forest has become thicker, darker, more foreboding, a more daunting place than when I'd first crossed the threshold.

Then to my surprise, midday of the third day I stumble upon a clearing; a small rippling stream runs through its centre popping up from the ground, running across to the other edge of the clearing then diving back underground. The sound of cool running water is pleasant to the ears, my lips feel dry and in need of refreshment; I suddenly feel the urgent need to drink deeply from the stream, to feel its refreshing caress. I eagerly step up to the edge and kneel, my hands cup through the water bringing it to my mouth.

"That is not advisable! a voice suddenly breaks, a voice with age.

My hand is quickly at the hilt of my sword before the water hits back to the stream. I'm off my knees and turning to face the voice. Before me, sitting on a small mount is a bird-like creature of human proportions; its large wings are crossed against is feathery chest, small wisp feathers form what can only be described as a beard around its white beak. My sword is drawn and I heft it ready to use; its blade shines luminescent silver that glints in my eyes.

"Put away your weapon you have no need of it here! stated the creature; and I must admit shocking me greatly at its ability to vocalise.

Ignoring this advice, I lower the sword but keep a firm grip. "Who and what are you? I ask firmly.

The creature spreads its wings as if stretching waves them for a few moments and returns them across its chest.

"I am Pentathon, last of the Orrmastri.

"Orrmastri?

Pentathon sighs long and deep. "We were once many; this forest we called home, and we walked amongst man in peace. The Orrmastri would fly man across the forest to the far lands beyond. That is until the day man turned on the Orrmastri, tried to enslave us they did, but the Orrmastri rebelled, fought hard and long until we were no more. The keeper of Ranphoon saw we did not survive; sent his underworld to eliminate all Orrmastri. Only I survive; I am the last, and I have come again to thrust man.

I slowly pace left then right taking stock of this bird-like being; Pentathon's small green eyes follow my every move.

Do not trust what you see, do not trust what you hear, do not fall prey to the tower!

"How come you survived? Why do you come again to trust man?

Pentathon rustles his feathers, and rolls his head from side to side.

"I survived by returning to the Orrmastri birth land, a place where no mortal can go. For one century did I remain alone with no other; kept watch on the world of man and his deeds. A dark time approaches, a time where all man can die. Man needs saving from his ways of destruction!

"You have returned to save man from his destiny, how?

"It is not I who will do this deed. I am but a watcher, a watcher to record the outcome.

I turn and glance at the rippling water that silently calls me to drink, its sound so seductive.

"Drink if you are thirsty.

The seductive rippling plays on my senses. "You said it is not advisable. Why?

"The waters of the underworld can hold painful death for he who drinks.

Do not trust all you see, do not trust all you hear, do not fall prey to the tower!

"Then I will not drink!

"There is no other stream on your path, warns Pentathon.

"You do not know which path I take.

"You seek that which is within the tower, there is only one path for you, and it is long and arduous. I could fly you there, but I am tired, so you must on your way be.

I look towards the stream, it is wide, and could be deep; there seems no way to cross other than going round.

"Then I bid¦ I start to say, but Pentathon is nowhere to be seen.

By the time I have circled the clearing night is drawing near; I make camp and light a small fire that should keep the woodland creatures at bay while I sleep. My shield, padded with my cloak, I use as a pillow, and the hilt of my sword is gripped firmly in my hand as I lay down. It will be a long night, a night to ponder on all I have been told.

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The morning of the fourth day I awoke from a restless sleep; the night had passed slowly with a few interruptions, but only by things that played on the mind; I didn't see anything, but my innards told me someone or something had been watching.
I again took to the path, a path that is clearly cut from the forest, yet¦

Why do I feel so unsure?

The path twisted and turned; my journey moves me deeper and deeper into the forest. The path has now become darkened, the sunlight blocked out by huge overhanging branches, branches that seem to point at me from every angle, judging and accusing.

There is nothing to fear, nothing!

I try to keep my vision fixed on the path ahead and block out the accusing branches. The path inclines blocking my view of what could be ahead; I quicken my pace, moving more firmly and assuredly towards the hilltop. When I reach the peak I see an enormous tree has been felled and lies across the path halting my advance, a natural barrier in my way.

Must be at least thirty feet in circumference! Without a grappling hook I'll never scale it!

Glancing to either side I can see there is no other way around, this part of the forest is too dense. T'was then I remembered the Master-at-arms words¦

This sword will cut clean and fast through anything that bars your way.

Gripping the hilt firmly I draw the sword from its scabbard; even in this darkness the blade shines brightly. I feel its weight then grasp it with both hands and raise it above my head, ready to strike the first blow into the aged wood. Before I can bring the blade down a whistling noise fills my ears, something flashes past my eyes; something moving so fast it appears blurred. There follows a dull thud by my feet, I look down to see an arrow embedded in the turf only inches from me. Quickly I swing round, pull the shield from my back and cover my front.

For long minutes silence follows; my eyes search the forest for the unseen bowman, yet I see nothing. My patience becomes thin; I lift my sword again to make the first strike, another arrow furrows the turf before me.

"Show yourself! I demand loudly.

"Put down your sword, a hollow reply sounds from deep with the woodland.

"I will not leave myself defenceless!

"If I had wished to harm you my first arrow would have struck.

I lower my sword, realising the hidden bowman spoke true.

"Who are you? Why do you halt me?

"I am the Forester, protector of the woodland, the reply emanates from above.

I looked up to see a man standing atop the trunk of the felled tree; he wears gowns of forest colour enabling him to merge with the forest, becoming virtually invisible to the eye. His face holds the features of age old bark; in his hand he hold a short-bow that looks as if it is made from a twisted branch; an arrow pulled and ready to fire.

"You were about to attack one of my brothers! he accused.

Brothers?

"I need to pass.

"Why? the Forester demanded in a deep woody tone.

"I travel in the name of my king, and his bidding.

"King, King? Here I am king; I and I alone deem those fit to pass beyond the great oak. Who is your king? For what purpose do you travel the woodland path? 

My neck was beginning to ache constantly from looking up at the Forester, but I dare not take my eyes from him.

"My king is King Sengat, and his bidding is for me alone! I will pass and continue on my quest.

The Forester lowered his bow and eased the arrow from its string; he crouched down on his haunches.

"Ah¦ I see. You are on the quest for the chalice. When will Sengat see that those he sends never return?

He knows!

"Then if you know, surely you will help me on my way?

"Help you to your death you mean! his words held a finality.

"I do not fear death. I fear nothing!

"Then you are truly brave, or foolhardy. Only those of a brave heart or reckless mind quest that which cannot be gained. However, I see you are not one to be turned from this foolish quest. The Master-at-arms has entrusted to you the sword and shield of Atanon, he must believe you have the heart of a lion, and the will to succeed, for he would not give up those prizes easily. 

Sword and shield of Atanon?

I wielded the sword; its blade sparkled and sliced through the air creating a whoosh sound.

"Careful little one, the pure silver shaft of the sword of Atanon holds untold magic. It is capable of many things, and used wrongly could kill the holder.

Magic?

"Enough of this banter Forester, I must pass, and I see no other way but slicing through this felled trunk.

"That I cannot and will not allow. Strike my brother with your blade at your own peril!

The Forester is again on his feet; his bow pulled taught and arrow pointing at my head. Quickly I covered my body with the shield, I know now I will have to barter with him for passage and avoid a fight.

But what can I offer?

"I need to continue Forester, so what toll do you demand for passage?

"The toll is a simple task. Should you gain success in your quest, you must pledge to me to pass this way on your return so I may touch the chalice. Agree to this small request and I shall set you on your way.

Return this way so he can touch the chalice, a strange toll but one I can agree.

"Agreed Forester, I will return on this same route with the chalice, and for your help I will allow one touch.

"Then heed this seeker. If you reach the tower you will have need of a grapple to scale its walls. Your journey will take you through the village of Alowe, there seek out the smithy, he will furnish you with all you need. A word of warning, do not cross the path of the Huntsman for he is tainted by the power of the tower.

Next thing I know I am standing on the opposite side of the felled trunk with a clear path before me; how the Forester done this I do not know.

What magic is this? Who is the Huntsman?

I turn to wish the Forester farewell, only to see a large branch where he stood; the branch has a familiar look to it, a look of a wooden man holding a bow. As I continue on my way a woody voice echoes from the distance.

"Do not fall prey to the tower!

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The remainder of the fourth day, and into the morning of the fifth I spend walking, not seeing anyone, not even a woodland creature. T'was as if all avoided this part of the forest, yet its appearance is no different from before other than the trees canopy yielded once more to bright sunlight. Just before midday I stop and rest to partake of the humble food I have packed for the journey, had I known it was to take this long I would have packed more.

I will have to see if I can barter for more on reaching Alowe.

Taking only two bites from the bread and a small swallow of water from my buckskin flask, I set out again. An hour later I have to halt again; a small stone has found its way into my boot; it didn't cause pain but more of an annoyance. I sit on a small log at the path side, remove the shield from my back, place in on the ground, and then tug at my boot, which is refusing to move.

Come on!

The more I struggle with the boot the more it refuses to budge, and the more I become frustrated and angered.

"Come on you loathsome Ox's ass!

In my frustration I stamp my right foot firmly on the ground to steady myself, grip my left boot with both hands and tug. At this very moment the small log decides to roll, and I tilt back falling onto my back. I let out a sigh, and lay there looking up at the sky, and then I hear a snorting sound.

Before I can right myself I see the beast pounce, I cannot draw my sword in time, and the beast is in the air almost upon me. I see its fangs closing in on my face but before it can strike it falls to the side. Amazed at my luck I am on my feet and my sword pulled and ready. I circle the beast watching its dark fury coat slowly rise and fall; its hind legs tremble, its snout flares and spills clouds of heated breath, and its red eyes stare blankly at the forest. I now see why its attack has suddenly ended, buried in its hairy neck is an arrow, and realise someone has just saved my life. With a deep gutsy whimper, a last exhale of heated breath, the beast convulses and dies.

"Fate is on your side today, I was here! a female voice came from behind me.

I quickly turn round and see a female standing holding a bow, a woman of beauty, yet she is adorned in male clothes. She smiles a smile that lights up her face, and something inside me shouts, I can thrust this woman.

"Who do I have to thank for my life?

"I am named Helena of Rayburn, daughter of Elric, master archer to Queen Emilia.

"My eternal gratitude Helena of Rayburn, for my life, I am beholden for your mastery with a bow

I sheath my sword and pick up the shield that still lies by the small log; the stone in my boot has somehow vanished.

"It is not safe to travel this path alone. Are you on your way to Alowe? Helena asks as she pulls the arrow from the beasts' neck.

"Yes, I travel to the village of Alowe and then beyond. I have need of the services of the smithy, and perhaps barter with the yokels for food for my journey.

"What be your name traveller?

"I go by the name of Aden.

"Then come Aden, I shall walk with you. Alowe lies just over the next rise.

I walk with her side by side; she is indeed beautiful even in the manly garb she wears.

"If it is so dangerous, why were you out here alone? I inquire.

She halts, turns to face me, and looks me in the eyes, those bright shining eyes that seem to probe the depths of my soul.

"Alone? I am not alone!

She whistles a long low whistle; I quickly stagger back in surprise as I draw my sword as a large grey wolf bounds from the shrubs and up to Helena.

"Do not be fearful! This is Tolan my pet, it was he who alerted me to your plight, and picked up the devil-hog's scent!

The wolf rubs at Helena's legs; his striking yellow eyes stare at me as if I am to be his next meal. She pets Tolan on his neck; he behaves as if a docile pet.

"Tolan this is our new friend, she says while pointing at me, but I remain at a distance with a firm grip on my sword.

"Come Tolan, come Aden, we must reach Alowe before nightfall.

The wolf runs ahead, but always remains in sight. I reluctantly sheath my sword and continue walking at Helena's side. Just as the sun is setting we enter the outskirts of Alowe; a small village much like any other I have seen. Their dwellings are made mostly of wood, thatch and pitch, but some, one of which, the smithies is made of stone with thatch roof.

"You live here in Alowe? I ask.

"No, like you I am a traveller.

"To where do you travel?

"Tolan and I head for Kersenden Keep.

"Kersenden Keep?

"Tolan and I have unfinished business with Archduke Murshant.

Archduke Murshant?

It is only now we notice the village is deserted, no villagers or animals walk the paths between the dwellings. I spy the locals' peeking at us cautiously from their shadowed windows, watching our passage through their quiet village, none come out to greet us as strangers, I do not know if it is our presence or perhaps it is the sight of Tolan they fear. I see the sign of the smithy up ahead, we continue to converse as we slowly walk.

"Who is Archduke Murshant?

Helena halts abruptly, her eyes wide with wonder at my obviously unexpected question.

"You do not know of the Archduke?

I shake my head. "Should I?

"From whence do you come? It must be far if you no not of the Archduke!

"I travel from beyond the forest, from Castle Sengat.

"You are not of Sengat blood or you would know of Murshant¦ Helena eyes me carefully and gestures to my sword, "You are on the quest!

I do not answer.

"You travel to Ranphoon; you seek that which is within the tower!

She knows!

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(To be continued¦)