"Ronalt can I talk to you?" I approached him after lunch while he was been drinking alone.
"Make it quick," he barely looked up at me.
"I was wondering if you had heard the rumours about the border forest. The ones about an incredibly powerful Monster." The rumours did exist. It was said to be one of the reasons that the demons didn't enter it.
"Yes I've heard of them," he scoffed. "But it doesn't concern you."
"But if the Monster really does exist, we'll just get killed going through," my expression hardened more than I should have let it.
He growled, "Rain Axel what are you?"
I hid my frown and answered, "The Hero party's attendant."
"Exactly. Our intelligence has stated it to be a viable path. That's all you need to know. Follow the route and do as you're told." His eyes focused against mine, "Do you understand?"
"Yes sir," I answered evenly.
"Good, now I'm sure you have other duties to complete," he shooed me away
I left his table with my fists gripped tightly. I hadn't expected much but I still had some hope that he'd listen to me. He was the one in charge, even if the other's complained he'd have his way. I doubt the Hero could even persuade his stubbornness. My only choice left was to speak with Ardent. Out of all the Hero's companions not only was he the oldest but he was the Magicians Guild representative and a researcher at that. Though he came off as wise once he got bogged into something that interested him his enthusiasm spiked like a child's.
The only person in the inn's lounge was Taylor. Despite my better judgement I decided to ask her instead of searching for Ardent blindly.
"Why hello Rain not often you come to me for a chat," she greeted me with a dazzling smile as I approached.
"Not here for you. I was wondering if you knew where Ardent was," I folded my arms.
"Ardent? I didn't know you swung that way. It's okay I swing both myself," she winked.
My eye twitched, "I just need to talk with him."
"He should be in his room. Let me guide you," she stood up from her seat and purposefully walked in front of me.
Eventually she led me to the first floor and an unassuming door. I knocked and a male voice echoed back to come in. I opened the door. It was a nice spacious room with only one bed and a small sink. Even though I was sure I heard a voice, the room was empty aside from a small bag on the bed.
I sighed, "Taylor this is your room isn't it?"
"Oh how quick of you to notice," she nudged my back.
"I recognised the bag. I do look after most your things," I turned to face her. Instead I found her lips beside my ear.
"By the way tonight my room will be unlocked. You're more than welcome to come in."
I gently pushed her away, "Why do you keep trying this?"
"Because it's fun," she smiled innocently.
"So which room is really Ardent's?" I moved past her.
With a dramatic flair she sighed, shrugged, and pointed across the corridor. My eyes met hers. The question was whether this was another one of her jokes. It looked like she was telling the truth. I knocked on the door and after a short pause, Ardent's voice answered,
"Come in, the door is unlocked."
"Thank you Taylor, you can go now," I looked her dead in the eyes once more.
She pouted, "But what if I want to join you?"
"Please leave," I asked but then sighed. "Well it's not like you can't eavesdrop anyway."
"I'm joking," she laughed. "Till later then Rain. Remember my room is-,"
I entered Ardent's room and closed the door cutting her off.
"Rain? I didn't expect it to be you," Ardent showed his surprise as he stood up. It looked like he had been meditating and a glow of light faded from the floor.
"Were you expecting someone else?" I asked in case I was intruding.
He shook his head, "Not at all. It's just rare for you to come to me. Ah sorry don't mind the mess, I was just practicing." His bed was littered with open books and half written parchments laid about on the ground. "So what can I help you with?"
I struggled to find where to start, "Umm about tomorrow, do you know where we're going?"
"Did Ronalt not tell you yet? We're heading to the border forest west of here."
"Have you been there before?"
"That forest specifically, no, however I have been to the demon territory several times."
"Wait really?" I was surprised. Not many people had crossed over and come back alive. The most I heard of was small skirmishes between our two races.
He nodded, "To some of the more amicable races. Though that was before the Demon Lord rose to power. Despite what Ronalt may tell you, not all demons want our blood. Though the majority of them nowadays are more than willing to follow through."
His words intrigued me but I shook my head, "No that wasn't my point. The forest we're going to, do you know about the Monster that lives inside?"
Ardent's eyes widened, "Monster? I'm afraid I do not."
"It's a rumour from the area. An incredibly powerful Monster capable of destroying entire towns lives in the forest's depths. It travels beneath the earth and rises to eat its prey, measuring dozens of metres long and wide." The rumours weren't so specific but my experience made up for it. "People say it's the reason why the demons don't pass through from there."
"That's an intriguing rumour but I can't believe that," Ardent laughed. "A 'Monster' on that scale would be considered ancient and rivalling that of even the strongest dragons."
"But what if it was real?" I asked and my tone showed my seriousness.
Ardent paused and looked at me quizzically, "Rain unless you've seen it yourself or you can find solid proof I'm afraid we can't take it for fact. What is a fact is that going through that forest is our safest and most covert route."
Covert I could believe because we'd all be dead with no one knowing what happened to us. My lips quivered on the brink of opening. I wanted to tell him I saw it, that the Monster existed but… there was no point. They'd never believe me. As much as Ardent said he would try help me, I could see it in his eyes, he thought this was no more than a baseless rumour.
"The most we have to fear is being discovered on the way through. Even if we met with the unfortunate monster we're more than capable of dealing with it." He held my shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry I'll be casting a barrier as we go through. No random monster will kill you before we can help. We can do that much for you at least." He smiled.
"R-right…." I nodded. "Thank you."
"Get some rest Rain. Don't let Ronalt push you around too much."
I left the room and once outside, leaned against the closed door. If no one would listen then I'd have to take things into my own hands. I refused to die in that forest again.
*
Just before noon we left Greytree and took the road North before quickly heading west once out of sight from the town. A strained nervousness had taken over everyone aside from Earnest who just slept like he usually did. For most it was the first time they'd enter the demon territory. For me it was the 'I really don't want to die' vibe. To be honest chances were in about five or so hours I'd be listening to the Queen once more.
Once we reached the forest Ronalt signalled for me to pull over.
"This is the route," he handed me a badly sketched map. "Can you get us through?"
"If the path is big enough for the carriage, sure," I sighed internally. Unfortunately it was. The path was incredibly old, worn and downright creepy but surprisingly spacious enough for the carriage.
"Whatever you do, stay to the path. If we go out of its bounds we may be spotted by the demon's patrols." He really didn't need to glare at me. "I trust that you'll see this through."
"Yes sir," I bowed.
"Good. If anything happens or you see something let us know." With that he just turned his back to me and guided the Hero who had stepped outside back in.
If they were really concerned they could always keep me company outside. Somehow the sense of trust they had in me was oddly strong. Then again when I was kidnapped for the job, several higher ups had made it painfully clear what would happen to me if I deserted the party. Let me tell you that death wasn't the worse of it.
I took a moment to caress Pina's feathers. The bird chirped happily and rubbed its large head against my chest.
"There, there girl. We'll make it through this." I gave her one last pat and mounted the carriage. With a simple flick of the reigns Pina began to enter the forest and join onto the path.
The trees here were tall and thick. Despite it being midday the coverage of leaves blocked out most the sun and with the naturally overcast day a dreary atmosphere settled in. I didn't mind it however. To me it felt eerily calm, but strangely soothing like watching a thunderstorm roll across the plains from afar. What I didn't like was my heart hammering into my chest dreading every minute that passed.
Last night I had collated as much of the rumours about the Monster as possible. Luckily Taylor had found someone else to 'mess' with and didn't follow me. Old hunters and guardsman who'd been on patrol, they told me stories of the trees shifting and seeing clouds of birds flock to the skies. None of them had seen it directly but from their words I was able to sketch out a general area where the Monster would likely be. Combined with my previous knowledge I knew where the Monster would be in the next few hours. I just had to not be there at that time.
The minutes ticked by into hours and we even rested by the path. It wasn't for long however as the Hero didn't like the feeling in the air and asked to keep moving. Her actions had a cute anxiousness to them that although concerning, softened my heart. We moved on and Ardent had even kept his word and a shimmer of light protected the carriage as we progressed.
Then close to an hour remaining there was a split in the path. One in even worse quality than our current heading west and the second deviating to the south. Without any hesitation I began to head south. The Hero and her party, Ronalt especially, didn't even notice. How could they? Tree after tree, it all practically looked the same.
As the time went by I found myself looking at my pocket watch more and more. I'd be fine. Enough had changed where we shouldn't see that Monster. From my mental map we were now practically heading straight south. Finally as the hour passed I felt incredible relief. Nothing happened. There was no Monster, no screams of panic or pain, I didn't have to watch anyone die and most importantly I was still alive! I smiled. All I had to do now was get out of the forest by heading west away from the Monster.
I patted Pina happily and led her down the next path heading west. Eventually the sky began to darken and the forest became much more foreboding. The window beside me opened.
"Pull over," Ronalt poked his head out. "It's too dark here to drive safely without being discovered."
"Yes sir," I nodded and moved the carriage to the side.
Once we settled down Ronalt brought out his map and called me over, "Where are we now?
"We should be about here," I pointed to the map.
For a moment he said nothing but then looked at incredulously, "Did you not follow the path?"
I feigned ignorance, "Was this not the way?"
"Of course not!" he almost shouted. "We're far too south." He looked at the others outside the carriage. "Quickly get back inside we need to leave. At this rate-," He was cut off as a bright light came hurtling from the forest. It collided with Ardent's barrier and exploded into flame.
"Enemy attack!" Ronalt screamed. "Grab your weapons."
I was dumbfounded as they all sprang into action around me. Bursts of light and magic fired through the forest towards us while Ardent tried his best to block them. Figures shrouded in black leapt from the trees and crashed against the Hero only to be cut down by Earnest a second later. Suddenly there was a panicked squawk.
"Pina!" I turned to see the beloved pink bird try fend off a masked spearman twice my size. Still attached to the carriage she had little room to move. "Get off her!" I yelled but could do nothing as I ran towards her only to be batted away. The spear drove into her chest and with a painful groan she collapsed.
"Damn it!" Ronalt roared. "Everyone form up on me. Lara break the air!"
"On it," the Hero raised her sword and a spark of blue burst into the sky. With a boom it exploded throwing everything into disarray. Then we ran. I followed Ronalt as Earnest guarded our backs. We left behind the carriage and fled into the forest. Everything had been going so well. I had made it past the Monster so why?
Eventually we escaped and collapsed tiredly against the trees. Marley was leaning over Ardent who was holding his side. Blood had soaked into his robe and his skin was deathly pale. Ronalt turned to me and in a livid rage shoved me against a tree. I coughed in pain as my bones threatened to shatter against his strength.
"Why?" he looked at me as if cursing my very existence.
"Because we would have died!" I screamed back at him.
"Did you sell us out to the demons?" he ignored my words and pushed harder.
"Of course not," I grit my teeth. "If we had gone west that Monster would have killed us all!"
"Liar!" he drew his sword and pointed it at my throat. "You led them straight to us. Do you think I'm stupid not to notice? How else could they ambush like that."
"It was a coincidence I swear," I choked the words out.
The Hero appeared behind him, "Ronalt stop, you're going to kill him!"
"My plans exactly," his eyes narrowed. "I don't care what the Queen said. We never should have trusted a plebeian from a border town like him."
My hands scratched at his as he pressed further into me and my chest began to flare in pain, "I was just trying to help. The Monster-."
"Silence," Ronalt raised his sword.
"Wait!" the Hero screamed.
Suddenly a sharp pain crossed my neck and I was no longer looking at Ronalt directly. No, I was on the ground or at least a part of me was. My body followed soon after in full view as my head lied in the grass beside it. I died.