Azurak's Blight (Chapter 4)
Into the Abyss
Chapter 4: Into the Abyss
Inneveth thinks back to the day she was “born”; the fear that engulfed her when she first emerged from the tree. The memories come back briefly, then suddenly dissipate. One key moment grabs her attention, and she latches onto it. She is standing among her new sisters – their mouths dripping blood and their disfigured bodies begin to transform. They take the shape of beautiful Nymphs, and the surrounding area becomes a lush and lively forest. A cloud overtakes her brain, erasing any previous memories from her mind.
She turns to the man, “How long have I been this way?” She asks.
His head drops, “Three years.”
Inneveth was only the fifth Nymph in the colony. Running through the timeline in her head, a new woman had been snatched every month. The thought of forty-one poor souls who have endured this hell unknowingly fills her with anger. What kind of monster would be capable of such atrocities she thinks to herself.
“What is this curse?” She asks as she turns to her father.
“Azurak is the demon that controls these lands. This is his blight that has affected the entirety of the forest,” he explains. “Every creature in this area has been turned. This disease goes for miles and spreads farther as he grows stronger. The tree is the key – that opening is a portal into his domain. I have done years of research to figure out how to get to him; to kill him. To save the others and all of the creatures of this land, he must be killed.”
She stares at Mother Tree, “I know what to do, but I need your help.”
“Inneveth, wait. There is a catch.”
“I don’t care; I need to save them. No one deserves this hell.”
“Yes, but…”
Inneveth interrupts him, “It isn’t up for discussion. I will speak with Azurak and convince him I am still loyal. Right before I enter the portal, you will encase me in fog and return my memories.”
Her father embraces her, “I am so proud of you,” he whispers in her ear. “Here,” he says as he removes his necklace. The pendant is in the shape of a horn and emits a faint blue glow. He places the chain around her neck and continues, “This will protect you from the elements there.”
The pale white necklace is lightweight and cool to the touch. She strokes it gently, then lets it drop back to her chest, “Thank you.”
She gives a low bow to her father and turns toward the tree. Advancing forward, she gestures for him to hide. He dips behind the large oak tree and concentrates on the fog, bringing it closer.
“Mother Tree guide me! There is an intruder here. The others have fled, but I fear I am in grave danger. Please protect me!” She shouts.
A soft green glow appears within the opening and a voice emanates from within, “My daughter, can you not defeat the intruder? You have the strength; I can sense it inside you.”
“Mother Tree, please. Poison fog approaches, I have seen what it does to creatures here and I will perish if not protected. The others have fled, but I stayed to take this enemy down; to protect you. The mist surrounds this land, and I have no escape. The entity is immune,” she explains as she falls to her knees and places her palms together in prayer. “Please Mother Tree,” She pleads once more.
A loud crack startles her as the tree’s center opens wide. A swirling mass of blue and purple energy appears in its center, “My child. Come.”
Inneveth stands and moves toward the portal; the fog encompassing her as she steps through. She falls to the ground in agony as the lost memories flood her mind. It feels like an ice pick being jammed into her temples continuously.
She remembers training with her father, Lucas, in the forest. They were planning a raid on a town nearby as many of their clan members had been captured and held hostage there. Her father had insisted she return to camp with him to prepare herself for the siege, but she pleaded with him to stay longer. She was incredibly skilled with a sword but wanted to perfect her killing blow. Eventually, he agreed she could stay and practice, and he would be back for her within the hour. She stumbled upon a massive tree in the middle of the forest with a demon head carved into the center and a large hole at the base. A voice from the tree told her not to fear, and it would not harm her.
Inneveth knew well that demons were not to be trusted. She tried to flee, but monstrous masses of twisted flesh swarmed her in an instant. Desperation fueled her strikes as she slashed wildly, cutting down two in her frenzy. More emerged, and panic seized her when one creature struck her sword from her grasp, leaving her defenseless as they dragged her toward the tree’s gaping maw. She screamed for help, but no one came. Blackness engulfed her until she was thrust back through the opening, terrified and standing among more beasts. She searched for an escape; her eyes darting in every direction until the memories began to blur and fade.