43 chapter 43 - Outrun (1/2)
In his old man base form Kenji ran desperately through the forest. Just as he thought all hope of finding his companions was lost, he heard a howl that pierced through the rustling leaves.
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Following that howl, Kenji descended into a gully to find a bright silver moon hanging high above. Below Violet and Tenko stood prepared for battle, a teenage girl and a small boy hiding behind them with their backs to a cliff.
From every angle stalked wicked looking black furred goatmen, their spears ending in hellflame and their eyes were filled with crimson red light. They snickered and hooted at one another, as they closed in on their cornered pray.
Before Kenji could do anything more, arrows flew through the trees to score headshots on several of the goatmen. Panicking, they grunted gutteral orders and fled, another pair falling dead before they could get away.
Rushing forward, Kenji got to his companions side before the new forces could reveal themselves.
”Did it work?” Violet whispered.
”I think so. They have a body now, so there's no need to chase me, and I've dealt with their scouts that hunted for us too. Although, I've lost Ash,” Kenji noticed Violets ears twitch and her eyes grow round before the forest came to life.
While goatmen, these were clearly of a different breed. Their fur was brown, bodies smaller and with coloured moss artfully arrayed amongst their fur. In their hands they clutched little bows, with bundles of arrows poking out from behind their shoulders.
”Do not be alarmed,” came a soothing tone, a small boy made of plants appearing from the trees. With a face of leaves and body of wood, the forest child smiled pleasantly.
”Who are you shrub kid?” Tenko roared, her great wolf tail swishing and her fangs bared. Placing a hand on her furred side, Kenji tried to soothe the giant wolf.
”Everyone be calm, I don't think they are an enemy,” Kenji said. Otherwise, why else would they have driven off those larger goatmen for them.
”Indeed, we servants of the Far King are kind creatures. But while excellent with the bow, these Fauns cannot compete with the satyrs to a physical level. And with the fires...well, I hear the Satyrs are gathering an army of monster refugees. Starving and desperate, they are easily tamed into serving their twisted desires.”
”We are currently passing through, while I thank you servants of the Far King, we cannot help you with this war. We are hounded by inquitors as it is. If their scouts discover us...we would only be bringing more conflict to this land.”
The Forest child's features froze, then his eyes turned to Kenji.
”You are in position of a wounded spirit and two vulnerable children. We could tend to their needs, see the spirit restored and even thank you with powerful items. All we need is for you to destroy the pryomancer causing the fires, before his wall of flame reaches even my King's domain”
Violet pulled at Kenji's sleeve.
”The forest was filled with danger when we were running, me and Tenko had trouble scaring off the monsters. If they could escort us through, that would make this worth the risk.”
”That is something we can do,” the Forrest child said as if he had heard Violet's whispering just fine. ”We can show you a secret fairy road that'll take you through to the safety beyond the mountain. Any other path would lead you into the realm of the Living Mountain, where ever cliff, rock and path will attempt to kill you.”
”'The Living Mountain'? How does that work, is the whole thing one big old elemental or somthing?” Kenji said a tad sceptical.
”Exactly, the spirits of the mountains themselves are fierce when it comes to driving away outsiders. Attempting to cross yourselves is a suicidal notion, therefore this offer is perfectly suited to your situation.”
Too perfect, Kenji thought. But not seeing any other way, nodded slowly.