3.02 - The Forest Alter

Anneleigh crossed Gloamwood Pines to find the guard post on the outskirts of town to the west. 

“Marshal Oakheart?” Anneleigh inquired of the guard captain, “The Guardian guard at Gnarlwood sent me your way.”

The marshal nodded.  “Thank you for seeking me out.  Stand tall; we have an amazing journey ahead of us!”

Anneleigh smiled and looked around the square.  All around her stood waiting guards.  A few shop keepers and villagers also watched the transaction; although, now that the marshal was speaking with her, they seemed more at ease.

Marshal Oakheart noticed her glance.  “Impressive forces are they not.  The Sanctuary Guards are common men and women – not ascended like you or I – who have chosen to defend the Vigil with force of arms, placing their mortal lives on the line in the name of righteousness.  They may be simple people, but never look down on them.  If they die, they do not return, and yet here they are.  They see us as heroes, gods even, and yet it is them I look up to.”

Anneleigh smiled and looked around again.  She did not feel comfort in the marshal’s voice.  His devotional phrases seemed more like a warning than true feelings.  She wondered if he had cause to lecture like this.  Perhaps ascended do generally carry an air of superiority, but she had not met enough to know.  She decided not to ask.

“Brougan sent me from Argent glade.  He said there was a problem with the goblins?” 

“True.” Oakheart said, “Goblins tend to attack those who wander too near the Darkening Deeps.  Ambushers so close to our home and of this magnitude foreshadow an ominous tomorrow.”

Anneleigh’s face fell and she nodded.   “They were plotting in Silverwood as well.  The Guardian’s attention on Hylas let them scheme unnoticed until it was almost too late.”

Marshal Oakheart’s face fell as well.  He opened his mouth to speak, closed it and remained silent for a long while.   In the silence, Anneleigh wondered who was plotting under the distraction these Goblins made. 

The silence seemed to draw out the villagers as well.  They peered more closely at the ascended, some even coming closer to the square.

“Right,” the marshal said, giving his head a small shake, “I need you to lead a campaign against the goblins before they engulf the Pines in flames.  Do you remember the way back to Gnarlwood Post?  I would have you speak with Laenaya Niro.”

Anneleigh nodded and crossed back across the square.   Many of the villagers and vendors turn their attention back to their homes and shops but one, Anneleigh observed out of the corner of her eye, continued to watch her.  Just as she reached the bridge, she felt something hit the back of her right boot.  Looking down she saw a small rock, and several paces behind her, the Elf who had watched her leave.

“Did you throw this at me?”

The elf laughed and looked concerned.  “No.” He said in a clear voice, and then continued is a slightly less sure tone.  “My foot accidently knocked it in your direction.” 

The elf looked down at his feet as Anneleigh turned and approached him.  “You were following me?”  She demanded.  She knew her voice sounded hostile but could not help it.  The stares and threats she received on her way into the city gave her a genuine cause to distrust the villagers.

“No.”  The elf stammered. “No... no, I... I heard marshal Oakheart send you back to Gnarlwood Post.  I have to go there too, but I am nervous to leave the village.”

Anneleigh silently stared at him until he continued.  “Ok, well, I don’t have to go.  I want to go.  At least, I know I need to go to ... but I’ve heard rumors of this forest.”

“You are not making any sense.” She said to the flustered elf.  “Take a deep breath.   You don’t meet many ascended, do you?  Do I frighten you?”

“No.” The elf said mater of fact. 

Anneleigh felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.  In a softer tone, she repeated.  “Were you following me?”

The elf sighed.  “Yes.  I meant to follow you to Gnarlwood, to stay within shouting distance encase the rumors of the forest were true.  With you a few steps ahead of me, I felt much safer.”

“Why do you need to go to Gnarlwood?” Anneleigh asked.

“My ancestors were defenders of this forest, and I returned to Gloamwood to find out how they died upholding their duty.   There is a forest Alter near Gnarlwood they used to draw upon the magic of the woods.  It might contain a message from the past.   It is my last lead.  The villagers won’t talk about it, neither will the sheriff.”

“And you want me to escort you to the Alter so you can see for yourself.”

“Unless I can convince you to check it out for me?” He said; posing the question she knew he would ask.  “You are more connected to Tavril than I am.  You’re ascended.   You might have better luck.  Not to mention, “He said with a smile, “you won’t need a body guard.”

  “Since I am going, and your request seems to fit with my own, I will check this out for you.”

The elf smiled and breathed a long sigh.  “My name is Gwyddon Duskenleaf.  I work at the apothecary.  When you’ve found out what happened could you find me there?”

Anneleigh nodded.  Gwyddon returned to the village square as she crossed the bridge.  It did not take her long to arrive in Gnarlwood and find Laenaya, the Guardian guard she had spoken to earlier.

“It is an honor, Anneleigh.  Marshal Oakheart ardently believes in your strength, and I trust his instincts.  We’ll be depending on you against the goblins of the Deeps.”

“I’ll do my best.” Anneleigh said, a little unsure.

“If we fall in the wake of the coming storm, so be it.  I am not afraid.  If the goblins aren’t repelled, this ancient forest will be nothing but ash and blood.  The Nightrock Goblins have taken an interest in the standing stones.  I believe it is important, but we need to discover more.”

Anneleigh nodded.  “I can see what I can learn.”  She turned to leave but thought better.  “Laenaya,” she asked, “do you know anything about forest alters?”

Laenaya considered for a moment.  “There are several in Gloamwood.  We believe Tavril has forsaken them, but you may have luck.”

The Guardian guard pointed to the ridge across from the camp.  “The nearest is on that ridge.”

Anneleigh smiled and thanked the woman for the information.  She was thankful the true meaning of her question was confused.  It would not do to have the Sanctuary Guard believe she was splitting her focus.

Anneleigh climbed the hill and quickly found the Alter.  She placed her hand on its weather-worn surface and asked Gwyddon’s question.

The shadow of a lovely young woman appeared beside the Alter.

“The memories of this forest are as old as any language, ascended.  Neither axe nor fire can tame these ancient woods.  Those who die in the wars waged here are only reborn among her roots.”

Anneleigh started and backed away.

“Do not fear, Anneleigh.  I am Laria, and in life, I protected these woods.  Now, my spirit remains, hoping the curse of the wood will be lifted.”