Forgotten Guardians
Chapter 9

At first light, Josan and Miranda were up and checking their supplies. Weldon was also awake, busy concocting some foul mixture in his house. After a while Josan and Miranda were ready to go. Weldon came out of his house with Uuger in low, carrying a small satchel at his side. Weldon held several strange looking items in his hand.

“These should help you along the way,” Weldon remarked as he handed the items over to Miranda.

“What are they?” Miranda asked as she.

“This one,” Weldon said as he pointed to a small vial that shimmered with a purple liquid, “is a healing potion. Be careful, it is very potent. This one,” Weldon spoke as he pointed to another vial with sparkles swirling around inside of it, “will help you see in the darkness of caves, and this,” he pointed to a small pebble which was warm to the touch, “is a ‘fire stone’, it will create a small explosion when thrown.”

Miranda stared at the magical items for a moment then carefully placed them in her pouch, “Thank you.”

“No, it is I who should thank you. Travel well and hurry back. Uuger will help you replace the cave of my apprentice.” Weldon bent down to Uuger, “Now Uuger, you listen to Master Josan and Lady Miranda and be careful.” giving Uuger a hug.

“Uuger be good,”

Miranda walked over and took his hand as Weldon stood up. She smiled down at Uuger and he returned the gesture with his usual rusky grin.

“We will watch out for him,” Josan said as he approached Weldon.

“I know you will Master Josan,” Weldon said with a smile. They shook hands and the trio departed.

They walked through the foot hills of the nearby farms for most of the afternoon taking their time. The whole time Uuger never left Miranda’s side. Miranda talked to him, asking him questions and telling him stories about her life. No one, except Weldon, had every wanted to have a conversation with him. Most of the villagers thought of him as a nuisance. Uuger walked along transfixed by the discussion. Once in a while Josan would ask Uuger a question, mostly about the area around them or something to do with his creator. Uuger didn’t know what to think about Josan. He was nice, he didn’t throw things or say cruel things to Uuger, but something gnawed at the edge of Uuger’s instincts.

The three reached the foot of the mountains. They found an old shepard’s trail and siaried dieir climb. A few minutes after they climbed into the mountain forest, a silver flash broke through the woods. Uuger froze in fear as a gigantic silver wolf stood before him. He scurried around Miranda and hid behind her legs. Miranda let out a small chuckle as Uuger desperately clung to her trousers. Wolf walked over to Josan and sat on his hind legs as Josan gave him a pat on his silver fur.

“It’s alright Uuger; this is Wolf, one of our friends. Don’t be scared, he won’t hurt you. Go ahead and say hello,” Miranda said as she looked down in his terrified black eyes. Uuger slowly walked around to the side of Miranda’s legs, never letting go of her trousers.

Wolf walked toward Miranda and nuzzled her other leg. Miranda bent down, patted Wolfs head and smiled. Uuger slowly came around and watched as she rubbed die gigantic wolfs neck. He stood there for a moment as Wolf moved his head toward him. Wolf gave a few quick sniffs and sat back down on his rump. Uuger slowly reached out with trembling hand and patted Wolfs’ head as if expecting the animal would try to strike. A few moments passed and Uuger became more comfortable letting out a gurgling giggle as he stroked Wolfs back.

“Wolf, this is Uuger, our new friend. Uuger, diis Wolf,” Miranda said as she continued to rub Wolfs neck.

After the introductions, the four continued their trek up the mountain side. When dusk fell they made camp. As

usual Miranda cooked the meal while Josan kept the fire stoked. After Uuger had finished his meal he picked up his satchel and rummaged through it. He pulled out a bundle of cloth and carefully unwrapped it. Inside were a few spice cakes left over from the night before. Uuger quickly started to nibble one when he extended his clawed hand to Miranda.

“Pretty lady, like sweet?” he said through crumbs of cake.

Miranda took one and gave her thanks; Uuger then passed out the rest, even giving one to Wolf. The group lay down to go to sleep when Josan noticed the scene of his three companions. Miranda was lying on her bed roll with Uuger curled up in her arms sound asleep and Wolf curled up on Miranda’s backside adding extra heat. Josan let a small smile come to his lips as he, too, fell asleep.

The next morning the group awoke lo the first rays of dawn and headed up the mountain trail. By afternoon Uuger could feel the magic of his creator nearby. He didn’t like his former master very much. His master used lo beat him and do other cruel things just to see Uuger suffer. The thoughts of past agony assaulted Uuger as the magical energies in the air grew. He stopped in his tracks, frozen by the fear of horrible memories of torture. Great tears welled up in his eyes. What would his former master do to him now?

Miranda walked up to Uuger, knelt down next to him and placed her hand on his shoulder, “What’s wrong Uuger?” she said in a soft voice.

“Master near, will do bad things to Uuger again,” Uuger said as he coward into Miranda’s shoulder.

“Now, now, it’s alright Uuger,” she said as she stroked his green bald head.

Josan bent down and placed his hand on Uuger’s other shoulder. Uuger turned and looked up at him through teary eyes. “Don’t worry Uuger; he’s not going to hurt you again. You have my promise.”

Uuger wiped his eyes and looked at Josan, then to Miranda. “That’s right Uuger; he will never hurt you again.” Miranda said with a smile. Wolf approached from the back and nudged Uuger in the rump. Uuger turned around, looked Wolf straight in the eye and got the message that Wolf also would make sure that nothing happened to him either. Uuger wiped his eyes one more time and then smiled.

“Alright then? So, can you show us where master’s cave is?” Josan asked.

Uuger nodded and a smile crossed his thin greenish lips. He looked around and then sprinted towards a large pine tree. He jumped up into the tree and scurried to the top. He moved so fast it seemed as if Uuger had just run up the tree truck rather than climbed. Uuger sat at the very top of the tree, leaning out of the branches for a few moments. He could feel the magical energies around him. He focused his mind to discern the source. He felt the pull of his old master’s magic and looked back down the tree to his new friends.

He pointed towards the side of the mountain, “Master there, Uuger feel master’s magic.” men he scurried back down the tree.

The four set off immediately, if Uuger was right, then they would be there by dusk. They reached the area Uuger had pointed out just as the sun was shining its last rays of light. He climbed up another tree as fast as he had before and pointed to a small alcove in the shadows of the mountain. At first Josan could not tell if the area was just a shadow or something more but as they neared a cave entrance formed out of the mountain side. They started to walk to the cave entrance while passing out dried biscuits and fruit between Ihcm. They had no time to stop, Josan did not want to make camp with a luntic mage wandering the area. As they stood at the cave entrance Josan checked their supplies, Miranda bent down to Uuger. “You can stay here, you don’t have to go in,” she said to Uuger, who was visibly trembling with fear. All he could do was nod his greenish head. Miranda gave him a quick hug and Josan patted him on the shoulder as the three walked into the cave and out of sight. Uuger sat at the opening of the tunnels all alone as the mountain wind blew against his small frame.

They walked for what seemed like an eternity through the darkness. Josan had no trouble navigating through the dark, but Miranda made little headway. Miranda mostly used Wolf as her guide; holding onto his fur and watching his bright icy eyes shine through the darkness. Josan had refused to light a torch, explaining it would alert anything down there to their presence. Miranda thought her continuing curses from stubbing her toe or tripping over a rock were well enough to alert someone. They stopped for a quick break at a fork in the tunnel. Miranda slumped against the wall and nursed several stubbed toes. Josan stood at the intersection of the tunnels trying to discern the correct way. After awhile he heard the faint sound of water. It wasn’t a lot to go on, but that was all that they had. Even an evil wizard needed water. He walked back to Miranda who was having trouble putting on her shoe back on in the dark.

“Didn’t Weldon say something about one of those vials helping in the dark?” Josan asked as he helped her put her boot back on. She fumbled through her pack and pulled out the vial with the sparkling liquid.

“What do I do with it?” she asked.

“I don’t know, probably drink it,” Josan answered with a shrug.

“How much do I take?” she asked as she stared at the vial. Josan just shrugged his shoulders.

That notion didn’t sit well with her as she uncorked the glowing liquid. She lifted it to her lips and prayed it wouldn’t kill her. The sparkling liquid ran down the back of her throat. Surprisingly it had no taste. Miranda could feel the enchanted liquid course through her body. Her eyes suddenly became blurry and she started to panic thinking she had blinded herself. Slowly her eyes came back into focus and adjusted to the darkness. She wanted a minute or two to make sure the potion was done and stood up.

“Which way?” Miranda asked, refilled with purpose.

Josan nodded and they headed down the corridor where he had heard the running water. As they walked down the corridor the tunnel became level and more worked. This had to be it. No natural cave wall was this smooth. They kept their pace but remained on their guard. The sound of water was getting louder. Josan was thinking it was very odd that they had not encountered anything. Why was there no guards, or patrols? This was too easy. As if answering his thoughts, a click sounded from the shadows. He knew that they were in trouble, even before the floor collapsed underneath them. Somehow, Wolf was able to leap to safty. Josan and Miranda fell through complete darkness and landed hard on a mossy floor.

Uuger sat at the ridge of the cave looking out over the mountain side. The cold mountain wind stung his greenish skin. He turned and regarded the cave entrance. The memories swirled through his thoughts, the pain and horror he suffered at the hands of his former master. Weldon had saved him, treated him kindly when everyone else ignored him. Then Pretty lady came and Master Josan and Wolf and treated him as a friend. He knew the power of his old master, and what he was capable of. He looked back at the cave and shuddered. He had to do something, but he was so small and master so powerful. He sat at the cave entrance letting his droughts chum around in his mind.

Lying in the slimy moss bed, Josan was barely conscious when something picked him up and carried him away, but the world seemed black and without feeling to him, so all he could comprehend was that he was being carried by something very large. Suddenly he found himself on a hard stone floor. He looked around and could make out the figure of Miranda, but he didn’t see Wolf anywhere. Did he avoid the trap door? Josan desperately hoped Wolf was alright. Slowly, his mind started to clear away the blackness and he focused on his surroundings. Josan crawled over to Miranda and checked to see if she was alright. Her eyes slowly creped open to see a dark form sitting in front of her. She knew it was Josan. He helped her to a sitting position and checked her for injuries.

“She will be fine, until I decide otherwise,” a voice came from behind them.

Josan spun around and saw a figure dressed in a hooded robe sitting in a stone chair at the far side of the room. It was a large unremarkable room, no design or furniture decorating the bare space. The only exit seemed to be a small tunnel off to his left. Dancing light came from a few torches lining the wall. Josan focused his attention back at

the figure in the chair.

“What are you doing in the fortress of the Great Forgate?” the voice roared. The voice seemed a little off for a great and powerful wizard. Josan slowly got to his feet and turned his back to Miranda. He put his hand behind his back and motioned for Miranda to stay down. She sat back and slowly reached for her dagger.

“Answer me, you insufficient worm,” the voice bellowed quicering with anger. The figure stepped down from his throne and walked towards Josan. He was short, at least a whole foot shorter than Josan. Also, it seemed that the figure didn’t cany himself like a normal person. The figure stepped in front Josan and pointed a sleder finger at him, “What are you doing here?” He asked again. Josan had no time for this, if this was Weldon’s ex-apprentice, then his apprentice was really stupid. Josan grabbed the figures wrist gave a quick twist and pulled the arm behind his back. A squeal shrilled through the room as the man struggled agianst Josan’s grip. Josan reached up and pulled down the figure’s hood. Josan was dumbfounded at what he saw, this was no wizard. It was a boy, barely of his teens. This couldn’t be the wizard that they were looking for. Josan pushed the boy away and turned to help Miranda up.

“How dare you touch me, you will pay for that,” the young man screamed.

Josan paid the boy no mind unitl he felt the ground shaking underneath him. He looked up and saw three huge forms come from theshadows on the other side of the stone throne. The three creatures walked into the light and there stood gigantic beasts. The one the left was close to ten feet tall, with brownish green skin and horns protruding from underneath its dog like ears. It looked like a hybrid of bull and dog, with a long snout and bull-like body. The one to the right was a little smaller, but looked more like a mix between a bird and reptile. It had a beak like a bird and talons for hands, but the body was covered with blue-ish green scales. The middle one was by far the most threatening looking. Josan could not even guess its size. The creature was hunched down so it could fit in the room. Josan could see that it had large wings folded on its back. The creature had enormous hands which ended in razor sharp claws and its body was covered in coiled muscles, wrapped in a reddish brown skin which seems ready to burst. The head was like nothing Josan had ever seen, it had large tusks protruding from its lower jaw, and its eyes glowed as if fire danced in them.

Josan knew that they were in trouble. These creatures didn’t look like they were friendly, but their presence told Josan they had found Weidon’s ex-apprentice. Josan standing tall trying to bluff the little mage, “Are you the one terrorizing the country with your perversions of nature?” he said with venom, hoping to scare the young man into submission.

The young wizard just stood there with a cocky look on his youthful face. He studied Josan for many moments before he spoke, “You were sent by that weakling, Weldon, were you not? So like him to send someone else to handle his problems. I grow tired of his annoying interferences. He may have destroyed my first creations, but I have learned from my mistakes,” he said with an evil snicker, “Bluster,” the apprentice yelled, the middle beast walked over, still hunched down with its back scraping the ceiling, to stand before its creator. “You like my latest creation,” he said as he rubbed the monster’s huge corded forearm. “Go and destroy that weakling, Weldon. Also, destroy that pathetic village, it has outlived it usefulness to me. Go now,” he demanded. At the order the gigantic beast turned and walked out of the room, squeezing thougth the exit.

Josan could feel each of the monster’s footsteps as it vibrated through the mountain. He knew they had to hurry and get back lo the village before that creature did and hoped Weldon could hold off the enormous beast, until then.

“Now, back to my annoying little guests. I think that my pets will enjoy ripping you apart. Do not worry, the woman will live, at least until I grow tired of her,” the young wizard said, eyes roaming over Miranda. At the notion Josan’s blood began to boil. His darker side screamed to be released. Josan took a deep breath and pushed the dark feelings down.

“Guess again creep,” Miranda screamed as she threw her dagger straight for the wizard.

The wizard dove for the floor as the dagger swirled through the air, hitting the stone throne and deeply embedded itself. The wizard rolled over and gazed at his throne in utter amazement, but his amazement didn’t last long.

He turned back around to face Josan and Miranda, who was now on her feet with her sword drawn. “Kill them, kill them both,” he screamed to his monsters as he shakily rose to his feet.

Before they could blink, the beasts were upon them. Josan went left and Miranda went right. The bull looking one went after Josan with feroicity. Miranda’s creature slowly circled her as a vulture circles a carcass. Its long talons scrapped about the stone floor, making an awful scratching sound which almost brought tears to her eyes. Miranda could feel its hot dreadful breath as it squawked at her. Its talons came toward her with speed which did not seem possible for a creature of its size. Miranda barely got her sword up in time block the attack. The sheer force of the blow almost overbalanced her. She knew if she wanted to beat this thing, she would need to keep her distance and wait for the right opening. She couldn’t tell how Josan was doing. She hoped he was having better luck with his opponent. Then she heard the distinct sound of Josan’s swords coming out of their sheathes. She turned her focus back to her deadly opponent and tried to think of a way to not to et killed.

Josan brought his swords out with a single motion while spinning out of range of the beast. As soon as he came out of his spin he burst into motion again. He knew speed and agility were his greatest advantages here. He had to stay in motion to try to overbalance the creature. If this creature got one hit off, he was finished. He scored a dozen hits as he circled the enormous beast, but it didn’t seem to phase it. So it went on, Josan never slowed as his deadly blades bit and gashed at the opponent. Most of the hits were minor, but some would have dropped any other creature, yet this one didn’t even flinch. It just stood there snorting and staring at Josan with emotionless eyes. Josan spun around the creature and scored a hit on its calf. The creature stumbled forward. Josan could see its left leg was wobbling and would soon collapse. Josan took the moment to scan the room to see how Miranda was faring. He saw her come out of a roll from behind the bird creature. Her tunic was torn , but there was no blood. She was holding her own. The lack of focus cost him. When he was paying attention to the other fight the dog headed beast had gotten up and charged. Josan turned to see the creature’s arm come across in an arc. On pure instinct, he tried to duck under the attack, but the hit clipped his shoulder and he was sent tumbling across the floor to the other wall. His swords flew from his hands as he hit. He propped himself up on his elbows. Pain coursed through his left shoulder, and shook under his weight. What would he have felt like if he had taken the full force of the blow? He tried to shake the dizziness from his head. He rolled and came back to his feet in a defensive crouch, but as soon as Josan came to his feet the creature was upon him. The sheer force of its hit shook the walls of the entire cavern. Lucky for Josan, the creaturc was much bigger than him; when the creature hit the wall with its shoulder asorbing most of the force, Josan was able to crouch down by its abdomen. The creature, however, was at least somewhat intelligent, for it knew right where Josan was and a large hand came in like lighting grabbing Josan around the waist. It lifted Josan off the ground with ease and slammed him against the wall. Josan could feel the strain on his rib cage it was getting hard to breath. Then he heard the wizard cackle evilly from the far side of the room.

“What a futile attempt. Did you think you could defeat the Great Forgate?” the young wizard laughed, but his laugh was cut short by an unearthly growl coming from behind him. Like a streak of lighting crossing the night sky, Wolf leapt for the wizard. The wizard let a weak cry as he hunched over into a protective crouch. Wolf didn’t pause, using the wizard as a spring board; he launched himself onto the dog headed creature’s back. Wolf sank his teeth into the base of its neck. The creature didn’t seem to notice Wolf’s presence. It brought its other huge hand up to cover Josan’s head, as if it wanted to rip it off. He grabbed the enormous paw and tried to hold it at bay. His left shoulder screamed in protest as the pressure increased. Wolf bit and scratched with all his strength trying to loosen the creature’s hold on Josan. Josan could feel blackness starting to overwhelm him; he didn’t know how much longer he could hold on. Then a deadly scream echoed through the room. Josan was brought back from the blackness to see Miranda pinned to the floor by the bird creature’s talons. The creature squawked in victory as it readied for the killing blow. At that moment Josan’s darker half surface as it had never before. It pounded in his head to be released. He was in to much pain and to exushted to hold it back any longer. It was like boiling water rushing over his body. The power sank into his every muscle, infusing them with innate power. He could feel his muscle expand with new strength, feel the dark power tingling on his skin. His pupils shrank to almost nothing, leaving only the silver irises, pulsing with power. He could feel the sting as his two sets of canine leeth became fangs and bit into his lower lip. He was no longer Josan, but a demon of blood and hate.

Josan gasped the creature’s hand and jerked. The creature’s hand split apart like kindling. A horrible wail issued from it’s mouth. Josan wasn’t done; he grabbed the horns on the creature’s face and tugged fiercely. The creature’s face exploded with blood and gore, as its hand released Josan from its deadly grip. Josan fell lightly to the floor and spun on his heels. His hand came around and grabbed the creature’s jugular, using his momentum to rip it free from the creature’s throat. The giant beast hit the floor with an eerie thud as its life blood poured from its mortal wound. Josan’s rage was not quenched yet. He looked across the room and saw the bird-like creature. No fear or compassion showed on his face. Saliva dripped from his two sets of fangs, as he rushed towards his next victim.

The bird creature saw Josan out of one of its keen eyes and turned to face the charge. The creature swung a talon hand in a overhead chop just as Josan came into range. Josan caught the arm in mid-flight by the wrist. His enhanced strength easily outmatched the beasts. The other talon hand came from underneath realising its hold on Miranda. Josan easily caught it as well. Josan arms went wide, and with them the creature’s arm tore from their sockets. Josan dropped the dead limbs as he charged for the staggering armless beast. He grabbed the creature’s beak, one hand on the bottom half and the other on the top half. With unearthly strength Josan pried the two halves apart. A ghastly “snap” sounded as the creature’s head tore in two. The mutilated creature fell to the floor in a bloody heap. Josan turned as saw his next victim. Still in the influence of his darker half, he didn’t see Miranda, only another kill.

Miranda cringed in fear as she looked upon Josan. Never had she seen anything like this. She knew from the look upon his face he meant to kill her. She scurried back on her hands and heels as Josan stalked in. She knew she couldn’t fight him, not in this state. After seeing how he handled the two creatures, he would make short work of her. Josan was ten feet away when Wolf jumped between them. The fur on Wolfs back bristled as a growl issued forth. Wolf bared his teeth and readied himself to attack Josan if he came any closer.

Josan saw Wolf jump in his path, but it didn’t register as Wolf, only as somethingto feed his blood lust. Josan bared his fangs as Wolf bared his. Then a voice echoed through his head, a voice that he knew. It cut straight through the dark curtain in his mind. A voice that sounded musical, a voice that he had listened to for many nights. The sweet voice rolled through his mind breaking down the barriers. He looked up and locked eyes with the most beautiful almond eyes theat he could imagine. They sparkled like fireflies in a mid-summer night. The voice sounded again through his head like a morning song bird. “Josan,” the voice spoke with caring. Josan blinked a few times trying to clear his mind. He looked back up and saw Miranda standing next Wolf. Slowly his mind started to clear and the darkness slid away back into the corners of his mind. Suddenly he cold stone of the floor against his cheek.

Miranda rushed over to him. She didn’t believe he would hurt her. She felt his chest and could feel his heart hammering and his breathing ragged. Josan opened his eyes and lifted his head; it pounded as if a mountain had fallen on it. The pain in his left shoulder throbbed in agony and he could feel many of his ribs were broken. His entire body felt as if it was incased in lead. He felt a hand propping him up and looked to see Miranda smiling back at him. What had he almost done? He could have killed her and Wolf too. He felt suddenly ashamed for his weakness and turned away.

“I... I’m sorry,” Josan said in a somber voice.

It’s alright,” she said in a loving tone as she turned his head to looked into his eyes. The pupils had returned and energy danced through them as before.

“What have you done to my beautiful creations?” a scream shrilled through the cavem.

Josan and Miranda looked up to see the young wizard standing in the middle of the room. During the fight they both had forgotten about the young mage, but now he stood before them with vengeance in his eyes. He raised his hand and spoke an arcane word, his fingers ignited with sparks as he pointed to the group. Suddenly wizard’s head lurched backwards as little greenish hands clawed onto his face. The wizard stumbled forward revealing Uuger on his back . The two grappled together, spinning around the room. Uuger bit and clawed at the young wizards face as the boy frantically hopped around trying to free himself. Finally the wizard got a hold of Uuger and flung him into the stone chair. The young wizard’s face was shredded as he touched his cheek to reveal blood on his hands.

“Uuger,” the young wizard bellowed, “How dare you to attack your creator. I should have destroyed your

worthless hide long ago, a mistake I intend to correct now.” The wizard lowered his hand toward Uuger, who cringed in the back of the stone chair. The wizard’s fingers sparked again with power as he aimed at Uuger. Again, the young wizard was disrupted from his spell as Wolf barreled into him. The spell igited from the mage’s fingers sending lighting crashing into the ceiling. Rock and dust fell from the ceiling making it almost impossible to see, but Josan didn’t need to see to feel the tremors underneath, telling him that the room was about to cave in. Josan pushed himself to his feet and yelled to Wolf and Miranda to run. He quickly grabbed his swords and shealthed them as he scooped up Uuger under one arm and pulled

Miranda’s dagger out. Miranda and Wolf ran for the tunnel as the ceiling started to collapse. When they reached the entrance, Miranda spun around to see Josan dodging falling debris. Miranda could tell Josan was still a bit sluggish and prayed that he would make it out in time. As he got closer she could see Uuger tucked under his arm. He reached the entrance and grabbed Miranda’s arm to pull her along. They could hear the screams from the young wizard as the mountian came crashing

down behind them. They didn’t stop though; they ran through the winding dark tunnels trying to replace a way out as the mountian shook under their feet. Finally light beamed at the end of the tunnel as the four rushed out of the cave. They were greeted by the morning light as they ran from the darkness of the cave. Josan set Uuger down and handed Miranda back her dagger then leaned agianst a tree to catch his breath. Miranda walked over to Uuger and wrapped her arms around his frail greenish body.

“My hero,” she cooed as she kissed his forehead. Uuger smiled from ear to ear as he stepped back.

“You did real good Uuger, you saved our lives,” Josan added. It seemed to him that Uuger stood a little straighter at that moment.