《Knight's intrigue》


 Giants tooth 1.1

    A/N: Me and my valiant co-editor just finished up this chapter a couple of minutes ago. thank you Mr. DontWorryAboutIt. We did good.


    Children played war on an ancient battlefield.


    They bashed sticks together in mock battles, climbed trees, and splashed in creeks born from war-torn earth. All manner of fun could be had on this once-brutal fight for life.


    Yet, near the great battlefield stood their home¡ªthe simple town of Malthumberg.


    Malthumberg wastrulya modest village¡ªneither remote nor frequently visited by travelers. The town dabbled in many trades: mining, refining ore, logging and woodcutting. However, its most well-known craft was brewing mead and ale; a tradition happily supported by the mostly sober druid.


    The druid¡¯s house stood at the town square, surrounded by the sounds of songbirds and bees¡ªfluttering among emerald-green leaves and blooming marigolds. With careful hands he tended to his flowers, watering and nurturing each delicate bud. Sweat sparkled on his clean-shaven head as he struggled to ignore the flaxen-haired boy''s pestering.


    "Come on, Merwyn. Please, please, please! I know it¡¯s a lot of rope, but we need it for a good reason!"


    The druid remained mostly composed, with only the corner of his lip twitching.


    "How many times must I tell you this, Kalle? Unless you tell mewhyyou need that much rope, I am not giving it to you."


    Kalle pouted. His eyes gleamed like molten gold, as he stared at Merwyn.


    Merwyn peered down at the boy, maintaining a steady, unimpressed gaze. Kalle pouted harder.


    They remained locked in this silent battle of wills until Kalle cracked, dropping his eyes to the ground and muttering, "Okay, fine. We want to use the rope to make a bunch of swings in the forest."


    His feet shuffled. "And also to use as a jump rope." Merwyn raised an eyebrow, suspicion creeping into his mind.


    "Is that truly all?"


    "I promise, Myrwen!" Kalle said quickly. "The woods get really boring after a while. So we thought we¡¯d tie the rope around some trees to climb... the jump rope is for the girls."


    Kalle looked back up at Merwyn, his pout intensifying. He knew the druid would give in eventually. It was only a matter of time.


    "Fine," Merwyn sighed. He gave in sooner than Kalle had expected, turning away from the boy¡¯s relentless stare.


    "But I grow tired of you and the other boys begging me for things, only to hear later from your parents about thedestructionyou¡¯ve caused."


    That was a loaded word for Kalle.


    He knew it meant breaking things... badly, but it always seemed to blow things out of proportion. Being accused of destruction made him feel like a dragon, one that burned villages and stole princesses. It made him feel evil, and Kalle disliked that feeling... badly.


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    Myrwen strode across the garden, his black slippers barely making a sound, his wool coat billowing behind him. Kalle followed.


    Together they descended the spiraling steps to the expansive library below.


    "Kalle, if you want your rope, then you need to do something for me," Myrwen said.


    "I want you to fetch me some plant matter."


    Kalle frowned. "Okay¡­ and plant matter is?"


    "Anything that comes from a plant¡ªgrass, leaves, wood, flowers. The more you bring me, the longer I can make your rope."


    "Why do you need plant matter?"


    "It¡¯s for alchemy," Myrwen replied.


    "Alchemy?" Kalle echoed.


    Merwyn explained. "It¡¯s the practice of taking one type of matter and transforming it into something else." Kalle squinted. "But can¡¯t you just make it out of that magic from the magic place you told me about?"


    The druid glanced back, amused, only to find the boy''s attention fixed on the towering shelves over him.


    He looks just like his father...


    Kalle sniffed the air, taking in the familiar scent of old books. He liked that smell. But before he could dwell on it, Myrwen finally answered.


    "That¡¯s not really how it works, Kalle.Aether is energy.We use it to change things¡ª like air into water or fire¡ª though it requires considerable effort to pull off. Have you never wondered why I am sohesitantto give you things?"


    "Well yeah, but you give us the stuff anyways¡ª out of the kindness of your heart!"


    Myrwen wheezed with laughter. His sudden outburst made Kalle jump. The druid sat down on a stool, wiping away a tear. "You are right about that much, Kalle," he chuckled. "You are right."


    "Okay, but where do I find good plant matter? Is there a place where I can get a lot of it?" Kalle asked.


    Merwyn sat silent for a while. Running his hands through his thick, greying beard. Kalle always thought that the beard was just Merwyn''s hair that moved down to his face.


    "There is an old willow tree outside of town, close to the bog east of here. I''ve used its vines and bark to make a strong belt for me once."


    The belt sat strapped around Merwyn waist, and kept his robes- other than his woolen coat- from flitting about.


    "Oh, okay. So I just need to get to the swamp and find the willow tree. Is there only one?"


    "That I don''t know. I haven''t visited the place is a long while."


    Merwyn stood.


    "But there is a willow tree there and it''s hard to miss,"


    The druid ushered Kalle to his front door, but Kalle had a puzzled expression,


    which Merwyn noticed.


    "Do you have any other questions?"


    "Yeah! How does alchemy really work? Like, you say things can''t be made out of aether, but then you say it can turn air into fire! Why can''t you just make the rope out of air? Why is it so hard?


    You never showed me what magic really looks like."


    Merwyn winced at the boy''s loud shouting and stood stunned at the various questions, rubbing his bald head in contemplation. His other hand on the door''s handle.


    "Kalle... It''s hard to describe alchemy to you... It''s hard to describe alchemy to anyone."


    Merwyn breathily sighed.


    "But I promise you, if you bring me the willow wood, then I''ll show you the process of performing alchemy."


    Merwyn ruffled the young boy''s mop of blonde hair, opening the door in turn.


    "Okay! Thanks Merwyn. See you later!"


    "Goodbye Kalle. Oh, and stay out of trouble!"


    Kalle was already running down the cobblestone road by then.


    "And be careful."


    Hereallylooks like his father...

 Giants tooth 1.2

    The druid''s house was behind Kalle when he sprinted out. The wide cobblestone road he ran on was seething hot from the sun''s beating rays.


    Yet, luckily, there were trees planted on the corners and all along the sides of the town square. The square acted as the town''s lively market.


    Even in the summer heat, business was flourishing.


    Kalle ran past various stalls that smelled of freshly cut melons, pop-fruit and sweetened wine. Although Kalle found the latter to be horribly bitter, despite the sweetness that masquerades it.


    At the center of the market stood a great peach tree; its branches cast long shadows across the square that provided much needed shade in the summer heat. According to Merwyn, he started his studies as a druid when he was just a young boy of fifteen and this large, ancient peach tree was the first thing he had ever planted. That was seventy-five years ago.


    At the base of the tree were 4 boys:


    Jeck, Cleft, Arnond and Timlan. All of them sat around a make-shift table made of plank scraps, focusing intently on their tense game of cards.


    They were so-so friends to Kalle.


    The older boy, Jeck, glanced upward at Kalle. His brow furrowed. "Did you get the rope?", Jeck asked simply as the other boys took notice of Kalle.


    "No, not yet. Merwyn says he needs me to fetch willow wood for him to make a strong rope with."


    Cleft, a younger boy with soot black hair, groaned in annoyance before he turned his attention back to the game. "Well that''s great. Where will we find Willow wood?" It was Arnond who spoke. He was shorter than Jeck, which made him the second tallest of everyone else at the shoddily made table, including Kalle.


    "He said that there is a willow tree in the marsh outside of Malthumberg. It''s not that far from town. I think we can get there before the sun reaches it''s peak." "No," Jeck interjected Kalle''s statement. "We still need to fetch the meat-hook from the butcher, Henry. Also the Hammer and chisel from Jaime''s workshop." Jeck''s tone was laced with annoyance. He was always annoyed when he spoke to Kalle.


    The final boy, Timlan, took a card from the deck and grinned, setting the cards down as he spoke, "That''s a winning hand. Sorry boys."


    "Ah-ah. We still need to draw our cards, then see if you won. Jeck, you''re up." Cleft spoke, gesturing at the older boy to pull another card from the deck. "I forfeit, we have other things to do now." Jeck spoke simply.


    "Alright guess its my turn then. And..." with a smile cracking on his face, Cleft set the cards down.


    "Sorry to you guys. But I win this round."


    The cards he set down made Arnond and Timlan eyes widen. "No damn way! You cheated! Has to be!" Timlan shot up from his seat as he pointed down at cleft.


    "I agree, there is no way you got that good of a hand. That is the best hand in the game and you got it four times in a week. That is stupidly lucky. Its not even lucky, its just you cheating." Arnond chimed in, not as peeved as Timlan, but relatively frustrated.


    "The cards don''t lie guys." Cleft spoke sheepishly, his shoulders shrugged at the hostile comments flung at him.


    "The cards can''t lie, you''re right. But you have lied more times then we can count!" Timlan shouted through gnashed teeth. Everyone started growing infuriated with each other, while Kalle stood to one side, amused.


    "Shut up, Timlan. You can''t even count past two." Cleft rose from his seat, thrusting three fingers up at Timlan. "Really Cleft? You''re holding up three fingers... Maybe Timlan is smarter." Arnond said matter-of-factly, which angered Cleft even more.


    "Why I''ll Beat the-!"


    "Enough!" Jeck''s deep voice boomed, grabbing the attention of all the boys. "All of you shut up. We have a plan to get done with."


    Kalle watched as the boys peered at Jeck with scowls on their faces, but they listened to his words and tossed the cards down onto the table''s planks. "Cleft and Timlan, you two do so well together that I think you both need to go and fetch the hammer and chisel from Jaime. Me and Arnond will get the meat-hook, and Kalle..."


    Jeck turned his way toward Kalle. His face wore the same scowl the other gave him.


    "You will go to the marsh and fetch the willow wood. Take this to cut it." Jeck pulled a short serrated blade from his belt and tossed it to Kalle''s feet.


    Kalle glanced down at the blade, slightly dismayed as the other boys turned away. Cleft took the cards and shuffled. Arnond played with his fingers and Timlan began to whistle.


    "I-um... Can I go with someone? The swamp''s waters are kind of deep and I can''t swi-" Kalle was interrupted.


    "No. I said you will go alone. Do you¡ª" A thick finger pressed into Kalle''s shoulder, the pressure intensified as it dug deeper, sending a sharp pain through his arm.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    "-Understand?"


    Kalle backed away from the incessant finger (from his piercing finger). "I understand. I''ll get it for you."


    The small blonde boy replied, his head hung low.


    "Good. Now, let''s get a move on, or we''ll never get that giants tooth." Jeck waved at the boys to follow him. And as soon as he gestured, they left.


    The knuckles of Kalle''s hand grew white, gripping the knife''s wooden handle. He felt inferior to everyone.


    _________________________________________________________________________________________


    Stupid Jeck. Thinks he can boss me around because he''s two winters older than me. I''ll show him. I can beat him in anything. He can''t climb as good as me, he isn''t as brave as me. Where is he going to find rope for his grappling hook? Yeah, from me. Who''s gonna go and cross a big marsh filled with drakelings and bugs and weird monsters. Yeah, me. I am better than him!


    Kalle furiously kicked at random loose stones that littered the road. His hands in his pocket and his mind repeating the same thought over and over. I am better than him. I''m better than him... I am better than him! Another stone was sent tumbling down the fading dirt path.


    The path was encroached by large paperbark trees, their thousands of twigs intertwining with the others'', creating a thick canopy that was impossible for light to pass through; even on a hot summer day like this, it was twilight in the brush.


    Kalle walked unperturbed by the intense gloom, too self absorbed in his own brooding and frustration to really care. He was brave, braver than all the boys. Heck, he was the only boy to have entered the haunted fort Malthum.


    That was once a big deal at the time to him and the other kids. The fort was the home of lord Malthum, who saw the bloody battle unfold, and soon after died of night terrors. Which allegedly, turned him into a mad ghost that cursed anyone who entered his fort, thinking they were enemies. Kids dared each other to see who would get the closest to the fort. Jeck had come as close as halfway across the forts bridge. Kalle came as close as actually entering it.


    He didn''t see or hear the ghost of Malthum when he entered, however the place was still open and there was a kind of stable near the entrance. Maybe the Ghost doesn''t like the outside...


    But regardless, he was deemed cursed by the children and everyone avoided him for doing it. That confused Kalle to no end; why dare someone to do something, and then act surprised when the person actually does it?The only other kids that partially excepted Kalle was Jeck and his friends. They found him cool at the time, now it feels like they use him because of his fearlessness.


    Stupid Jeck.


    Kalle thought for the final time before he realized he was now standing on very muddy, even ground. The shadows that the paperbark trees cast were fewer here, now replaced with the smell of soggy leaves and humus, and a hint of something fresh.


    He was at the marsh, and looking up, he saw great anvil clouds that now blocked the sun, prolonging the gloom. The path faded near an old, abandoned shack, with three boats near the waters edge. Alder trees dotted the landscape, their branches crooked and writhing in the wind like black snakes.


    This time Kalle felt uneasy. He always felt uneasy around large bodies of water. The unease grew more as Kalle saw his goal. The great willow tree sat on an island near the center of the marsh, like a big ghostly head with a bright green mop of hair, the strands swaying in the wind.


    Kalle moved to one of the boats, scanning it to see if it was still usable. It was, but the boat was heavy ¡ª almost immovable ¡ª for him. Still, the mud that squelched under his sandals helped slide it into the water.


    Once the boat was afloat, he hopped in and grabbed the massive oar to push it further from shore. A knot formed in his stomach as the boat rocked in the water. I made it this far, best to keep pushing.


    Kalle maneuvered around the black trunks of the alder trees, their bark slick with various layers of hardened, red sap. The oar was heavy, making the boat difficult to maneuver, but the boy managed. Before long, Kalle saw the individual strands of the great willow''s whips, their long branches swaying gently. Gnats buzzed in large clouds around him as the front of the boat touched the island''s shore. The boy hopped off, relieved to finally feel solid ground beneath his feet. He tugged the boat closer to land, ensuring it wouldn¡¯t float away.


    He was here, finally. He was halfway done with his quest. Kalle pulled the jagged knife out from his belt that Jeck gave him. At the back of his mind he still felt anger. He''ll throw the knife and the rope at Jeck''s feet, see how he likes it, Kalle thought.


    The plan Kalle had was to climb the tree and saw off a couple of the branches with the knife, instead of spending an eternity slicing through individual, swinging strands. So Kalle put the handle of Jeck''s knife in his mouth and began to climb.


    It was natural for Kalle, his hands finding the grips with ease, almost gliding further up the great willow.


    Finally climbing onto one of the bigger branches, his vision became obscured by the tendrils. His eyes scanned the willow, settling on a branch that seemed easy enough to saw through with his jagged-edged knife. Kalle made a few initial strokes before finally cutting deeper into the wood. It was still difficult work, and he had to take a couple of breaks. He made significant progress, almost halfway through the branch, before...


    "Hello?"


    The single word surprised and stunned Kalle for just a moment, long enough for his grasp to loosen and slip. In the blink of an eye, he was off the branch and plummeting towards the ground.

 Giants tooth 1.3

    Kalle¡¯s world twisted, a blur of brown and swamp green streaking past his vision. He had never fallen before¡ªnot once in his few short years¡ªbut now he was hurtling toward the earth, weightless and helpless. Instinct took over. He curled in on himself, arms shielding his head, bracing for the impact that would either break him or spare him.


    He hit the ground hard. His arm barely braced him before his shoulder took the full force of the impact. With a sickening pop, the joint wrenched free, sending white-hot pain lancing through his body. Kalle wanted to scream, but only a croak of anguish spilled out.


    The pain was blistering, unbearably hot¡ªlike his insides were being cooked alive. His body squirmed and struggled, pinned beneath a massive weight. Kalle squeezed his eyes shut, trying to escape the agony. He rolled onto his back, wincing as his dislocated shoulder scraped the ground. That¡¯s when he remembered the voice. A long mop of unkempt reddish-brown hair hung from the creature¡¯s head, and brilliant blue eyes gleamed down at him, like two rare moons in a pitch-black sky.


    The pain was blistering, unbearably hot¡ªlike his insides were being cooked alive. His body squirmed and struggled, pinned beneath a massive weight. Kalle squeezed his eyes shut, trying to escape the agony. He rolled onto his back, pain shooting through him as his dislocated shoulder scraped against the rough ground.


    That¡¯s when the voice echoed back in his mind, twisting everything with its eerie tone. A long mop of unkempt reddish-brown hair hung from the creature¡¯s head, and brilliant blue eyes gleamed down at him, like two rare moons in a pitch-black sky.


    Pale skin, dotted with freckles, and delicate features that seemed almost too fragile to belong to this creature.


    The girl hung from the branch by her knees, then, in one fluid motion, pulled herself up and scuttled out of sight, vanishing like a shadow.


    His vision began to blur, the edges of his sight fading as the pain consumed him. The shoulder¡¯s agony spread to every part of his body. He tried to comfort it with his free arm, but even the slightest touch to the burning wound was unbearable. His head and sides throbbed, echoing a milder version of the intense pain.


    Teeth gnashed together so hard that Kalle had to consciously adjust his jaw to keep it from cracking under the pressure.


    His vision blurred, the edges of his sight fading as pain consumed him. The agony in his shoulder spread through the rest of his body. He tried to ease it with his free arm, but even the slightest touch to the burning wound was unbearable. His head and sides throbbed, carrying a dull, constant ache that mirrored the intense pain.


    His teeth gnashed together so hard that Kalle had to force his jaw into a different position to prevent it from cracking.


    His entire head thumped as his eyes bulged, growing blurrier by the second.


    Seconds stretched on far too long for Kalle. Tears quickly filled his eyes¡ªhe didn¡¯t want to cry, but they streamed down his face anyway.


    At least he heard the girl¡¯s feet hit the earth.


    He didn¡¯t know what to make of her. It was hard to form an opinion about someone like this.


    He turned his head to watch the girl approach.


    Her face was dirty, twigs and leaves tangled in her wild mane. Her eyes were curious, yet worried.


    Kalle could only mutter one word:


    "Help."


    The girl stared at him with a puzzled expression, her eyes fixed on the protrusion under the boy''s skin. "Okay, but stand up first," the girl said, patiently swaying her body, her eyes glaring down at him on the ground. The eye contact she made unnerved him greatly; he shot up from the ground then gnashed his teeth at the pain that continued to radiate through his body.


    The girl stepped closer, circling around the boy.


    "What are you doing?"


    Kalle asked.


    "Don''t worry. Standing will make it easier to fix your shoulder. And don''t worry, I won''t bite."


    Isn''t it supposed to be ''I don''t bite?''


    Though the words were very reassuring, and oddly soothing.


    "Now, what are the first ten letters of the alphabet?"


    The girls question baffled Kalle.


    "I don''t understand?"


    "Oh come on, you know the alphabet right? if you do, just say the first ten?"


    She put her hands on his back, it made him jump a little but the girl held him steady. her hand went to hold his arm, the other softly around the shoulder, her hands were Icey cold.


    Kalle started saying the alphabet, worried as to why only ten? she was was likely going to do something that would hurt a lot when this peculiar count was done. Unfortunately he was wrong about the count, as by the seventh letter she swiftly pulled and popped the bone back in the socket.


    "Damnit!"


    Kalle cursed as he took in a in a sharp gasp of air, crumbling to the ground and exhaling in a mix of shock and relief.


    "Language!" the girl scowled, however Kalle paid to mind to the comment.


    "What the hell did you do!"


    "Your shoulder bone was out of place, so I popped it back in."


    The girl said matter-of -factly


    "Does it still hurt? I can heal the muscle that is still sore if you''d like.."


    She stood in front of the kneeling boy, bending slightly down to meet him face to face.


    Her eyes gleamed reminded Kalle of the flowers in Merwyn''s garden.


    What were they called again? Forget-me-nots?


    Kalle reluctantly sat down on the tree root, wiping his tears away in slight embarrassment. The girl, again, circled behind him.


    "You''ll feel better, promise,"


    The boy doubted those words. He still didn''t know what she meant by heal, like rubbing ointment? Should he take of his shirt?


    A green light began to emanate from the corner of Kalle''s eye. His head swiftly spun around to see a strange drawing of green light in front of her palm. His sudden movement startled the girl and the glyph faded away.


    "Don''t move! you make it harder to heal."


    "What was that, magic, I''ve never seen it before?"


    "It''s a healing glyph."


    "How does it work?" Kalle said quicker than the girl could finish.


    "I don''t know," the girl shrugged her shoulders, her lips pressed in a thin line. "It just does. Now turn around and hold still."


    The feeling was unlike anything Kalle could describe. Or at the very least it was difficult to describe. It was like being washed with water that was warm and cold (maybe ''cold'' should be used instead?) and filled with pins that left little prickly sensations. A deep heat in the muscle and bone, with a cool prickly breeze over the skin of his shoulder.


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    "Does your shoulder still hurt?" The girl''s voice was kind and curious.


    "No, not anymore, thanks..." Kalle trailed off.


    "You have some scrapes and bruises. Should I heal that as well?"


    "Well... I mean, if you don''t mind."


    "I do."


    Isn''t it ''I don''t mind?''


    Kalle saw the girl enter his periphery and kneel down, her outstretched palms mere inches away from Kalle''s bruises, her brow furrowed before a green glyph manifested in front of her hands, casting embers of a serene emerald color, but unlike the embers (embers are the red glowing parts of firewood after a fire burnt it, maybe use a word that actually refers to fire or flames?) of a fire, they moved with a peculiar purpose toward the bruises.


    Kalle came to the conclusion that this is why he felt those weird prickle sensations on his shoulder. They were the result of these embers landing on his body. But, regardless of the conclusion, this still left Kalle in awe. He has never really seen magic being cast. Merwyn always scooted him away saying he would pull the druids'' attention away if he stayed and watched.


    "How hard is it to do that?"


    "Hmm, the spell?"


    "Yeah."


    "Not that hard. But you make it harder when I''m trying to heal."


    "Oh."


    A pause soon followed. But not for long as Kalle asked again, "What''s your name? Mine is Kalle."


    "Oh, Kalle, that''s a nice name."


    "Mhmm. What''s yours?"


    "Mine?"


    "Yeah, I just asked for your name. I told you mine, so what is yours?"


    "Oh umm. My name is... Willow?"


    There was a hint of uncertainty in her voice, with her eyes darting around the forest ground and surrounding grass.


    Kalle had picked up on the lie, but didn''t want to say it. "Willow, kind of weird that your name fits the tree right next to us hmm?"


    Willow cracked immediately. "Fine! Willow isn''t my real name, but I like Willow more, okay!"


    Kalle winced. "Okay, geez! You don''t have to shout like that. Willow is also a nice name." There was another slight pause between the two.


    "Since you asked me so many questions. I need to ask you some." Willow broke the silence.


    "What are you doing here at the willow tree?" Willow said in a judgmental tone. Making the boy feel like he was being accused for a crime.


    "I came here to get some willow matter."


    "Willow matter?"


    "Plant matter but from a Willow tree. It''s for Merwyn."


    "Who''s Merwyn?" That caught Kalle off guard.


    "How do you not know who Merwyn is? The town druid that cares for everybody in the village who gets sick. Also helps all the breweries in town and gives us kids stuff. That Merwyn?"


    The girl shook her head, scratching and pulling a twig out of her hair in the process. "Never heard of him."


    "Do you even live in Malthumberg?"


    "I don''t. But I do know of the town, I just live outside of it."


    "Well. A druid named Merwyn lives there and he is great."


    "Oh."


    Kalle scratched his messy blond hair, wondering. How could she not know of Malthumberg?


    "Anyway, I have to get the willow sticks."


    "Is it okay if I help you?"


    Willow spoke softly.


    "Sure, but I need to find that damn knife."


    "Hey you shouldn''t swear like that!"


    Willow pouted as she spoke loudly at Kalle.


    "Okay sure I wont swear."


    "Promise?"


    "What?" Kalle asked.


    "Promise you wont swear again," Willow''s came out more like a command that a plea.


    "I promise," Kalle said, trying to match Willow''s conviction.


    "Good, the knife is still stuck in the tree. I''ll get it and the willow whips for you, don''t want you to fall again."


    With that snarky comment out, she ran up to the tree and climbed, Kalle stood impressed at how quickly she scaled the tree, shortly after disappearing in its foliage.


    It was a strange encounter for Kalle, certainly not going to be the strangest thing of today.


    He and the others boys had planned to climb the bones of a great giant that lay against the haunted fort Malthum. They thought of entering the fort, go and stand on the forts battlements, then simply jump onto the giants skull.


    The only problem with that was that the fort was haunted. Or so everyone said. So then the only other option is to somehow get across the forts moat and climb up the ribcage to the jaw of the giant and remove one of its mithril teeth.


    Then they would sell it and they would all be rich and do whatever they wanted with the money.


    For Kalle it seemed like a fine plan, but he grew more uncertain about it. Who would swim across the moat and climb the giants ribcage?


    How heavy would the Mithril be?


    And more importantly, who would be the one to climb it.


    all of these questions were still left unanswered by Jeck and the other boys, and making assumptions would only land with unmet expectation.


    "Kalle!" The boy jumped at the words, spinning himself around.


    "Willow?"


    "Up here."


    Kalle followed the command and looked up. There, Willow was hanging on the branch, similar to how Kalle first saw her, Only she was holding a substantial sheaf of willow whips.


    Willow dropped the sheaf down at Kalle''s feet, Making him take several steps back and stare at the vast amount she had collected in such a short timespan.


    "How?-"


    "How what?"


    Willow spoke as she moved over to Kalle, extending the handle of the knife to the boy.


    Kalle took the knife from her before speaking.


    "How did you get so much in such little time."


    The girl shrugged.


    "My mom taught me how to forage."


    You have a strange woman for a mom.


    Kalle simply thought before moving to take the willow ship sheaf from the floor.


    "I could have gotten the whips on my own, but I am thankful for what you did, and thanks for healing me."


    Kalle spoke curtly while depositing the tied up bundle onto the stranded boat.


    "You don''t have to say thanks, it''s my way of saying sorry to you."


    "For?"


    "Making you fall."


    Kalle''s mouth went into an ''O'' shape before laughing.


    "Well still, you didn''t have to get the willow matter for me. So I owe you."


    "You owe me what?" Willow asked, puzzled at what Kalle was saying.


    "Anything, as long as its in the same effort as getting all the willow whips."


    Willow nodded.


    "What about being my friend?"


    "Sure, Being friends with you is probably less effort than getting all this willow wood."


    Willow grew flush at the speed Kalle answered. Kalle did not notice.


    "So, will I see you tomorrow then?"


    Willow asked, Her russet color hair obscuring her features.


    "Sure, but can we meet somewhere else other than here?"


    Kalle asked while he pushed the boat out onto the water.


    "Oh, okay. Maybe at the dock where you got the boat from?"


    "That can work, See you then!"


    Kalle hopped onto the boat and started to row.


    "Be seeing you!"


    Willow shouted, her hands cupped around her mouth.


    "Be seeing you too."


    The realization took a long time to settle in. He rowed to the dock, tied the boat, and walked back, carrying the sheaf that grew heavier with every step. It was only when he reached the hill, gazing down at the village, that the thought struck him¡ª


    Where was her boat?

 Knights Intrigue: Giants Tooth 1.4

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    "How in the... HOW!?"


    "Uhhhhhh... Effort?"


    Merwyn stood in the doorway looking outside at the slightly roughed up boy, who had dropped the hefty bundle of willow whips.


    "Child, if I ever see you or hear you go to the marsh again I''ll-I''ll..."


    the druid groaned, retreating with loud steps back into his home.


    Kalle simply shrugged and followed, dragging the bundle with him. Careful not to knock over any tower of books and ledgers.


    The place smelled of pastries, which probably explained the flower covered apron Merwyn was wearing.


    Kalle moved into the kitchen and dropped the bundle right at the entryway, just in time to see Merwyn nibbling on some lemon cakes.


    "So... I brought the willow matter inside. Where should I-"


    "Take it upstairs. Turn right and walk all the way to the corner then turn left and walk until you see a door on the right again. Drop it there and wait for me. I''ll accompany you shortly."


    Kalle only got half of what Merwyn was saying, with all the quick rambling and chewing.


    The library wasn''t the most well lit. There were many small windows pouring in sunlight, but the bookshelves in the center proved difficult for the light to flood past. It created a similar gloom to the forest Kalle had traveled through to get to the marsh.


    Should I tell Merwyn about Willow and the spell she used to heal me?


    What was that symbol thing she used to heal me?


    How is she able to make it appear? And how is that alchemy?


    These were all the possible questions Kalle had.


    But first the rope, it was more important now than the other questions he had. He could ask Merwyn to teach him magic after he got the money from selling the tooth.


    Kalle had sorted out his thoughts in time for him to stop and drop the whips at the door.


    The door was as black as the alder trees in the marsh, with a grimy brass door handle that made Kalle cringe and contemplate if this was the right room.


    It was.


    the room was too dark to really see anything far inside. The only things the boy could really make out in the inky darkness were the multiple desks lining the walls, lit with bottles that had luminous ink inside them. Any other details were shrouded by shadow.


    The boy wavered at the entrance. Hurriedly plopping down the heavy willow whips and closing the door. The dreariness of the forest near the marsh was way better then whatever this room was.


    He''ll just have to wait for Merwyn to come and light the room up.


    There were few things that unnerved the boy. For one he didn''t care much about the gloom of the forest. But if it was darker out then he would have been very reluctant to venture forth.


    Something about the dark just disturbed the boy. Not scare him, but make him feel uncomfortable. Maybe it is because you are nigh blind when in darkness. Or perhaps not knowing what is in it.


    Slippered feet faintly echoed throughout the library. Not before long Merwyn was around the corner with a plate of small cakes and a thick tome under his arm.


    "Why aren''t you in the room?"


    Merwyn asked.


    "It''s dark in there."


    "And?"


    "And the dark isn''t fun to be in."


    Kalle was always quick to answer. So it always made the druid slightly baffled for a moment. This was one of those cases.


    "Well don''t worry, I quickly light it up."


    Merwyn stepped in and set his things down on a table.


    A red jagged glyph flashed from his index, with the wicks of hidden candles blazing to life, the darkness dissipating as quickly as the small embers appeared.


    Now Kalle could really see the room and its contents, on top of each desk were glass battles and clay pots with strange contents inside them.


    The room had multiple tables and shelves and desks, all overflowing with papers and bottles laced with strange colored inks.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Though at the center sat an immaculately kept stone platform raised a palm length off the ground.


    Deep circular grooves all around the inside with burn marks? Soot stains?


    Kalle couldn''t really tell.


    "Now" Merwyn started, biting into another one of the small cakes.


    "You know what the aether is or do I need to explain again?"


    "Explain again please."


    Merwyn swallowed the cake and nodded again. "So.. Oof this is difficult to start with. There is the aether, that is where we get magic from. And then there are glyphs, like this"


    Merwyn flicked his wrist, a luminous grey character flashed. And in a heartbeat the plate holding the small cakes began to levitate.


    Kalle eyes still widened at the display. he wasn''t used to how versatile magic could be. The plate gently floated back to the counter-top.


    "That there, the character that appeared, is called an Instance glyph. There are... a lot. A quarter of the books in my library are dedicated to chronicling each one."


    "Now, that is the basis of all magic I just showed you, a glyph that brings out magic from the aether and makes it do something that naturally wouldn''t occur."


    "Unless you count Hypoglyphs," Merwyn mumbled.


    "I think I understand." Kalle said.


    "Oh good. Then hopefully you will understand what I will do now. See, Instant glyphs are well, instant. Quick and easy to cast. But easy come easy go. As quick as you can cast one, they can easily disappear. That is where Carved glyphs come in handy."


    Merwyn searched around the room for some loose, unwritten paper. He then opted for one that had something of little importance written on it and began to write something with a charcoal pencil.


    He then put the paper on the plate with the cakes and added a smaller detail to the strange character.


    The plate then floated up into the air. and remained so until Merwyn took the paper off and the plate fell quick onto the countertop with a ear grating klink.


    The small cakes fell from the plate across the table and unto the floor.


    "Damnit. keep forgetting how abrupt carved glyphs can be." Merwyn commented with gnashed teeth.


    Kalle crouched down to pick up some of the fallen cakes while Merwyn fetched some strange inks and things from the many shelves.


    "So Kalle, are you able to understand magic?"


    Merwyn asked, still busily taking bottles and grabbing a peculiar crystal like stylus from one of the desks.


    "Kind of, I still have some questions. Like how there are so many glyphs, and what''s the difference between carved and instance?"


    "Well." Merwyn started again.


    "A great mage named Messudah came up with the majority of glyphs in his 306 year lifespan. And the difference between Instance and carved when being cast is that instance have...accents you could say."


    "Now, could you drag the bundle to the center of the cast circle," Merwyn said as he gestured with his eyes to the stone platform.


    Kalle dragged the bundle toward the center, followed up by Merwyn placing the bottles on the stone, dipping the stylus in some ink he began to scribble the glyphs on the stone.


    The further Merwyn wrote, the more the words started to curve into a circle.


    "Why in a circle?" Kalle asked.


    "Why do you write it in a circle?"


    Merwyn looked up at the boy then back down at his work. "Its tradition. Yes it is easier, but its more uniform and magic flows better in circles and curves."


    The glyphs began to slightly glow, emitting sparks of mana. each one a different color. some a deep crimson. others a bright yellow or green.


    Kalle stared in awe. it was like the glyph willow used, but so much more.


    Merwyn saw the boys amazement at the flitting mana particles. It brought a whole new sense of wonder to magic that had lost after all the decades.


    The sparks began to grow more, an ever persistent crackle grew as they all drifted about, they came down on the willow whips, fading inside it. droves of the sparks began to drive into the bundle. steadily making the whips glow and contort.


    The light from the bundle grew strong enough for Kalle to turn his head away.


    The light that bounced off the walls grew stronger than the candlelight, flashing and crackling like thunderous lightning.


    The light grew immensely bright, but as quickly as it flashed, it dissipated. plunging the room back to its dim lighting and silence.


    Kalle''s eyes struggled to adjust with the sudden change.


    "Well, there you go," Merwyn said, breaking the silence.


    "You can get your rope."


    "Is it always this bright?" Kalle asked, blinking.


    "I could have used less glyphs for the magic circle. But now you saw know amazing magic can be."


    "How strong can magic get?"


    Kalle asked.


    "Excuse me?"


    "How strong can magic get? Like, can it really do everything?"


    Kalle asked again, picking up the newly made rope. it was weirdly warm.


    "It can have its limits. Like the various ways it affects people who cast it, like myself."


    "How did it affect you?"


    "I''m 93 years old, and there isn''t an ache or pain in my body, except for when you come and pester me,"


    the druid rubbed his temple.


    "Then you give me a splitting headache."