Fog blanketed the hard, dark ground; the moonlight above filtering through the tree branches and illuminating the pillowy mass of cloud. The fog billowed in the slight breeze, rippling across the surface as if it were a still pond. There were hardly any sounds beside the brown crisp leaves occasionally ruffling together on the trees, old enough to lose their color, but not yet to begin shedding to the ground. The clouds cast soft shadows on the already darkened landscape. An artist couldn’t ask for a more serene sight.
Quiet hoofsteps pattered along the dirt trail.
The canvas shifted, swirls of cloud trailing wisps around the small figure crossing the distance from the treeline. As if to protest the disturbance of the serene portrait, a cloud parked its way in front of the thin crescent moon -instantly casting the earth beneath in darkness.
With the light gone from the world, the walking hoofsteps ground to a halt.
“Oi? Knight. Can ye hear me?” whispered the quiet voice, the twang of an accent present even at the lowest possible volume.
No answers came.
“Oi,” he repeated, a little louder. “Y’there?”
Silence.
The oak leaves shivered in the chill wind.
“I wouldn't linger in the middle of a dark path late at night, why-”
The fawn broke the silence with a sharp yelp and a swear on the suns name.
“-are you?”
“Lands sake are ye tryin’ t’mess with me or somethin’? Near jumped out me coat!" the fawn coughed once, trying to shake off his fright.
“I forget you startle easily," remarked the knight.
“‘n I forget ye like spookin’ me.”
The knight smirked at the young fawns comment. It wasn't by accident he'd snuck up on him. Part of the fawns training was learning to react. Since the start of their journey he would occasionally stalk the fawn from a distance, to see how close he could get before the fawn would notice. Being oblivious to one's surroundings could mean the end of a battle before it could begin, and the knight wanted to ensure the fawn could become more perceptive.
A strong wind caught the nimbus cloud covering the moons light. With it gone, the two figures standing on the trail were quite visible. The owner of the smaller voice shifted on his hooves. By nature deer were flighty creatures, and the little rust colored fawn, brave as he was, could not completely quash his flight instincts. His white tail, a signal to flee, fell back against his flank. Though he held high respect for the armor suited stallion beside him, his gaze fell to the ground.
“It’s a dark night and it’s important to keep your wits about you. I may have scared you out of them... perhaps next time you trot out to relieve yourself you would be wise to leave a trail to follow so as to not lose your way. If the night weren't so overcast I'd recommend you looking to the stars.
“What’cha doing up anyway?” muttered the fawn, eyeing the steel armor and weapons glinting in the moonlight. “Thought we had ourselves settled.”
“As we have been. Now, we must depart," said the Knight tersely.
“Why’s ‘at? What kinda knight doesn't get his forty winks? How’ya reckon ye fend off a monster tomorra if ye too tired t’swing that iron chunk ‘round?”
The knights horn buzzed with magic. A small helmet and iron plating gently clasped itself to the inquisitive fawn, whose eyes were wide, the urge to flee again coursing through his veins; to run somewhere, anywhere, now that the implications of this simple act made itself clear. It was an instinct he had been fighting to suppress. The elastic sling and leather pouch of ammunition attached to the light armour clanged softly.
Danger lurked nearby. He could feel it.
A chill snaked up the fawns spine.
The knight pursed his lips and gently shushed the fawn; the urgency of the situation necessitating absolute silence. The knights horn buzzed again and a slice of wind split the fog path in two down the middle like a knife through hot butter. The fawn squinted through the darkness, trying to make out whatever it was that impeded their rest.
They stood there. Tense. On edge. Peering into the darkness.
Short seconds ticked into long minutes. The fawn flicked his ear.
“Whatcha see?” he hissed, cocking his head.
“Nothing.”
“Nothin’ at all?” retorted the fawn incredulously.
“It’s not what I see. It’s what I feel,” the grizzled knight didn’t break his gaze from down the path. “In my gut. My instinct. While at our resting spot. I no longer felt safe... there’s something lurking about these woods. Something big... foul.”
“Where’s it then?”
“Ahead.”
“Ahead where y’ninny. Its that thumping noise innit?”
The knight froze, straining his hearing. “I cannot hear any thumping.”
“That’s because ye took too many blows on ye noggin,” grinned the fawn, receiving a harsh look from the knight.
“How many?” the knight asked.
“How many what then? Blows?”
“Thumps,” the volume of the knights voice wasn't panicky. It never rose above a whisper, but the tone carried the quiet urgency of a pony beginning to lose patience.“I need to know how many thumps you hear, in the particular pattern you hear it making and I need to know it-”
“Why’s that?” interrupted the fawn.
The knight bit his lip.
“So I may choose the appropriate weapon for you and I if... the situation arises where we must defend ourselves. Now, I need you to be my ears young knight. Tell me what you hear.”
A huge grin creased the young fawns face and he shut his eyes; rotating his ears to face forwards as he had been previously instructed. Sure enough he could here the thumping ahead. It was more difficult to ignore the pounding in his chest. The young fawn squeezed his eyelids shut, concentrating; blocking out the wind, the rustling of the leaves, the steady panting of the knight. He slowed his breathing, and the rest of the background noise faded away.
“Two. One thumpin’ slow after the other,” stated the fawn with certainty.
The knight exhaled softly, reaching for his steel mace.
“Oi! Whatsit then?” asked the fawn, eyeing the blunt weapon being hoisted about.
“You tell me, young fawn,” whispered the knight, levitating a ball and chain and setting it on a holster by his flank. “The thing that lies ahead is bipedal, and does not tread lightly. It is dark out. I have told you of many creatures inhabiting this world. What could it be?”
“Could be a whole number of things. Could be o’ them nasty gem dogs, a minotaur, goblin, dragon, gargoyle-”
“What can’t it be,” the knight began creeping forwards towards the stone gate, keeping low.
The fawn matched his pace. “Not golbins. They stay ‘round the caves n’ travel in a tight pack on raids.”
“Yes, good. Continue.”
“Not them dogs. No quarries ‘round here. Plus they dig to get ‘round.”
“Dragon?”
“Nah. If it were a biggun we’d spot ‘im by now. Fit’were a small one he’d not be one by himself either.”
“Minotaur?”
“They don’t travel these parts an’ we’d catch wind of their goats long ‘fore we see ‘im.”
“Which leaves... a gargoyle.”
The gargoyle was a a fierce winged beast borne of stone and bound to protect sacred building and areas for eternity. Even reduced to ruin they still guard the monuments with every fiber of their being; slashing with diamond sharp talons, spewing fire or electricity and wielding powerful weaponry, they were considered the most challenging creature to face in armed combat. They were hindered by the sunlight, which petrifies them until nightfall.
“How much longer until dawn?” queried the knight.
“Reckon a few more hours,” the fawn gazed east, as if trying to urge the sun up just a little quicker. “So what 'bout this gargoyle then?”
“This foe is beyond you. You shall hang back if we come to blows.”
“Y’think I can’t handle ‘im?”
“Little fawn... I know you can’t handle a gargoyle. What worries me is if I can handle this beast. We are not exactly in a prime position for battle.”
The fawn nodded. They had set up camp alongside the dirt trail lined with oak inside one of the dead, hollow ancient ones. The opposite side of the trail sharply slid away to a valley cut by a small river far below. Despite the forest being densely packed there had to be secret paths or monuments tucked away by overgrowth. Temples could theoretically be littered throughout the forest. The stone wall obstructed by vines could very well lead to one right here.
With a magical twirl, the ball and chain attached itself to the knights tail. The helmet that had been at his side set atop his head, horn sliding through the slot neatly.
The thumping steadily grew louder. A groaning noise accompanied it with every heavy step. Now that they were closer along the path they could see a split going into the forest. Two large white stones marked the remains of an archway. Silent as a wolf the knight was sidled against the rock, breathing calmly through his steel visor.
Pebbles on the ground bounced with each heavy thud. The creature grew closer; the accompanied grinding noise becoming more pronounced. The fawn tensed. The knight grit his teeth.
All the noise abruptly stopped. The knight gripped his mace tight; expecting a roar and the flapping of leathery wings.
It didn’t come.
The knight wanted to chance a peek, but it troubled his thoughts. Gargoyles don’t make a habit of being still. They’re forced half the day to be encased in stone. It was their nature to be lively and active from dusk till dawn. To patrol. Out by the bush the fawn peered at him with his wide green eyes, uncertain of what to do.
Waiting wasn’t an option any longer. This creature had to be confronted. With the element of surprise at his side he might have the advantage. Weighing the option to either peak from the corner or charge, the knight made his decision, gritted his teeth and bolted into the courtyard.
Two steps in and the knight new he made a mistake.
A fist the size of an oven slammed into the ground next to him and knocked the knight onto his back.
A very big mistake
Standing before him was a monstrous golem. Two stout legs supported a solid, square body, the moonlight bathing it in white. Its arms were long as it was tall, giving it enourmous reach. It’s face, if the white pile of rock could feasibly have one, was a blank, expressionless slab adorned with carved runes. A single eye sat in the center. There was a jewel set in its iris, glowing a sickly, unnatural pink. Unlike a gargoyle, a golem was a more dangerous foe. A golem could not be tricked, wounded, become tired, flee, or be reasoned with. It's only motivation was destroy anything in the grounds it was originally enchanted to life on.
The earth shook once more. The golem pulled its fist from the earth -its stone joints groaning in protest. In the blink of an eye the stone creature had its fist curled and cocked for another punch. The knight had barely time to roll before the golem plummeted its fist into the ground; the resulting shockwave gave the knight enough time to get to his hooves, but had inadvertently rolled himself behind the golem.
Making an escape was never the original option. This creature had to be destroyed.
“OI! Are ye okay n’there?” cried the fawn from his hiding spot. “Cut ‘im in his tail!”
“It's not a gargoyle!” replied the knight, backing away from the golem. “Stay put! I will handle this monster.”
“Then what’s it?” pressed the fawn.
“Something much more dangerous. Please! Stay put!”
There was about twenty yards between the frazzled looking knight and the golem now. While in close quarters it was quite agile with its swings, from this distance it seemed less of a threat. Craters left in its wake dotted the trail to the ruined temple twisted by the undergrowth behind him. Apparently this was a patrol the golem took often. It was nearly turned around now. The knight watched the ungainly process intently. Lift one leg, turn, put it down, lift the other. It’s face was nicked quite badly around the eye. There was even a bronze tomahawk blade wedged by the golems rounded shoulder-blades. Perhaps some poor soul had dueled this creature and lost. The lumbering creature was definitely top heavy. Attacking the legs seemed like a valid tactic.
Another few seconds passed as the golem finished turning around. Its pale pink eye surveyed the distance between it and the knight. Other than the activity there, it was still as a statue.
The knight felt a chill run up his spine. It was so alien. All he wanted was to get his bearings and run past. There was no way this titan would go down easily at his hooves.
Without warning the golems arms shot out straight. They were still balled into fists, but pointed directly at him. The knight flinched; unsure of what to expect.
An eerie grinding noise came from the stone behemoth, from no mouth, but the eye. A covering of stone was closing over the sickly pink eye, screeching from age. A lid covered the pink jeweled iris. The golem’s hands slowly opened.
There were two more eyes centered in each palm! One looked to be destroyed; the left hand crackled with minor sparks and was otherwise devoid of energy. The one on the right burned with twice the ferocity of the eye set in the golems face. It almost hurt to look and was glowing brighter still.
Half-formed images rushed through the knights head. Pictures of golems in this position; ones that he’s seen before came bubbling back to memory.
The knight rolled to his side as a beam of pink energy sizzled past his ear. An ancient pillar exploded somewhere behind him and sent a shower of rubble in the air. Chunks of stone rained onto his armor with tiny metallic clangs. The knight was barely up on his hooves before another beam of energy crackled through the air. Luckily it missed him completely. He exhaled, staggering behind a sturdy looking wall. With the other eye out the golem must have reduced depth perception. Or maybe it had been anticipating a jump to the left? No matter.
“How’s it goin’ over there?” the fawn sounded closer than before. “Funny lookin’ thing innit?”
Another beam of energy blasted into the rock wall the knight was settled behind; he could feel the rock heating up from the intensity of the beam.
“Y’sure I can’t help?” inquired the fawn once more.
“When I need your help in battle I am not wary on calling you for aid but this is a battle you must not partake!” said the knight loudly, the extreme urgency in his voice quashing the fawns intent to join in.
There was an annoyed groan. It wasn’t much of a confirmation but before the knight could respond he was cut off by another beam of pink energy. The wall behind him was melting; the knight jumped away from it before it could damage his armor.
“Alright. I’ll be keepin’ an eye out fer ya!”
An eye.
Everything clicked. The protective covering over the eye set in its face. The various pockmarks around it. The tomahawk blade wedged next to the eye. On his first thoughts the knight assumed going for the legs would be the best way to defeat the golem. Now he realized the creatures weakness lay in its jeweled eyes.
The golem continued its powerful onslaught; beams of energy zapping at the knights hooves as he strafed left and right to dodge the monsters assaults. He advanced quickly, closing the distance in seconds. The golem swept its arm at the knight, missing when he ducked as ran between his legs. There was a thundering boom from the golems fist smashing the dirt just inches away from where the knight had just been.
It was a lucky break for him. The golem favored its left.
Before it could recuperate the knight had wheeled back to the golems front, where it’s palm was still open face. Right as its fist was pulled from the dirt the knight swung his tail into the pink jewel set in the center. The ball and chain struck home.
There was a hiss and flood of pink light as the energies inside spilled into the air. The golem recoiled, taking a step backwards as if it were in shock. It’s damaged fist balled immediately, unspent energy still spilling out onto the ground. The knight allowed himself a grin. Perhaps he would fell this golem after all.
Strong fingers clasped around his backside, squeezing the breath out of him.
The knight felt himself being lifted high in the air.
It was like being crushed underneath a fully loaded wagon. The metal of his armor dug into his coat from the strength of those fingers squeezing his body. The golem ripped the offending ball and chain from his tail and it clattered to the ground noisily.
The awful grinding of the golems eyelid ripped through the air like nails on chalkboard. It’s sickly pink eye stared up at him, beginning to glow that sickly pink color.
“YOUNG FAWN!” called the knight, using his magic in an attempt to pry the fingers off his body. “I REQUIRE YOUR ASSISTANCE!”
On cue the young deer bounded into view.
“Bout time! Y’know I was ‘bout to go ‘round ove-”
“LISTEN!” the knight interrupted. “I NEED YOU TO TAKE OUT YOUR SLING AND SHOOT THIS GOLEM!”
The fawn looked at his mentor as if he’d just asked him to sprout wings and fly.
“What? Tis hunk o’ iron won’t do much. Lookit the size ‘o that thing!”
“THEY EYE! THE GLOWING, PINK, ON ITS FACE!” For added visual input the knight managed to lash his tail at the intended target.
“Oh. So why didn’t ye say so right quick then?”
The golems eye was flickering. With the energy drained from its right palm it seemed to have trouble gathering enough remaining energy to its last eye. It was gathering. The runes circling its face glowed as its iris pulsed with pink energy, slowly growing brighter with each passing second. The golems iron grip was impossible to escape from, and it’s fingers seemed to resist his unicorn magic.
“HURRY!” the knight shouted urgently.
“Hold your horses I’ve gotcha.”
The fawn adjusted his slingshot. It wasn’t a typical slingshot at all, though it relied on the same conventions. According to the knight, his body was strong and this was the best way to make use of it. In battle against smaller foes he would make use of a dagger. Against larger enemies he would stay on the sidelines with his full body sling.
Two straps attached to his rear legs, which he would use while laying flat on his back. Using his teeth, the fawn would pull the sling containing his ammunition (be it iron, nails, or other similar objects) and fire it from this prone position. Not only were his shots steadier, but it provided a greater impact and kept him at a low profile in battle.
The fawn also had great eyesight.
He had a shot lined up. A heavy, studded iron ball nestled in the pouch. There was no wind to compensate for his shot. The fawn yanked back on the sling, squeezing one eye shut to better focus. The glowing target was almost too bright to look at.
Yet, he was perfectly lined up -the fawn released his sling.
The hunk of iron whizzed through the air and struck the golem directly in its eye.
Brief silence.
An eruption of light flooded the temple grounds. The knight shut his eyes, feeling the grip on his body instantly loosen. Air rushed into his lungs. He hadn’t realized how laboured his breathing was. Rolling as delicately as he could the knight removed himself from the general area of the golem. He heart light hoofsteps approaching and felt teeth at his collar.
“C’mon! Let’s go already! I don’ like the looks o’ that thing!”
The golem had one of its giant palms pressed against its face. Pink magic was poring out of the crystal and evaporating into the air. Its shoulders shrugged, sinking low, and its left arm fell loose from it’s socket with a sickening thud. The right arm followed suit, and the golem twisted its massive body to glare at the pair who had defeated it, locking its piercing gaze until the light in its eye socket flickered no more.
The knight sighed in relief.
“Is it dead?” asked the fawn, his heart thumping in his chest.
"A golem does not truly die, from what I recall," began the knight. "It simply loses power and once again becomes rock until an enchanted stone is set upon its-"
The golem exploded.
“AHHH!” The fawn sprinted behind a relatively intact pillar as showers of rock and sparks littered the area. “Didja know they could do that?”
“Not one inkling, young fawn,” said the knight, flinching as harmless remnants of the golem bounced off his crumpled armor. He took the time to inspect his injuries. Some cuts form his armor, and bruising where the golem had him in its grip, but nothing terrible.
The little fawn followed the knight over to the smoking crater where the ruined golem remained.
“Thank you,” said the knight, turning to his partner with a smile. “You’ve saved my life. I am indebted.”
“Pfft,” the fawn stuck out his tongue. “I’ve been indebted t’yours near an ‘undred times over.”
“Yes. Though I was in grave danger. Before tonight I’ve never faced such a monster. Without you and your precise aiming I would have been killed. I’ll make a knight out of you yet.”
The fawns ears perked up. “Y’really think so?”
“You did not succumb to pressure while my life was in danger, and you heeded my warnings to stay out of the fight until you were needed. You are learning discipline."
“Well y’can pat yerself on th’back for not tellin’ me now," remarked the fawn.
The knight blinked.
“Thought that was part o’ your plan. Settin’ him up like that for me,” continued the fawn. “Y’just said you needed ‘ssisatnce. Nothin’ you said had me worried you’d die.”
Neither of them spoke.
“Can we camp at th'temple tonight?” asked the fawn. “Feels like rain it does.”
Every ounce of energy the knight had was spent. He could think of plenty of reasons why they shouldn’t rest here. Yet it was still rather late and he was beyond exhausted. The fawn looked at him intently for his response.
“Yes. I suppose. Gather your things. We’ll camp inside the ruins for the night,” said the knight, shakily standing back up.
“Then tomorrow we’ll pass through Th’ Shades like y’said?”
“Certainly. We’ll have to travel through there before sundown. So we rest now. Come along little fawn. Let’s get some rest.
With their supplies slund over their backs the knight and fawn trotted around the crater housing the stone golems last remains and made for the temple. It had been a trying night for both of them, and tomorrows adventure was certainly demanding energy.
The breeze gently ruffled the crisp leaves in the nearby grove.
The world was silent once more.
