Abbalar Tales ~ 22

Abbalar Tales ~ 22 Corvalen

 By Len Morgan

 "Quiet!”  Genna warned, “we are being followed," they stopped to listen, sure enough, they could hear light footfalls.

"Then we continue heading in the same direction but we pick up the pace."   Wizomi closed his eyes attempting to pick up further information, immediately he contacted Aldor.

'Wiz, you’re in the cellars beneath Grym-Baal's house,' he explained.

 'Not any longer,' he replied, flashing a mental picture of their surroundings.  

'The lighting is reminiscent of Orden's cave complex,’ Aldor commented.

‘The temperature is all wrong though’ Wiz replied.

'It certainly is not Jellonan technology,’ Orden rejoined, 'but I can see why you would think so.  Your race has not yet developed technology sufficiently advanced, and this place has been in existence a very long time.   It is not even Karaxen if it had been, only one in a thousand of those light pads would still be operating, if any, the whole place would appear to predate their time...   Very interesting but I am at a loss to explain it; I will let you know if I am able to discover anything further from the UN,' he said.

'If possible we would like to discover a way out of this place, can either of you help in that respect?' Wizomi asked.

'You may find an exit if you can find irregular markings underfoot, leading to either wall or, since the actual hub wall is of later construction, a less sophisticated exit may be discovered there.’ Orden suggested.

'Is there an alternative means of entry into the tunnels,' Aldor asked.   'If I can avoid the house of Baal, it will simplify matters somewhat.'

'It appears that all the adjoining buildings have similar cellars judging by the regularity of the grill system.'    "We should be looking for irregularities in the floor, leading to either wall, which could indicate a way out," he explained to Genna, who was totally unaware of their mind link.

"How do you know," she replied.

"This place is not unique.   There are other similar places, though not quite so well preserved, they are of great antiquity and their existence is not common knowledge.   In fact, I doubt if the people who own the houses are even aware of these tunnels."

"Then who is following us?"

"Mayhap it is time to find out," he said, "you continue the search and I will catch-up with you presently."   Turning on his heels he headed back in the direction they had come, his face a mask of resolve

'Wouldn’t it not be better to remain together,' Orden's thoughts impinged.

'It is possible but, my instincts tell me this is the way.'  Wizomi answered.

'As you wish.'

 Genna moved on, carefully examining the floor on either side.

Wizomi moved unhurriedly in the opposite direction, towards their shadow.   He didn't look back, falter, or slow his stride as a bear-like figure came into view.   Neither seemed surprised to meet a body travelling in the opposite direction.

'Do you recognise him?' Aldor asked.

'Not from this distance' Wizomi replied, 'Should I?'

'It is…'

'Yes, I recognise him now.'   "Skaa!   We are a long way from Mandrell, to what can we attribute this surprising turn of events?" Wizomi asked.

"We?" said Skaa looking around.

'You have surprised him,' said Aldor 'he does not like that.   He prefers to know all the answers before he asks the questions.'

"I met your young friend.   A very likeable lad - Ahlendore - shame I had to kill him."

"Haha! He whooped you with a twig and left you to limp home!" Wizomi laughed.  

Skaa coloured up.

'Careful, don't hurt his pride.' 

"You are definitely limping better, so where are all those minions, deserted you have they?   Guess they found a prettier one to follow; but that wouldn’t be difficult would it?"  

"Why you pompous little mongrel…"

 "Let us not banter insults, it is evident we both have an extensive vocabulary of adjectives.   Truth to tell, we may well have use for each other," said Wizomi.

"Let's say we do!"   Skaa answered his face now inches from the tall slim young man.   Their eyes met.   Skaa was used to others turning away at this point, acknowledging his power.   Wizomi did no such thing, and his stare unnerved Skaa, forcing him to blink first.

"Mmm must be getting old," Skaa smiled easily.

‘Careful, he’s dangerous when he’s being friendly’ Aldor warned.

"Well, now that we have got past the machismo bit, let us be honest with each other."

"Very well," said Skaa undaunted, "So where is the girl?"

"She is just up ahead, looking for the way out.   Her name is Genna, she grew up as an orphan and not only survived but thrived on the streets of Corvalen.   She can handle herself and is very wise, in the ways of the street; you would be well advised to treat her with respect.   But, you seem a little old in the tooth to be taking silly risks with your future.   Come let me introduce you."

 

(To be continued)                                                      

                                                                                                          Copyright Len Morgan