Read BlackThorn's Doom for Free Online Page A

us.”
    “Connell is correct.” Suni agreed. “The hour grows late, we will await sunrise before risking less defensible ground.”
    “We will not leave until the twins are found.” Calriss protested.
    “Suni is right.” Yoladt said placing his hand upon Calriss’s arm. “The twins know the way as well as we, should they return after our departure they will follow and overtake us on the trail.”
    Calriss took a calming breath and nodded. “I would do the same if our positions were reversed.”
    “We may yet run into them.” Yoladt offered. “We will have to search the same ground as they if we are to continue.”
    As the land darkened they took up positions in a tight arc about the cave mouth. Looking out into the growing darkness their weapons in hand. The stone of the hillside warding their backs, in what was going to be a long night.
    Casius studied the nightmarish shapes of the boulders; their twisted forms cast eerie shadows in the starlight. In his hand Aethir hummed softly, reassured by its feel he felt his fear lesson.
    The night passed in relative silence, only the occasional skittering of rodents broke the peace. Each man remained wary; they could all feel their stalker watching them from the darkness.
    Despite Suni’s best efforts their observer remained hidden, never revealing itself.
    The sky above brightened with the dawn, however within the Vurgwall’s shadow the hills remained dark and gloomy.
    They traveled cautiously, the trail they followed passed through narrow grottos and along boulder-strewn ridges. Anticipating an ambush around every corner their nerves were on edge, whirling about with drawn weapons at the slightest sound.
    It was Suni who discovered the first sign of the twins, a broken spear lying within the rocks.
    Suni lifted the spear and studied the polished steel head. “There is blood upon its edge.” He said pulling several thick gray hairs from the dried blood. “These belong to no man.” He handed the spear to Calriss. “Yoladt, what manner of creatures dwell within these crags?”
    “The knowledge we have is sparse, only the path through the wall is taught in any detail.” Yoladt answered apologetically. “I know of no creature that makes these hills their home.”
    Calriss tossed the spear aside. “They could have run afoul of our stalker.”
    “Something from within Tarok nor then?” Connell guessed. “A guardian of Sur’kar’s creation.”
    Casius looked back the way they had come. Retracing their path with his eyes up the neighboring hill. When a sudden movement caught his eye.
    Near the crest of the hill, two large shaggy figures were slowly moving down the slope. They were covered with thick pelts of gray hair that blended well with the lichen-splotched stone.
    They were huge, heavily muscled brutes that reminded Casius of the apes he had heard stories of. Standing over eight feet in height with long powerful tails that whipping about as they stalked along the path.
    Before he could alert the others, two more of the creatures slipped into view. “We have a problem.” He nearly shouted. Pointing to the hilltop and the approaching figures.
    “Larkoth!” Yoladt cursed. “We must move quickly, the giant apes are fierce and will surely attack.” He led them up the hill moving as quickly as he could and still keep an eye out for the trail marker.
    “Why do they stalk us?” Casius asked Calriss.
    “The Larkoth are carnivorous, they prefer man flesh above all else.” Calriss answered. “They are creatures found in the west. They have never been seen in the east.”
    “They are devious and intelligent.” Yoladt added, looking over his shoulder to see if the creatures are gaining on them. “Do not underestimate them.
    “Their strength is matched only by the ferocity of their attacks. Once upon your trail they never cease to give chase and will follow you into deaths realm itself.” Yoladt looked at their surroundings. “We will have to face them,