The Epic of Brightblade Warpony

Chapters VII

The trio drew near the Dark Forest. "Khaar!" called Breeks. "The end of our quest is near, I can sense it!"

"Not the end," said flame-maned Epona, "but a stepping stone to the next leg of our journey."

"I wasn't talking to you."

"Could you try to get along with Epona, Breeks?" implored the Warpony. "Our quest is too important to jeopardize over some petty…whatever your problem is."

Breeks was silent as they passed into the shadow of the wood.

"We will follow the trail only until nightfall. In the morning we will leave the trail and go northward to a river, that will lead us to the ‘stepping stone' I mentioned. Now, Warpony, continue your tale."

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Ramon, Breeks and I moved quickly among the rocks until Ramon called a halt. "I don't like this; we must be nearing the land of Death and this bird directs us further west. He is driving us to our deaths!"

"Yes, we approach the land of Death, but you will be safe as long as you do as I say. The wolves fear death, and they fear me because I do not. Now move!"

I did not have long to consider the arguments before I heard our pursuers closing in. Breeks took to the air, "Kraaa! Follow me, quickly!"

I galloped after Breeks, away from the howls of Kerberus' pack. The landscape changed gradually as we neared the land of Death. To my surprise, the land seemed to grow more fertile, brush and trees began to fill the already narrow passages between the rocks. The growth slowed my progress, but still, we seemed to be outdistancing the wolves.

"You see," said Breeks from atop a tall rock, "they will not follow, not willingly anyway. Kerberus inspires great fear in his followers. He may inspire them to follow us but they will be hesitant. We must keep moving."

I struggled through the brush and soon came to a clearing bounded on three sides by brush and on the fourth by a massive rock. "I have to rest awhile," I said.

"Very well," said Breeks. "Rest quickly."

"While we are halted, would you mind explaining why you are helping us?" asked Ramon. "Not that your help is not appreciated."

"Krhaa!" kawed Breeks. "I am a great warrior; my name is sung by many bards in the western lands; but to have my name sung in verse with the great Brightblade Warpony, that would be true greatness! Aye, our legend will be sung for many years and our names will not be forgotten!"

"So you do this only to serve your own ego?" I asked.

"Just be glad that my ego is served by the cause of Light. Are you ready to travel yet?"

"Almost, I…"

I was cut off by a vicious growl as a large wolf entered the clearing. "Ah, the quarry is mine," he snarled. "You will bring me great honor."

Breeks took to the air, "Kharrr! Be gone, ruffian!"

I only stared at the wolf in terror.

"I am not so superstitious as the others, bird. I will not be frightened off so easily." The wolf advanced toward me.

"Uh, Brightblade," Ramon whispered in my ear, "I think you better do something."

The wolf drew closer. "Move!" he commanded. "Back to the Pack Lands."

The abruptness of the wolf's command caused me to jump, freeing me from the spell of fear. I was backed up against the rock and could hardly move. I summoned up all my strength and courage and leapt over the wolf into the middle of the clearing. As he turned to face me, I lashed out with my hind feet. My hooves caught the wolf in the midsection and he was thrown against the rock.

I turned to see the wolf's still form lying at the base of the rock. I froze in terror again as I realized what had happened. "What have I done?" I sobbed.

"Ya did what had to be done," called Breeks from high above. "Now move! Speed is now more urgent than ever!"

I could not move, though. I could only stare at the still form of the wolf. "I didn't mean to…"

"Come on Brightblade," said Ramon. "We have to move on, to complete the quest."

I walked slowly from the clearing in a daze.

As I glanced back one last time, I saw a small red rabbit hop out of the brush. I didn't think much of it at the time, but it was the only other animal I saw in the land of Death.

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