CH 6 THE MESSAGE OF TRUTH

Gallix

shuffled his way back to Zabicoric. It was crucial that the Dark One didn't

find out what he was about to do. He didn't pay attention to the wind that blew

around him or the sand and dirt that irritated his eyes. Once he saw the

village, he turned to make sure he wasn't being followed. Many experiences had

taught him the Morvaies loved to hide in the shrubbery and trees surrounding

him.

He was

about to continue when he felt a hand over his mouth and cold metal under his

chin. Gallix struggled to free himself, but stopped once he heard the voice.

"You know

why I must take these precautions, my friend." The voice said, removing their

hand away from Gallix's mouth.

"You

always knew how to scare a man, Shadow." Gallix replied in a whispered voice.

"Follow

me, for it is not safe to talk in the open." Shadow returned his own whisper.

Shadow led

Gallix off the path, down towards the Cathealth Ocean. Once they got to the

beach, Gallix noticed other members of the Royal guard. He counted seven in

all. Seven of the best of the best, hand-selected by Keldo himself. If Kestra

needed protection, these were the selected.

"Now,

Gallix, please tell me where he has taken her." Shadow said. He had received word

when she snuck out. He knew it wasn't worth dragging her back. She needed to do

this for herself, even if she wasn't ready. Only once she was attacked by the company,

did he sent word to both her personal guard and Gallix.

"To The

Abandoned Caverns, I'm afraid." Gallix replied. The stories of The Abandoned

Caverns are too horrifying to even think about. It was a place of evil and

death.

"The

Caverns? Why would he go there in the first place, let alone build his command

post there?" Shadow asked, surprised. They definitely would have never found

her without that information. The fact they had no problems settling there made

him realize there was something even bigger at play. They had to get her out.

Gallix

didn't answer immediately. Why would The

Dark One go there? Even Morvaies avoid The Abandoned Caverns at all costs.

Gallix thought. Looking around, Gallix could see the other members of the Guard

battling each other, wrestling, and cooking. They are acting so innocent, almost like they don't know what's about

to happen.

"I don't

know, Shadow. I will try to find out." Gallix finally replied.

"That's

all I can ask of you, my friend." Shadow helped Gallix to his feet. "Now, you

better get back to Zabicoric before He sends his men to look for you."

Gallix

turned to leave and then remembered something.

"Shadow."

Gallix said.

Shadow

turned to look at him. "What is it?"

"It's the

Dark One." Gallix continued. "I fear he knows I'm spying on him. I'm afraid we

will only have one more meeting after this, and it won't be a pleasant one."

"If that is the case, remember she is the priority. Whatever we have to do, we need to get her out. Let the Protector know however you can. We both know he's there. May

the Guardians watch over you." Shadow replied.