Antonio’s Tale   COPYRIGHT © 2023 Chris Horn Published by Chris Horn All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without express written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Please refer all pertinent questions to the author at ChrisHorn.Author@gmail.com “Antonio,” Casper shouted across the courtyard of the guild house, “Antonio, don’t ignore me.” Antonio wasn’t in the mood for a long-drawn-out chat with Casper. They had joined the guild at the same time and had both proved themselves as worthy members of the Merchants guild, having both joined the bodyguards branch, they had become good friends, but by Mother Earth, Casper could talk the hind legs off a stag beetle. Nether had the taste or aptitude for trade and commerce but they did enjoy a good fight, and so they had found themselves training with the bodyguards. Antonio having spent many afternoons in front of his headmaster at school, after being involved in playground altercations, and Casper had spent most of life on the streets, orphaned at a young age, his life had been one fight after another. “Antonio, wait up, I have news.” Casper waved a rolled-up scroll at his friend. “You won’t believe what it is.” “It’s our first assignment.” Antonio said without even blinking, no sign of surprise “Escorting a Ladybird from the cliff city to a small lake village in the valley.” Antonio kept walking as he spoke, he didn’t need to look back to know that Casper would have been stood there with his mouth aghast unable to comprehend how Antonio knew all the details. “But How…” Casper went to ask. “Always keep ahead of the game, my friend.” Antonio smiled before entering the bunk room. “You always keep ahead of the game, but you won’t tell me how.” Casper followed his friend into their shared room. There were no personal belongings in their room, just a few guild issued items and dirty clothes scattered across the floor. When you joined the guild, you gave up everything, anything of value was sold to fund your training, until you were a sworn in member and earned your own living. “Well, if you paid more attention to your trainers, instead of chasing the ladies at the bars, you would be ahead of the game as well.” Antonio grabbed his sword and put it on top of his travel case. “Hang on, how long ago did you know?” Casper asked looking at Antonios case. “Long enough, you had best get packing my friend we leave at sunrise.” Antonio wouldn’t have left Casper in the lurch, but he did enjoy catching him off guard. The next morning the two friends stood on parade waiting for their training master to brief them. “Now I know this is your first assignment, and it’s probably all exciting and new.” Marcus started with his normal speech, the one he gave all of students on their first assignment, “But remember you are there to uphold the reputation of the guild, and that of the bodyguards who serve them.” “Yes sir,” Antonio and Casper replied in unison. “But also make the most of this, it’s a simple assignment a few days traveling the wilderness and then back. Your ward is well travelled and if you have any questions, I am sure they will help you.” Marcus looked at his two students… Ex-students, “You two stood out in class, you are both strong and fast, and work well together, don’t forget to have each other’s backs.” Marcus gave a brief nod and turned to walk away, “Oh and one more thing, have fun.” “Yes Sir,” The two saluted their master, watching him walk away. “You heard him, let’s have fun. I have heard that pond creatures are pretty interesting.” Casper smiled. “Erm, did you not hear the rest of his speech?” Antonio looked at his friend “The bit about upholding.” “Yeah, yeah, Upholding the image of the guild,” Casper mimicked Marcus voice. Antonio couldn’t help but laugh, he knew Casper was only joking, but he truly hoped that they didn’t let the guild down, for once in his life he felt he had a place, a home, a family. The guild meant everything to him.   As the small caravan crossed the grasslands towards the cliff city, Antonio was sat on a cart being pulled by four huge beetles, covered in a hard carapace and each with a huge horn, they were not only strong but could hold their own if the caravan was attacked. In his hands he held a small grass bound book, when he was given his first meagre wage, with most of his earnings going back to the guild for his bed and board, Antonio had run straight to the only store in town and purchased it. Others had bought new hats, cloaks, boots Casper had laughed at Antonios purchase and asked him what he had planned to do with a blank book. “I’m going to record all my assignments, notes on the routes taken, places to stop and rest, the best place to find a warm meal, even places to avoid to keep safe from bandits.” Antonio had replied with a serious look on his face. “Erm ok,” Casper knew his friend wasn’t joking, and as they left the store, he had promised to share details of his own assignments to help Antonio with his records. As the cart gently rocked back and forth, Casper lay across the sacks of grain, snoring gently. Antonio looked at his book, blankly thinking what to write…   Day 1 The path from the guild to the great cliff city, is as boring as you would expect, nothing for as far as the eye could see, it is well used and as safe as anywhere else in the guilds protectorate. The grasslands stretch on and on and to be honest it’s a little boring, with little in the form of civilizations or life. We stopped at a small inn, the food was ok and the owner friendly, and her two children kept everyone entertained. ***   “How’s the book going?” Casper ribbed his friend. “One day, these will be used by all guild members, they will be able to travel as far as possible and know exactly what to expect.” Antonio replied. “Then what’s the point of travelling? The whole point for me is to experience something new, something unexpected.” Casper looked seriously at Antonio, “I don’t want life to be known at every corner.” “I know my friend, and that’s the best bit, we are the first to record these journeys, so it is all new. And by the time we settle down and have children of our own, we will have seen the whole world, and recorded it all.” Antonio tapped the book in his hands. “Settle down!” Casper laughed, “I don’t plan to settle down my friend, I will be young free and single until the day I return to Mother Earth.” “And hopefully that will be a many moons from now, so you won’t be that young.” Antonio laughed. The cart master turned in his seat, “Well get your pencil ready young one, you will want to record this in your book,” He faced forward again and pointed a short distance away. There was the edge of the grass lands and beyond a valley as far as the eyes could see. Antonio stood up on his hind legs, excited to see more, amazed by the sight before him. The cart master pulled on the reigns and the beetles stopped. “Thank you chaps, we will wait here for the city guard.” He called to the beetles. “No worries, boss.” The beetles replied, unhooking themselves from their harnesses, stretching their arms and legs. Antonio jumped down and walked towards the cliffs edge, the sight before him was mesmerising, he had never seen so much land, down in the valley was a lake, pretty much cutting the valley in half, it would make travel without a boat pretty hard, and as far as Antono could see would require many, many days to travel around. “Look at this view,” he called back to Casper. “I’m good thanks,” His friend called back. “Seriously, you’re going to wait over there when you could be taking in this view.” Antonio laughed. Casper sat on the back of the cart, “I’m fine.” He replied, the colour had drained from his face, and he looked like he was going to be ill. “Looks like your friend has a fear of hights,” The cart master walked up to Antonio. “Every time I come here; I am amazed by the view. If we get a chance wait until you see the city itself. It’s old and dusty but its full of wonder. The city guard should be here soon, don’t worry they come across a bit gruff, but they mean well, oh and their accent will take a bit of getting used to.” “Do you come here often?” Antonio asked. “Every few moons, my cargo takes me on this path. But it’s the first time in a long while that I will be heading down into the valley.” The cart master replied. Antonio looked at the master, an elderly grasshopper, with a dainty grass hat, and an old pair of glasses. His skin was tanned and leathery from a lifetime of being out in the sun. “The names Antonio,” Casper and he hadn’t really spoken to the cart master and his team, shy and their first assignment they had kept to themselves. Holding out his hand, which the grasshopper shook, with a smile on his face. “Pleasure to meet you, the names Frederick Van-Horn. You’re a confident lad, aren’t you? Most bodyguards don’t even talk to us cart masters, as if they are better than us.” The grasshopper looked Antonio up and down, “I don’t think I have seen many millipedes in the guild either.” “Well, I plan to talk to everyone I meet, us insects need to stick together, don’t we? And you are right, my teachers said it had been many moons since the last one passed through the doors. I guess my kind like to keep to themselves.” Antonio hadn’t seen many other millipedes either at school or where he grew up either “Now tell me, where’s the furthest you have been? It would be great to add to my guide, a kind of encyclopaedia for future generations of bodyguards, of safe routes, places to stay, so any guidance you have would be greatly appreciated.” “Where have I been, well that is a big question, there is a whole wide world out there, and it would take me many moons to tell you it all.” Frederick smiled, “But as we have time right now, how about I start with the great city below us.” As Antonio listened, he wrote in his journal, drawing little images as he went, with scribbled notations describing what Frederick was telling him. “Fredzerick howz my favourite cart mazzter?” A small flyer with little wings, a large abdomen that gave off a soft glow as the sun started to set across the valley. “Ahh Halaz, my good friend, I was just telling young Antonio about your great city.” “Well, it’z not so great anymore, many, many, moonz back yez, but now it is a shadow of its former zelf.” The flyer looked at Antonio and a seeing the guild badge smiled, “Oh you’re a bodyguard, then you are mozt welcome here, my name is Halaz, and I am captain of the zity guard.” “A pleasure to meet you, I am Antonio, this is my first assignment, so I am incredibly happy to be here. I am writing a guide for future bodyguards, and your city will be the first to feature in it.” “I will be happy to helpz you, but right now, we’z need to load the cart, your ward will be herez zoon and they will want to leave at firzt lightz,” Halaz, made a clicking noise and from a small hidden passage, several more flyers appeared, carrying packages toward the cart. Later that night, Antonio, Casper, Frederick and Halaz, sat in the captains quarters. They had followed the captain down a long twisting tunnel. Most of which was in a state of disrepair, empty rooms sat along the passageway as if most of the place had been abandoned. “So how many soldiers are living here?” Antonio asked, “It looked like most of the barracks are abandoned.” The captain paused a while before answering, as if he had something to hide. “There are only a few of uz now, after the great fall, many of the creatures from the city left, and thoze who stayed live a zimple life. Traders come and go, but all in all the city is not as it once waz, we guard it but keep ourselves there is an ill wind in the city walz .” Antonio looked at the captain, he could sense that he wasn’t being told everything, but decided to wait until he returned to the city for further questions. Changing the subject Antonio asked about the local food, and customs, whilst adding them to his book.   Day 3 Fully loaded we followed the cliff path, slowly ascending to the valley floor. The path is rough and warn but is easily traversed. The great cliff city (well not so great anymore) is a strange place, I sensed there was more to it than we were shown. Local food is tasty, especially the sweet treats   The next few days were dull, the path was dull, the views were dull, even the conversation became dull. Eventually after what seemed like a lifetime, they came to the lake. Sitting on the shore waiting for the ferry to arrive. Frederick, explained about the lands beyond the lake, truly little was known past the town of Pondesta, their final destination, trade was non-existent past there and generally there was no need to travel past the hamlet, later that day the ferry arrived, a small craft just big enough for the cart and team. The beetles pulled the cart onto the boat and settled down to sail across the lake to the small lakeside town on the far shore. The waters were calm and in some places patches of weeds grew with small flowers, but there were no signs of life anywhere on the lake. Antonio laid out on the deck of a small boat, made out of brambles and reeds, it looked old but sturdy and with no waves the crossing was smooth. Frederick and the ferry operator sat chatting, they had crossed paths many times and were laughing like old friends, as they sat the stern of the boat, the ferry operator gently turned the tiller making the boat slowly turn towards the far shore and the town sitting on the lakeside. Casper was again out of his comfort zone, he had turned a funny colour and sat with his head over the side, making some funny noises. “Once we have been to Pondesta, we will return a different route, it will take a few more days, but it will add some interesting details to your journal.” Frederick called over to Antonio. “Also, I think your friend will appreciate a land-based journey.” He laughed as Casper was ill again. Landing on the far side of the lake, the town was small, a dozen or so houses built on stilts, with little bridges connecting the upper floors, they looked as if they had seen better days but the residents a mix of young and old crawlers all seemed happy. Children ran around playing chasing each other, “Stop Jax, you know mum and dad told us to stay near the house.” A young beetle ran past, chasing an even smaller boy. “Come on guys, let’s get the cart off the boat and we can get underway. It’s still a good few days travel to Pondesta.” Frederick started to order the stag beetles around. Antonio watched the huge bugs easily lift the cart and goods from the boat. He was amazed at how hard they worked, not stopping all day long, pulling the cart. “Stacey, Jax where are you?” A crawler, walked past stopping before Antonio, “Have you seen a young boy and his sister? I told them to stay home but again they seem to have gotten into mischief.” “I did see a boy being chased by a slightly older girl; they went that way.” Antonio pointed towards an alley, where grasses were hanging up drying in the summer breeze. “Thank you,” The crawler smiled and went off after her children. Antonio watched the creatures of the hamlet go about their day, boats slipped into the water, others returned unloading bundles of reeds and river plants. Others boiled up the plants or hung them to dry, life here was simple but peaceful. “All aboard,” The cart master shouted, the stag beetles were in their harnesses, some new goods were loaded, and sacks had been traded. “Where’s our trader friend?” Antonio looked around, he can’t have lost his ward, not on his first trip. “And that’s when Antonio, tripped over and sent a tray of food flying all over our teachers.” Casper and their ward walked along laughing and chewing on some dried flowers. “I was just telling our friend, here about when you were waiting at the schools new moon celebrations.” Casper smiled at his friend. “Oh, were you? How about I share some tales about you as well?” Antonio looked at his friend with a mischievous look. “Well, erm… You wouldn’t, would you?” Casper pleaded with his friend. He had definitely made more mistakes than Antonio had, and his friend knew all the juicy details. “Are you three going to stand there all day or can we make a move?” Frederick shouted over at them. “Sorry we are coming,” Antonio turned and walked toward the caravan of carts. “I was only having a laugh,” Casper called after his friend. “Come on sir, this way, we don’t want to be running after your goods.” Casper climbed up onto the cart, pulling the trader up after him. As the caravan left the hamlet, Antonio drew a little image of the two children in his book, with a note. Friendly little town, ideal stopping point but not much to talk about. Wouldn’t want to be there if the lake became flooded. The days rolled into one, more endless brambles and small shrubs, soon the days blurred into one. The group chatted about this and that, Antonio made notes in his book, as the cart master told of faraway places. Great colonies of insects scattered here and there across the wilderness, even of a great house built by mankind, in what was once called a zoo and now the home of dozens of species. Flyers, Diggers, Crawlers and more. The cart masters guild was a tight knit one and they shared tales of places they went. If several caravans met up, apparently the evenings were full of songs and tales, food and drink was shared and many a bug woke up with a heavy head the next day. The one tale Frederick told that intrigued Antonio the most was about a great city of insects living in an actual tree! the last great tree in the whole world. “One day I will travel there, it sounds like a magical place to see… More magical than these boring wastelands.” “We will be at Pondesta very soon, and then I will show you a much more adventurous route back to the guild.” Frederick smiled, “And one your friend will enjoy more than crossing that lake again.” At the back of the cart the trader sat quietly, watching the world go by, he wasn’t an insect of many words and apart from the time he and Casper had shared a joke at Antonio’s expense, he hadn’t smiled once. As the caravan passed under some brambles, there in front of them was what Antonio could only describe as hovel of houses, five or six of them stood there around the edge of dark reed filled pond. “Welcome to Pondesta.” Fredderick called cheerily from the front of the cart. “Well, I’m sure its nicer than it looks.” Casper whispered to Antonio, looking around at the ramshackle buildings. “You won’t be here long,” The trader replied, “Once unloaded you can make your way home, my next lift will be here in a few days.” “You don’t need us to wait?” Antonio questioned, “We are contracted to ensure you are safe,” He looked around, “And this place doesn’t seem…” “I will be perfectly safe; I have passed through here many times before. Thank you for your assistance.” The trader nodded at the two bodyguards and jumped down from the cart. The two friends, watched as the trader walked off towards one of the houses, before jumping down themselves and helping to unload the bundles, “He is a strange one, isn’t he?” Antonio stated. “Well, I guess traders see so many bodyguards and other creatures they would just rather keep to themselves. I don’t think he even gave his name.” Casper replied. “No, I don’t think he did.” Antonio looked once more at the crawler as vanished into the house. “So, what will you write in your book this place?” Casper asked, with a cheeky grin on his face.   Day 4 Pondesta… Not much to say, a hovel of houses with a stagnant looking pond. Locals keep to themselves but seem not to be a threat… in fact the trader seemed happy enough to wait on their own. Ate our own food today as they seemed to have extraordinarily little themselves here. Day 5 Heading back to the guild, via the great forest? Well, that’s what the cart master called it, unlike the great forests of the old world, this is no more than a thick covering of brambles and grasses, but we have been promised an easy journey back home.   Day 99 Life as a bodyguard has been simple, routes across the land are mostly safe, the odd group of bandits try their luck, but they are no match for our skills. I find myself thinking of Casper, he has been gone for a dozen moons on a trade route to the last great tree, and the city of Oakland. I am hoping to make my own way there one day. We have heard stories of strange creatures, stalking the land. Found in small groups they wander around aimlessly, on their own they are easily stopped, but in a group, they are pretty strong and can easily overpower an individual. I am heading back to the guild for new armour and weapons, after this run. Although the guild keep telling us, they are just tales and not to pay any attention to them, I do wonder if there is any truth in these tales.   “Antonio my friend, how are you?” Several carts pulled up alongside the millipede, and there riding on top was Frederick, a blanket of woven grasses, across his lap. “It’s good to see you again, how are the family?” Antonio smiled at his friend, it seemed like a dozen moons or more since he had last seen him. “If I had known, it was you I would be escorting, I would have bought some gifts for the children.” Antonio held out a hand to help is friend down. “I’m not that old, that I can’t get down from my own cart.” Fredderick laughed “And the children, well they are no longer children, in fact, Janine is expecting a child of her own, making me a grandfather.” “And you said you aren’t old.” Antonio joined his friend in laughter. “So, what are we transporting?” “Just some simple goods, nothing of value. Fresh nectar from the great hives, and some of those lovely, dried reeds from the lakeside village, do you remember that trip, your friend… What was his name?” “Casper,” Antonio replied “Yes Casper, he was not keen on the crossing at all.” Fredderick laughed again. “Great, so we will be smelling of pond reeds and honey by the time we get back to the guild.” Antiono pulled a face. “Well with this cold weather we should be ok. The reeds are mostly dried and no longer stink of pond water and, and who can resist the sweet, sweet smell of nectar.” Fredderick patted his friend on the shoulder “Right give the beetles time to warm up by the fire and then we can make a move.” Fredericks tummy rumbled “Now what’s the food like here?” Frederick walked towards the inn, a small wooden building but full of laughter and warmth. Antonio ran after his friend, “you haven’t changed have you, Food always on your mind.” He giggled as Fredderick opened the door to the inn and disappeared inside.   Day 377 We are heading back to the guild, barrels of honey in one cart the sweet sickly smell wafting after us. Then the rear cart with its dried reeds, adding their own briny mix to the air, no matter what Frederick says, they still smell. Frederick has been telling us tales of the strange creatures, half alive half dead. Their numbers have grown, and some seem to be working together. Not sure if these are just tales to scare us or if there is something more to it?   “We should be there in a couple of days, or we could take a little diversion, a route less travelled but will make for good telling in your little book.” Frederick nodded at the worn and tattered book, on Antonio’s lap. “A secret path… well you don’t need to ask me twice.” Antonio laughed. Frederick issued orders, up ahead a faint dirt track led off towards the hills, overgrown and hardly recognisable as a track Antonio looked at Frederick, “Are you sure about this, it doesn’t look like anyone has travelled this way in many, many, moons,” “They probably haven’t, this was the old route it was longer and steeper, it goes across the hills and valleys of the black moo. If you ended up caught in the rain up there, your carts could become stuck and no matter how many bugs you had to pull you out, you would probably lose your goods and possibly your life. You could even find yourself slipping down into the peaty bogs, never to be seen again.” Frederick looked at Antonio with a serious face. “Yeah, yeah, that’s just one of your scary tales to keep your passengers on their toes.” Antonio laughed back at the cart master, but when Frederick just held Antonio’s gaze the millipede continued “it is… isn’t it?” “You will see young one, you will see.” Frederick smiled and winked at Antonio, still not letting on if he was making things up or not. As the path wound its way up the steep sides of the moor, the clouds closed in, and a light drizzle soaked them to the skin. The sun had all but disappeared behind the clouds, leaving the caravan of carts shrouded in a darkening mist. “Are you sure this is safe?” Antonio asked, a chill creeping along his spine. “Perfectly, I was only joking about carts slipping away never to be seen again…” Frederick replied. “Well, the beetles don’t look to keen either.” Antonio pointed behind as the three beetles pulling up the rear, slid side to side. “They don’t train them like they used to,” Frederick, said as if trying to reassure himself not just Antonio. “BOSS…” One of the beetles called as the cart he was pulling slipped from its harness and started to slide towards the edge of the path. “Oh, great mother Earth,” Frederick shouted, jumping down from the cart. “If we lose these barrels, we will both be in for it.” “We, it was your idea, to come this way.” Antonio jumped down and ran after Frederick. Taking charge as his training and moons of experience kicked in. “You, grab that rope,” He called at the beetle whose load had slipped, “Frederick, grab this one,” Antonio slung the end of another rope to his friend. Grabbing the other end of the ropes, he ran towards the cart. It was now on the edge of the path, its wheels teetering over the edge, if it slipped any further it would crash to the bottom of the moors and the barrels would be lost. Antonio scarpered towards the cart, climbing over the cart quickly he started feeding the first rope through the rear axle of the cart and then the second rope around the carts body, before he shouted to the others “PULL,” The beetle pulled, Frederick pulled, but the cart stayed still, it’s wheels unable to gain any traction. At least it wasn’t slipping any further so that was something Antonio thought, maybe just maybe they would make it back with all the carts and goods. Shouting at the others, he grabbed tighter onto the ropes. “Come one everyone, pull, on three.” “One.” “Two.” “Thr…” “Aggggggghhh,” One of the other beetles screamed. The others looked toward the cart, Antonio and Frederick had been on, the beetle pulling it had started to back up towards them. “What in tarnation’s,” Frederick shouted “What are you doing, we already have one cart in trouble…” Then he saw what was scaring the beetle. “Are they…” Antonio looked towards the ghastly creatures Frederick had seen. Their bodies were dried emancipated husks, their eyes blank, grey orbs, their faces looked lifeless as if in a trance. Their movements were slow, and they stumbled with each step, as they continued moving towards the carts. The stag beetle was backing up further, the creatures trying to grab at it, a hunger in their eyes. One of the monsters managed to grab the beetle, latching on to its target, its mouth opened wide and strange tentacles reached out towards the beetle, trying to pull its way towards the victims mouth. The beetle reared up one more time, its front legs kicking out, but too late the creature had hold of its prey. A second scream drew Antonio’s attention the beetle holding the rope was now being attacked, as more half dead creatures joined the attack. Deciding that protecting the living was better than holding onto a doomed cart, Antonio let go of the rope and ran at the creatures attacking the beetle. Drawing his swords, he launched himself into the air, remembering his training he struck fast, slicing at the creatures before him. His swords passed through their dried skins, slicing with ease. But even when he had sliced and diced the creatures seemed to brush it off as if they had stubbed a toe. “What the hell?” Antonio looked on as he sliced several limbs from wat was once a crawler, but the creature just stood there and looked at Antonio. A scream drew his attention, looking back at where his friend was fighting his own battle. He too had sliced and diced, backing up onto the cart Frederick was surrounded. He swung his sword and hit one of the creatures in the head, is sword became stuck fast between cartilage and rotting flesh. Looking for anything to defend himself with, he hit out with everything and anything, grabbing the lantern hanging from the cart, he launched it at the creatures, as the glass lantern smashed its oil splashed across them, the flame caught and ignited the fuel. The dried skin of the creatures quickly caught fire, turning them to smouldering remains laying on the floor. “Antonio, Fire…” He shouted and pointed at the now dead creatures laying there “Fire, works.” Frederick smiled over at his friend. Distracted he didn’t see the creature climbing up onto the cart. “BEHIND YOU,” Antonio shouted, too late the creature pulled Frederick to the ground. “Noooo,” Antonio grabbed a lantern from the second cart and threw it at creatures. The flames quickly spread engulfing them, running across the cart and jumping from one to another, the beetles had all succumbed to the creatures, dozens of them held down each of the beetles. Watching as one of the beasts crawled along the floor, as the creature approached the pinned beetle, it’s mouth spewed forth more strange tentacles. Antonio stood staring at the beetle, it convulsed and let out one final scream, its eyes glazed over, and it shook one more time, letting out a rasping breath. There was nothing he could do for the beetle, Antonio jumped onto the cart next to Frederick, his friend lay on the floor, as another of the creatures leaned over him and let its tentacles reach out. Antonio swung is sword, cleaving the monsters head from its body. “Quickly up here,” Antonio reached down to help Frederick up, his friend reached for him, movement caught Antonios eye, he couldn’t believe it, the beetle that had seemingly died just moments before had stood back u, its eyes were blank, the same grey orbs that the monsters had, looked out from where it’s eyes used to be, somehow though it seemed to look directly at Antonio. As the half dead beetle went to move forward, the cart it was attached to dragged slowly behind it. Sensing it was being held down by the cart, the beetle started to swing its body side to side, the cart shook and swung on its tether. Distracted by this new monstrosity Antonio lost his grip on his friend and Frederick disappeared under several creatures. Desperately Antonio plunged his hand into the pile of creatures, reaching out one last time. His hands found their target and he pulled as hard as he could. There in his hands was Frederick, Antonio pulled again, until his friend was there next to him on the cart. The pair stood there staring in disbelief, unable to make sense of what was happening, everyone else was gone, they stood alone on the back of the cart, surround and out of options. The stag beetle shook again, this time the cart came loose and flew towards them, crashing into several creatures before smashing into the cart Antonio and Frederick were stood on. The cart shifted towards the edge, slipping closer and closer towards the steep hill and the black boggy marsh below. Creatures pushed against the cart trying to reach for the two friends. The combined weight of the beasts made the cart slide again and again, and then it was too far over the edge finally Plummeting towards the valley below taking Antonio and Frederick with it.   Day? I don’t know how long we laid in the brambles, but it seemed like days, the creatures, paid us no more attention, having vanished from their view. We have decided to make my way back to the guild, even though it will be a long slow journey on foot, we need to warn them of what happened. Antonio, climbed out of where they had been hiding, “It’s all clear,” He called to Frederick. “Are you sure, I don’t fancy becoming a snack for whatever those things were.” Frederick wasn’t normally scared, having travelled the lands many times, he had faced down bandits, and pirates, been caught in storms and trapped in snow for days, but these creatures they scared him to his very core. “Come on let’s move, I don’t fancy being caught out in the open if those things are still in the area.” Antonio set off at a pace, his legs making him fly across the terrain. “Hey, wait up,” Frederick called after him, “If we head towards the west, we will come across a small town… unless those creatures have gotten there first,” “We need to warn the guild,” Antonio looked at his friend, then realising he would be quicker on his own “Ok, I will drop you at the town, and then head towards the guild, once I am there, I will get them to send someone back for you.” Frederick seemed to relax at the idea, he hated the thought of running across the wastelands, trying to make it to the guild, and the possibility of bumping into more of these creatures. “Thank you, my friend, you will be quicker on your own as well.” Which was true, after all as Antonio said, he was old. Luckily, the path was clear all the way to the little town, the two made good time and were soon resting with a warm meal, and fresh water. “Shouldn’t you rest for a day or two? What will you do if you bump into any more of those things,” Frederick whispered, not wanting to scare the locals sat around them in the small inn. “I need to go, the guild needs to know as soon as possible, otherwise, they could be at risk.” Antonio wanted to stop, sleep and rest but he knew he had to go. Leaving Frederick at the small town, Antonio had set off again soon after finishing his food. Running across the wastelands, he kept checking his surroundings. Seeing things in the shadows that weren’t there, every strange sound making him jump, he was a bag of nerves after the first day. Finding a small hole at the top of a bramble he climbed in desperate to sleep, he knew he needed to rest, or he wouldn’t even make it halfway home, and no matter what he had to warn the guild. He woke to a strange noise, the sky was still dark, and the crescent moon gave only a little light, all above him the stars twinkled, flickering in the night sky, as if dancing to their own tune, Antonio stared at them drawn to the beautiful spectacle above him. The noise drew his attention back to the real world, peering into the darkness below, he tried to see what was down there, but the shadows were too deep, and the moons light too weak. Had the creatures caught them up? Climbing slowly from is hiding place he looked down towards the ground. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing, there was a creature, sword in hand, practicing fighting moves unlike those he had been trained in back at the guild, these moves were smooth, planned, and deliberate. The creature was small and covered in fur, with a long-pointed nose that twitched with each swing of their sword, big ears that twisted and turned as if listening for an invisible enemy, Antonio was sure he had seen pictures of a creature like this in the guilds books. One on creatures of the old world, before humankind had destroyed the Earth and left it to the insects but couldn’t for the life of him remember what it was called. He watched as the creature continued its practice, to one side was a rolled-up mat and a small bag, whoever the creature was they travelled light, and they seemed to be unaware of the insect watching them from above. Curling back up into his hole, Antonio was happy that whoever it was, would be there if the monsters attacked, maybe they would fight them all and win, maybe they would become the next victim, but it would mean that Antonio would be safe, at least for tonight. Drifting back to sleep he decided if they were still there in the morning he would share his breakfast, maybe they would come with him to the guild, the extra sword would be welcome on his journey after all. When he woke the next day, he slowly climbed down from the bramble, looking around there was no sign of the creature, not even a sign of anyone having been there the night before, as if they had never been there. Had he dreamt it all? A quick breakfast of dried berries, and Antonio set off, he was amazed at how little life there was out here in the wilderness, the brambles were all but dried stems, the grasses barley broke through the soil, the whole place had an air of death around it. The sun was still low in the early winter sky, and its red glow gave off little heat, patches of frost clung to the shadows, waiting for winter to take hold. Running as fast as he could, Antonio soon warmed up, with the extra heat he felt better about things, optimistic even, the brambles cleared and the ground became a great expanse of short stubby grass, there in the distance were the grey hills, great mountains of slate and rock, and behind the closest one would be the guild and then he could pass on what he had learnt, leaving it to the guild masters to make their own decisions on what would happen next. Being in the open he felt safe, he could see all around him, the beasts would not be able to sneak up on him out here and there would be no chance of bandits do the same, especially this close to the guild. Slowing to a walk, he decided that he should save his energy for later that night, there would be no safe haven tonight so he would either sleep in the open or push on and continue through the inky blackness until sunrise. Little did he know that there was a creature watching him, keeping a safe distance their ears easily picked up the pitter patter of Antonios feet, and its nose could smell the stench of the infected, the creature it was following had either been infected or been near them. It decided to wait, to watch, and see.   Day? I have lost track of what day it is I am alone. Frederick stayed at a small town a few days travel back. The creatures there were friendly enough and there was no sign of any infected. It’s cold, winter is on its way but tomorrow I will be home, and I can tell the guild of what I have learnt.   Antonio, woke with a start, the sun was rising, and dew covered every surface, his fire had gone out and he was cold and wet. Looking around he was pleased to see he was alone still. Having gone on as long as he could last night, it was the early hours when he finally forced himself to stop. His legs were giving out and he kept imagining noises and monsters everywhere. Having made a quick fire, he tried to stay alert but sleep soon took over. He looked around, double checking that he was alone, there in the distance the mountains and is home, probably half a day’s run and he would be there. Rising up on his rear legs, he could see over the short grass, one last quick look around and he was satisfied he wasn’t in any danger. Eating the last of his supplies, he had purchased at the village he set off. A short way off the same furry little creature was watching and listening, they had snuck closer last night, having checked the millipede they decided that it hadn’t been infected but had definitely been near the infected maybe even in battle with them. This millipede may be of use, not many creatures survived an encounter with the infected. Following down wind, and out of sight, intrigued by the millipede and where they were heading the mouse started to make plans. The sun was setting by the time Antonio reached the guild, it had taken longer than he expected to cross the great plain, he was worn out, hungry and every one of his legs ached. Everything seemed normal, exactly as it was when he left for his doomed mission escorting Frederick, no extra guards, no panic, they definitely weren’t aware of any issues out in the wastelands. Running to the grand meeting hall, Antonio burst through the doors, as he expected the guild masters were sat around their large stone table, papers spread around deep in discussion. “What is the meaning of this,” The grand master, shouted as he looked at Antonio. “Sir I have grave news, there is an issue out in the wastelands.” Antonio paused unsure on how to continue. “An Issue? What sort of issue? I didn’t hear your carts return, what happened to your cargo?” “We were attacked. By… By monsters.” “Monsters?” The grand master laughed, “I have heard some excuses before but never monsters! Bad weather, flash floods, but Monsters, for whom do you take us?” “it’s true sir, they were like us but empty, hollow and dried out, but stronger than you could imagine.” Antonio replied. “So did anyone survive this attack?” Antonio’s old training masters Marcus asked, trying to make sense of what his former student was saying. He had watched Antonio grow into an excellent bodyguard, who worked with dedication and honour on all his assignments. “Just cart master Frederick…” Antonio started to reply. “And where is this cart master?” The grand master spat back. “He has stayed at a small town, several day’s travel across the grasslands and into the valley beyond the Grey-Hills.” “The Grey-Hills, why may I ask were you going across that place, there is a reason we don’t use that path.” The grand master rose from his chair, walking towards Antonio. “Well, what reason did you have for going that way?” “Cart master Frederick suggested it, he said it would be interesting for my book.” Antonio patted his satchel unconsciously. “You risked your cargo, your cart and the creatures working them, all for your book?” The grand master looked at Antonio and down at the satchel, “Let me see this book of yours.” Holding out a hand he stared at Antonio. Antonio reached into his bag, pulling out the book, sheets of notes and drawings, stuck out from the pages. As grand master took hold of it, he flung it onto the table spilling its contents. “This book has caused the loss of precious cargo and the death of your whole team.” “I told you Frederick, is alive, he is at a small…” Antonio went to reply “Yes, yes, a small town that no one can prove as the pathway is to dangerous and the exact reason you should not have gone that way. You caused this loss, there are no monsters. As such you are banished…” “Hold on a second, that’s a bit harsh do you not think.” Marcus replied, looking at Antonio and then at his fellow guild master. “I have spoken, all those in favour.” The grand master looked around the table. The vote was unanimous, Antonio looked at his old teacher. I’m sorry, Marcus mouthed. There was nothing he could do for his former student. “Guards, remove this creature from the hall. He can pack his belongings and leave.” The grand master ordered. “Can I have my book?” Antonio pleaded. “Why, what good will it do you, you are banished.” The grand master looked at the book and its contents. “Well, the guild certainly doesn’t want that waste of paper. Do what you will with it.” Antonio grabbed the book, scooping up sheets of paper, he walked from the hall. The doors slammed shut behind him, and the guards pushed him towards the dormitory. “Did you have to banish him?” Marcus asked. “We can’t have him telling everyone about the monsters, the guild would not function, no one would want to cross the wastelands knowing that they could be eaten alive.” “He would have kept quiet,” Marcus looked at his fellow masters. “We can’t take the chance. He won’t last long on his own out there, that’s will then be the end of it, and we can carry on as normal.” “Normal? By mother Earth, you really don’t care about our members do you.” Marcus got up and walked towards the door. “Marcus you are forbidden from speaking to Antonio, we are here for the guild, the guild is all that matters, do you understand me?” The grand master shouted after his subordinate. “Yes,” Marcus replied as he walked from the hall.   Antonio grabbed his few belongings, saving up his pay, he had brought a few things, bits, and bobs from his travels, things to remember places by, with one last look around what had been his home for a few dozen moons, he turned and walked from his dormitory, thoughts were running through his head, unable to understand why the guild masters were being so obstructive, did they know of the creatures already? Surely not, they would have warned the members wouldn’t they. As the guards escorted Antonio out from the guild, they watched him, what had the millipede done? They would never question their masters and their brother must have been guilty of something for them to justify being expelled, but no one had been expelled from the guild for as long as they could remember. Antonio didn’t look back as he walked across the wasteland and back towards where he had left Frederick. If they wouldn’t listen to him, he would find others who would, he would clear his name and let the world know of the threat coming to them all. Behind a small outcrop of rocks, the strange little creature with big ears and its twitching nose watched. It could no longer smell the infected on the millipede, which was good, there was no way they would be able to take on the whole guild if the millipede had indeed been infected and in turn infected the creatures inside the guilds walls. But now she was intrigued as to why they had thrown their brother out into the wilderness. She had heard of the guild and seen their warriors protect their caravans of goods against bandits and thieves, but why would they send one of their own out into the wild alone? Although the millepede no longer smelt of infected, it had a distinctive smell and was easy to follow, trailing behind at a distance, she decided she would keep track of this creature, maybe they could help each other she thought, she too was alone having lost her sisters. She couldn’t take on the infected alone so maybe it was time to find others to fight side by side with? Catch up with Antonio and our mysterious mouse, in Arthurs Tale, a Word Spider Story coming late 2024.