Hotch slumped on a three-legged stool along his longhall’s eastern end. He clasped both sides of his head with his hands and rubbed his short blonde hair. His tool belt dug into his waist. He ignored the discomfort.

After Elewýs had returned from her previous escapade, she’d rolled her possessions into a single blanket and left. In the space of five minutes Hotch had gone from hopeful to dejected. He’d lost. Having been teased with the promise of greater things and having it be taken away again only made worse.

Was it my fault? I was the perfect gentleman: attentive, affectionate, and thoughtful. Yet Elewýs chose to marry that sack-less ponce, Eormenric. I bet he threatened her or warped her mind with dirty magic tricks.

I will expose him.

Hotch stormed from the longhall. His stomach rumbled.

Dinner can wait.

He hurried along the cobbled street. The Galdorcwide he passed kept their distance.

They are afraid after I won my fight against Eormenric; they know their place.

Hotch approached Eormenric’s home and banged on the door. He straightened his deer pelt doublet.

Eormenric answered the door in a short linen tunic and a leather apron. He scowled, “Elewýs is hunting.” He swept the back of his nails against his apron; wood shavings floated onto the porch, “I’m not sure how many days she’ll be.”

“I’m not here for Elewys,” said Hotch. He flexed his arms, “I’m sorry I punched you.”

“I would apologise too if I believed you,” said Eormenric.

“Does she really hate me that much?” Hotch hated his pathetic tone, but couldn’t stop, “What did I do?”

“I can’t answer that without sounding like an ass. Ask Elewýs.”

“She’s betraying her people!”

“Everyone in Wigsteall is a part of ‘her people’.”

“How can you say that? We had lives of our own and your forest took them away. We are part of your town, not you.”

Eormenric smirked, “Elewýs lives with me.”

Hotch growled, “You’re forcing her!”

“If anyone is to blame, Hotch, it’s you. Always pushing your views and affections, never noticing how your actions impact those around you. You want to be accepted, loved, and understood? Open your eyes!

“Are you blind to the empty homes, overgrown roads, and reed choked ponds? We are a dying people, trapped in a world of our own making. Yet when you enter your longhall what do you see? Resentment? Fear? No, it’s smiles, new families, and people working together. Your people, as you call them, have breathed new life into our world, and we can never express our gratitude enough. You want to be accepted by us, but refuse the hand extended to you. The sooner you take that prideful thumb out your bung-hole, the quicker you’ll find the answers you’re searching for.”

Hotch swung his fist at Eormenric’s bland, piggy face. Eormenric swayed from Hotch’s wild punch. Hotch’s fist crashed into the door frame, filling his fist with splinters.

“Why are you even here Hotch? Another hollow apology isn’t going to get you what you want.”

“Bastard, why do you care?”

“I don’t, but your constant ambushes upset my fiancée. I’ll do anything to make her happy. Right now, that means ignoring your idiocy and showing you the truth.”

“What truth, Eormenric? I’m listening and all I hear are lies.”

“I couldn’t have put it better myself. Follow me.”

Hotch plucked the splinters from his knuckles while Eormenric grabbed a reed torch and pulled the door shut.

Hotch smirked.

For years I’ve tried to expose the Galdorcwide’s perfidious nature and now Eormenric will do it for me.

“Where are you taking me?” said Hotch.

“A cavern.”

“Has Elewýs been there?”

“Yes, we’re not supposed to go there without an Elder, but it’s not enforced.”

“Why?”

“None are willing to visit.”

Hotch fingered the tools hanging from his belt.

If Eormenric tries to kill me, he will fail.

They reached the central tree. The Galdorcwide claimed it was eight-hundred feet tall, but it was another lie, nothing could grow that big.

To many leaves and branches to see the top. Too high to climb or measure, so how could they know?

“Pass me your tinder box,” said Eormenric.

“I will light the torch.”

Eormenric shoved the bundled reeds at him, “Fine.”

Hotch placed the reed torch on the ground, pulled a flint and steel from his belt and struck sparks over the oil-laden reed head. The torch caught alight, spitting burning oil at his face. Hotch rubbed his cheek with the back of his hand.

“Where next?” said Hotch.

Eormenric pointed to a door between the roots of the forest behemoth.

Hotch hesitated.

“Last chance, Hotch. I’ve had enough of you pissing about.”

“You first.”

“Give me the torch.”

Hotch shook his head.

“Don’t make me regret this,” said Eormenric. He disappeared into the dark void beneath the tree.

Hotch followed. A few paces in, he encountered moss coated, stone steps. Eormenric’s footprints were springing from the soft, green carpet. The sounds and smells of the forest assaulted Hotch’s senses.

He coughed and spluttered, black, oily smoke filling his vision. Eormenric’s soft steps echoed from below. Hotch sped up.

I can’t let him out of my sight.

Down and down Hotch rushed, until he was dizzy from all the circles he’d run. His fervent heart pounded in his chest. Hotch stumbled into a cavern. Eormenric caught him.

“Get off me,” said Hotch.

Eormenric shrugged.

I feel weird.

Hotch held his torch above his head and peered at his adversary, “What are you doing to me?”

“Nothing.”

“You’re lying.”

“See for yourself.”

Luminescent towering obelisks of sinister yellow leered at Hotch, “Is this it? Your great secret is thirteen rocks?”

“Something like that.”

Hotch’s blood raged as he squeezed the handle of his hammer. He approached the closest obelisk. They were covered with little scratches. He chuckled.

They’ve been defaced.

Overflowing with obscene glee, Hotch blessed the obelisk with a vicious kick. Bright red veins shot up the stone. He leapt back in horror.

Magic.

“You tricked me!” said Hotch.

“I don’t care what you believe, but I wouldn’t kick them.”

“Why?”

“Do you have a death wish, you frothing mutt?” said Eormenric. “Enough magic flows beneath these obelisks to distort the land for hundreds of miles. Even with the obelisks’ suppressive influence, the Galdorcwide are huge. Who knows what would happen if you broke one.”

“How dare you take Elewýs to a place like this!”

“You wanted to know what we were hiding. Elewýs was no different. How does it feel to be trusted, Hotch?”

“I hate you.”

“I’m leaving. You should too. Don’t come here again.” Eormenric snatched the torch from Hotch’s hands and hurried up the stairs, leaving Hotch to bathe in the obelisks’ sallow light