The Gape - Epic Fantasy excerpt

The Gape stood like a towering mesa to the left of the warriors as they labored through the sandy plains towards their destination. At the time of night it was, the great ridge looked like a petrified galley that had lowered it's mast and sail one final time and set itself like a stone into a ring of eternity.

Ryon knew from Derrett's extensive lore teachings in Erothgar that The Gape was known to be the birthplace of the Antertal clans. Ancient rituals and ceremonies had occurred there, on the windy heathland, above the volcanic lake, for aeons before his ancestors the Elestregali had laid claim to the land.

The Twain sighed a desert cold blast of relief, realising in his heart and mind that if it was not for the marriage that had bought the two worlds of Elestregali and Andertal together, he would now be in the company of a hostile and powerful foe.

Yet, In this moment of personal realisation, standing below the ancient eroded remnants of a volcanic empire, he felt nothing but frustration. The century old marriage that had brought peace to the nations of the Realm had also led to his parents death in Kinslairn.

"This is the path, Lord Ryon." said H'roth, the Sanadali tracker who had led them through the Anders Plains to their current sobering location. The trackers words awakened Ryon from his thought. "Thank you H'roth.", answered Ryon dreamily. They await my command, he thought, like there is a thorn of my family's control still embedded in their souls after all these years.

Derrett, realising Ryon's preoccupation, took command of the envoy, proclaiming, "tonight we will make a warriors camp at the feet of our mother, tomorrow we will climb to a fate unknown. May the new day bring peace to our land".

As the warriors dispersed to organise their food and bedding, Derrett turned to speak to Ryon. Looking to the place where The Twain had stood, he saw nothing but bare earth and a trail of dust heading towards the Gape.