> ...as we walked among the trees
>  by BMIR
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


***


The day started as any other Sunday before. It was time to open stalls, filled with various types of wares. Vegetables, fruits, berries, spices and flowers. On a Sunday market the townfolk could find and buy anything he or she wanted. Ponies called out to those who browsed, luring them to their stalls an trying to sell their wares. However, there was an exception.

The Sunday Market started to open up at 7 in the morning on the town square, forming a ring and two lines with the stalls, often staying in front of their homes and shops. There was, however, one trader that didn't had a stall, preferring to leave his wares in front of him on a square, worn, linen rug. This trader didn't sold any fruits or vegetables, he sold herbs, accessories and pelts. Often he had carefully cut meat, wrapped in three layers of paper that was stained with blood. He kept the meat in his large bag, so it would not go to waste under the sun and warmth of the early autumn. The days started to became shorter and the nights longer.

He sat on the ground, waiting for customers to buy from him, busying himself with carving a drawings on pieces of wood or bones with his sharp, straight, knife (if you need a visualisation - search for "finka knife"). Sometimes he would bring his guitar and slowly pluck the strings or even play a full song, without any words. His wardrobe consistent of a dark grey sweater, a dirty beige scarf, a simple gas mask with one lense for both eyes and no filter attached, grey short coat with hood on, a pair of fingerless warm gloves, pants with a belt and high boots, often cowered in some places with mud, as well as traveller's backpack shaped like a sack. If someone would note his actual features - they would notice that his fingernails were a dim black, like he got hit on them with something. Despite the uncouth look - he always smelled fresh, like a forest after rain and most of the stains on his clothes were old and close to fading.

Today his assortment of wares was humble - couple of herb bunches, some accessories like the teeth of dangerous beasts, a couple of small paper bags labelled 'Grinded poison oak leafs' and a single small glass bottles around 250 ml labeled "Apple vinegar". To pass the time he choose to carve some chess figures out of a piece of berch branch. He didn't payed much attention at the curious and sometimes disgusted gazes of those who walked past him. It was not of his concerns - what might others think of him.

"How much fer the apple vinegar?" - Asked young, polite female voice with southern accent. He stopped mid cut, looking up at the sudden customer. She was a blonde, green eyed girl in her twenties. Black tank top, checkered red shirt, similar to those that was worn by lumberjacks, jeans and cowboy lether boots. She was eyeing the bottle on the rug with a curiosity in her eyes. He carefully put down his knife and a piece of branch, fishing out of the inner pocket of his coat a notebook and a piece of sharpened charcoal on a thick twig. Quickly opening a clean page he wrote down his answer and showed it to the girl.

《10 bits.》

"Good price, partner. We usually sell vinegar fer 15 bits. What's the difference?" - She asked, counting the coins on her palm. Again, he scribbled his answer and showed it to her.

《Wild forest apples, natural process of fermentation on air, good as medicine for aching joints.》

"You mean... from the Everfree? Darn, I might buy some more next time if this would actually help Granny." - She left the required amount of bits on the rug and took the glass bottle, looking trough the vinegar in the bottle at the sun. - "Where I can find ya?" - Again, some time for writing the answer and showing it to the girl.

《In the woods. Don't look for me intentionally, you'll be safer.》

"Wait... So you're that Val fella, aint'cha? You've been the talk o' the town fer past two weeks. Ponies said that you live in th' Everfree. So that's true?" - At this he only nods and started to pack his stuff in his backpack, checking the skies before grabbing the first paper bag. - "Well, nice to meet'cha, Val. Name's Jacqueline Apple, but most of mah friends call me Jackie. I'll see ya next Sunday?" - She held up her hand for a shake. While she was talking - Val already packed his herbs and trophies, rolled the rug and hoisted it under his backpack, put his knife in the sheaths on the back of his waist under the coat, but stopped after he was ready to leave and looked at the girl with the same calm eyes behind the lense. He put his backpack on and rose to his feet. He was close to 190 cm in height and looked slightly down on Jackie. But after looking in her eyes for a couple of seconds - Val slowly nodded, shaking the girl's hand couple of times with his own. His skinny arm released the strong and musculine palm of a farmer girl, after which he turned his head on the right, looking in the general direction of the infamous forest. Turning his head back to the confused Jackie - he one last used his notebook to write the message for the girl before him.

《Avoid walking near the forest for the next week or so. Something was disturbing timberwolfes and noks recently.》

After reading this - the farm girl nodded, looking with worry and concern at Vale. - "Thank ya for the warning. I'll relay this to mah family and friends. What is a nok?..."

To this, he didn't use his notebook to explain, deciding to show instead. He lowered his gaze, searching his left outer pocket of the coat. After couple of seconds he showed Jackie a pair of short but sharp pyramid-like teeth and a singular black nail-claw. Unlike other predators - nok was more crafty. They live in groups, specifically underground, in caves or abandoned mines. Small, furless and vicious bipedal carnivores - they tore trough flesh with glee, using their claws, teeth and numbers. Four noks could eat all the meat on the cow under a minute, leaving the carcass bare. Jackie was a little scared at the sight of the trophies, but decided to not push for description. The sight of teeth and a claw was enough to convince her to belive Val. He gently took her free hand and left the teeth and a claw in her palm, after what just nodded to her and headed in the direction of the Evergreen. Jaqueline looked at his back for a couple of seconds after he left, then returning to her stall, where Anna - Jackie's younger sister - stayed all this time. The little girl smiled to her sister, unbeknown to the inner worry of Jacqueline.


***


Soil was wet from the last night's storm. The forest often remind Val of someone's small aquarium with controlled ecosystem and weather. While the town was warm and dry without any clouds - Evergreen's skies were covered with heavy, rainy clouds. Tall trees, rocky hills without any resemblance of the road, large berry bushes were hiding under the trees, ferns decorate the scenery, as the other plants with their various types. Occasional serenade of some bird could be heard from the tops, deeper in the forest. To those who entered Evergreen for the first time - it would look like the most peaceful place they saw. Little did they know - what kind of dangers those trees hide.

Poisonous plants, parasitic insects, snakes, predators... Every creature here either adapt, leave or become someones source of food. Not to mention deep holes, covered by high grass, or bogs that will drag you drown, towards the unknown bottom to meet your doom. Val crouched, listening to the sounds of the woods. He heard the faint scratches of tiny claws at the wood that were belong to a squirrel, a silent noise of a little rodent moving a grass as he or she moved trough and... A pair of growls. Not too far, sixty-five steps north-east, on the small clearing? A fast breathing, someone small framed. Female voice, whine of pain. They probably bit her. There was a fallen hollow tree, maybe she hid inside? Probably. Need to check, have some meat for the distraction if needed, one loaded shell and three more in the coat, should be enough. If anything - could resort to the knife behind my back...

Val rose up and bent his knees a little, heading north. There was a high ground he could use to look around. In light jog he came at the said high ground and indeed - abandoned wagon with an ark tent above, no sight of a horse that was strapped to the wagon... Not too far away from the wagon two timberwolfes were circling the hollow tree on the ground, growling and snapping their jaws. Val put his right hand on the grip of his single shot sawed-off, pulling the weapon from homemade leather holster, cock the hammer back and took aim. Roughly twenty steps from the closest timberwolf. Breath in...


***


Zecora clenched her teeth, trying to stop the bleeding on her left arm. She felt like the most unluckiest person in the world. Robbed while she was sleeping, lost in this forest, attacked and wounded by predators and now was slowly accepting her grim fate. She's going to die here, if not from those two timberwolfes - then from loss of blood. With no food, water, warm clothes or means to defend herself - she's dead in here. Coming here was a great mistake...

The wolfes stopped their assault, surprising zebricanian. They stood silently on their spots, looking in one direction. A sudden loud shot boomed from the side of forest and the beast that was on her 'head' side fall to the ground with a large chunk of it's body tore open and leaking sap. The beast on the 'feet' side presumably lunged at the direction of attacker, but soon could only whimper and became silent afterwards, meeting the same fate. The first one was still alive and judging by the calm steps - her savior was coming to her.

She saw the dirty boots and worn out pants, her breath hitched when he lowered to end the life of timberwolf with something sharp. 'The stranger is armed and knowledgeable, maybe I am saved?' - she thought to herself. The stranger came to the hollow tree, taking careful steps and knocked three times on the bark. 'Is he checking if I'm still alive? I should respond...' - after which she returned the knocks from the inside. She heard a silent exhale, giving out her own relaxed breath out. Now was the question - is it going to hurt her arm when she will try to get out?...


***


She was still alive, that's good. But how to get her out of there? Val gave out a small frown, but soon hear a struggle inside and while the female was getting out - he take off his bag and lowered it on the ground, searching for bandages.

"If it's not too hard - could you help me get out?" - A weak, pained voice rang from the hollow tree. - "Just pull me out by my hand, the other one was bitten and hurt pretty bad." - After those words - a gentle dark skinned hand showed from the hole. Val came to her and after grabbing the woman - dragged her out of her wooden sanctuary.

He took notice of the rescued. She was not a native to Equestria, having a dark skin that looked like chocolate, black long braids with wooden beads here and there in her hair, her eyes were rich green. Aside from that - she was grossly underdressed, wearing a brown cloth on her waist like skirt and the same cloth around her breasts. She should be freezing, especially after the storm and laying almost on the ground for who knows how long.

Val sat her down, examining her wound and hastely treating it, washing the bite with the content of his watercan, applying a paste mix of some herbs with water and covering it with bandages, made out of white cloth. After he was done - he looked at the face of the woman. She was looking at how he was working with tired but thankful expression. Val gave out another exhale and set aside the rest of the bandages, pulling out his notebook and charcoal pen.


***


'What a curious man... He know how to work with herbs, treat wounds and not afraid of fighting... Maybe he lives near this forest...' - Zecora thought to herself, lost in thoughts while watching her savior at work. She noticed that he pulled out some kind of a diary and a piece of coal, scribbling something, and showing to her afterwards.

《Are you hurt anywhere else, miss?》

'He's mute... that's why he didn't spoke, poor soul...' "Oh... no. Thank you, kind stranger. My trip to this place so far was not kind to me and meeting you is a pleasant change. My name is Zecora Mtunga Dawa, I came here to continue my studies on becoming herbalist. But... as you already saw, kind stranger - I fallen to the misfortune of being attacked not once but twice already. I'm ashamed to ask, but do you have something to eat? The bandits stole my supplies two days ago."

The man before her thought for a second, after writing again and answering Zecora's plead.

《Not here, too dangerous to stay on the open. Come, I'll lead you to my cabin and let you have your fill and rest. You are not the first traveller I've seen here. My name's Val, pleasure to meet you.》

Zecora sincerely smiled for the first time in a couple of days. Val helped her to get on the feet and after looking around - put his backpack on and headed into the depths of the Evergreen.


***


A short walk has come to an end after twenty minutes, when the old cabin came to the view. It was a wooden building that looked like an abandoned two-story house with a cone rooftop. The roof and veranda of the house was cowered in darkened from time leafs, a white paint that was the colour of the outside walls was almost non-existent. All of the first floor windows were barricaded with planks, only the second floor windows had an unclear greyish glass in them. At the side of the house was a small three by two shed with a bulky lock on the door. The building itself was in the center of a small clearing in the shape of a cracked soup plate, surrounded by the willow trees with a spring coming near the edge of a clearing. The sight was alien to Zecora, however she felt... calm... like the place itself was radiating the soothing feeling. She shuddered from the fresh, cold air. The walk was not that far, but her guide took it slow, showing her the right path, around the set up traps on the ground that he himself made for the wild beasts, as well the natural holes on the ground. 

Despite the overall old look of the house from outside - inside of the Val's cabin was in decent condition. Clear common area with a simple wooden floor and old cream wallpapers. Furniture was a little dusty, red couch had a couple of pillows on it, a massive chair near the couch, a brick fireplace with a cracking of fire was warming the room. Stairs that led to the second floor on the left side from the entrance and a kitchen at the other side of the floor. Overall - the place was comfy and Zecora was happy that Val found and helped her. He led her to the couch and sat her down, sitting on the armrest of the chair. He left his backpack on the set of iron hooks for the clothes near the entrance. While zebricanian was warming up, holding her palms in the direction of fire - Val pulled out his notebook and pen, writing again.

《In what part of Evergreen you wanted to live, Zecora?》

"I heard that there is a very fertile soil in these woods, as well as many of the rare herbs. A small clearing would be enough to raise my treehouse and build a simple garden." - She answered with a warm smile.

《If what I saw is any indication - you didn't knew what to expect in these woods.》

She looked down, locking both of her hands together. - "Indeed. I didn't knew that it would be so dangerous... I'm honestly thinking about returning to Zebrica." - Val looked at her face for some time, seemingly debating on something.

《What do you need for your studies?》

The woman looked at her host with confusion, but netherless answered. - "Some of my instruments were stolen, alchemical table still intact in my wagon, ingredients were taken, food and water were taken as well... treehouse seed still with me, but I need to prepare a brew for it to grow." - He listened, taking notes on the way. After she finished - Val write her an answer.

《Tell me - what ingredients do you need. You can cook the brew on my table, I'll then lead you to town, so you could be closer to safety and grow the plants there. Also, you didn't say anything about clothes. I have some spare ones that will fit you.》

After she read this - Zecora looked at Val with glints in her eyes and trembling lips. - "Thank you..." - She silently said, lowering her head. He gave her a light pat on the shoulder while leaving to the kitchen.

A simple rectangular table, couple of chairs, cooking table and an old iron stove that uses wood for cooking. Val tossed some firewood inside of the stove, then some broken thick branches and lit up the matchstick, starting a fire. While it was burning - he came back to now calmed down but still cold girl.

《Keep closer to the fire, I'll bring some clothes from the second floor and will start on the food. Be right back.》
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


***


As the evening rolled over and the day work was done - Jackie and both of her sisters, Anna and Eva, were back to the house to have some alone time - Jacqueline approached her grandmother - Maria Smith, who most of the town called Granny Smith. Mrs Smith was an elderly woman with a lot of wisdom in her eyes. She's a grandmother of Apple siblings from their mother's side, watching them and helping on the farm from time to time, against the wishes of her grandkids. Lately - she couldn't stay on her feet for too long, as the joints of her knees started to ache when she walked for too long or stayed up without rest. In terms of appearance - the elderly woman more on a pudgy side, a relatively long grey hair for her age, that she often braided into a 'nest' on the back of her head. She often wore a green long dresses with a white apron and her red shoes. Currently she was at the kitchen, working on the dinner and making a pause every so often to sit down and let her feet to rest. Jackie caught that moment to talk to her.

"Granny, do ya have a moment?" - Jackie started hesitantly. She knew that Granny was kind yet very stubborn and suspicious when it came to something new. It wouldn'tbe a surprise if she reject the bought vinegar.

"I have every moment in tha world, Jackie. What's botherin' ya?" - The elderly woman said kindly, swiping the sweat from her forehead with an apron and looking at the girl.

"I've... met with one of the traders taday. Ya might hear bout' im. He's name is Val." - At that the face of Granny took a curious expression, but she nodded nothenless. - "He was sellin' a forest apple vinegar, told me that it's good for the achin' knees."

"I've heard of th' fella, alright. He's livin' in tha forest, ain't he? Must be knowledgeable 'bout it. Lemme get mah glasses and I have a look." - The elderly woman said, taking her glasses from the top of her head and putting them on her nose. Jacqueline was surprised, but still gave the bottle to her grandmother.

Marie looked at the simple, small bottle for a couple of seconds, read the small label on the string that was attached to the neck of the bottle and looked at the brown-ish see-trough liquid. She then uncorked it, taking a distant sniff and giving a small smile. - "Yup, that Val fella know his stuff, alright. Right colour an' smell. I'll try that, fer sure." - She nodded to herself, looking back at Jackie. - "How much did ya pay 'im?"

"Ten bits, even though tha' it could be bogus after he started to pack his stuff."

"That man didn't rate his work properly, I could pay thirty fer that bottle. Next time you see 'im - tell 'im that." - She shook her head, standing up and after putting her glasses back to the top of her head - returned to cooking.

"He also told me to stay away from th' Everfree for a week or so, sumthin' bout riled up timberwolfes and noks."

"That's kind o' im'. It's good to have fella like im' around. Thank ya for the warning, sugar. Tell yer sisters that too. Dinner will be ready in an hour."

"Sure will, Granny. I'm surprised ya took that vinegar that easy. Usually you are more suspicious towards th' unknown." - Jackie said surprised, leaning on the table with both hands.

"That's because others are more fer th' money, than quality. That fella made a fine brew and was humble bout it. Now go an relax, sugarcube." - She dismissed with a gentle smile.

"Sure will, Granny." - Jacqueline nodded, turning around and walking outside, in the still warm evening. Today was productive and profitable day, but like her eyes were on reflex - she looked at the top of the trees that were seen from the front of the house and hummed in thought. She should keep some weapon at herself, when working or walking at the far orchard, near the forest. Maybe some kind of revolver? Or just keep dad's double-barrel near her?... It's always good to practice from time to time and keep the old reliable in good condition. After all, Eva said that she heard the sound of a gunshot from the forest today, when Jacqueline and Anna were in town.


***


It was three days later after Val saved Zecora and she took refugee in his cabin. So far - the woman had a good experience with her savior, yet sometimes he was strange. He provided a more suitable clothes and footwear for her, had a place to freshen up (even if it was a simple metal barrel, instead of a bathtub), always cooked for her and even let her have the unused spare room on the second floor all for herself. But the oddities were that - Zecora didn't saw Val's face for all these two and a half days, he always covers it with his gas mask. The only glimpse she had is his short, spiky ginger hair with grey streaks. Also - it looks like he either have many pairs of the exact same clothes, or he just doesn't change them. But she didn't mind, he did smell quite good when she had a chance to take his scent in.

Additional to the overall picture of Val - he did, in fact, was mute. He explained it that he was born with his vocal cords not being fully formed, so as a baby he couldn't scream, opting for voiceless grunts, or so he was told by his parents. Also, as it turns out - his full name was Valentin, but he got used to the nickname Val. When it came to the question of his daily routine - Zecora asked about where he always going. To that he answered 'looking trough the forest for those, who lost their lives here.' He showed her his recent findings : an old locket with two old photos and a more modern, broken in half and chewed bolt action rifle with a little engraving of the name 'Harvey'. He can come to the town and turn them in, so the families could at least know - what happened.

Val also said, that the forest is bigger than Zecora might be thinking. For a start - Evergreen Forest is a summarisation of a group of the nearest areas. Those areas being : Whitetail Woods, Last Wish Ravine, Boggy Bottom Swamp, The Old Woods and Fort Blackrock.

Whitetail Woods is where they were currently now. It's a thick forest area, populated with common animals and couple of the monsters, such as timberwolfes.

Last Wish Ravine is a place, where most of the travellers lose their lives. Overall - that place is not very populated by predators, often housing small and medium sized avians and overall is safer than any other part of the Evergreen, but the path itself are extremely dangerous. Often Val could find corpses of some unfortunate folk that fallen into the chasm and broke most of their bones at his or her way down. They often die with an open eyes, the shock and pain still on their faces.

Boggy Bottom was more of a hunting ground, often used by hunters that were killing the monsters in there. Hunting season for monsters starts in the middle of spring and ends in the last month of summer. Good way for others to help in keeping the population of dangerous beasts in check and earn a trophy from killed beast, such as hydras, fungals, wolfes, bears and so on. Noone to this day couldn't kill the beast that resides deeper into the forest, giving their lifes or sanity away to this monster, mumbling in fright about black feathers with blue shine.

To the surprise of Zecora - Val almost begged her to avoid going inside of The Old Woods. Place was holding an old town with a destroyed castle and a deep underground tunnel system, that was leading into the Fort Blackrock. He was in The Old Woods couple of times and made a map of the place, sure, but there was more dangers than in any part of the Everfree. Dangers that he could only avoid, as fighting them is futile. Because not only wildlife prefers to inhabit this forest.

Speaking of The Blackrock Fort - it was currently a dead settlement. Back then - as he discovered trough the old books, recovered from the Castle's library - it was a mining colony, acting as a prison. Now none could tell - what's in there. Every bird avoided this place, set on the lone island, surrounded by the lake and a high stone walls without a gates. Val had gone there only once, and as he stared with a hint of terror in his always calm eyes at his notebook while writing - 'I was there for only two hours and yet - it felt like a fever dream. I can't even remember how I came back home. I don't want to go there and will not tell about what I remember without a good reason.'


***


As another Sunday was coming along, so does their plan. Zecora now was fit with new clothes, small backpack with blankets in them and her treehouse seed, potion to make the said treehouse and a couple of essentials that were recovered from her wagon by Val. Zebricanian was now dressed into a similar grey sweater, long beige coat, long knitted grey scarf, black pants and a high boots, fit to let the user travel trough the forest and stay warm. Plan for this Sunday was - find a suitable place for Zecora's house, recover the rest of her belongings from the wagon, stock-up for some cutlery and dishes for her house and if he will have some time - sell the finished chessboard with figures, along with a couple of trophies and another bottle of vinegar.

This time - Val had left his sawed-off at the cabin because of the lack of ammo, opting for his another firearm - a scratched, but overall well kept rifle. It held five rounds, the frame and wooden details were made out of the walnut and had a piece of thin cloth wrapped around the foregrip with the knot being under the barrel (I can't call it like that in the fic, but it's just a Mosin Nagan model 1891. The sawed-off that was mentioned is a Baikal MR-13 with an attachable wooden stock). To the surprise of Val - Zecora had an experience in shooting, but prefers to use something like a staff or a spear and a bow, saying that she was more comfortable with them.

For all of their expenses - Val had 247 bits, which was enough to buy everything Zecora required. They left Val's cabin at six in the morning, so they would get to the town in forty minutes at the steady pace. Before they were about to enter the town - Val fully wrapped his weapon in cloth to not agitate the guards. The weapon itself could be used as intended if the need arises, but walking around and parading his rifle was a bad idea. Most of the town guards used 5 shot revolvers and shortswords, the army already developed automatic weapons. It was strange and somewhat racist.

Those who had a gift of magic didn't need weapons, concentrating on artifacts of their choice to cast spells and fencing, often holding high ranks. They were often dangerous, because said artifact is either a ring, wand or tattoos. Without the first two - mages couldn't cast, the latter could be blocked by the wristband, made out of special metal. Overall - there is two types of tattoos - birthmark or a stigma. If mage was born with his tattoo - he often was a noble with 'pure' blood and had an affinity to casting. If mage had a drawn tattoo - it often was a family crest or one of the six main elements to boost the wanted type. Nobody could have both birthmark and a stigma, that was concidered as crime. 

As for the types of magic and mages - they could be a battle mages, explicitly serving as soldiers and guards, because they could cast only harming spells, or simple mages that usually was able to control wind, ignite a fire, summon a small stream of water, etc. Of course, there was equestrians that didn't had any magic at all. It was a common thing and yes, there was that racism thing, but if you was born with magic in your body - your life already was more easy.

Magic itself was split into six elements : Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Arcane and Sacred. Fire is simple to understand - controlling fire and everything that is 'hot'. Water and all other elemental magic are self explained overall. Arcane concidered a supportive element and could act as a 'boost' for all other elements or even the body of a caster, but it could be self-sustained, usually binded with pure essence of magic. The most famous Arcane-Fire mage is Princess Coraline Sol, current ruler of Equestria, and the most famous Pure-Arcane mage to this day, a mentor of Princess Coraline - Adam Starswirl, that put magic into categories and discovered astronomy. The last type of magic is Sacred. The Sacred magic is akin to a myth, as it is extremely rare, often having different effects on different bearers. The most infamous Sacred mages to this day is Eris Hoss, 'Spirit of Chaos' and Alexander Noir, 'Undead Ruler'.


***


While Zecora had gone for a walk around the shops to purchase the required things - Val stayed on the street, showing his items for sale. To pass the time - he choose to braid a bow string. Val didn't mind that Zecora was staying with him - but he did understood that she wanted her own place. After all - everybody need a person around them, but it happens that it feels better when they are alone. Or so he heard.

He was in the middle of a string, when a young, high pitch voice called him. - "Good day, Mister Val! Can I buy the vinegar, please?"

He raised his head, looking at the owner of the voice. It was a young, maybe around twelve years old girl. Lanky, but with good amount of muscles in her arms and legs. Ginger, almost red straight hair, brown eyes, she wore a yellow t-shirt, jean jumpsuit with suspenders and a simple convers, a red bow in her hair adding to her appearance.

《You came on behalf of Jacqueline Apple?》

"Yup! Name's Anna Apple, sis asked me ta come buy the vinegar if ya had any. The bottle she bought last time did wonders to the Granny's legs. She couldn't come herself, because she's preparing for family reunion in a couple of days." - She brightly smiled, holding her hands behind her back and bowing forward a little.

《Good to hear. Hold up a little, I have something for her.》

He took a small, simple green linen towel with a small picture of three bear cubs out of his backpack, using it as a wrapping for the purchase. A bottle of said vinegar, four small yellow apples he picked up on the way to the town and a note, signed as 'to Jackie'. After tying it up - he held it to the girl with sparkling from happiness eyes,  writing the price tag.

 《That would be 10 bits.》

"Sis said that Granny rated yer work not for ten, but thirty bits and said to pay ya ac...accro... ac-cor-ding-ly, yeah that. So here..." - She stretched her left hand with a small bag of bits. At this - Val could only gave a voiceless laugh and a shake of hid head. Jackie did a smart thing sending her sister. She knew he would argue with her, but not with the little girl. She took the package and after waving goodbye - skipped away. Hope Jacqueline get his message in time.


***


After Zecora finished with her shopping and Val managed to sell the chess bundle to a woman named Cheerilee - they met at the town's centre and headed to the guard's station to turn in Valentin's findings. After they were done - they headed back to the woods. They were walking past the Sweet Apple Acres and fortunately - it looked like Jacqueline got his message, as she now was standing on the left side of the entrance to the farm. Zecora was confused to see the farmer approach them, but was keeping calm. 

"Howdy there, Val!" - Jackie greeted him,  while they both were shaking hands. - "This is the one ye wrote 'bout?" - The blonde eyed zebricanian from head to toe, after wich smiled. - "Well, name's Jacqueline Apple, me and mah family own this 'ere farm. What's yer name, sugarcube?"

A little bit hesitantly, but Zecora answered. - "My name is Zecora Mtunga Dawa. May I know of what are you mean by 'is this her'?"

"Oh, that? Val 'ere wrote me taday and asked to meet with ya. Apperently, we're goin' to be neighbours." - She shrugged, while Val already wrote his explanation.

《The closest clearing for Zecora's house is 50 meters inside the Evergreen. It's better to know - where your neighbors live so you could communicate and help each other if needed. I live too far away.》

"Well darn, that's mighty smart of ya, Val. Anyway, I'm happy to meet'cha, Zecora. Thanks fer the vinegar and apples, by the way, Val. Sour and sweet, just as I like 'em. And vinegar helped Granny with her legs." - She gave him a thankful smile.

At this - he shook his head slowly, giving out a voiceless laugh. 

 《It was clever to sent your sister, Jackie. You knew I would argue about the price with you.》

She grinned, winking at him. - "What did ya expect? Granny praised yer work and want ta pay ya as much as ye deserve." - She laughed, and then exhaled, gaining more troubled expression. - "Hey, um... Can I ask ya a question?" - At his nod - Jackie continued. - "We're havin' a family reunion in two days from taday and... I was wondering if... ya could watch the forest outskirts in this day? I just want ta make my family safe..."

《What do you want me to do?》

"Just... Be around the farm fer th' day. If sumthin happen - tell me. I'll pay ya accordingly." 

He thought for a moment, after what nodded and wrote a reply.

《I'll be there in the morning.》

"Whew... thank ya. I'll be more at peace - knowin' that ye watchin' over us. Well, I hafta go back to mah chores. See ya in a couple o' days, Val." - She bid her farewell and headed back to the farm, while Zecora and Val headed to the forest. Now it was time to raise that treehouse.
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


***


Slow and steady breath behind the mask, rhythmic beats of a heart and a late evening's wind symphony, played on the countless leafs of the trees is all Val could hear at the moment. He ventured once again in the deeper part of the forest the day Zecora's house was finished. Tomorrow he would be staying at the farm, as Jacqueline asked him. Not that he was lured by the promise of a reward, no. The reason was more simple - loneliness. It said that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but you definitely could try to break the old ones. Having Zecora with him was a breath of fresh air and yet - not enough. He couldn't go and take residence in the town, even if he could transport his cabin there, because he would be sticking out as an oddity. A madman that lived in the Everfree.

He's currently was on the unspoken edge between Whitetail and Old Woods, sitting in the krone of a mighty oak with watching tube, observing the Castle and the castle grounds. As he explained to Zecora - this place was once a small village with the old castle on the edge of it. Roughly one and a half kilometre in radius from the center, the village now was mercelessly devoured by the forest. Trees growing out of the collapsed rooftops, vines holding the rusty lapmstands and the grey, lonely castle, stand in there there as a monument and a ward, waiting it's turn to become a part of the wildlife. It was ominous sight, yet there was something charming in it. If he could forget the dangers and horrors that he would face there - Val would visit it once more, just so he could admire the imposing craft of engineers, whose time long passed. It was not a secret to Val - why this place was abandoned. He learned it from the books that he took from the castle, as well as the diary of the Princess Coraline's younger stepsister - Beatrix Glowstone.

According to the diary - Beatrix was second pretend to the throne and a lot less favorable among the nobles, who found her inadequate and 'not enough royal' to be the ruler. Beatrix was a Pure-Arcane mage, similar to Adam Starswirl. She was able to overpower Coraline, as she used the pure essence of moonlight instead of the magic itself and couldn't be countered with usual defences. The diary ends with Beatrix, unsteadily writing about the night terrors and voices in her head that were making her fear the dark corners and a complete silence.

As Val observed the Castle - he was more focused on the southern tower. He learned the hard way - who took residence there. Even now, with the tiniest light from the almost full moon he could see the giant nest of a monster. Created from thick branches, supposedly clay and mutalated bodies of large animals and unfortunate hunters for the future offsprings. Gladly it was empty for now. He should not tempt the fate further and go back. Even now Val was walking on the thin ice. Besides - he had a lot work to do in the morning.


***


As per usual - the Apple family woke up early in the morning. Today was going to be a fun day for them, as many of the relatives will be coming to the farm, celebrating the new couples and newborns, as well saying their goodbyes to those who passed. Granny was more energetic this morning, waking up the first among the others - she walked down to the kitchen and started on the breakfast. Consistent use of vinegar as lotion did wonders for the old woman's knees. The pain was almost gone and she had more energy to tackle the day, especially like this one.

Following the grandmother, not long after, wakes up the elder of the three sisters - Evangeline, or shortly Eva. The tall and musculine girl worked hard on the farm, seemingly taking the role of a brother, carrying heavy weights and doing more strenght-dependant chores. She was a green-eyed blonde with a toned skin. Her face was occupied with generous amount of freckles and her mouth often held a small smile. She was first to take a morning shower and do the early chores, such as feeding the livestock of chicken and cows.

While Eva was busy with the morning routine - Anna and Jackie were waking up. Jackie said at the yesterday's dinner table that Val agreed on guarding the reunion, which caused Granny to tease the middle sibling, saying that she will turn away when Jacqueline going to 'dissappear' from the party and will cover her. Needless to say - she was very frustrated with that, to the amusement of an old woman and other girls. At today's breakfast Anna asked - when Val will be coming, to which Jackie answered she would not be surprised - if he's already near the farm. 

After breakfast Eva and Jackie started to pull a long tables from the barn, setting them on the front lawn. This was not a hard work and they finished in two hours, after what took a short break. That's when Anna voiced her finding.

"Sis, look! Mister Val is here!" - She announced, pointing at the roof of the house. Indeed - the grey figure was sitting at the top of the roof with his back to them, holding his rifle and watching the scenery of the Everfree edges. 

"Well darn, I guess that fella was 'ere before even the sun was up." - Said Jacqueline, scratching the back of her head.

"I didn't even looked tha' way..." - Mumbled Eva to herself.

"Do ya think he's hungry?" - Asked Anna, gaining a concern look on her face.

"Maybe, sugarcube... You could bring 'im something when th' lunch rolls in. It would be a polite thang tah do." - Said Jackie, looking around for the next task. Eva nodded to this in agreement, after which going back to the house in search of Granny.


***


As the day progresses - the family started to arrive. Folks from all parts of Equestria, young and old, coming to the farm. Some brought food and drinks, some bare gifts to others. The reunion progresses till the late midday, when family would put a picnic blankets and have a rest on the ground, enjoying the warm sun of early autumn. Anna stopped her games with other kids to do what she wanted in the morning. This surprised the other younglings, as they and other adults didn't even noticed the grey figure on the roof.

"What is that?"

"What is it doin' there?"

"Is it dangerous?"

All the questions were directed to the Jacqueline, who reassured them. - "Simmer down, folks. That is a forester by th' name of Val. I asked 'im to watch over us taday. He's providin' security and would tell us if something is comin' from th' forest to the farm." - She turned to the house and called out for him. - "Hey Val! Everythang's alright over there?"

At that, the figure turned his head to her and slowly gave her a left handed thumbs up, making others sigh in relief and for Jackie to have a grateful smile. Anna packed a small plate with food and a bottle of fresh apple juice, heading towards the back of the house to climb on the rooftop.


***


They were conversing for the better of thirty minutes. When Anna came to the rooftop to give Val a plate with food and a drink - she also was interested in unusual man. Her childish curiosity somehow charmed the forester, loosening his tongue, or rather hand with a pen. He described his routine to her, his walks around the forest, hunting and little hobbies he has when there is a moment of peace. Anna drank that in, her imagination going rampant. How a lonely stallion live alone in the woods, surrounded by nature. Or so she thought. Val didn't specify the other side of a coin that is his life. As Anna was in the middle of her tale about her other friends from school - Val raised his right hand, making a 'shh' noise and pointing to the forest.

The young girl fell silent, watching as the adult beside her, holding his weapon in firing position, watched the forest with his keen eyes. He heard the 'signal' of a noisemakers made out of an empty cans around the farm that he set in the morning. Something was around the farm. He took his eyes off the forest line and made a hand gesture for Anna to go down to her family, which she obeyed with haste, worry and a slight terror on her face.


***


As Anna was now gone - Val could act. He took aim, trying to make out the sillouetes of a foolish intruders. Unsurprisingly to him - a small group of four noks, armed with a small spears made out of wood and a sharpened pieces of bones. Small frames of roughly one metre's high with a pale skin that was covered in mud and blood from their latest feast. Black and red eyes, like pearls on their flat faces, looked around while advancing toward the wooden fence of a farm. Their small hands with three clawed fingers held the crude weapons. Come on, one more step, you bloodthirsty little pests...

A shot rang from the rooftop like a thunder in a silent clear sky. Val's rifle was merceless to the unwelcoming beasts and monsters. The first target got a new hole in it's face, little lower of the left eye. Three more spotted the forester and dashed to him trough the high grass of the backyard. Second shot ripped the belly of closest nok, making him fall and produce  high pitched screech of agony. Two more were still coming. Third shot disabled the far nok, going trough his twig-like leg, making it drop the weapon. Last one was already at the ladder, shooting it was pointless. Val quickly fixed a rod-like bayonet to the barrel of his rifle and when the beast was in reachable lenght - stabbed it in the chest with the reasonable might, so he wouldn't fall from the roof. The now limp body fell down, hitting the steps of a ladder and snapping one, before finally falling on the ground with a thud. Val looked down and after seeing still alive nok with damaged leg - frowned, coming down to finish him.


***


While Val was finishing his job - the Apple family was coming down from their shock. Not too long ago they were having fun and now the grim figure shot something three times, probably taking numerous lifes. The brave and not too intoxicatet ones decided to have a look of who was killed. Three members of the family - Eva, Jackie and Brandon - came to the backyard and got a look of horror on their faces. There, standing in a high grass with rifle behind his back and bloodied knife in hand, was Val. He whipped his head the newcomers but gave a visible exhale to the sight of familiar faces.

"Val?..." - Called Jacqueline with caution. - "Ya aight'?" - To which she received a confident nod from forester. He cleaned his knife using the body of killed beast on the ground and after sheathing it - came to them, already holding his notebook.

"Wha' happen'?" - Asked Eva, looking around. - "Those shots were probably heard in th' town, fer sure. The guards will be 'here in a minute ta investigate."

《Four noks tried to get in there. I killed them, now I need to cut the trophies and get rid of the bodies.》

"Never heard of th' noks or whatever you called 'em. Are they dead fer sure?" - Asked Eva, looking at the trail of blood and claws on the ground not too far from her.

《See for yourself.》

Wrote Val, pointing at the place where he was standing.

"I've seen th' claws and teeth you showed me, I'll pass." - Said Jackie, shaking her head. Eva and Brandon, however, decided to sate their curiosity and came to see the bodies.

"By the Sun! And that thang was 'bout to get in th' farm?!" - Exclaimed Brandon, while Eva was holding a hand to her mouth for not to empty her stomach. - "Ye are one fearless son of a gun, Val. Glad that Jackie hired ya fer this."

"SIS, TH' GUARDS ARE HERE ASKIN' FOR YA!" - Called Anna from the front of the farm.

Jacqueline just shook her head to that, not too enthusiastic on dealing with them. - "Great... Val, could you clean th' bodies, while I'm speaking to them?"

He nodded, recieving a thankful smile from her, unsheathing his knife once more to cut the claws.


***


After the guards were gone - Val was left with a ban from entering the city for the next year, wich made the whole Apple family fuming with rage. The reason for ban was an alternative, he could get arrested for a possession and usage of an unregistered weapons and given a hefty fine to pay. Judging by the smirks of those guards - they were happy for not seeing the forester again. It was evening already, ten minutes after the guards left. Val was calmly packing the trophies into his backpack, while the reunion was in a gloom mood after the whole thing. While the soured members were silently talking among themselves and Eva trying to calm down Jackie - Granny Maria approached the crouched grey figure.

"Youngun'?" - She called apologetically, recieving a head turn in her direction from Val. - "I'm mighty sorry for wha' happened taday. Given yer actions - our family is in debt fer what ye done fer us. Not only that, but I'm personally thankful too. Yer brew helped mah knees and I could walk again without any major pain. Know, that ye could find help and shelter in this house any given time ya need."

To that - Val visibly exhaled, finishing tying the rope around four dead bodies to drag them into the forest. He straightened up, walking to the old woman and giving her one last message before his departure. 

《The thousandth Summer Sun Celebration will be in two days. Beatrix Glowstone will return. Seven girls will venture to the old Castle, deep into the forest to stop her. Make sure she will take at least some kind of a weapon with her into the forest. I will wait for them on the outskirts. Keep your window on the first floor open tomorrow's evening. I'm wishing you and your family luck, Miss Smith. Farewell.》

He tore the page from his notebook and gave it to Maria. She carefully read it, having her glasses on, gaining more and more scared look. After finishing with the message, she lowered the page, firstly looking behind her shoulder at still angry looking Jacqueline that was talking with Anna, then returning her eyes at the figure before her, silently speaking, almost pleading on the verge of tears. - "Please... Keep mah grankid' safe..."

He slowly nodded in reply, gesturing to hide the paper and after taking the rope in both hands - started to walk out of the farm, following the road into Everfree. Many of the Apples looked at him, some mentally thanking him and apologising for what happened. Others were glad that the stranger was gone. The Apple sisters were sad that it turns out like this, but still were hoping that they could see him again some time. Granny in the meantime was in deep thought about what will happen, avoiding the grim thoughts of the what could happen in two days. Better be told to brace yourself, instead of the silence.


***


The next day felt... empty. Eva was working without her usual smile, because there was no reason to smile for. Jackie was on the market, behind her stall, silently watching the other townfolk walking by, giving a little scowl at the guards that wore a winning smile, selling apples and wait for younger sister to come after school for help. Anna was unenthusiastic at the school, silently listening to her teacher, not even noticing the bullies that were loudly talking about her uselessness and the lack of magic. Her gaze was attached to the chessboard and hand-made figures, made by a certain someone.

During the break - Miss Cheerilee asked for Anna to stay and talk with her. When everybody was out - the teacher started.

"Anna, what's wrong? You looking sad all the day. Does something happened at your family reunion?" - Asked Cheerilee, genuinely concerned.

Anna retold the story of yesterday's events to her teacher. How Val saved her family from the danger of the forest, how it was unfair that he was now forbidden to enter the town. Cheerilee could only sigh and shake her head. - "This is, in fact unfair to Mister Val, Anna. I've bought those chess figures and board from him. Didn't talked to him, he looked... calm, lonely even. But the law is the law. Maybe we will see him someday in the future again?"

"Ah hope... I've talked to 'im yesterday, he know a lot of things about the Everfree. He even helped Zecora." 

"Zecora?" - Questioned the teacher, not knowing who she's talking about.

"Yea. A woman from Zebricania. She now live not too far from our farm, in the forest, learning about the herbs of Everfree. She was attacked by timberwolfes and Mister Val saved her." - Said Anna with the proud smile.

"That was brave of him." - Admitted Cheerilee. - "But again... law is the law."

"Yea... I'll go outside, Miss Cheerilee." - Anna said, walking outside.

Elizabeth Cheerilee could only watch with sad expression as the young girl walked outside and sat at the swings. The law is the law, but it often couldn't do justice. Too bad she couldn't teach that in school, this lesson is for life to show the imperfect rules of the world.
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


***


After Val left the town of Poniville - he retreated back to his cabin. It took him two hours of careful walking and hiding to finally be in security of the wooden walls. The next two days would be exhausting, so he would need to prepare himself for the upcoming task. So many things now were in shambles, because of this ban. Conserving even more in terms of ammo was impossible, that means he either need to venture in another town on the other side of the forest, or make his own ammunition.

Walking a high distance was not an extreme task and he could accomplish this, but to travel in summary 23 km every Sunday, instead of a 5 is going to be too time consuming. Not only that, but he didn't had the means nor materials to make his own ammunition. So the two choices he had now was either using Apples and buy ammo trough them by trading for goods, or use bow or crossbow instead of a gun. More work to load and less effective in firepower, but it's easier to make bolts, rather than ammo. Good alternative, after all he has the anvil in the shed and a hammer for shaping the bolt's tip.

The only thing now was to find a durable and thin material for the bowstring. Nylon, kevlar, kapron were his main candidates. Also the guitar string or two springs might be good, but let's stop at those three for now. The body of a crossbow is not hard to make, 2-3 hours of work and it will be done. Bolts might take some time... or work smarter and take what you need from those who don't need it anymore... Sure, the thought of returning to the Castle was terrifying the forester, but he didn't had much of a choice.

During those lines of thought - the forester was already in the process of looking trough his small closet armory in his bedroom. The old, tattered linen and silicone uniform that was slightly burned on the outside, an old helmet with hooded gas mask that undoubtedly could cover his head fully, a now empty pair of oxygen tanks in the shape of a backpack, his sawed-off shotgun on the holster... No, nothing that he could use. He exhaled in disappointment, standing up and closing the door of a closet.

Val's bedroom was consistent of a bed for one person, a doorless lockers on the right from his bed with clothes in them, most of the wall in front of the bed was covered in many paper sheets with hand-drawn and extremely detailed map of the Everfree, in far left corner was the closet's door, where Val was now. The curtains were long gone from the window, replaced with the pair of thick blwck blankets that kept the heat inside. He could've swore - he saw the nylon pantyhose not too long ago. Oh, now he remembered. Where his toolbox was, again?... In the shed, right... Might also pick the piece of wood for the body of crossbow.


***



The easiest way to get bolts is to get inside an old Castle's armory during the day. In the sunlight - the abandoned town near the castle was relatively safe to scavenge and venture trough. Old buildings held useful things, like a rare pouches with the old coins and gems, books and diaries with useful information or even something extremely useful like oil lamp or a pair of binoculars. The beast that lived at the top of the tower was absent, so was it's nest. It was a perfect time to go on a scavenge hunt.

Val took his single barrel shotgun with him this time, along with crudely made heavy hatchet. His knife was always with him. He could leave his hatchet or even his guns behind to flee out of necessity, but the knife? No, never. Too important of a tool and memory to leave without it. His backpack was almost empty this time, sacraficing materials of every day usage for the upcoming load. The only things inside were a bottle of rubbing alcohol, clean bandages, a filter for his mask, flask with water on his belt, a small flashlight, some dried bread with spices from the forest and a small worn leather bag with a handmade lockpicking instruments. The instruments were needed to access one room he missed the last time he was there - the archives.

Arriving at the entrance of the Castle - Val took an unsteady breath, watching the inner walls and floors of the hall with a concern look and furrowed brows. Those lunatics were here... The dried fountain was turned into a giant bonfire, where on the high wooden columns above the fire, with coals and ashes on the grounds, were three recent victims burned. They were tied to the wooden columns with hands and legs broken. The burned flesh, the agony of their suffering on the faces, the symbols of a sun that were painted on the walls in blood mixed with ink. Bloody handprints on the floor, the stench of a resent orgy. Those who died during this act became the fuel for the fire in the fountain. No regards for life among their members.

Judging by the blood marks - they were here not too long ago, maybe four or five hours? Val crouched above one of the hand marks on the floor, trailing the dried blood with his fingertips. Small one, more slender, with a couple strands of a long brown hair... A young female, she broke a couple of her fingernails trying to get away. So they were here in the high noon. After this deal with Beatrix Glowstone - he should hunt them down. But now - he need to finish his search, it will be dark in three hours. And being here at the night time alone is the last thing Val wanted. Standing up - he looked around carefully, listening into any possible sound of this place and proceed to move deeper into the Castle, already preparing the filter.


***


The silent corridors were dim, half dark but still held some light that was coming from the cracks in the roof. Those lunatics were occupying the main hall, but didn't dared to come down here for one reason. Gas. Thick, fog like bright purple gas that smells like copper with a hint of sulfur, burning lungs, nostrils and eyes with every unprotected inhale and just by being in the cloud itself. Stay in this cloud for too long and you will suffer from lung collapse and necrosis of respiratory canals. Strange, that nowhere in the forest Val couldn't find anything like this gas. These clouds were preventing anycreature to go on the lower level, in the library, archives, armory, dungeons and The Gates. It was a good thing the forester could protect himself from this obstacle, down there were no insects, vermins... nothing, only the occasional corpse or skeletal remains in this long hall.

Val reached the end of the corridor in ten minutes, finding himself on the crossroads. Ahead was the stairs that led into the dungeon, on the left was the armory, on the right - library. He fully removed his gas mask and wiped away the cold sweat from his forehead. His skin was slightly itching from that damn mist. He put the mask on his belt, blinking a few times to adjust his eyes and after short rummage - found his flashlight, turning it on. The walls and floors were dry, but the air smelled like old water and rotting wood, probably from down there. He didn't had much time, should be heading to the armory with haste... Val turned left and in a fast pace headed to the armory.

The heavy double doors of armory's rooms were ripped long time ago from the hinges, even before Val came here first time a couple of months ago. One was laying on the stone floor, the other leaning on the wall. Others might think that the Castle must have some kind of a barracks for guards. They would be correct, the barracks were in the next room, but the corridor collapsed under the weight of time. The armory was split on two big rooms, divided by the wall with arc-shaped passages. Stands with rusty swords, spears, bows and crossbows, shields and maces were almost empty. All of those weapons were already too rusty or broken in one way or another to be repaired. Walls were decorated with old flags : red background with drawing in the middle that looked like decorated moon and sun, split in two. Probably banners for the war time flag bearers.

After some inspection - Val found what he needed. Two boxes, filled with almost intact arrows and bolts with dusty poaches near them, laying on the floor. Being conscious about the weight - Val filled a couple of quivers with bolts, loading them in his backpack.

Before leaving - he inspected the present crossbows. They were old and couldn't shoot more than two bolts, but this wasn't what Val wanted. He was intrested in the construction itself. A simple, shaped piece of wood for the body with a hole hear the middle for a lever, that held the string. A carved canal for placing bolt and another piece of wood on the 'head' of the weapon, that held the string. He could build that in less than two hours, but this design was too uncomfortable to hold, not to mention the ability to aim. The body itself was incredibly heavy too, Val couldn't carry this weight all the time. He furrowed his brows one more time and after exhaling - headed to exit the armory. In the future he might need to return for more bolts.


***


He lowered his now weighty backpack on the ground and after digging trough - extracted prepared earlier cubes of dried bread. He was now sitting on the floor of the library, finished with one more rummage trough shelfs with old books. As he expected - nothing. The sole purpose of going inside archives were to find information about Fort Blackrock. In truth - the pieces of memories that he had about Blackrock were already disturbing, but the more he feared that place - the more he wanted to know about it. That closed off island wasn't just a simple jail with mines, it couldn't be. Too much signs were showing that. Val slightly shook his head, dismissing the nagging thought, and threw a couple of bread cubes into his mouth, producing a loud crunch while chewing. He should change his ration, maybe take dried meat instead? He could lower the smell of the meat, so the predators wouldn't sense him... no, too risky. Bread and water will do.

After his break - Val crouched above his bag and after another short search found the lockpicking instruments. He knew a couple of things about locks, but didn't held his breath for a successful procedure. The chances were too little for those locks to actually work, let alone be used ever again. Fishing out two slim rods - he inserted them into the lock, trying to find notches of mechanism inside.

The door that led to the archives was strange. A gate door with thick bars, seemingly made out of gold. Behind the door Val could see the stairs down with another crossroad. The corridor itself was spaceous, no less than five meters wide and six in hight. This was another question with presumably no answer - why those halls behind the gated door was so big? Coraline Sol and Beatrix Glowstone were the only one that could enter the archives, according to the diary of Beatrix. Careful moves of Val finally helped him find the right notch, now he needed to turn and... The lock clicked.

Val gave out a breath of relief, pulling out the rods, after which packaging his instruments and preparing to move. The doors gave out a long, loud metallic creak while being opened, but that was not too surprising. He put his backpack on once again and pulled out his sawed-off, holding his flashlight in left hand. The unknown territory could hold anything, better to be prepared.


***


Silence. The unnerving atmosphere of the archives could be the worst enemy for any knowledgeable scout. Any sound was spiking Val's attention. He was so used to hearing the sounds of the forest, that being in the archives was wrecking his nerves. Even in the armory he was constantly hearing his quiet steps or gentle whistle of wind above his head. Now? It was only his steps and their little echoes trough the shelves.

Archives were dark, being underground and not having any light source. Countless books, attached to their designated places with thin chains. Shelves, after shelves, after shelves, fifteen rows in total with one table and two chairs in the middle of the room. By Val's count - he had only one and a half hour to search trough, so he need to hurry. Walking between two first stands - he brought light to the books before him to know the title, keeping his weapon ready. He was looking for the historical books or something like 'secret files', as the would be holding the needed information. Row after row, everything that he saw was either related to magic, specie of this world or some dangerous or important artifact. Half an hour later and he could finally find something related. The list of jails and penal colonies across the country and what role they had. The small book at the sight was often used and had many bookmarks, even at the one he was looking for.

"...Fort Blackrock was built by the order of Princess Coraline Sol in the y... .. ... ... for the purpose of being holding facility of Level 4 (four) 5 (five) security containment. The facility is represented as an island fort in the middle of Lake Murk, having the total count of 2500 prisoner slots for convics with highest rank of committed crime (according to the Law book of Equestria, year 921 ATU). Convincted person, after being tried and judged as guilty must be transported in groups of 6 (six) trough the tunnel system, starting from the Royal Castle of Two Sisters' dungeon to the Fort Blackrock. After arrival - the guards of the group must undergo 'Memory Wipe' and return in the dungeons for their next assignment. The prisoner, after being led to the Fort Blackrock, must recieve their numeral mark and led to their holding cells, until the next cycle of 'Gathering'..."

This information filled the gaps. A prison for dangerous convics, hm? And there was something that only prison guards could know? Something is not right. Val hummed and left a book mark, continuing his search after the book was returned to it's place. There must be something else.

Alas, nothing. Only mentions of this place and that's it. Princess Coraline must know the real story about that place, since she was the one who approved it's building. But this is fruitless hopes, he has no chances of meeting her face to face. The time is almost out, he should take that book he found and get out.


***


With book in the backpack - Val already crossed the tunnel with gas. He unattached the filter, hiding it in his bag and carefully, peaking around every corner, headed back to his cabin. The sun was already settings, so he should be more careful with his surroundings. Another corner behind and he was back in the main hall with bonfire. Everything was as it was, only corpses from the columns were missing. The beast must've took them, while Val was down there.

With Castle behind him, Val traveled from one building to another, staying off the main street. The sun was down and finally the old town showed it's ugly face. From the all sides - the town started to get filled with hordes of fungals. They were a strange beings, as to Val's observations. In the most basic explanation - fungals were something like an undead, infected with some kind of a sentient plant. The plant itself was absurd, as it partly eats the flesh and infuse itself with the dead body.

Tough walkers, slowly walking like an actual zombies, having no eyes, nor mouth, had a strong layer of carapace-like skin and sharp, short clawed hands. Those grunts could be clad in the pieces of an old armor and carry weapons like a longsword, mace or a spear, they were a real danger. Awkwardly stumbling hives, that walked on all four with their backs towards the ground, spounge-like warts growing out of their stomachs like a disfomed blisters. Hives still had their eyes and were producing a pheromone that controlled walkers, leading them. There was hunters, that had the new body growing out of their spine, having four arms with blade-like hands. They had no eyes, but did had a nose and a disgusting mouth, that was often filled with a half-chewed remains of their last victim. Of course - this was only the streets. There was once a local park, now the lair for the Gallow Tree, a infected semi-sentient being with yellow meat under the layer of bark. And of course - on the branches of this tree were hanged corpses, long forgotten and absorbed by the parasitic plant. It was a good thing that they were there only at night. During the day they either sleep or migrate to the Swamps.

Behind the Castle was an old courtyard, filled with insects. Val was not sure - what or who resides there, but he once saw a dead mosquito, the size of which could be compared to a equestrian child. What a weird and dangerous place it must be...


***


Maria Smith was sitting at the kitchen table, reading a book in silence of the evening. Her grandkids were out and about, enjoying their youth and having fun in the town. Or at least - most of them. Eva was sitting with her grandmother at the table, trying to learn the art of solving crosswords. Jackie was with her fashionista friend, while Anna with her two classmates playing in the local arcade. The annoyed blonde girl was chewing on the pen between her fingers, trying to remember some extravagant word, while her grandmother only silently snicker at the torment of her oldest grandkid. The silence was interrupted with three firm knocks on the open window. Both Evangeline and Maria looked at the window, noticing a slim hand in black, fingerless gloves and grey sleeve of the coat, that slowly waved to them.

"Ah, come in, sonny. I was waitin' for ya. Don' be shy." - Said Granny with gentle smile, putting her glasses at the top of her head and her book aside. Eva did the same with her newspaper, only she didn't had nor needed any glasses.

The hand retreated and soon enough - the owner was standing in their living room. Both Eva and Granny now could see their guest - the famous forester Val. He nodded to both of them, removing his gas mask, but leaving the lower half of his face concealed. Val now had makeshift crossbow instead of a gun with bolt quiver on his belt. Both equestrians noticed this instantly, frowning a little.

"Those no good guards left ya without any ammo?" - Asked Eva, crossing her arms, while Val fumbled with his bag, searching for something. When he did found what he searched for - he sat down at the table, pulling his notebook and charcoal pen.

《It's rough. The only way for me to get ammunition now is to venture to the town on the other side of the forest.》

"Ya mean all the way to the Dodge Junction?!" - Exclaimed Granny. - "That's half a day on th' train!"

《Because of that - I wanted to ask for a favor. Could someone from your family buy the ammunition? I'll pay for it accordingly.》

"I can do that, sure." - Said Eva, smiling a little. Her inner gun lover waking up. - "What caliber are you using?"

To this - Val pulled from his coat pocket two bullets - one shell and one rifle round. Eva carefully took them, inspecting both of them, furrowing her brows a little.

"Th' shell isn't that hard ta find, but this rifle round is expensive... What weapon do ya shoot?" - Eva asked, while Granny decided to put the kettle on for some tea.

《My old service rifle. The old lady saw a lot of things, but never betrayed.》

At this moment - Val had a look, that the old people have when they remembering something.

"Oh, are ye was th' part of th' military?" - Inclined Eva with curiosity and a raised brow.

《No, more like a worker that required a gun. I don't want to talk about that.》

"No problems, Val. Yeah, I can buy th' things ya need. What amount?" - Eva pulled the newspaper closely, ready to write off the amount.

《The prices are the same?》

"I think so..." - She said, unsure.

《Then two boxes of rifle rounds for a hundred each and three of the shells for fifty. That will be... 350?》

"Yup. If ya can - better to give more money, in case the prices got higher. I'll return 'em if they don't needed." - Said Eva, while Granny put three cups with hot tea on the table and sat back down.

Val nodded to this, pulling out a poach that he had specifically for spending on ammunition. Instead of usual bits - there were small, unpolished gemstones the size of roughly one and a half cantimeter in diameter. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds, even a couple of half cantimeter diamonds. At that - both Eva and Maria bugged they eyes out. Before them was the treasures that could buy them half of the house!

"Where did ya find those?..." - Silently asked Granny, looking at the gems before her.

《Collected them last time I was in the abandoned town, near the Old Castle. I have no use for them in the forest, so if you want - you can take a couple.》

"Are ya serious, sonny? This is a large sum o' money..." - Said Maria, concern in her eyes.

《I'm aware, but as I said - I have no use for them. After all - you can use them more appropriately for your farm. And set aside some money for Anna, if she decided to go in the college. I can get almost everything I need in the Everfree.》

Maria exhaled, picking with Evangeline a couple of gems, two for each member of the house. That left Val with only fifteen or so, that he hid into his poach and put it back on his belt. Now Apple family will not be in need of money for a long time. But Val left one gem at the table, a small ruby, and wrote a little message.

《And this one for the ammunition and another favor.》

After which he tore out one of the notes that was written earlier, handing it over to Eva. It was a list of some things, like a couple of pens, notebooks, medical instruments and other things he couldn't get from the forest. Eva readed the list and nodded with a small smile.

"I can get those thangs fer ya by tomorrow. You'll be here, as ya said, right?" - She asked.

《I must be. Otherwise they will get lost, or even killed.》

"Why were ya at th' Old Castle anyway, sonny? I heard that those ruins are dangerous." - Asked Granny, sipping her tea.

《Crossbow bolts and information. I was able to get inside Castle's archives for the latter.》

"Information 'bout what?" - Continued Maria.

《Fort Blackrock.》

"Fort Blackrock? Never heard o' that place. What's that?" - Asked Eva, looking at the forester with curiosity.

《What I found didn't told me much. Fort Blackrock is an old prison in the middle of Lake Murk, at the edge of The Old Woods. If what written in the book is true - this was a prison for those who committed serious crimes. I have been there once, but I don't want to go back.》

"Then... What? Ya readin' bout' it just to know history?" - Asked Granny, finishing her tea.

《Something doesn't add up. This island can be accessed only by the underground tunnel under the Castle. Guards that led the prisoners there have their minds wiped after every visit. Too secured for a prison with mines. Now - this place is avoided by birds. Something is not right, and the only one who could answer those questions is Princess Coraline Sol, since she approved this to be built.》

"Then yeah... That does sound strange. But, ya said yerself that it was a place for really bad ones. Maybe they messed with their noggins so they wouldn't tell others - how to escape?" - Suggested Maria.

《Maybe, I can't tell for sure. I already have too many things on my mind. We will go tomorrow evening, and presumably will stay the night at my cabin. Walking there in the dark is suicide.》

"That dangerous?..." - Asked Eva with a concern voice.

《Verily. Even I don't go out in the dark, only scouting from afar or sitting at home.》

"Be careful, sonny. I can't express - how much I will be worried for all of you and your group."

《What must happen - will happen. I can only do my best and hope it will be enough.》


***


Both Eva and Granny Maria watched as the grey figure got farther and farther, walking on the road into Evergreen, before getting out of their sight behind one of the trees.

"Do ya think - he will be alright, Granny?" - Asked Eva, having a worried look.

"We could only hope, sugarcube. We could only hope..."
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


***


Elevator was descending deeper and deeper underground. There was no walls in this cabin, only metal net as a roof and sheet metal floor. All four passagers could clearly see the dirt and rock walls of the elevator shaft, poorly lit by the yellow, almost orange light of the old, almost worn out lamps. All four of them had their hands cuffed in front of them, all wearing the same grey coats, black gloves, grey sweaters, black pants and boots. All of them had gas masks on, filters in the inner pockets. Intercom of the elevator buzzed, giving out a short static, after wich transmitted the gruff, commanding male voice.

"Attention, inmates! Your task is to transport one full truckload of ore at the end of the fourth tunnel to the elevator. Without it - you will not be released from the mines. Prisoners 61440, 99802, 74901, prisoner 00131 will be your foreman and leader. Remember - your lives are insignificant and easily replaceable. For the loss of issued weapons you all will be punished with ten lashes of the whip for each weapon. Do not return without ore... "

After that - the locks on the cuffs clicked, falling on the floor. Val rubbed his pained wrists, working his numbed fingers to return the blood flow to them. His motions were copied by other three members of his now group. His left sleeve was a little raised, showing his number, tattooed on the inside of his forearm. He lowered the sleeve, instinctively reaching for his weapon with one hand and to the pack for ammo clip with another. Bolt up, back, slide the ammo inside the integrated mag, bolt forward, then down. He should be thankful that those bastards at least kept their weapons clean and repaired. Three more clicks of bolt from other prisoners, filters were at place, mask properly placed. Looks like the mining group was killed, so this group was sent to retrieve the ore. Those fuckers were obsessed with this mineral. Good conduit, tough when forged, durable, it was even used as chemical ingredient. They shoved it everywhere, like a monkey with a pair of glasses. The test subjects didn't lived long and nobody knew - why?

The lift reached the bottom of the shaft and thus - it was their stop. Two fast snaps of fingers to attract their attention, circling motion to stay close and an open palm to the direction of where they needed to go. His group looked scared, probably not used to go down. Workers of the quarry. Poor sods, this place will chew them without any spice and swallow the remains. The group headed out with Val in front, looking around and trying to catch the glimpse of the dry tunnel wall or rails in the middle of wide, circular tunnel that they were traveled trough.

His group didn't had any chance of survival. He looked back a couple of times to see - how they are and they didn't fared well. One was already too jumpy from the start, one already wasted a shot because he kept his finger on the trigger, and the last one was ready to run or shoot himself. Probably the last one was the worst, most of the inmates wish to die quick and painless, rather to continue living like this. Two portions of tasteless posh a day, ten people in one cell with twelve hours of backbreaking work. Inmates were getting here for warious reasons. Extremism, murder, tresspassing, debts... Val got here a long time ago. And as to why - he forgot. Earliest memory was about clear field with flowers, and then he was running trough the burning village with a cold mud under his bare feet and falling snow from the night skies. Or was it ashes?... Was he the one who started the fire? Or just the one to put a blame on? A futile attempts of trying to remember his past was interrupted by a deafening shot. 

Val didn't even noticed, too focused on his memories, that one of his squad members was stayed back. The neurotic one actually shot himself in the head. He didn't wanted to go and choose a easy way out. He was staying at his knees with chin on the still smoking barrel. After shooting - he fell on the left side. Four became three, his ammo split between others. Plus five ammo, five more ways to stay alive, a loaded rifle and one more filter. The Swarm probably heard the shot. They need to move.

Within next ten minutes of a light jog the group reached the payload, filled to the brim with sparking black and red ore. Two of Val's teammates began to push the cart, while Val covered them. The buzz of the wings was getting louder. There already was a gloving eyes in the side tunnel. The Swarm was here...

A bug-like bipedal creatures, that came here from the depths. One of the survivors from his block said, that mining crew hit the hollow wall and after it collapsed - they were crawling out, covering walls like a plague. First group of fifty miners ran, nineteen reached elevator, only seventeen survived, two killed themselves in elevator, one tore his neck open with a pickaxe and other jumped out from the elevator. The bodies were lost, bugs took every corpse and ate everything. There also was a rumor, that they were failed experiments, infused with bloodstone ore and grasshopper. Some say that it just bogus, but looking at them now - Val could see the resemblance.

They were naked, not having any kind of genetalia, three digits on every limb, a wide opening mouth with large teeth. Their skins were like a normal human's, only covered in cracks, like they were molting. Their eyes were bigger than human ones, fully white. They didn't had nose, but Val could see two small holes between their eyes.

Val clenched his teeth, firing his first shot into the middle of a side tunnel, hitting one of the monsters in the torso. It was immediately torn apart by others, who smelled blood close to them. Val was not looking away from the terrifying scene, taking careful steps backwards, firing round after round. The ones that were hit was already ravaged, torn apart and eaten. Another clip was inside his rifle and he was firing again. Why he couldn't hear the cart?... He looked back, around his right shoulder, but nobody was there pushing the load. Where were those two have gone?! They could've run! Second later and Val could feel the rumbling growl and foul smell of the Swarm's queen. He didn't even need to turn around to know she was in front of him - this was the end of his line... 


***


At moments like this - the forester wished he could talk. To scream both in anger and fright, to swear like a sailor in the air to get it out of him... He opened his eyes after his unrestful sleep, fully awake and now aware that it was only a dream. A memory, that played out wrong, like a chewed casette. They did encountered The Swarm, but got away. Those monsters were afraid of the light and didn't followed the group too far. Val was sitting in his chair, his shaking hands were inside the warm pockets of his coat. His gas mask was off, laying on the floor and his backpack was leaning on the left armrest of the chair. He wiped away sleepiness from his eyes and slowly, unsteadily stood up. A ghostly pain in his wrists made him rub the invisible lines on his skin, after what scratching the old tattooed numbers 0-0-0-1-3-1 with first zero slightly lower than his left wrist and the last one just before the bent of his arm. 

It was a late morning, the clocks on the wall showed 10:13. He got back home yesterday after his visit to the Apple family and fell asleep after his dinner. Fire in the fireplace was long gone, the temperature of room fell to plus fifteen. Val walked to the fireplace, throwing some firewood inside from the holder on the left side and renewing the fire. He should clear the ashes out sometime this week. 

Walking into his kitchen - Val looked trough his options and decided on having a hearty meal to banish the remains of the dream. Within a couple of minutes - he was frying some vegetables on melted bear fat, the smell was making his stomach growl. Cut botats, carrots, water, some salt and chopped pieces of rabbit. Some wild parsley and green onion for better taste. For the drink he was having a herbal tea with honey.

He sat down with his meal on metal plate and slightly bent spoon in hands, putting them before him at the table. He lowered his hood, revealing the roughly cut, short, ginger hair with grey strands here and there. He lowered cloth that was covering bottom half of his face, revealing a slightly scarred with old cuts small lips, short bristle on the cheeks and under his jaw. On his left was a long cut that disturbed the line of his lips, starting from the side of a nose and ending at the side of his chin. The cut seems deep, making Val loose both of his left canines, replacing them with shiny silver-like implants.

It was a uncommon thing for inmates to get violent physically, but still present. Some needed to let out some steam and beat somebody into a bloody pulp, others were desperate and took from others their tasteless portions with force, and some were into sadism just because the were psychopaths that loved to hurt others. It was almost unheard of among 'old timers' with numbers, lower than 00700. Most of them understood, that it was pointless and just existed to see another day after another night. After them were 'freshies', who were more wild and thought that they were the centre of the world. Until the end of their first month, that is. The Anthill and it's foremans and guards beat them to show the others - what happens, when somebody stepped out of the line. Guards prevented fights, outbreaks and theft, even killing prisoners that were too out of control, if they weren't there for life. Killing somebody that was sentenced for life is like giving an easy way out.

After breakfast - Val was checking out his weapons. Clearing, oiling, sharpening and repairing everything in his arsenal. Rifle, sawed-off, knife, hatchet and crossbow. Yes, he did finished it before coming to the farm and tested it on the way. Worked like intended, the only thing important was to training his hand's speed, loading the crossbow. Sitting at the table, holding his rifle and clearing the barrel - Val wondered on how the Apple family were doing after his visit.


***


"So yer tellin' me, tha' Val came yesterday, while I was with Rosa?" - Asked Jacqueline, sitting at the table with Eva and Granny Maria. She had a dissapointed look. Jackie was glad that Val didn't held any grudge for what happened at Family Reunion, but still felt guilty for not being able to prevent his ban. She still wanted to thank him again and pay for his work. After all - he deserved his reward. - "Darn... I wanted to talk wit' 'im."

"Yep. We 'ere sittin' at th' table, when he knocked at the window and Granny invited 'im inside. We had a chat with 'im too. He sa... ahem, wrote to us, that he need a favor." - Said Eva, having her hands on the table and fumbling her thumbs. - "Since he's unable ta buy ammo 'ere - he asked to buy it for 'im with some other  knicknaks and payed for expenses. And boy, he's payed the fortune..." - Eva breathed out, remembering all those treasures that Val gave them and how much he had left.

"That fella payed eight times the required amount fer th' supplies and left us with a large sum." - Said Granny with a sincere smile, mentally thanking the kind forester one more time.

At this - Jackie raised both her eyebrows, intrigued by the words of her grandmother. - "How much did he gave you?"

"Us. He gave us almost twenty five grands in gems!" - Said Eva, almost screaming in happiness.

If Jackie's jaw could drop on the table - it definitely wold right now. She had her mouth open and eyes bugging out. Almost twenty five fucking grands! -  "Where did he get that much money?!"

"He answered that he got th' gems from abandoned town near th' Old Castle. He didn't need 'em and gave two gems per person ta us. Now we won't be short on money fer th' long time! I've already talked to jeweler and traded couple 'o gems fer buying what Val asked fer. We can do a lot o' thangs with tha' kind of money." - Eva nodded with happy smile at the bag with golden bits on the floor, near the bookshelves.

"Don' get too excited, sugarcube." - Said Maria both in kind and strict voice at the same time. - "We got a lot of work tah do. And you need ta buy what Val asked fer."

"Oh, yer right, Granny." - Nodded Eva, fishing out a list Val gave to her. She stood up, heading for the exit with upbeat mood. - "I'll go into town. See ya'll later." - And with that said - she left, closing the doors behind her.

After that - Jacqueline remained sitting at the table, while Maria stood up and go to the stove, putting a kettle on. Jackie still couldn't believe it.. 'Val, you kind soul. I'll be in your debt even more now...'


***


The time was closing to four in the evening and Val was on edge. He was now scouting the road, that he's going to lead his group later that day. Distance between Poniville and the Old Castle was roughly 10 kilometres, Val's cabin was right in the middle. If needed - he could lead them there for a short camp stop. The road that he choose was not the easiest, but definitely safe, or at least safe enough to not get into any fighting, rather than just wandering around Evergreen at night. 

The Evergreen today was gloomy with obvious hints of the storm. From the moment forester stepped out of his cabin he noticed the heavy grey skies. He might indeed lead them to his cabin, but who know - how long the storm will continue? He should advice at least Jacqueline to bring some kind of a cloak with her and a pair of dry spare clothes. The others? Let's just hope they understand that this expedition is not a cakewalk and will take everything they might need.

Another thing that Val was worried about is the inhabitants of the forest. Dealing with noks, timberwolfes or fungals? It was a task, but achievable one, without inflicting too much stress on his group. To deal with cultists? That was worrisome. Apart from they were a relatively big group - they were sentient, not a beast that was led by its instincts. Killing a sentient being will leave a scar on anybody. Val put aside those thoughts - he will deal with them when they come up.

The time is almost up, he should hurry to the farm and advise Maria to relent his words to Jackie. Also to take his stuff, that he requested yesterday. He and his group will need it. Too bad he didn't thought about it might rain yesterday. That way he could ease their task with a prepared raincoats.


***


The town was celebrating. Buildings were decorated with the assortment of beautiful flowers and ribbons, courtesy of town's fashionista - Rosa Belle. Local musicians were playing on a small scene near the centre of the town. The skies were clear, thanks to a local weather team of mages and it's captain - Angelina Dash. The food was provided by local shoopkeepers and cooks, among whom was Jacqueline Apple. The supervisor that was sent to oversee the preparations was walking around and making sure - everything was going smoothly.

Maria Smith was sitting at the porch of farm's house in her rocking chair, listening the distant sounds of the town-wide party. Her face was calm, but inside - she was worried. Worried that her grandkids is going to be in danger soon, that they might get hurt, hoped that the words of mysterious, yet kind and knowledgeable forester were false. Her thoughts loomed around Val. He might be strange to others, distant, even uncivilised to somebody, but he didn't had a reason to lie. And that just make the old woman worry even more.

As if somebody was listening to her thoughts - the forester appeared on the side of her house. They locked eyes for a split second, after wich Granny kindly smiled with the still present worry in her eyes.

"Ah, ya came, sonny. Come in. There is nobody but me 'ere. All th' girls at th' town, havin' fun." - She said calmly, slowly standing up.

Val nodded to that, his steps were hard to hear, even when he was walking on the wooden floor. The old Apple led him inside, sitting him down at the table and pouring him some fresh apple juice. Yesterday he didn't touched his tea, maybe today he will drink offered refreshment.

"Eva get what ya asked fer. It's in th' sack at th' door." - Maria pointed at the worn bag at the door, sitting down. She watched, as her guest nodded once again and after taking off his backpack - sat down across her, pulling out the contents at the table. Five boxes of ammo, sugar, couple of empty tin cans, blades for stationery knife, a box of nails, duct tape, new notebooks... At first - just a bunch of odd supplies. But right then and there - he started to work. Maria watched, as the pieces started to fall together. Not too long after - before her were standing three improvised explosive cans with fuzes, filled with nails without their 'hats', broken blades and balls from buckshot. Buckshot balls were replaced with 'hats' and put together. Granny could just shake her head.

"Well dang, sonny... you are a quite a handy fella. I'm afraid ta ask - where did ya learned that..." - His hands were moving precise, steady and quick. When Val finished - he looked at Maria, opening his notebook and writing an answer.

《Learned out of necessity couple of years ago, before coming here.》

Granny was now even more curious - what did he do before becoming a local forester. He showed, that he could make a dangerous improvised weapons out of stuff that was easy to get. He is a smart person, surviving in the dangerous forest, knows how to handle a gun and did wrote earlier, that he was a 'worker that required a gun'... The more she saw Val - the more she got wary about his past.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Eva, barrelling inside the house and slamming the door behind her. She looked scared, heavy breathing trough her mouth, pressing her back to the now closed door.

"What in tarnation?!" - Granny exclaimed, looking at her oldest grandkid, buy her surprise and slight anger morphed into worry with a rapid pace, when she looked at the pale face of a tall girl. - "What get ya so spooked, sugarcube?..."

Eva swallowed hard, sliding down on the floor. - "Beatrix Glowstone... She appeared out of nowhere, claiming ta be new ruler of Equestria. Guards attacked 'er, but she... She murdered them like they were nuthin'! She cut one guard in half with 'er sword like he was a soft butter. Good thang that Anna was with 'er friends in Rosa's house..." - Eva finished, holding her mouth for not to vomit.

Val quickly scribbled the last words, before heading out to help Eva on the couch.

《When Jacqueline get here - say to take the weapon and raincoat, the forest is about to have a pouring rain. I will wait outside.》

After Eva was layed on the couch - Val packed his stuff, heading out of the house, while Granny was near her oldest girl, calming her down with soothing voice.


It started...
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


***


Sometimes I wonder - who was the author of a phrase 'life like a theatre'? Was it some famous philosopher? Maybe an art critic? Perhaps, I don't know this because I wasn't interested. Or the mystery behind those words is older than anyone could imagine. Maybe there is something or somebeing in our world, that could be described as 'The Author'. This being is so powerful, that watching the world is an entertainment. Drama, comedy, action, love... the being was so bored, that it created a whole world just to see - how long this play could entertain. Or... watch one mortal goes trough his or her life from birth to death. If that metaphorical being would watch now - the description of this scene could be called 'hopeless but needed actions'.

After the appearance of Beatrix Glowstone - hospital's morgue got seven new bodies of the brave, yet foolish guards in the span of 15 minutes. Fallen sister's surprise attack incapacitated Coraline Sol and killed the guards, leaving shortly afterwards in the form of a smoke cloud towards the Old Castle. Desciple of Princess Sol decided to track Beatrix down with a small squad of guards and a couple of town's enthusiasts. Jacqueline was one of the enthusiasts. She even said, that there is a person, who could lead them to the Castle, but... they... declined.

It sounded like a bad joke at first. The reason was that Val was not a mage, he's mute and 'probably couldn't find - which way South is'. In that moment - Val wished he ate or stepped into something, that caused hearing hallucinations. Jackie was baffled by this. She tried to argue, but found out, that she was the only one that didn't agreed with those words, verbally that is. Another two were the shy veterinarian and town's baker, who got really saddened by the act and words of guards and their 'leader'. Others just followed the voice of many in silence, after all - 'going in big group will be safer and more efficient'.

This was a hard thing to swallow, even for Val. He knew, that they will go into an unknown territory, without any kind of knowledge about the forest or a simple map. Not only that, but they wanted to go in soon to be night. They have a high chance of dying. He wanted to advise them, to caution them, but something clicked in him. He was fed up with those words, said by Princess' desciple. Relationships with the other guards and his recent ban were the fuel, and this was the spark. With a burning fire of spite in his glassy eyes - he quickly scribbled couple of final words for the group.

《Do as you wish.》

And with that - he left with Jacqueline, who decided to go with him, trusting his knowledge more, than a voice of a crowd. Two people versus twelve, in a metaphorical race of who will get to the Castle faster and with less injuries. Beatrix should be busy for a long time, dealing with hordes of fungals, or searching for 'The Seals'. The only hope Val got is that Beatrix has enough power to stay her grounds long enough and flee inside the Castle, if needed. If his calculations were right - The Beast was gone for now, and lunatics... he hoped - they weren't there. Fungals may be dangerous and had numbers, but lunatics had an actual tactics.


***


Now, Val with Jackie behind him, were walking trough the evening forest. It was still bright enough to see without a lantern, the autumn stormy wind of Evergreen was slowly yet steadily making blonde woman's hands cold. At least she listened, when Val wrote her - what she should wear and take with her. Outfit, that was suited for late autumn camping trip, backpack with raincoat, dry clothes, some food, oil lantern, a hatched on the belt and her dad's double-barrel shotgun with ammo. For somebody - it was unnecessary, but the forester knew better. Better have it and don't use it.

After an hour of silent walking - the forest dimmed down, so it was hard to see further, than ten steps. Not only that, but the deafening cracks of an aproaching thunderstorm were not a pleasant news. Good thing, that Val's cabin was not too far. Surprisingly enough - they didn't encountered any dangers. A little part in the back of Val's mind hoped that the other group attracted them. While it was still bright enough - Val wrote to his companion about their camping site for the night. Jacqueline didn't argued with that during their walk, seemingly admitting that going at night in heavy rain trough dangerous forest is a bad idea. They left the town around 18:40, now it was close to 20:00. Just before they reached the 'cracked bowl' - first droplets of rain started to fall on leaf-cowered soil. Val motioned to quicken the pace and within next three minutes - they stood inside the cabin with a slightly wet clothes.

Val let out an exhale, hearing how the rain picked up it's pace and turned into storm. He imagined those poor souls now looking for a safe place to hide, without any protection from the ruthless wind. No way to set up fire, no place to dry themselves, nothing to eat. Fate of the guards and their leader is not going to trouble Val's sleep, their companions however... This reminded him of how Anthill fell and followed after that street fights. Those, who should protect the innocent were shooting at unarmed people with supressing fire. How many dead citizens he saw, floating in the sewers and laying in tight alleyways and near the walls with numerous bullet holes in their bodies? Not counting those, who were killed in their homes... no, don't dig too deep. Otherwise you will not able to sleep.

He put his backpack on the hook near the entrance and took off his mask, taking a second to hear around him. Good thing he put a lot of firewood to burn before leaving. First floor was warm, that was good. He locked the entrance door behind them and with a gesture of his hand invited Jackie in. She was looking around, taking in the atmosphere of an unknown place.

"Nice place ya got there, Val. I'm assumin' - we will wait 'ere for th' storm to end?" - To wich he nodded to her, taking his backpack and walking further inside. He sat down at the kitchen table, laying his backpack at the table and taking out the other materials he ordered. Jackie in the meantime took off her backpack and sat down on the couch, in front of the fireplace.

Forester's hands were working like a machine, finishing what he didn't had the time for on the farm, while Jacqueline was lost her mind, looking at the dancing fire in front of her. Both were troubled by their own concerns. Jackie was thinking about this whole deal, about her family that stayed in town, about her friends not taking her side, preferring to walk in large group without any knowledge. She felt like she was betrayed, in some way. And at the same time she was worried for her friends.

Val, on the other hand, didn't had that kind of thoughts. Why should he? Friends? They died in Anthill or on the streets. Family? He had nobody to call his family, couldn't even remember the faces from his childhood. A life, that could be described as faceless existance. But maybe, just maybe... he could fix that. He abruptly stopped working and looked at the blonde on the couch. She was a hard working girl, smart, with a whole life before her. He gave out a single silent laugh. Maybe she would like to learn something new... With that in mind - he scribbled a short message, after wich walked to Jackie and gently tapped her on the shoulder.

《Would you like to learn something useful to past the time?》


***


Suffice to say - she was eager to get away from the silence and her unpleasant thoughts. To Jacqueline - Val was some kind of a special type of being. She knew, that despite him having a strange aura of an outsider - he had a good intentions. She doesn't knew him that well, but some part of her was telling, that he wasn't bad. He didn't gave out that feeling. So with that in mind - she agreed on joining him at the table.

Finally sitting together - Val first of all inspected the weapons of his companion. Jacqueline wasn't opposed to that, believing that he knew more in those kinds of things that she did. Upon inspection - Val found out, that despite her gun being put together property - it was dirty and not oiled. After disassembling her weapon - he started to show her how to properly take care of this gun. Under forester's tutoring - she managed to fix her dad's double-barrel shotgun under one and a half hours. (At this point - I should mention, that Jackie's weapon is basically a TOZ-66, only more older looking, since this was her father's gun.)

Time was passing by while Jacqueline was working on her weapon. She found herself loosing track of time, starting when Val took her gun apart and showed her - what's the problem till now, when she finally put it back together, admiring her work. Now properly cleaned and oiled - she showed her work to the forester, who nodded in appreciation of her fixed errors. After that - it was a turn of her hatchet. 

Jackie finished with her weapons when it was past midnight, had a light dinner and was about to continue with her other stuff, but was too sleepy. The day worn her out more than if she was working on the farm. Val wrote, that she was okay to have some shut eye, until it's either morning, or the ending of the storm. Jacqueline agreed with that and laid on the couch, her back turned to fireplace, while Val stayed awake, looking outside of his house trough cracks in the boarded windows.

01:09. The storm quiet down, turning into a calm rain. Val was still sitting near first floor's window, looking outside, listening to the forest. It was peaceful. Incredibly peaceful... for a normal person, that is. What is supposed to be a calming sounds of water, dropping from the skies - for Val only made him nervous. Like a reverse spell - all of the things, that supposed to calm only fueled his paranoia. Sounds of water reminded him of the hateful sewers. Rain was a sight of being deafened by something. It was strange, but instead of the usual ringing - he always heard rain. And fire... fire made him sad and hateful, for some reason.

It reminded him of the past too much. Trying to remember his past was akin of trying to remember ones deam. You could remember some pieces of the puzzle, but couldn't put them together, to at least create a resemblance of the whole picture. Too much is missing.

Returning to 'something that couldn't calm down' - Val heard a distant grunts not too far from the shack. Despite it being night - he could make out some moving sillouetes behind trees. They were humanoid, at least four... no, five figures. Two were in front and three behind. Their walking pattern was tired, stumbling in wet leafs and dirt. Val took his rifle in both hands, still observing those figures. Lunatics? No, probably not. They didn't knew - where he lived and could probably hide inside the Old Castle. Lost hunters? Not the right season for this. Fungals didn't walked like that. The only reasonable answer that was left - this was the other group.

They were coming closer and closer, so the forester could finally see their faces. Tired, scared and pained looks in their eyes. Their clothes were wet and dirty, either from the rain... or blood. Val stood up from his spot, slowly moving to the door and grabbing the handle of a lock, holding his weapon with his right hand, but stopping before opening. Should he help them? Despite him not having a good impression from them - they mostly not guilty for what happened. That idiotic pupil and her guards were at fault. Let most of them inside, but not her? He could.

Val's train of thought was interrupted by a couple loud knocks at the door. They've been already on his porch.

"HELLOOO?! ANYBODY HOME?! Please, we're hurt and don't know - where to go!" - A brash, but worried female voice rang.

"Sshhh, don't be so loud..." - Somebody from the group hissed at her. Another female voice. 

"I can just bash the door from it's hinges. This cabin is probably empty." - The first voice said.

"Or maybe it's that forester's hideout... I see a light trough cracks."

"Probably not. Do you remember how he looked like? He's probably live in a cave or something." - It was the voice of that arrogant pupil...

"You are the one to talk, miss 'we don't need his help, he's not a mage and he's mute'. Thanks to your fucking ignorance - we were almost killed! Jacqueline said, that he knows this forest and you dismissed him, thinking you knew better. Well, congratulations, miss know-it-all, your ego costed you seven lives already." - The first voice sounded once again. So that means - guards are dead. As he thought... ah, screw it. What will happen - happens.

Val exhaled in irration, and after mentally cursing - moved the locking slide to the side, opening the entrance door. Before him, as he expected, stood five survivors of the first group - tailor, baker, weather captain, veterinarian with badly hurt left leg and... an egoist. As Val came in their lines of sight - their eyes expressed hope, followed by guilt and shame. Egoistical pupil however had only irration in her eyes, to wich forester had a strong urge of punching her in the face.

With a quick look over - he gave out one more exhale trough his nose, walking out of the entrance and motions with his head to get inside, still holding the knob of the door with one hand and his rifle in another.

After Val let others inside - he closed the door and locked it with a slide, leaning his rifle on the wall at the entrance. Rapid increase of noise and the amount of bodies in the house woke Jackie up. She wasn't happy with waking up at first, but her mood drastically improved when she saw the guests and that the ones she knew were alive. Injured veterinarian was seated on Val's soft chair, while others found their places either on the couch, in kitchen and even on the steps to the second floor. Caring about his guests - he put more logs into fireplace and started to examine the injured leg of veterinarian. While most of them were talking to Jacqueline - some were hardly awake, the captain of weather team to be precise. She was exhausted, judging by her looks and noticeably shaking hands and legs.

Even with a light tap on her shoulder - she almost jumped up from her spot and starting to look around. - "I'm up, I'm up! What's going on?" - She let out a yawn, looking into the eyes of the forester with a slight surprise.

With hand gesture - Val asked her to follow him, starting to climb up on the second floor.


***


To say Angelina Dash was surprised is a huge understatement. She thought, that on account of the strange behaviour - his house and especially his room was a mess. It took her by surprise that Val's house was clean. Not to mention the absolutely mindbreaking map on the wall of his room.

Civil war let forester stash a plentiful amount of durable, comfortable and warm sets of Anthill's prison clothes, like the one he was wearing right now. He motioned for the girl to come and pointed at them, giving her a towel and taking a couple of them with him. Dash looked at him questionably for a second, before it clicked and with a nod - she started to pick up a set for herself. Grabbing a med kit from the closet - he left the girl alone, coming down with towels in one hand and a small metal box with medical supplies in another. 

After coming down to the first floor and giving towels to everyone, that was needed it - he's started working on treating veterinarian. It was a sizable cut, that ideally needed stitches. This surprised Val - how she came that far with such wound?

"I don't know - where those clothes from, but they are surprisingly very comfy. I may keep them to myself, if you don't mind." - Sounded the voice from the top of the stairs.

"Clothes?" - Please, have mercy on me.

To tell the truth - if she's comfortable then that is good. But she even looked good in those garbs.

"Mister Val, where did you get such wardrobe? The materials are rough on the outside, but warm and soft on the inside. I might even include that to my stock..." - I c- I can't-... I CAN'T ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS RIGHT NOW, TOO BUSY PATCHING UP ONE OF YOUR COMPANIONS.

"Whoa, simmer down, Rose. He can't treat Fiona and talk to you at the same time." - Interrupted Jackie, thank you.

I think that I will reach my limit sooner than I wanted.

Nevermind, I should focus on that injury. Clean it to prevent infection, a small shot of a painkiller, carefully stiching the wound, some 'Saviour' cream to for speeding up the process of healing, bandages. It's good that we aren't fighting right now, otherwise I could use medical glue. In any case - after finishing up with the treatment of Fiona's injury - it came down to forming a plan.