Divide and Conquer

In The Shadows

The expansive forest was not safe for a wandering individual at any time of day. Even when basking in the golden light of the onlooking sun there were creatures that lurked in wait of  easy prey that might foolishly stumble across their path. Every breaking twig or rustle of leaves could be the last sound you hear. 

Creatures were not the only danger to be faced in the deceivingly peaceful environment. Any number of foes could cross your path with not a hint of mercy to be shown, valuing their lives above all else that stood in their way. These were certainly the worst kind, brimming with hatred and anger that only served to fuel deceitful actions and lies. A wolf would kill you for food. A man for sport. The true creatures of the forest tended to walk on two legs rather than four. 

At least Vaughn believed so, having come across all manner of despicable beings in his lifetime and suffered unimaginable retributions at their hand. He would rather face a wolf any day. 

Vaughn no longer held fear of what awaited him within the forest as he once had as a boy. The time of cowering in the shadows was long behind him, which was rather convenient considering his current situation. 

Long gone were the warm rays of sunlight that blessed the day, merely a fond memory as the eternal darkness overhead remained unbroken by even a single blinking star. Not that any stars would be visible through the heavy clouds that had invaded the atmosphere, seeping into position as if gathered to witness some awed spectacle on the land below. To make matters worse, a perilous fog had begun to creep between the looming trees, embracing each one silently as it advanced like an unstoppable army. 

Vaughn knew that it would not be long before the rain announced its presence, the wind beginning to pick up slightly even as the thought crossed his mind. Nature had no patience on this night as she unleashed the elements at her command. Many storms had graced these lands before, but none would stop Vaughn from going about his business. 

The black cloak draped around his form provided little protection from the unforgiving weather, but it was of little bother and he merely peered out from beneath the hood to identify his destination. Thick mud splashed over his worn boots as he trudged steadily through the undergrowth, his senses sharp and focused on his surroundings even as he ignored the incessant wind whipping at his cloak and the relentless ache in his calves. 

It was this unwavering perseverance that fuelled him onwards through the unsettled night air, until finally he found what he was looking for. A curved tree stump protruded from the ground, reaching towards the sky earnestly like a grasping limb. This was not his final destination however, and he continued past the stump until he finally reached the end of his venture. 

Before him stood a towering tree that was once mighty and proudly reigned over the lesser plants below, that was until the storm had arrived. Lightning had struck one side of the great structure, bark peeling and exploding to leave a jagged wound on its north facing edge. The ground at the base of its thick trunk had also suffered damage, large cracks tearing through the deep earth to reveal the network of roots crisscrossing beneath the surface. Wind and rain had moved much of the loosened earth and now only fissures remained by the base of the tree that bared its gnarled roots for all to see.  

Vaughn approached the injured tree, taking care where he stepped until he could advance no further. He stood as impassively as the tree before him, still and patient as he took no notice of the worsening conditions around him. He was not waiting for long. 

'Impressive that you found this place,' a cool voice cut through the night, carried on the wind that thrashed around them. 

'Your codes were well written, but decipherable under close scrutiny,' Vaughn replied evenly, not perturbed by the sudden presence behind him. He rotated slowly to face the stranger, remaining composed as he observed the distinctive scars tracing paths over her face. Only one clan were known for such facial scarification's. 'You did not summon me for idle chitchat.'