- Chapter 4 -
Vision
©1999 Kilnamar
Killy and his companions left quickly at the shouts of the frantic Leap Guards. They didn't slow until they were
safely into the Arnamahs Swamp. There they would have no trouble hiding.
As they slowed to a walk, Killy burst out in laughter. "That fat wart probably hit his head on the palace roof when
those shoes started howling! How I wish I could have seen his ugly face!"
The others chuckled with him as they made there way. It was good to laugh after so much misery these past weeks.
Hearts grew lighter as for the first time they began to see hope.
On through the day they journeyed, keeping a close watch behind them. Apparently, the High Toad hadn't
considered them worth following.
"Let's set up camp here," Killy said as dusk began to darken the sky. "Fly20, Babytisa, you two take first watch.
Greyeyes and I will relieve you when the moon caps the sky."
As Fly20 and Babytisa prepared for their guard duty, Killy and Greyeyes settle down under an ancient tree to sleep.
Killy lay awake, staring up through the branches at the star filled sky. Tears filled his eyes as he thought of his
world, his home, his loved ones. "I won't let them take you from me," he whispered as his eyes closed.
******
"Killy. Killy, arise."
Killy's eyes snapped open. With a slight panic, he looked around, his eyes trying to pick out shapes in the gloom.
Sometime as he slept, the sky had clouded over. The surrounding swamp was a mixture of shadows and utter
blackness.
Again the voice that had awakened him came.
"Killy, arise."
The voice came from above him, in the tree. The voice was so soothing, and the panic drained from the young
Toad. Slowly, quietly, he stood. There was no sign of his companions, but for some reason it didn't bother him.
Straining upward, Killy peered into the branches above him, seeking the source of the voice. Only shadows. "Who
are you? Where are you?" he asked, moving closer.
"I am a representative of the Land. Listen well, for I have little time here."
The branches shook slightly. Killy wondered what could cause the whole tree to move in such a way. Still, he could
see nothing.
"The Land cries out in fear, young Killy. Its life hangs in the balance. We seek one who is true of heart to bear our
cause. The Land must not perish."
"I don't understand!" cried Killy, growing frustrated at the hidden voice. "I am on my own mission of great
importance!"
The tree shook again at his words. "Young Toad, your mission is but a small part of the troubles that threaten this
world. Take up our cause and you will see an end to the fears you face."
Killy looked around again, searching for his friends. He felt the first drops of the waiting storm strike his cheek.
"You must save us," the voice wailed, becoming faint. "Listen to your heart. The Land depends on you."
"Tell me what to do!" Killy screamed, rushing to the gnarled trunk, thinking to climb and face this messenger. He
stopped short as his hand touched the bark. It was warm! A great blast of lightning lit up the sky, throwing shadows
in a writhing tangle across the clearing. Killy looked up...and stared into the eyes of the tree itself! "Nooooo!" he
screamed again, throwing himself back, as thunder shook his being, filled his head.
As he fell to the ground, Killy heard a last whisper from the voice. "Follow your heart, young Killy. Follow your
heart..." And his frantic mind collapsed into welcome darkness.