Nemesis and the Troll King by Ashley Du Toit Read Free Book Online

the implications of this, Yarg followed Folgoo.
    The woods were silent as they made their way out, but Yarg felt the hot stares from creatures that lurked within the hidden depths. “You don’t need to come with me,” he said to Folgoo, needing the reassurance of conversation to chase away the unpleasant sensation of being watched by unseen eyes.
    Folgoo turned his head slightly towards Yarg. “Yes, I do,” he said with quiet conviction.
    Yarg nodded, understanding from the centaur’s tone that Folgoo was not just obeying orders; for some reason the centaur had chosen to align himself with him.
    â€œThen we shall have to travel faster. I am in a hurry to reach Nemesis before tomorrow’s nightfall,” Yarg said. To match his words with deeds, he quickened his pace and moved ahead of the centaur.
    Folgoo chuckled behind him. “Did I forget to mention that centaurs are blessed with a unique way of travelling?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Yarg asked.
    â€œWe can travel within the blink of an eye.”
    It took Yarg a few moments to realise that Folgoo had stopped behind him, then a few more before the meaning of the words registered in his mind. Yarg also came to a halt and turned to face Folgoo.
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Yarg asked again.
    Folgoo raised his face, a mischievous gleam radiating from his eyes. “Stand beside me, Yarg, and touch my back.”
    Yarg walked back to where Folgoo stood grinning at him. Cautiously he placed his hand on the centaur’s back. Folgoo uttered some words in a strange tongue. Before Yarg could take a breath, they were travelling within the tones of a wave, moving with the motion of the ocean, silver stands lifting high and then dipping low, the magic beyond Yarg’s experience, and indescribably beautiful.
    And then the wave stilled and they were standing in the Valley Mystic, home of Nemesis the Dragon.

4
    The Quest
    Y arg breathed deeply, allowing the crisp air to filter into his lungs.
    â€œThat was absolutely amazing!” he said as he let go of Folgoo’s back. “That’s a very cool gift you have …” he began, then stopped as the scene before him literally took his breath away.
    Thousands of the most beautiful flowers in a myriad of intensely vivid hues were scattered across the floor of the great valley, a floral carpet that drew the eye forward to the enormous lake that dominated the landscape. The lake’s smooth surface mirrored the sky above so that the clouds appeared to drift within it. The light buzz of the insects that flitted between the flowers, and the soft susurration from a giant waterfall that flowed down a rockface and emptied into the lake at their left only added to the soothing peacefulness emanating from the valley.
    Yarg tore his eyes away from the scene to glance at Folgoo, who seemed to be as affected as he was. Without words they walked slowly through the flowers to the lake’s edge. Intent on finding the entrance to the cave where Nemesis made his home, which legend said lay behind the waterfall, Yarg walked into the lake.
    Then realised that Folgoo had not joined him. He looked back over his shoulder and sent the centaur a questioning look, not wanting to break the peace with words. After a few more seconds with Folgoo still unmoving, Yarg was forced to speak, his words no more than a whisper on the air.
    â€œAre you coming, Folgoo?”
    Folgoo shook his head. “No troll, you have to do this bit by yourself.”
    Shrugging his big shoulders in resignation, Yarg stepped further into the lake and dipped himself so that his whole body was covered. Then he began to swim towards the waterfall. The water was cool and silky-smooth against his skin, and it soothed him, draining tension away, almost as if it contained healing qualities. There was a fresh clean smell to it, and he could almost feel the grime and dirt being washed from his body. As he swam, he decided