Well rested, the cohort continued on their journey. Most of their time was spent within the never-ending woods. Occasionally, the forest dispersed, making way for a landmark. In this instance, a vast lake divided that space. Kaius observed the fauna that visited. Each one was remarkable in their own way.
In particular, he remembered two species that worked together flawlessly. The Flehr, a medium-sized mammal, that bore triangular ears, brown fur and a lengthy muzzle. Flehr did not need to constantly gather fruit to sustain its diet. After being gifted mana by the source, they adapted, and learned to summon small quantities of fruit.
Equally remarkable, was a large, slender creature, with a dark, fine coat and elegant yet powerful hooves. The Vaelk. They possessed the ability to summon a limited amount of water. Together these animals could thrive, avoiding otherwise essential parts of survival in the wilderness.
Additionally, he saw a strange creature. Although he could not recall its name, he knew a few of their details. Alone, the slow and heavy herbivore wouldn't stand a chance against predators. But, almost every one of them was paired with a fungal parasite. In exchange for nutrients and a host, the herbivores were given protection. The parasite held a deadly toxin inside of it. Any predator who dared to approach would be given a lethal dose, while the protected creature would be administered an antidote.
Relationships in the Royal Wood are give and take. Many creatures pair together to overcome its hardships. Many other places in Gaia have such relations, but none could compare to those of timber.
Kaius firmed his gaze forward. Nobody knew when the next ambush could be coming.
Not long after, the lake was left behind among the eternal forest.
He looked forward at the trail and sighed. Without blowing the war horn, Kaius descended, and the wagon halted. The rest of his group, albeit panicked, managed to stop on cue.
Valerie's voice could be heard from the pack.
"What the hell is the hold up?"
Her comment was answered by a cold shoulder.
"You know, when somebody asks a question... You're meant to respond. Ah."
With displeasure, she led the group past the furthest wagon, to where Kaius was standing. Painted with an annoyed look, a flood of mutual understanding fell onto the members of the cohort.
In front of them, a few vines poked from beneath the surface. To the inexperienced eye, there was no reason to stop for something so insignificant. But make no mistake, a garden of sorrow lay just ahead of them. These vines were the invasive roots of a Thran. Each spiked length would need to be manually cut. Even then, it was not that simple. These roots contained poison. Anybody who tried to slice them would regret it.
The four sat in the front wagon, discussing what to do.
Ariel started the meeting.
"Well then. Any ideas?"
Icarus went first.
"I could always set the vines aflame. That way we won't need to go anywhere near the poison and the area will be cleared."
Valerie spoke next.
"No, we'd have to wait a day minimum for the poison to clear out from all that smoke. I'm also not sure Scroomville would take too kindly to your deforestation plan."
"So then what do you suggest? Because as it stands, that's the only way out of this. Unless you want to carve out a new path?"
Valerie had nothing to say. But Kaius did.
"That's not too bad of an idea, actually."
He was met with wide eyes.
"Obviously not through the trees. We carve a path in the path. Who said we need to clear the whole width? Let's clear only part of it. Just enough for our wagons to get through. That way we limit exposure to the poison and, get through quickly."
Ariel spoke.
"What a bold plan. How do you intend to carry it out then? I'd love to do some group Thran extermination, but we can't all go. What will happen if we get attacked, and we're all poisoned? What then?"
"Yes, yes, sit back and relax. Icarus and I have this. Together, we've got it."
"WE?!"
***
The wagons backed away, around 20 meters. The wind was working with them, blowing east and away from the trail. Kaius and Icarus approached the foreboding vines. Their job was a short but dangerous one. The pair prepared thick gloves for their upcoming peril, and cloth to seal their vulnerable airways. That was all they had spare for. The rest was reserved for injuries, leaving their skin undefended.
Kaius went first, shortly followed by Icarus, and the sound of unsheathing blades. For a second he hesitated, but managed to steel himself before the deed.
Edges fell down on the tendrils. Over and over they hacked away. The sound of spongy flesh sawed by sharp blades that felt dull. There was no battle in sight, but Kaius and Icarus were still fighting for their lives.
Poison miasma spewed out from the cuts, some of it a dark purple liquid and some of it as gas of the same colour. The sight would have been awful if they weren't squinting their eyes to protect as much of them as possible.
The gas caressed their skin bringing little stings at first, as if teasing its prey. The two already knew what was happening. The first symptoms. Hastily, they slashed, sliced and cleaved. Kaius grabbed a vine and pulled with all his strength. A whole network of thorns revealed themselves, but the duo knew that was only the surface. More roots were unearthed and swiftly fell.
Icarus looked at his wrist with his limited vision. His skin was plastered with chemical burns. But it was too late, even if they were to leave now, they couldn't escape damage. So they did what they knew best, to ignore.
Kaius abruptly dropped to the ground. A stream of poison vomited out an abhorrent fountain, directed towards his face. His eyes had seen it just in time.
He steadied himself and pressed on.
Dozens of snares were severed on the ground. The knights were breathing heavily under their poor protection. In reality, the whole time they had been inhaling the gas, even if a little filtered out. The strain on their charred skin and burnt lungs were showing. However, the job was still left undone. They carried their sluggish bodies toward the next vine, and the next, and the next. Their will could not be shattered, no matter what deterrence came.
Their skin was on fire. Each step, each breath, came with boundless agony. Their movements had shifted from that of knights, to unbothered corpses.
The left side of the road was almost cleared. Just enough to let the wagons through safely. Only one tendril was left. Kaius and Icarus stumbled toward the last target, with both of their swords in unison, they executed the final one.