“Damn them, they’ll pay for their defiance,” cried the Dark One.
Mörken knew that something was protecting the forest folk—something he could discover and destroy to break their will.
“Send out a scouting party to see if there is anything that may represent a shrine,” commanded Mörken.
One of his scouts reported seeing a floating island off the edge of the forest. He suggested that this could be what the Dark One was searching for.
“You, Torac, get me an airship. The sky island may well be where the ancient forest’s power emanates from,” said the Dark One.
Mörken traveled to the island using the human-made sky machine. There he discovered the Elder Tree, the Waldvolker’s secret.
“Their fate is sealed. Now to destroy this vile tree,” cried Mörken as he raised his axe.
Unable to harm the Elder Tree or the island, the Dark One reflected on his situation.
“Magic, the tree is protected by magic,” said Mörken. “I will find a way to destroy it and break the Waldvolker’s will,” the Dark One proclaimed.
Mörken returned to his camp, but no one there could provide the answer he sought.
“I will tear these lands apart until I can find a way to destroy the tree and the island as well,” Mörken muttered.
Over the next year, the Troth raided village after village. They dragged each wise woman and cunning folk before the Dark One.
“None of the fools has the slightest idea about the island or its tree. The Waldvolker mock me, and I will repay them a thousandfold,” Mörken said.
After disastrous Troth defeats, Mörken gave up his quest to destroy the Elder Tree. Instead, the Dark One focused on Ãlskad, the beloved forest, and its destruction.
“I will burn it to the ground if I have to,” the Dark One cried.
No man knows the future, but some say Mörken’s time is coming to an end. We can only pray it comes sooner rather than later.
Leave a comment