The Hold Volume . 1: The Woman Of The Forest

By adam gilbert

Word has grown in the South of a strange creature living in the forest. One that whispers to the woods. Something so frightful that the people of Down Grove have sent for the Hunters of the Shrine. But their hunt would be accepted by the most unlikely of candidates. Aria, a young girl with almost no hunting experience, is assigned to the task, though it is one she is uncertain she can complete.

• Language: English
• Publisher: adam gilbert
• Release date: Dec 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9781733533300

adam gilbert

Adam Gilbert was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1991. His studies in school revolved around English and Digital Art, leading him to eventually pursue novel writing shortly after graduating from University. Outside of writing, Adam enjoys spending his time with his wife, family, and friends in the quiet suburbs of Chicago.

Book preview

I

THE HOLD

VOLUME.I

THE WOMAN OF THE FOREST

-

ADAM GILBERT

COPYRIGHT

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Original text copyright © 2018 by Adam Gilbert

Cover Design by Adam Gilbert

Cover copyright © 2018 by Adam Gilbert

Edited by Isaac Gilbert

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, uploaded, scanned, or distributed in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

For permissions or inquiries, contact: [e-mail]

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-7335333-0-0

Table Of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Further Reading

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Halt! The area up ahead is strictly forbidden! the guard shouted through the pouring rains, squinting as two figures emerged from the brush of the forest. They followed the cobblestone path the guard watched, stopping just before him. They were hunched over in discomfort, grabbing at their cloaks to shield themselves from the torrential rainfall. The taller of the two cloaked figures stepped forward.

Seems you drew the short straw today, the cloaked man observed, but the guard kept his stance strong, despite the rain soaking his armor through.

Turn back now! This is a dangerous path and none are to come near it! he commanded, his disposition not changing until the figure removed his hood, revealing a tired, bearded man underneath.

The guard squinted. Am I supposed to know you? he asked cautiously.

I would hope so, it was your Captain who ordered us here, the bearded man replied.

What? the guard shouted over the downpour.

Mothers of Flame… we were called here! Guardians! Called here by your Captain! the bearded man shouted back.

Guardians?

Yes, Guardians from the Shrine!

Ah! You mean the monster slayers?

Yes! the bearded man grumbled, motioning the other hooded figure to step forward. Quit yelling at us in this rain! Is there a roof we can talk under?

The guard quickly adjusted his dress and gave a nod. O-of course sir! But it is only me here this late in the night!

Then you will have to do! the man answered, letting the guard lead him and the other figure along the path to a small, wooden hut nearby. Smoke rose from its chimney and the guard quickly went to its front door, holding it open for both of his guests. The howling rains were silenced immediately as the three passed over the hut’s threshold. After shutting the door, the guard walked toward a table and pulled two chairs for the Hunters. The chairs were old and terribly battered. Regardless, they were a welcome sight to the weary travelers.

Hope you’ll be forgiving me sir for the lack of respect. No one had told me you were to arrive tonight, see? Thought it would be just me tonight. To be quite honest, you two gave me a real start emerging from those woods this late. This damn forest… that damn castle… I suppose that’s why you’re here, eh?

As the guard spoke, the second hooded figure removed their cloak, revealing a young woman no older than twenty with brown, neck-length hair. The guard looked with some surprise. Don’t be telling me she’s also a monster slayer?!

Not quite yet, but she may be the person who can slay your monster, the man answered. Her name is Aria, and I am Lynall.

Oh! Of course, how foolish of me. I am Graham. I watch over this place. This road, I mean, Graham answered, sitting at the rickety table himself.

The room the three sat in was small and the only room of the hut. In it rested a single bed, constructed haphazardly from scrap wood, a table which had around it four chairs, and a small fire pit that warmed the interior quite well. The floor was nothing more than stamped dirt, and the poorly thatched roof let only a few dripples of rainwater fall near the walls of the building. Lynall gave Graham a polite smile, pulling an envelope from his pocket with a seal that Graham seemed to recognize right away.

From the City Hall of Water Ridge itself, Mayor and his advisors signed off on it. You can look it over if you like, to assure we are who we say, Lynall remarked as Graham gently grabbed the letter.

Oh, eh… of course. Again sir, I apologize. I just, well you must understand they don’t tell us much up here near the mountains. I am given my duties to stand watch of the road, and I go. Sometimes for a month at a time. They give us the bare minimum too these days. I’d be lucky to have even one companion anymore. Seems as time’s waned on, they’ve all but forgotten about that place, Graham admitted.

The castle? Aria asked with a curious tone. It caught Graham off guard, but he nodded quickly.

Y-yes, the castle! Supposing you two have heard of it already then?

We only know the stories, like anyone else. I was hoping the watchmen might be able to give us more information, Lynall replied. Graham laughed uncomfortably.

Well, to be frank with you sir, I don’t know how much more information I might be givin’ to monster killers such as yourselves… but I will do what I can. So tell me, are you really here to try and dispose of that… thing? Graham asked, nearly in a whisper. Lynall sat back in his chair and let out a sigh.

So, there is a Creature in that tower then? Lynall asked.

For as long as we can remember, there’s been something lurking in that tower, Graham affirmed, but, it ain’t no Creature that’s up there… he leaned a little closer to the two. It’s a table.

Lynall’s eyebrows raised curiously, and Aria leaned forward like a child during a campfire story.

Oh yes, they didn’t tell you that? I only saw a full glimpse of it once. We have to go up there from time to time, see? Make sure things are still in control, that things haven’t gotten worse. We peer into the room every so often, when we inspect the chains locked around the doors of the front entry and banquet hall. Heavy chains with three locks. A lock which only the mayor holds the key to, another which only the guard stationed holds, and one final lock whose key is hidden near the castle entrance, but that’s beside the point. When we were checking the locks, we left the door open to the banquet hall, and I saw that strange object for a little too long. Even though it’s sat isolated for years, it still looks brand new. Fresh food always rests on its surface, along with bright silverware, intricate tapestries, and everlasting candles. It is an amazing sight, draws you in, see? Like a fly to light, Graham explained.

Well, the rumors I’ve heard are quite different. The Table, what happens if you go near it? We heard that people were dying, but I’m unsure how a table might achieve that… Lynall confessed.

Unfortunately sir, I as well am unsure. What I do know is that any who have entered that room do not come out. There are… piles upon piles of clothes and armor resting in the corners of the room. As if the people disappear completely. No blood, no bones. Just… gone.

And I take it the Table’s latest victims are Hunters such as ourselves? No one else is allowed in that room? Lynall inquired.

"I wish it were so sir, oh how I wish it were so. Only recently have the chains been put on the doors. For a long time, we only ever had guards watching this road, sending off any that might attempt to reach the castle. But you and I both know how foolish youth can be. All one would need to do, if truly determined, is trek to the castle off road, bypass us, and enter into that room.

"We guards always notice when a new piece of clothing shows up, because at first, it rests around the Table in the shape of the person. Sometimes, even more strangely, we will see them plastered to the wall. Eventually, they find their way to the corners.

This went on for some time until it was decided further measures were needed. The doors were locked, and our trips to the castle were doubled. It wasn’t so bad when there was another guard with me, but now, well… a part of me wishes they never had us look after those locks. I can’t bear going near that castle, I can’t stand the sight of it. Ever since I saw that Table, I’ve never been able to stop thinking about it. I dream of it… and it always feels as though the Table is calling to me from afar. The closer I am, the worse that feeling gets.

This certainly is more than I expected, Lynall admitted, leaning back in his chair as he scratched his beard. Very strange…

As the two went silent, Aria cleared her throat, catching both of their attention. Lynall turned his head to her.

What do you think, Aria? he asked her kindly.

Graham nodded eagerly. Oh yes please miss, you had mentioned that you might be able to finally rid us of this thing.

Well, I don’t know about all that. I suppose my question is, if it’s just a table, why not break the castle around it? Or seal off the entrances completely? Aria suggested. Graham gave her a polite smile.

While I hope it doesn’t offend you miss, I’m afraid to say we’ve tried. First, we sealed the doors with bricks, only to return the next day to find the doors wide open. What’s more strange is that there wasn’t a brick in sight... It was as if they had never been placed. Next, we made an attempt at breaking the castle down completely, employing all forms of machinery we could get our hands on, but the castle would not fall. I’m uncertain if it was because we needed greater machines of war than the City would permit or if the castle is unbreakable. In either case, the only type of seal which has worked is locks. Though, in truth, I wonder how well they work at all. I still find clothes in the room. Once, there was a pair of clothes standing stiff, right in front of the door as I opened it, as if the Table knew I would be checking in. Graham stopped for a moment and shook his head.

I’m sorry, I should have guessed you would’ve tried those things already, Aria sympathised. If I may ask another question? she requested. Graham nodded.

I suppose you’ll be asking if we ever tried setting the room on fire? Or breaking the Table?

Yes, actually, Aria asked bashfully.

All good, honest questions miss. I don’t mock them at all. We tried to destroy the Table, and it is something we will never try again. It was when they still allowed us to come up here in groups of four. That was near the beginning of my time watching this place. We were drinking a little too much, and a wave of fright and anger overcame us. We were tired of that Table, of dreaming about it, and decided we knew what was best. Made some makeshift bombs from our liquor bottles, made our way through the night, and lobbed them right at the Table. But… the Table didn’t burn… as if the flames themselves dare not touch it. We woke something fierce too, something unseen. Two of my group walked right into the flames. I… I nearly did myself, but the Table did not burn. We fled in fear, fell into a horrible nightmarish sleep, and woke the next morning to find our fellow guards’ clothing standing straight at attention outside our hut. Stiff, as if they were still in them. We’ve never made an attempt at its destruction since. Graham went silent. Aria simply slouched in her chair.

If fire won’t even touch it, I’m not sure what we can do, she confessed while shrugging her shoulders. Her calm demeanor caused Graham to look with surprise.

You’re not afraid? he asked her curiously. Aria smiled.

I mean, should I be? We haven’t gone to it yet, and last I checked the Table hasn’t moved from its position. The Table doesn’t move, right? Aria asked.

Thankfully, it stays in that room. It’s been around for a long time. The Table and that castle, neither of them ever move. I must admit, it is relieving to finally have some courage in these mountains again, Graham said with a smile. Aria smiled along with him, but Lynall still kept a pensive stare.

Tell me, Graham, how many others have attempted to put an end to this table? I only know of two myself, neither of which ever returned, he asked.

Let’s see… Graham went silent for a moment as he thought to himself. Since I’ve been taking rotations? At least four, but before that I can’t say.

Any of them Magicians? Druids or Seers specifically? Casters that might be able to sense a disturbance in nature or a presence from another plane? Lynall asked. Graham shook his head.

So sorry sir, I wasn’t really sure what they were. Assumed them all to be monster slayers like yourself, had no idea you all had trades and such.

It’s quite alright, Lynall said with a wave, standing slowly from his chair and walking over to the hut’s fireplace. He stood over it in silence for a moment, his arms crossed and stance wide. His deep concentration gave Aria some concern.

I’m just curious, if the Table doesn’t move and if no one can seem to destroy it, why not just leave it alone? Why bother risking Hunters to try and stop it? Aria questioned. To this Lynall turned from the fire, which caused Aria’s eyes to shift. Is that another obvious question?

Not at all Aria. It’s actually a valid point, and it is a question which has been bothering me since this request was first brought to the Shrine. Would you care to explain Graham? Lynall asked.

To be frank, that’s exactly what the City’s policy was for many years. Leave the Table alone. Plain and simple. We only ever let those who volunteered enter into the castle, and we did our best to keep all others out. That was before however, and as time has passed the Table has… well… seemed to grow stronger. Apparently, there used to be a time when you could walk into the Table’s room free and clear, so long as you didn’t sit down. Then, one day the room started keeping people in. How, I do not know, but any who walked into the Table’s room could not exit. After that, the Table appeared to grow the ability to draw people to it. Shortly thereafter, stiff clothes started to appear. Dreams of the Table followed and now… well now the clothes appear outside the castle. The thought has now become that, if left alone, the Table’s influence will only continue to grow and perhaps reach the city one day, Graham stated somberly.

I suppose that explains their urgency, and perhaps their secrecy about the true nature of this job… Lynall admitted. Aria watched him for a moment as he scratched his head, she herself at a loss for ideas.

So, you think you two can handle it? I can’t help but wonder what it was you planned on doing to stop it, miss. Perhaps some kind of magic spell? Graham asked eagerly. Aria’s eyes widened.

Oh, well, with it being a table and all… things might be a bit more complicated. Right Lynall? Aria asked, standing from her chair.

Hm? Oh, yes. This is certainly far different than what was described to us in town, but we will try all the same. After all, we’ve come this far. Thank you for your time Graham, Lynall said, making his way to the door.

Wait, you two plan on going up there now? Graham blurted.

At least to take a look and see if this is within our reach, Lynall replied with a smile. Graham nodded slowly.

Suppose that’s the difference between you and us. No fear of it, is that it? My legs shake at the thought of having to face it again, but you two push on, Graham praised, standing and giving a sloppy bow. You’ll be needing my key then. Here, I have two spares so feel free to keep it, and I thank you both for your service.

Think nothing of it. At least, not till we’ve done something, Lynall jested. He then turned to Aria. Shall we go?

Aria nodded. Sure, and thank you for helping us Graham. I hope we can return the favor, she said, offering Graham a hand, who took it bashfully.

Of course miss, best of luck to you both. I would hate to see you two taken away by that thing. Graham gave them a final wave, and the two opened the cabin door, walking back into the rain.

The downpour had calmed to a gentle drizzle. Lynall and Aria walked along the pathway which Graham guarded, taking only a few paces before Aria spoke up.

Lynall, do you really think we can do something about that table? she asked.

I’m not sure there is much I can do, but I still have hopes for you, he answered, wrapping his cloak tightly around his chest.

I don’t know if I feel as confident as you… If it had been a monster, like we talked about, maybe I could have helped. But a table that can’t be broken? Strength can only go so far, Aria admitted.

Strength is one thing, but it’s not strength of the body which we will need here. It will be a strength of will. What Graham described is no ordinary Demon or creature. It’s something from the old world, a force which I believe can be broken by a spirit which is strong. Specifically, I thought of you, and after hearing more details, I am even more convinced you are the person for this task. I wouldn’t have asked you here otherwise. I am very grateful you came, by the way, Lynall explained.

Well, Iris was a little less grateful, Aria joked, slipping on a muddy part of the road before regaining her footing. Lynall chuckled.

My daughter can be a handful, as I’m sure you’ve become aware. It is in her nature to want to help me, but this task isn’t for her... It’s not even one for me. I only come along as a guide for you.

What about Rita? This does seem to be magic related, maybe she could have helped? Aria asked.

Oh, I did ask her, but Rita is more stubborn than Iris sometimes. She would never make a trek out this far unless it was absolutely necessary, you know that. What’s more, her skills rest in a different kind of magic, one that would be less useful here. Remember that magic is not a discipline which allows you to do whatever you wish. There are specific kinds, all of which take years to master – ah, there it is, Lynall remarked, gaining a view of the castle. It’s much closer than I thought. The guards are certainly bold to remain stationed near its entrance.

Not sure they have much of a choice, Aria observed, placing her hands in her pockets as she stared at the gloomy structure. It wasn’t nearly as big as she thought, with only one tower tied to a single major structure. It had no outer walls, only a bridge which passed over a river that led to the main entrance.

You see how it wavers in the wind Aria? Like the castle isn’t fixed to any position? Lynall asked, pointing to the strange silhouette of the castle. Aria squinted.

Now that you mention it... yes, I do. It almost looks like a mirage. What does that mean? she replied.

It means that there is indeed magic at play here, but this doesn’t seem to be from the Table itself… We’ll need to get a closer look to find our answer, Lynall observed, turning to Aria for a moment. But, before we go further, you need to decide whether or not to continue after everything we’ve heard.

Well, like you said, we’re this far out. Might as well take a look, Aria replied shortly, looking to the ground.

Aria, you and I know well that being a Guardian isn’t what you had originally intended when you took shelter at the Shrine. It was very kind of you to come with me, but this Table should not be taken lightly. Beyond this point, it is hard for me to say what will happen. I want to make sure you understand that if you don’t want to continue, we can turn back. It wouldn’t all be a waste either. Returning to the Shrine for further research may prove helpful to me, Lynall reassured, the rain still falling steadily on the two.

Lynall, do you really think I am going to make any difference? Aria asked bashfully, her hands shaking slightly at her sides. Lynall smiled and placed his hand gently on Aria’s shoulder.

Aria, you may be the only person I know of who could make a difference here. But that does not make this task any less dangerous, he answered.

If I can really be of help, then I will go, Aria responded quickly. Lynall laughed as he continued to walk toward the castle.

Your courage is admirable Aria, another reason why you may be perfect for this job. I will do everything in my power to make sure you are safe, he said, the two following a stone path which wound gently through the woods toward their destination. Aria followed closely behind Lynall, her nerves kept only slightly at bay. Lynall must have sensed this, as he was quick to continue speaking. This place is close to the mountains I found you on, do you remember? How long ago was that now?

Well let me think… I guess it’s been at least three months, Aria answered, looking toward a mountain line far in the distance. It was raining then too.

It certainly was. How you managed to survive in those woods for as long as you did is beyond me, though I suppose it’s another testament to your gifts, Lynall remarked, following the trail down to series of overgrown stairs.

Yeah… my gifts… Aria replied, keeping a close eye on her footing while traversing the mossy stairway.

You never were too eager to embrace them, were you Aria? Is that why you left your home? Lynall asked curiously. Aria remained quiet. Lynall looked back at her. I don’t mean to sound insensitive.

N-no it’s fine, I… I just don’t like to talk about it I guess, Aria replied.

Of course, I’m sorry to have pried, Lynall said, stopping in front of the bridge leading to the castle. It was wooden and slowly being ensnared by vines. The bridge led directly toward two large doors. It was clear they were the castle’s entry. Lynall inspected the bridge for a moment, letting out a perplexed grunt after a brief survey of the area. Well, if there is magic at play here, it is very weak… Lynall walked toward the bridge, stopping and staring at a seal etched onto its surface. Aria noticed it as well, stepping to Lynall’s side.

Is that a protective seal? Aria asked.

No, actually, which is surprising. It does seem to be a barrier seal, but it’s a much older form of glyphing, highly complex and highly unstable. You see the fine lines there on its border? If any of those wear down, the seal’s potency fades dramatically. They stopped this kind of glyphing ages ago because of it. Lynall kneeled down and inspected the markings more closely. Aria was quick enough to begin piecing together the puzzle.

So, that would explain the Table’s growing influence. It isn’t necessarily growing stronger, the glyphs holding it in place are wearing down, Aria remarked. Lynall nodded in agreement.

Very acute of you Aria. That would be my guess as well, Lynall said as he stood slowly and let out a sigh.

I suppose we could find a Glyphist back at Water Ridge, bring him out this way, and have him redo the seals? Aria suggested, but Lynall shook his head.

A good idea, but I’m afraid with these older glyphs, they cannot be reinforced. Once the etch and cast have been complete, they are set for life. Even the most skilled Glyphist on this world would be hard pressed to redo something so fragile and volatile. Lynall raised his hand as he spoke, moving it past the seal’s threshold and holding it there for a moment with his eyes closed. Well… no discernable difference for me at least. Aria, would you mind trying?

What exactly am I doing? Aria asked, slowly raising her arm.

We’re trying to see if there’s any danger in stepping over this seal’s protective barrier. It starts here, which means beyond this point, the Table’s influence will grow significantly. Stepping over all at once could prove a fatal mistake. So, we are testing the waters so to speak. By placing only a part of our bodies over the threshold, and only one of us at a time, there is a very good chance we can still pull away if it is too dangerous, Lynall explained.

I see… but the guards go to the doors all the time, so why should we have to worry? Aria asked as she raised her hand and placed it over the threshold.

Before Lynall could speak, Aria felt a sensation akin to fire crawling up her hand. Her eyes went blank and all she could see was the Table. It was as if she was standing next to it, looking down at the plethora of food and drink strewn about its surface. A great wave of hunger overcame her, as well as a sense of helpless fear. Just as suddenly as the visions came, they were gone – replaced by Lynall, who had pulled Aria’s hand away from the barrier.

Are you alright? he asked her gently.

What happened? Aria asked as she blinked slowly, trying to get her feet back underneath herself.

It would appear that the Table put you into a trance. Your eyes went blank and you nearly stepped over the threshold before I stopped you, Lynall replied, carefully letting Aria go as she regained her composure. You asked why we need to worry...

Aria looked to Lynall. I suppose I just answered my own question, she observed.

I think you did as well. As bad as it sounds, your trance is actually a good sign. It means you are as much of a threat as I thought you would be. But we must be ready, the Table seems to know why we are coming and once we step over this threshold, there is no telling what could happen.

But, you just saw what happened… It’s going to take us over Lynall. We won’t be able to do anything, Aria said nervously. Do you have a potion or spell that could protect us?

Lynall smiled and shook his head. No, I’m counting on you, and your strength of will, to get us out of whatever happens, he replied. Aria clenched her teeth nervously. Lynall looked at her with empathy. We can still turn back. You do not have to do this if you are not ready.

Do you really think I will be able to help?

You could put an end to this table, Aria. I’m sure of it, Lynall answered. Aria let out an affirming nod.

Then we should try. We can’t let the Table’s influence spread anymore than it has. If we have a good chance at defeating it, I want to help, Aria replied, steadying her breathing as she prepared to cross the threshold. She looked to Lynall. Are you ready?

I am. I will follow your lead Aria, Lynall replied.

Aria stared for a moment longer. Anxiety and adrenaline coursed through her body. With a deep breath, she raised her foot and crossed the threshold.

----

It… tastes good… doesn’t it? a creeping voice said. Aria’s head felt heavy, but even in her confused state, the voice made her fingertips go numb.

What? Aria’s mind cleared from a hazing fog, confused by the question, her eyes focusing in on a large table in front of her. She was sitting down, but she could not recall how she had gotten there.

The food… You should… feed me… so I can eat with you… the voice said. Aria observed the large table, attempting to find where the voice was coming from. She was in a room, an old banquet hall, one which appeared to shift whenever her