The shot Dex fired hit its mark perfectly. The wounded deer bolted, leaving the hunter far behind. But Dex's long-eared friend, Volien, was faster than any beast. A member of the mysterious forest folk, he lunged in pursuit. Moving with the speed of the wind, he raised his hunting rifle and fired directly at the animal's head. The deer dropped dead instantly.
— Good shot, — Dex's voice rang out as he approached.
— Dex, did you run after me or fly?
— I teleported, — Dex smiled.
— Excellent, — said Volien. — Now, let's carry the carcass to our tent. Tonight we feast, and tomorrow we cross into the Border Forest.
— I hope your detachment can protect the border while we're gone.
— Do not worry about my furry comrades; they will do their job better than anyone else.
Talking as they went, the friends dragged the massive deer carcass. They had to hurry; rain was gathering. Half an hour later, they reached the tent. Dex began butchering the prey, while Volien, with the agility of a cat, started gathering dry branches for a fire. The rain began to fall but soon subsided. By then, the bonfire was blazing cheerfully. The friends — a man and Volien, a denizen of the phantom worlds — began roasting the meat.
After a short rest, they were to head into the mountains hidden behind the Border Forest. These woods and peaks were invisible to ordinary people. But Volien had received permission from his brother to show Dex these sacred places. Lately, Dex had been granted access to things no mortal was ever allowed to see — he had become one of the forest folk. To keep ordinary humans from prying, he and Volien had invented legends of super-beings that supposedly guarded the woods. Thus, no one dared enter.
As for Dex and his beloved Gloria, they had indeed parted ways after the first war between humans and dolls. They had hidden the birth of their son from everyone, declaring him dead. He was raised in secret, even from the dolls themselves. Gloria could not see her son, let alone Dex. But what happened to the boy later is a story for another time.
The travelers were preparing for their long journey when suddenly, the stillness of the silent forest was shattered by a bitter, mocking laughter.
— Ready your weapon, Dex! — Volien commanded.
— Who is it, friend? — Dex asked, as if waking from a dream.
— My friend, I forgot to warn you about the creatures inhabiting these parts. They are the Laughing Devils.
— How dangerous are they? — Dex prepared for battle. — And here I thought you were lying to people about their existence.
— If you fear them, you are lost. At first, they are invisible, but then they take form. Their appearance depends on how great your terror is. If you do not succumb to horror, it will end with nothing more than laughter.
A moment later, a silhouette resembling a white deer appeared before Dex. Then it took the shape of a hideous humanoid monster and attacked. Dex fought back with a massive staff, keeping the creature at bay. Volien stood nearby, frozen like a statue.
— Dex, where is your weapon?
— The weapon is behind my back! — Dex fought desperately. — Why aren't you helping?!
Coming to his senses, Volien fired. The bullet hit the creature square in the jaw. Several more shots rang out, and the monster slumped over, dead. A few smaller creatures appeared, but a single bullet sufficed for each. The laughter gradually faded, and the entities vanished.
— Let them just try to show up again, — Volien said proudly. — You and I have been in worse spots than this.
— That's for sure, — Dex laughed.
— Look! — Volien exclaimed, pointing to a white smoke. As if a curtain had been drawn back, a white wall appeared before them. Passing through it, they saw beautiful white houses.
— Where are we, Volien?
— This is Marionis! The land of living and non-living dolls, seized by the usurper Torsken.
As they walked further, the laughter grew quieter until it vanished completely. The Border Forest was a strange place; here, reality blurred with dreams. The trees seemed to whisper to one another, taking on the most bizarre shapes. Everything was shrouded in silver mist and sparkling dust. Even Volien looked like a ghost in this light.
Soon the friends reached a stony valley at the foot of a mountain. Moving upward, they pulled a cart with provisions. It was getting colder. Dex began to shiver, and Volien pulled a bear-skin coat from the cart. Dex was starving and started to grumble.
— Volien, just kill me now, — he snapped. — You know I can't stand hunger!
— Here, eat, old man, — Volien smiled his "horsey" grin and handed his friend a substantial piece of roasted venison.
— You should have led with that! — Dex rejoiced. — Thanks, buddy.
The cart held plenty more roasted meat and essential supplies, including a tent.
— There's enough food for many days, don't worry, — the forest strongman encouraged him.
— Volien, where are we going? We need to stop.
— A house will appear before us soon. We will stay there for a few days, then return to the Border Forest via a flying device.
— And who lives in this house?
— A being very dear to you. It will be a surprise.
Soon, a stone house emerged before them. Volien knocked, and a woman opened the door. It was Gloria — Dex's former lover and Elisa's grandmother. Everyone, including Dex, had believed her dead for years.
— Gloria, is it really you? — Dex couldn't believe his eyes. — Volien, how is this possible? Or have you brought me to the afterlife?
— No, Dex! She is alive and well thanks to us, — Volien replied proudly.
Dex embraced Gloria and wept. The former lovers stood there for a long time, unable to believe this was real.
— Gloria, do you remember our meetings at the Bird's Nest?
— Of course I remember, darling!
— You know... our son was alive.
— What?! — Gloria nearly fainted. — Dex, why do you say was?
— He survived, but for a long time, he was a prisoner of the Invisibles — the secret beings who controlled you. Then he was given to the undead creatures. He died a martyr's death... the enemies burned him alive.
— Find them for me, Dex! I want revenge! Our poor daughter... — Gloria burst into tears. — You left without ever knowing your parents! My poor son!
— But there is good news, — Dex comforted her. — We have a granddaughter!
— A granddaughter? — Gloria wiped her tears.
— Yes, our son left us an heir. Her name is Evinetta (Vicky).
— Is she a prisoner too?
— No, she is under the protection of my kin in the human world.
The friends entered the house. Several of Gloria's loyal subjects lived there in hiding with her. They quickly set the table. Gloria was shaken by the news but happy to see Dex.
— Bring my granddaughter to me as soon as possible! I will find no peace until I see her.
— She is the smartest and most beautiful girl in the world! You'll see for yourself.
Gloria's house was surprisingly comfortable: Volien had taken care of electricity, gas, and even hot water. While the servants prepared pies from the brought venison, Dex and Volien rested in spacious armchairs. A lively conversation began over tea.
— Where do you get your supplies? — Dex asked.
— There are hidden settlements nearby, — replied Gloria. — They live in isolation, tilling the land and keeping livestock.
— That's just perfect! Volien, why did you keep quiet about this?
— All in good time, friend, — the furry giant smirked.
— The main thing is there are no dolls here, — added Gloria. — Torsken and his spies have never been able to penetrate this place. This is our Secret Bastion!