A Choice of Blades: The Blade Remnant, Book One

by D. N. Woodward

  “This here is a baby forest bandit. He must have fallen from one of the moon nests deeper in the woods. I only happened upon him last evening, while I was out hunting my healing herbs. There are few of these creatures left in this part of the forest. They've been hunted hard for the silver in those talons.

  "He may not look it now, but his kind are fierce and silent hunters. Rarely seen, even by Fae. They are famous for their aerial acrobatics. Their kind weave silently through treetop canopies and ambush unsuspecting prey each night. Only, this one has a broken wing. See here? He will never learn to soar unless it is healed.”

  Reed just stood there still trying to process everything she had said before. “What? What has this got to do with anything?”

  “I’ll tell you, but before I do I want you to pick him up…just like this. I want you to hold him in your arms.” A protest was still forming in his mouth when Olwena’s sharp tongue beat him to the punch, “Just do it, boy! This is important!”

  Reed held the bird in his arms. He secretly had a soft heart for small things that suffered, and the little bird peering up at him tugged upon those strings.

  “Good! Now close your eyes. Focus on your Blade. Touch its injured wing, consider its hurt, and…”

  The old woman’s voice faded into the background as something happened. Despite his anxiety Reed’s mind turned to the Blade at his side. Normally, when he needed the Blade’s power, he would focus on that power until it sent him the help he needed. In those instances, it would generally respond quickly. Though, thinking back, there had been many occasions where he demanded its power but only received a trickle. Regardless, this was different. This was something new, something beyond his experience.

  Being on such uncertain ground took him back to those first weeks after he first received his Blade. He could remember his initial fascination with the subtle power it held. Recalling those first days of discovery and wonder, Reed affectionately rubbed the thumb of his free hand over the Blade’s pommel. His grip softened, as he subconsciously coaxed it for support, just as he had back then, imploring it to lend to him…what exactly? What was it Olwena wanted him to do for the pitiful creature?

  He stood there pondering the situation, a man out of his depth, though Olwena remained blessedly silent for once. Then, just as he was ready to accept failure and throw in the towel on the whole exercise, a tingling sensation pricked his thumb. It strengthened into a warm pulse. The warmth flowed into him from within the Blade. Yet it was siphoned away as soon as it arrived, seeping through his arm and into the chick he held.

  He ignored the feeling and focused instead on the bird in his hands. In his mind, he pictured the wing's bone realigning and fusing together. It was like opening a book and understanding the words without ever having learned to read. The sensation lasted mere moments, but when it was over Reed couldn’t help but smile. He opened his eyes and stared with amazement at the owlet. His eyes could have been playing tricks on him, but the owl looked a tiny bit larger, and its broken wing was straightened!

  “Oh, child! That’s even better than I dared hope! You’re blessed, boy! Blessed with both the gifts of growth and fusion!” She continued to cackle, her happy little laugh wheezing and chortling as she spun around gathering supplies and stuffing them into a sack.

  “That’s great and all…but how does this help me with the impending sacrifice?”

  “All in good time, all in good time, child! I had to throw you off your guard to see if you were gifted like I suspected and, of course, I needed to relay everything I told you before. I didn’t know if it would work, but it did, it did!”

  At last, she spun around and slipped a sturdy pack’s straps across her back.

  “So, what now?”

  “Now? Now, you help me rescue your friends and escape this infernal forest!”

  Reed cracked a smile. “And then?” She waved her arms at him.

  “Tomorrow will take care of itself, boy, we have more than enough on our hands today! Meet me with the rest of your party at Leon’s cabin, but don’t make a scene. I’ve been babying that child, but his ribs are healed and he’s fine to travel. We make our move while the Forest sleeps this afternoon. Tomorrow’s feast is a moonless night, and we have miles to put between us and them before then!”

  “What about Sved?”

  “The Otter-boy?” She waved away his concern, “I already mended that nick on his leg. I'll say that Vin friend of yours knows his business with forest herbs, there was no infection in the wound, so my healing was a simple matter.”

  She stopped him as he moved toward the door. “That's important by the way.”

  What’s important?”

  “Your gifts are fusion and mending not healing.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning your Blade will allow you to mend bones, seal veins, and fix damaged flesh, but you are powerless against infection and disease. Come on now, let’s get moving. You head back to camp, act natural, and get the others packed and gathered for when I return.”

  “What about this?” Leon held out the owl.

  Olwena waved him off once more. “Keep him, he’s yours.”

  And just like that the old woman flung the door open and scurried off into the forest.

  As Reed made his way back through the gathering area carrying his small bird on his shoulder, his former smile was nowhere to be seen. Yet, deep within his heart, there was consolation. He may disdain what his people represented, but now he at least knew his roots. He also knew just a little bit more about who he could truly choose to become. And, despite initial reservations, he had a teacher who might just be able to help him learn more. Nope, he wasn’t smiling, but there was a certain spring to his step that wasn’t there before.

  Chapter 19

  “For the last time, Leon, I don’t know what this is all about. Reed said he would explain everything once we're all together, yes? Be patient!” It was odd hearing those words, coming as they were from Haddie.

  “I know, this just isn’t like him is all. He’s more of an, ‘I reluctantly go with the flow and pout about it,’ kind of guy. Not someone who gives orders and makes vague warnings about the safety of the group.”

  Rezz spoke up, “Could this be about the movement in the mountains?”

  “What movement?” Haddie and Leon spoke at once.

  “Last night, a few of the guardsmen were sharing a fire at the edge of the clearing, near my bedroll. I heard snippets of them talking about how beasts were fleeing down through high passes north of the forest’s western edge, right through the borders of these woods. One said the troupe of Fridgets we fought came from just such a place.” Rezz leaned in for effect, “Another talked about a Fae scout who claimed he caught sight of an army of invaders moving north, beyond the western Reach.” The mood took a somber turn.

  Just then, Sved came stomping in, followed close behind by Reed.

  “Finally! Reed, what’s got your panties in a knot? And…wow, what’s that on your shoulder?” A small creature on Reed's shoulder bobbed its head, giving him a vicious stare down.

  “That’s an owl Leon. Yes, that's right, I can have animals too. But there’s no time for this now. Get up and get dressed. Has anyone seen Olwena?”

  Everyone shook their heads no, but Leon sputtered, “What do you mean, ‘Get up and get dressed?’ Can’t you see I’m still officially on injured reserve?”

  “Not anymore, the old woman says you’re all better now. She’s just been babying you to keep you down and laying low. Doesn’t matter though. We have to get out of here and soon! Those people out there aren’t who they’ve been pretending to be. And they aren’t getting ready to throw you a banquet either, that’s for sure. Guys, we are all in serious danger. I’ll explain later, but when Olwena arrives we have to be ready to book it! Make sure you all go through your packs. Leave anything you don’t need. Tomorrow night is moonless, and we have to put some miles between us and them before then.”

  The
cabin went stone cold silent, with the exception of Leon. He gingerly rose to his feet, stretching from side to side, testing Reed’s claims.

  Finally, Sved spoke up, “I had forgotten the lunar cycle.” His eyes shifted over to Dimples. “You are going to have a tough go of it with us out there on the trail my friend. It’s a long way from the security of home, no? You lose your head out there and there won’t be anyone around to point you back to the group.”

  “I have no choice. Don’t worry little man, I have never entirely lost control before.”

  To Leon’s surprise it was Rezz who spoke up, “But you do have a choice, my friend.” Rezz unsheathed his Blade and held it out, hilt forward.

  Dimples took a step back. Leon thought he saw momentary indecision in his eyes. Then Olwena burst through the door and into the dwelling.

  “Come quick, all of you. Time to leave, now!” She was dressed differently for the first time. She wore worn and faded travel gear, similar in build and function to the shiny new threads Reed wore. She didn’t stick around though. She disappeared back out as quickly as she came. Everyone geared up and followed suit.

  Creeping single file across the meadow in broad daylight wasn’t exactly stealthy, but the gaudy tents stood silent, their canvas walls occasionally flapping in the afternoon breeze. The Fae still slept off the prior night’s festivities. Olwena led them through to the north side of the camp. Even the griffin cubs could sense the need for quiet movement, muting their constant whistles and grunts for the time being.

  Looking at them in the light, Leon could finally see just how much they had grown. They were both just a hair smaller than Merle and Merle was currently larger than a Great Dane. It wasn’t surprising, though. Those cubs ate everything in sight! Their baby fuzz had been replaced as well. Leon could see hints of thick feathery manes sprouting throughout the top halves of their bodies, while back halves grew fur that had already turned silver and curly, similar to Merle's thick hide.

  Just as their party made it into the shelter of the woods on the far side of the glen, a friendly but firm challenge rang out, “Hey, you there! Wait up! Where would you all be off to in such a hurry?”

  Olwena tugged at Rezz’s sleeve. “Put an arrow in him, now!”

  “He’s not just going to shoot someone for no reason,” Hattie protested.

  The Fae guard came jogging to catch up. Leon thought he saw movement from within some of the nearest tents.

  “Olwena’s right, Rezz. Put him down. We have to go. Now.” Reed’s tone meant business.

  When no one responded, the man charged forward. He fished something out of his pockets and twirled a long strip of leather above his head. It was some sort of ancient slingshot. His face no longer held a curious, friendly smile. Even from thirty paces away, Leon could see his sneer.

  With a final look of resignation, Rezz drew an arrow and let it loose in one fluid motion. The man fell to his knees, an arrow through his throat. The leather strip in his fingers slipped loose and a stone went sailing…right into the canvas wall of one of the tents. The racket the incident created was sure to wake the camp. Everyone took off behind Olwena into the woods.

  Olwena left the main trail, bushwhacking through the woods in a northward path. Leon quickly lost track of his sense of direction in the canopy of the woods, but not Olwena. She set a break-neck pace and didn’t lay off the gas. For an old woman, she could fly. Hurdling logs and dodging limbs didn’t throw her off her stride. Reed still carried Ferschall’s pottery pack, along with an owl glued to his shoulder, but he didn’t show any signs of slowing either. The griffin cubs were managing to keep pace fairly well, too. And though he managed to keep up, Leon could see Haddie and Sved already sucking wind.

  “Wait! Olwena, we can’t keep this speed. We have to pace ourselves. We’ll never last!” he yelled.

  “Keep moving, children! Just a little further!”

  And so, the group continued their mad dash through the Forest Kingdom’s borderlands.

  Crossing over another hilly incline Leon felt certain they had lost any potential pursuit. But his stomach turned at the sounds of hoots and hollers of sadistic laughter followed by angry barking from much further back up their trail. They had broken away with small lead, but the Fae were relentless.

  “They’re coming!” Reed shouted.

  “Faster now, just a little further!” Olwena encouraged.

  No one had the wind to argue. They drove harder and dug deeper until they broke through a clearing and Leon observed four of the most menacing looking birds he had ever laid eyes upon. They stood close to the same height as an ostrich but had longer legs, larger torsos, thicker necks, and hooked beaks that looked capable of crushing coconuts or puncturing tires. Large bundles of speckled brown plumage were balanced over those sturdy legs. Wicked bone ridges curved up from above their eyes, over their heads, disappearing down into their girthy necks.

  Dimples piped up, “Thunderbirds?”

  “Yes, kitten. Thunderbirds. The only creatures alive who can give the Fae a proper foot race!”

  Rezz grimaced as they all drew to a stop just shy of where the birds were standing, tied to a stump. “They are horrid beasts. They peck and kick, and for days you will reek of bird…”

  Olwena cut in, “I don’t need any sass, Vin! They give us an edge. We can’t afford not to take what we can get. Now, which of you two little pond rats wants up first?”

  Sved scowled at her in reply as he stepped forward. “Let’s get this over with!”

  Olwena helped both Sved and Haddie into their saddles while providing a brief tutorial on how to control their steeds. Leon was ushered up into a seat on the third and their collective packs were trussed up on the fourth.

  The Thunderbirds gave deep murmuring chirps that sounded more like grunts and lightly pranced in anticipation of the race to come beneath the weight of their riders. The griffin cubs, and even Merle kept their distance from those powerful club toed feet.

  Do I dare lay a hand on the bird’s neck?

  Sved somehow managed to pick a fight with his new friend about the same time he settled into his saddle. Turning the same shade of red as his beard, he dressed the beast down with his tongue while it did its best to peck at his legs, all while they both spun in circles. It took Olwena stepping in and smacking each of them before everyone settled down.

  Yep, time to dare.

  Concentrating on the Blade’s power, Leon felt a gentle thrumming pulse go from his hand into the bird. He could sense the bird letting down its guard for him, just as the griffins had done. It was like he gained its trust immediately. He gave a gentle nudge forward. The bird complied, responding instantly to his prompting almost like it could read his mind. He smiled.

  This may not be too bad!

  A moment later, the loud thwack from a rock slamming into the pack atop the fourth bird, as well as a chorus of eager barking and howling from behind, got them all moving. Everyone, including the Thunderbirds, leaped into the cover of the nearest trees.

  Merle growled, creeping back toward the clearing when Leon called him to his side. He was just as irate as his dog, realizing several pieces of Ferschall’s pottery were now likely ruined, but the last thing they needed was to get bogged down in a fight right then.

  Rezz returned fire with his longbow, but the old woman ignored the threat as she brought Sved and his mount under control once more. Then, grabbing the reins to the fourth mount she told the group, “We move north until we reach the Somber River trail, then east.”

  “Somber River Trail?”

  She had already begun running, and called back over her shoulder, “You’ll know it when you see it. If we can make it far enough away from these cursed woods, we just might have a chance.”

  # # #

  From there on out, their race through the woods was more an Olympic marathon than a sprint. Sved and his Thunderbird held themselves to an uneasy truce while generally keeping pace with the group. Rezz came trailing b
ehind, sending devastating shots into the midst of their pursuers anytime a Fae hound came too close.

  Yet it was Olwena’s knowledge of the forest that gave them their greatest advantage. She knew every turn and corner that allowed them the most direct route. She led them up creek bottoms and between hills. She made turns and cuts in and out of trails that none of the others would have suspected were there. Their pursuers tried flanking the group twice but always failed to cut them off and slow them down in time.

  After about three hours of steady running, the sounds of pursuit could no longer be heard. The old woman called a short break. They all took a moment to catch their breath and have some water. She made Rezz agree to trade places with Leon when Dimples declined, but there was little conversation otherwise.

  Before the break ended, Leon took a moment to calm their pack bird. Once he was sure it wouldn’t freak out, he whistled. The cubs came running to his side. Placing them carefully up onto the packs above wasn’t too hard. They were significantly lighter than they looked. He had no doubt that, if wasn't for his link to them through his gift, they would be off and away from the big bird in a heartbeat.

  It was for their own good, though. He didn’t know how they had made it that far, but it was obvious their legs were spent. Merle, on the other hand, still kept pace like some sort of husky sled dog! The old mutt had truly proven himself to be the war hound Ferschall had once proclaimed. He snorted at the thought of the ‘I told you so’ Ferschall would give him if he were there.

  “Let’s get moving.”

  That old woman is relentless!

  Another few hours of flight brought darkness. The moon wasn’t quite absent just yet but was a near enough sliver to make travel difficult. Olwena had Dimples guiding the group further northward while she and Reed fell back. Haddie and Sved slid from their mounts and led the giant birds by their reins. Sved’s bird seemed to be too tired to give him further trouble for the time being. Leon led the other two.