by Alice Ivinya
Cedric glared at him as the old lady came forward, shaking. “Elia,” I hissed. “Don’t.”
The woman whipped her head around to me with wide eyes. “How... how do you know my name?” she croaked. I just shook my head at her.
“Go on,” said Jasper with a shove. He glanced at me, smiled and held a finger to his lips.
The innkeeper’s wife held Cedric’s hand and her eyes widened. She looked him full in the face. I saw her consider lying, but her expressions were obvious.
“Excellent,” purred Jasper, “is he the one, Elia?”
The old woman stumbled back and nodded submissively, her eyes on the floor. “He is powerful enough to be the one. Yes, my lord.”
Jasper took Cedric’s jaw in his hand and the prince stared at him definitely as he clenched the wound on his arm, swaying slightly. I longed to help him bind his wounds, he must have lost so much blood. The Tharan stood a head taller and made him look like a mere boy. “So you’re the one who has made the town oaks so pretty in all the villages east of here and put the fruit trees next to the Waytrees. You’ll do nicely at restoring our grasslands.” Jasper turned and nodded his head to me. “Sorry for disturbing your day, sweetheart. We’ll be on our way now, don’t you worry.”
“You can’t just kidnap the prince,” I gasped. “You’ll start a war.”
Jasper mounted his huge black horse. “Well, you’d better tell the king I’m up for negotiations. Though I suspect it will take many Growers to replace this one, so you’ll have to start rounding them up now.” He winked at me. “War is what we do, lady. It’s how we live.”
Cedric stayed glaring at Lord Jasper, and I wondered how he could be so brave when in so much pain. The Tharan behind Cedric tied his wrists and then pushed him up onto a horse. His tunic and boot were soaked with blood and he wobbled, weakly in the saddle. “Don’t worry, Avan,” he whispered through pale lips. He attempted a smile and my heart broke. “I’ll be all right. My father will get me back and then I will find you, I promise.”
“Ah,” crowed Jasper in triumph. “Avan, what a nice name. I knew we’d get there, eventually. I look forward to seeing you in the future. I have a feeling you’ll be more useful to me next time.” A shiver of cold ran down my back. He gave a mocking bow from his horse. “Nice to meet you, Avan and Elia.”
Then the party turned and vanished into the whispering grass, leaving me alone with the old lady, kneeling on ground spattered in Cedric’s blood. I grabbed Cedric’s bag from where it had fallen and kicked the dusty earth in frustration. When my heart rate had calmed, I helped the old woman stand.
“I’m sorry,” gasped Elia. “I’m sorry for everything.”
I was too numb to process how I felt about the woman. I automatically wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “It’s all right, I understand. We have to protect those we love.”
The old woman shrugged off my arm and held my hand, her eyes wide. “You don’t understand. He was after him in particular, your companion, the powerful one. He barely cared about the other Growers. I don’t know why.” She looked to the ground, then quietly muttered, “Is he really the prince?”
I frowned and nodded. He was a Grower and a prince, but also my friend. And I hadn’t been able to help him at all when he needed it.
The old woman sighed. “The strongest Grower I have ever touched. But the Tharans have lots of Growers now. I don’t quite understand why Lord Jasper wanted him in particular. Maybe he plans to sell the others to the other families in Tahara?”
I grimaced. Tahara was huge, easily twice the size of Marchwood. Woods and hills to the north and then endless plains to the south, and no family stayed in a certain place for long. “Either way we need to rescue them quickly. I need to get to Herne as soon as possible to report this to the king.”
Elia nodded. “We can give you our horse, Conker. Consider it an apology. My husband and I will see you packed for your way.” She squinted up at me. “And we’ll find something to cover that wild hair of yours.”
Chapter Six
Herne
I spent the night in Elia’s inn, but despite the soft bed and locked door, it was hard to sleep. Every time I drifted off I was running from monsters that were snapping my heels, no matter how fast I went. When I woke and stared into the dark, I kept on seeing Cedric, face drained of blood, staring defiantly at that towering savage. He was so sweet, so kind, he hadn’t deserved to be injured and taunted and he had been braver than I ever could be. It was hard not to cry every time I imaged his face.
When morning came I gritted my teeth and mounted Conker to ride the road alone. I couldn’t remember the last time I had travelled any distance without a companion and a strange emptiness settled over me. No Cedric stumbling over his words to fill in the silence. No Klia sighing, sulking or playing tricks. No Mistress Claire practising her exasperated tone of long-suffering. No Ma complaining or snapping. Just... me. I would have done anything to have one of them beside me. Instead, I was alone with my haunting memories on a dusty, empty road. Not even the birds sang and no wildlife rustled the undergrowth. It made me feel like I was constantly being watched.
The stocky horse was bred for pulling heavy carts and carried me with ease. Conker’s chestnut back was so wide my thighs soon ached and it took a lot of kicking and begging to persuade him to move quicker than a lazy trot. Still, it felt like the wood and villages were racing past now I could openly use the road. Travellers were few, but still I constantly checked over my shoulder for anyone following me. I kept Chancellor Felix’s dagger within easy reach in my belt.
Once or twice, I broke down in tears thinking of Cedric with his wounded foot and arm, tussled to a horse like a dead stag. I wiped my face angrily, smearing dust and salt across my cheeks, and told myself to focus. The best way I could help him would be to reach Herne as quickly as possible and tell his family. There was no time for grief.
I put off sleep and the nightmares, riding until long after dark and eyeing the trees gilded in moonlight for any movement. At last I stopped at a Waytree that was already glowing with soft internal light. The innkeeper and his wife had given me a bedroll and saddlebags of blankets and food, so I had more than enough to be comfortable, even without digging into Cedric’s bag.
I looked through the leaves at the back of the tree to check on the owners of the fire. To my relief I saw they were Farthi. I reminded myself again out loud that the Tharans were no longer interested in me as I hobbled Conker. I had nothing to fear.
My new companions were a pair of Growers who were journeying to Herne on foot. They leapt to their feet, daggers in hands, when I entered, but then were amicable enough when I told them I was alone and where I was headed. Word of Herne’s generous offers had spread far, as had the rumours of Tharans stealing any Growers that stayed in the southern villages. I guessed it wouldn’t be long before there were no Growers left in the countryside at all.
I left the two men sleeping in the Waytree at dawn, feeling guilty about any time I spent lingering whilst Cedric and the other Growers were captive. Here the forest became hilly and the road was cut into a steep slope. Below me the forest swept down, and for the first time I saw the sulphur plains in the distance with the bright ribbon of the River Herne running through. When the wind blew from the east it carried the smell of rotten eggs and, even from this distance, I could see bursts of steam shooting from the ground. The land itself was blotched yellow, crimson or orange and stretched into the horizon, at least ten miles wide, a colourful swathe cut out of the dead forest. It was strangely beautiful. So many miles of the river made infertile by those plains. So much water made inaccessible in this drought. I spurred the shire horse on, glad for the view interrupting the monotony of endless trees. The vastness of the view and the plains made me feel small, yet connected, as if I understood more of what it was to be a Farthi.
That night I stayed in an inn using gold from Cedric’s bag, half of which I had hidden in various places around my person
in case of thieves. I didn’t think he would mind. I was wearing his clothes after all and eating his food. I put off sleep again and listened to the other tables as I nursed a weak ale and missed Cedric’s conversation. According to the talk in the inn, the Tharan raids hadn’t come this far north, but many people talked of friends of friends who had witnessed the wildmen further south or been taken.
When I finally retired to my room, I kept my clothes on in bed and a candle lit. I dreamt I was crawling through the dead bracken, the Tharan raid clamouring around me. Bodies fell and horses screamed. I heard an all too familiar choking, spluttering noise ahead and didn’t want to look. I didn’t want to see it again. My body moved forward against my will and the bracken parted without me touching it. A body lay spasming in front of me, bloody hands clenching a pale, ravaged throat. Only this time it wasn’t Chancellor Felix. It was Cedric. I woke and vomited into my chamber pot.
I didn’t return to sleep but saddled Conker in the chill of the pre-dawn light, my body weak from lack of rest. I decided not to stop until I made it to Herne, and rode as hard as I could persuade the horse to go, hoping to leave the horrible image from my dream behind.
My eyelids fought to close as I rode and I struggled to eat, my stomach twisted into anxious knots and my mouth tasting of bile. The heat made me dizzy and the sun dazzled my vision. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep myself alert enough not to fall, and accidently made it bleed on several occasions, the metalic, salty taste doing nothing for my appetite.
It was twilight when I first saw the giant trees that stood sentinel over Herne, still verdant and vibrant. A mountain of green in an endless sea of brown. I spurred the horse into a gallop and was surprised when he obeyed, allowing me to cover the last of the distance before the night bells rang. I arrived just as the nightwatch was locking the city gates and had to call ahead to ask them to wait. They waved me in impatiently and I dismounted for the two men to shine a lantern into my face. Their features were shadowed by their helms and I stood awkwardly to one side as they untied my saddlebags from the horse to rifle through. I swayed in exhaustion and sat down on a mounting block. My fingers cramped after gripping the reins for so long and I massaged them, hoping the guards would be quick so I could see the king as soon as possible.
“Name?” one asked as he bent over a curled document lying on a desk with a quill.
“Avan Weaver of Vale.” I shifted on the mounting block, the hard stone making my aching thighs worse.
“Are you a Grower?” he asked in a bored tone.
“No.”
The other guard had found Cedric’s saddle bag and pulled out the prince’s spare cloak. He tapped his companion’s arm urgently. “Where did you get this?” he asked. He brought it up to the lantern where the squirrels of house Arden glinted in gold thread.
“It was Prince Cedric’s. He was captured by the Tharans. I’ve come to explain to the king.” My words tumbled over each other, eager to be free. Maybe they could take me there right away.
The soldier with the parchment gave me a long look. “Soldiers have already returned with news of the ambush. We can return the prince’s belongings to his family for you.”
I shook my head with impatience, standing and taking a step forward. “No, I need to speak to the king. He was captured two days after the ambush.”
The soldier with the parchment sighed and rubbed his eyes. “Look, miss. It’s very kind of you to bring back the prince’s bag, but that doesn’t suddenly give you permission to speak to the king. He doesn’t speak to just anyone.” He held up the lantern close to me again. “And I’d wager those are Prince Cedric’s clothes you’re wearing. I’m not sure the royal family would approve.”
I pulled my cloak around myself, suddenly self conscious. “He said I could wear them when my own clothes were ruined. But that’s not what is important. Please, I need to tell the king what happened.”
The guard looked at me flatly. “Prince Cedric was captured by Lord Jasper of Tahara, correct? Chancellor Felix fell.”
“Eh, yes,” I stammered.
“The news has already reached us. Guards have reported events to the king and the situation will be resolved. Now it is very late young miss, so I would advise you to find a place to sleep before all the doors are barred.”
I pointed to the bag. “There’s also the chancellor's chain of office in there. Prince Cedric said it was important.”
The guards shared another look and the man holding the bag rummaged around for it and nodded. “I’m sure the royal family will send a reward for your honesty. We’ll make sure the chain reaches the king before the appointment of Lord Stanly.”
The other guard took a step forward. “We’re grateful, miss. We really are, but you needn’t trouble yourself further.”
I clenched my fists in frustration, but I was so exhausted, I nodded in concession. Maybe I wasn’t as useful to Cedric as I had thought. I could barely stand and the will to fight had left me. I gazed at the wide streets that were lit by lanterns, unsure what to do. Maybe talking so easily with Cedric had given me unrealistic expectations.
One of the men softened his voice. “Do you know where you are staying?”
I was about to ask for the nearest inn, when slowly, a sleepy idea formed in my mind. “Do you know the guard Regald who was with the party?”
“Aye,” said the guard, who was firmly tucking Cedric’s bag under his arm. I didn’t meet his eye, thinking of all the prince’s gold hidden in my clothes. It wasn’t like his family needed it back.
“Where can I find him?” I asked.
The two guards shared a look. “Now, miss, it’s very late to go bothering people,” the other said.
I struggled to keep my voice calm. Why did everything in life have to be a battle? “He arrived with the family who were to care for me. I’m staying with them. My friend is very... attached to Regald so I suspect he’ll know where they are.”
One of the guards barked a laugh. “You could say that. He’s getting married to a villager next week.”
“What? To Klia? They only just met!” I gasped. This was sudden even for her.
The guards shared another look and then the one with the lantern beckoned me onto the street. “Come on then, miss. I’ll take you to their house. Herne is a big place for you country folk, and you might see unsavoury things this late. It’s not far and we’ve barred the gate now, so it’s the end of our shift.”
I staggered to Conker, relief making my limbs even weaker. “Thank you. Thank you so much.” I flicked the horse’s reins over his head and followed the guard through dark cobbled streets.
The whole city was cocooned by enormous trees, which made me feel like I was inside a cavernous room. Around the outer wall, and every other street, tree trunk pillars rose into the darkness. My whole village would have to join hands to surround just one. High in the night sky, I could make out branches interlocking with each other, the lower ones winking with yellow lights. Each trunk had glowing windows setting off the ghostly curve of outside steps.
The guard caught me looking up at the closest one and grinned. “Impressive, eh? All the new folk can never stop looking at them.”
“What’s up there, in the branches?” I asked.
“Upper Herne. Mostly nobles and Growers live up there. And there are public gardens and walkways. You should climb there when you’ve recovered from your journey. One mighty view.”
“Is the castle up there?” I squinted, trying to make out the shadowy branches.
“Nah. The castle is built on the ground. Now, miss, here is Regald’s house. Don’t go causing him or anyone else trouble and don’t worry your head anymore about Prince Cedric or the king. It’s all in hand, I’m sure.”
I thanked him and knocked on the wooden door. Light peeped from underneath and I could hear multiple voices inside. The soldier tipped his helmet and left just as a man I recognised opened the door.
“Joff!” I gasped and leapt to embrace the lar
ge man, who took several steps back in shock. His thick arms embraced me and pulled me inside, then he held me at arm’s length to inspect me.
His voice quivered with relief. “By the earth, Avan, I was worried about what had happened to you. We’d hoped you had just headed back to Vale, but were worried that you had been captured, or worse.” He paused to rub his eyes. Was he crying? “By the earth, I was dreading telling your ma what had happened.” He shook his head slowly. “I’m so sorry, Avan. I couldn’t find you and I had to get my family out. You understand?” I nodded, a lump in my throat, and he hugged me again. “What are you doing in men’s clothes? And with your hair uncovered? I barely recognised you.”
“Of course you recognised her, father,” said Klia, pushing past him. “Who else has bright red hair.” She grabbed my hands, looking me over with a casual flick of her eyes before jumping into her next sentence. “So good to see you, Avan, and you’ll never guess what happened? Reg and I are engaged! We’re getting married soon and I’m so glad you can now come.” She turned to her father. “I told you, Father, nobody covers their hair here. Avan and I don’t have to.”
Joff raised an eyebrow at his daughter, but Klia was already pulling me further inside. I looked out of the door to Conker, forlorn on the street, but Joff had noted him and stepped outside to lead him away. Klia tugged on my sleeve until I gave her my full attention. “Avan, what happened? Tell me everything. Wasn’t it horrible? You’ll never guess, but that noble boy was actually a prince. They’re all talking about it here.”
I pulled off my cloak and bag, and collapsed into a chair. I thanked Klia’s mother, Bea, when she appeared with a hot drink and a cushion for my back. She muttered over my grazed hands, blood stained lips, and sunburnt face, much to Klia’s annoyance. My friend impatiently nagged me until I gave a rushed overview of what had happened since the ambush, nodding to Reg and Finn when they appeared. The soldier hung back, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Bandages peaked from under his loose tunic, but he looked well.