by Bill Albert
“Keep eating the rabbit,” Blinks encouraged her, and she started munching again.
“We need to get her more salt and someplace to rest for the night,” Luvin said as he addressed them all. “Then, tomorrow, we need to head east to the swamps.” He spoke so clearly and purposefully they all waited for him to continue. “One of the books, the important book, I found in the library talked about tarna eggs. The salt works to make them dormant but it won’t kill or remove them. I know what will,” he said and held out a hand to stop them from speaking. “Chaws plants. According to the book they are very rare and grow only in the swamps, but the roots of these plants have something in them that dissolves the tarna completely. It’s the only way to save her life.”
“Plant roots,” Blinks said distastefully. “I’ll stick with the spicy chicken, thanks.”
Gallif swallowed the last of the rabbit and brushed her hair back. “I’ll leave tomorrow.”
“The hell you will,” Luvin said looking straight at her green eyes. “We’ll leave tomorrow.”
“You can’t,” she protested. “You know what’s on the other side of Outbound. You know why they put the prisons there.”
“The Others,” Blinks was the first to say it, “and all the hell at their disposal.”
“Which is why you can’t go,” Gallif said as she slowly rose to her feet. “Taking on the Giant Lords will be easier than dealing with them. At least here we know the land, we know the elements, and we know what the giants can and can’t do. With the Others we have no advantage, or even equality.”
Lincilara was shaking as she landed on Gallif’s shoulder. “It’s the only way we can save you, but even my powers don’t compare to theirs.”
“But the swamp is where we must go,” Jakobus said. They all turned surprisingly at him. “Not only for Gallif’s sake, but for everything that we’ve fought for.”
“What do you know?” Gallif asked plainly.
“The book in the library that I found. There is a way to remove the curse on the elves, a way to remove a curse of that power, but even the dragons knew that only someone like the Others could do it.”
There was a long silence as they all considered the options they had. As afraid as they all were, and as much as they dreaded having to deal with the Others, they now knew it was their destiny to go there.
***
The Second Minister of the Giant Lords sat quietly in his private quarters and took a slow draw of the sweet tobacco in his pipe. He held it in as long as he could and then gently exhaled through his nose. He had been hoping by now that it would help him feel better, but it had not.
He was worried; a feeling he was not accustomed too. It wasn’t the fall of the beloved Starpoint Mountain that concerned him. He had faith in the inhabitants of the land and knew that they would unite and endure no matter what happened. It was other things that that bothered him.
The rumors of new activity amongst the Goblin Blood Lords in the northwest also did not bother him. They had been unhappy since they were turned back by the Giant Lords during an ill-fated invasion, but they weren’t a serious threat even though the fairies had been totally destroyed. The northern end of the Rainbow Mountains was well guarded, and the Goblin Blood Lords would have to travel through the gap between these mountains and the northern ice fields. Their lands were fertile and they could thrive there, but building an army was impossible and their leader was smart enough to know better than to attack.
The hobgoblin hegemony to the northeast was also not a concern. Relations with them were good and they had even offered assistance in any reconstruction efforts after the fall. The ambassador had graciously thanked them but assured them that they were handling the incident. They might accept help if it were needed later on.
What worried him was what was happening amongst the Giant Lords themselves.
He had been suspicious of the Third Minister for some time and suspected that he may use the chaos and trauma now to his own advantage. Their open confrontations during the Circle of Ministers had been carefully planned and he had seen cracks in the Third Ministers stories.
He had previously spoken with the Fourth Minister and the Sixth Minister about his feelings and they had expressed similar concerns. He knew that the Third and Seventh Ministers had been allies for many years and had been slowly creating ties with the Eighth Minister. He was a bit relieved that, for now, there were three against three concerning the Third Minister’s actions.
The Fifth Minister, the newest and youngest, was a wild card. The Second Minister had been carefully making connections with him but so had the Third. Once the Fifth Minister was finished with his duties outside the capital it would be time to strengthen those connections.
The First Minister, even to the others in the Circle, was an enigma. His opinions were as unpredictable as the wind who knew which side would choose in a debate. He concerned himself only with the larger issues and never got involved with internal politics.
As he inhaled again, he wondered about the girl. What kind of deal had the Third Minister made with her? He had met her and was puzzled by her. On the rare instance that a human was brought into the capital city of Spring Field they had always been filled with awe and amazement, but she had not. She had been respectful, that was a certainty, but there had been an arrogance about her that he had not seen in a visitor. It was if she had found out something important that he should know. She had also disappeared quickly after making the sudden announcement at the gate.
That was the source of his worry. The Third Minister was not the only one with agents, spies and pawns and he wondered which category the girl belonged.
***
Just before nightfall Gallif led them to a small farmhouse. Their original intent was to try and purchase some salt, but the family had been very polite and insisted that they stay for the night. Gallif had taken in as much salt as she could handle and had been very careful not to arouse suspicions.
The eldest son, who was seventeen, had started to take a liking to Gallif, but Luvin had made his presence known. The father had explained that they had been experiencing and unusually high number of nighttime predators and it was the son’s duty to watch the herd so he had left regretfully. Gallif had been flattered by his interests but was relieved to see the tension in Luvin release after the son had left.
Despite the contents in her stomach subdued by the salt she still found it difficult to sleep. She continued to dream of her night with Maura, the memory of it was sweet to her lips, but the dream was spoiled by the appearance of a watcher, the old woman, who just didn’t belong there.
Gallif awoke feeling little better than she had the night before. Her stomach was calm but there was still the taste of salt in her mouth and she badly needed water. Though the curtained window she could see light from the rising sun, so she decided to get herself a drink.
Moving quietly, she let herself out of the room and walked to the kitchen. There was a bucket of fresh water and she quickly filled and drank a mug of healthy liquid. As she let it settle in her throat she looked around the room. The kitchen and dining area were just as clean and undisturbed as it had been the night before. There was a collection of mud encrusted boots near the door and a pile of dirty gloves on a stool.
Gallif put the cup down and quickly moved to the door to the parents’ bedroom. She knocked lightly, waited, and then knocked again. When there was no response she quietly opened the door enough to make sure the room was vacant.
Not even trying to be quiet she found the children’s bedroom was also empty and she sprinted back to where they had slept and burst through the door.
“We’re in trouble, get everything together,” she said as she wrapped her belt and swords around her waist then slipped on the backpack. The twelve-inch blade, as always, was strapped to her inner thigh.
Jakobus had already woken up and completed his silent prayers before joining her. Luvin rose quickly and gather his bow and arrows, his hammer, and
what few other belongings he had. Blinks had nothing more than his long sword and had slept wearing his tattered armor, so he was ready without delay. Gallif made sure they had everything and hustled them into the main room.
“Where is everybody?” Blinks asked with a yawn. “I was hoping they may have some bacon.”
“They’re gone, they snuck out during the night,” she reported. “They’re a farming family so they should have a had a big healthy breakfast, but the kitchen hasn’t been touched. Considering the rain, we’ve had the past few days they wouldn’t dream of going outside without those,” she said pointing at the boots and gloves.
“No bacon,” Blinks said sadly.
Luvin went to one of the front windows and slowly drew back the curtain. “The horses are gone,” he reported.
“Luvin, take Jakobus and see if there’s a back way out of here,” Gallif ordered and they left without saying a word.
She went over to the window to look for herself. The sun was just over the horizon and there were no clouds in the sky. She peered at the barn across the lawn and saw that the family’s horses were gone as well. Though the livestock was also gone the wagons and plows were still in place.
She thought she saw something moving behind some evergreens but whatever it was it disappeared so fast she wasn’t sure.
“There is a back door,” Jakobus called as he and Luvin returned. “It’s not locked but there is something blocking it outside.
There was a pause as they all looked at Gallif for instructions. She knew what her choices were and that there was only one way to get out and keep everyone alive. “Lincilara, I need you to stay invisible and out of sight. Don’t make a sound no matter what happens.”
Lincilara was frustrated but did as she was told. Gallif could hear the fluttering of her wings and warned her to keep her distance as well.
Leaving her swords in their sheaths, but keeping her hands on the hilts, she slowly opened the door and stood in the frame. “Keep your weapons out of sight but be ready just in case,” she said without looking back to make sure they did what she’d said. She took a deep breath and walked out onto the porch. The silence around them was so complete the creak of wood under her boots sounded like thunder.
Luvin came out and stood a single step behind her to her left. Jakobus did the same to her right and Blinks stood directly behind her.
“Close the door, Blinks,” she said and waited until she heard the latch fall. Without loosening her grip on her swords, she stepped off the porch and onto the damp ground.
After a few heart beats the hobgoblin militia that had been preparing an ambush stepped out from their hiding places. There were three guards standing inside the barn with bows and arrows strung tight. Three more came from behind the evergreens she had seen with sunlight reflecting off of their swords. From around each corner more hobgoblins came running with their sharpened axes ready. Two humans and a hobgoblin holding silver tipped wands stepped out from behind one of the farm wagons.
“I’m actually flattered that they thought it would take this much to capture us,” Blinks said proudly.
In unison the militia took a step forward and when they realized there was going to be no resistance they rushed forward and took them prisoner.
They were quickly disarmed and manacled as a horse drawn wagon approached. Seated in the wagon were a driver and a captain. Standing behind them solid as a statue was Acrufix. As the wagon approached the captain jumped to the ground and the family came running from inside the barn. It was pretty obvious that the captain and the father of the family were brothers.
The surrounding militia parted like a wave as Acrufix approached and stood to face her. “Take the backpack,” he said and it was quickly pulled away from her and handed to him. “You have them all so put them in the wagon and get them out of here.”
Gallif’s eyes never left his covered face and she knew he could feel her hatred.
***
“So, that is the official announcement,” Paleth said to his friend.
“Yes,” Krove nodded. “All it needs is your signature and we can go ahead with the announcement. In three days everyone in the land will be hunting for her.”
“And you have proof?”
“Yes, my agents have also assured me that the elves have casting weapons that could create such massive destruction. The elves are a bigger threat to us now than they ever have been, and we will have to reinforce our defenses against them.”
“But, this young girl, she has so many connections to the aquilus. It is so hard to believe. You also have proof of this?”
“By the time this announcement is read we will. Of course, we must wait to tell everyone that. We don’t want to fill them with too much fear too soon.”
“She looked so cute,” Paleth said sadly. “She didn’t look evil.”
“Evil comes in many forms, my friend, think of it that way,” Krove patted him on the back. “There is a constant threat against our homeland and our security is paramount. It is a tough fight, but we must stay the course to ensure our safety.”
“Of course,” Paleth said pumping up his chest. “After all, I am the king of the Land of Starpoint and I must keep our people united and not divided.” He picked up the quill and boldly dipped it in the ink well. He pulled it back so quickly the well fell from the desk but Krove’s reflexes were fast and he prevented the carpet from getting stained. Guiltily Paleth signed the announcement and quickly left the Third Minister’s office. He was replaced by the hobgoblin who acted as his chief of staff.
“My lord, we have received important news.
“Proceed,” he said looking down at the tiny servant.
“It is a notice from Acrufix. He has received word of the girl’s location and will be moving in with force this morning to capture her.”
“This morning? So it should already be done.”
“Yes, most likely he has taken her captive within the last hour.”
“Well done,” he smiled. He knew that when it was done Acrufix would have her taken to the shadow house. “Have my coach readied immediately.”
“Yes, my lord,” the hobgoblin noted and hurried out of the room.
Once he was alone he let himself chuckle. How fortunate it was that Acrufix, the Keeper of the Faith, would be the one to capture her. Whichever Acrufix this was, they occasionally crossed each other’s territory; he would loosen his strings and allow him to enjoy the pleasures of being a legend.
He briefly considered destroying the document and letting the rumors run their course but decided against it. Labeling her and her friends as Fugitive Kind would help make sure the stories of her heroics were proven false. It would also give him another excuse to interrogate her and not have to worry about complaints that it wasn’t necessary.
TWENTY-FOUR: TRAITORS
Gallif looked out the back of the prison wagon and was comforted by Snow’s presence. Along with the other horses, he was tied to the back of the wagon. There had been a brief scuffle when one of the hobgoblins had tried to mount Snow, but the horse had easily evaded the smaller rider. One of the human guards had tried to forcefully mount him. Gallif hoped they carried enough potions to heal his wounds.
After the four of them had been chained to the wagon a one-piece metal cage had been set on top of the bed using a crane in the barn. It had been secured with metal bolts before they set off for some sort of prison. Despite the rough ground the cage had not budged an inch. Even if it had been bolted down the four of them together were not strong enough to have lifted it off.
Outside of the cage all of the guards had remained with them on their own horses. They were surrounded on all sides and any traveler on the road or anyone taking an interest was quickly ushered away.
“Where do you think we’re headed?” Luvin asked after several hours. “Spring Field?’
“No,” Gallif shook her head. “We’d be traveling more westward if we were. We’re going not far off straight north. Baueren
t is in this direction.”
“I was born there,” Luvin said sadly.
“Kind of a pity,” Blinks said. “Been there and would love to see the capital city once.”
Gallif closed her eyes and stifled a giggle, but Jakobus looked as if he were ready to kick the man in the ribs.
At one-point Gallif extended her hand as far as she could out of the back of the cage. It was enough that Snow could reach it and she tried to scratch his nose, but there was a sharp crack from the whip of a guard, and she withdrew into the cage.
Late in the afternoon gathering clouds brought rain. The caravan stopped briefly so the guards could cover themselves with some sort of protection, but the prisoners were left exposed. Gallif and Luvin were both still wearing their red tinted cast armor, but it would not protect them from getting wet. When it was too dark to continue they came to a stop near a small meadow. The prisoners were left outside while the guards took shelter in tents near the trees.
“I don’t suppose there is any chance they could get hit by lightening,” Blinks wondered aloud. “Too bad there is no lightening.”
“Blinks,” Jakobus said barely holding in his frustration, “we are sitting in an open metal cage in an open field. Where do you think the lighting would hit first?”
“Forget the lightening, then,” Blinks said with his shoulders dropping.
“How’s your stomach?” Luvin asked.
“It’s not so bad right now,” she said solemnly. “I think that salt we got at the farm helped keep them dormant a while longer. I do wish we had more.”
“Where’s you know who?” Blinks asked keeping his voice low.
Gallif shook her head with worry and the rain slowed to a light drizzle as they dozed off to sleep.