The Blood Witch Chronicles

by L. A. Stinnett

  Thankfully, the soft ground would help keep Bud's hoof from getting torn up.

  They continued up the dusty trail lined with colorful wildflowers; bees buzzed as they went from flower to flower, collecting their precious nectar. The trail began to twist and turn as the scrubby lowland forest gave way to tall evergreen conifers that towered over the shaded path.

  Along the way, she kicked pine cones off the

  trail so Bud wouldn't accidentally step on them and damage his hoof. Large birds of prey sailed lazily overhead, letting out high pitched screeches. They were on a switchback trail leading them further and further up the hillside.

  U’ka looked up at the trees looming over the trail where a squirrel scurried over the dark red bark towards a large hollow. As it disappeared inside, the hollow snapped shut. A loud crunching sound came from above. The semi-sentient tree let out a loud burp before opening the hollow to await its next victim. She let out a bemused snort, shaking her head at the sight.

  The trail got muddier closer to the top where the small outpost finally came into view. The rhythmic clanking sound of hammer on metal told her the outpost thankfully contained a blacksmith.

  The merchant booths were scattered around an open rain-soaked field. She saw a table full of ceramic wares where an elderly woman sat at a spinning pottery wheel, working the clay into a jug. A kiln glowed brightly behind her. They passed a table filled with battle-scarred weapons scavenged from the battlefields.

  There were fewer booths than she thought there would be. She hoped the outpost would be rebuilt by this time to a thriving merchant trade center, but it was still struggling to re-form.

  The canvas awnings on the booths were damp from a recent mountain rain. Older men and women wandered from booth to booth, making their trades. They argued back and forth while they settled on a price for the wares. U'ka didn't see a young person anywhere; everyone of fighting age had been called to fight in the war. There didn't seem to be anyone under the age of fifty.

  They were a small group, but it was the most people she'd seen in one place since they started out several months ago. She felt some relief being among humans again. It had been just her and Teek for so long. U'ka looked forward to finally having someone who could converse with her again.

  A partially damaged Sanctum, where the many gods of Eleanthra were worshipped, sat on the edge of the trading post. Outside the building were canopies and lean-tos where Green Jylls, female flora, attended to men and women still struggling with their injuries from the war. Many of them were missing arms and legs. Teek went over to join the other Green Folk with the bag of apples.

  U'ka felt the eyes of the traders and merchants on her and Bud. Few horses survived the war, and a big destrier like Bud was a rare and valuable commodity. Even a common mule like Daisy had significant value. People were left with nothing after the war. She must have looked as rich as a king to them. She'd have to keep on guard while they were here.

  U’ka led Bud and Daisy to the ramshackle blacksmith's hut where the metal clanking sound grew louder. It looked shabby, but all the tools and the steel anvil seemed well taken care of. The stone forge glowed a deep red from the firestones inside. The smith's apprentice arranged small knives and metal cups laid out on a wooden table, all of good quality and workmanship. She dismounted and pulled the bag of scrap metal from Daisy's back.

  Now that she stood before the blacksmith hut, she found she was a little nervous about speaking since it'd been so long since she'd last engaged in a real conversation. Had she lost all her social graces?

  U'ka cleared her throat before speaking. "Excuse me, sir. I need to discuss a trade with you."

  The blacksmith was an older man, but still in his prime, tall and well-muscled from years of swinging a heavy hammer and working the hard metal. He laid the hammer down and placed the glowing metal into the quench bucket making the water hiss and bubble; steam filled the air. He turned to face U'ka. His pale blue eyes grew wide at the sight of the big destrier.

  "I didn't know any warhorses survived," he said, walking up to the destrier. He laid his hand on Bud's muscular shoulder, unable to believe his eyes.

  "Yes, he was fortunate," said U'ka. "He threw a shoe and needs another one. I have scrap metal to trade for your services."

  He reached down to open the bag, inspecting its contents to make sure the metals were of usable quality. He thought for a moment before nodding it was an acceptable trade.

  "Let me take a look at his hooves."

  He carefully examined the hoof missing the shoe for any chips or breaks, then checked the others.

  "You're lucky there's no damage to his bare hoof. But the other shoes are worn and need replacement too; otherwise, he'll have an uneven gait and could end up lame."

  "Is this enough to cover all that?"

  "Yes, 'tis a fair trade. I was a blacksmith and farrier for an Equine Master before the war. It'll be an honor to work with such a magnificent animal again."

  "We have a deal then," she said, holding out her hand. His huge, well-calloused hand engulfed hers, shaking firmly but gently for such a large man. He led Bud inside the blacksmith hut to begin his work.

  His apprentice eyed Bud in a way that concerned U'ka, but the blacksmith seemed like an honest man and no one could make the big horse do anything he didn't want to do.

  "Check back before sundown, should be done by then."

  "Alright," said U'ka.

  She led Daisy to a furriers booth where she laid the roll of pelts on his table filled with small furs similar to hers. There were a few cloaks with thick rabbit fur collars; but no deer or bear hides, which were typical items available for trade.

  Her first transaction had gone well, which boosted her confidence that she hadn't lost all her social skills after wandering around in the wilds for so long.

  "How much will you give me for these?" she said.

  The portly grey-haired man, in dirty, faded clothes, unrolled the furs, carefully inspecting them one by one.

  "Mmmm . . . just small pelts. Rabbit, opossum, raccoon, rat. Deer hide fetches much more coin."

  "I haven't seen any deer since before the war."

  "Mmmm . . . No one has. I'll give ya five draves fer the lot."

  "I know they're small, but they're good quality. I've been careful to keep all the pelts intact. Ten draves," she said, knowing the merchants liked to haggle.

  "Mmmm . . . Eight's the best I can do. I'd give ya fifty fer a deer hide if ya had one."

  "Deer's not going to happen, so the eight will do," she said, holding out her hand.

  He dropped the eight draves in her palm. U'ka shoved them into her leather pouch and led Daisy away. She patted the pouch happily. It felt good to finally have some coin on her again and hoped when they reached a real town this would be enough for a night at an inn; longing to sleep in a real bed again. With one more item for trade, U'ka looked around at the remaining booths, trying to decide who would have the most interest in what she had. Spotting a booth filled with all sorts of wooden bowls, plates, cups and small decorative items, she led Daisy over to the wood merchants table.

  "What can I interest ya in today?" the short, grey-haired merchant asked her.

  "I have something that may be of interest to you," she said, pulling a cloth wrapped item from one of Daisy's saddlebags. She unwrapped it, then handed the piece of Iron Oak bark to him.

  His eyes grew wide behind his dirty spectacles.

  "Is that what I think it is?"

  He picked up a small dagger and stabbed at the bark, leaving no marks on the impenetrable wood.

  "Where did ya find this?"

  Teek walked up to stand next to U'ka.

  "We found a deadfall a few leagues from here. It's big, five-feet in diameter, about 80 feet long. I made a map of the location," she said, pulling out the piece of parchment.

  The merchant handed the bark to his bushy Green Jack assistant. He turned to look at Teek before bowing his head and exa
mining the bark. Recognition filled his eyes.

  "Ah, I see Rowan has finally renewed. About time, he'd gotten to be a mean, stubborn old knot. Hopefully, this renewal will mellow him out."

  "Will you and the other Jacks process the wood?" the merchant said.

  "As long as Rowan gave his permission, I'll get the others together to process it. You two make your deal," he said, turning to continue his carving work.

  "How come you two ain't working this wood yerselfs?" said the merchant suspiciously.

  "We don't have the time, other business to attend to. Do you want it or not?"

  He rubbed his chin in thought before making his offer. "Two hundred gold drens. That's all I can spare."

  The offer was much more than she expected to get. "Deal."

  He disappeared behind some dirty curtains before coming back with the coin pouch. U'ka handed the parchment over to the merchant, completing their sale. He unfolded the paper and looked over the map before nodding in satisfaction. She stuffed the heavy pouch in Daisy's saddlebag.

  "Just one more thing. My companion and I will be heading out soon. Have you heard about any problem areas we should avoid?" U’ka said, testing the waters to see if he'd heard of any activity that might be associated with Daemons.

  "Just the usual bandits and marauders going after those foolish enough to travel alone. Other smaller outposts have been attacked, we been tryin' ta band together here, safety in numbers an all that. You two look like you can take can of yerselfs."

  "We can, just want to avoid any trouble," said U'ka. "Pleasure doing business with you."

  Teek led her back to the Sanctum. She was pleased that all her trading had gone so well. It was good to interact with people again. Teek had taken care of her well since the war ended, but it was much different from human companionship. The Green Folk could communicate without words and it left her talking to herself much of the time.

  She tied up Daisy nearby to graze. The sandy-haired Magus of the Sanctum came over to greet them. Tall and thinly built, he wore a long, worn robe and was much younger than the older Magi she used to see at the city Sanctums.

  "The Green Lord said you're a Healer?"

  "Yes, I trained at the Citadel. I don't have much with me, unfortunately, but I'll help where I can."

  "The god's mercies are great. It is good fortune they guided you to us," said the Magus, motioning them to follow him.

  The scene in the makeshift infirmary was heartbreaking. Men and women with missing limbs; others horribly disfigured by the horrific weapons of war. The worst thing was the lifelessness in their eyes. These were broken people, alive on the outside, dead on the inside. The Green Jylls moved among them, feeding those without arms, rewrapping bandages on Daemon poisoned wounds that wouldn't heal and helping move the injured around so they didn't get bed sores.

  "We’ve been taking care of these poor souls since the war ended. Yahthem, God of mercy, commands us to help those in need." He bowed his head. "I'm not sure this is a merciful act, keeping them suffering like this."

  "You're doing what you can," said U'ka, laying her hand on his shoulder. "I don't have much with me, but I'll do my best to help ease their pain."

  Turning to Teek she gave him a list of plants to gather from the forest to make medicines with. He nodded before disappearing among the trees.

  He led her inside the old Sanctum, where six of the ancient gods were worshiped. It was a bit dusty inside, but otherwise tidy. Empty wooden benches were lined up before the statues of various gods. There were many more gods, but each Sanctum tended to cater to the gods the local people worshipped and some were devoted to just one particular God. The Magus' blended the teaching each of the Gods offered into their sermons.

  In a small side room, he showed her a large Iron Oak potions counter. A beautiful wavy grain ran through the thick block of grey wood. The sight of it made her smile. She hadn't seen one of its quality since her days at the Citadel.

  "This is wonderful, Magus," she said, running her hand lovingly over the wood. "Just what I need to mix the medicines on."

  A mortar & pestle, small scale and various jars were scattered all around. Opening the jars, she sniffed the contents, disappointed they hadn't been stored properly. Any healing properties were long gone. In a nearby cabinet, she found a small brazier, beeswax blocks, oil and mixing powder. They were all a little old, but could still be used.

  "Unfortunately, these medicines are no longer good. I'll have to make up everything fresh from what Teek brings back."

  "Should I start emptying these jars?" he asked.

  "That would be great. They need to be rinsed out too," said U'ka. "Do you have any salt?"

  "I only have a limited supply. I've been rationing out to the injured," he said. "I think one of the merchants may have a small bag, but it is very costly, as you know. What do you need it for?"

  "Salt is a purifier. It neutralizes any leftover residual magic. I need to wash the counter and the bottles to get rid of any residue. I don't know what potions have been mixed on this counter and I want to make sure the new medicines I'm making will be free of any contaminants."

  U'ka handed over her pouch with the eight draves in it. "Will this be enough?"

  He opened the pouch to count the coins inside.

  "It should be. I'll be back soon. Anything else you might need?"

  "Do you have any parchment by chance? Most of the medicines I'll be making are easy to prepare. I want to write them down for you."

  "I'll find some."

  U’ka pushed all the glass jars to the side of the counter, then grabbed a bucket from underneath the iron oak counter and brought it to the sink. It took several pumps on the handle before the pipes began to rumble. The water flowed brownish at first, then ran clear. With the bucket filled, she took it back to the counter. She couldn't do much until she got the salt, so she went outside to the infirmary area to find Daisy where she retrieved a small canvas pouch and her leather tool roll from his saddlebag. The pouch contained dried and sliced Purple Lady mushroom caps. When Teek first started bringing her food from the forest to eat, he brought her these not knowing certain mushrooms were toxic to humans. They were an excellent painkiller when properly processed into smaller quantities.

  U'ka motioned to a Green Jyll with a body covered in small thorns and a mass of beautiful red blooms on her head. Small bees buzzed around her flowers.

  "You are?"

  "Ayrshire," answered the Green Jyll.

  U'ka poured a few bits of the dried mushrooms into her hand. "These will help the ones who are still experiencing great pain. Give them just one to swallow. No more than that or they could get sick and no more than three a day."

  "Yes. Batti . . . "

  U'ka put up her hand. "Please don't call me that. Just give these out to those who need them."

  Ayrshire nodded, taking the medicine.

  With the sky darkening, U'ka went to check on her horse. At the smith's hut, she found Bud with his nose buried in a bucket full of oats. The blacksmith busily banged out a piece of glowing metal he shaped into a dagger. U’ka walked up behind him and touched his shoulder.

  "Is he ready to go?"

  "All done," he said, turning to face her. "I hope ya don't mind I gave 'em some oats. He was very good through the whole process. 'Twas a real pleasure to work with such a magnificent animal again."

  "Bud seems to be enjoying it. Thanks again," said U'ka, holding her hand out to shake, feeling the heat of his hand from working the glowing metal.

  She checked each of Bud's hooves before taking him to where Daisy was tied up. U'ka noticed the smith's apprentice following them. He turned away and disappeared among a small ground of people when she stopped outside the Sanctum. She hoped it was nothing and that she was just being paranoid, but knew she'd need to keep on guard regardless. U'ka removed their gear and was about to start brushing them out when a one-armed man came up to her.

  "Would you mind if I did that? I'm V
'lan. I was assigned to the calvary and took care of the horses. I feared I’d never see a warhorse again. Too many of them were slaughtered on the battlefield." His eyes went distant, recalling the horrors he'd seen.

  She handed him the brush. "Daisy, my mule, needs a good brushing out too."

  "Of course. It's good to feel useful, especially in my condition," V'lan said, indicating to his missing arm.

  Not knowing how much she could trust V'lan, U'ka asked Aryshire to keep an eye on him and let her know if he tried to make off with the animals.

  Teek still wasn't back with the plants, so she went into the Sanctum to clean the potion counter. A bag of salt and parchment paper sat on the counter. She took a large handful of salt and dropped it into the bucket of water, cleaned out the jars and left them soak to cleanse of any residue.

  U'ka ran her hand along the smooth Iron Oak counter feeling its fine grain; it was beautifully crafted by a Master Green Jack. Iron Oak was the best wood for a potions counter because of its resistance to most magic.

  She wanted to cleanse it of any residue properly, so she sprinkled salt all over the counter and scrubbed it down with a wet rag. The musty scent of the damp wood brought back fond memories of her apothecary classes at the Citadel. The Magus came into the room with a quill and a small glass inkwell.

  "I'm sorry it took longer than I thought to find these. I planned to help you with the cleaning."

  "No problem. You can help with drying these jars," she said, reaching down to pull a couple from the water. By the time they finished drying everything, Teek and two Green Jyll's came in carrying the bundles of the plants she'd asked him to gather and laid them on the counter.

  "Magus. We also bring food from forest." said a Green Jyll with long, flowing, leafy branches hanging down around her.

  "Thank you, Willow," he said. "I'll be out in a moment to start making the evening meal."

  He turned back to U'ka. "I trust you have everything you need?"

  She nodded, then sorted out the different plants. After the Magus left, she looked up at Teek. "Have the Green Folk here detected any Daemon activity?"