by Dane Bagley
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“Those boys have imprinted on you two,” explained Tollybrit. “Their families will worry and fuss some but it will be better if they just head out with you. If you don’t take them they will just follow after you, anyway.” He sat back and let out a puff of smoke. “I like their survival chances better if I know they’re with you. Winter’ll be rough. You know that. They’ll not survive a winter on their own, I dare say, if they don’t catch up with you.”
Aiden sat back and listened. The two men sat next to each other but did not give eye contact while they spoke—both preferring to look ahead of them at the happenings around Tengeer.
“You’re not planning on taking the littl’ un with you?”
“No,” said Aiden. “We’d like for her to be brought up here. She has no family. I think that she is happy enough here and she will be safe.”
“Tengeer does make a fine refugee camp,” Tollybrit said with a wry smile and puffed out a smoke ring.
Aiden let out a laugh and the two men laughed pleasantly together. It was obvious as the men looked over the people that the Tengeer was a mongrel bred. Yet mongrels are often the strongest and the happiest.
“My sister’ll take her. She’ll complain of the injustice while not letting anyone else near her. She’s a smart littl’ un. Linda’ll make sure that she is raised up good and proper. She’ll educate her and teach her manners—may even let her play sometimes.”
“It’s settled then.”
“Yes, I believe so. When do you expect to be leavin’?”
“Waiting won’t help us survive the winter. We’ll leave first thing in the morning.”
“I don’t suppose you’ll want a going away party tonight? We put on quite the bash when you got here.”
“I’m all for a grand welcoming. I prefer to leave early and quietly. The less fuss the better.”
Tollybrit made his way over to Linda. Aiden watched as she put her hands on her hips, then shook her head, put her hands up in the air and scurried off to her hut. Good, Jemma will be kept well. No one watched Tora, who was huddled over a fire preparing dinner for her family. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized what was happening. She pulled her food off of the fire and walked to her hut, head down, and didn’t return to her food for a quarter of an hour.
Aiden made his way over to the blond trio. They were all lying in the grass under the shade of a large tree and sipping cool water—recovering from their severe exhaustion after thirty minutes of sword fighting.
“We’re leaving early in the morning—just as the sun comes up.”
Daxton sat up straight. “Where to?”
Aiden stood there for some time eyeing the boys. “Hard to say. We’ll be gone for good, though.”
“You’re leavin’ us?” asked Terence.
“We’re leaving.”
“I’m coming, too,” said Terence assertively.
Marcus looked at Terence with his eyes wide.
“Then I’m coming,” said Daxton.
“I’m going, too,” said Marcus.
Aiden looked over the boys. “We may die. Winter’s ahead, and we’ll have to take cover in the dark forest. War may be on the horizon and we may be called to battle. If you come your boyhoods are over. Only men can make this journey.”
Marcus looked a little pale.
“I’m coming,” said Terence getting up.
“I’m coming,” said Daxton frustrated to be beaten to the punch again.
“I’m not staying here,” said Marcus.
“We leave at dawn. Only bring what you can comfortably carry. We’ll be walking a very long way,” and Aiden was gone.
Aiden returned to a bit of a scene. Jashion had returned with Jemma and had made his way over to Tora who was still by her fire.
“Oh boy,” muttered Tollybrit aloud to himself as he watched again from his chair. He looked over towards Linda’s hut and could see that she was busily preparing it for the littl’ un.
Linda looked up and saw Jashion talking with Tora and Jemma by his side. She watched for a moment and then began to stomp towards them. Tollybrit looked back at Tora who had just stood up. He could see the joy on her face. She looked down and spoke something to the Jemma; then Jemma ran into her arms and they embraced.
“Oh, no, you don’t!” he heard Linda screech while stomping even faster. Tollybrit almost got up to make his way over but then thought better of it.
“That littl’ un is stayin’ with me. It’s already been decided. I’ve already set up the place. She’s stayin’ with me. I’m looking after her now that you boys are leavin’. It’s already been decided.” She was making a beeline for Jemma with her hand outstretched to take the child’s hand.
Jashion moved assertively to block Linda’s progress. “Nay, but I’m decidin’ where she’s stayin’, me is. Jemma and me’s decided she’s stayin’ with Ms. Tora, here. Jemma has friends here, she does. I decided and that’s that.
Linda moved to get around Jashion but was blocked. “Oh, no. Tollybrit and Aiden already decided,” she said with fury in her voice.
“Tollybrit,” she yelled. “Get over here, Tollybrit!”
Tollybrit arouse slowly and began a slow jaunt over to where the action was.
“Where’s Aiden…there you are, Aiden, get over here,” she said loudly beginning to gather her strength. Coming to her senses she realized that looking like a mad woman might be unseemly, she began to take a more diplomatic approach in her loud responses.
More quietly so that just Jashion, Tora, and Jemma could hear she said, “You fool. You and the child would be dead if it wasn’t for Aiden. You even speak like a fool. You have no idea what the needs of the child are.”
“Jemma and me…we’s the last of our people, we is. I’m gonna make sure she’s fine. I want her raised by Tora, I do. If I don’t have this assurance, me’s takin’ Jemma with me.”
“You can’t take that child with you. You’re all likely to die as it is. You’d just be killin’ her, too. And you,” then addressing herself to Tora, “you can’t even read or write. You don’t educate your children. They’re practically savages…with no manners, running around, making noise, playing all day. They’ll be no good, those children of yours!”
“Now, Linda,” said Tollybrit who had made his way to the group, “Tora is a fine woman. She takes good care of her children. She is a good mother and has been good and kind to everyone here, you included. You’ve said so yourself many a time to me. Don’t you go insulting Tora just to get what you want.”
“Humph,” Linda expressed. “You told me yourself that it was decided, you and Aiden decided that it would be best if I kept the littl’ un here. Don’t you go changin’ your story just to not upset folks.”
Aiden had made his way to the fire. Jemma and Tora were still holding on to each other.
“Aiden,” Linda began, “you and Tollybrit already decided, didn’t you? Jemma is stayin’ with me, not Tora.”
“Jashion,” said Aiden, “the choice is yours. Who do you want Jemma to say with?”
“With Tora, Jemma and me’s already decided, we has.”
“Tora, will you take and raise Jemma as your own,” asked Aiden directly.
When Aiden asked a question directly with his presence and penetrating eyes it could freeze even the most confident man or woman. Tora had never been asked such a question by such a powerful figure as Aiden before. She trembled under the weight of his inquisition. She then looked at Linda who glared intimidatingly at her. She continued to tremble and look around, not able to answer.
“She’s…” Linda began.
Aiden held up his hand, immediately silencing Linda, while continuing to bore into Tora with his gaze.
“…I…love this child,” she spoke in barely a whisper. “Jemma…she has lost everything. She should be happy. I’d be pleased for any teaching she or my child should receive. I want them to read, but I can’t teach that. Mostly, I want
the children to be happy. I’ll raise her if you let me.” Her final words were nearly incomprehensible as she began to sob.
“Jemma will stay with Tora,” Aiden declared.
“Aye,” said Jashion.
Jemma smiled brightly and glowed as she looked up and embraced the sobbing Tora again.
Linda was befuddled, having never been overpowered by such a presence as Aiden before. She was about to bolt when Jemma made her way over to her.
“Linda, thank ye for wantin’ to take care of me. I’m sorry to make ye mad.” Jemma embraced Linda warmly. For a moment Linda stayed stiff. Then a single tear drop formed in her eye and she bent into the child and embraced her warmly.
“Alright; it’s okay. I’m not mad; I’m just makin’ sure that you are well cared for. Don’t fuss now. You can stay with Ms. Tora here. But I will teach you and her children to read. You can’t play all day. You have to work, and learn, and become proper, now.”
Jemma looked at her in the eyes and nodded. Tora made her way over and embraced Linda.
“I’m sorry, Linda…”
“Now, now it’s fine. We’ve got work to do. I’ve got some things prepared for the child. I’ll just bring them over to your hut.”
Tollybrit put his hand on Aiden’s shoulder. “Well done,” he said to which Aiden made no reply. Tollybrit made his way back to his chair and his smoke. Too much excitement for him, time to calm back down.
“Ye is gonna be just fine now, little lass, ye is.” Jashion leaned down and gave Jemma a kiss on the cheek. Jemma looked at him for a moment and smiled. Tora’s children had gathered outside of their hut’s door watching and listening with interest. Jemma ran over to them. Within moments they were holding hands, running in a circle, and making marry.
Two hours before the crack of dawn Aiden’s eyes opened. Aiden loved the dark hours prior to any departure. He visualized in his mind all that would be required while making any last-minute preparations. He always traveled light—only the clothes on his back, weapons, and minimal supplies. Everything was ready within minutes and he began to sharpen his already adequately sharpened blades. He became aware of a presence next to him and nearly jumped. Spooking Aiden was a nearly impossible task.
In the darkness Aiden had to strain to tell that it was Terence who had seated himself quietly beside him. “I’m ready when you are,” Terence said quietly.
“I believe you are,” said Aiden warmly. “Let me see what you’ve got.” He inspected Terence’s things removing a few items and making some mild suggestions. Aiden laid his blades aside and began to teach Terence how to sharpen his.
“Daxton will be here shortly. I’m not sure if Marcus is coming.” Aiden could hear the significance in his voice. The spreading of wings and the flight from the nest is a very individual experience for each bird. Aiden was two years older and significantly more prepared when he left home than Terence was. Aiden allowed himself to feel a brief nostalgia. He loved his family and his people. It was good to be reminded from time to time.
Jashion stirred a few feet away but continued to sleep.
“Will he be ready?” asked Terence.
Aiden looked over at his sleeping friend. “Yes. He’s ready; perhaps more ready than any of us. Let him be for now. I’ll tell you when to wake him.”
Daxton arrived twenty minutes later, not surprising at all the other two.
“We’re going to need to work on your footprint,” said Aiden.
“Huh?” said Daxton. “Let’s go, Marcus is staying.”
Terence looked over toward Daxton for a moment. He took the knife that he had been sharpening and began carving aimlessly in the dirt while looking down. Aiden made his way over to Jashion and put his hand on his shoulder. Jashion opened his eyes and looked up.”
“It’s time.”
Jashion nodded and arose.
“Have you eaten?” Aiden asked the cousins.
“No, I’m not hungry yet,” said Daxton.
“You may not eat again today. Better eat a good meal now.”
“What?”
Aiden went and fixed a nice meal. Jashion gathered his limited things. Though Aiden had not supposed, Jashion’s heart was heavy. He was leaving more in Tengeer than expected. He had been safe here, enjoyed pleasant associations, and was leaving the only person left of his people. Jemma had become very dear to him and he would miss her. While the other boys were departing from their home, and perhaps forever, they at least had a home they could return to. Jashion was cutting the last tie he had to any home at all.
Daylight broke and Aiden stood. The other boys followed suit and were soon walking away from the rich dark soil and bittersweet scent of Tengeer. Each heart was heavy in its own way but every face was brave. No one dared a look back. Each focused on the white peaks of the mountains in the far distance.
“Wait,” they heard from behind them. Marcus ran towards them.
Aiden stared searchingly at the boy running towards them. Behind him he saw a beautiful blond woman and an equally handsome blond man. They both embraced each other and were clearly emotional. Terence waved and they echoed in response. Marcus had said his goodbye’s and did not turn around again.
“Let’s go,” said Marcus in a quavering voice. “Why didn’t you wait for me, I told you I was coming.” His cheeks were stained with tears but his eyes were resolute.
“You’ve eaten?” Aiden asked.
“Yes.”
The other four turned around taking in their final view of Tengeer.
“Where we’s headin’?”
“Same as we came here.”
“We’s headin’ to the dark forest, we is?”
No one answered for some time. After several yards Aiden explained. “There are two major strongholds in this land. We can’t make it to either before the onset of winter. If we head out on this barren plain, east towards Cardsten, we will either die of starvation, the winter elements, or your friend Dromreign. The dark forest isn’t exactly a picnic spot, but there is food, shelter, firewood, and we will be hidden from the dragon. We can head east through the edge of the forest. The wolves won’t like it but if we hug the edge they are not likely to try anything. If they do, I like our chances together. We survived a few nights in the heart of their land with just me, an invalid, and a little child. The five of us should hold our own against them. They’ll remember us. We are already legend among the wolf.
“During the day we can head deeper in and hunt and fish. At night we’ll hunker down closer to the edge. It will be slow going but we should survive the winter and be much closer to Cardsten. When we reach the corner of the forest and it follows the mountains to the north we have two choices. We can head south to Cardsten or continue east towards Agedon.”
“What’s the difference?” asked Daxton.
“Everything.”
They walked on in silence, reaching the little oasis by mid-day. A few fish were caught and fried.
“We’ll stay here today. We can rest and will have food for dinner and breakfast tomorrow. Tomorrow’s journey will be much longer.”
The trio napped in the cool tall grass and Jashion followed Aiden a little way off.
“Where we’s headin’?”
“I don’t know yet. There may be war between the two capitals. Once we understand the two sides better we can decide which to give our assistance.”
“Maybe neither ain’t worth fightin’ for.”
“Perhaps.”
Jashion leaned back against a large rock and tossed pebbles into the pond.
“It’s all about Dromreign. He’s becoming a greater menace. Towns and villages like yours have been slaughtered throughout the land. He seems to be growing in power. The destruction and the frequency are increasing. When you were a child attacks on Dargaer took out sections of the town. Now he can wipe it out entirely. Agedon believes it is time to take the dragon head on, to destroy it, and stop this menace forever. They are amassing an army to do just that.”
“That must be where we’s headin’.”
“Perhaps. Cardsten is also amassing an army. An army to stop Agedon. They don’t think that it’s possible for man to defeat Dromreign. They think that it will just infuriate the dragon and bring destruction on the capitals. Thus far, the dragon has been content to attack just the towns and villages and not the major cities. Cardsten believes that all Agedon is doing is stirring up a hornets’ nest. They figure that Agedon will fail and then Cardsten may receive repercussions from Dromreign. Cardsten has a lot to lose. It is a fine city. A land of opulence, of finery, and wealth. They have a great wall and high lookout towers.
“They think that they can continue to enjoy their existence at the expense of the other towns and villages who are taking a beating. It is said that some there even worship the dragon, like some kind of god.”
“We should definitely go to Agedon, we should.”
“Yes, perhaps. Still, not all you hear badly about a place should be believed. Those of Agedon would want others to think badly of Cardsten. Agedon needs to amass an army both large enough to ward of Cardsten and defeat the dragon. This will not be easy and they may be exaggerating Cardsten’s position in order to gather mercenaries, such as us, to their side. Cardsten is very wise. They have learned much over the years. They have knowledge and power there that is unheard of in other parts of the land. The power of Dromreign is great. There may be something to building adequate defenses against it rather than aggravating in. A hunter must know that it can defeat its prey before he goes after it—otherwise he becomes the prey.”
The following day they began their journey before the crack of dawn. Aiden hoped to arrive at the dark forest before nightfall. In this he was disappointed; they were still boys and not quite men.
“I’m exhausted,” said Marcus.
“I’m starving,” said Terence.
“Well, you should have stayed home with your mamma. This is a journey for men,” said Daxton.
“Oh, shut up!” the brothers shouted at him and Terence flung his pack at Daxton hitting him in the shoulder.
“Ouch. What are you doing? Pick that up; we’re not in the forest yet. Besides, you’re not eating anything until we hunt. If you’re too tired to hunt, you’ll stay starving.”
From close within the nearby forest a wolf howled stopping the travelers in their tracks. Aiden held up his hand.
“Was that the wolves?” asked Marcus.
“Hush,” whispered Aiden. They listened for a while and continued to hear howls and activity nearby. “We can’t enter now. Something is going on,” Aiden continued to whisper. “I’ve never seen them behave like this. I don’t think we can stay the night here in the open either.”
“What are we going to do?” said Daxton too loudly.
“Hush! You may sleep here for now.”
“Here, on the hard ground, right in the open?” whispered Daxton.
“You may continue to stand if you prefer,” whispered Aiden. “Stay here.” Aiden walked solitarily into the dark forest.
Several hours later he returned to four sleeping travelers. “Wake up,” he called softly. Only Jashion stirred. “We must enter in now. The wolves are sleeping.” Jashion’s body ached both from the travels and the poor sleeping conditions.
“Get ye up, ye’s,” he said as he pushed on Marcus’ shoulder.
“Huh, what?”
“Get ye up, we’s goin’ into the forest now, we is.”
“Oh. Hey, get up Terence. Get up Daxton.”
“Shh,” said Aiden. “If you can’t stay quiet, you’ll be wolf meat soon enough.”
Minutes later they entered the dark forest and headed to an area Aiden had already picked out. The four who had been sleeping easily found their way back into a slumber. Sleep would not be Aiden’s companion that night. He stayed awake and listened to the silence. Finally, the light of dawn approached. Perhaps then he could venture a little sleep. He closed his eyes briefly. Then the hair on his arms and neck stood straight up. He flung his eyes open and listened carefully. Something was not right, but what was it? Then his eyes took hold and he drunk in the filthy odor. Above the trees Dromreign flew. Aiden stared as long as he could. The bloated belly told of the nights’ destruction. Terror had struck again. Aiden looked at the massive beast, trying to find a weakness or a soft spot. The beast did not seem to have a scratch or a scar. Its muscles rippled with each stroke of its wings. The wings were massive and powerful. Only the beast’s fierce red eyes seemed weak. They squinted in the early dawn’s sunlight. The odor began to gag Aiden. Even when Dromreign was gone its scent lingered. The sleepers muttered and coughed in their sleep. Jashion’s face showed distress. What horrible nightmares that scent brought to his sleeping companions.
The following weeks went by without one day much different from another. They headed east slowly, hunting and fishing during the day. Sometimes Aiden would disappear asking them to continue on. Once he was gone for three days and the others feared the worst. Hunger on the second day forced the four to hunt on their own. They were eventually successful. Aiden arrived just in time for the meal. Jashion suspected that he had stayed nearby to watch them. They couldn’t always rely on Aiden’s skills. They needed to strengthen and grow if they were going to survive the dark forest in the winter.
The days were shortening and the air was cooling quickly. “We’ll need winter skins to wear, soon. Tomorrows hunt will not just be for food.” That evening a few flakes of snow fell.
Chapter 8