“That sounds like a good idea. Does it need two of you?” asked Tree Wind.
“Yes. You need the dissonance between two magics.”
“And how long would it take and how noisy?” asked Raging Water.
Stormaway shrugged, “Not long. Two or three minutes for a small area like that. Not noisy for such a small operation. If we could get in there, it would only take a minor distraction to cover up our activities. Then the rescue could be undertaken later in the evening.”
“I think I can now perform two lots of magic at once. If I practised, I could possibly do it alone,” suggested Tarkyn.
“No,” came a chorus of voices.
“We can’t afford to risk you if we don’t have to,” added Sun Shower.
Far from being gratified by their protectiveness, the prince’s eyes narrowed and his mouth set in a thin mutinous line.
Before he could protest, Stormaway overrode him. “Tarkyn, you can’t go into a camp full of sorcerers with a price on your head. Even if you were in disguise, your eyes would give you away…as would the colour of your magic, if anyone spotted it.” He paused. “It is not just your welfare at stake if anything happens to you. Anyway, your own magic will not be dissonant with itself. The two beams would synchronise.”
Tarkyn’s eyes glittered with anger and his mouth did not relax as he gave a short, sharp nod and dropped his gaze.
Stormaway transferred his attention and he hoped, the attention of the woodfolk, to Danton, “If you are willing, the two of us could easily disguise ourselves and infiltrate the encampment.”
Suddenly the whole gathering, as one, realised what they were asking Danton to do. There was a hushed silence.
Eventually, much to everyone’s surprise, it was Rainstorm who spoke up. He cleared his throat and said self-consciously, “Danton, I’m sorry I attacked you this morning. I should have realised you just didn’t understand how things work around here.” He scowled around at his audience, daring anyone to comment.
Danton gave a nod of acknowledgement, “Thank you, Rainstorm. In return, I also apologise to you for forcing my views on you.” He waited, clearly aware that Rainstorm had more to say.
After a moment, the young woodman continued, “Some of our ways of doing things are different. But from what I know of Tarkyn, I don’t think we are so different underneath.” Rainstorm shrugged, “I suppose you don’t have any real reason to champion our cause, especially against your fellow sorcerers. None of us can force you to help us, if you would rather not. I suspect Tarkyn could, but wouldn’t.” He raised an eyebrow in the prince’s direction and received a short, affirmative nod. “So it is entirely up to you. But on behalf of the woodfolk assembled here and the frightened family at the encampment, I would ask you to consider it.”
Danton glanced sideways at Tarkyn before saying, “Rather than thinking of it as helping woodfolk against sorcerers, let us instead think of it as helping three victims against their persecutors and leave their origins out of it. On those terms, I believe I can support your cause.”
An audible murmur of appreciation rolled around the clearing.
Stormaway’s eyes lit up. “Good. That part of it is sorted then. And while we are there, we can do a bit of investigating.” Seeing Ancient Elm about to object, he added, “… after we have loosened the earth around the stake.”
Falling Branch shook his head. “We still have the problem of the wolves. We can’t afford to be near the camp. If they pick up our scent they may be able to hunt us down, even in the trees, with the help of sorcerers and wizards.”
“That leaves us a bit stuck, doesn’t it?” objected Autumn Leaves. “Tarkyn can’t go because he’s too precious.” There was a slight smile but no derision in his voice. “We can’t go because we’re too vulnerable. Doesn’t leave any options but Stormaway and Danton and they already have a job.”
Tarkyn flicked a glance at him and found the solid woodman smiling understandingly at him. He began to unbend a little.
“But if we could neutralise or eliminate the wolves, any of us could be involved in the rescue,” said Rainstorm, voicing the thoughts of many.
Tarkyn shrugged, still slightly belligerent. “Anyway, unless you neutralise the wolves they will raise the alarm when the woodfolk family leaves.”
“And the problem still remains of how to get the woodfolk family out into the woods, especially if they are still wearing the chains,” pointed out Raging Water.
“Can Golden Toad’s family do the woodfolk disappearing act once they are out of the encampment?” asked Tarkyn, addressing his question to Autumn Leaves, the only person he was yet prepared to speak to.
A short, out of focus discussion passed between woodfolk. Autumn Leaves spoke for them. “We don’t know what effect the chain will have on their ability to flick into hiding. And we also don’t know whether the virus they had has affected that ability as well as the mind talking.”
“So we have to assume they can’t,” concluded Tarkyn shortly. He shrugged, “Now I think about it, if they could do the disappearing act, they would have by now, wouldn’t they?”
“Not necessarily. Not through a tent wall,” replied Autumn Leaves. “We can flick around objects, but not through them.”
“So, we need a distraction and a way to knock out or kill the wolves,” said Waterstone, determinedly ignoring Tarkyn’s ill humour and summing up the situation. “Once the wolves are out of the equation and the stake has been loosened, we should be able to sneak in during the night, knock out whoever is guarding the woodfolk, and carry Golden Toad and his family off, complete with chain and stake. Meanwhile, others of us will also need to neutralise the guards on one side of the encampment for as long as it takes to escape with them into the woods.”
“That does sound like the beginnings of a workable plan,” conceded Tarkyn grudgingly. Suddenly a well of humour rose to overcame his chagrin and he glanced at Autumn Leaves, knowing that what he was about to say would annoy the heavy woodman. “But I have a big problem with the fate of the wolves.” He grinned as Autumn Leaves rolled his eyes. “Have wolves traditionally been enemies of woodfolk?”
“No,” replied Raging Water, not quite clear why the prince was smiling. “In the past they have steered clear of us unless, for some reason, the season is very lean and they are desperate for food.”
Tarkyn became serious again. “It just seems wrong to kill them all off when someone is using them as a tool for their own ends.” He shrugged, “Maybe it is being the forest guardian but I can’t help thinking that they, too, are creatures of the forest….”
Ancient Elm spoke again, “It does you credit, young man, that you are concerned for the welfare of the forest creatures. However, the rescue of the woodfolk will tax us enough. If we undertake not to kill the wolves, we may be able to address their fate at another time. Will that satisfy your scruples?”
Tarkyn bowed his head in acknowledgement. “Thank you, yes. It will.”
“What about that ‘Shturrum’ word?” asked Thunder Storm suddenly. “Does your magic work on animals?”
Stormaway considered the suggestion. “Possibly. It’s better than a stun ray, which only works on one target at a time. I know Tarkyn has used Shturrum on many people at once.”
A ripple of constraint washed around the firesite as various woodfolk remembered the times Tarkyn had used it on them. Several sets of eyes flashed in his direction, loaded with expressions ranging from amusement to distaste. Danton cocked a surmising eyebrow at him, but said nothing.
Aware of their responses, Tarkyn stared steadfastly at the ground with a little smile playing around his mouth. When he looked up, his eyes were brimming with laughter, “Oh well, I guess that’s the disadvantage of having a forest guardian.”
The constraint melted, albeit some a little reluctantly. Raging Water gave a snort of derisive laughter. “I sometimes think you’re too powerful for your own good, young man.”
“Scary, isn’t it?”
Tarkyn grinned and shrugged, his tone robbing his words of any ill intent. “Just as well I have that little spell or I’d be dead five times over by now.” Before anyone had the chance to respond to this, he reverted to the original topic, “Anyway, one way or another, I’m sure Stormaway, Danton and I can devise a way to neutralise the wolves. We’ll do a bit of experimenting and see what we can come up with.”
“And do you want us to deal with the perimeter guards?” asked Danton.
“No thank you, young man,” replied Ancient Elm firmly. “The guards cannot be allowed the chance to report back what they have seen.”
Danton frowned and asked, his voice thick with suspicion, “So how are you planning to ensure that?”
Waterstone rolled his eyes, “Not another one. First Tarkyn, now you, thinking we’re going to kill off everyone in sight. We’ll do the same as we did to you. Slingshots. Knock them all out. We’ll just have to hit them simultaneously so none of them raises the alarm at seeing their colleagues go down.” He shrugged, “We couldn’t use arrows even if we wanted to. Too many people would find the arrows and become alerted to our presence - which is exactly what we don’t want. Slingshots just leave harmless, unidentifiable little rocks.”
Danton’s eyes narrowed. “You lot must be pretty good even to consider pulling off a feat like that.”
“We are,” responded Rainstorm promptly, smiling evilly.
Waterstone gave a short laugh. “Stop it Rainstorm!” Then he smiled wryly at Danton, “Though actually, he’s right. We are.”
“Good then,” said Danton dryly, “As long as we all know where we stand.”
44
Within an hour, those woodfolk who were going to the encampment for the rescue or further on to look for Falling Rain were packed up and strung out through the forest. Where possible, they did not travel in single file but flowed through the forest across a broad front so that there were not many feet tramping over the same ground. The rays of the afternoon sun slanted through the yellowing leaves of old sycamores, catching swirling spirals of dust in their wake. Tarkyn walked with Danton and Stormaway as they discussed plans for dealing with the wolves.
“So, do you think that you can use ‘Shturrum’ on animals?” asked Stormaway as he hitched his pack more comfortably on his shoulder. “And in particular on the wolves?”
Tarkyn shrugged, “It doesn’t matter whether I can or can’t. You won’t let me go near the place.”
“Well, I can’t use the ‘Shturrum’ spell,” said Danton. “Can you?” When the wizard shook his head, Danton continued, “So there’s not much point in thinking about it if His Highness can’t come with us into the encampment to do it.”
“Perhaps I could … ” began Tarkyn.
“You could not.” Stormaway overrode him firmly. “The woodfolk are vowed to protect you. If they knowingly allow you to go into danger and you come to harm, the forests are forfeit. Besides which, they need your protection in return.”
Tarkyn stared at him. “So. We have reached the paradox already. If I insist on going on this raid with you, the woodfolk will risk the forest if they refuse me, but they will also risk the forest if they comply because they won’t be protecting me.”
Stormaway nodded briskly. “Exactly. So you must not order them, or me, to take you with us into danger.”
“Not to mention the trees… ” said Waterstone appearing quietly beside them.
Danton frowned, “What do you mean, the trees?”
Waterstone smiled gently, “I don’t think the forest will allow Tarkyn out to face such danger either. It didn’t when he first arrived. None of us understood why at the time. But now it is obvious. Because he is the forest guardian, the forest is protecting its own.”
“Well, blast the lot of you!” exploded Tarkyn in frustration. “Here I am trying to fulfil my vow to protect you and fight for you all and all you want to do is keep me mollycoddled and safe.” He hitched his pack angrily. “What’s the point in being a champion tournament fighter if I can’t even put it into practice?”
“The power you drew from the tree yesterday saved us all from the storm and whatever was waiting for us on the high ground,” pointed out Waterstone, walking quickly to keep up with the prince’s agitated strides.
Tarkyn threw him a seething glance. “I was hardly putting myself on the line to do that. I myself wasn’t in any danger.”
“You don’t have to put yourself in danger to work to protect us. You can do most things from a distance anyway,” objected the woodman. He paused, “Danger is not necessarily something to be sought after…. On which point, may I have a few words in private with you?” He smiled perfunctorily at the other two. “I won’t keep him long.”
So saying, Waterstone turned his footsteps from the others, calmly assuming the disgruntled young prince would follow him. Tarkyn shot an angry parting glare at the other two and did indeed follow in the woodman’s wake. By the time they were out of earshot and out of sight, Tarkyn’s curiosity had gone a long way towards dampening his anger. Waterstone gave him a warm, solid smile and under its influence, Tarkyn could feel himself becoming calmer and more centred.
Eventually, he smiled back, once more on an even footing. “All right. I know. I’m being silly. I just hate feeling trapped by people’s good intentions and by the forest.”
Waterstone’s eyes twinkled. “Not so silly. It’s disappointing to miss out on the excitement, such as there may be.”
“Be fair, Waterstone. It is not the excitement.” Tarkyn gave a slight smile. “Well, not just the excitement.”
“I do know that,” replied Waterstone dryly. He hesitated, “Tarkyn, there is something I wanted to ask you.” He wove his way through a thick cluster of bushes then stopped to watch Tarkyn emerge behind him. “Tarkyn, I need to ask a favour of you.” He took a deep breath. “While Ancient Oak and I are undertaking this rescue attempt and afterwards if things go awry, could you, I mean would you, look after Sparrow and keep her safe?”
The colour drained from Tarkyn’s face. He stared at the woodman. Seeing the prince’s reaction, Waterstone’s face tightened. “I’m sorry. I should not have asked you….”
Tarkyn shook his head a little and frowned fiercely. “No, Waterstone, you should ask. Of course I will look after Sparrow. I am her uncle. Remember? And I accept wholeheartedly that family members ‘may call upon each other’s strength in times of need.’” He waved his hand and let it fall. “I am just shocked, that’s all. Your request has finally brought home to me the seriousness of what is about to happen. It’s deadly serious, isn’t it?” He gave a wry half smile and scratched his head. “I am offended by my own behaviour.”
Waterstone gave Tarkyn a pat on the shoulder. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. I know you want to play your part in protecting us.”
“Yes I do, and I have to warn you, I really do not like being dictated to.”
They travelled in silence for a while as they negotiated a shale-covered, steep, downward slope dotted with spiky bushes that provided unwelcoming handholds. When they reached the bottom of the gully, they scooped handfuls of water from a clear stream before tackling the loose footing of the next steep slope. The effort of picking their way diagonally up the treacherous shale put paid to any conversation until they reached the top of the rise.
Tarkyn stood with his hands on his hips as he caught his breath, and broached the subject he had been dreading, “Waterstone, I also have something I need to say.” He glanced at his friend and took a deep breath, “I am very much afraid that all woodfolk are now subject to the oath.”
Waterstone looked aghast.” No! They can’t be.”
Tarkyn smiled sadly. “I can see from your face, my friend, how much you still dread that your kin should be subject to my authority, despite all my efforts to mitigate it.”
“No matter how kind or careful the subjugation, it is not freedom,” responded Waterstone tartly.
Tarkyn raised his hand dispiritedly
and let it fall. “Anyway, I don’t want them to know.”
Waterstone looked stonily at him. “What makes you suddenly think they are subject to the oath?”
“Rainstorm’s attack. You had your back to the turbulence in the trees. I hope no one else noticed. He attacked me again later, just to test it, and the same thing happened.”
“Oh stars above, Tarkyn! How did this come about?”
Tarkyn gave the ghost of a smile, “At least you’re not assuming I deliberately caused it.” He shook his head, “I don’t know. I think it was either when the woodfolk said they couldn’t help their own people to break an oath, or when you and I joined arms in the woodfolk ceremony.”
The woodman threw up his hands. “This is going to cause mayhem.”
“Waterstone, you weren’t listening. I said I don’t want them to know.”
Waterstone stopped dead, clearly thinking through all the ramifications. “Not telling them will work in the short term to avoid more resentment provided, of course, that you don’t issue any direct orders.” A thought struck him. “It could just be the forest protecting its guardian.”
“Maybe. I hadn’t thought of that. Either way, only Rainstorm and North Wind know about it and I want it to stay that way. Unless we can be sure that it is, in fact, only the forest protecting its own, I don’t want anyone else to know.”
Waterstone raised his eyebrows. “Is that an order?” he asked caustically.
“Don’t do this to me,” said Tarkyn tiredly. “If your principles insist that you go back there and upset a whole lot of people when they need to be working together, go right ahead. I’m not going to stop you.” Tarkyn turned his steps in the direction that Danton and Stormaway had taken. “And if you want to have a council of war with all woodfolk to decide how to deal with this person who has subjugated you, and stolen your freedom, just do it. I think it’s time we rejoined the others.”
Bronze Magic Page 54