Dryw Henge

by Jonathan Forth

  “That does not sound very hospitable,” said Sumnar.

  “It’s just the way it is. Dragons eat people.”

  “So, again, just for interest’s sake, before you bite our heads off and crunch on our bones. Which is the way out of here?”

  Stanley laughed, “It’s the tunnel just there behind the stalagmite shaped like a mushroom.”

  “Thank you,” Sumnar said. “Now where was I? Oh yes.” Sumnar reached into the food pack.

  “Stanley, who wants to play ball? Who wants to play ball? Hey boy, who’s a good boy? Do you want to play ball? Do you want to play fetch?”

  Stanley’s tongue flopped out; his ears shot up; he got up on his paws; lowered his head; waggled his bottom; and flicked his tail from side to side. “Uhhuhh, uhhuhh, uhhuhh,” he nodded uncontrollably.

  “Alright boy, here you go, fetch!” Sumnar threw the apple as far as he could in the opposite direction of the tunnel entrance, and when Stanley bounced after the apple, he shouted, “Run!” Sumnar picked up Milly and dashed for the tunnel with Fayette right behind them.

  Stanley picked up the apple and turned. “Rats!” he said. Then he tossed the apple up in the air and swallowed it whole.

  When they got far enough down the tunnel, Sumnar slowed to regain his breath.

  “What happened there?” asked the Princess.

  Sumnar chuckled, “Well I guess history sort of infers dragons are old and wise. In fact, none of it. If you spend any time with them you’ll find they are more like dogs, with the wits of a three-year-old child. They may be big but they have tiny brains. Most of which is used to speak, there is not a lot of capacity left for anything else. And they love to play fetch.

  “When I lived with the hermit, Yigo, his dragon had a wooden ball. He would follow you around with it, dropping it at your feet and whining until you threw it again. He would skedaddle after it and then brought it back again. Playful, but the game went on forever. He also loved to have his ears scratched and his tummy tickled by the way.

  “Mind you woe betide you if you left him alone, he would tear the place apart by the time you got back. A real nuisance! That said he did fish me out of the snow though; kept the cave warm; and cooked everything medium-rare just how I like, so I can’t complain.”

  As they continued down the tunnel, they turned a corner and saw a chink of light in the distance. “Finally!” Fayette said and ran towards it.

  When she reached the exit however she realised it was the slenderest of gaps that she could hardly wiggle her fingers through. She turned and looked at Sumnar. “Oh no, there is a boulder blocking our way, what shall we do?”

  Sumnar caught up with her. “Any levers?” he asked and shone his staff around the entrance.

  “Nothing!”

  “Just a minute!” He leant with his shoulder against the boulder and it pivoted easily on its base and opened. He held it for the girls and then left it to close gently behind them. “It appears to be hinged so it could open both ways yet block the entrance from the outside. After all we don’t need every Tom, Dick and Harry wandering round our back passages,” he mused.

  They covered their eyes while they adjusted to the bright sunlight; breathed in the cool clear air and the sweet smell of the woods. Sumnar stood, stretched and looked around. They were on a rocky outcrop just adjacent to a stream.

  “It really is the perfect spot for a hidden entrance. Not many people would be looking for anything here unless they knew what they were looking for.”

  “Any idea where we are?” asked Fayette.

  “A few ideas,” said Sumnar. “But my best guess is Windfell Woods.”

  He glanced up at the sun, “I suggest we keep heading north east. There is a convent a day or so walk from here. They will help us, and we can leave the child there temporarily for her own safety. Having a child with us for any longer than we have to will only hinder us.”

  Milly started to cry again. “Sumnar honestly, subtlety of a brick!” hissed the Princess shaking her head.

  *

  Gorath received a pigeon with a message. He turned to Shomari sarcastically, “So that’s a pigeon? I forgot what they look like. I followed a goat the other day for twenty minutes just to see if he had a note attached to his leg.”

  Shomari snorted and Gorath continued, “Finally, something going our way. Emissary Gowan has the Water Totem. He escaped by ship, and will make land to the east then head to the Midland Plains and meet us at the town of Goul. Then we’ll make for Dryw Henge.

  “I would imagine he’s mightily miffed the Aquamurans. I suspect they will send the fleet after him and their army in this direction. Anyway, we’ll be long gone by the time they reach here. That’s if they overwhelm the force that we sent their way a few days ago.

  “So now, both the Aquamuran and Windstrom armies are marching. I’m suddenly feeling popular; very warm and fuzzy indeed!”

  Shomari agreed, “We also continue to fill the lake in case we need to mount another assault at the castle and we’ve been firing the trebuchet and ballistae at Ampheus. Apart from keeping the Terramians on their toes we’ve not made much of a dent.

  “In fact, the castle’s catapults are doing a pretty good job of picking ours off. As fast as we can build them, they target them and destroy them. We’ve already cleared the trees a half a league into the woods, so it’s taking longer and longer to bring the wood back.

  “The elifants help but we can only work them so hard. It’s a bit demoralising for the artillery troops but they keep plugging away. First and foremost, it keeps Armanar in Ampheus.

  “I’m still hoping we can find the other members of the Royal Family. If we can capture them alive we can leverage them to force the King to hand over Earth Totem.”

  “What of Celestina?” asked Gorath.

  “I am waiting for the Windstrom Army to distance itself sufficiently and then we’ll attack. They won’t know what has hit them.”

  Gorath smiled, “Armanar will be the architect of his own demise. Our plan has been a hundred years in the making. He has no idea.

  “Just one more thing. There is an abnormality. Just a whisper, nothing more than that to the north west of Ampheus. A shimmer in the lay lines, nothing more. I’m sure it’s nothing but we can’t be too careful. Send a unit of Janshai horsemen to take a look for anything untoward and report back.” Shomari nodded and left the pavilion.

  Shomari stepped outside; he called over one of his young captains. “Aksel, I need you to form a unit, perhaps ten horsemen. Head north west, the same direction Prince Aron took. Look for anything unusual. I’m not sure what it is, but if you find anything, either kill it or capture it and bring it back here.”

  “Can I handpick the men?” asked Aksel.

  “Yes, whoever you need,” said Shomari. “Take only the best.” With that the young Captain turned and strode downhill to where the Janshai were stabled.

  *

  The Princess and Sumnar followed the stream for a while until they came to a small wooden structure that crossed it. It was a bridge that had been patched up many times before by the variety of wooden planks and lashings that held it together. It was in need of some tender loving care once more. They stepped onto it and Sumnar’s foot went straight through a wooden strut making the girls giggle.

  “Let’s take a break here,” he said, lighting a fire to dry his boots.

  Sumnar turned to Fayette. “So, the hermit.”

  “The hermit,” echoed the Princess.

  “Did he have a name?”

  Sumnar nodded, “He called himsefl the hermit, or simply hermit. You know, it took me time to work out, but by the time I left I was sure.”

  “Sure of what?”

  “That he was not human.

  “It was strange, like the roots of a tree. His feet never left the ground, forever connected
to the earth, never disturbing the soil as he slid smoothly from one place to the next. He never ran, jumped, or walked upon rocks. I never saw him eat, he bathed himself in the sun’s rays, and relaxed outside after a rainfall as if drawing the water up into himself. He was like another being, perhaps the essence of the earth. Perhaps not the earth itself, but an interpreter or conveyor of the earth’s message. I could be wrong mind you, he may just have had bad knees and been selfish, stuffing himself with chicken whenever I was not looking.” Sumnar smiled.

  “But let’s say that’s what he was, a messenger for the earth. Well he took time to share with me ancient wisdoms of the origin of all life. That we and everything in this world are interconnected. That everything plays its role in supporting the spiritual nourishment of the world by creating the energies and forces that make life on earth possible.

  “These forces when tapped the right way can flourish with great respect, love and compassion.

  “Much has been forgotten, but some of the practices are woven into the cultures of the peoples of the Four Realms and reflect our closeness to nature. That perhaps in an unknown way they provide sustenance to our spirits. You will find sometimes you pass through a village, and see its people are happy, satisfied and rich in spirit. They tend to and cultivate the land, respectful of sustaining a balance, and in turn the earth provides for them. Crops for the table, wood for warmth and shelter. In part the way they connect with all things around them creates the bonds that bring contentment and peace of mind.

  “In contrast, where the people’s spirituality is barren, they take from the earth and fail to replenish it in return. Then the sense of life is diminished, and so the bonds with our world are broken and wither.

  “Hence the way we live our lives helps the fabric of life itself prosper. This is far beyond the understanding of most, but yet a wizard can tap into these deep forces. The hermit taught me how to delve into the earth’s energies, and through seeing, feeling and knowing that it is possible to shape the power of the earth for good. Just as some wizards use this to cause harm.”

  Sumnar pulled open his pouch and picked a couple of seeds and held them cupped in his palms. An orange glow bathed them and tiny virgin shoots and roots appeared. He pressed them into the soil and waved his palm above the seedlings. Small droplets of water dappled the ground around the plants. He smiled at the Princess.

  Fayette looked at him, “How did you do that?”

  “As I said, it’s the interconnectedness of the earth. Think of it this way. Perhaps there is a crystal-clear lake down in the valley, whose waters ripple on the pebbles by the shore. The pebbles lay in the sand that slowly mixes with the mulch to form the dirt beneath our feet here. Everything is connected, so I can draw from the lake and sprinkle its life-bearing waters here. Such knowledge is sacred and precious.

  “I carry seeds wherever I travel and when I see the land is bare, I plant a few seeds. Hopefully in time, they will provide sustenance for the soil. Perhaps the roots will hold its nutrients, other plants will grow around it. Insects will busy themselves, pollinating the flowers, and in turn the grasses will provide sustenance for animals that wander past to graze.”

  Sumnar frowned. “But there are those that dishonour this sacred spirit. For every drop of water drawn to bring life, there are those that instead draw the hot parched air of the desert, or the burning fire of a volcano.”

  “Why would they do this?” asked Fayette.

  “They’ve no respect for the earth and shape it for their own selfish ends.

  “It is a lesson we must all heed, to hold life sacred. Only then can we fulfil our destinies with spiritual contentment. Even simple acts like feeling a breeze on your face, listening to the oceans waves, taking a moment to admire a blooming flower. All these embrace our senses and help sustain our spirits.

  “Everyone must play their part, and in turn inspire others to discover for themselves their place in the cycle of life.”

  Fayette smiled, “You have been given a rare gift.”

  “Indeed,” replied Sumnar. “But it is also a great weight.”

  “What happed to the hermit?” she asked.

  “I think he tired of me or had taught me everything I needed to know.

  “One day I woke up to find a small shrub growing outside the cave. It was short, scraggly and covered in thorns. It was just about right, suited him!” He smiled.

  “And the dragon?”

  “Oh Yigo?” he chuckled to himself. “Followed me around for a while, then I managed to find a home for him. With someone who had a large garden!”

  Chapter 3

  The Nyle Ice Fields

  They followed the path and came to a clearing. “You know what, this is becoming vaguely familiar,” said Sumnar.

  Unexpectedly, five bandits jumped out at them from behind the trees. One of them, the apparent leader, was already pretty busted up. He had two black eyes, a broken nose and his arm was in a sling. He winced when speaking which suggested a couple of ribs may also be cracked.

  “Halt, who goes dere?” he said. His broken nose making his voice sound like he had a heavy head cold.

  “Dese are our woods. Dou needs to pay a doll to pass trough dem! Den Farthings!”

  Sumnar paused, “Ten farthings sounds very reasonable, don’t you think?” turning to Fayette. “In fact, a bargain at half the price.”

  If the leader registered any familiarity in the response, he did not show it. “Den ’and dit dover,” he said.

  “Well,” continued Sumnar, “while I said it was reasonable, it does not mean that I’m willing to pay. There is a matter of principle here as well as I really don’t like being bullied.”

  One of the other bandits sensed where this was going. “Ehhh Pud, I got an uneasy feeling about this. Look let’s stick to nuns or get out of this game altogether. There are too many nutters traipsing through these ’ere woods nowadays.”

  “Pudding. You should listen to your friend,” said Sumnar.

  “Pud, just Pud, it’s not short for pudding!” shouted Pud.

  “Muney, dow!” he said raising his crusty old, and recently bent, sword. Sumnar had tried, they couldn’t say he did not give them a chance. He bowed his head, repeated a slight incantation under his breath and flicked his staff. Pud all of a sudden found himself ten feet into the air. He flew to the left, to the right, and then spun round like a Catherine wheel before coming to a stop upside down.

  “Now then Pudding, perhaps you can help me. I’m looking for a convent near here. Could you help me with directions?”

  Pud appeared more than happy to help all of a sudden. “It’s dust a couple of leagues up de trail. Dere’s a path just opposite a broad oak. Oh, and please don’t tell de sister about dis, she’ll be mad, plain mad.”

  “Don’t worry about that, Pudding,” said Sumnar. “You learnt your lesson.”

  “I have?” said Pud.

  “Yes,” said Sumnar, who waved his staff once more and Pud fell in a heap to the ground. There was an audible crack as one of his legs folded underneath him. His eyes rolled to the back of their sockets and he fell unconscious. His fellow bandits ran to him and dragged him along the trail and into the undergrowth.

  “Right then, let’s go!” said Sumnar.

  *

  Some distance further, as they stepped onto the path to the convent, Sumnar paused. “Umm Princess, I just want to warn you. You may find the Sister in charge of the convent a little strange. Well strange is not right. Umm kooky, yes kooky is more like it.”

  “Right,” said Fayette.

  “Anything else?”

  “Nope,” said Sumnar. “That’s it!”

  When they arrived at the convent they rang the bell at the door. A nun answered in due time, and Sumnar gave his name. She said the sister would be along forthwith and then left them to wait. A few moments
later there was a shriek from within the convent. Sumnar glanced at the Princess and smiled a little nervously and stepped back.

  Then presently there was a stampede of footsteps down the corridor. At which point a rather rotund woman came charging out of the doorway and leapt at Sumnar. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He wrestled her free. “Hulda!” said Sumnar, “Wait a moment!” She caught sight of Fayette and the child and dropped down off him.

  “Look at me,” she said straightening her habit. “How rude of me, got all carried away catching up with an old friend. Completely forgot me manners. I’m Sister Hulda, and you are?”

  “Fayette and Milly,” said the Princess.

  “Well Fayette and Milly, you both look like you need a bath. Go with the sister here. I need to talk to Sumnar alone. We’ll see you both at dinner. Sumnar,” she said coyly. “You need a bath too!” With which she smacked him on the bottom, entwined her arm with his and marched him off into her personal quarters.

  When they returned Fayette noticed that Sumnar and Sister Hulda had a certain glow about them. She and Milly were already seated in the communal hall and a couple of nuns had brought in wooden bowls of steaming bean and vegetable broth and chunks of bread. Sister Hulda tucked into the soup and chugged down a jug of ale. Clearly the discussions with Sumnar had given her quite an appetite.

  “So, Prince Aron, Leo and the rest passed through here a few weeks ago. Apparently they ran into the same bandits. Hence Pudding’s injuries,” said Sumnar and chuckled to himself.

  “That idiot never learns,” said the Sister. “There have also been sightings of Janshai in the woods so I fear they are on Prince Aron’s tail. We think he and his companions may have crossed the Unthank Marshes. In which case if they made good progress, all being well, they should be approaching the Misty Mountains by now.”

  Sumnar continued, “The Sister thinks if they return, they’ll likely skirt the north of the marshes. People only need to cross them once to be put off ever stepping onto them again. There is a trading town called ‘Everstead’ on that route so we may be able to meet up with them there.