Relief coursed through his veins as Aibek followed his friends south. He longed to speak, to reach out to his father and ask for confirmation that there wasn’t an enemy spirit following them, but he didn’t dare. Instead, he bit his tongue and ignored the hunger gnawing at his belly. Breakfast had been many hours earlier, and the tincture always made him ready for food.
Birds wheeled overhead and the rustling of water faded with the view of the city’s glittering walls. Exhaustion weighed on Aibek like a heavy blanket. He didn’t stop. The sun set. He pushed on.
Finally, as Thrimanca, the second of Azalin’s three moons, crested the horizon, Kai grabbed his arm. “We have to stop for the night. We can’t keep going without sleep.”
Too tired to argue, Aibek nodded. “We’ll camp here, then. I’ll take first watch.”
Without another word, Kai and Bartel laid on the bare ground and fell immediately to sleep. The gentle breeze rustled the grasses and buried the snuffling and snoring noises the exhausted warriors made.
Aibek tipped his head back and stared into the sun’s fading light as it dipped below the mountainous horizon. Squinting into the gathering darkness, he racked his memory for recollection of that mountain on his initial trip south. As hard as he tried, he couldn’t remember whether or not he’d seen it. A pit of anxiety opened in his gut. What if he’d taken the wrong road? As the darkness grew, he longed for the warmth and light of a fire but wasn’t sure it would be safe.
Although, he reasoned, if Helak’s spirits are following us, they won’t need a fire to find us. They may even be watching me now, or leading Helak’s men to us.
He fought the wave of crippling anxiety that thought triggered and worked to think through his problem. Part of him yearned to call out for his parents, but he knew they’d been watching the enemy armies and were likely many miles away.
“Father? Mother? Are you there?” He couldn’t help trying, though he listened without hope for a response.
A heartbeat later, he regretted his impulsive shout. Voices carried on the evening breeze.
“I heard it over here! Come on! They’ll get away!”
“So what? I’m hungry. Let’s head back and hunt.”
Aibek whispered a curse. He glanced over at his friends sleeping on the ground and stepped into the night toward the voices. If they ended up being hostile, he’d have a better chance of fighting them off than Kai or Bartel. His stomach heaved, but he pulled a vial of tincture out from under his shirt and downed it. If he needed the strength and speed it offered, he wouldn’t have time to reach for it once the source of the voices arrived.
“What did you say you heard?” The second voice asked.
Aibek crouched into the tall grass, low enough that only his eyes and the top of his head would show above the waving stalks. His breath came in shallow gasps as the tincture took effect. Strength coursed through his muscles, bringing with it the drive to move, to run, and to fight.
“I heard a voice… over there, I’m sure of it… I dunno, but we should at least check. We can’t go back without them.”
A twig snapped in the distance, and Aibek resisted the urge to turn his head toward the sound. Instead, he listened with heightened senses, waiting for the voices’ owners to step out of the darkness. He knelt lower, his knees sinking in the soft earth, his legs tightly coiled springs ready to jump into motion.
The crunching of footsteps carried on the breeze, closer and closer. Unconsciously, Aibek leaned forward. Energy surged through his thighs, but he dropped lower.
A strong hand clamped down on his shoulder, and all the energy in Aibek’s legs released at once. He stifled a scream. His legs sank deep into the ground.
What had kept him from leaping from the grass – and the hand on his shoulder? Aibek jerked his head to the side, straining for a view of the hand’s owner. He just glimpsed a dimly-lit face, a shake of the head, and the hand pressed him further down into the tall grass.
“Be still! They’ll hear you!” Warm breath puffed against his ear and he felt, rather than heard the words.
He stopped struggling and listened to the footsteps crunching softly in the grass nearby.
“I don’t see anything. I’m starved. Let’s go.”
“No, I swear. I heard it right over here.” Grass rustled, as if someone were parting the tall stalks and letting them fall back together again.
Footsteps moved away, toward the road, and Aibek started to struggle again. He couldn’t let whoever that was find Kai and Bartel. They obviously weren’t friendly.
A second hand grabbed his other shoulder and shook. Aibek complied and fell still, listening.
“There’s no one here. No footprints, no camp. Let’s go.”
“Just give me a few more minutes. I’ll find them.”
“No. I’m going back. Stay here by yourself if you want. There’s still enough light to catch a rabbit or two before we get back.”
A loud, insolent huff sounded on the breeze, followed by the sound of booted feet stomping through the grass.
The noise faded into the distance, and the hands let go of Aibek’s shoulders.
Aibek tugged his legs free of the dirt and stood. Slowly, he turned to see who had been strong enough to stop him even with the seeds’ strength coursing through his body. What he saw brought him up short.
A little man stood with his hands on his hips. Tattered, flimsy garments draped over his arms and legs, blowing in the evening breeze. The top of his head came to Aibek’s waist, but he was neither elf nor dwarf. Kind eyes stared out of a pointy face, though it was too dark to discern their color. His hair stuck out in odd patches all over his head, the way Serik’s had.
A stab of pain shot through Aibek’s chest at the thought of his mentor. He hadn’t gone back like he’d promised. He’d left his oldest and dearest friend to die alone in the forest like an animal.
Aibek tore his eyes away from the stranger and turned back to his friends. He found them exactly as he’d left them, sleeping soundly on the bare ground.
No sounds followed him, and a wave of disappointment flowed over Aibek. He wouldn’t get to thank the odd little man for his help.
Anxious from the tincture’s unspent energy and the sudden reminder of his mentor, Aibek dropped to his knees and tore a patch of grass loose. It came up easily and gave him no satisfaction. Frustrated, he tossed the dirt and grass aside and dug his fingers into the hole the roots left.
“Don’t you want to know who I am?”
Startled, Aibek leapt to his feet and turned to face the little man, somehow certain that’s exactly who had spoken, though he hadn’t heard anyone approach.
“How’d you do that? I didn’t hear you.” Aibek squinted into the darkness, trying to discern more of the man’s appearance.
“That’s no matter. Why don’t you tell me who you are and what you’re doing in the mountain’s shadow?”
“I…” Aibek wasn’t sure whether he could trust this person or not, though he dearly wanted to. There was something warm and comforting in the large eyes set above the small, pointy features. “I’m fleeing the city,” he said at last.
“I can see that much. You have nothing but the clothes on your back. Why do you run? You’re covered in blood. Are you injured?”
Aibek glanced down at his soiled clothes. “No, I’m not injured. I…” he paused, uncertain. “Who are you? I appreciate your help and all, but why should I trust you?”
“Zirvesi sent me. He said intruders were near our borders and that I should make sure you mean us no harm.”
The stranger’s stiffly formal accent grated on Aibek as wrong. He didn’t sound like he belonged in the mountain tribes, the plains villages, or Xona. A frown crinkled Aibek’s forehead. “I’m not sure who that is, or whether that means I should trust you or not.”
The little man chuckled softly. The sound eased the ache that Serik’s memory had triggered in Aibek’s chest.
“I mean you no harm. I may be ab
le to help you. Indeed, I believe I already have once. Why were those men searching for you?”
Confusion and exhaustion warred in Aibek’s mind. He couldn’t think clearly on so little rest and no food. As if on cue, his stomach rumbled loudly. The little man cocked his head and stared at Aibek, an expression of concern and curiosity on his sharp features. Neither spoke for a long while.
Finally, Aibek gave in. He dropped his head and gazed at the stony ground. Haltingly, he told the stranger everything that had happened since they entered Xona, though he left out the bit about the tincture. He didn’t know enough about the stranger to trust him with that detail.
“Well, what’s next? Where are you headed?”
“I’m heading south, I think. Towards the swamp where we’ll have the Saethem’s protection. We can hide there for a few days until we’re sure no one’s watching, then head back to camp. I have to do anything and everything to keep from exposing our hideout to the enemy.”
“You count on the sisters for protection? You must be very special indeed, child. But you’re heading the wrong direction to ever reach the swamp.”
Aibek sighed. “I was afraid of that. I don’t remember seeing those mountains the first time.”
“I could lead you to the South road, if you’d like—” Aibek’s stomach growled again. “And I could help you get some supplies for hunting. You’ll need to eat if you’re going to defeat those… those…” the little man sniffed. “Whatever they are, they’re foul. We want them gone. If you’re an enemy of theirs, you’re a friend of mine. Shall we go?”
With a laugh and a shake of his head, Aibek gestured to his sleeping friends. “No, let’s let them sleep. We’ll set off in the morning.”
The little man nodded solemnly. “Shouldn’t you sleep, too?”
“I will. We take turns keeping watch.” Aibek glanced up toward the moons. “I’ll wake Kai soon so he can have a turn, and I’ll lay down.”
“For someone who’s keeping watch, you’re easy to sneak up on.”
Aibek stifled a laugh. “You’re quieter than any man I’ve ever seen. What’s your secret?” His eyes narrowed and he tried again to make out the finer details of the stranger’s face. “And what did you say your name is again?”
“I do apologize. I’m Pagi, servant of Zirvesi and protector of the mountain. Do you wish for me to show you to the south road with the sunrise?”
“Yes. We’d appreciate the help.” Aibek’s head felt like a weight atop his shoulders. He was running out of strength to stay upright. “If it’s all right with you, I’m going to switch out with Kai, now. I need sleep if we’re going to make any kind of real progress tomorrow.”
“All right.” Pagi stood and bowed slightly. “I’ll return with the sun to see you on your way.”
“Well, shouldn’t I introduce you?” Aibek glanced over at his sleeping friends. When he looked back, Pagi had vanished. Too tired to worry about how the stranger moved so silently through the waving grass, Aibek woke Kai and took his place on the soft dirt. Sleep took him an instant later.
18
Swamp
The smell of meat cooking woke Aibek and he groaned, torn between the need for more sleep and the desire for food. Hunger won. He rolled over, opened his eyes, and grumbled. The sun hadn’t yet risen. In fact, Illodus still hovered near the horizon. Sunrise was at least an hour away. His stomach snarled, hunger chasing away the residual sleep.
Every muscle protested as he pushed himself to standing. Nearby, meat sizzled and popped, and Aibek stepped toward the light and warmth of the fire.
Kai and Bartel sat in front of a small cooking fire, each holding a hunk of steaming, dripping meat. Aibek’s stomach twisted painfully.
“That smells amazing,” he said, stepping closer.
The little man from the night before, Pagi, stepped out of the tall grass and grinned. “Ah, you’re awake. Are you hungry? I thought you might be. Here, have a bit to eat, and we’ll clean up soon and be on our way south, right?”
Aibek almost missed the last bit, he was so focused on the steaming rabbit haunch Pagi had handed him. He wasted no time sinking his teeth into the meat. He couldn’t name the spices that blended with the smoky flavor of the rabbit, but whatever they were, they made the meat burst with flavor and a different kind of heat. His eyes watered from the blistering spices, but he ignored the pain and took another bite. He watched the smoke circling into the predawn sky and willfully ignored the potential danger of starting a fire. They’d be on the move soon, so the smoke and light wouldn’t help their enemies find them.
They ate their fill of the rabbit and nuts Pagi had brought, covered the fire with dirt, and set out on their way. Since they’d been on the wrong road, they struck out through the waist-high grass away from the path. Pagi moved much more quickly than Aibek expected, and he had to work to keep up with the little man.
By the time the sun neared the western horizon, they’d left the mountains’ shadows far behind them. Aibek didn’t expect the wave of relief that washed over him at the sight of the well-traveled south road, but he couldn’t deny he was happy to be back on the right track.
Only an hour later, the sunset painted the sky in orange and red streaks, and the group agreed to stop for the night. Cook fires lit up the surrounding hills, so Aibek, Kai, and Bartel spread out in search of firewood.
Pagi stayed close to Aibek as he combed the ground for woody sticks. The little man handed Aibek a twig to add to his growing collection.
“You say you’re heading to the Saethem’s swamp?”
“Yes. We know the way from here.” Aibek tucked the twig into the bundle under his arm. “Thank you so much for your help. I’m sure you’ll be wanting to get home soon, right?”
“Well, no one’s expecting me any time soon. I thought I’d tag along to the swamp, if that’s all right with you. Never seen it, but I’ve heard stories. Lots of stories. Stories to curl your toes and keep you up nights.”
Aibek froze, his hand an inch above another stick. “Why do you want to go there? Most people try to avoid it.”
“Well, I was raised on the Sisters’ lore, and I’d love to see one of their homes. They’re the stuff of legends, they are.”
“And where do the other ones live?” Aibek kept his eyes down and picked up a handful of tiny twigs.
A pleased laugh came from Pagi’s direction. “Testing me, are you? Yes, I know there are only two, and that the other is reported to live in the southern forest. Tell me, do you know where to find their brother?”
Aibek fought to contain his surprise. No one had ever mentioned a brother within his hearing.
“I suppose not. Most people from the southern forest never heard there is a third. Come, this should be enough to cook a rabbit or squirrel. Let’s head back, and I’ll tell you the tale while our dinner cooks.”
Irritation welled in Aibek’s chest, but he took a breath and blew it away. He wasn’t sure what the little man knew, but he wasn’t going to turn down an opportunity to learn more of the forest’s history. He wished Serik could be there to verify or dispute Pagi’s story, and pain shot through his chest. Once more, he shoved aside the image of his friend lying broken against the Bokinna’s trunk.
Shaking from the mental images, he straightened and followed Pagi back to the spot they’d chosen for their camp. There, he kept himself busy building a sad little fire that smoked more than any he’d ever made before. Once the small flames lapped at the larger sticks, he tossed handfuls of twigs and sticks and brush onto them, building the fire until it was hot enough to cook the squirrels Kai and Bartel had snared.
“If I’d had my bow, we’d have had pheasant instead,” Bartel grumbled. “I still can’t believe I let you talk me into leaving it behind.”
“Oh, stop whining,” Kai snapped. “If you had brought it to Xona, the guards would have taken it when we were captured.”
Bartel harrumphed but said nothing more. Aibek kept his eyes on the food roa
sting over the fire. He glanced up when Pagi approached and tossed something small and round into the glowing embers. A loud pop startled Aibek to his feet and a brilliant blue light flared over the site.
“Wha—” Aibek stumbled backward several steps, his eyes burning from the light and smoke.
The little man loomed large, amplified by the blue flare.
An instant later, the light died out and Pagi returned to his normal, diminutive size. Confused, blinded, and disoriented, Aibek backed further away.
Pagi advanced in step with Aibek’s retreat. “Did you know you’re being tracked? Followed by the unseen?”
“I… I suspected.” Aibek blinked, trying to clear his vision. “That’s why we’re heading to the swamp. I hoped the Saethem could help me get rid of them.”
The silence stretched, and Aibek hoped Pagi would be the one to break it. When he didn’t, Aibek asked, “What did you do? What was that light?”
“Nothing to worry about. I just wanted to see who was after you. There’s more than one. Did you know that? Two distinct groups. Very strange. Never seen that before.” Pagi cleared his throat. “You say you suspected you were being followed? What made you think so? And do you know who the two groups are?”
“Well,” Aibek glanced over at his friends, who sat talking quietly and didn’t seem to have noticed the blue flash. “I think… one group might be my parents. The other belongs to the enemy and is trying to track us back to our camp, so they can send their army out to destroy us before we have a chance to fight them.”
“That’s why you were calling for your mother and father last night, then?”
Heat rushed into Aibek’s face at the memory. “Yes. I hoped they could tell me for sure if Helak’s spirits were after us.”
“Well, now that you have that answer, what is your next step?”
“I need to get to the swamp. I don’t think they can follow me there, but I’m not sure.”
Pagi nodded sagely. “Not a bad plan. Can I come with you? I think I can help you.”
The Nivaka Chronicles Boxed Set Page 76