by Toni Cox
He followed them for three more days during which nothing of significance happened. Each night they made camp. Each morning they started their travels early and marched until nightfall. He assumed the day travel was for the benefit of the Elves, as he knew the Vampyres preferred to travel during the night. He wondered why these Vampyres were so considerate of the needs of these Elves, or what made them important enough not to kill, or worse, consume.
The Elves cooked dinner over the fires every night, but the Vampyres never ate during the time he followed them. They were now in the lower regions of the Crystal Mountains and, because of the rough terrain, it was a lot easier for Blaid to follow unnoticed. Nevertheless, he remained in his wolf form. These mountains were notorious for their wolves and, although the Mountain Wolf looked different from his own form, at a quick glance he could pass as just another wild animal that roamed the mountain.
On the fourth morning, two of the Elves took their leave and headed away from camp towards Stoneloft. The rest of them proceeded to pack up camp and, while they were so occupied, Blaid managed to sneak a little closer, the rocky and forested terrain giving him the necessary cover. He wanted to find out what was going on and where the others were going.
“They will reach the city in another two days,” the remaining Elf said to the General Blaid had discovered was the leader of this group. “They will dispatch your messages as requested.”
The Vampyre grunted, but did not comment.
“The bird we sent to the stronghold should have arrived by now and Kieran should already be on his way as per your instructions,” the Elf added.
“It is pity vee will not ‘ave chance to speak with ‘im, but it is best that ‘e be on ‘is way,” the General said. “’ow many men ‘ave you been able to assemble?”
“There were twenty-three men at the stronghold before I left to fetch you, My Lord, but there has been news that some others were on their way to join us.”
The Vampyre nodded his head. “Is Lord Valander still present?”
“Yes, My Lord.”
“Let us go then. I vant to get there before nightfall.”
Blaid followed them at a distance. The more he learned, the less he liked it. He worried over what he might find when they reached the stronghold. The thought that so many Elves were aiding the Vampyres sickened him. What would make them betray their own kind?
The mountain steepened and the going was tough, slowing even the Vampyres. At some points, Blaid had to change form to climb rocks he would not have been able to scale with four paws. It was cold and he shivered, always thankful when he could change back into his fur.
They carried on, even when the sun set behind the Grildor-Bron Mountains in the distant west, barely visible even from this elevation. The Elf lit a small lantern and for another hour they clambered about in the dark before the snick of a blade being drawn brought them all to a halt. The group stood tense for a moment and then the Elf let out a soft whistle, repeated twice. After a short, tense silence, the whistle was repeated.
Blaid hid within a fissure, seeking the unseen watchman who had uttered the whistle. His sharp ears picked up the smallest of sounds and he eventually traced the man across a narrow, but deep, chasm before them. He also sensed a row of men on a higher ridge and heard the distinct sounds of bows being drawn. The whistle was repeated again and then two lanterns flared up, shedding some light on a narrow rope bridge spanning the chasm. The group advanced and had soon crossed over. Immediately the lanterns were shuttered and the chasm was again just a black pit in front of him.
He knew where the bridge was and could still follow their scent, but it seemed that the bridge was well guarded and he dared not cross it. He waited a while for the men on guard to relax and resume their normal, nightly routine. The group was made up of two Elves and three Vampyres; their mixed scents strange in Blaid’s nose.
As evening turned to full night, Blaid emerged from his uncomfortable hiding place. He tried approaching the bridge, but was immediately rewarded with alert guards drawing their bows. Not wanting to arouse suspicion, he scouted the area for another way across the chasm. The long fissure divided two steep peaks and he heard the faint gurgling of a stream at its bottom. He padded up and down along the chasm for a while, before he eventually conceded that he would not be able to get across unless he either used the bridge or climbed higher up the cliffs. The bridge was the easier option and he decided to test the watch men’s vigilance again.
He found a small rock and tossed it over the chasm. It landed with a surprisingly soft thud on the other side, no doubt muffled by a patch of moss. Immediately he sensed the watchmen stir and he heard yet again the sound of bows being drawn. He sighed; even shadow travelling over the chasm seemed to be out of the question; he would be impaled by their arrows before he could fully materialise. He did not know the mountain beyond the chasm, so shadow jumping further into it was also not an option.
Travelling along the chasm was his only choice. He made the change and, now naked, shivered in the frigid temperatures of the high mountain at night. Gritting his teeth, he started to climb. The sharp rocks cut his bare feet and more than once he slipped as his feet became slick with blood. But he made progress.
By morning he reached the point where the stream sprang from the mountain in a little waterfall and could simply step over the narrow gap that was to become the chasm. Exhausted, he found a place to lie low for a while. Changing into his wolf form, he then spent some time licking the blood off his injured paws.
He was hungry, tired, and sore, but it was now mid-morning and he still had to travel back down the other side of the chasm to pick up the spoor and follow the Vampyres to their stronghold. Reluctantly he heaved himself up and stepped out into the open. Immediately the hairs on his neck and along his back tingled and stood erect. Danger was imminent and he employed all his wolf senses to detect where it was coming from. He need not have made the effort; the dark grey, heavy-set form of a Mountain Wolf revealed itself with bared fangs and saliva dripping from its jaws. Blaid felt its deep growl within his own chest and the message was clear; he was on this alpha’s turf and he was not welcome.
Blaid only had a moment longer to marvel at the beast’s size and bulk, canines longer than a man’s finger, enormous paws, before it sprang to attack.
“Every city has acknowledged that they have received their messages, My Lord,” Commander Ridgewell informed Lord Longshadow. “But it will be well into Fire Moon before their troops will arrive with us.”
“Let us pray it will not be too late,” Jagaer replied, sounding despondent. “I wish we were able to get more information from Somas before he died.”
The assembled men were quiet for a moment; everyone thinking the same, but only their Lord had been brave enough to speak it aloud. Jaik watched them as all kept their eyes averted and wished there was something he could do to make his sister feel better.
Not being able to save Somas weighed heavily on her; she blamed herself for his death. After having seen the extent of Somas’ injuries, it was clear to everyone there was nothing anyone could have done to save him, not even Maia, ut she would hear nothing of it. She had been going over her healing powers with Silas for days now, practicing, trying new techniques. She was haggard with heavy, dark rings beneath her eyes; and she had lost weight.
“Our forces are ready to march at a moment’s notice,” Rowlean said. “The advance guard departed yesterday and will encamp around Greystone. A supply system has been put in place to keep them fed for as long as it might take.”
“Tarron Heights has already dispatched their men and they should arrive within a day or two,” Jaik added. “They will replenish their provisions while they are here and then march out to join the advance guard at Greystone. Lord Tallson has kept a small unit of about three hundred men with him to guard his city, but has sent every other man and woman willing and able to fight.”
“Yes, the other cities are doing the same. Let us hop
e it will be enough,” his father replied.
Every city was sending as many warriors as they could without compromising their own security. They were hoping for the armies of Thala Yll, Alea Yll, Braérn and Crook Island to arrive within the next two Quarters. The people of Rathaés, Dragonfort and Stoneloft would take longer. Jagaer managed to recruit almost one thousand eight hundred men and women from the smaller settlements and those that preferred to live in the wild. They were arriving in small groups almost every day now.
“What are our final numbers, including our own men?” Jagaer asked after another long silence.
“Currently the figure stands at just under seventeen thousand, My Lord,” Commander Ridgewell answered, “but we do not have confirmed numbers from Rathaés or Stoneloft, only estimates.”
Once the meeting was over, Jaik headed home. He had not spent much time there lately, what with his additional duties and the preparations for the war, but he needed to be there for his sister. She needed him now more than ever. She was so strong and yet so fragile. Sometimes he wished she had not been blessed by the Mother with the gifts of a Prime. She could have been an ordinary princess, living an ordinary life, falling in love, and following her dreams. Alas, it was not so. All the worries of her people rested on her shoulders; at least that was how she felt about it.
The smell of mushroom ragout greeted him as he stepped into their home. An ominous sign, their mother’s futile attempt at making Maia feel better. He was startled to find Aaron and the siblings, as well as Silas, Rothea and Riker sitting around the fireplace with Maia. She had shunned most company over the past days, preferring to hole up in Silas’ cave.
“Good evening, Mother,” he said, and kissed her on the cheek before he continued into the common room.
“Jaik, glad you could finally join us,” Silas said.
“Yes, the meeting took longer than expected,” he replied, and noticed the strange way his sister looked at him.
Jasmin stood up and went over to the kitchen to help Malyn dish up the food. Maia’s gaze followed her and Jaik saw again the deep sadness within her eyes. He sat down beside her.
“My Princess,” he said gently, draping his arm across her shoulders.
She immediately leant into him and he felt her relax.
“I’m all right, Jaik,” she whispered.
He doubted it, but did not contradict her.
“Here you go,” Jasmin said and handed them each a bowl of ragout.
Jaik didn’t mind mushrooms, but they were his sister’s favourite. It smelled delicious nonetheless.
“Thank you, Jasmin,” he said.
He was astonished at how well the Humans had adjusted to life on Elveron. All three were well on their way to becoming respected members of their community and contributed significantly to the wellbeing of the city. But what was the most amazing were the physical changes the three exhibited. Both men had grown stronger and had adopted some of the elven features, such as the pointed ears, smooth skin and, in Aaron’s case, no more grey hair. Jasmin, besides the blonde hair, looked more and more like Maia. If he didn’t know better, it was possible to think the two were sisters.
They ate, interspersed with polite small talk, the fire crackling comfortingly in its grate. After the meal, Maia helped Jasmin, Rothea and Malyn clear away the dishes and the men were left alone around the fire.
“How is she doing?” Jaik asked Silas.
“She is getting better. We have had some interesting conversations.”
Jaik raised his eyebrow, urging Silas to go on.
“She is worried she will not have the strength or the knowledge to save her people. I have taught her everything I know and more. She is ready. She only needs to believe it.”
“How do we make her believe?” he asked.
“By believing in her,” Aaron answered.
Jaik looked at him. He was serious and seemed to genuinely believe it was the answer. Jaik looked back to Silas and saw the old man nod.
“Indeed, Jaik. She is unsure of herself and every time something does not go her way, she feels she has failed. But it is all part of her learning to be a Prime; without those failures she would not become who she is supposed to be. We need to be there for her during those times and she will eventually come to see just how much power she has.”
Jaik nodded. He did believe in his sister and felt with an unshakable certainty that she could accomplish anything she put her mind too. He just hated to see her suffer and the weight she carried was crushing her right now. He wished he could lighten her burden.
“Ah, Maia, we were just talking about you,” Silas said, bringing Jaik back to the present.
“Good things, I hope,” she said with a shy smile.
“Always,” Riker answered, and stood to take her hand and lead her back to her seat.
Jaik watched Aaron glower at Riker, but Maia didn’t notice. His mother smiled at the sight of them together and he knew she hoped that Maia would find room in her world to let Riker in. He felt the same. Riker was good for her.
With the women back around the fire, the conversation moved to lighter matters, a refreshing change from the constant worry about the impending war. His father finally came home as well and joined them. It felt good to sit with friends and family and Jaik noticed Maia visibly relax and enjoy herself.
Eventually the Nightingales said their good nights and left for their own home. Silas took the cue and also left. Soon Malyn and Jagaer excused themselves and retired to their room.
Maia yawned and looked like she might be ready for bed as well.
“Do you mind?” Jaik said under his breath, and discreetly Riker and Rothea retreated from the room.
Maia looked at him questioningly.
He took her hand. “I haven’t had much of your undivided attention for a while,” he smiled at her. “How about a little brother time?”
“I’d like that,” she said and snuggled into his shoulder.
He wrapped his arms around her and rested his cheek on the top of her head. “How are you holding up?”
“Better than I was,” she replied, absently swirling the thin smoke of the fire into twirling whirls with her mind.
“I am worried about you.”
“I know.”
“There is worse to come.”
“Yes.”
He sat up, pushing her up with him and then holding her at arm’s length. “Are you ready?”
He watched her steady gaze and he saw an inner strength within her he had not seen for a while. He knew then that she had made up her mind; nothing would stop her from doing whatever she had to protect her people.
“I think so, Jaik,” she said, her smile confident. “I know what to do now.”
“You do?” he asked, startled. There was a certain tone to her voice that made his nerves stand on edge.
“Yes.” She rose to her feet, bent and kissed the top of his head. “It will all be all right.”
His vision dimmed briefly as he struggled to free himself from the death grip the wolf had on his throat. He fought through it and twisted to break the hold. Snarling, they separated and circled one another. The Mountain Wolf was strong and fierce and Blaid was in his territory. He realised it was the smell of the blood from his bleeding feet that had alerted the beast to his presence. There was nothing he could do about it now other than try to defeat the wolf.
With bared teeth and spittle flying from his mouth, the wolf charged again. This animal would not give up easily. Blaid was sad, but there was nothing else he could do. He needed to go on, follow the Vampyres, and this delay was costing him dearly. Sending a quick, mental apology to the animal, Blaid attacked. It was fierce and quick; one jump, one bite, one snap of the neck; and the wolf lay dead before him. He was Death.
He cast one last, sad look at the dead animal at his feet and then he was on his way. Despite what most people thought of him, he did not enjoy killing; he took no pleasure in it.
Quickly, but silen
tly, he loped along the narrow ridge on the edge of the chasm. This side was smoother and it took him a lot less time to travel back towards the bridge. He was careful as he got closer, padding softly along the rock. The scent of Vampyre was stronger now and he was wary; the watchmen posted along the ridge were ahead.
Soon he came upon a path and, ensuring he was not within visual range of the watchmen, swung onto it and followed the scent that led deeper into the mountain. His black fur hid him well within the deep shadows of the cliffs and his soft feet made almost no sound on the hard rock. It was not long before he heard sounds up ahead and, carefully, he approached. Watchmen were posted along the ridges above the path too and at some points he had to hide within the rough cracks of the cliffs and wait for the vigilant men to pass.
Almost three hours later he eventually came upon the camp.
It was almost midday and the shadows were growing shorter. He had to find a hiding place or be discovered. Circling the camp, or what he thought might be the stronghold the General had spoken about, he searched for a place to lie low. the Vampyres had left nothing to chance and it was only when the sun was at its highest in the sky above the peaks that he found a tiny cave, just large enough for his wolf form to crawl into. Taking care to hide his Eläm and slow his heartbeat to be almost undetectable, he lay down in his cramped quarters and closed his eyes. He needed to rest and there was nothing he could do during the bright hours without running the risk of discovery. Tonight, he would find out what this place was and what the Vampyres, and their Elves, were planning.
Technically, he was looking at the Milky Way. He knew this, but the Elves had a different name for it. He had seen pictures of their galaxy when they lived on Earth, but he had never actually seen any part of it in the night sky. Here, with the air always crystal clear, one could look at the stars on any given, cloudless night. And on some nights, like tonight, the stars seemed to shine brighter, revealing the vastness of the galaxy they lived in. And with him needing less and less sleep, he spent many nights sitting on his veranda, gazing up at the heavens.