by Toni Cox
“There was not much else of use close to the Gate, so I followed their main path, which led me to a large, military camp.”
Her father narrowed his eyes for a moment and she heard a distinct intake of breath from her mother behind him.
“Go on.”
“The camp was fairly empty, with only a fraction of the tents occupied. But it was clear that they were expecting their troops soon, as everything was ready for them.”
“How many tents? What do you estimate their number to be once the camp is at capacity?”
Her father was clinical now, their Lord Regent, and Maia reminded herself to give him facts and numbers. That was what he needed.
“The area was very large and I was not able to see all of it, but it looked large enough to hold at least thirty thousand soldiers.”
Her father made a note on one of the papers in front of him.
“They are waiting for forces to arrive from the different cities around them. I struggled understanding their numbers, but I think they plan to attack within six to eight Quarters.”
Her father looked up in surprise.
“So, we have some time then?”
“That is what it seems like to me. Their forces are not yet together and they will not make a move until then. They are, however, already well-armed, with large caches of weapons. And I think they might have a secret weapon that they want to employ against the dragons, especially Midnight.” Maia took a quick breath; she wished she could have found out what this weapon was. “But they were also talking about forces already within Grildor and their strategic positions. I believe those positions to be the ones I saw on the map. And I think we might be underestimating the number of Vampyres already within our country. I might be wrong, but there might be as many as ten thousand already within our borders. The Generals were even talking about the Pyramid of Senza and I think that some of their army might be on their way here from there.”
“Senza is three thousand miles away. Why would they send their forces from there?” Jaik asked.
“The question is not why, but when,” her father replied. “It is probably already too late to warn the people of Senza and if there is a detachment of Vampyres coming from the south, then I expect them to arrive within our borders within the next few Quarters.”
Her father made more notes and then someone came with the map. Jaik assisted in rolling it out on the table and then pinning the corners under weights.
“Show me what you saw on their maps,” her father requested.
“The symbols with which the map was marked were unfamiliar to me and I do not know what they mean, but I can show you where they were placed.”
They spent about an hour pouring over the map and making notes. Maia pointed out all the places marked on the map and her father ordered for Scouts to be sent there immediately to find out if any Vampyres were indeed stationed there. Maia also explained how she had managed to enter and exit the Gate unnoticed and how she suspected that the Vampyres possessed the magic of Air, which allowed them to pass through Greystone without the forces stationed there being aware of it.
“This is good information, Maia,” her father said. “Finally, something we can work with. The remaining armies should arrive with us within the next Quarter or so, which gives us enough time to prepare and get our forces into position. And, if we can find the Vampyres’ hiding places, we might even be able to overrun those before they send their main army through Greystone.”
At the beginning of Fire Moon Maia contemplated the past few Quarters. Going to Naylera had enraged her father such as she had never seen. After she had given her official report and they had gone home, he berated her for what had seemed like hours. When Jaik dared intervene on her behalf, Jagaer had threatened to demote Jaik from rank of Commander if he did not know his place. It had been one of the worst nights in Maia’s life.
But the information was valuable and Jagaer had acted immediately. All forces arriving in their region were sent immediately to Greystone and the camps set around the Gate in strategic places. The Scouts managed to locate two places where small detachments of Vampyres had gathered and warriors were sent to eliminate them. They had been small groups; neither larger than thirty or so Vampyres, all without Werewolves; and their larger forces had still to be found.
Effectively under house arrest, Maia spent her time studying again. Silas was very interested in Maia’s new-found ability to control Air and they experimented with it until Maia was able to disappear and reappear without giving it much thought or energy. She was astounded by her own ability, but realised how useful this could prove in a fight. Riker, now more protective than ever, watched her progress with awe and Maia felt his admiration for her grow. She found it increasingly difficult to distance herself from him; his love for her so true that, despite herself, she felt herself respond to it.
Blaid’s absence was not making it any easier for her either, but at least now she knew how he felt for her and though he was not with her right now, she had hope that one day they would be able to be together. Until then she had to remain strong; for herself and for her people. Sometimes, though, this proved to be difficult too, as she was having dreams of him again. She usually woke up from them sweating and shivering; in her dreams he was always in danger. She hoped theses dreams were simply an indication of what was to come and not something that had already happened. It took all her will power to suppress her urge to go looking for him and instead concentrate on her training.
With the estimated arrival date of the Vampyres only a few Quarters away, activity within Shadow Hall increased. Jagaer had instructed that the city be fortified and the Builders and Carpenters were busy every day erecting, not only a perimeter fence, but also special gates, watch posts and attack points at all entrances to the city. Those that were to stay at Shadow Hall were given defence positions they were to man as soon as the rest of Shadow Hall’s fighting force left for Greystone.
Maia was surprised to learn that both Jasmin and Aaron would play an active part in the defence of the city. Jasmin, she knew, was an accomplished Hunter and her skill with the crossbow was known to all. Aaron she had only ever seen fight at the Spring Feast and, although he had won his class, his attempts had been feeble. When she decided to learn more about it, she found out that Aaron had been training for many Moons now and some of his sparring partners revealed how proficient he had become with the sword. Apparently, his abilities with the crossbow were improving too.
She was surprised by this and wanted to find out for herself. So, she decided to spend a day on the Sparring Grounds. On the pretext of practicing herself, she would be able to observe Aaron during training. She admitted that even she could now see the changes within him. He had always been tall, but now he had also built muscle and he moved with a litheness not unlike an Elf. His hair, no longer grey, but brown, had grown longer and he held it together in the back with a leather band. She had to admit it made him look almost handsome.
“Mind if I cut in?” Maia said, and the Elf Aaron had been sparring with bowed and then backed away with respect.
Aaron tilted his head at her and narrowed his eyes, but there was a slight smile on his face and she wondered what he was thinking. Drawing her sword, she took up position.
“My Lady,” Aaron said, and bowed.
Maia blinked; he did not usually address her so. She realised just a moment too late that it had been a ruse and within the blink of an eye his sword was by her throat. She raised an eyebrow at him and he laughed.
“I am sorry, My Lady, shall we start again?”
Stepping away from the reach of his sword, she took up position; he would not catch her out again. The mischievous twinkle in his eyes was infuriating her and she circled him carefully.
He feinted to the left and then thrust his sword at her. She deflected it with a sideways swipe, but was surprised at his speed. They circled again and again, swords clashing with increasing speed. He cut and thrust, she deflected and protected. Then it wa
s her turn to attack and, although she did not use all her speed or strength, she was impressed by his ability to hold her off and parry her blows. She varied her thrusts and, even when she used some difficult advances, he managed to hold his own.
Finally, she smiled at him; she had toyed with him enough; and with a movement so quick that the eye was unable to follow, her sword was piercing the light, leather sparring armour, pointing directly at his heart.
With a grin, she stepped away from him and he theatrically rubbed the spot where she had stabbed him.
“You wound me, My Lady,” he said playfully.
“And you surprise me, Aaron. I had no idea how good your swordsmanship has become. I am impressed.”
He bowed. “Then I have accomplished my goal. It was a pleasure sparring with you. Maybe we could do it again sometime?”
“It would be my pleasure,” she replied, before she moved to re-join Riker and Rothea watching from the side-line.
Riker and Rothea discussed Aaron’s techniques on their way back, but Maia was silent. When had Aaron changed so much? How had she not noticed it? He was not only proficient with the sword, but his mannerisms were now more Elven than they were Human. Thinking back on their conversations over the past few Moons, she realised that his changes had not only been physical, but mental as well. His knowledge of Elveron and their lifestyle was commendable and she now realised she had enjoyed his company and his quick wit and knowledge. He had changed so much from the angry man she brought from Earth. She wondered if this was his true self finally coming back and if this was the man she had once fallen in love with during her stay on Earth.
Men, she thought.
There was only one she wanted, but could not have. Yet there were so many that loved her or wanted her and she did not know how to deal with them. First there was Riker, who she knew loved her from the bottom of his soul. Then there was Aaron, who loved her because she had been his wife Lisa on Earth. But she also knew that during the time they had been here, Aaron had fallen in love with the person she was here and, now that she did not try to shut him out anymore, his love for her was plain to see in his Eläm. And finally, there was Kanarel. He wanted her to cement the bond between their cities and, she suspected, for the status it would bring him. She felt nothing for him; he was weak, moody, and boring company.
“Where is Kanarel?” she suddenly asked, stopping dead in her tracks.
“He requested to return home to Braérn. He spoke to your father about it yesterday and I believe he left this morning. I think he wants to be as far from Greystone as possible when the time comes. He is a coward.” The derision in Riker’s voice was unmistakable.
“Why do you ask, My Lady?” Rothea looked at her questioningly.
“I don’t know,” Maia said, hesitating. “I was thinking about him now and there is something that does not quite add up. Just the thought of him makes my hair stand on end and, when I think of everything that happened over the past few Moons, there is something concerning Kanarel that bothers me. Come, let us seek out my brother. I would like to speak to him about it.”
They located Jaik an hour later and had to wait for him to finish his briefing with his Guard. During that time, Maia had time to sort through her thoughts and the picture was becoming clearer.
“What is it, Maia?” Jaik finally said as he led them to his desk, where they all took a seat.
“It is about Kanarel. I think he is the spy we have been looking for.”
Jaik gave a disbelieving snort. “Kanarel? I doubt it. He fears his own shadow. He left this morning to return home to the safety of his father’s house.”
“Yes, that is exactly why he is the perfect candidate. He had us all believe he is nobody to fear, that he is more of an annoyance to be avoided than an asset to rely on. But think back. Has he not attended every important meeting? Was he not present when the arrangements for the delegations that were murdered were made? In all the time he was here as an ambassador to Braérn he did nothing useful or of help. Can you account for his whereabouts whenever he was not at meetings or gatherings? Can you say for sure he did not have the opportunity to send messages about what he had learned at our meetings?”
Jaik watched her in silence for a moment. She could almost see his brain making the connection.
“Everything you say is true, but security has been very strict, especially with messages going in and out of Shadow Hall. It would have been difficult for anyone to get something out. Do you have proof for any of your assumptions?”
“You know I do not, Jaik,” she replied, “and I cannot tell you exactly how I know; it is simply something I feel is true. The longer I think about it, the more plausible it seems. I think we have underestimated him and because we did not want him around, we ignored his comings and goings for the most part. Then, while I was on Naylera, I noticed that certain items were marked with symbols that somehow seemed familiar, but I was unable to read. I dismissed it at first, but then when I thought about Kanarel, suddenly the symbols made sense. Have you never noticed the ring he wears? It carries the same symbols as I have seen on Naylera. Where would he have acquired such an item if not from the Vampyres themselves?”
“All right,” Jaik finally said, “I will discuss it with father and see what he thinks of this.”
“I want to go after him,” Maia said before Jaik could dismiss them. “Let me take some men. If he only left this morning, we should be able to catch up with him by tomorrow. We can question him and, if I am wrong, then he may return to Braérn. But if I am right, we will bring him back to Shadow Hall to receive his justice.”
“Maia, you know father does not want you out of the city again.”
“Have I not proven to be as much a warrior as anyone else here?” she countered.
“You have,” Jaik conceded.
“And I will not be going alone. Midnight will accompany us. Riker and Rothea will be with me and as many men as you can arrange to accompany us. Please, Jaik, I am certain I am right in my assumptions.”
“All right, I will speak to father and make the necessary arrangements. I will give you the best men I can spare. But it is too late for you to leave today. Prepare to leave at first light tomorrow.
He lost count of the days he had tracked the movements of the Vampyre army, but he could not afford to let them out of his sight. During this time, he managed to make contact with a small settlement further down the slope of the mountain and, although it had taken him a while to convince them he meant them no harm, the people there eventually allowed him to send a bird to Stoneloft to warn them of the advancing Vampyres.
He now believed that the reasons the Vampyres were targeting Stoneloft was for their resources. Stoneloft was the mining capital of, not only Grildor, but the surrounding nations as well. The Crystal Mountains were rich in minerals, metals, and gems and Blaid believed this was what the Vampyres were after. With the main army having gone off to Greystone, Stoneloft made a soft target, especially for an army of eight hundred Vampyres. He desperately wanted to get back to Shadow Hall, but he could not abandon these people.
Every day he did what he could to sabotage the forward march of the Vampyres. Once they discovered that their stronghold had been compromised and their comrades killed, they moved out. Blaid followed them and in the process learned what he could. They preferred to travel at night, during the morning and late afternoon. During the bright, hot hours of midday, they usually rested, ate, and hid. They had hunters that moved through the mountains to shoot mountain goats, deer, and hares to feed the army. More than once these hunters met with unfortunate accidents along the way.
He was Death.
They had Scouts that went ahead of the army to find the easiest path through the mountains. These also met with an early death on the occasions they crossed paths with Blaid. There was even one occasion where a group of ten Vampyres had been sent to raid a homestead. Throughout, the people of the homestead remained blissfully unaware of the danger they were i
n and the ten soldiers never returned to the main army.
He was Death.
During the time he made contact with the people at the settlement, he managed to acquire some clothes, as well as provisions and a sword. It was not his usual gear, but it would have to do. Most of the time he now tracked the Vampyres on foot and when he had to change into the wolf, he bundled his things into a bag and bound it to his back. It was not the most comfortable solution, but even in summer, it was cold within the highlands of the mountain and he did not want to approach the next homestead or settlement naked again.
By the time the Vampyre army had reached the outlying areas around Stoneloft, their number had dwindled to seven hundred and twelve. They were by now aware they were being targeted and had taken extra precautions. It was more and more difficult for Blaid to get close to them, but it did not matter anymore; he now had a different job to do.
He scouted ahead and was pleased to find that Stoneloft had heeded his warning and all homesteads in the countryside around Stoneloft had been abandoned. Barns and homes were boarded shut and all livestock removed. He did not linger there and pushed on through to Stoneloft. The Vampyre army was now only a few days behind him and he wanted to get to Stoneloft in time to assist them with their preparations as best he could.
Lord Ender Gemsson, one of Stoneloft’s nobles, greeted him when he arrived, as Lord Brimstone had decided to march with his army. As there was no time to lose, they immediately sat down to discuss the defences the city had and the number of fighting men and women remaining at Stoneloft.
Due to the mountainous area in which Stoneloft had been built, the city was well fortified. Most of the city was hidden within the tall peak around them and the roads that led to the city wound their way through narrow passes, which could easily be barricaded. Blaid was pleased to learn that most had already been blocked off. They had enough food, water and livestock within the city to last them over six Moons, but Blaid hoped it would not come to a siege. The Vampyres were after the stores, which were kept within the city vaults deep underground, and he assumed their plan was a quick attack, overrun the remaining forces and then carry off their loot.