"Of course, many times," she replied, "though not since the rebellion broke out."
The terrain along the south bank of the river was mostly flat, with small groups of trees here and there. As they cleared one such cluster, the village came into view.
Hayley halted, the better to examine the distant group of buildings. "I see a flag," she said, "but it's not red."
"Oh?" queried Revi.
"It looks like a Royal Standard."
"Surely the king's not there himself."
"No, of course not, but one of his royal companies is."
"Can you tell which one?"
"No, there isn't enough wind, it's hanging limp. We shall just have to visit them."
"With a Royal Garrison?" said Revi. "Have you lost your mind?"
"Hey now, I'm a King's Ranger, remember? We'll make some discreet enquiries and try to learn the full story. Besides, I'm your lucky charm?"
"I'm beginning to wonder if there's a limit to how much luck we can have. Very well, lead on, and I shall follow."
They continued riding, the details of the village becoming clearer as they drew closer.
"They don't appear to have much in the way of defences," commented Hayley.
"No," agreed the mage. "A simple barricade and even that has an opening. I imagine the rebellion has not spread here."
As they rode up, a soldier moved to intercept them.
"Who goes there?" he called out.
Hayley withdrew the token from about her neck. "A King's Ranger," she called out.
At the sight of the talisman, the guard visibly relaxed. "Welcome to Mattingly," he said, "you'll find the captain in the tavern. That's our headquarters."
"Thank you," she said. "Come along, Moxbury, we shouldn't keep the captain waiting."
Revi looked confused for a moment, then quickly recovered. "Of course, Miss," he replied.
They rode past the barricade and headed directly for the tavern. It was easy to spot, for few buildings in this small village were as large as The Green Unicorn. They tied their horses to the tree outside and then made their way in.
The last time Hayley had been here was four years ago. At that time, the place was the centre of the village, packed with people exchanging their opinions. Now, with the prospect of war in the air, the tavern was almost deserted. A group of soldiers sat at a table, nursing their ale, while the barkeep, an elderly looking man with a wispy grey beard and sideburns arranged bottles behind the bar.
Their entrance caught the attention of the soldiers. One of them stood, making his way toward them. "At last," the tall blond man said, "fresh meat."
Hayley pulled forth her ranger's token, halting the man in his tracks. "Sit down," she commanded, "I have business here. It is no concern of yours."
Revi marvelled at the look of fear on the soldier's face as he returned to his seat. "Is everyone afraid of the rangers?" he whispered.
"Only the guilty," she replied, heading for the barkeep. "It seems quiet in here today."
The proprietor looked up from his work, recognition dawning on his face. "You," he said. "What do you want?"
"Just information," she replied. "What's the situation here?"
"I only talk to customers," he obstinately replied.
Hayley tossed some coins on the counter, "Does that loosen your tongue?"
He scooped up the coins. "Business is bad since that lot arrived," he nodded his head in the direction of the soldiers.
"How long have they been here?" asked the mage.
"They came in the middle of winter. Their captain is a man named Griffon."
"How appropriate," mused Revi, "it seems that word follows you around, Hayley."
In answer, the ranger punched him lightly on the arm.
"We had our arguments in the past," continued the barkeep, "but you were always truthful to us. Compared to this lot, you were sent from the Gods."
"Is that an apology?" asked Hayley.
"For what?" asked Revi.
"The last time I was here, we almost came to blows."
Revi looked at the barkeep in surprise.
"It's true," the grey-haired man continued, "something killed our livestock, and your ranger friend here was supposed to hunt it down and kill it."
"Let me guess," mused Revi, "it was a gryphon."
"Actually," said Hayley, "it was a whole family of them, but I wouldn't let these people kill them."
"So what happened?"
"They flew off to the south, abandoning the area as far as I know. Did they ever return?" This last question she directed at the owner.
"No, thank the Gods."
The soldiers made a show of getting up. They were quite noisy and dropped a few meagre coins on the table, laughing as they did so. Wandering over to the door, Revi overheard their crude comments directed Hayley's way. He waited till their backs were turned before he acted, waving his hands in the air and incanting. He held back part of his power, not releasing his full potential, but the effect was exactly as he desired. The soldier in the lead let out a large yawn, overcome with fatigue. He stumbled at the doorstep, his companions colliding with him as he tried to reach out for support. They all tumbled to the ground in confusion. Revi stifled his laugh and turned his attention back to the conversation, ignoring the events at the door.
"This Captain Griffon has been lording his control over everyone."
"Meaning?" asked Hayley, a look of concern on her face.
"He wants women, particularly young ones for his own pleasure, but we got the last laugh."
"How so?"
"We sent all the children into the woods. The hermit will safeguard them."
"Hermit?" remarked Revi.
"He means Aldus Hearn," said Hayley.
"Aye, that's the one," added the barkeep.
"Aldus Hearn?" mused Revi. "Where have I heard that name before?"
"He's an Earth Mage," said Hayley, "and a rather powerful one, if truth be told. I met him some years ago."
"When you found the gryphons?" asked Revi.
"As a matter of fact, yes. I believe the princess has also corresponded with him over the years."
"So what do we do now?" asked the mage.
"How many soldiers are here?" Hayley enquired of the tavern keeper.
"Two dozen or so. They're an awful lot; ill-disciplined and greedy, but they're very faithful to their captain."
"Hmmm," mused Revi, "perhaps we can do something about that."
"There's only two of us, Revi. What can we do?"
"I would hazard a guess that if the captain were removed, the townsfolk would likely support us, is that correct?"
"Without a doubt," offered the barkeep, "but we're not trained warriors."
"Then I suggest we look for this Aldus Hearn," said Revi. "I rather think he might be useful in all of this."
"Very well," agreed Hayley, "I'll take you to him."
"Just like that?" asked Revi.
"I know where he lives," replied the ranger, "and it's only a short distance away."
"Excellent," said Revi. "Now barkeep, I want you to spread the word quietly. When we strike, we'll need everyone turned out with pitchforks and knives; anything that might be used as a weapon, actually. Don't worry, you won't have to fight, just put on a show. Do you think you can do that?"
"Of course," the man replied, "but how will we know when the time is right?"
"Oh, don't worry, it will be quite obvious," the mage replied cryptically.
* * *
They found Aldus Hearn's home in a small clearing in the woods after a pleasant ride from the village. The hut stood just as Hayley remembered it; a decrepit looking wooden structure, smeared with mud that was falling off in many places.
"It looks abandoned," observed Revi. "Are you sure he still lives here?"
"It's as I remember it," she replied, "but don't be fooled by the outside appearance, it's supposed to look that way."
"What have we here?" called o
ut a voice.
They turned to see a man, dressed in a long brown robe, coming toward them. His bushy grey beard poked out from beneath a somewhat tattered hood.
"I'm Revi Bloom," said the mage, "and this is..."
"The ranger, Hayley Chambers," the man finished. "We've met before. I am Aldus Hearn, the protector of these woods."
"How do you do?" said Revi.
"Did you say Revi Bloom?"
"I did, why? Have we met before?"
"No," replied the druid, "but I've heard of you. I believe we have a mutual acquaintance."
"You mean besides Hayley, here?" said Revi.
"Yes. Over the years I've been in correspondence with Princess Anna. I believe you know her."
"We both do," added Hayley, "in fact, we're in her service. What has she told you?"
"Well," answered Hearn, "I must admit I haven't heard from her for a while, but last she mentioned, you were the new Royal Life Mage. An important position to be sure."
"It keeps me busy," replied Revi, "though truth be told I don't serve the king anymore. I suppose technically that doesn't make me a Royal Life Mage."
"You still serve the princess," said Aldus, "that's royal enough for me. I rather gather this isn't a social call."
"While it's good to see you again," remarked Hayley, "I fear things in the north are, how shall I put it, unsettling? How have YOU been? It's been some time since we last spoke."
"Well enough," replied the elderly druid, "though I fear the village has not fared so well."
"Yes," agreed Revi, "it's about that very topic that we came to see you. I wonder if we might have a word or two?"
"But of course," said Aldus, "come inside, I'll make you some tea."
He pulled open the door to reveal a pleasant looking room. "Never mind the exterior," he explained, "I generally don't like visitors, and it serves to keep them at bay. Now, shall I put on a pot of water? Have a seat, over by the shutters. Open them up, will you, Hayley? Let's have some light in here."
They both sat down while the old mage fussed with a kettle.
Revi looked about the room, his eyes coming to rest on a shelf cluttered with books. "I see you're an avid reader."
"Indeed I am," replied Hearn, "though I seldom see new books to keep my interest."
"I should very much like to exchange books with you when this war is over," said Revi.
"I would be delighted, but we have much to do before then," said Hearn, as he dropped some herbs into the kettle. "Tell me, what brings you hither?"
"The village has been occupied by soldiers of the king," said Hayley.
"Indeed it has," agreed the elderly mage. "What of it?"
"We heard you have helped keep the children safe," said Revi.
"I have," Hearn agreed. "There are tunnels within the woods that they are hidden away in. They are quite safe, I can assure you."
"What about wild animals?" asked Revi.
"I've told them to keep their distance," explained Hearn, digging through his shelves for cups.
"Would you help us take back the village?" asked Hayley.
Hearn stopped his rummaging and looked at them, perhaps to gauge the depth of their commitment. "I normally don't involve myself in such matters, but I think I will make an exception. What did you have in mind?"
"Well," said Revi, "I was thinking..."
* * *
Bronson Thallinger peered out into the darkness. "Did you hear that?" he asked.
His companion, Garman Evans, looked doubtful, "You're imagining things, Bron. Would you just relax? We're in the middle of nowhere. Who in their right mind would threaten a Royal Garrison?"
"But what about the rebellion?" asked Bronson.
"Easily squashed," replied Garman. "These farmers won't stand up to soldiers. You mark my words, by summer this whole mess will be done with, and we'll be back in Wincaster enjoying the pleasures of the city."
Another noise came from the dark, and this time both men took notice.
"Did you hear it that time?" asked Bronson.
Garman stared into the darkness. "I did. Go and fetch the captain, something's up."
Bronson ran off, leaving his comrade alone at the thin barricade. Through the village of Mattingly he ran, and then hurried into the tavern.
Captain Griffon sat at a table, nursing his ale when the messenger arrived.
"Sir," Bronson called out, "there's something going on at the barricade."
"Which location?" asked the captain.
"South," the soldier replied.
The captain stood, downing the remainder of his drink in one gulp. "Very well, let's take a look. Lead on."
They exited the tavern, making their way to the makeshift barricade that gave some semblance of protection against attackers.
Garman, who had been staring into the darkness, turned at their approach. "They're out there, sir. I can hear them."
Bronson took up his position at the improvised wall. "Weren't those trees farther back?" he asked.
"Don't be absurd, man," replied the captain, "trees don't move."
Another rustle drew their attention. Garman climbed up onto the barricade, steadying himself on the top of the barrels as he gazed south, trying to identify the distant noise. Suddenly, an arrow struck the soldier full in the chest, knocking him back off of his perch. He fell to the ground, clutching at the wound.
Captain Griffon ducked behind cover, Bronson doing likewise. "It appears you two have made a discovery," he said. "Poke your head up and see if you can make out the bowman."
Bronson was about to protest but realized the futility of it, for in the king's army the captain's word was law. He furtively poked his head above the cover, but all he could see was the tree line.
"Do you see him?" asked the captain.
"No, but I swear the trees are getting closer."
"It's just a trick of the shadows. Keep your eyes peeled."
A light suddenly appeared, hovering in the air, then slowly advanced past the barricade until it was directly over their heads, just out of reach.
Bronson turned towards another rustling sound to see a tree directly in front of him, its branches reaching across the barrels. He felt a slap as the leaves smacked him in the face and then the great bulk moved forward, upsetting the heavy barrels that formed the makeshift defences. He heard a yell and looked to his left.
The captain struggled as the branches tried to entangle him. "What sorcery is this? We must have fire."
Bronson backed up, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of all he witnessed.
The captain somehow managed to draw his sword and slash out at the branches, finally freeing himself. He backed up as the last of the barrels was pushed aside. Bronson saw his commander getting ready to give an order, but all that came out of his mouth was a gigantic yawn, and then Captain Griffon collapsed to the ground.
Bronson tossed away his sword, turned, and ran with all the energy he could muster.
The small garrison, alerted by the calls, poured out of their billets. Pulling on their scabbards and belts, they hurried to form a short line. Bronson, screaming as he ran past, ignored them and headed directly north.
The ball of light grew in intensity as it floated into the village. Doors opened, and the townsfolk emerged, axes and pitchforks at hand. The line of soldiers closed their ranks and began to form a loose circle. A sergeant yelled out orders, his raspy voice carrying across the cold night air until an arrow took him in the throat and he collapsed, forever silenced.
The soldiers were nervous and leaderless as a voice called out for their surrender. At first, only one soldier tossed his weapon to the ground, but soon, others followed, until their resistance collapsed.
Aldus Hearn stepped forward, flanked by Revi and Hayley. "Lock them up in the church," he said. "We'll deal with them in the morning."
The villagers poked and prodded their new prisoners, herding them toward the place of worship.
The voice
s of children began calling out, and soon the village was alive with excitement as parents were reunited with their offspring.
"A good night's work, I should say," offered Hearn.
"It was Revi's plan," said Hayley, "and I must say it worked brilliantly."
"What now?" asked the elderly mage.
"We must send help to Wickfield if we can," said Revi, "though I daresay there's few enough spare people here to be of assistance. Mattingly needs its own men here to protect it."
"I will bring help to Wickfield," offered Hearn, "and if I can, perhaps convince a few to come with me. Will that suffice?"
"It will have to," said Revi.
"Thank you for all you've done," said Hayley, "we couldn't have done it without you."
"You're quite welcome, young lady," he replied, "but what of you and Master Bloom? What will you do now?"
"We must return to make our report," she replied. "The princess is awaiting us. We've already taken far longer than we had anticipated and we still have to locate our comrade."
"I'm sure Beverly is back at the gate by now," offered Revi.
"The gate?" said Hearn. "Would that be a magical portal of some type?"
"It is," confirmed Revi. "I figured out how to use it."
"Fascinating," mused the elder mage. "I shall have to take a look at it sometime in the future."
They watched as the last of the prisoners was marched off under heavy guard. "I'll finish off here," promised Hearn, "and if I find anything of interest among the captain's letters, I'll bring it to Wickfield. You'd best be off before you miss your rendezvous."
"Very well," said Hayley, "we'll just go and get our horses."
Aldus Hearn smiled, "No need, here they come now. I took the liberty of calling them."
"Calling them?" said Revi.
"Well, I am an Earth Mage, after all."
* * *
The weather turned warmer as they made their way back to Wickfield, promising a hot summer. They were following the river again, for the road would have taken them out of the way to Hawksburg. They were pondering this very topic as they rode.
"What do you think Aubrey has been up to?" asked Hayley.
"Knowing her, she's likely been studying. I left her with some books about magic."
"Should we visit her? It's not too far from here, you know."
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