by M. Gregg Roe
The six of them were soon following the men’s tracks through the tall grass. Branwyn and the two girls were in the middle, with Danj and Milric ahead, and Hagen bringing up the rear. Everyone was walking as softly as possible, alert for signs of any more bulettes.
The trail was remarkably easy to follow. The men had retraced their original route and had made no effort to disguise their tracks. The bent and broken grass alone was enough for anyone to follow. After roughly half an hour of slow walking, Milric signaled everyone to halt. Hagen walked forward to join the other two men. He could see an area nearly ten yards across where the grass and been broken and trampled down. Inside, the bloody remains of three men were visible. The bodies stank and had already attracted insects.
Milric motioned to his wife, and she led the girls farther away. The three of them carefully examined the area. The three men were unquestionably dead. Two had been killed by blows that had shattered their skulls and scattered their brain matter. The third had been killed by a blow that had caved in his chest. A spray of blood and viscera surrounded the body, but the head was intact. The face was that of a middle-aged man with brown hair and a beard, and Hagen thought it looked familiar.
“Strange tracks.”
Hagen saw Danj pointing to the ground. He walked over and saw deep depressions that were circular and about half a yard across. Inside the depressions were a regular pattern of triangular indentations. He had never seen anything like it.
Milric walked up to them. “There are no tracks leading out of here other than the ones we followed. It looks like they just appeared here. Perhaps they used flying magic.”
“It looks like all three men were killed by some kind of large hammer,” said Hagen. “It would have required tremendous strength.” He pointed to one of the bodies. “That one is wearing a sword, but he didn’t even have time to draw it. Whoever hired these men simply killed them as soon as their job was completed, and that job was presumably to acquire Petra.”
Danj frowned. “This is not good. We must find her. What do we do now?”
“I will see if Branwyn can raise the one with the intact head,” said Milric.
Hagen nodded. “That’s a good idea. We need information.”
Milric went to where Branwyn and the girls were standing and then remained behind as Branwyn walked in their direction. She looked at the bodies with distaste before examining one of the odd footprints. When she was done, she said, “I think it was constructs.”
Hagen was puzzled. “You mean like golems?” he asked her.
“Similar. These were likely creatures constructed of metal and then animated with magic.”
Branwyn went to the body and held both her hands out above it palms down. “Lord Arwon,” she intoned. “Let this man be raised from the dead to once again dwell among the living.” Her hands began to glow with golden light as she closed her eyes. Hagen watched in fascination as the man’s chest began to uncollapse. The blood and viscera returned to the body as though summoned. After about a minute, he suddenly gasped and his eyes sprang open.
“Relax,” said Branwyn as she pulled her hands back and opened her eyes. “You are fine now. What is your name?”
“Penric.” He started to raise himself up, but then stopped and stared in horror at his tattered and bloodstained shirt. “I thought I was dead,” he said in confusion.
“You were,” she told him. “I brought you back. My name is Branwyn. I am a Priestess of Arwon.”
Penric was stunned. He looked around and turned pale when he saw the other two bodies. “Those things killed us,” he said while staring blankly.
Hagen stepped forward. “You’re a cobbler aren’t you?” The name had triggered his memory.
Penric nodded, still looking dazed. “Yes … Captain Hagen. I recognize you. I have a small shop in the Witch’s City.”
Hagen stared at him. “Who are you working for? What happened to Petra?”
“I don’t know who we were working for. Or what. I didn’t want to get involved in any of this. It was all Ecklin’s doing.” He pointed to the body not wearing a sword.
Hagen frowned. He knew that name too—a retired merchant. “What happened to Petra?” he demanded.
“We handed her over to these huge metal things. They had a … It looked like a small building with a flat roof but made of metal. Rusty metal. It can fly. They brought us here in it. I was terrified.” Penric shook his head. “The thing in charge looked human, but it wasn’t. It sounded odd. Once they had the girl inside, the metal things attacked us. Their right arms had hammers on the end. One hit me in the chest …” He was looking at his shirt again.
“And killed you,” completed Branwyn. “What do you know about the men who kidnapped the three girls? One of girls was my daughter, and one was Hagen’s daughter.”
“I’m sorry,” he said with a pained look. “Are they all right?”
Hagen was surprised by the question and he could see that Branwyn was too. “Yes,” she replied. “They managed to escape. Now answer the question!”
“Ecklin hired the men. He said they were from Zardis. He was very upset with them because they were only supposed to abduct Petra.”
Branwyn motioned to Danj and said, “Keep an eye on him.” Danj promptly drew his sword and moved up next to Penric. Branwyn walked a few yards away and Hagen followed her.
“I don’t think there’s anything else we can do here,” she said with a look of despair. “They flew off with Petra sometime late yesterday. Even if they are slow, they are likely tens of miles away.”
Hagen had come to the same conclusion. “Let’s return to Rohoville. The girls are desperate to get back. We can question Penric further on the way back.”
Branwyn sighed and displayed a small smile. “Yes. Let’s go back. I have a bad feeling that Ermizad will be there waiting for us.”
Hagen returned her smile. “So do I.”
♦ ♦ ♦
Branwyn felt a sense of dread as Ermizad’s smile seemed to slide down and off her face, leaving behind a deep and angry frown. She braced herself for the chastisement that was sure to come. And if Petra ever was found, Ermizad would no doubt move her back to the Witch’s City for her own protection. No matter what happened, she and her husband had failed in their duty to keep the girl safe.
Ermizad began to walk straight toward her, but she was surprised when Hagen interceded. She stood nearby, listening as Hagen explained what they knew of Petra’s fate. On the way back, Penric had answered all of their questions truthfully, explaining that the manifesto had been entirely Ecklin’s idea, trying to take advantage of Petra’s abduction. Penric really had been an unwilling accomplice.
By the time Hagen finished, Ermizad no longer looked angry. She addressed both of them, saying, “It sounds as if you did all that was possible. Hanna and Valwyn were very fortunate. And remarkably resourceful. I will be certain to compliment them.
“What the two of you do not know is that Oljot is working on a device to track Petra, so the fact that we do not know in which direction she was taken may not matter. The final ingredient should be delivered to him before long.”
“That is welcome news,” said Branwyn, unconsciously matching Ermizad’s formality. “Once Oljot completes it we shall set forth and rescue her.”
“I will also go,” said Hagen quickly.
“I have every confidence in your success. Excuse me, I need to have a word with Queen Sabrina.”
As soon as Ermizad was out of earshot, Branwyn said, “Thank you, Hagen. You didn’t need to volunteer.”
“Yes, I did. The men that organized the kidnapping were operating in my city, so I bear responsibility too.”
“Not as much as I do,” countered Branwyn. “Petra was living with us.”
Hagen grinned. “Okay, you win. I’m going to my room to clean up and change.” That made sense, given how blood-stained his clothes were.
“Next time we wear armor,” Branwyn called out as he walked a
way.
♦ ♦ ♦
“I’m so glad you’re safe,” said the young woman who was hugging Valwyn for no apparent reason. Earlier, Valwyn had spied her hugging a confused-looking Hanna. Valwyn was certain that they had never met, because she was the shortest half-elf that she had ever seen.
“Thank you,” said Valwyn as she disengaged herself. “Who are you?” They were in the castle’s large dining hall, along with dozens of other people, most of whom were talking.
“I’m Rosalind. I’m going to be studying at Siljan’s temple.”
That was news to Valwyn. She looked around. “Where is Siljan?”
“She went with the others on a mission.”
“Come with me.”
Valwyn was tired of having to talk so loudly, tired of answering people’s questions, and tired in general. She led Rosalind out of the hall and to a small sitting room nearby. She breathed a sigh of relief as she sat in one of the overstuffed chairs. Rosalind seated herself on a sofa, looking hesitant.
“What others?” Valwyn asked. “What mission?”
“Saxloc, Audrey, Gabriel, and Hankin. They went to get a sample of Petra’s mother’s blood for someone named Oljot so that he can make something to find her. That’s all I know.”
Hearing Oljot’s name was a surprise, and a welcome one. If he said that he could find Petra, then he could, even if someone had flown her off somewhere using magic. “That’s great news. So, you’re going to become a Priestess of Kyran?”
“I hope so, but I’m just a beginner. I only know one spell.”
“Illumination?” It was usually the first one taught.
“Yes. Would you like to see?” asked Rosalind eagerly.
“Uh … sure.” She could cast it perfectly herself.
Seconds later, Valwyn was begging Rosalind to teach her how to make a glowing cat.
46
‡ Knolls ‡
Audrey watched as Oljot munched on some bread and cheese, scattering crumbs everywhere, including in his beard and on his clothing. She realized that she had actually seen him before in the Witch’s City, never suspecting his real identity. He certainly didn’t look like a powerful wizard.
She had managed to sleep some but still felt tired. As the ship approached its berth, the sunrise was beautiful. Noting the others talking quietly near the stern, she decided to introduce herself to Oljot.
“Hello. I’m Audrey av Marilee. I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself last night.”
Oljot stopped eating and looked her up and down. He leered and said, “So you’re the pretty young thing that snagged Saxloc. Well done.”
Audrey could feel herself blushing. She could also hear Saxloc and the others laughing, and it annoyed her. She smiled deviously. “I’m only after his family’s money. As soon as he marries me, he and his parents are all going to have unfortunate accidents. No one will ever find the bodies, and the mansion will be all mine!”
“That’s very funny,” he remarked, grinning. “Saxloc was lucky to find you.”
Oljot stood up and his expression abruptly turned serious. “Gabriel!” he barked, and the young man promptly walked over followed by the Saxloc and Hankin. Oljot pulled out a small, cloth-wrapped package from a pocket and handed it over. “There are two small vials in here. Obtain enough blood from Petra’s mother to fill them both. And make sure that they don’t break. You can find me at Adrian and Asria’s house when you return,” he concluded and then walked over to where the gangplank would be positioned.
Gabriel carefully put the package away before addressing them. “I believe that we should go to the castle first. Siljan may want to accompany us. There may also be further news about the kidnapping.”
“That’s a good idea,” said Hankin. “I’m going to check with the Novox office here to see if they know anything. I’ll meet you in the dining hall.”
Audrey could tell that Gabriel wasn’t happy about Hankin’s side trip. He looked impatient. “The dining hall sounds good to me,” she said, trying to lighten the mood. “I like to start an adventure with a hearty meal.”
“So do I,” added Saxloc. “We should also get some food to take with us.”
“Very well,” said Gabriel. “The trip should take less than a day, but we will need provisions.”
“Maybe we’ll get lucky,” said Audrey. “Maybe we’ll find all three girls have already been rescued.” But she very much doubted it.
♦ ♦ ♦
“Wake up, Siljan!”
Siljan opened one eye and stared at her mother. “Let me sleep,” she mumbled. “I’m still on vacation.”
“Gabriel and the others are here. They are working on a way to track Petra. Get up, Siljan. This is important.”
The tone of her mother’s voice caused Siljan to abruptly sit up. She rubbed her eyes. “I’m up. What’s going on?”
Sabrina smiled gently. “Oljot has a way to locate Petra, but it requires a sample of her mother’s blood. You are going to accompany your friends to retrieve it.”
“But she lives in the Witch’s City,” Siljan protested. “What’s the problem?”
“Not anymore. She lives in Hard Rock City now.”
Siljan sighed. “I didn’t know that. Okay. I’ll go.”
“Good. They are eating breakfast in the dining hall.”
Siljan dragged herself out of bed and quickly donned her adventuring gear, including her armor and shortsword. Three of the four were sitting together at a table in the dining room, but had finished eating. She went to the sideboard and used a cloth napkin to wrap up a pear, a thick slice of cheese, and a piece of bread. As she finished, Saxloc walked in holding a quarterstaff with steel-shod ends that Audrey promptly jumped up and took from him.
“Let’s go,” said Siljan as she walked over. “I can eat on the way.”
Gabriel led them to the ferry landing at a rapid pace. Stanley was waiting for them, and he quickly ushered them all on. As the ferry began to move, Siljan sat down and unwrapped her breakfast. “Okay,” she said. “Someone tell me what’s going on while I eat.”
As Gabriel explained the purpose of their trip, she found herself becoming concerned. He was agitated and impatient. Even though Petra had been a nuisance to him, Gabriel seemed to be taking it personally.
“Don’t worry,” she said after finishing her last bite and tossing the pear core into the river. “This is a straightforward job. We’ll just go there and get blood from …”
“Sofia,” prompted Gabriel, looking slightly amused.
“Sofia. And then come right back. Oljot will tell us where to find Petra and then we’ll rescue her and the other two. Easy.”
“I pray it is that simple. We must be on guard.”
“We will be. Stop worrying, Gabriel. We’ll be able to track Petra, and I’m sure that the same technique can be used to track Valwyn and Hanna if necessary.”
Gabriel smiled at her, finally looking relaxed. “I suspect that you are right. Thank you, Siljan.”
♦ ♦ ♦
Hankin had barely seen Siljan since she arrived on her recruiting trip, but he couldn’t help but feel that there was something different about her. She seemed more serious than usual, but that might have been due to the seriousness of what had occurred. He found himself walking alongside her as the five of them moved into a marching formation upon exiting the ferry. Gabriel and Saxloc had taken the forward positions, with Audrey in the center, seemingly more interested in playing with her borrowed quarterstaff than in looking for possible dangers.
Despite how early it was, Siljan looked alert as they marched along at a rapid pace to the north. He kept waiting for her to say something, but he finally gave up and asked, “How are things going at the temple?”
“Fine. My studies are going well.”
Hankin had been expecting more detail and a great deal of complaining. “Have you mastered multi-cast?” he asked. He had already mastered it himself and was proud of his new ability.
&
nbsp; “Yes,” she replied without even glancing at him.
Siljan simply didn’t seem to be in a talkative mood, which was hard to believe. Hankin decided to just stay quiet and alert as they traveled. They went northwest, following the trail that Novox caravans usually took. Already completely overcast, it soon began to grow colder and lightly rain. After about an hour, they reached the boundary of the Hills of Andoran and followed it north. The rain ended, and a little over an hour later, they reached the point where the dwarves usually met Novox caravans. From there they headed due west, following a narrow but distinct trail.
As they were approaching two small grass-covered hills, Hankin saw Audrey point at the hill on the left even as Gabriel yelled, “Archers on the left hill!” Seconds later Siljan called out, “Enemies on the right too! They look like gnolls!”
Hankin glanced at the right hill and saw five muscular humanoids, fur-covered with dog-like faces, running downhill towards them. Atop the left hill were four gnoll archers now shooting arrows at the five of them. Arrows began falling among the five of them, but no one was struck. Siljan was already focused on the right hill, so he decided to concentrate on the archers. It was time to use his new ability.
♦ ♦ ♦
Audrey flinched as an arrow impacted on an invisible shield about a yard to her right. It fell broken to the ground as she continued to move away from the others. She still wasn’t happy about Saxloc sending her off to draw the archer’s fire, but both his protective spell and the tactic were working. And it was nice to be doing something useful.
She had watched in amazement as Hankin and Siljan had both begun to cast spells. Hankin shrouded the four gnoll archers in a black cloud, but it began to disperse almost immediately because of the wind. He had flown off toward them as Saxloc sent her on her way.