by Garry Spoor
“Fine. You did. I’ll be there soon,” she told him.
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied, and couldn’t get away quick enough
She was getting that a lot, not from the soldiers she served with at Moran, but the ones from Callor, the ones who rode with Lord Bollen. They diverted their eyes when she looked at them. They avoided her, when she came too close. In a way, it made her laugh. What would Alisa think if she could see her now? She was the only woman in a camp full of men, and they fell over themselves trying to get away from her.
She couldn’t really blame them, if what she heard about the battle was true. The last thing she remembered was riding straight into the Valgar. Grim went down, and she was alone. That was when the darkness took her. From that point on, there was nothing, not until the rain, not until the wolf spoke to her.
They set up camp on the opposite side of the road, away from the field of battle. It only seemed proper. The men needed rest and the wounded needed tending, before they could continue to Forthbar. There was still a day’s worth of travel, until they reached their destination. She tried to help with the wounded, but, according to Daniel, she was acting a bit dazed. He told her to lie down, so she did. Walking through the camp, looking for a place away from everyone else, she overheard the soldiers talking. They said she fought like a wild animal, that she was less than human. But, she didn’t remember any of it. The other topic of conversation was the arrival of the wolf packs. They came out of the forest, behind the Valgar. At first, many of the soldiers thought the wolves were coming for them and were surprised when they actually attacked the saladogs.
It was among the hounds of Moran, she found acceptance and comfort, and that’s where she fell asleep.
Getting to her feet, she yawned, stretched and stared up into the rain, letting the water wash over her face. She brushed back her hair and looked down at her mud stained clothes. To think, not more than two days ago, she looked like a little princess dressed in pink. If they offered her that dress now, she still wouldn’t wear it.
She had no idea what time it was, since the sky was just a dull shade of gray. It had to be late since she was hungry. She thought about searching for food, before joining the other’s in the tent, but decided against it. She wouldn’t want to keep his Lordship waiting. Grabbing her satchel, from where she hung in the tree, she started back toward camp.
As she passed the paddock, where they were keeping the hoses, she found Grim isolated on one side. She was beginning to understand how the pony felt. They both seemed to be kept away from their own kind.
“You’re looking better,” she said, approaching him.
-You look like crap.-
He replied.
“Thank you, I do try. It took me a long time to achieve this look,” she said. “So, how are you feeling?”
-Better, since your healer paid me a visit.-
“He did?” Kile replied, “I’ll have to thank him.”
-If you must.-
“Is there any message you wish for me to pass on to him?”
-None that I can think of.-
“How about a thank-you, or an expression of your undying gratitude.”
-Please, it would have healed in time. It is unnatural what he does, it goes against nature.-
“Unnatural,” she laughed. “I am the epitome of unnatural.”
-You don’t know how wrong you are, child. Where are you heading, anyway?-
“I have been summoned,” she replied. “They want to see me in the commander’s tent.”
-For what?-
“I don’t know. Maybe I’m being discharged,” she laughed. “Oh, I could only hope.”
-You appear to be in a good mood, anyway.-
“I just don’t care anymore. You don’t think I’ve gone crazy, do you?”
-Gone? Child, you’ve always been crazy.-
“Yeah, that’s what I thought too,” she said, stepping back. “I’ll let you know, one way or the other,” she told him.
She was just about to leave when she spotted a young, redheaded soldier with a wicker basket, heading in her direction. He didn’t seem to notice her and was startled when she called out to him.
“What do you have there?” she asked.
The young man quickly looked around. Was he looking to see who she was addressing, or was he looking for an escape route?
“Just food for the pony, ma’am,” he said, when she got closer.
“For the mountain pony?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am, by order of the healer.”
She pulled back the cloth which covered the basket. Inside was an assortment of fruits, vegetables and grain.
“Hey Grim, I’m taking your carrots,” she shouted to the pony.
“Ma’am?” the young man looked at her curiously.
“Oh, don’t worry, he doesn’t like carrots anyway,” she assured him, “But, if you really want to get on his good side, you’ll find him a slice of apple pie.”
“Apple pie, ma’am?”
Kile didn’t reply. She bit into one of the carrots and headed for the command tent.
The tent would have been spacious had it not been for the dozen or so people who occupied it. Sliding into the back and hiding within the shadows of the corners, she ate her carrot. If nothing else, at least she was out of the rain.
“We tracked them as far as we could, sire. But found no sign of them. If they came over the pass, then they must have returned that way,” a young Hunter said, addressing Lord Bollen.
“It would only make sense,” an older soldier replied. “With Moran destroyed, there is no other way into Callor, save over the peak or around the point.”
“There have been no reports of these… things, these saladogs, south of Fennel.” Folkstaff announced. “Surely, we would have heard something by now.”
“What of Sofland, what of the coast?” Lord Bollen asked.
“Nothing, sire.” Folkstaff replied. “Word has been slow coming from the Salt Coast. The last we heard, resistance there was minimal.”
Lord Bollen scratched his chin and made a thoughtful expression. “That is, at least, some good news,” he said. “It would appear the plan was to cross through Callor all along. Strike the crown behind our backs. It seems luck was on our side. Still, I think we should err on the side of caution. Can you spare a few of your Hunters?” He asked Folkstaff.
“What do you have in mind, sire?”
“Send a few, north, to watch the pass. If they try to cross, at least we’ll be forewarned.”
“Of course, sire. Consider it done.”
“That just leaves getting to Forthbar in one piece,” one of the soldiers remarked.
“Have your Hunters returned?”
“They have, sire.” Folkstaff replied. “We have seen no sign of these… saladogs.”
“That’s not saying much, Master Folkstaff. Your Hunters missed them the first time, and it cost us dearly,” the old soldier added.
“That’s not exactly true, Lord Kels.” Erin said from the other side of the tent. “The Hunters who went forward may have missed them, but not the Hunter who stayed behind.”
Lord Kels turned to face Erin, as if noticing her for the first time. “What do you mean?” he asked.
“If I am not mistaken, from the reports we have received, Hunter Veller did warn you of the immediate danger and got the wounded to safety. Had you heeded her warning, and acted accordingly, the losses might not have been so great.”
“Are you saying, this is our fault, because we didn’t listen to that…?”
“I think what my colleague is trying to say, is that Hunter Veller is a capable Hunter, and should not have been dismissed so quickly,” Folkstaff intervened.
“That is outrageous.”
“No, it’s not.” Lord Bollen said, silencing the man. “What Master Folkstaff says is true. We did not take her warning seriously and we paid the price. I am sorry to say, I underestimated her, and the stories which Captain Jax
told me. I thought they were over exaggerated. Now, I believe them to be understated.”
“It doesn’t help to second guess,” the man sitting behind Lord Bollen replied. “What is, is, and there is nothing more to it.”
“True, Lord Farns” Bollen said, taking his seat. “But it still doesn’t explain what we’re up against. These… things, I have not seen the like.”
“Nor has any man.” Lord Farns replied. “I have taken it upon myself to examine one of these, what did you call them, saladogs?”
“It is what the men of Moran called them.”
“We called them, reptilian wolves.” Tullner replied.
“Reptilian wolves, saladogs, it does not matter what you call them, if you don’t know what they are.” Lord Kels added.
“Precisely,” Bollen replied. “That is why we have to find out what they are, where they came from, and what they want.”
“I am not a master of fauna,” Lord Farns said, sitting up in his chair. “But I have hunted these mountains from the time I was able to draw my first bow, and I can tell you, they are not native to this area. I have not come across anything which even remotely resembles these animals.”
“That’s because they are not really animals.” Kile said, chewing on a carrot. She looked up when she realized everyone was staring at her. “Did I say that out loud?”
“What do you mean, they’re not really animals?” Bollen asked.
Kile looked at the faces turned toward her. She had to learn to keep her mouth shut.
“Well, they’re not animals, at least, not in the way you know animals.”
“Please, Kile, explain.” Folkstaff commanded.
“Well, that’s just it, they can’t be explained, not unless you really understood, those who you refer to as, animals. Animals are natural. They exist in nature. The Valgar are not wholly of this world. They are an abomination, a poison, a corruption of the natural world and therefore are not really animals. It would be like saying a valrik is just vir.”
“You named them Valgar?” Lord Kels asked. There was no hiding the suspicion in his voice.
“I haven’t named them anything,” Kile replied. “That was the name they were given.”
“Then who gave them this name?” he demanded.
“I would have to assume, the Alva,” she replied. “They did hunt them.”
“What, the Alva hunted these creatures?” Lord Farns asked.
“No, the Valgar hunted the Alva.”
“Preposterous.” Lord Kels shouted, “There are no such things.”
“If you say so,” Kile replied.
Why was his voice so irritating?
“If what you say is true,” Lord Farns interrupted. “Where did they come from? What do they want?”
“They are madness born from darkness and their only purpose is to spread chaos and death.” she replied.
“How is it, you know this?” Bollen asked, sitting up in his chair. At least he was finally taking notice of her.
She laughed. “Simple.” She said, closing her eyes. “I asked them and they told me.”
When she opened her eyes, and looked at Lord Bollen, the man stumbled back. Lord Kels jumped up from his seat and shielded his Lord from her. Folkstaff and Erin didn’t move, it was almost as if she held them in place with a single look. Only Tullner approached her.
“Kile, your eyes,” he whispered.
Suddenly the world snapped back into focus. What had just happened? She slipped into the darkness without warning. Kile quickly turned and exited the tent. There was no danger, at least none she could detect. How could this have happened? She took a deep breath and let the rain wash over her again.
-Oh no, what have you done now?-
Grim asked.
Looking around, Kile found herself back in the paddock. Grim was watching her closely.
“I didn’t do anything,” she said, defensively.
-No, of course not. You just wigged out for no reason. Come on, out with it, who did you go feral on? I bet it was that pompous vir, the one who tried to make you wear a dress.-
“Who, Lord Bollen? No.”
“What about Lord Bollen?”
Kile spun around to see Erin behind her. She was standing beside the horses, the hood of her cloak pulled up over her head. She held herself with a quiet confidence Kile envied.
“Are you all right?” she asked.
Why did everyone keep asking her that?
“Oh, peachy,” Kile replied.
“It’s just that you left the meeting rather quickly.”
“Well, all I was doing was freaking everyone out. It’s not like anyone believed me anyway. Around here, I’m considered a child, a freak or wild animal, take your pick.”
“Not to everyone,” Erin said, taking a step forward.
“So, what, you believe me?” she asked.
“Nobody knows what these creatures are, and you’re the only one with any answers. I would be a fool not to believe you.”
Kile laughed. “There are some who would say the opposite was true.”
“Do not take Lord Kels to heart,” Erin said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “The man is a pompous fool, but he controls one of the largest cities in Callor. I believe it is the only reason Lord Bollen tolerates him.”
“No, he is right to be suspicious of me. There are times I don’t even trust myself.”
“Tell me what is happening. Maybe I can help.”
“I can’t tell you, because I don’t understand it myself. The Valgar, the valrik, the Maligar, even Ravenshadow, they’re all tied together in my head and I can’t sort it out. I’m missing something, and I just don’t know what it is.”
“Kile, I fear this is not your war to figure out. We are just the front line soldiers. We do the biddings of those behind us, for better or for worse.”
“It’s not that easy.” Kile replied, pulling away from Erin. “I have seen the minds of the Valgar. I know where they came from and what they want, and it doesn’t make sense, and that’s not the worst of it. They are all linked, and when I touch one, I am drawn into their darkness, and I’m afraid I may not be able to find my way out the next time.”
The look of concern on Erin’s face told Kile what she already knew, the Hunter couldn’t help her. This was way beyond Erin, beyond even the Guild. It could even be beyond the mystic’s help.
“I’ll be all right,” Kile said, turning away from the female Hunter. “I just need some sleep.”
“Rest up. You’ll be riding with the other Hunters tomorrow.”
“Why?” she asked.
“You said it yourself,” Erin replied. “You know these things, you understand them. We need you.”
“Don’t you get it?” Kile shouted. “I’m dangerous, to myself and to others. I’m losing control of who I am,” she said, taking a deep breath. She looked at Erin and grinned “But then you already know that, don’t you? The column will be safer, with me out of it.”
“Kile, that’s not why…”
“Fine, I understand.” she said, as she walked away. “I’ll be ready.”
***~~~***
19
The rain let up, sometime during the night, but the sky was still gray by the morning. The ground was wet and the last of the summer breezes was making its way across Callor. It wouldn’t be long before the rains turned into snow. Kile was not looking forward to being stuck in Callor during the winter.
She left camp, late in the night, heading out to the forest, where she knew the wolves waited. She needed to put as much distance between herself and the vir as possible. In the wild, she felt in control. She knew she had to go back, but the temporary reprieve from the stifling world of the vir, was enough to retain her sanity.
She started a small fire with a trick an old crow taught her, and tried drying out her clothes. If she was to accompany the other Hunters, she did not wish to go in wet britches.
Sitting by the fire, in nothing but her underwear, surround
ed by a pack of wolves, with a yarrow in her lap, and six ravens looking on, she had to laugh. This was the first time in a long time she felt normal, the first time she really felt at home. Closing her eyes, she fell into her Edge and could feel the wolves around her. They accepted her, as if she was one of them, just another wolf in the pack; they saw no difference. She pushed her consciousness further out into the woods, and felt the world waking up. The badger emerged from his slumber beneath an old rotting log. A black fox darted through the forest, hunting his morning meal. A family of deer moved silently across an open field, seeking out clover.
She turned her mind toward the camp and could sense the waking of the vir. It was not nearly as majestic as the natural world. They groaned, stretched and stumbled their way out of tents. Not all the men were asleep, there were a few standing guard, and then there were those who readied the hoses. They were probably Hunters, preparing to ride ahead of the column. A day’s ride and they should reach Forthbar by evening, and then what?
One of the vir was heading in her directions, probably attracted by the fire. Inhaling deeply, she smelled peppermint and herbs. Slowly, she returned back to herself. Her mental trips through the forest where surprisingly restful. Opening her eyes, she proceeded to get dressed. Her clothes were still damp, but she couldn’t do anything about that now.
The wolves suddenly went on alert. They detected an intruder within their midst.
“It’s all right Danny, you can come closer.” She called out while pulling on her boots.
Daniel emerged from the forest, looking rather nervous.
“Are you sure it’s okay?” he asked.
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
“Because, I don’t usually go walking into the middle of a pack of wolves,” he replied.
“Hey, I was nice to your family.” Kile laughed. She got to her feet and stomped her boot on.
“You seem to be in a better mood,” he said.
“I think I just needed to get away,” she replied. “Sometimes I feel like I’m in control, but sometimes I feel like I’m losing my mind.”
“So, you’re in control now?” he asked.
“For the time being,” she replied with a grin. “Why are you out here anyway?”