Salie would lead Raeind and the princesses to Cresida against all wisdom. Into the lion's den but the Cresida people had fought the Celaeri and knew their ways. He couldn't think of a better place to hide them. Of course the trick was getting them into Gornst without being discovered. But the Celaeri themselves weren't searching for Krysta; it was Lockwell who sought her so they just needed to keep ahead of the old wizard.
Salie understood Merie's distrust of Raeind, the man kept too many secrets. Still, he proved himself a true friend many times over the years so Salie trusted him. Krysta was smitten by Raeind and would follow him anywhere. Would there be any jealousy in Merie? He shook his head. There was much he didn't understand about Men even after three hundred years. No wonder the Turucks lost the war.
They traveled east for a few hours before the hills began to flatten out to the great plains of Amloth. There were no settlements in the desolate area between Masina and Cresida but they did not assume the land lacked watchful eyes. Their path kept them among the trees for as long as the trees remained. Once out in the open there was nowhere to hide. The only break in the plains was far to the north where the Armac Mountains jutted out of the sea. Those mountains were far too wild to risk their lives. They would trust to luck and their small numbers. Before they had left his house Salie exchanged Krysta's colorful clothing for rugged outerwear. Merie did not wear any bright colors so he gave her a cloak and boots.
"How long to reach Cresida?" asked Merie.
"It's about four times as far as Riverdowns to Dael, but you rode a horse. It will be a long week I think," said Raeind.
"It's already been a long week. I should have spoken to grandfather before we left."
"We sent Prince James to tell King Hal you were safe," said Raeind. "I explained everything; we couldn't afford to let Lockwell find Krysta."
"All your explanations are a little too neat for my taste," said Merie. "Using a ghost as a messenger. If I hadn't seen Prince James I would not believe your words. I know you are keeping something from us and until you tell us I will withhold my trust."
"Merie, must you be so harsh?" asked Krysta. "I feel safe with Raeind."
"I'm sure you do," murmured Merie.
Salie led them at a quick pace over the plains. In the distance a band of rocky formations rose from the grass and gave their eyes a focus for the unchanging trek across the uninhabited expanse of Amloth between Masina and Cresida. The endless winds and rocky soil would not support farming and what little land that could be suitable for livestock did not offer much grazing. Except for the cool temperatures it was as welcoming as the Koberi Desert where the Turucks made their home. When they drew nearer to the rocks they saw that a river had cut a channel in the land leaving a thirty-foot chasm crossed by a weathered rope bridge with missing boards on the walkway.
"That doesn't look promising," said Krysta. "How long has it been here?"
"I do not know," said Salie. "I have not journeyed this way before. Raeind?"
"I saw it first twenty years ago and it was no more inviting than it is now. I shall cross first. Take slow steady steps and do not rush."
Without hesitation Raeind stepped out on the swaying bridge. The bridge moved several feet in both directions from Raeind's weight moving across the span. Krysta held her breath as she started across when Raeind reached the far side. Merie went next and part way out she looked down to the rocks below and couldn't pull her eyes away. The bridge seemed to sway more and her feet could only slide forward.
"Merie! Look across to Raeind!" called Salie. "Look across, not down!"
"Come on Merie," said Krysta. "Keep looking at us. You'll be fine. Look at us!"
Merie moved forward again but did not step carefully and her foot went through a slat of the bridge. She screamed and tumbled down, the bridge twisting around her but holding her tight. There was sudden swinging of the bridge and she screamed again.
"Be calm," said Raeind. "I'm right here." He put an arm around her and Salie came from the other side and tried to untwist the rope around Merie's leg.
"Make it quick Salie," said Raeind. "We have too much weight at this spot. It may not hold."
Salie pulled Merie's legs free as Raeind held her tight. She leaned against him as he led her across, the bridge swaying and creaking. The bridge dropped several inches suddenly and Raeind jumped with Merie to the ground where Krysta grabbed both of them. They looked back to Salie who now moved quickly across with little sway to the bridge.
"One of the gifts of my race," said Salie. "I can walk on top of snow drifts too, although I cannot remember the last time I saw much snow."
Merie looked back at the swaying bridge and shuddered. She was still leaning against Raeind and realized it. She started but did not pull away. Raeind decided they should take a break for a little food and water before they continued.
Two more uneventful days passed as they neared northern Cresida and then they would have to head south through the Black Heath area. Salie hoped they could hug the coastline and stay away from Celaeri eyes. He was pleased that the princesses were able to travel without complaint. He had feared their pampered life may have left them unsuitable for hard travel but they both had rode horses and received small weapons training. Their time on the practice field had helped their stamina and Salie was grateful for small gifts.
When they broke camp that morning Salie asked for their full attention.
"Today will pass to the south of the area called the Black Heath where the Celaeri are rumored to dwell. It would be too much to ask that their scouts do not spot us. The question is will they send soldiers after us or will they send Vlakan after us."
"Well, is there a bright side?" asked Merie.
"They might decide we are of no worth and let us be. Our packs are small and weapons minimal; there is little to attract their attention."
"We have two women," said Raeind.
"They have little to fear from Celaeri; they do not think Men are desirable. However, if there are bandits, the princesses would be worth chasing us."
"I see," said Krysta. "But they would have to be close by to see us clearly. These cloaks and hoods will conceal our identities."
"Mostly they will, yes," said Salie. "But the coast will be windy and your hoods will not stay on all the time."
"We spend too much time talking," said Merie. "Let's get to Gornst with no more delays."
"Ha! The command of the Princess," said Salie with a bow. "I shall lead on."
It was late afternoon when they reached the coast. The cool wind snapped their cloaks and Salie led them through the long grasses and kept an eye on the dark hills to the east. The hills drew within two miles of the coast and seemed too far to be a threat. They walked in silence and ate as they walked. When the sun set Salie did not stop for Turucks could see well in the darkness. When the light had completely gone they heard the first howls. Long and arching like a wolf's howl but the whine of a cat mixed in.
"Vlakan!" hissed Salie. "We must move faster. Have your weapons handy."
Their hearts pounded as they ran, the girls stumbling here and there but they kept their footing and followed Salie. The howls continued to close in and the girls' lungs burned.
"Salie! The princesses need to rest!" called Raeind.
"We cannot, they are gaining on us."
"If we don't stop the princess will trip over their own feet. We make a stand here!"
Salie came forward and stared into Raeind's eyes. The Vlakan howled again.
"You take them and run. I will cover your tracks and try to elude them."
"That's risky."
"So is running. They will catch us. I will hold their attention as long as I can."
Krysta came to the old Turuck and pulled his face down to her and kissed his cheek. She took Merie's hand and they ran south. Raeind nodded and clasped arms with Salie and then turned and ran after the princesses.
Salie paused. He had wiped out fifty yards of tracks and hoped it w
ould be enough. There was a low growl in the shadows to his right. He slid his hand to his sword. Another growl to his left and one behind him maybe twenty paces. The moon was sliding behind heavy clouds.
"Oh Salie. Is this where your long life ends?" He unsheathed his sword as the Vlakan came at him.
Chapter 22
At the time of their defeat and banishment into the shadow world, King Jerue Adan and his daughter Ioane Adan who ruled as queen led the Celaeri. Although she never took a husband Ioane did have many children attracting many kings and warriors to her. One of the Talos Company Loric Greyrawk is one of her offspring; half Men and half Celaeri. She did not have 'children' as the term implied some maternal feeling and tenderness was never a trait of Ioane Adan. As ruthless and cruel as her father, Ioane led many raids against the Men of Cresida to win back their land. Her sword was lethal and few mortals could withstand her. Beautiful to behold but hollow within. Beware the Queen of the Celaeri.
From Gerrand's Histories of Landermass.
Alarie Skye rode in front followed by Brandalay and Colly. Her copper hair flowed from under her helmet. Since she left the Celaeri to live among Men she left her hair grow long as a sign of her rebellion. Brandalay's supporters welcomed her and at his side the ruins at Greyrawk Mountain were rebuilt and a small town grew up around the mountain. North of Greyrawk Mountain began the rolling hills that led into the Black Heath. The trails were overgrown slowing their progress and the air of the Black Heath was humid and expectant. They had left the farmlands behind and the hill country seemed an alien place. The trees were shorter and huddled in small clumps and the ground rocky. Three of Brandalay's Men rode with them armed with bows. Alarie's spear was in her hand as she slowed their progress. The gnarled trees were shadowed and silent. Colly thought he could hear himself sweat. The buzzing of the flies irritated him and each time he opened his mouth a fly tried to enter. He waved his hand constantly although he knew this action would slow his response if attacked. Distractions had killed many a man in war and Colly had been the beneficiary of a few of those distractions over the years.
Colly was surprised they had not seen any Hiataneti in the Black Heath. There were hard-shelled creatures the size of ponies and extremely hard to kill for one or two opponents. Their rough skin was hard as a turtle's shell and very thick. A single sword blow could not pierce it. Once there were scores of them and although many were killed in the war fifteen years earlier surely some survived. But the recent rumors spoke only of Vlakan moving with the night shadows. Colly had warned the soldiers accompanying them that such creatures existed and the men carried bows along with their swords. Each one had an arrow notched.
Alarie stopped them several times and she listened to the sounds of the heath for long periods. She led them forward without a word each time. They traveled in silence for half the day.
Brandalay turned back to speak to Colly when the first attack came. Alarie bloodied her spear before any of the men could react. The Celaeri attacker fell and the other attacked Brandalay. Colly's huge sword blocked the Celaeri's path to Brandalay and Alarie killed her kinsman. Colly was fast but the Celaeri moved faster. Colly's strength was the only thing that kept him from a deep bite from the Celaeri's sword. As it was his arm and side bled freely. Brandalay joined in the fight and backed their opponent toward Alarie who ended the battle with a spear thrust.
"Alarie! Was that sporting?" asked Colly.
"What do you mean?"
"Give it up Colly," said Brandalay. "I'm afraid my dear girl will never pick up some of the nuances of human humor."
"Did you want to fight more?" asked Alarie.
"No. Let's forget I said anything," said Colly. "Should we expect another attack?"
"There are no others close by," said Alarie. "They had been tracking us for some time."
"You sensed them?" asked Colly. He rubbed his arm; the impact of the swords had jolted his elbow was no longer young. He wrapped his wounds.
"Yes. Each time I stopped I read their presence gaining on us."
Brandalay waved the soldiers to him.
"Men, you would have died," said Brandalay. "Without Alarie we all might be dead. However, none of you even moved before the battle was over. If this old tavern owner hadn't got in the way I would be dead. How could such a man move quicker than trained soldiers half his age?"
"Tarlac, let them be," said Alarie. "Celaeri are a difficult opponent for Men and you know Colly is not to be compared as if he was a mere tavern owner. You shame your men."
"They need to toughen up or die. We can't afford mistakes. There may be more than two next time."
"Most assuredly there will be more. Let us continue."
"We do know they have returned," said Colly. "Those Celaeri soldiers were fully armed. They weren't dressed as a people making a living off the land."
"I agree," said Alarie. "They looked to be scouts from the Royal retinue."
"Royal? Does that mean your mother is leading them?" asked Colly.
"I do not doubt that Ioane Adan has returned," said Alarie.
Colly and Brandalay exchanged looks and took a better grip on the reins of their horses.
"Do we know enough to warn Princess Linna?" asked one of the men, Baruck.
"No Baruck," said Brandalay. "We need to see their preparations. Are they preparing to march soon or can we return with a larger force and contain them in the Black Heath? I don't imagine we have much farther to go if they followed us for a while and didn't attack until now. We must be close to the main camp."
"I will ride ahead," said Alarie. "I will sense them before they can attack. If you are well back you should not be caught unawares."
They traveled another three miles but no other Celaeri. Alarie dismounted near a hill and crept up the side. Brandalay and Colly joined her.
"This is where we drilled the soldiers. The open space is large and nearly flat." They peered over the top.
The view from the hill gradually revealed rows of Celaeri armed for battle and on the far side of the valley the dark shapes of the Vlakan waited. A woman stood on a rock in front the army. It was Ioane Adan, Queen of the Celaeri and mother to both Alarie Skye and Loric Greyrawk. She spoke and gestured but was too far away for her words to reach the hill where Alarie watched. A large Vlakan stood to her side and began speaking when Ioane had stopped.
"I've never seen a Vlakan like that one," said Alarie. "It doesn't move like a beast. There is more than Vlakan intelligence in that one. I can't hear what it is saying but this Vlakan is dangerous and unexpected. We must be wary."
"Looks too human," said Colly.
"Or too Celaeri," said Brandalay.
"You know what I meant."
"Sorry, old habit."
"Yes," said Alarie. "I was going to talk to you about your habits one day."
"Look! A squad is moving out. Must be two dozen," said Colly.
"A strike team," said Alarie. "To bring death and chaos ahead of the army. Well, we have our answer; we need to get word to Princess Linna."
"Look to the west," said Brandalay. "Soldiers are bringing in prisoners."
"Just great. Colly take the soldiers and ride hard to Gornst. Don't try to intercept the strike team; there are too many. Tarlac and I will see if we can help the prisoners."
"Make it quick," said Colly. "We will need you at Gornst when the Celaeri arrive."
"We'll do our best."
Brandalay watched Colly and the others mount their horses and ride south. They traveled a mile or so before they started to ride hard to lessen the pounding of the hooves to keep their presence unknown to Ioane Adan.
He nodded to Alarie and they moved to the west to follow the path of the prisoners into the Celaeri ranks. The prisoners were chained to a tree on the north side of the camp and Alarie halted and dismounted. She pulled Brandalay down next to her.
"A man and a woman," said Alarie. "I think that's Walter Nunderburg."
"And Teresa I think. Can you gue
ss their condition?"
"A bit battered. Walter's shoulder is bloody and the arm tied to his chest. Teresa is limping but looks fine otherwise. Only one guard but I do not think that is all. There is some menace surrounding them."
"Vlakan?"
"Could be. There are some shadows to their left."
"I see them."
"Something might be there. It seems too dark but I can't see what might be creating that shadow. I would think it could hide three or four Vlakan."
"Why would Ioane want the Nunderburg's?" asked Brandalay. "What is your mother's thinking on this?"
"I am not sure, but since Walter is on Princess Linna's council Ioane may wish to find out what the Princess may guess about the Celaeri activities."
"Walter hasn't been in the latest meetings."
"Yes, for our sake it is lucky he knows little about our suspicions, but it may prove unlucky for the Nunderburg's. Ioane will not believe ignorance. We will need to rescue them or they will die, eventually."
"Do you think you can get to the far side of the shadow?" asked Brandalay. "I will come in direct to the guard drawing their attention."
"I will signal you when I'm in position," said Alarie. "Tarlac be ready. If it is Vlakan they will move fast. You haven't faced that speed for years."
"It is nice you know you still care."
"Of course I care. What do you mean?"
"Never mind."
"Another human joke? What does it do for you, this laughter?"
"We don't have time to discuss it here. And all this time I thought you were laughing at my humor."
"I was laughing with you," said Alarie.
"Yes, but you didn't know why. All these years you've been humoring me."
"I have not."
"No, I don't mean it that way."
"You are confusing me, Tarlac Brandalay. Is that what Men do to their wives?"
"Now it is you who are joking. Let's get the Nunderburg's out of there and back to Greyrawk Mountain before we continue this discourse."
The Vlakan King (Book 3) Page 20