Sky Elf: The Anti-Matter Chronicles (The Matter Chronicles Book 2)

by P. G. Thomas

  “Depends on which Eric you’re talking to. I’m not sure who’s speaking when the short sentences start, but he and I had a few discussions over the last few days. I was going to warn you about that.”

  Pushing the dual images of Eric from her mind, she saw Logan sitting beside the cooking plate with Gor. Damn, I’m hungry. While the cold field rations and harvested forest foods had provided Lauren with enough strength for her song, she had forgotten how hungry she was. Between mouthfuls of food, she asked Logan how he was doing, and she even set her plate down to examine the spot of his former goose egg.

  “I’m fine. Quit making a fuss over me.”

  When John joined them, the conversation changed, and Lauren started her story. “I saw the army, which was massive: miles across and five times longer than its width. At night, you could see a stream of campfires that seemed endless.”

  “Eric said that there was a battle. What happened?” asked John.

  “Well, I couldn’t leave them there. They were building a bridge to cross the river, and I guess when done, they were going to invade the west. I figured it would take months for you four to heal, and by that time, it would be too late.” Then she repeated the details. “Now, what happened here? When I left, I wasn’t sure Logan would ever wake up, and I thought that you would be a cripple. I thought we would be here for months, waiting for Eric to heal. What happened?”

  “Is this forest magical?” inquired John.

  “No, I think I would have sensed that.”

  “Well, then I have two theories—or one. The first, I heard you might have pissed off Mother. She may have provided divine intervention, joining the game like you asked her to. Alternatively, Gingaar healed us. There’s a possibility that Mother turned Gingaar into a healer, but those are the only logical explanations. However, in this world, logic doesn’t really apply, so when you open that door, there are thousands of possible answers.”

  “I’m not going to complain about something happening in our favor for a change.”

  “Ryan told me on the day I helped fix Eric’s hand,” began John, “after I passed out, that you also blacked out. I know that pain overloaded my senses, but what happened to you?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe it was Mother pushing me away or punishing me. Alron said I Invoked Mother, whatever that is. Maybe it was her way of letting me know that I did wrong, but if she helped me more, than less would go wrong, and I wouldn’t get so damned upset. One minute I’m looking up at the sky, and the next I’m flat on my back.”

  “I’ve meant to ask you about that. Why does everybody look up if Mother is below you, you know, the ground you walk on?”

  “I guess it’s because you want to look up to your Mother, not down on her.” Lauren shrugged her shoulders, “Not sure about that either. Maybe it’s an old habit from home?”

  Later that night, she gathered everyone around the campfire, telling them about what they had found, and what she had done. She advised them that they would be moving south to the river, following it to the west. “That seems to be the direction the army was traveling, so that’s where we need to go. Alron, can you acquire some transportation for us? We’re a few horses short.” She continued, “There’s no reason for us to stay here any longer, as I want to head out at first light.”

  *******

  The next morning, Alron arrived with eight large saddled horses, “The road has less traffic,” he reported, “but larger parties now patrol it both day and night. I think we shall stay in the forest to travel south. It will be safer.”

  “I agree. After breakfast, we’ll head out,” replied Lauren.

  The entire party, now in good health, began their trip south, and like Alron had hoped, the trip through the woods was uneventful. Even though it was slow, the tradeoff of speed against safety seemed worthwhile, and it was a pleasant change to know what lay ahead of him. It was on the second day when they became aware of their proximity to the river, as the winds were blowing from the south, and while they were deep in the forest, they all recognized the smell of stale death. Arriving at the river, Lauren went to the outlook with John, Alron, and Aaro. The camp on the south shore was now deserted with only tents remaining, a few even standing, after the hurried exit of the army. While the odd horse stumbled through the camp, no soldiers were present—except for those still smoldering in the pyres. They quickly established their camp, but the south wind robbed them of their appetites. Although they left in high spirits two days earlier, when they saw the size of the deserted camp, all of their moods soured.

  After the last sun had set, Lauren returned to the lookout with Eric. She pointed to the east, “There’s your fan club.” He stood on the cliff edge for an hour, watching the river of night fires grow, as the darkness consumed the lands

  *******

  When morning broke, they began the trip west to the road, navigating around numerous big and small gullies. As a result, it took an entire day before the front guard returned, reporting they had found it. Realizing the forest would no longer extend the desired protection, they started making plans.

  “Do we wait for daylight or go this night?” asked Lauren.

  “Too far we have traveled,” replied Alron, “too many close calls we have had already. A mistake now shall be too costly. Scout first, Earth Daughter, is my recommendation.” The Earth Guard had anticipated his reply, much like the dwarves had, but Mirtza led the choir of groans with John, Ryan, Logan, Zack, and Gingaar adding to the volume. The announcement of cold field rations for dinner resulted in the choir delivering an encore performance.

  It was past midnight when Lauren heard Alron rise, awakened by the returning Dawnfalcons, and she hastily joined them.

  “Earth Daughter, Alron, our path is blocked,” Careel said, “six hours south, a river we found. A bridge crosses to the far side, but twenty black-clad guard it. The river is twenty feet wide with a bridge ten feet thin, and what is on side far we do not know.”

  “Son of a wood sylph!” Alron was growing weary of bad news, “Twelve to twenty, a fair fight for us it shall be. Sneak by we cannot, Earth Daughter. Elf bow will drop most, and dwarf can finish what remain.”

  “No, what happens if one gets away, or if they’ve a way to signal others?” asked Lauren. “If anything goes wrong with the attack? If we lose one or two of our group, we become an even easier target. If twenty black-clad go missing, they’ll send out larger parties to look for the deserters, or for those responsible for the desertion. What would happen if we dressed like them? Maybe we can fake them out?”

  “Deceit is an option, but for seven only, dwarf and elf lack the necessary height,” advised Alron. “If we can obtain black-clad uniforms, they will not fit, and we will be easy to spot.”

  Lauren looked at them, “Can’t we make you look like prisoners? You know, hide your weapons, making it look like your hands are tied? Since your stags will be a problem, can you ride horses?”

  “Merit your plan has, but should if fail, we will be in their midst and the fight shall be short,” Alron replied, “We will need to acquire uniforms and horses. New stags we can call when fresh forests we find, but arrows at range will be better.”

  “If one gets away, it’ll be worse for us. We need to get through that pass, and I don’t think it’ll be easy, as there has to be an obstacle blocking it. You just can’t let people walk out and look at that invading army, as even the black-clad wouldn’t be that stupid.” She needed them to get somewhere safe, ending this nightmare. “If one raises an alarm, we’ll be trapped in that pass. If we do get out, we can only go south, and I don’t know how many more passes there are, if any. No, we need to get through this one and without incident.”

  “We will try your plan, Earth Daughter. Panry, Erust, Cethail, you will go to road early to secure uniforms and mounts. Should guards at bridge react wrong, asking for a password, orders, or a sign, then spot us they will, and steel shall be the only answer that we have.”

  Lauren nodded
, uncertain if her plan would work, but the thought of an alarm warning other soldiers scared her even more, “Get us mounts today, but wait until late in the day. If you acquire them too soon, they may realize one patrol is missing. Please make sure that you don’t leave any evidence.” As she talked, she heard her own words. This time last year, I was studying for a math test that I thought I would probably fail. It was stressing me out. Right now, I just ordered somebody to go kill six people, stealing their clothes and horses, and I warned them not to leave any evidence. What the heck is happening to me? Is it you Mother? “I need to get some sleep, so wake me in the morning.”

  Chapter 6

  It was late afternoon when Lauren finally surrendered to the day. The last shadow that had provided sufficient darkness from the bright suns, which had allowed her to sleep, had retreated under its tree. Even though they were close to the road, Alron allowed Mirtza and Gor to prepare a meal since he needed everybody recharged; hot food and beverages being the fastest path available to the desired destination. Hearing Alron sitting by the fireless grill, she went over to join him,

  “Earth Daughter, how are you this day?”

  “She’ll be better once we get through that mountain pass. On the trip south, we’ve only had to go around these guys. If they have that pass blocked, how are we going to get through them?”

  “We will cross the first bridge this night. Then we shall see what lies ahead, and only then can we plan how to cross the next. Panry and the Dawnfalcons were impatient this day, so Zack took them black-clad hunting. Six mounts and seven uniforms they returned with. Not from a patrol, and instead, they found a guard post.”

  “Why seven uniforms?”

  “Mirtza is tall, and easier to guise him like black-clad. Also, I suggest that Eric wears his armor. With his size and the black metal, he shall easily intimidate any that will question him. Neither dwarf nor elf will be able to speak at the bridge, so Eric is the best choice.”

  “I think that Tranquil Fury is trying to get to him. I don’t know if he’s trustworthy,” advised Lauren.

  “John is too small, and not any will listen to him. Logan, Ryan, and Zack, their size is correct, but all eyes will see Eric, and they will think he leads. Should one lesser talk, perchance they shall see through our trickery.”

  “Just make sure that I’m riding beside him. If I sense he’s going to act, I’ll let you know. Make sure two Earth Guards are at the back of the party. If any try to escape and warn others, make sure they stop them.” Mother, I hope those are your words.

  The shadows were growing darker in the forest, as the suns took their gifts of light to lands unknown. As the thick forest welcomed the darkness, the six tallest figures in the party accepted their new black clothing, dressing to become that which hunted them. While Eric was putting on his armor, Alron coached him on what to say and how to act. The elves and dwarves fastened their weapons to the sides of their mounts, hiding them under the short saddle blankets. They would ride side by side, so each would obscure the partially concealed bows, swords, and axes. Before turning it back into an amulet, Mirtza retrieved a length of rope and a cloth blanket from the wagon. From these, he fashioned the necessary gags and short lengths of rope, which would create the illusion that the elves and dwarves were prisoners: the last element in the plan. Each member took a rope, fashioning it into a fake knot, ensuring that they only looked secured, and then each placed the gag around their neck, which they would in place with their teeth. The last part of the plan was to release the Earth Guard stags. Having removed their saddles earlier, which they had placed in Mirtza’s wagon, one by one, they said goodbye to their faithful friend, thanking them for their service, before setting them free. They then took to the new mounts, heading for the road, anxious to restart the journey south.

  *******

  When they arrived at the road, they waited for Alron to send the Dawnfalcons in each direction, making sure that no patrols were near, and when the reports confirmed it, he signaled to the rest to continue south. Over the next six hours, they rode by three guard posts without incident, as the black-clad guards thought their own were passing. At those times, they would ride three abreast: the tall bus mates riding closest to the guards, the elves on the freshly stolen horses in the middle, and on the outside, the dwarves on their ponies. When they crested a small hill, they could see the torch lit guarded bridge in the distance, lacking any route to sneak past it. Approaching it, tensions began to grow, as many feared that somebody might do or say what they should not, ending their masquerade.

  They were several hundred feet away when Alron pulled the gag out of his mouth, whispered, “Eric, speak with confidence and use authority in your voice. Remember, you are their superior, and the black-clad do not treat lesser with kindness,” then he replaced the gag back into his mouth.

  “Eric, are you okay with this?” asked Lauren.

  “It will be fine.” While the words sounded like Eric, the sentence was short, and she was unsure of who had actually answered.

  As they approached, twenty-four black-clad soldiers slowly spread out in front of the bridge, blocking their access. One soldier stepped forward, “Halt. State your purpose.”

  “Prisoner transfer,” replied Eric.

  “We were not told anything about this.”

  “Worms. Nobody tells you anything. Move away.”

  “We were given orders, sir. I need to see your paperwork.”

  The words Eric spoke lacked emotion, “Move aside, worm.”

  “I need to see paperwork.” The black-clad soldiers started to reach for their swords.

  “Last chance maggot.” Then Eric flexed his shoulders, causing the spikes to project out.

  [Threat present. Mission compromise imminent. Counter strategy. Select. Engage.] Riding up beside Eric, Ryan looked down at the lead guard, “We’re late, and we were supposed to be back days ago. Each guard post has stopped us, trying to look important. Our paperwork is with the last group, so just send one of your men for it tomorrow.”

  Eric’s voice was monotone, “Speak not for me. Insignificant insects question me. Enough, too much. No more.”

  Ryan pushed his horse between the soldiers and Eric, “Look, he’s tired and hungry because he was disciplined this morning for being late, and he wants nothing more than to vent his frustrations on somebody. I would strongly suggest that you let us pass.”

  “Garbage feeding maggots.”

  The guards began to back up, being wary of the one with the dark spiked armor. Elves and dwarves were pushing back the ropes around their mock-tied hands, thinking that Eric or Tranquil Fury was going to act out. While Lauren was unsure of what had possessed Ryan, she knew who now possessed Eric. They had to get across and quick, so removing her foot from the stirrup, she gave a hard kick to Eric’s horse in the ribs. As it bolted forward towards the bridge, the black-clad guards quickly parted, and the others, not waiting for a sign, followed closely behind.

  Staying on the far side of the bridge until all were over, Ryan crossed last. [Threat terminated. Disengage.]

  Once across, the guards watched them ride away, but without mounts, they were unable to give chase. As they traveled south, they could see the bridge to the west in the moonlight, which partially spanned the large river.

  “I always wanted to burn a bridge behind me. Want to watch?” asked Logan.

  “I thought about it,” began Lauren, “but until we know what is in front of us, we can’t do that. If we have to retreat, we may need the smaller one. As for the bigger, if it mysteriously caught on fire, it might provide a reason for them to look for us. Let’s wait.”

  After riding south for a short distance, they came to a large road that headed into the pass. Alron sent the Dawnfalcons ahead to find a spot for them to hide, as the first sun would rise in a few hours, and he had no desire to be on the open road when it did. An hour later, they spotted them on the south side of the pass in a small-forested valley. Leaving Cethail and Er
ust at the valley entrance, the rest traveled into the small ravine. Even though it had been one of their shorter days, being so close to the enemy had all of their nerves on edge. Making the camp quickly, Mirtza brought forth his wagon, handing out blankets and cold rations. Alron advised everybody to get rest, as they would be spending the night here.

  The mood in the camp changed that night, as the new direction fed their hope that they might soon be free of the black-clad soldiers. Though still apprehensive, Alron noticed a relaxed posture on all—except Eric, who sat under a tree, refusing to remove his armor and just smiled.

  The next morning, Alron sent the rested Dawnfalcons to scout the west valley pass, telling them to return after four days if not sooner. Being a last minute decision, which he never discussed with the Earth Daughter, he was curious to see how she would greet the news. She reacted with the same enthusiasm that she greeted the news of cold field rations and water: she failed to smile for either. While agreeing with his reasoning, she felt that eight days of waiting seemed more like a punishment than a victory.

  Alron felt a sense of relief in the small ravine, figuring that the black-clad army would never think of looking for them this far west, and each night he stayed up with Panry to watch the road, wondering how many more days before they would finally find safety. For three days, he received the reports of troop movements similar to those he witnessed: every twelve hours, large fast moving mounted groups traveling in both directions. Venturing out a few times, he wanted to get a feel for the valley, as it was better than returning to the camp. Even though Lauren may have agreed with him, her cold stare with his inability to answer her questions added tension to the already strained situation.

  The valley, being a thousand feet wide, had a river flowing beside a cliff on the north side. In the pass, where a once magnificent forest had grown, stumps covered the valley floor now, and only small trees and shrubs provided protection for whatever creatures called the valley home. The south side of the valley had a number of small-forested ravines, which would provide protection for them if needed, but each had only one exit and entrance—one way in, the same way out. While they might be able to hold off a small group for a short period, the mountains rose quickly, being too treacherous to attempt to climb. On the evening of the eighth day, with the Dawnfalcons arriving back at their camp, everybody gathered around, except for Fen and Fodu, who stood guard at the valley entrance.