by Diane Rapp
Tessa said, “Why are we waiting? Let’s move on before something else happens.”
They made good progress after leaving the crevasse. Crossing the narrow summit of a high ridge, an enchanting valley opened up before them. Luminous fog clung to wispy pines that stood like sentinels along the channel of a frozen stream. The charming valley was flanked by massive pinnacles of black granite jutting vertically from the valley floor. It looked like the interior of a colossal fort topped by sheets of hanging ice. The Crags were not gentle rolling hills that encouraged an afternoon hike; they looked treacherous, intimidating.
Trenton squinted against the glare, trying to take measure of the craggy mountains. “Andrew, you really made it over the Crags with a herd of ponies?” He spoke in a hushed tone.
“The Crags can be crossed if you understand them.” He pointed to black dots that moved across the steep embankment in a zigzag trail. “See those mountain sheep? They cross nearly vertical slopes and scramble up sheer rock without trouble; superstitious hunters hear them bleat and claim the sounds are ghosts haunting the cliffs. I’ve dined on roast mutton and know the truth. We’ll cross safely after we collect proper equipment.”
“Where do we get equipment?”
“Jacob stocked an emergency cache with supplies in this valley. No one else knew about it, and Jacob died not long after we delivered Tempest to Havenshire. Even Jacob knew he couldn’t cross the Crags without proper gear.”
He turned Tempest downhill and rode into the valley.
“Where’s he going?” Mandrake asked.
“He’s collecting proper equipment from a special hiding place.”
“I’m glad he knows the territory. No one in his right mind goes through the Crags, even in good weather.” Mandrake followed Andrew while Trenton waited for the girls to pass and rode in the flank position, keeping watch.
“None of us is in our right minds,” Trenton muttered to himself. “I just hope we make it through with our bodies in one piece.”
Sun broke through the fog in shafts of bright light that sparkled across snowy treetops. Tempest pushed through powdery snow that covered the valley floor like a downy blanket of feathers, and the fillies trotted behind.
“What’s that?” Lauryn pointed to a cloud of steam rising from a hollow.
Andrew grinned. “It’s my surprise, hot springs to soak the cold from our bones. Let me show you.” He spurred Tempest.
Lauryn galloped after him and shouted to the others. “Hurry up, hot baths all around!”
“What? I can’t believe my ears.” Trenton nudged Sparks into a canter and the perky little mare chased Tempest with her hooves flying. Hooves churned through the snow, flinging the powdery stuff into the air like a dust storm.
“I’ve been dreaming of a hot bath since we left the fire mountain.” Angela laughed and joined the chase.
Tessa stopped. She eyed the valley as the others dashed towards the springs. Cocking her head, she listened for unusual sounds before riding ahead at a moderate pace.
The hot springs were pure luxury to chilled bodies. The girls soaked in hot water until their skin turned beet-red, got out to cool, and returned to soak some more. They giggled and chatted, washing their hair, while the men helped Andrew get the supplies.
A large rock covered a pit that served as a large storehouse. The men heaved the rock aside and marveled at the cache. Andrew said, “We spent weeks hauling these things into the valley to prepare for any emergency.” He climbed a stout ladder down into the pit and handed out snow shoes, skis, bundles of furs, and earthen jars filled with dried food.
“What a delightful surprise! These things will help get us over the Crags!” Trenton sounded overjoyed.
Mandrake asked, “Did you make these snowshoes? It’s quality workmanship.”
“It kept us busy during long nights at camp.” He stroked a soft pair of gloves with tears glistening in his eyes. “Jacob taught me how to work, lessons that have saved my life time and again. Let’s get the fire started! I’m starved.”
The mouth-watering smell of stew made the girls abandon the hot springs. Andrew whistled as he stirred the savory concoction.
“This valley must be beautiful in summer,” Lauryn said, rubbing her wet hair with a fluffy towel.
Andrew nodded. “You’ve never seen anything like it. Grass and wild flowers climb right up the Crags, and crisp mornings give way to balmy afternoon breezes. Jacob claimed mountain grass contained minerals that make strong bones, so this was a perfect place for breeding horses.”
“You were there when Tempest was born?” Lauryn eyed the great horse eating grain at the back of the cave. “I can’t imagine him as a young colt.”
“He was the finest colt ever born. When his dam licked him clean, he stood up, shook his head, and demanded a meal.”
“I’d love to see a colt born.” Lauryn sighed. “I don’t suppose it’s any worse than birthing a baby.”
“It can prove difficult—if the colt’s turned the wrong way, it can kill the dam and the colt.” His eyes clouded and Lauryn understood. She remembered the pain of losing a patient.
*****
Everyone slept soundly except Tessa. She felt wakeful and nervous, aware of every sound while the others dreamed. Her mind was filled with a cacophony of voices. The ancestors felt eager to share her human abilities, to see color, taste human food, and ride a horse. Tessa could hardly concentrate and ride safely. The mind she knew as Amber sensed her distress and herded the others behind a mental barrier to give her a rest. She told Tessa to call when she was ready to meet the ancestors.
That night Tessa invited the minds to speak. She learned about each ancestor as they introduced themselves. Apparently Tessa’s choice of the name Amber was influenced by a mental nudge. The ancestor line was called Amber. Each individual became distinct as they met Tessa and showed her mental pictures of themselves. She hoped she’d remember so many individuals as she listened to their stories. Wolf history flooded her mind. Each ancestor told her story firsthand, and the narrative included mental images, smells, and physical sensations. They didn’t stop until Tessa’s eyes drooped and she slept.
Should we take control of the body and try to contact Kriegen? Amber asked the other ancestors.
The oldest mind demurred. It’s against etiquette to seize the host body without permission. It’s unlikely we could reach Kriegen and the host body needs rest. Raise the mental barriers and let her sleep while we discuss our future. Inhabiting a human body could become a problem for our line, so we must decide how to present the human to the Council of Elders.
Could the Elders decide to end the hosting?
There is only one way to end a hosting. We must present good arguments to preserve our line and help this girl survive.
Tessa slept, unaware of important discussions taking place deep within her mind.
*****
The next morning Andrew led the caravan up into the Crags. Tempest kicked his heels and high-stepped through the snow as they approached the base of the cliffs, but their progress was observed from across the valley by Beltram and his men. They had followed the clear trail left by Trenton’s group through the crevasse and into the valley.
“You still think they’re meek little rabbits, Beltram?” The captain of the riders smirked. “They look ready to cross the Crags.”
“How was I to know they could melt a tunnel through an ice flow?” Beltram barked. “Look at those mountains! They can’t possibly make it over the Crags!”
The captain sneered, “They believe they can, and I have my orders. We must go after them.”
“No! They’ll draw us into mortal peril. We must save ourselves by turning back and wait for them at the most likely exit,” Beltram pleaded.
“You have no authority to change our orders. Turn back and face Jarrack’s wrath, but we move forward.” The captain headed into the valley and his men followed.
Beltram ground his teeth. “Garth,” he grow
led. “We will turn back! I’ll explain to Jarrack that his soldiers rushed headlong into a deathtrap.” Garth followed his master, casting sidelong glances at the sneering desert riders.
*****
Glare, reflected from the snow, forced the party to don goggles as they climbed the trail. Trenton maneuvered to ride next to Mandrake. He whispered, “We’re being followed. Don’t let the others know but increase the pace. We might get lucky and lose them.”
Mandrake frowned and nudged his horse to move faster.
Lauryn rode next to Andrew. “How long will it take to get through?” she asked.
“It took us twelve days herding our horses. If the weather holds, we might cross in seven.”
“Where will we come out?”
“Near the Bloody Lake.”
“You’re joking. The Bloody Lake isn’t real, it exists in legends.”
Andrew shook his head. “I’ve seen the lake myself. A red castle floats at the center, and wolves cross over a rock causeway.”
“Strange stories are told about the Bloody Lake and its occupants, mystical beings who filled the lake with the blood of their victims. Do you think the stories are true?”
Andrew shrugged. “We stayed clear, but I felt eyes watch us until we were well away.”
Lauryn fell silent.
At midday snow started falling. Trenton grinned at Mandrake, glad to see snow cover their tracks. An hour later wind whipped through the jagged peaks, and the horses struggled to maintain footing up the slick path. Dismounting, the humans strapped on snow shoes and grabbed hold of straps hanging from their saddles. They continued on foot using the horses as shields against ice shards stinging their faces.
After hours of tortuous climbing, Trenton stopped near a gnarled copse of trees. They made camp and huddled together inside the tent, sleeping fitfully through the howling storm. The trees acted as a windbreak, but cold sliced through their coats as they broke camp the next morning.
“Why don’t we stay here and wait out the storm?” Andrew asked.
“We must push on!” Trenton insisted.
“Why?” Andrew asked.
Trenton frowned and Mandrake nodded. “We didn’t want to worry everyone, but we spotted riders following us out of the valley. If we use this storm to cover our trail, we might lose them.”
Andrew nodded. “I wondered why you pushed us so hard. Be careful crossing this hanging glacier. As wet spring snow accumulates atop the glacier ice, it adds extra weight over the slick surface. Any sharp sound might start an avalanche. Keep everyone quiet!”
As Andrew wrapped jangling metal parts with leather, Trenton explained the danger to the girls. The wind abated as they crested the ridge and walked single file across the rim. Andrew trusted equine instincts and allowed the horses to pick their own footing.
He stopped to consider the next section of trail. “Rope up,” he whispered. “I’ll test for hidden crevices and signal you to cross one at a time. Walk in my footsteps if I make it over.”
Lauryn caught her breath as she stared down the sheer drop. “It’s straight down.”
Trenton said, “Focus on Andrew and avoid looking down.”
Everyone nodded silently. Andrew inched his way across, using a long stick to test for holes. When he reached the other side Lauryn exhaled her breath. Andrew motioned.
Trenton said, “Step in his footsteps and go slowly.”
One at a time they crossed the open expanse. Trenton held the horses back until everyone made it to safety. He let the horses go just as the wind started to blow. Horse manes and tails whipped wildly as the sure-footed steeds gingerly picked their way across. On the other side, they were greeted by friendly hands stroking their twitching hides.
As the last horse arrived, Trenton started to traverse the opening. A strong gust of wind spun ice particles into the air like a cloud, and they lost sight of Trenton. When the air cleared, Trenton was gone.
Without thinking Tessa shouted, “Trenton!”
A sharp crack reverberated from the glacier and a rumble shook their feet. The horses strained to flee from the sound, and Tessa tried to run toward the last place she’d seen Trenton. Strong hands pulled her back onto the solid granite ledge.
The rumble turned into a deafening roar as an avalanche of ice and snow churned down the precipice.
“No! He can’t leave me again! Trenton, please don’t leave me alone.” Tessa cried.
“I’m right here, Tessa.” Covered with snow, Trenton pulled himself onto the rock shelf as Mandrake coiled the rope tied to his waist. The roar of the avalanche drowned the rest of his words as Tessa hugged his ice-covered chest.
They huddled against the hard rock cliff. Minutes seemed like hours until the cascade petered out. Andrew peered over the ledge and said, “That avalanche chute is just a few feet away. We’re lucky we reached solid ground.”
“We’re glad you made it, Trenton.” Mandrake pounded Trenton’s shoulder with affection. “What happened?”
“I tripped like a novice but landed a foot from the rock shelf. Without this rope, I’d be gone.”
“It’s my fault,” Tessa sobbed. “I shouted and started the avalanche. You might have been killed.”
“It’s a normal reaction, so don’t blame yourself,” Trenton sounded delighted. “I’m safe and Jarrack’s men can’t get past this slide. By the time they climb around, we’ll be too far ahead for them to catch up. I couldn’t plan a more perfect way to block the trail. Let’s get out of here before anything else happens.”
*****
The captain of the desert riders snarled, knowing the avalanche destroyed any hope of catching their quarry. His horse shied away from the terrifying sight.
“What do we do?” his men asked.
“Jarrack doesn’t abide failure. I plan to head into the wilds, where I might have a chance of staying alive.” He turned his horse downhill. “Anyone of the same mind is free to join me. If we’re very lucky, he’ll think we died in the Crags.” He tossed the flag with Jarrack’s colors into the ravine and rode back down the trail. Every man followed him.
18 ~ THE BLOODY LAKE
The steep mountains gradually turned into gentle slopes, and the snowy peaks gave way to fields of wild flowers and tender grass shoots. The humans shed thick wool garments and enjoyed the balmy spring sunshine while enticing scents of fresh grassland encouraged the horses to pick up their pace.
Rounding the bend of a granite cliff, the tired party stopped. They looked down at the Bloody Lake with its eerie castle surrounded by rusty red water. Most of them stared silently at the sight with fear in their eyes.
Tessa felt excited, eager to continue.
Trenton said, “You didn’t exaggerate, Andrew. The lake looks strange and threatening.”
“If you want to survive, we should stay clear. Jacob said men disappeared into that castle, never to be seen again.”
“I don’t mind avoiding the lake,” Mandrake said reverently. “I’ve heard the castle dwellers eat their guests and enslave their souls.”
“Do you know a safe trail around it, Andrew?” Trenton asked.
“Jacob skirted past by taking a trail to the south, but I felt something watching us until we were well past.”
“They’re watching us right now.” Tessa’s voice sounded hollow, as if she was uncomfortable talking. “Kriegen plans to meet us at the castle, so we should go inside.”
“What? Are ye daft girl?” Mandrake spouted. “I’d no more set foot on that island than sell my mother to the desert riders.”
Tessa turned a steady gaze on him and Mandrake cringed.
She said, “You’re not invited inside. Only humans who hear mindspeech can meet with the Council of Elders. The rest of you will be safer out here. Andrew, see to a secure place for the horses, unless you wish to see them on the menu. We will walk.” Tessa cocked her head as if she listened to a soft voice.
Trenton said, “Tessa, what’s got into you? You can’t go
into that place. Are you ailing child?” He touched his foster daughter’s shoulder with concern.
“It’s difficult to control this voice. Speaking out loud is new to us, but we will try to make you understand. We are called Amber. Tessa hosts our ancestor minds and yielded control of the host body so we can introduce you to the Council of Elders. We must enter the castle and petition the Elders to help fight Jarrack.” Her nose twitched as she spoke, and her eyes shifted like a predator alert to danger.
Trenton believed her. “How did Tessa come to host you, Amber?” He peered into Tessa’s eyes, trying to see the girl behind the wolf’s gaze. Amber shifted uncomfortably on the saddle.
“The host body was injured by the desert riders. Tessa found us barely alive, waiting to warn you of the ambush. She volunteered to host our minds and we agreed in order to survive. The girl is safe. Krystal’s plan depends on our successful petition to the Elders. Kriegen approaches with the sister you call Felesia, but we must approach the island before scouts seek us out. Trenton, open your mind and hear mindspeech so you can come with us.”
He frowned. “I can’t hear thoughts.”
“You have the ability; you use it to track prey and find the correct trail.”
“That might be true but I’ve never heard voices.”
“Can we touch your mind and help you hear?” He nodded and Amber gazed into Trenton’s eyes. “Relax. You must want to hear us.”
Trenton felt a featherlike touch inside his mind. Open your mind to hear our thoughts. Amber’s words sounded like an echo inside his mind.
Trenton grinned. I never thought I could do this! Can I hear others?
You have the ability but it takes time to learn. Amber’s mental voice sounded like Tessa speaking in a formal manner. The Elders respect a hunter of your reputation. We should leave.
“Andrew, Mandrake and Angela should camp above the timberline so scouts will not bother them. If we do not return within three days, go to Krystal. She’ll need your help.”