Between Darkness and the Light

by Paul T. H. Mitchener

  “Master,” a familiar voice called over to him. Nog was now sitting up and looking over to Henry, a little concerned as to why his master was not sleeping. “Master, are you in need of anything?” Henry didn’t answer him, but got up and stretched his strained limbs, walked over to where Nog was sitting, and slumped down on one of the large logs next to him. “I’m fine… thanks,” he said quietly. “Just had a bad night’s sleep, that’s all.” Nog didn’t reply, he just sat looking at his master as if he was measuring up his health. “Tell me something,” Henry said, before Nog had a chance to say anything else. The last thing he wanted now was to talk about how he felt. “Anything, master,” Nog replied. “Tell me a little about yourself and the brothers.” Nog’s large eyes looked sad on hearing the word brothers: he wasn’t aware that his master knew that he had more than one brother. “My uncle told me that you had two other brothers… What happened to them?” Nog didn’t reply straightaway: he was trying either to find the right words or the courage to speak them. He turned to face Henry with his large, sad eyes.

  “Our real names are not Nog… or Grog.” He paused. “Those names were given to us by Mr Kreedy… and for many years now we have answered to them.” He paused again. Henry sat quietly but was feeling a little guilty for asking. “My real name is Furnog and my brother’s Auragrog… We had two brothers, Grippy and Grudy.” Nog paused again as he thought back to better days. “Each of the four main elements,” he continued. “I am of fire.” Nog paused again, looking over to where his brother lay asleep. “Grog is of air, and our two other brothers were of water and earth.” He turned back to look at Henry with a sad expression on his face. “We lost Grudy and Grippy in a time when our master was Alfwald.” Henry was a little taken aback by the way Nog looked at him, directly in the face and for a brief moment, with an air of determination in his voice. “They failed their master,” he stated as if he was ashamed. He looked away and said quietly, “We failed our master.” He paused again to compose himself and turned to face Henry again. “However, I will not fail you, master… not now… not ever… nor my brother.” Henry didn’t know how to respond. Nog’s sadness was because his two dead brothers failed had Alfwald somehow, and not in their deaths.

  Henry patted Nog on the arm, still not really knowing what to say, but said reassuringly, “I know Nog and I’m grateful.” He smiled and continued. “Do you feel that your two brothers let Alfwald down somehow…? Are you ashamed?” At first Nog looked away and then replied without regaining eye contact. “Yes, master… they let our master down… when he needed them most.” He looked up with his big, brown eyes. “Alfwald liked them most… and always had them with him… Grog and me were always sent off… on errands or to deliver messages… but never to watch over him.” He paused. Speaking of the past like this was painful for him, but his master asked a question and it was his duty to answer. “Being of fire and air, Grog and me have always been stronger… but our master’s word is law and we would ask him why… even if we didn’t agree…When the attack came Grog and me was many miles away…The dark lord called lots of hideous followers.” Tears filled his eyes. “Too many… Grog and me could have protected our master but my two brothers…” He trailed off without finishing the sentence, trying to find the right words. “We lost our master to the darkness… we were not there to save him… from the darkness… from himself.”

  It was then that they both noticed that Grog was now sitting up, listening. Henry smiled to acknowledge him and then said to both, “I now know that I was wrong in trying to leave you both behind, I can see that now… But rest assured I will not try to do so again… Believe me when I say that it gives me more hope and reassurance just knowing that you will be with me when the time comes to face the darkness.” He paused. “I trust you both with my life.” Smiles beamed across both Grog and Nog’s faces. Nog suddenly got up and started a funny little jig, his tears now gone and replaced with happiness and pride. “Master will not regret,” he said, hopping around. “No regrets… master will be pleased with us,” Grog reaffirmed. However, Henry wasn’t so sure, he now understood how important it was for both of them to stand with him, but he couldn’t help but worry for their safety. However, they seemed to be so happy that he had finally accepted them, which worried him more. Surely they must know what lay ahead… But he had now resigned himself to the fact that they would not leave his side and he saw no reason for arguing the point any longer.

  CHAPTER NINE

  The night went without incident and the morning found the camp bustling with activity. There were men making up the fires so that the troops could have something hot to drink and eat, whilst others were packing away gear, making ready to leave should the order be given. Mylon was standing alone watching over his men with pride. They were well organised and well trained, but not to fight against creatures such as the one that lay only yards away. He had no idea what lay ahead of them and would never take unnecessary risks, but he knew enough to know that there was a good chance that some would not be returning home. He sighed, resigned to the fact that they would have to see things through, regardless of the loss. He was about to walk over to grab a hot drink when he got the message from a young trooper that Alk and the others had been found and were being led back to the camp, and should be with them by nightfall. Mylon gave another sigh: but a sigh of relief. But he was still concerned for their safety. He had seen for himself the hideous and repugnant creatures the dark one could call to assist him, and he would not rest until his friends were back safely.

  Elsewhere in the camp, Bree and Hazel had been busy working at healing her wing: it had proven a lot more difficult than Hazel had at first thought, but with a little time and care she was sure it would heal up completely; but for now, she had done all she could for Bree, who by now was feeling a little better in herself but definitely still not her usual bubbly self, and still not making conversation or engaging with others around her.

  Hazel looked at her softly. She knew exactly what her problems were. She was feeling the same way: they were both worried for Henry’s safety, but neither of them spoke of it. It was as though, if they said it out loud, their fears would then become reality. It was silly thinking that way. Both would watch out for him, no matter how silly or impractical it might seem to others. Sitting alone, Sophia had also kept herself to herself. Hazel had tried a number of times to engage in conversation with her, but was greeted with only short, sharp answers, so she decided to stand back and leave her be. She had learned only too well over the years when it was time to leave her sister to herself, and today was one of those days. However, it did concern her a little: every time Hazel glanced over to her, she seemed to be watching Mylon. Could it be, she wondered, could it be that Sophia had finally found a man that she had time for?

  The day seemed to drag on forever, with nothing much happening, just the usual mundane duties. Hazel, Sophia and Bree were all waiting in anticipation for news of Bert and Alk’s return. Mylon was also feeling a little impatient, so just before dusk he ordered a small company of men to patrol the perimeter of the clearing to make sure that nothing dangerous was prowling around or waiting to ambush Alk and the others on their return. It was common for patrols to let their guard down as they got closer to safety, which made it an ideal time to attack, so Mylon decided that he was taking no chances. Smiling to himself, Mylon knew that Alk would take offence to being escorted and guided back to camp, but he would have to put up with it no matter how much he moaned. The patrol he sent was smaller than he would have liked, but experience told him that the smaller the company, the easier it would be for them to stay concealed, and with their advanced hunting skills wouldn’t be seen or noticed. However, the downside to this strategy was that if they were unfortunate enough to run into one of the dark lord’s creatures, he feared that they may not be strong enough to survive the attack, despite their courage and skills.

  The rain had still held off but the clouds were now becoming heavy and low, the sky a g
rey, colourless blanket of despair. Everything around them felt cold and damp and the mood in the camp was, to say the least, low. Fortunately most of the troops were seasoned men and went about their business without complaint.

  After hours of giving orders, studying maps and discussing strategies with his commanders, Mylon finally had a little time to himself. He poured two mugs of hot broth from a large, black crock hanging over one of the fires, and made his way over to where Sophia was sitting. She had been sitting alone under a large, leafless tree for most of the day. Like the rest, she was tired and her mood was dark. However, she would never show it or admit how she felt to anyone. She had always believed that negative emotion was a sign of weakness, a weakness that was for others. She was a lady of nature, and as such should always be strong, no matter what the circumstances.

  She sat up straight and adjusted her cape and brushed back her hair as she watched Mylon approach her, surprising herself at how pleased she felt that he was joining her. Without saying anything, Mylon offered her a mug of hot broth accompanied by one of his endearing smiles and mock bow. He kicked a few stones to one side and then sat down next to her, leaning his back against the same tree and looking out at his men. “I hope this is all worth it,” he said with a resigned tone to his voice.

  Sophia turned to look at him. He looked tired and she knew that he hadn’t slept, but to her, he was as handsome as ever. “You must rest,” she replied. Mylon smiled again. “Wish I could… unfortunately I can’t… Not until Alk and our other friends are safely back…We won’t be able to make a move until then, and I’m acutely aware that time is not on our side.” He turned to look at Sophia: she was as beautiful as ever, despite her lack of sleep. Her clothes were dirty, and her damp hair hung untidily over her shoulders and stuck to her face. Sophia brushed the hair from her face again and gave a rare smile. Mylon smiled back, once more feeling the connection between them. However, even the mere thought of another woman gave him a hint of guilt. His feelings for Bree were still too strong.

  Sophia blushed and then quickly looked away when she realised what was happening. “Any idea when they will be back?” she said, clearing her throat. Mylon shrugged his shoulders. “Anytime soon, I hope.” They both took a sip from their mugs and sat wordlessly staring out into the camp. Both, for that brief moment in time, enjoyed each another’s company. It didn’t take long before Mylon fell asleep, and was now slumped over and resting his head on Sophia’s shoulder. He had even fallen asleep before he had the chance to finish his broth which Sophia gently took from his hands. She enjoyed him being so close to her and had no intention of moving until he awoke. He had a lot ahead of him and could do with resting. At one point a young guard came over to ensure he was alright, but withdrew when Sophia indicated that he was okay and not to be disturbed.

  It was early afternoon and Mylon had been asleep for just over an hour when one of the perimeter guards came rushing over, but stopped in his tracks, not knowing what to do when he saw his king asleep on Sophia’s shoulders. “What is it?” Sophia asked quietly. At first the guard hesitated to answer her, but when he saw the look on her face he bowed. “They’re here, my lady… Commander Alk and the others… they’re here.” With that, Mylon stirred and sat up sleepily. “What is it?” he asked, but then realised for himself why the guard was there.

  Without another word he was up on his feet, and slapped the young guard on the back. “Show me,” he said, heading off towards the camp. He stopped suddenly and turned to look at Sophia. The young guard stopped as well with a concerned look on his face. “Thank you, my lady… Sophia,” he said. Sophia smiled. “Thank you,” she replied, blushing. Mylon gave her one of his brightest smiles and turned to follow the guard. She watched as he disappeared: she was already feeling the loss of his touch. “Pull yourself together, woman,” she said out loud, then looked around her to see if anyone was around who could overhear her, but to her relief there wasn’t.

  The camp suddenly erupted when the sight of a weary Alk came into view. Men rushed forward to greet him as he smiled and shook hands and slapped backs in return. Moments later, Bert and Ben appeared, both a little worse for wear. As Mylon approached, his men stood to one side to allow him free access through. “Alk… you old warhorse!” Mylon shouted as he put out his arms in welcome. Alk embraced him and then stood back. “Told ya I’d be back… Can’t get rid of me that easily,” he joked. Mylon then greeted Bert by shaking hands, and then welcomed Ben. “We must talk… but before that, go and grab yourselves something to eat.” On hearing the mere mention of eating food, Ben ran over to the cooking area, sniffing up at one of the cooking pots: to him nothing was too important that couldn’t wait until he was fed. Mylon ordered one of his men to take Bert over to the fires to warm up, and to get him something hot to eat and drink. Alk nodded to Bert. “I’ll be over in a tick,” he said, and then walked to one side with Mylon.

  “I think Henry’s uncle has the spearhead,” he whispered. “The dog went on ahead of us and found him and one other heading off to a place they call the Hollows…We were on our way there when the patrol you sent out found us… Didn’t see much point in going on alone… Apparently the Hollows is a nasty place, and Bert felt it best we took a few more men with us if we’re to go after them.” He paused and looked over to where Bert was being served up a bowl of broth. “Quite a formidable man, that one,” he said, indicating to Bert. “So if he says it’s a nasty place… I, for one, believe him.” Mylon gave him one of his smiles. “Eat first, my friend… we’ll talk later.” Alk curled up his nose. “What is that bloody smell…? I hope it’s not what’s cooking.” Mylon smiled again. “It’s the black creature… it’s over there,” he said, pointing to somewhere just out of sight. “Lady Hazel and Bree killed it the night before last.” Mylon could see the look of disbelief on Alk’s face. “But I’m afraid, old friend, it’s far too big to cook,” he said jokingly.

  “Couldn’t ya at least have found elsewhere to set up camp?” Alk grunted as he made his way over to where Bert was sitting, who by now was already tucking into a bowl of broth. Mylon remained smiling as he watched his old friend lumber over to the fires. He was so relieved that Alk was back, but that didn’t help the fact that they still weren’t sure where the spearhead was or the whereabouts of young Henry. He had a number of scouting parties out, so he hoped that at least one of them would run into them. He hesitated for a moment, having no real idea what to do next. He had only two options and they were to stay where they were and hope that Henry’s uncle brought them the spearhead, or to break camp and go looking for them. He sighed and looked over to where Bree was sitting with Hazel, still yearning to be with her. However, he knew that the more he gave into his feelings, the harder it would be in the long run; so, instead of his overwhelming urge to join them, he walked over to join Alk and the others instead.

  Ben was enjoying his second bowl of broth and had no intention of engaging in conversation with anyone until he had finished. “He’s an annoying individual,” Alk grunted, referring to Ben. “Will only speak when he’s good and ready… and even then tells ya only what he wants.” Mylon smiled. “He’s always been like that… but he’ll be the first one there if you were in real need.” He looked around the camp: all the woodland guardians were there, the two sisters and the odd couple, Bert and Ben. “They all would… they’re the best allies anyone could ask for.” He patted Alk on the back. “Eat up, we have a lot to discuss.” With that, Mylon retired to a quiet spot and sat down and closed his eyes for a moment alone, but not to rest: he needed a little time to think. He had hoped that they would have returned with the spearhead. He knew that Henry was strong enough to face the darkness without it, but it was the only weapon known that could harm him, and who knew where it was now? It could even be in the hands of Alfwald. He dismissed the thought in a heartbeat: he needed to stay focused and negative thinking wouldn’t help.

  It was late evening and the hazy sun had disappeared sometime ago, leavin
g a damp, moonless, heavily clouded black night. Most of the camp had been settled for a while and Mylon was thinking of settling in himself when one of the scouting parties returned from their patrol. The main body of them headed directly to the fires for warmth, whilst the leader went to find Mylon. However, Alk had noticed them first and rushed over before he had a chance to find him. “Well!?” he barked. “We’ve found them, sir.” Alk grabbed the poor man by the shoulders, making him jump. “Who!?” he shouted. Mylon joined them almost immediately. “Put the poor follow down… you’ll frighten the wits out of him.” Alk did as he was ordered, but by the look on his face made it obvious that he didn’t like being ordered to do so. “Now then… Barhador, isn’t it?” Mylon said calmly. The young officer nodded. “Yes, my lord.” “Well, young Barhador, what do you have to report?” The young officer took a deep breath. “My lord, we found the host master and his company just a few miles west of here… I have left two of my men with them to guide them back here… They should be here within the hour.”

  On noticing the return of one of the patrols and the rushed conversation between Mylon and the young officer, Hazel knew that they had found something. “My boy,” she said, standing up. She hesitated for a moment: perhaps it was bad news, she thought to herself, but whatever the news, she needed to know. She ran over to where Mylon and the others were still in deep conversation. Bree close behind her. “Are they all alright…? My boy, I mean,” Hazel said with an air of urgency in her voice. Mylon calmly put his hand up and smiled. The young officer nodded, indicating that he was fine. “Well, man… who’s with him?” Alk barked again. Mylon shot Alk a quick glance then looked back to Barhador. “The two brothers… Grog and Nog and an older man… I’ve never seen him before.” He looked to Alk and then back to Mylon. “Sorry, my lord, I’ve no idea who he is, so I quietly instructed my men to keep an eye on him.” Mylon smiled and patted the young man on the back. “Good work… Go join your men… We may speak later.”