As he was riding, Ayron reached his mind out attempting to contact Keroc to see how Thane and Elwyn were progressing. He was pleased and relived to hear that they were already traveling north, after camping for the night. He tried to impress upon Thane, during their one-on-one discussion in Tarlon, the importance of reaching Kren as quickly as possible. He was absolutely sure that some type of assassination attempt would be made during their travels; he just had no idea what kind or when. His niece had already suffered so many traumas in the past twenty-four hours that he tried hard not to make it any worse by providing her with so much information that she saw imaginary enemies at every turn. He was also pleased to hear that Thane and Elwyn were getting along so well.
He’d been torn about whether to send Thane or Alea along with Elwyn for the journey. They were both equal in strength and fighting ability, with Alea the stronger archer and Thane slightly better with a sword. Although both elves, Alea seemed to be much more personable so that coupled with the fact that she was a female almost led him to choose her to accompany Elwyn. In the end though, he chose Thane because he’d been through some training in combating shadow squads. Thane was very quiet and sometimes it took a lot of persuasion for him to speak about nonmilitary topics. He was ferocious in battle, however, and there was no one else he would have trusted any more with the wellbeing of his niece.
As he rode along the trade route the night before, Keroc sent him several mental images of Thane and Elwyn deep in discussion, setting up camp, and finally of him keeping watch over them while they slept. He tried hard to convey to Keroc what a find job he was doing and how proud he was of him. At some point after that, Ayron fell asleep in his saddle, not to wake until the wagon wheel broke. Between dealing with the attackers and overseeing the repairs, Ayron had been too busy to check in with Keroc. He also assumed that Thane and Elwyn were probably asleep and there would be little to report. After the repairs were complete and they were underway again, Ayron tried reaching out with his mind to his little drakenhawk again. He found Keroc a bit bored watching his two charges sleeping peacefully. Ayron filled him in on all of their recent activities and in return, Keroc sent him some images of the location where they were camped. Ayron was pleased to see that Thane was following his advice about keeping to the open areas and avoiding deep shadows.
After breaking off contact with Keroc, Ayron started worrying about the fact that Elwyn and Thane hadn’t been attacked yet. Normally this would be good news, but these weren’t normal times or normal conditions. If the attack yesterday was instigated by Stefan, there would definitely be more attacks coming. The question was only where and when. Ayron began to laugh at himself. He was so worried about Elwyn becoming paranoid, that he decided to take over the job for her. It was definitely time to take a small break and get some rest. The bad thing about spending so many hours in the saddle was that it allowed a person way too much time to think. He eased Gerrack into a slow trot to help distract himself from his dark thoughts. As he crested a small hill, Ayron spotted a stream in the distance that looked like a suitable place for them to eat a morning meal and take on fresh water. There was also some grass where the morden and horses could graze. Ayron gave his soldiers the signal to stop and make camp.
Everyone in their little group seemed very grateful for the chance to stop for a meal, stretch their legs, and refresh themselves. It had been a long time since any one of them had adequate rest and they were all weary. As Ayron’s men set up the camp and built a fire, he went over to speak with Clayre, who was down by the small stream getting some water for Rhys.
“Clayre, could I speak with you for a moment,”
“Can it wait for a bit, Ayron,” asked Clayre, turning to look up at him. Seeing the grave look on his face, she put down her bowl and rose to face him.
“What is it Ayron, what’s wrong? Is it Elwyn?”
“No, everything is just fine with her and Thane. Keroc says that there has been no sign that they are being followed. They got up early this morning and are already traveling north on the trail again. I’m actually worried because there hasn’t been any sign of pursuit. It is very unlike Stefan not to strike again quickly if his first attempt fails. Both of our groups are getting far enough away from Avrelan that his only alternative might be to send a shadow squad to attack us. I am fairly sure that will be the next type of attack on either one, or both of our groups. I wasn’t sure how much of my concerns I should share with Rhys. I would feel terrible if I caused him to lie there focusing all his energy on the dangers to Elwyn or us, instead of on healing from his injury. It makes it difficult to know what to say when I see him each day.”
“Well Ayron, I have found that it never works to try to keep information from Rhys or to try to deceive him, even if I think it’s for his own good. Somehow the man always seems to know. He has an uncanny sense about these things,” she said looking upset, but in control of her emotions. “I will take this water to him, clean and change his dressing, and then I will help your cook prepare a hearty breakfast. To be honest, worry is written all over your face, so when he asks you what is wrong, I would tell him the truth if I were you. If not, you stand to lose the trust you’ve gained, and right now that would probably harm his health as much as hearing your news. You might start with the good news though.”
After saying her piece, Clayre left Ayron and walked away toward where Rhys lay resting under a small tree. Clayre was true to her word, and a hearty breakfast was waiting for the soldiers by the time they’d seen to their mounts and washed up a bit at the stream. Everyone ate in silence, just enjoying the good food and the brief rest from the jostling and bouncing of travel. Ayron was certain that he was not the only member of their group that wished the camp time could be extended, for even a few hours. But it was critical they reach Port Strabo before they had any more problems with the wagon. Ayron wasn’t sure if they had enough skill or sufficient lumber to repair the wagon if one of the wheels or the framework broke again before they reached their destination. Keeping the wagon moving was crucial since Rhys was in no condition to be moved any other way. So regretfully after about an hour, Ayron signaled his men to break camp and prepare to move on. Shortly before he was ready to issue the command to move forward, Clayre signaled him to come over to the wagon.
Ayron walked toward where they sat feeling as if his feet were made of lead. Rhys tilted his head up and gave him a concerned look.
“It’s unlike you to stay so distant elf, unless you have some bad news to tell,” he growled, more than said. “Besides, Clayre here has been more nervous than a bride on her wedding night. How are my niece and that soldier guarding her getting along? It’s been a long time since we’ve received an update from that bird of yours,” Rhys said gruffly. “I saw you talking to Clayre by the water, and she told me that Elwyn is fine but I know that there is something else and she is as tight lipped as can be and won’t say a word on the subject. I need to know what is going on. Please be straight with me elf,” Rhys said worriedly. “That child is all I have in the world.”
“I give you my word Rhys that I won’t lie to you, even if it is bad news,” said Ayron slowly gathering his thoughts. “Please don’t worry about Elwyn and Thane. They are both doing well and already traveling again this morning.”
“Well then, why do you seem so troubled and look so glum. You look as if you’ve just lost your best friend and whatever you said to Clayre has her looking about the same. I feared the worst just looking at the two of you. What is it that’s bothering you, elf?”
“The good news is that Keroc is busy scouting the area in front of and behind the two of them as they travel and has detected no sign of danger. I don’t know if I am agitated for no reason, but I think that it is extremely strange that there hasn’t been an attempt to attack them yet. You know Stefan better than I do, and I think it is very unlikely that he isn’t aware by now that we’ve split up. As much as I despise the man, he is a brilliant military strategist.”
“Well, if we assume the best possible scenario, which would be that none of his men made it back, given the importance of the targets and knowing Stefan as you do, wouldn’t you think he would send more men to find out what happened, and to strike again if it was discovered that the first group failed?”
“But don’t you think that was the group that attacked us last night, elf? What is it that really has you so glum this bright sunny morning?”
“I realize that I may be seeing ghosts where there aren’t any,” Ayron said shaking his head in puzzlement. “I am just afraid that by now it’s likely that Stefan is aware that we have split up and will hire a shadow squad to use against one or both of our groups. They are the only assassins that can travel swiftly enough to overtake us and that is the one type of attack that none of us is prepared or properly trained to deal with.”
Ayron could see that Rhys was getting paler and increasingly agitated as he spoke. He tried hard to think of anything he could say to comfort the gravely injured man.
“Look, there is no sense in getting upset about things that might go wrong. We have our hands full with just getting to our destinations intact. So far, Elwyn and Thane have had no trouble and seem to be making excellent progress. They have also been spending time planning and strategizing what they would do if they were attacked. They are both aware of the danger and plan to be prepared if the worst were to happen. Thane is my best warrior and strategist. He has received some training in fighting these assassins. You should also remember to give your niece some credit. According to Thane, she seems to be a very resourceful young woman, and not without considerable skill. You raised her well, Rhys,” Ayron added with a smile. “Maybe we should all have a little more faith in her.”
“Ayron, why can’t you just leave us with your men and go after them? In my mind, that would pretty much guarantee that they would survive any circumstances.” Rhys said, frantically trying to lift his head from the pillow.
“There is a part of me that would love to do just that Rhys, but I promised Elwyn that I would personally see you and Clayre to safety. That is the only reason I’m staying. She would never forgive me if I abandoned you and took off after her. That means that I must get you to Amarni as quickly as I can. You have my promise that I will travel and push my men as fast as you are able to safely be moved, so that I can leave you and go after her.”
Rhys laid his head back down, obviously exhausted, and Clayre signaled Ayron to go. He quickly mounted Gerrack, signaled his men to mount up, and the small group continued their journey toward Port Strabo. He looked over at the wagon from time to time and saw Clayre leaning over Rhys and talking softly to him as they traveled. Ayron had two of his soldiers ride ahead and look for any danger that might lie in wait on the trail ahead of them.
They traveled another four hours before he began to smell sea salt in the breezes that swirled in the air around them. In about thirty minutes more they were able to see the towering walls of Port Strabo in the distance. He signaled his soldiers to stop and set up camp in a clearing that surrounded a small pond. The clearing was just above the beach and about a mile outside the city itself. Within the hour, they had everything unpacked, a fire was blazing, and he was busy giving orders to the soldiers who were going into the city to replenish their supplies and purchase a new wagon.
Ayron divided the purchases that needed to be made among three of his soldiers. Stuart would take Tomak and purchase a sturdy wagon that would carry Rhys and Clayre safely through the rest of the journey to Amarni. He was also to try to find a more comfortable harness for Tomak to wear and perhaps a pad, so that the leather did not chafe his hide as he pulled the wagon. Alea was to buy additional weapons for the soldiers, replace some of the arrows they’d lost, and have some of their swords sharpened by the weaponsmith. While taking an inventory of their arms, Ayron discovered that none of their archers had a full quiver of arrows left, and many of them were short one if not both of the small daggers they normally carried. In retrospect, if saving Rhys’ and Elwyn from danger cost him a few lost weapons and arrows, it had been a very low price to pay and one he would willingly pay again. But because they were stopping here in Port Strabo, he planned to take the opportunity to replenish their supplies.
Kormir, another of Ayron’s men, would seek out and purchase any foodstuffs that they would need to last them until they reached Amarni. Ayron advised him to purchase extra fresh vegetables and fruit to supplement their meals, thinking that it would help Rhys gain strength and heal faster. Clayre, who was also helping with the cooking, gave Kormir a shopping list as well. Ayron was planning to take Clayre into the city so that she could replenish her medical supplies and make any other purchases she felt she needed to properly care for Rhys. While they were gone, there would be ten of his soldiers, including Galdor his healer, to watch over and protect Rhys. Before they left for the city, Ayron discussed with them the need to hurry and requested that they return to the camp in three hours time.
All of the shoppers reported that their time in the city passed quickly, but within minutes of the requested deadline, everyone returned to the camp loaded down with their purchases. Ayron was anxious to have an evening meal and then set out again for Amarni, riding through the night. The camp was a busy place, full of the movements and the noises of each person going about his or her assigned tasks. The sky was filling up with large black clouds moving in from the water and forming over the city; hovering there like a dark mantle. Ayron was hoping that they could finish stowing their purchases, have a hot meal, and get underway so that they could travel out of the range of the fury he felt brewing in the approaching storm. He was pleased to see that the supplies were loaded quickly, and in short order a quick meal was prepared by Kormir with Clayre’s assistance. Galdor reported to Ayron and Clayre that Rhys had been sleeping peacefully all afternoon. He told Clayre that he was actually surprised that Rhys hadn’t woken, even to ask for her. Clayre explained that before she left for the city, she explained to Rhys that she would be going to the city to shop for several hours. She also let him know that Ayron would be going with her to keep her safe, so he wouldn’t worry about her. That news seemed to satisfy him and he fell asleep before she’d even left his side.
As they sat around the fire waiting for the evening meal to finish cooking, Ayron quickly checked in with Keroc, who seemed a bit reluctant to talk. He did communicate to Ayron that Thane and Elwyn had set up camp for the evening and were busy preparing an evening meal. Ayron could almost feel hunger pangs as the drakenhawk explained that he was on his way to hunt for the first time in three days. Ayron, not wishing to distract him, wished him good hunting and promised to check in with him later that evening. He shared the news with Clayre as she busied herself putting the finishing touches on the meal. She then sat and ate her evening meal with Ayron and his soldiers, enjoying the companionship and soaking up the many complements about her wonderful cooking skills.
Chapter 15 – Nightmare in the Shadows
While Elwyn and Thane waited for their dinner to finish and Keroc to return, they laid out their bed pads, and looked at Ayron’s map trying to identify how far they still were from Kren. It was difficult to estimate the distance because there were no identifiable villages or points on the map between Tarlon and Kren; just a small dotted line that tended to meander. Based on Thane’s best calculations, it looked as if they could arrive in Kren by evening meal the following day, if they woke early and traveled steadily throughout the day. The sun was setting and darkness was slowly creeping into the small clearing where they were camped. Elwyn was a bit unnerved at how many shadows surrounded them and it was all she could do to not reach out to Keroc, if for nothing else to feel his presence. If Thane felt the same way, he was keeping it to himself. He spent the time, while waiting for thei
r dinner to finish, sitting on a large rock and softly humming, while sharpening his short sword with a whetstone. Elwyn also noticed that he kept his bow and quiver full of arrows within arm’s reach.
When the evening meal was finished cooking, Thane and Elwyn ate their carefully prepared supper in silence; both of them lost in their own thoughts. He was focused on trying to determine where the most likely areas for attack were located; and she, not wanting to say anything to disturb or upset him, sat going over the fighting and defense strategies they discussed earlier in the day. After dinner, she quickly washed off their dishes in the nearby pond, checked on the morden, and lay down on her bed pad to rest. Neither of them had any idea how long it would take Keroc to hunt, so they agreed to each take two-hour watches until he returned. As she lay trying to relax her aching muscles from the long day of travel, she became aware of how alone she felt knowing Keroc was no longer with them, listening and watching. She was amazed at how fast she’d gotten used to his presence in her mind. Just as she started to drift off to sleep, she heard Gemma and Raffe neighing, snorting, and stomping their hooves. Elwyn tensed. This wasn’t normal behavior for Gemma. Not wanting to alarm Thane, she rose, said she couldn’t sleep, and was going check on the morden one more time.
As she started to walk out into the small meadow, Thane reminded her to take along her weapons. She was tired, irritable, and almost blurted out a sarcastic comment at his remark. As she felt the words rise into her throat, she stifled the urge, knowing that his only interest was her welfare. After all, he’d made it clear while they were talking earlier, that in order to assure her safety, he would need to help her learn how to protect herself. This was most likely one of those lessons. So she walked back to her bed pad, picked up her bow and quiver, shoved her short sword into the scabbard on her belt, and began jogging over to where the morden were tethered. As she jogged, the hair on the back of her neck and her forearms began to stand on end. Something was wrong. She felt it in every fiber of her being. Her first thought was that either a bear or a pack of wolves wandered into the meadow, but she really didn’t think that any forest creature would have caused Gemma to react so.
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