The Ladder: Part 1

by David Hodges

  Cameron looked to Alviva and Daniel. “Are you two coming?”

  “If you’d like,” said Daniel.

  “Of course, hold on a moment, let me get Ionga.”

  As they waited for the iron gate to be drawn up, a man and three wolves approached Faron. Cameron recognized him as one of the Laochra who had first found him by the old castle.

  Cameron noticed that his wolves’ faces looked as if they had been cut up badly; the wounds looked to be about a week old. They were no longer scabbed, but fresh pink skin and missing fur marked where they had been cut. He saw that one of the wolves had a black face and dark gray fur, his snout slightly wider than the others, more like a dog’s.

  Faron said, “Those scars look fresh. What happened to them?”

  “Ah... just a bit too reckless in the brush. They didn’t hurt our eyes, though.”

  “Must’ve been quite the bush,” Daniel remarked.

  Faron said, “You were on watch last night, weren’t you? You should be resting.”

  “There’s time for that. Ayalon’s informed me you’ll be hunting. Don’t mind if I join you, do you?” The man was not looking Faron in the eyes as he spoke.

  Faron looked confused by the request. “If you wish.”

  “Aren’t you going to introduce me?” asked Aatu.

  “Of course. Cameron, Daniel, this is Aatu, one of our captains.”

  The man turned toward Cameron. His eyes were a uniform bluish-gray, with no pupils to be seen. Cameron had seen eyes like his before, a blind beggar in Leicester if he recalled correctly.

  Cameron realized that Aatu was holding his hand out, though it was not extended directly at him. He reached toward it and shook hands. “Pleasure to meet you, sir.”

  The man nodded. The gate finished opening and the large hunting group set off.

  “I think we’ve got enough guards,” muttered Daniel as he walked with Alviva and Cameron at his side. Behind them, the Laochra’s armor and weapons clanged as they walked.

  Cameron replied, “We’ll be hard pressed going unnoticed by a deer.”

  Faron caught up to them and pointed up at the patchy forest canopy. Cameron’s eagle was flying directly above them. “Why don’t you ask your friend to help us find the nearest herd?”

  Cameron was used to tracking deer himself or with Boman. It was half the enjoyment of the hunt, but he was curious to try. He wondered how the eagle’s eyes matched up against Boman’s nose. He summoned the eagle successfully, then sent him off with the mission.

  As the group ambled forward, Alviva said to Cameron, “Have you given any thought to the Samhain?”

  The Samhain, it was all anyone was talking about the last few days. “I have. I’ll sit out, watching should be plenty of excitement for me.”

  Daniel said, “Oh, c’mon, Cameron, you’d do great. Hazel won’t stop complaining about how she wishes she was practiced enough to compete... but you, you’ve got as much experience as any of these lot.”

  Cameron replied, “Not in the same way. That’s not it, though. I’m just not in the mood for games.”

  Daniel thought for a moment. “I know it’s awful of me to bring this up, but it could persuade Ayalon to let you go out with a patrol.”

  Cameron looked to Alviva. “You think that’s true?”

  She replied, “If you do well.”

  Cameron’s interest was piqued. “I’ll think about it.” He was yearning to get out of the village walls, hunting deer was one thing, hunting Einar was another.

  Daniel sighed. “Better than no, I suppose.”

  They continued on for a few minutes until the eagle returned, landing on a low branch. Cameron approached the eagle, then focused and touched him.

  Through the eagle, he saw his fresh memories of the thinning, orange canopy beneath him. He was looking down from far above. A couple dozen reddish brown animals were beneath him. They appeared first as small specks, blending in well with the leaves. The canopy rushed toward him as the eagle dove down. The animals came into focus, revealing a large herd of deer. The eagle banked backward directly toward the sun that was high above the horizon. He flew straight forward until he arrived above the hunting party. Cameron could see himself looking up at the eagle descended to a branch. He let go of the eagle.

  He let go of the bird. “Due east.”

  They continued on for a few minutes until Cameron noticed a small flock of geese ahead. He stopped with the others.

  “We could take one of them instead?” said Daniel.

  Before Cameron could consider it, he noticed Aatu’s wolves spreading out as they continued ahead slowly, their heads hung low. They continued toward the geese, spreading wider apart and crouching lower to the ground. The darkest of the wolves waited straight ahead in a deep crouch as his pack flanked the geese, then all three began converging on them, their bodies only inches off the ground.

  When they were only a few yards away from the oblivious geese, something tan colored dashed down from a tree and snatched one of the geese, sending the rest of the flock into the air in a panic.

  Cameron realized that it was a large cat holding the limp goose’s neck in its mouth as it ran up a tree. The stunned wolves ran to the base of the tree and clawed at the bark as they stood on their hind legs, the cat and goose just out of their reach. Cameron could hear their snarls in the distance.

  Faron was smiling at the smug lynx waiting patiently for a quiet meal. They continued toward the lynx and the wolves and Aatu called his pack away as they went ahead to find the herd.

  A short while later, Faron said, “We shouldn’t go much farther than this.”

  Cameron replied, “I think we’re close, just a couple more minutes. If we don’t see them we can head back.”

  Just as Cameron finished the sentence, one of Aatu’s wolves bolted off.

  “He’s caught a scent,” said Aatu.

  “Should we follow?” asked Daniel.

  “No, he’ll return if he finds them.”

  They continued for another hundred yards or so when the herd of deer came into sight.

  “Where’s your wolf?” asked Faron.

  “Don’t know,” said Aatu flatly.

  Faron said, “Well, Cameron, would you like to take a shot?”

  “Aye, but not alone. Daniel take aim at the nearest hind. I’d like to try the signaling arrow.”

  “I dunno, it’s a long shot,” said Daniel.

  “If you miss, I’ll have a moving target to practice on,” replied Cameron as he pulled Ionga off his shoulder and drew his signaling arrow.

  “Suit yourself.” Daniel nocked an arrow and waited for Cameron’s signal.

  Faron said, “Make sure you know where that arrow lands, would be a shame to lose it.”

  Cameron nodded. “When they hear the arrow, take your shot.”

  Daniel nodded, then took aim and waited.

  “Too high,” Alviva said as she stood next to Daniel.

  He smiled and lowered his bow a bit.

  “Perfect.”

  Cameron loosed his newly cured arrow. It wobbled through the air with a loud screech and hit a tree not more than twenty yards away.

  The deer stopped and lifted their heads, looking straight at Daniel. Daniel released an arrow at the same instant that the herd scrambled. It sunk to the dirt and leaves. “You did that on purpose,” said Daniel.

  Cameron laughed and said, “No, I promise. It’s a rotten arrow.” He went to get his faulty arrow out of the tree, and as he was returning to the group, he heard a howl.

  The howling turned to barking and grew louder until Aatu’s wolf returned. He continued barking, beckoning them in his direction. Aatu said, “He’s seen something. Come, quickly.”

  They followed after Aatu and his wolves. They were moving swiftly, weaving through the woods. Cameron was surprised at how easily Aatu navigated the terrain despite his blindness. Aatu and the wolves stopped ahead.

  When Cameron caught up, he was paralyzed b
y the sight before him.

  Alviva’s mother was crouched over her bloody husband’s body. She was weeping. The man’s skin was pale, his gaze lifeless. A dart was embedded in his neck.

  “Father! Alviva screamed as she dropped her bow and ran to her mother and father. She quickly ascertained his state and held her mother close as she joined her in sorrow.

  Faron said to the guards, “Notify Ayalon at once.” He looked to Alviva’s mother. “Clara, what happened here?”

  With her red and watery eyes, she glanced toward Aatu, then back at Faron.

  In between sobs, Alviva’s mother said, “I found him like this. He was on watch last night. I searched all morning for him until one of his owls led me here.” She looked toward an owl perched on a branch.

  “Did the owl see what happened?” asked Faron.

  She shook her head.

  Cameron noticed another large white owl on the ground a few yards away, its body was stiff and stained in red. Loose feathers were scattered around it.

  Aatu said, “The dart, it’s one of Einar’s.”

  Faron went to Otus’s body and removed the dart. He put the dart in his pocket and as he put a hand on Clara’s shoulder, he said, “Aatu, why don’t you escort Daniel and Cameron back to the gate. I’ll stay here and speak with Clara and Alviva.”

  “No!” Clara screamed as she stood and recoiled from Faron’s touch. She regained her composure, then lifted Alviva up from her father’s side. “We’re going home.”

  Cameron was shocked and the defiant outburst.

  As Alviva walked by Daniel with her mother, she fell into his arms, sobbing with her face buried in his shoulder. Daniel said nothing as he held her.

  Cameron searched for some way to help, to comfort her, but he was at a loss, crippled by the calamity.

  Alviva left with her mother and one of the Laochra.

  Faron examined Otus’s corpse. He lifted a bloody arm, its flesh was torn open.

  Daniel said, “That wound wasn’t inflicted by a weapon.”

  Aatu said, “No, it wasn’t... teeth and claws did that, sharp ones.”

  Cameron asked, “Do you think Einar commanded an animal to do this?”

  Faron shook his head. “Einar would not have killed a single Laochra without reason... a Creach was responsible for this.”

  “How can you be so certain?” said Aatu.

  “It brings him no closer to the Spheres or the Ladder, it would be an unnecessary risk,” replied Faron.

  “Perhaps Einar’s allies are responsible,” said Aatu.

  “Are you suggesting that Laochra are helping him?” asked Cameron.

  Aatu replied, “Just a guess. Faron, I know you and Otus were close. Perhaps you discussed something with him that might help us understand why this has happened?”

  Faron stiffened, the color faded from his cheeks. He did not reply. He looked to Cameron and Daniel. “Aatu and I will handle this. Go back to the gate.”

  22

  HAZEL

  Hazel finished off her oatmeal and sweet cream, then took a final bite of bacon. She did not think it was possible to be better fed than she was at the Lewin farm, but the kitchen in the Den was on another level in both the quantity and selection of foods they offered. It was a good thing, her appetite necessitated every bite she consumed. With the hours of training she put in everyday, she found herself constantly famished.

  Fergus, Daniel, and Cameron were all finishing their meals at the table as well.

  “I’ve been reading up on the Samhain,” said Fergus with a mouthful of sausage and potatoes.

  “Really?” said Daniel, intrigue absent in his voice as he focused on his spoonful of oatmeal.

  Fergus nodded eagerly. “Before the Athraithe were unified in Talamh, the Samhain brought together all of the settlements that were spread throughout Europe. The tourneys were extremely competitive then, combatants fought on behalf of their Cineáls. There’s still a bit of that rivalry left today, but nothing like it used to be. The fighting was vicious, they had to ban changing during the duels. It was too dangerous.”

  Hazel was surprised the tourneys could have been any more competitive than today given all the hype amongst the Laochra.

  Cameron said, “I can’t believe they’re going through with this festival. It’s a bad idea and inappropriate given the circumstances.”

  Just when Hazel thought Cameron was settling in, his apprehensions had returned to the forefront with the murder of Alviva’s father.

  “It’s their biggest event of the year, can’t expect them to ruin it for the entire village,” said Fergus.

  “I’d expect them to show respect. A man has been murdered... hardly two days have passed and all anyone will talk about is the Samhain.”

  “Half the village has already attended his wake. I’m sure many more will be at the funeral today,” said Hazel.

  “And then what? We just act like it never happened and go on our merry way? There’s a murderer out there intent on taking over the entire village. I don’t think a celebration is in order.”

  Daniel said, “Cameron, it’s tradition. Alviva said the Samhain has gone on through wars. It’s not an insult to his memory to carry on with it. In fact, she said it’s meant to honor the dead, her father loved the Samhain, he would want it to go on.”

  Cameron continued, “I just don’t like the way all of this is being handled... the way it feels. Even amongst the Laochra, it’s as if there’s no real concern about Einar, no impetus.”

  “They seem pretty concerned by the idea of you being captured by him,” said Daniel.

  “Aye, but that’s all. You’ve seen the search parties that go out, a handful of men at a time. Why aren’t they sending half of the guard out?”

  Hazel said, “Talamh would be vulnerable if they did.”

  “You get my point, the lack of urgency is undeniable.”

  Hazel replied, “Is it, though? There’s only so much they can do, we have to help them find the Sphere. That’s the solution, that’s how we stop Einar.”

  “So what if it’s found? He can still come after it, he’s still a threat, and now it’s clear that there are others helping him. We’d just be telling him where it is. The only real solution is to find him.”

  Daniel said, “Maybe you’re right, but say he’s forced to come after the Spheres in the village. What better way to stop him than right here with the whole of the guard?”

  Hazel said, “Besides, you keep forgetting... if we find the Sphere, he won’t have any need for Alexandra, that’s the whole point... that’s why we’re still here.”

  Cameron replied, “Why would he risk letting her go? If we do find the Sphere, he’s just as likely to kill her as he is to free her.”

  Fergus said, “Maybe not, she’s a pretty lass.”

  Hazel punched him in the shoulder harder than she meant to.

  Daniel said “It is possible he’d want to keep her as a ransom. Perhaps he’s using her to lure you out, for now... but should we find the Sphere. He could still have use with her if he could trade her for it.”

  Hazel said, “There’s no way Ayalon would make that trade.” She looked to Cameron. “Sorry.”

  Cameron seemed to be contemplating Daniel’s suggestion. “Perhaps it won’t be up to Ayalon,” Cameron muttered.

  Hazel said, “What? You’ll make the trade? You know we can’t let him have it.”

  “What’s it to us if he gets the bloody Sphere!” Cameron erupted.

  Hazel was taken aback by the sudden outburst.

  He calmed down as he looked up behind Hazel and seemed to recognize someone.

  Hazel turned to see Elisedd approaching.

  “Sorry to interrupt,” said Elisedd.

  “Don’t be,” said Hazel.

  “I was just wondering if any of you would like to come see the games they’ve set up for the Samhain.”

  Fergus said, “I thought the tourneys didn’t start until tomorrow?”

&nb
sp; “Oh, they don’t, these are just fun and games anyone can play at.”

  “That sounds delightful,” said Hazel. She looked to the others at the table. “Who else is coming?” She made a point not to look at Cameron.

  Cameron looked to Daniel and rose. “We’ve got a funeral to attend.”

  Daniel said, “Thanks for the offer. Perhaps we’ll see you at the opening ceremony tonight.” He followed Cameron out of the Den.

  “Well, I’ll come with you, Hazel, if you don’t mind,” said Fergus.

  “Of course.” She looked to Elisedd and asked, “When do we leave?”

  “Soon as you’re ready.”

  Hazel weaved through the crowds of people packed between tables and stands that were set up in the pasture, just past the edge of the woods near the quarry. In front of her, Fergus stopped at a large, crowded stand where Elisedd was speaking with the bartender. He looked over to Hazel and shouted, “Would you like a pint?”

  Hazel shook her head and gave him a light wave to decline the offer politely. She had yet to acquire the taste of ale despite her Daniel and Fergus’s best efforts.

  Fergus sniffed the drink that Elisedd was encouraging him to try. He took a swig and looked satisfied with the beverage as he clinked his mug against Elisedd’s.

  The three of them continued through the vendors’ stands until they reached one where a small wooden statue in the shape of a man was resting on a table. A customer was posing in front of the miniature sculpture in the same stance. A ferret rested on his shoulder.

  A woman was intently focused on him with her hand on the table.

  Hazel walked closer to the woman and the sculpture until she was close enough to make out the details of its surface. She realized it was not wooden, at least not on the surface. A mass of miniscule, light brown insects were attached to it. Each of them were moving slightly to create a fluid appearance on the surface. Many more were crawling on the tabletop.

  “Are those termites?” asked Fergus.

  Elisedd nodded and pointed toward the woman who was focused on the man in front of her. “She’s using Éirí.”

  She had a vacant stare. Her eyes were engulfed entirely in dark brown with no visible pupils.