by A. C. Cobble
“This road runs east-west, I think,” said Ben.
“That means there is a crossroads,” groaned Amelie. “They could go any direction.”
“They didn’t,” declared Ben. “They’ll go east to Irrefort. The only question is have they already passed here?”
Amelie didn’t argue but she didn’t have an answer. They stood for precious moments, torn with indecision.
“If we go the wrong way, we may never catch them,” fretted Amelie.
“We have to decide,” responded Ben.
But they didn’t. The cold wind brought the creak of wooden wheels. Ben and Amelie turned to stare down the road. In the black night, they couldn’t see the wagon until it was two-dozen paces from them, moving slowly and steadily.
Five paces away, the driver hauled back on the harness and the wagon rolled to a stop.
“You know any good taverns around here?” croaked the voice of the driver.
A door slammed open. A shrill cry, “Why are we stopping?”
“We found what we’re looking for,” answered Rhys.
Pouring Rain
On the black road, a quarter league from Morwith, Ben got a crushing bear hug from his friend. Amelie was clutched by Corinne. Ben heard tiny sniffles emanating from one of them. He would never ask which. Lady Towaal looked on dispassionately.
“This is lovely,” stated the mage, “but it’s not yet time to stop. This night is full of danger. We have to keep moving.”
Rhys snorted. “That’s a bit melodramatic, isn’t it? Nothing out here they aren’t already running from.”
Towaal grunted. “We need to get going.”
“As you wish,” responded Rhys, only a sliver of sarcasm edging his voice. “Ben, you want to ride up front? This tiny cart you procured is going to get tight with four of you in there.”
“Of course,” agreed Ben. He gripped the bench and hauled himself up.
“Run into some trouble?” asked Rhys.
Ben looked at him.
“Just kidding,” continued Rhys with a grin. “We heard.”
Ben settled on the hard wood while Rhys clambered up beside him. The rogue handed Ben the reins then dug out his flask. “You’re driving.”
Ben could only shake his head while he gathered up the harness. When he heard the door close at the back of the wagon, he snapped the lead, and they lurched into motion.
There were a lot of questions. Ben started with, “Why do you have my cart?”
Rhys took a sip of his flask. “Well, that’s a bit of a long story.”
“Do you have something better to be doing?” asked Ben.
Rhys sighed dramatically and took another sip. “This is going to take all night. Let me do it right and start at the beginning.” The rogue adjusted his perch on the bench, getting as comfortable as one can on rock hard wood. “Let’s see,” he started. “I’m sure you recall how Towaal and I battled the forces of darkness and you ran like a scared rabbit?”
Ben snorted. “Don’t you have hundreds of years to make up for? Battling one evil mage is surely just the beginning.”
Rhys grunted. “Fair enough. Seriously though, that woman is evil. Stay away from her. If you see her, run. Don’t leave anything you’ve touched that she can find, like this cart.”
Ben glanced at his friend. “Evil?”
“Towaal and I left the Sanctuary because we thought the Veil had taken a bad turn,” replied Rhys. “What they did with Eldred is not right.”
“I don’t understand,” responded Ben.
“We didn’t either at first,” said Rhys. “We thought she was a mage like any other. She’s always had a mean streak. And after what you two did to her, she had reason to want your heads. Eldred is talented, but what we faced in that square was unnatural. No living mage should have that kind of power. I hadn’t seen anything like it in a long, long time. She’s using death to gather energy to herself.”
“Society of the Burning Hand?” asked Ben.
Rhys coughed and nearly fell off the wagon seat. “Where did you hear that?” he demanded.
Ben grinned. “We didn’t just run like rabbits. We had a bit of an adventure too.”
“Where?” asked Rhys.
“You started your story,” said Ben. “I’ll tell mine when you finish.”
Rhys grumbled but sat back and began again. “Yes, a group that existed long ago. The Society had some techniques that could explain Eldred. They used dark, evil magic. Techniques I thought were forgotten, but there she is. She’s able to command great power. More than a human body should be able to withstand. There is a limit to how strong-willed one can be after all. It’s possible the Sanctuary was able to imbue her with that power. The Society did this, but it came at a cost to the recipient. Once that was understood, few chose to follow the path. For our purposes tonight though, it doesn’t matter. She’s powerful, too powerful, and we’ll leave it at that. Back in Northport, did you see Towaal open the rift?”
Ben nodded. Rhys offered Ben the flask, but Ben shook his head.
Rhys tucked it away. “Corinne and I heard the commotion from the keep so we started heading toward the wall to see what was happening. There were some rather large explosions and we ran faster. By the time we reached the wall, Towaal was fleeing. We saw her run into the library. Eldred was close behind, throwing alternating waves of fire and ice. Chaos reigned in the square. A dozen demons had slipped through the rift already and slaughtered the Sanctuary’s guards. They were spreading out, looking for life-blood.”
Rhys ran a hand through his hair, pulling back wispy strands that had fallen in his face. In the dark night, some of them shone silver to Ben’s eye.
The rogue added, “The library collapsed. The entire building just collapsed. I knew whatever was going on in there, I couldn’t help Towaal. Instead, Corinne and I rushed down, gathered a handful of Rhymer’s guards, and went to face the demons. It was a small rift so only small demons were getting through, but they were coming quick. When we got out of the gates, they turned toward us. A steady stream of them but nothing we couldn’t handle. Hunters started appearing in the square. It was easy money for them. They barely had to get out of bed. With their help, we circled the rift and pressed close. Demons kept coming, but they had nowhere to go.”
Ben grimaced. “Before you got there, did any get loose in the city?”
Rhys nodded. “Some did. A score of people were killed, but keep in mind, it was Northport. People bring a sword to buy bread. After a quarter bell of us fighting the demons, Towaal came running down a side street. She was covered in dust and blood. She closed the rift then collapsed in my arms. The fear was obvious in Towaal’s face. I knew Eldred must have survived too so we ran.”
“Where did you go?” asked Ben.
“There’s an abandoned mage’s tower at the back of one of Northport’s older estates,” answered Rhys. “It’s part of the garden now. I imagine the current owner has no idea about its history. It was once home to a bit of a recluse, a man who spent his days shut up in there, hiding from the Sanctuary. I’d explored it years ago out of curiosity and hoped it was still standing. Lucky for us, it was. The old man had warded the thing extensively. His glyphs are still carved in the walls. If he used those glyphs to hide from the Sanctuary, I thought maybe we could use them to hide from Eldred. The three of us huddled there for two days before Towaal woke up. When she did, she could barely move. She told us she’d triggered a trap for Eldred when they ran through the library, something the Purple had left. It was an inscription on the floor, the ceiling, and the walls. It would drain the will of anyone unfortunate enough to pass through after it was activated. Towaal assumed the library’s destruction was Eldred shattering the trap. It should have stopped any normal mage, but, as I said, Eldred is no longer normal. It delayed her enough though, giving Towaal time to get out the back and find us.”
“Wow,” breathed Ben.
“The excitement died off for a bit after that,” rema
rked Rhys. “We stayed in the tower. Corinne snuck out after a few days and found us supplies. She checked with some of her loyal friends and they told us Eldred survived. The mage was in the keep, in hiding, but it was clear she was directing a search of the city. Rhymer was going along with it, either sure we wouldn’t be found or too scared to defy Eldred. After a few days, I went out too. I thought if I could strike on my terms, maybe we could finish this quickly.”
Ben remembered Jasper’s warnings about Rhys and his past exploits.
“Everyone sleeps, right?” continued Rhys. “That’s what I thought, but apparently not Eldred. During the day, she was directing Rhymer’s men from behind closed doors. At night, flickering lights and strange noises all bubbled out from those chambers. I never got close enough to see what she was doing. Corinne and Towaal both forced me to promise I wouldn’t take a risk so I returned to the tower. I guess it was a few days later that Towaal was able to reach you through the device.”
Shifting on the seat, Rhys finished, “After that, we waited a little longer. Eventually, Corinne arranged safe passage out of the city. We didn’t want to be seen by anyone, friend or foe. We had word Eldred was gone, but signs of her hand were obvious outside of town. Roving patrols of guards, both Northport and Sanctuary, several hunters, and we even encountered a mage.”
“A mage!” exclaimed Ben. “What happened?”
Rhys brushed back his cloak and tapped his longsword. “The woman was entirely focused on Towaal. I haven’t had such an easy fight since you and I sparred together.”
Ben snorted.
“Now,” said Rhys, “tell me your story.”
“Hold on,” protested Ben. “That’s not all. How did you find us?”
Rhys complained, “My throat is getting sore from all of this talking.”
“I’m sure you’ll be okay,” replied Ben. “Finish and then I’ll tell you our tale.”
Sighing, Rhys continued, “Once we got a few days clear of Northport, the patrols slowed down, and we were able to move quickly. Corinne has familiarity with the area and directed us cross country. She knew a few good shortcuts and back trails. We made decent time.”
“It’s good Corinne decided to come,” remarked Ben.
“She didn’t have a choice,” responded Rhys. “It’s well known in Northport that she’s travelled with us. During the battle with Eldred, she was by my side. Northport is loyal to its own so the people wouldn’t intentionally sell her out to Eldred, but it would inevitably surface. If she stayed, Eldred would have her.”
“If you’ll let me finish now,” grumbled Rhys, “the rest isn’t very exciting. We travelled hard, knowing you had a few weeks head start on us. We were intending to make Irrefort and find you there. Then, about a day west of here, we hear a rumor on the road about fireballs and two young spies. A lord and his soldiers were dead. Buildings were burned. It sounded like chaos.”
Chuckling, Ben admitted, “Things got a little out of hand.”
“We knew that would be you two, of course, but when we got here, you’d already disappeared. We learned the cart was yours so we purchased it from the guard captain. No one else wanted to be associated with it, and the soldiers had already thoroughly searched it. I suspect he’ll keep the coins himself, but he said he’d put it toward rebuilding the green.”
Ben blushed. They hadn’t meant to cause so much destruction. “Why though?” asked Ben. “Why did you buy it?”
“You can’t leave anything behind for Eldred to find,” advised Rhys. “We don’t know her full capabilities, but we know that she was able to track you in Northport using blood. If you slept inside of this thing, there could be hairs, a sense of you, something she could use. We heard what happened and knew it was you. I’m sure she’ll think the same. Hopefully, she didn’t expect us to head to Coalition territory and we have a head start, but she could be arriving in Morwith any day now. We’ll get another day away and then find a quiet spot to burn this thing.”
“Or we could keep it,” suggested Ben. “The Coalition is going to be looking for two spies travelling on foot. Not five peddlers with a cart.”
Rhys scratched his chin. “Maybe. We’ll talk to Towaal about it when we stop. Now though, tell me what you’ve been up to.”
Ben relayed their story, taking considerably longer than Rhys did. By the time he finished, Rhys was staring at him in appreciation and the sun was cresting the horizon ahead of them.
“Jasper,” mumbled Rhys. “It’s been a long time since I’ve heard that name.”
“He doesn’t like you,” mentioned Ben hesitantly. He wasn’t sure how his friend would react to their involvement with the mage but he didn’t hold anything back. Rhys had been with them long enough to earn Ben’s trust.
“No,” agreed Rhys, “he wouldn’t like me. There’s been some, ah, unpleasantness throughout the years. From time to time, I’ve had encounters with his acquaintances. It didn’t always end well.”
“Did you assassinate them?” accused Ben.
Rhys’ gaze darted to the side. “Not all of them.”
Ben swallowed.
“I wasn’t always a good man. I told you that,” explained Rhys. “Some of those people were bad. Some of them were good. At the time, it didn’t matter to me. I don’t have any excuses for what I’ve done, but no one is past redemption, are they? It doesn’t mean I can’t change. I’m trying to do the right thing now.”
Ben shrugged. “We told Jasper that. I’m not sure he is convinced. I think he might fight you if given the chance.”
Rhys nodded solemnly. “I suspect he would.”
They rolled on silently. The morning sun broke through stands of trees and played hide and seek between the undulating hills.
After a bell of silence, Rhys spoke up. “You hungry?”
“It’s that time, isn’t it,” replied Ben.
Ben found a suitable spot and stopped the wagon. The women poured out of the back and Rhys hopped down to start a fire. Ben gave Corinne a quick hug and nodded to Towaal. The mage wasn’t the hugging type.
“I’m glad you’re safe,” Towaal said, which for her, was quite an admission.
Ben grinned back at her. “Glad you’re safe too.”
They made breakfast and clustered around the campfire.
“After we eat, I suggest we keep moving,” advised Rhys.
Corinne had moved beside him and was rubbing his back while he ate. The rogue was moving slowly, like he was stiff from the long night spent on the driver’s bench. Ben noticed the wings of grey were still in his hair. He had to remember his friend had aged during the battle in Northport, aged more that night than he had in decades or even centuries.
Rhys continued, “Wherever she is, Eldred will come running to Morwith next. The story of the fireballs is a dead giveaway. She might be able to track us with magic or mundane skills.”
Amelie winced. Ben gripped her hand. In the heat of the moment, launching the fire seemed like the only way they could get away, and maybe it was, but it left an obvious trail for someone like Eldred.
“I agree,” responded Towaal. “If we take turns driving this cart and aren’t afraid to move at night, we can make Irrefort in two weeks. If we pause each night, it will be a month.”
“We have to stop and eat,” reminded Rhys.
“Three weeks then,” allowed Towaal.
“Do we still want to go to Irrefort?” asked Corinne. “Now that she’s aware Ben and Amelie are in Coalition territory, she’s likely to guess that’s where they’re headed.”
“Nothing’s changed about what we need to do,” declared Amelie. “We’ve seen the attacks on the road. Families and children are getting killed. Irrefort is the only place we know to search for the Purple. We have to go. Without the Purple, I’m afraid…” She left the rest unsaid.
“Where you go, we’ll follow,” acknowledged Rhys.
Corinne frowned but didn’t speak up. She was squatting on her haunches, hand axes on her belt
, and bow over her shoulder. Even eating breakfast, she was prepared for battle.
They finished eating without speaking again. It had been a long night and would be a hard day. Some of them would rest inside while others drove. Hard travel, but the thought of meeting a mage Rhys and Towaal were scared to face was plenty of motivation for Ben.
Before they loaded up and left, Amelie pulled Ben aside. Whispering, she asked, “Did Rhys tell you he and Corinne are together?”
Ben shrugged. “He told me their story but didn’t say anything about Corinne.”
“Men!” snorted Amelie.
“Just look at them,” argued Ben, glancing to where Corinne was leaning against the rogue. “He doesn’t need to say anything.”
“You aren’t curious about the details? Their first kiss, the first time they made love?” asked Amelie.
Ben shook his head. “That’s none of our business.” He paused. “Wait. Did you tell Corinne about us?”
Amelie stared back at him, blinking slowly.
“While Towaal was in there!” exclaimed Ben incredulously.
Amelie leaned forward and kissed him firmly on the lips. “I’ll see you when we stop for the midday meal.”
She turned and pranced off to join the other women in the back of the cart.
Ben groaned. As if they didn’t have enough going on.
He climbed up on the front of the cart and was relieved to see Rhys take the reins. The placid donkey didn’t bother to look back when the rogue spurred him into motion. Ben sat back, head resting against the weathered wood behind the driver’s bench. Within half a dozen breaths, he was asleep.
***
The road they were following turned and they crawled up a low mountain range. Old mountains, said Rhys, worn down by centuries of wind and rain. They were covered in thick trees, bare in the winter but ready to bud with new leaves in the months ahead. It wasn’t the sharp rock peaks he was familiar with from Farview, but Ben was glad to get out of the empty plains. The trees gave him a sense of comfort, like they were hidden beneath a blanket that nothing could pierce.