The Ghost Of Eslenda (Book 1)

by Jim Greenfield

  "We will make it before them," said Hal, as if reading Plucker's thoughts. "The land is flatter to the west and the horses will make better speed."

  "We will. But how close behind will they be? And how much time will we have to ready the castle?"

  Hal did not answer.

  Later, they heard the approach of horses. Their choices were flight or fight. Plucker and Hal drew their swords. Bert Kalen and Teresa stood before Elizabeth. Suddenly, the riders were in view. Russell returned with ten riders, soldiers of Far Greening and Prince James clad in chain mail wearing a silver winged helm.

  The Prince dismounted, removed his helm and rushed to his father, embracing him, and then kissed his mother. He nodded to the others. The Prince was already taller than his father and moved gracefully. His light brown hair was tied in a ponytail and he wore a yellow band around his head with a star on his brow.

  "How is the castle?"

  "We are ready for anything," said Prince James. "We have stores set aside, as much as we could gather since the news reached us of grandfather's murder."

  "Who is claimed as the murderer?"

  "You are. But the people cheered your name and set the herald back to Edward with his parchment jammed down his throat."

  "Young barbarian!"

  "Father! You think I would condone such action?"

  "James, I am tired. What else do you have to report?"

  "The scouts reported a large force heading our way. Cane's colors."

  "Yes," said Hal. "We saw them, so we kept to the trees. They are just beyond those hills. Let us get to the castle quickly. I will command the defense. I want you to take a company and leave the castle. I want you in the field when they lay siege to the castle. Howard Cane will not rest easy watching the siege when he has to watch his back, too."

  "Yes, sir." James' expression did not change. He had expected this situation. He was a warrior like his grandfather, both his grandfathers.

  "Take Russell and Teresa with you. They have proved themselves to me."

  "I want to stay with you," said Teresa to the Queen.

  "You will do as your King commands," snapped Sir John Plucker.

  Russell took his sister by the arm and pulled her away before she could reply. He spoke quietly and urgently. After a moment, Teresa relaxed and nodded.

  "Have you seen anything of the Nunari?" asked Hal.

  "No. I imagine Tagjet will have eyes watching this encounter."

  "I know he will," said Hal. "I am counting on it."

  "I did send messages to him as you instructed, Father. They did not return. I saw two of Cane's men riding our north boundary two days ago. They would have spotted any messenger heading our way from Tagjet."

  "We will trust that our men got through. We shall go to the castle."

  The riders moved quickly over the last miles to the castle. Cane's scouts spotted them but they were too far ahead to be overtaken. When they reached the castle, James' men were on horseback waiting for them. They would repel Cane's soldiers if they came too close. James waved to his father and mother and rode to his men with Teresa and Russell. At James' command, the soldiers followed the younger prince into the hills.

  The gates shut behind Hal's party with a thud. The people cheered and horns signaled the return of Prince Hal. The blue and white colors of the prince rose above the battlements but now with a crown in the center.

  Chapter 8

  Across the river from Far Greening lies Nuneland, home of the Nunari, nomadic hunters who range across their wide land as the weather turns and the herds move on. Nuneland is the land north of Eslenda to the sea, bordered by mountains on the east and a small range of mountains in the west separating them from Liannest, the home of the Daerlan. For generations the Nunari have followed the herds on their migrations, bringing their camps with them. Each season they fold their tents, pack their supplies and set out for the area that will be their home for the next few months. Many families move on their own counsel but when they come together they are under the leadership of the Hunter. The Hunter's title is passed on from father to son or to the most deserving Nunari if the Hunter has no son. The Hunter oversees the hunts and the growth of young boys into men. The Huntress runs the camp and organizes the skinning, tanning, preserving and cooking of the kills.

  Following the river inland the lands of Hal Islen change into the lands of Howard Cane and still the river divides the south from Nuneland. The Nuneland terrain turns hilly but provides for its people. It is land that could increase its yield if used properly. It is land that Howard Cane covets.

  The Nunari camp for this season is a two-day ride from Cane's castle. Forty tents encircle the main fire pit and lesser families have their tents beyond the chosen forty. In the early morning the fire still glows and many men stand around it.

  The blade glowed from the heat. It would sear the skin as it cut branding Kal Tagjet as a man of Nuneland. His adult brother, Per Tagjet, held the knife and Onyax Lor, the Wiseman, whispered the words of power. The blade gave off its own light, showing the pale tense face of the young man. Kal Tagjet would be accepted into manhood by the Nunari this day and at fifteen, he would lead his first hunt.

  The circle of men stood several paces from the fire, their faces painted white. They stepped slowly to their chanting rhythm around Kal Tagjet. The fire was lit several paces from the outer edge of the camp. The women and children were still sleeping before the light of dawn awoke them. The men wore no shirts and white streaks marked their shoulders. The sole light came from the fire, illuminating the faces of the men and giving them warmth in the chill morning air. Onyax Lor sprinkled powder into the flame and green sparks floated upward with a crackle to the fading darkness overhead. The men smiled to themselves while keeping a serious intent to the ceremony. They had watched Kal Tagjet grow up; begging to tag along on the hunts, following his elder brother even after permission was denied. He even ran out after the hunters the moment his punishment was completed. Nothing would keep him behind. This was a day the young Kal had waited for all his life. All the men were proud of him.

  Lan Tagjet watched his two sons of different mothers, as the blade burned into the younger son's flesh. It was a great day for the father and for the Hunter of the Nunari, for Lan Tagjet needed more trained men to defend his people from the soldiers of Eslenda and Kal would be a great leader in his time. He was a serious boy although often mirth bubbled to the surface. Per on the other hand often brooded and walked alone. Per took no counsel with his father. Per would be the next Hunter of the Nunari and it worried Lan Tagjet. The Hunter's thoughts found their way to southern lands and the trouble awaiting the Nunari there.

  Lan Tagjet respected King Henry of Eslenda for Henry kept his word and never warred upon him. It was shocking news that the King of Eslenda was dead. Henry was reported to be in excellent health. No, Henry would never war on Nuneland now.

  It was Howard Cane, whose land bordered Nuneland that caused Lan Tagjet worry. Cane's soldiers killed solitary nomads and drove others off from their game or killed game themselves and let it rot. Lan Tagjet had respected King Henry but now he worried. He did not know this King Edward and did not know how Edward became king before Hal, the eldest son. The details were few, mostly rumor. There was no word that Hal was dead although the word of Henry's death spread quickly. He hoped Hal would be king for he knew of Hal and never had trouble from Hal even though some of Hal's lands bordered Nuneland too. Lan Tagjet believed Edward would allow Cane to send troops into Nuneland soon and it cost him sleep.

  He had already decided to move the camp after the hunt. They would fold up the tents and bind up every hide; loading the traps and hunting spears to the wagons and head west to the sea. It was not time for the hunting to change but Lan Tagjet vowed years ago never to awaken with a foe's blade on his throat. The tribe would head west before Howard Cane attacked.

  He heard the sharp intake of breath as the hot blade seared the flesh of Kal Tagjet. The boy did not c
ry out and his jaw was firm. Onyax Lor began the words softly and rose and fell as he spoke faster. He danced around the young man and signaled the men to start their own chant as the old man danced. The voices rose around the fire in rhythm as Onyax Lor stamped his feet. The singsong ended in a shout that all the men joined. Per Tagjet grinned at his half-brother and nodded in approval. Lan Tagjet handed Kal the spear of the tribe. With this spear, painted many colors and bound with eagle feathers, the wild boar will be killed.

  "I am ready, Hunter," said Kal Tagjet, speaking the formal words. "I shall kill the boar for our people and the hunting will be plentiful this season." He stood as tall as he could, nearly equal to his brother and his father smiled.

  "I ask no less. The men are ready. Take them and go. I shall await your return."

  Per Tagjet and the rest of the men were gathering their spears. Onyax Lor approached the smiling Lan Tagjet.

  "Why the serious face, Onyax?" asked the Hunter. "Is this not a joyous day for the Nunari people? We shall celebrate long."

  "Yes, Lan. It is wonderful."

  "Yet you are troubled. Why is that so?"

  The wise man sighed and wiped the sweat from his brow. He was still winded from the ceremony.

  "I have read the shadows of our men for many years. I know what I know. There is a blackness on Kal's shadow. I don't know what it means, but I fear for him."

  "Have you seen this before on anyone else?" asked Lan Tagjet.

  "Not so distinctly and not such a large area."

  "Are you saying we must not send out the hunters?"

  "If you would listen to me, I would not send them. At least I would settle for extra vigilance on the part of the other hunters."

  "Done. Ank! Please come here." Lan Tagjet called over one of his Bearclaws; warriors charged with defending the clan. Ank Rak was the largest Nunari and the best fighter.

  "Yes, Hunter?" said Ank Rak.

  "Keep a close watch on Kal. Onyax has a foreboding of danger for him. It would please me if you could stay close to him."

  "I will do so." He bowed to Lan Tagjet, nodded to Onyax Lor and moved back to the hunting party.

  Kal Tagjet raised the spear and led the men out of camp.

  The first boar track they found led them south. Kal Tagjet did not hesitate and followed the track. It kept to the edge of the woods and dipped into the brush. They walked two winding miles before the trees thinned again. Kal had not lost the spoor and waved the hunters to join him. He trotted southward. Per Tagjet frowned and glanced at the other men. Too far south would bring them to Eslenda. He wondered if he would need to risk his brother's humiliation by taking over the hunt if they entered Howard Cane's land. They were a small hunting party with only two Bearclaw with them. A squad of soldiers would quickly overcome them. Still, it was far to the lands of Cane and he seldom had soldiers on his borders.

  "Do we continue?" asked Ank Rak. The veteran Bearclaw was a fierce fighter and the Nunari battle leader. But they seldom entered battle and the Bearclaws were few. He knew better than most, what the odds would be of their survival.

  "A little farther," said Per Tagjet. "We should not run into their patrols until the next pass."

  "That's what I think also. Kal should run this boar down soon." The chase took a winding route but still kept southward. The sun was high in the sky as morning passed. They had run all morning and their breathing was labored. The boar kept ahead of them and they could not gain on it. Something was amiss - they should have heard something of the creature's passing in the thick brush. All they found was the still warm trail teasing them onward. The men murmured amongst themselves and Ank Rak made Per Tagjet aware of it. Per Tagjet whispered to the Bearclaw and moved forward to stop his brother from proceeding.

  Suddenly, out of the brush came the boar rushing Kal Tagjet. The boy pierced the shoulder of the beast and leapt aside. The tusks grazed his thick clothing. The boar continued on past down the slope beyond the other hunters.

  The excitement of the moment filled Kal Tagjet and he swiftly followed the spoor of the boar. He ran far beyond the next man as his sudden acceleration startled them. The boar was heading further south. The Nunari had reached the end of their borders.

  Per Tagjet shouted to his brother to slow down. The hunters chased their young hunter down the slope the branches of trees and thickets whipping them as they passed. Still, Kal Tagjet kept his lead.

  Per Tagjet cursed as he tried to catch his brother, but ahead of them the sudden shouts of the Eslendian soldiers brought bile to his mouth. He had failed his brother and his people. Kal Tagjet ran into a small patrol of Howard Cane's men. Per Tagjet whistled and the other hunters fell back concealing themselves quickly. Ank Rak, Bearclaw and fiercest fighter of the Nomads took charge now. He instructed the men where to position themselves and he alone crept forward leaving Lont Gar, Bearclaw in command.

  Ank Rak was easily the largest man of the Nunari, but had the stealth of a deer. Ank Rak drew close to the captors of Kal Tagjet. Two soldiers held the boy while their leader drew a long knife and drew the blade under the boy's chin spilling the lifeblood upon the earth. They dropped the convulsing boy and laughed. Ank Rak roared with anger and bolted from his watching place and ran his spear through Kal Tagjet's murderer. He killed a second man before the soldiers could react and by that time the hunting party had joined him. With the rage of the Bearclaw leading them, the Nunari dispatched the soldiers quickly. Ank Rak pulled his spear from the last body and saw Per Tagjet cradling the still body of his brother. Tears ran freely down his cheeks. The light was gone from Kal's eyes and Per saw visions of things never to be now, as his brother's body grew cold.

  "Ank. How can I tell Father?"

  Ank Rak shook his head and hugged Per Tagjet.

  When the hunters returned to camp there was a man in chain mail-a soldier of Eslenda-addressing Lan Tagjet. Waiting their turn to speak with Lan Tagjet, a pair of Daerlan stood on the far side of the tent. Per Tagjet reached for his sword, but Ank Rak stopped him.

  "No. He is from Hal Islen. It was Cane's men that killed Kal."

  "They are all from Eslenda. It is no different to me."

  "Wait. You will have your chance, but not here and not now. Let us honor your brother first."

  Lan Tagjet saw the burden the hunters carried and jumped to his feet and ran to the body of his youngest son. He let out a soft moan as he looked into the dead features of Kal. The face was cool and pale. The hunters had wrapped the throat tightly but the cause of death was obvious. Lan Tagjet could not find words to speak. He growled and looked at the Bearclaw.

  "He ran ahead of us chasing the boar," said Ank Rak. "He ran into a small squad of Cane's soldiers and I couldn't get there in time." He handed the broken hunting spear to Lan Tagjet.

  "Cane did this?" asked the messenger from Hal. There was anger in his voice.

  "Peace!" said Lan Tagjet. "This is our concern. Tell King Hal he shall have our word to fight alongside him to wrest the crown from his brother. But tell him also we grieve for my son and it shall be five days before we come to his side."

  "Pardon my interruption, Hunter," said Jed Turlane, lieutenant to Prince James. "It was unworthy. I shall bring your kind words and your grief to my liege lord. I know King Hal would want to offer his deepest sympathy. I request your leave."

  Lan Tagjet nodded silently. He stared into the face that once belonged to his son. It was difficult to hold back the anger. But he needed all his wits to survive the coming storm.

  Then a hollowness entered his body and amidst the ache he wept for his youngest son.

  Later, he joined Per Tagjet and Ank Rak who were speaking with the Daerlan.

  "Father, may I present Gaerhan and Elthar who have come at the request of their King, Faelir."

  "Welcome to my fire and find peace," said Lan Tagjet.

  "Thank you, Hunter. Yours is a gracious welcome, especially at this time," said Gaerhan. Both Daerlan were tall with long light brown hair ti
ed at the back of their necks. They wore green trousers and shirts with a dark green cloak. They carried bows and each carried two slender swords. Gaerhan's hair bore a touch of grey and his nose was more hawk-like than his companions. After a few moments Per Tagjet could tell them apart.

  Lan Tagjet pressed his lips together and bowed his head.

  "We bring greetings from King Faelir and wishes for good hunting."

  "Thank you."

  "However, we have troubling news."

  "The strife in Eslenda?" asked Lan Tagjet.

  "No, Lan Tagjet," said Elthar. "We do not concern ourselves in the quarrels of Men. It is of Turucks that we speak. Even now our long-sundered kin are crossing the water to Masina. Messages reached us four days ago. The Turucks strike with a force of shadows, they will rout the Masines. They will head northward and not just against the Daerlan. The Turucks have conquered all the free cities on the south continent. It is their intent to conquer us all."

  Lan Tagjet looked at his son and at Ank Rak.

  "What can we do? We have few warriors. We are hunters; we can only flee. Has Faelir sent messages to Eslenda?"

  "Messages were sent to King Henry," said Gaerhan. "But now the throne of Eslenda is contested. How can Eslenda set a unified defense against the Turucks?"

  "Will the Daerlan defend us all?" asked Lan Tagjet.

  "If we had the strength we would," said Gaerhan. "But there is an ancient evil behind the Turucks and even the Daerlan have not the strength to withstand it. However, your people once possessed a weapon of power that could destroy this evil."

  "A weapon? A hunting weapon or a war weapon?"

  "Both. A spear. Yar Behout was the last Hunter to wield it."