by C S Marks
“Would you really leave them behind?”
“I would not leave Nelwyn behind,” Galador replied. “She has been instructed that, if Gaelen’s plan fails, she is to return with the horses. She knows the importance of gaining Tal-sithian. Remember, it is her vision that drives us. She will do what is necessary.” He looked into the eyes of his dearest friend, and saw consternation in them. “You know I’m right. I love Gaelen, but we cannot risk the fate of the Light because she cannot abandon the fire-cloak. That was her choice to make. Besides, she of all of our number is probably best able to escape the Corsairs. Even if they detect her, they will never catch her.”
“Still, I am surprised that you would sacrifice her,” whispered Rogond.
“She knows what she is doing. Have you not yet realized it?” said Galador with a smile. “I am only willing to sacrifice her because I know it will not come to that. Trust her, as you once told me to trust Nelwyn. They are both still here, you will notice.”
Kotos flew on urgent wings back to Gorgon’s hiding place. He encountered no resistance as he entered Gorgon’s unguarded mind.
“Did you bring water?” asked Gorgon. “I’m getting tired of sneaking all the way down to the river by dark of night.”
There is water in the encampment, and wine also. Now, don’t argue. This night your task is important, and I have been many days in arranging it, so stop complaining. Surely the mighty Elfhunter is still strong enough to walk a few miles?
“What task?” asked Gorgon with a suspicious curl of his lip.
I will explain as we travel. Now, let me in, won’t you? My strength and vitality will aid and restore you. Put on the amulet and let us go into the encampment together.
“That bird looks nice and juicy,” said Gorgon, who was hungry as well as thirsty. The raven wisely took flight.
Do not even consider it. The bird has served well, and it will continue to serve. It is also our herald, and will announce our presence to the Queen.
“The Queen? What Queen? The Queen of what?” asked Gorgon, who did not like the sound of any of it. He liked it even less when Kotos finished explaining the plan, and Orrion’s impending part in it. He stopped dead in his tracks and would not move forward.
“You do not understand! You want me to…to go to this woman and consort with her? I cannot do that! I do not have the knowledge, let alone the experience, in such things. Do not ask it of me!”
Calm yourself, Elfhunter. With luck, it will not come to that, soothed Kotos. He had expected Gorgon to be difficult.
“Yet I must at least appear to be interested!” said Gorgon in a panic. “I will not be able to do that—I don’t know how. You cannot ask it of me.”
Do you not know by now that I will never ask you to do anything beyond your ability? said Kotos, speaking to Gorgon as he might to a child. You still do not trust in me, even after all we have seen together? I took you into the heart of Dûn Arian, and you stood before your enemies without detection. You can do this…Tansy does not even know you. I will speak to her through you, as I always have. I know exactly what to say to her.
Gorgon took one tentative step forward. He wanted to trust Kotos, but trust was not in his nature. In the end, thirst drove him forward as much as anything. Afterward I will reward you, my most mighty and valued companion, said Kotos.
Gorgon was not taken in. He knew that by “companion” Kotos really meant “servant.” But the rewards Kotos could give were oh, so sweet, and Gorgon would continue to bear his Dark Guardian for the time being.
Gaelen and Nelwyn stopped at a prudent distance from the encampment, far enough that no scouts would detect them. It was dark, and they both knew that the Fómorians would be distracted with merrymaking. Still, Nelwyn was unhappy about the prospect of being separated from Gaelen.
“Do not linger. Do what you must. If things go ill, escape with your life—don’t risk it for the fire-cloak. I will wait here until I know that I must leave you. Please do not ask that of me.”
Gaelen then gave a half-smirk that reminded Nelwyn of the days before they ever heard of Gorgon Elfhunter. She had always enjoyed tests of stealth. “Don’t worry—this will be easy. They are half-besotted already, if I am any judge, and they aren’t all that wary even when sober.”
“Only remember what Azori told you…they are dangerous no matter their level of sobriety,” said Nelwyn. “This is no time for testing your prowess without need. Now go and do what you must do, and then return as quickly as you may.” The two cousins embraced, and then Gaelen was gone without another sound. Nelwyn patted Gryffa and Réalta, and settled herself for the waiting to come.
Gaelen forded the river easily, as it was shallow, but the Corsairs’ few watchmen would have their eyes upon it and she was very careful. The moon has risen—a pity—but moonlight also gives dark shadows, and those may be put to use.
She had no trouble reaching the tent where the Queen’s private chambers were kept. There were guards, but they did not see her, nor did they hear her. In fact, they appeared to be asleep, slumped over their weapons. Gaelen shook her head and crept beneath the wall, observing the raven perched upon the bed-post.
Tansy was standing with her back to Gaelen, the most fabulous bejeweled raiment ever to grace a mortal woman draped across her statuesque frame. In front of the Queen, to Gaelen’s astonishment, stood one well known to the Company—one whom Gaelen had hoped never to see again.
Gaelen stared in revulsion as Orrion fixed Tansy with his deceiver’s eyes, draining her of her will. He spoke words that even Gaelen could not hear.
Her enemies were occupied with one another, and Gaelen took advantage of the moment, slinking in the shadows until she could reach out with her long fingers to snag the fire-cloak from the pile of cushions where Tansy had tossed it. It glittered in the firelight, and Gaelen was fearful that Orrion would notice, but he did not, as he was far too intent upon his victim. His eyes held no love—they gleamed with vicious, malignant lust. He loomed over Tansy and pushed her to the floor. Then he grasped her with hands like talons, and forced his body down. Gaelen was horrified, but she could not look away. Oh, Lord of Light…are those fangs in his mouth?
Tansy gave an almost inhuman cry, though few would hear it through Orrion’s large hand now clamped over her face. The raven responded by taking wing and calling in alarm. That brought Gaelen back to the moment, and provided all the distraction she needed. She snatched the cloak, tucking it beneath her tunic, and rolled underneath the tent wall without first checking for watchful eyes. Thankfully, there were none.
Her heart pounding, tears of terror welling in her eyes, Gaelen made her way as carefully as she could manage back to the riverbank. The horror of what she had just witnessed had unbalanced her—the unbridled essence of Evil that inhabited Orrion had been revealed to her perceptive Wood-elf’s eyes. Even more unsettling, but not altogether unexpected, was the scent that pervaded the chamber. Gaelen knew the scent of Gorgon Elfhunter better than any other. Now there was no longer any doubt in her mind, but there were many, many questions. She almost felt sorry for Tansy, who had most certainly more than met her match this time.
Chapter 15
REVELATIONS AND REGRETS
Gaelen returned to Nelwyn on feet that were swifter than a deer in full flight—even Réalta was startled by her sudden appearance. As usual, she had made no sound. She pulled the fire-cloak from beneath her tunic and showed it briefly to Nelwyn before stowing it in her pack, wrinkling her nose as she did so, for it still reeked of Tansy’s perfume.
“What happened?” said Nelwyn. “I see you were successful...” She mounted Gryffa, who had sensed Gaelen’s urgency and was now unsettled.
Gaelen practically leaped aboard Réalta, even though she was out of breath and he was quite tall. She smiled in the darkness. She had become rather more accomplished at mounting taller horses lately.
She turned to Nelwyn. “Now is not the time for explanation. The Corsairs are not pursuing
us, and I don’t expect them to—my urgency is grounded elsewhere. For now, let’s return to our companions with all speed. I’ll explain later.” She sent Réalta forward, reveling in the now-perfect symmetry of his footfalls.
Nelwyn shook her head and muttered her displeasure at hearing the words “I’ll explain later” from Gaelen. This was rarely a good thing.
They were soon reunited with their relieved companions. Toran heralded their approach as Eros snorted and raised his head. When are you going to learn that it’s unwise to do that? You got cuffed for it the last time, do you not remember?
But it’s Réalta and Gryffa, and they bear our friends, said Toran, pawing and shaking his head with impatience. I know the difference between a friend and a stranger, and I will not call to strangers again. Give me due credit, won’t you? I am not addle-brained.
“Aiyah! Stop that racket at once!” said Galador. Toran stopped pawing, and Eros blew though his large, soft nostrils with satisfaction.
Gaelen and Nelwyn appeared a few moments later, having made good time under the moonlight. The moon was now setting, but the sun would be rising in only a few hours. Time enough to rest, water the horses, and allow them a bit of grass. There was grass north of the Dessa; though it was dry and sparse, it was still welcomed. The Company clustered around their friends, wanting a report of the night’s events.
“All is well,” said Gaelen, drawing the fire-cloak forth as proof of her success, though she seemed strangely distant, even taciturn. She kept her eyes downcast, which was most unusual.
“Well, it won’t be when Tansy discovers that her favorite garment has gone missing,” said Azori. “She will most likely send riders out to reclaim it.” He caught the scent wafting from the fire-cloak. “I see she still enjoys Passionflower Musk.”
“She will not stir until the sun is up,” said Carmyn. “We observed her long enough to know that.”
“Gaelen, your horse betrayed your arrival by opening his mouth again,” said Estle. “It would seem he has not learned his lesson, and remains a liability.”
“He knows the difference between a friend and a stranger,” said Gaelen. “Give him credit! He is not addle-brained.”
Toran snorted and shook his head. Eros would not look at him.
Gaelen brushed the dust from her breeches. “We need to get moving and make our way to Dûn Bennas without delay,” she said. “How far is it to the Ambros?”
“Only about a hundred miles, if we head straight north,” said Fima. “Can’t we wait until morning, say, after breakfast?”
“Indeed,” said Rogond. “It’s better that we travel in daylight. I doubt the Queen will notice her fire-cloak is missing until morning.”
“Assuming she rouses herself before noon…” said Fima.
“Have you ever seen Corsairs when their blood is up?” asked Azori. “We had best be ready to ride at first light.”
“I don’t think so,” said Gaelen. “Not if Tansy must order them. I sense that she is the force that unites and motivates them—without her, they may well disband. If that is so, then you needn’t worry. We have plenty of time.”
“What are you telling us? Did something happen to the Queen? Did you do anything to her?” asked Azori. “I sincerely hope not!”
“Ah, yes,” said Gaelen in a sarcastic tone. “Forgive me…I had forgotten to mention that earlier this evening, when I went to retrieve my fire-cloak, I marched into the Queen’s tent and slapped her until she awakened from her drunken slumber. Then I spat in her eye, and in typical blood-thirsty fashion I cut her throat. It serves her right for stinking up my fire-cloak with her foul perfume.” She folded her arms and stood before Azori, defying him to comment on the matter.
“It is a fair question, Gaelen,” said Estle. “What happened earlier that you are not telling us about?”
“I will tell you what I know, but not at this moment,” said Gaelen, dropping her gaze again. “For now, you must trust me. Let me just tell you this much—I did nothing to her, but I do not believe that Tansy will be in a state to mount an attack on anyone for a while. Now, ask me no more questions. I will reveal more at a better time.” She shuddered, and a strange mixture of emotions played across her face. Everyone who looked upon her was unsettled, especially Rogond, Fima, and Nelwyn, who had seen such expressions in Gaelen before.
Gorgon had removed the amulet before leaving the Queen’s chamber, for he wished to go forth as himself. Kotos agreed, as it would have been unwise to cast any suspicions upon Orrion. It was best if no one in the encampment saw him, except, of course, for the Queen, who was in no condition to do anything about it. Neither were her personal guards—Gorgon had broken their necks before they had the chance to raise any alarm. He had spent a lifetime lurking in shadow, and he had little difficulty escaping unobserved.
Kotos stayed with Gorgon until they had crossed the river, the raven flying above them. When it realized that Gorgon was continuing north, it hesitated. Why would it wish to leave the Realm of Sugared Almonds?
Call to it, Elfhunter, said Kotos. It seems I must convince our very useful friend to remain with us. Gorgon tempted the raven with bits of meat until it came close enough, and then Kotos took it over. Soon their alliance of three was secure again.
They had plenty of provisions, and Gorgon would soon be in familiar territory. He imagined that he could almost smell the Elves as he drew nearer to their lands. He was comforted as he strode along in the dark, and when dawn came they would rest, as Kotos had informed Gorgon that they should not follow the Company too closely.
Neither of them had been aware of Gaelen as she hid in the Queen’s chamber. Kotos had been entirely too focused on overtaking Tansy, who was possessed of a strong spirit and required all of his foul attention. He had appeared to Gaelen’s terror-stricken eyes with no cloak of beguiling upon him, as he believed there was no need.
Gorgon had also felt the full malevolence of the dreaded spirit that dwelled within him, although it was not a new experience. When he truly allowed Kotos to take him over, his own senses were blunted, much like his experience with the mirror. Now all of his senses were in play, and he settled in to the task of following the Company with ease.
Kotos had become quite impressed with his difficult, complicated host. Gorgon was swift, he was light-footed, and his stamina was remarkable. He survived on very little and did not complain of physical discomfort. He would, in fact, outlast the raven and would cover greater distances in a day. His primary liability was his intolerance of sunlight, yet when he was wearing his armor he could deal with that, though he still did not enjoy going abroad in daylight. Gorgon traveled by night, the raven perched on one of the many thorny spikes on the top of his helmet.
By day, Lord Kotos scouted the area on dark wings while Gorgon rested in the shadows. Both Gorgon and Kotos knew that the Company would not elude them. Despite their swift horses, they would need to stop and replenish themselves in Dûn Bennas, whereas Gorgon did not suffer from the need to surround himself with social amenities.
Gaelen, who alone among the Company was aware of Gorgon, knew that he would track her despite all effort to prevent it, and so she relied instead upon the speed of her mount to outdistance him. She spent her days and nights trying to assemble the complicated and confusing puzzle of Orrion and his role in their present course, which was now truly unclear. Who is he? What is he, really? Gorgon is involved, I have no doubt…but there’s someone else.
They reached the Ambros without incident, turning east to follow its course to the White Fortress. One evening, Fima approached Gaelen after supper as she stood by the turbulent waters. It was early spring now, and the snow-melt had swelled the river and turned it wild. There would be no need to cross it, which was fortunate, as they could not have done so until they reached Dûn Bennas. Gaelen heard her friend approach, even over the rushing river.
“Hello, Fima,” she said. “I was just reveling in the sound of so much water, after such a long time with
out it. And the green smells in the air are nearly overwhelming to my Wood-elf’s heart. Won’t you join me?”
She sat upon a stone, wrapping herself in her cloak against the chilly air. Here the cold was not like that of the desert. Air that is laden with moisture will chill to the bone, particularly when it moves as wind. Fima already wondered whether he could lure Gaelen back to the fire.
“I would speak with you, my friend,” he said, moving to sit beside her. “Will you not enlighten me as to what happened in the Queen’s lands, and why you have not shared it? I saw fear in your eyes when you spoke of it.”
Gaelen did not answer immediately, but stared at the river for a few moments. “Fima, may I ask you something?”
“Of course,” he replied in his gruff but gentle voice. “I will always aid you if I can.”
“Then answer me this—do we know whether Lord Kotos is yet alive? I mean, has he fallen, or does he still dwell in this world?”
Fima was taken aback. “Kotos? I don’t believe that question can be answered by anyone of good will, Gaelen, but I will speculate. Dark souls are, in my experience, much more reluctant to leave this world than enlightened ones. Some of the Asari have passed from the world—Duinar, Cuimir, Baelta, Léiras—they have all gone. Yet they were a part of the Light of Creation, and they have rejoined it. Dark beings, like Kotos, are ever uncertain as to what awaits them in the hereafter. I believe that since worldly pleasures and powers are what sustain them, they would fight very hard to remain here. Therefore, I will not place any wager upon the likelihood that Kotos is no more. Does that make sense to you?”
“It does,” said Gaelen in a very quiet voice. She was still mulling things over in her mind. Finally she turned to her patient friend, one whom she trusted more than almost any other. “What I saw in the Queen’s tent that night will haunt me until the end of my days. And if I’m right, we have all been deceived. I don’t know how to tell Nelwyn…that she may have been overtaken and misled by the very essence of Evil.”