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The Acryptus Tree

Page 15

by Rucker Highworthy


  “Alright,” Clayton replied, “and your wife?” “It’s January, but she prefers Jan. We met back when I was helping her father build dams up north. She was all alone without a mother, and he wasn’t much for parenting. Anyhow, I introduced myself, kept her safe, and before long, we were married and off to find our own way of things. We’ve been tied down here going on forty yearsnow.”

  “You got any squirms?” Clayton asked. Sal gazed over at a framed photograph sitting beside his armchair. From where he sat, Clayton could make out a woman’s face, full and plump, reddish bangs falling across her forehead.

  “That’s our daughter, Lark. She’ll be almost thirty now.” “She’s lovely. Will she be joining us later?”

  “No, son, I’m afraid she won’t be. We haven’t seen her in almost ten years.”

  “I…I apologize for bringing it up, sir,” Clayton stammered. “I didn’t honestly know…” “It’s Sal, squirm , how many times do I have to tell you? You got wax in your ears, I suppose. Don’t worry, you couldn’t have known. We’ve made peace with it, the parts we understand anyhow.”

  “What do you mean?” “Not much of it made sense ,” Sal grunted. “One day she was here with us, her life as perfect as we could make it, and plenty of time to plan a bright future for herself, and then….then the next she was gone. No note, no reason, no explanation. Then again, I suppose there was a thing or two off before that day arrived.”

  “Off?” “Little things, I guess. She was acting a bit strange, like she was concerned about something she didn’t really understand. She also started keeping her arm well hidden, always wearing long sleeves, even in warm weather. When we asked her about it, she always made a hurried excuse and walked away.”

  Clayton pursed his lips, a dark theory crossing his mind as he stared off at the window.

  “What happened next?” he finally inquired. “ That was it. She was gone. We asked around, and I searched every road and field for miles, but found no trace of her. I was even willing to walk all the way up north and ask our new lord for help, but I imagine as big as it was to me and the missus, it wouldn’t have mattered a bit to someone like him.”

  “You mean Lord Tiberion?” Clayton asked. “He was in charge when she vanished?” “Elected not three weeks before the peculiarities and such, I’d bet my life on it. It wasn’t long after she disappeared that we started hearing stories and such.”

  “What do you mean by stories?” “ Nonsense about cursed tattoos, half dead soldiers, storybook trees, and a conspiracy that reached as high as Sanctumsea royalty could go. It was all rumors from travelers and distant friends, not much to put any stock into.”

  “ Did you hear anything else? Anything about…well, a time before we came to Sanctumsea? Possibly something about those storybook trees…glowing for some reason?”

  Sal raised an eyebrow. “Now son ,” he said. “I won’t lie to you, it doesn’t exactly ease my old bones that you and your friends are alone and half starved, fleeing from whatever it is you fear so badly, and lost out there on a night like this with knives, mallets and the like. Quite frankly, I’m also a little puzzled by those strange images you’re all working so hard to hide on your persons.”

  Clayton coughed uncomfortably.

  “I guess you could say it’s a bit…complicated.” “Well , I don’t appreciate things that are complicated,” Sal declared. “I might be swayed though. You could say I have good old human curiosity.”

  “Mr. Martello….err I mean Sal, I really have to ask….have you ever heard of Tibris Guards?”

  Sal’s face went momentarily dark. “I don’t know what troubles you have, son,” he replied. “But if Tibris Guards be involved, Sorra herself needs to lend you all a hand. I met one once…..not two days after our daughter left home. He was a monster, if ever was one in human form, who just happened to be passing along that morning as I was tending to the front lawn. I’d been out searching for Lark all night and Jan recommended some work to ease my mind. He was dressed like some ancient warrior, garbed in shiny gab with a hairless face and head, except for some nasty inky veins. His name was something peculiar, like Harland, or Hugo…I can’t rightly recall. He had a small patrol along with him; all dressed the same as he was. He rode straight up onto my land and asked me where he could find my daughter. I asked him what his business was with her and he said….I swear he up and looks me straight in the eyes and says she had to pay for something she’d done and it was in your best interest to let things be as they are. His voice was like nails on a rotting chalk board. I almost ran in for my gun, but he up and rode off before I could.”

  Clayton nodded and glanced over at the kitchen door that was still propped open slightly. Adelaide and Finn were sharing a hand in the card game while Taz and Cherry each giggled over their own hands. Jan Martello was watching over them, her face beaming with joy, as if having children once again in the house was the greatest thing she could ever have asked for.

  “I need to protect them, Sal. I need to keep them alive and….and I just don’t know how I’m going to do that much longer.”

  “It seems like you’ve had it well handled so far. Frankly, I don’t think I could have done as well.” Clayton shook his head; his eyes dimming as a tear slowly grew in the corner of each. No one had know it, even Adelaide, but he hadn’t allowed himself one minute to grieve the death of his friends and the loss of his home, and it was killing him every second he put it off.

  “My name…..my name is Clayton, sir, Clayton Hogg, of Havendale, near the lower edge of the Wallowing Woods.” Sal’s hand rose, prompting Clayton to leave his seat and shake it warmly.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, son; you and all your company.” As he returned to his chair, Clayton allowed himself a quick glance around the living room. The walls were empty of portraits or photographs, which didn’t surprise him given the lack of connection he assumed the Martellos had with the outside world. He did, however, notice the gun his host had used to threaten Raoul when they had first arrived, hanging on a pair of pegs hammered in just above his head, behind the sofa he’d been using. It was no average hunting rifle, at least not one that Clayton had ever seen. Its barrel was shortened extensively and heated for expansion. If required, it could fire a bullet larger than most rifles could handle.

  Clayton recognized it as one of Hammerstahl’s inventions, recently banned along with all other forms of firepower. Heinrich Hammerstahl had been a small town gunsmith whose fruitless attempts at joining in with such big names as Smith and Wesson had caused him to seek fortune elsewhere. Once a citizen of Amber, he had set to creating a powerful weapon that yielded more damage than other models found in Memoriam. Naturally, his work had lured some angry criticism. Ultimately, any version of a Hammerstahl gun had been met with caution and legal allegation. Heinrich himself had died a wealthy, but despised individual, who met his end considering himself to be a handler of death. Seeing one of his works resting on Sal’s wall made Clayton wonder how the Martellos had gone so long without meeting violent prejudice.

  “ That’s a real piece of equipment you have there,” Clayton remarked. “You planning on hunting some bear this season…maybe a whale or two?”

  Sal allowed himself a light chuckle as he walked over to where the weapon hung.

  “No bear troubles in these parts. I bought that gun special for something bigger….and a lot more dangerous.” “You mean….you mean Fire tongues?” “That I do.” “I thought they never burrowed this far east of Lumos.”

  “I did as well , son, until a few years ago when a neighbor found one popping up in his own back yard. It was a big one too, over four hundred feet in length. The fool wet himself just seeing it. Fortunately for him, the big digger hadn’t matured enough to breathe fire. It just sat there, trying to hock up a mouthful of venom, but ended up only hurting itself. Before long, the thing dug its way back into the ground. Peculiar things, those Firetongues: big flame-throwing worms with poor eye sight and deadly spit.�


  “And that gun will kill it, then?” Clayton asked. “ It will come close. You see, a Firetongue has scales most weapons can’t put a dent in. It’s impervious to fire, and just about anything sharp will bounce right off it. That gun up there throws a punch of chemical proportions. A little buckshot coated in grease and filled with just a few drops of Firetongue venom hits their armor like a blue bolt of lightning, shatters the outer scales and cuts right through them. Takes a few rounds to bring it down, but those bullets were designed specifically for Firetongues.”

  A melodious laugh drew their attention, once again, towards the kitchen. Finn and Adelaide apparently had won their first hand in the card game. She leapt to her feet in delight and danced around in a circle before Finn planted a victory kiss on her lips. Taz couldn’t help smiling at this display. Raoul even accepted a high five from Finn, turning briefly to smile over at Cherry.

  “You got a good group there, Clayton,” Sal remarked. “Don’t let anything happen to them.”

  “I swear, I’ll do my utmost, sir, err I mean Sal,” Clayton assured him. “I give you my word.”

  “Good enough for me,” chucked Sal. With that, he took a quick peek through a nearby window. “ It looks like the storm is still on. I imagine now that you’ve eaten our stew and drank all our coffee, it’s only fitting you stay the rest of the night.”

  Clayton smiled. “Thank you again for everything. You really have no idea…” “I’m not much for gratitude, son. Don’t take it personally. There are blankets upstairs to keep you warm. Those girls can bunk up in Lark’s old room. I expect you fellows will be down here. I don’t appreciate any lude behavior in this house. That’s my first rule and it’s non-negotiable.”

  There was another laugh as Jan entered the room, a tray of fresh coffee in her hands and the rest of the group trailing right behind her. “This is all so much fun,” she exclaimed. “We must have some music.”

  “A bit late isn’t it?” grumbled Sal. “Oh please, sir! Please,” Cherry pleaded.

  “Oh c ome now, husband,” said Jan. “We haven’t had a night this fun in quite some time. It’s his fault, you know, children. Mr. Gruffles here hasn’t had a good friend in years. Lark always told you as much. Come on Sal; let’s show our guests a wonderful time.”

  “Yes,” Adelaide laughed. Cherry continued bobbing her head up and down towards him.

  Sal heaved a heavy sigh. “Alright, I haven’t got a choice, do I? Anyone here know how to play the fiddle?”

  Taz slowly raised her hand. “I know a few tunes to pass the time.” “ Then kindly grab it out of that drawer yonder. Clayton, there’s a worn down old guitar sitting in the closet by the front door. With any luck, we can make this a real party.”

  Several minutes later, the assembly was ecstatic. Sal sat in his chair, a smile growing on his lips as he played a lively tune. Taz had perched herself on the sofa and was tooting her lungs out along on the fiddle, her eyes focused intently on Clayton as he twirled Jan around and around. The old woman laughed merrily as Adelaide and Finn nearly fell on top of each other with their clumsy dancing. Raoul sat beside Taz, his eyes tired, yet at ease. Cherry clapped her hands happily from across the room, her gaze longingly directed at Raoul. At one point, Taz couldn’t resist nudging him as her eyes darted towards the eager squirm. Still, he didn’t dance that night, not with Cherry or anyone else. The hours slowly rolled by until the coffee ran out and the group made its way to bed.

  “I prepared some pajamas in Lark’s room,” Jan informed the girls. “You leave your clothes out and I’ll have them washed before you awake.”

  With that, she ushered Adelaide and Taz upstairs. Cherry followed close behind them, stealing a quick kiss on Raoul’s cheek before she did so. As she followed their host, Adelaide thanked her for all their hospitality. Jan placed her hand on her shoulder and sighed.

  “It’s just….it’s just so wonderful having children in this house, again,” she whispered, more so to herself than to Adelaide.

  Sal saw to it all three of the boys received blankets and pillows. Clayton took the couch while Raoul propped himself up in an armchair in the corner. Finn curled up next to the fireplace, a big smile crossing his face as he fell into what must have been an excellent dream. Sal dimmed the lorb lights and bid them all goodnight. As the storm cleared up outside and the stars dotted the skies, the night passed on in peace and tranquility.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  The first thing the boys awoke to the next morning was the smell of frying ham and sausages. Jan was preparing breakfast in the kitchen as they rose, one by one, and stretched out their limbs. Making their way towards the aroma, they found Taz and Sal already seated. There was a plate of assorted fruit, bagels, and bowels of cinnamon sprinkled porridge already laid out before them. Jan loaded a platter with sausage and tender slices of ham, crispy and brown along the edges, before placing it next to the rest of the breakfast feast. A pitcher of ice cold milk sat on the table, along with a series of provisions for their continued journey. Adelaide and Cherry soon came downstairs to join them and the group all dug in.

  “I’ve packed you all deer jerky, dried fruits, four loaves of my homemade cornbread, and a canteen of coffee,” Jan informed them. “Once you’ve all had your fill here, Sal will set you out in any direction you want to go.”

  “I’d recommend as many heavily populated areas as possible,” Sal declared. “As hardnosed as those Tibris Guards are to find you,they won’t want to draw any unnecessary attention to themselves. Carrying out orders or not.”

  “We’ll be heading north to Reignfall,” Clayton said. “There’s more than one question that needs answering, and Tibris Tiberion is the one to do it.”

  Sal laughed and slammed his hand heartily down onto the table. “I’d give anything to see the look on his face when your lot shows up,” he remarked. “You give him a word or two on our behalf while you’re at it.”

  “You could come with us,” Adelaide suggested. Cherry smiled at the idea and pulled on Jan’s apron.

  “You should,” Clayton remarked. “Together, we can uncover this conspiracy. We can see about finding your daughter, too.” Jan looked down at Cherry with doting affection in her eyes. Sal offered Clayton his hand and shook his head. “We’re too old for adventures, son. You all don’t need a pair of burdens tagging along. As for Lark, not a day goes by where we don’t wonder where she is. If she still lives, which we hope for every day, she won’t be our little girl anymore. We’ll see her again, either here or in Sorra’s bosom.”

  “You just stay safe,” Jan told them. “And stay out of sight. This province is full of rotting sorts, but there are good people in it, too. Seek them out and find a way to right this wrong.”

  “We will,” Clayton assured them. “You have my word.” Sal excused himself and walked away. Jan embraced every one of them. Her arms were wrinkled and strong as they wrapped around them each tightly and fondly. She lingered with Clayton, whispering a short sentence of hope and respect in his ear:

  “Be brave young man. Protect them all.” “Here,” said Sal. He’d returned carrying something wrapped up and presented it to Clayton. “This here is a handheld Hammerstahl. It’s a bit outdated, but still fires true. You’ll find some modified ammunition tucked away in your knapsack.”

  “We are indebted to you both,” Adelaide murmured, her voice choking up. “I hope you know that.”

  “I am glad to have met each and every one of you,” Jan said. “My heart is whole again.”

  Sal walked over and took Clayton by the shoulders, looking him squarely in the eyes. “Remember what we told you , and try visiting us when all this ends. You were….well, not the worst guests a pair of codgers could have.”

  The group was soon off again into the cornfields. With full stomachs, clean clothes, refreshed provisions, and a good night’s sleep, everyone felt at ease, even Raoul. Cherry and Adelaide began chattering away about the dancing the night before while Taz and Clayton
discussed possible supply rationing for their journey ahead. Even Raoul allowed Clayton to spark a small conversation about how many lovely young maidens he had seen tending to the cows and horses on the King estate.

  “I’m sure you agree, your family did know how to pick them,” Clayton laughed. “Though, I’m sure you had a say in it, too. Come on, don’t deny it.”

  Raoul shook his head, coughing loudly and turned his head. It was hard to hide the grin spreading across his lips. “Did any of those young maidens meet the real Raoul King Jr, if you catch my drift?” Taz inquired, making a crude, humorous gesture.

  “Well….”

  “Come on now,” Clayton laughed, prodding his ribs.

  “A gentleman never reveals his conquests in the presence of a lady,” replied Raoul.

  “Well, you aren’t a gentleman, and I’m no lady,” Taz chuckled. “Now out with it, King.”

  “Ok, fine,” he began. “There was this one time…” “Oh no, where is it?” Adelaide exclaimed. She had stopped dead in her tracks, frantically looting through her bag. “Where’s what?” asked Taz.

  “My journal; I must have left it on the Martellos’ table.” Raoul mumbled something inaudible and shook his head.

  “It’s just a short walk back, guys,” Clayton said. “We could go get it.” “A rotting diary?” laughed Taz.

  Adelaide shot her a look.

  Clayton smiled. “It will take us fifteen minutes. Besides, Jan will be happy to see us again.” “Yeah Taz , please, come on,” cried Cherry.

  Taz bit her lip and nodded.

  Cherry clapped her hands together and squealed in joy.

  “Yes, yes!” she exclaimed. “We are going to see the Martellos again.”

  “Just to pick up Adelaide’s journal,” Clayton chuckled. “I fear I’d never want to leave if Jan fed us some more stew.” “Perhaps we can stay with them again, when all this is over,” suggested Adelaide.

 

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