The night thickened as they walked – more like scurried – towards the trees that lay beyond the rim. Luckily, for Si’eth, the moon had not yet risen – it was four nights from full and would be bright enough to light up the fields.
How could I be so stupid? Si’eth thought. Damn this grassland. Give me mountains and a good covering of snow.
Moving to the edge of the clearing, Si’eth kept the trees between them and the wolf village. Once at the hedge, he ordered his men into single file as they squeezed through a gap in the thicket. Fifty paces beyond the prickly border, Si’eth signalled for his men to take cover in the hollow at the southern end of an orchard. The trees and the hill would hide them from prying eyes, and the sweet scent of apple blossom would mask their odour – he hoped. Gods knew how the winds moved in an open valley such as this. Coming here was a bad idea; he should have waited for the wizard and his friends to move on.
The boy sat in the middle, Uld’eth and Koth guarding him, as the rest of his troops took positions around the hollow. Si’eth counted them. There were sixteen. He knew two were scouting and another was off checking the boy’s trail. “They better not give us up,” he whispered. Like him, his men were used to mountains and snow, not valleys full of wheat fields and orchards.
“Why did you bring so many?” Ealian asked. “You may as well have put up a sign.”
Gods, did he hear me whispering? Si’eth wondered.
“Are you trying to anger me, boy?”
Si’eth pulled back his hand and was about to slap the boy, when he saw something in his eyes. A strange reflection, like a curtain of blackening silk, rolled over the white. Si’eth found himself staring. He shuddered, “What is all this? You are not the same boy I met a week ago. What is your business here?”
Lowering his hand, Si’eth grabbed the hilt of his sword. Whatever he had seen in the boy’s eyes was not human. Before, he might have listened to the child’s proposition, assuming he had one. Part of him was even curious about what the whelp had to say. But now, he wondered exactly what it was he was listening to. Indeed, this was no average child.
“Put your sword away and stop acting the fool. I’m your only guarantee of seeing your property again.” The boy rolled his eyes. “I cannot believe you managed to rise to commander.”
“I’m a captain.” Si’eth corrected. “There are no ships around here. And you are trying my patience. Speak of your plan, quickly, before I act on my instinct.” He was not sure he would not just kill the brat anyway; but they had come this far, so he might as well listen.
“In three or four days you are going to have an opportunity to attack us… a perfect ambush. You do that successfully, and one other thing I ask, and the scroll is yours.”
Si’eth could not help but raise an eyebrow. This sounds more like it. “Go on… more detail, boy.”
“Our path lies along the river to the south. We approach it from the eastern side of the ridge, then continue to follow the river east until reaching a gully that runs north alongside a waterfall. The gully has steep sides. If you leave tonight, you will have a full day’s head start.”
“And what of this other errand you would have us do?”
“The Eurmacian and his friend, the big man. You know them?”
“Yes, I have seen them, the wizard and the strange giant.”
“That’s them. Yes. I want them both dead, simple as that. But spare the rest; I’ll need their help to get where I’m going.”
Si’eth raised both brows at that, and he did not care if the boy noticed. “Well, you are full of surprises – two men dead and a plan for the others. Where would a child like you be going that you need their help and the blood of dead men on your hands?”
“Other than this matter, my business is my own. Do we have a deal?”
Si’eth pondered the boy’s plan for a long moment. The few ideas he had managed to come up with might win him back the scroll, but none seemed as likely to succeed as the boy’s. A perfect ambush, out in the open, nineteen against seven; how could he fail? It was just the brat: he did not like the child much less trust him with something as important as this. But if he did not get the scroll back, then what…? He did not want to kill the boy; strange eyes or not, he was only a child. So that left trusting him. Gods, I’m going to regret this night, I can feel it in my water.
Jern returned. “There are no other tracks, Captain. The boy is alone.”
Sighing, Si’eth turned to the scrawny Surabhan. “If the scroll is not delivered, you will be dead along with the rest of your friends – all of them. Now, is that clear enough for you, boy?”
“Very well. Remember, the wizard and the strange giant, as you call them. No one else!” The boy glanced sideways at the two men guarding him. “You had better let me go before I’m too long missed.”
Si’eth chewed his lip for a while and then nodded at Uld’eth.
“Boy,” he said, as the child began to walk off.
“What?”
“They’re not stupid. If they check the gully, make sure you’re the one who does it. Understood?”
“Of course.”
“What is your name, boy?” Si’eth asked as the Surabhan began to walk back towards the village.
The boy stood a moment. “I don’t remember. Does it matter?”
Si’eth shook his head. No, it did not matter. But now he knew the child was possessed – one of the old demons, most likely. He watched the… whatever he was… disappear into the orchard. “Gods, why do you test me so?” he whispered. Maybe he would kill the boy after all, once he delivered the scroll. He would be doing the child a favour.
Bre’ach came and sat beside him.
“Has he gone?” Si’eth asked.
“Yes, Father. Strange child. You know we must kill them all!”
“Maybe,” Si’eth said. “The only one we need alive is the giant. And no rock on the head this time. I want him pinned and tied and taken away, regardless of what happens with to the others.” Si’eth dry-washed his face. Sighing, he nodded towards the men sitting at the far side of the hollow. “I want those new men across the river by dawn. Tell them to flank the Surabhan from the south. I don’t think the boy was lying, but I do not trust him. I can’t trust him. Give Jern the command. Tell him to take Uld’eth.” Si’eth rubbed his chin. “Oh, and bring me another bottle.”
Si’eth sat gazing around at the hedges and fields below the hollow. A movement in the shadows caught his attention. He craned his neck and squinted his eyes. For a long moment, he held his gaze on the wide thicket, but saw nothing. Shaking his head, he laughed quietly to himself. “Must be an owl,” he muttered. “I’ve got to get out of here soon. I’m seeing wolves everywhere.”
* * *
Down in the thicket, Aleban crept slowly along the bottom of the hedge, cursing himself for standing up too quickly. The moon was out and climbing higher. He had to get around the orchard before the Salrians decided to stir. Half a dozen were already moving south. He risked a run across open ground and pulled up short of the trees near to the edge of the lake. He could not move too fast for risk of running into Ealian. Burying himself under a bush with a good view of the path, he waited until the boy passed before moving on.
He did not have to wait long.
* * *
It was near suppertime back at the village. Elspeth was out looking for Ealian. The mist had moved off and a fresh breeze blew across from the west field, bringing with it a faint smell of blossom. Elspeth strolled around the village green, smiling graciously at those who bid her good evening… which meant smiling at every man, woman and wolf she passed – and more than a few children. She had talked to some of the residents; they all wanted to know the same things. Indeed, so common were some questions she thought of writing the answers on parchment and passing them out, it would have been easier. “Is that really Arlyn?” and, “Where have you come from?” or more frequently, “Where are you going?” Elspeth remained uncharacteristically s
ociable, always responding to their remarks.
Although she became more and more guarded as time passed by. It was obvious a few wolves regarded the travellers with suspicion and did not mind showing their feelings on the matter. One such wolf bared his teeth before giving her a wide berth, all the while glaring through piercing grey eyes. Fortunately, however, there were only a few dissenters; on the whole, the evening was fine and the company pleasant.
A near-full moon had risen over the eastern ridge when she found Ealian walking in through the village gate. “Where have you been?” she asked, folding her arms and tapping her foot.
Ealian looked at her. “Really, sister, your concern for my welfare is heart-warming, but can I not take a simple stroll without questions?”
Ealian walked at a slow pace with his hands clasped behind him, nonchalantly gazing around at the scenery. He seemed pleased with himself for some reason. And not at all like Ealian.
His voice was wrong, too. “Heart-warming…?” “A simple stroll…?” Where did that come from?
“What is wrong with you?” Elspeth moved up beside her brother. Then stumbled at a sideways walk as she tried to catch his eye. “You have been acting very strangely.”
“Nothing, nothing, I’m just enjoying the view. Do you not like it here? It is so peaceful and well ordered. Wolves and men living in harmony, who would have thought such a thing? In all my travels, never have I seen such a symbiotic union of species.”
“What?” Elspeth stopped trying to keep up. Standing still now, she watched as this… person… walked away from her. “You are starting to bother me, Ealian Tanner.” He kept walking. “Don’t think the others haven’t noticed, too.”
Ealian stopped, turned, and marched back to her. His face but inches from hers, he said, “What do you mean noticed? Why do they concern themselves with my business?”
“Back off!” Elspeth pushed him away and began to walk back to the hall. “You need to get control of yourself, Ealian. I will not take much more of this peculiar behaviour before I call a doctor. You are not yourself. That illness has done something to you, brother.”
“What illness?” It was Ealian’s turn to play the sideways walking game. “What are you talking about?”
“In the forest, four nights back. Tell me you remember, or I’m calling a doctor right this minute.” Elspeth stopped and looked squarely into Ealian’s eyes.
He turned away and gazed at the floor. “Oh, that. That was no illness, no more than a cold really – nerves, perhaps. Do not worry yourself. I’m sorry, sister. It has been a strange few days, I do not know if I’ve taken it all in yet: first the kidnap, then the marsh incident, now talking wolves!” He laughed awkwardly. “You understand, don’t you? I’m sorry.” He cupped his hands in front of him, pleadingly.
Elspeth slowly shook her head. He was right, she supposed. Even so, the events of the last few days could not explain all her brother’s peculiar behaviour. Still, she doubted a doctor would help; he did not look sick, not anymore. “Come on. And enough with these riddles and capers. As you say, these are strange days. You can’t go wandering off and expect no questions.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
Elspeth started towards the Hall of Wolves and was glad to hear her brother following. No, she was not convinced by his explanation, but nor did she want to argue. She would just have to keep an eye on him. Maybe speak to Olam or Daric; they might have noticed something, too.
“It’s supper. Let’s go in before it has all gone.”
* * *
Elspeth blinked under the bright lamplight as she and Ealian entered the hall. The room was full of folk. Wolves, for the most part, although there were a few men and women, too. And, of course, the rest of the travellers were sitting at the huge table. Daric and the others were in the same places they had used earlier. Toban was sitting alone at the head of the table. Five other wolves were on Daric’s side, and six more were sitting opposite. The two caretakers, those Olam had mentioned, were there, too. Finally, a tall, old man, sat between Grady and the wolves. It was quite a party, Elspeth thought, and not like anything she had seen before… or was likely to see again.
The old man spoke to Grady as Elspeth walked by. He told him he used to be an adventurer, too, until he took a spear in the ankle.
“Ouch! That must have hurt!” Grady told him.
“Indeed it did!” the old man answered, putting aside his pipe and rolling down his sock to show Grady his scar.
Elspeth laughed.
Daric saw her and waved them over. “Come on, you two, we’ve been waiting.” He spoke loudly and in a jovial manner as if a little too much wine had passed his lips… that, or he was overcome with the occasion. Either way, he reminded Elspeth of her father on Feast Day.
Elspeth and Ealian took the same seats as before. Man and wolf alike bowed at her as she sat down. She wished they had not, it was embarrassing enough just walking around in the ridiculous robe Sarai had given her to wear. The cleaner must have left her things until last. Everyone else was in their own clothes.
Sarai was the only other woman sat on her side of the table. “You found him, I see,” she said.
“Yes, he was wandering down by the lake.” Elspeth picked up some fruit and a half roll of bread from the bowls in the middle of the table. “But he was on his way back when I saw him.”
She did not know why she added the last part. Was she covering up for Ealian’s behaviour, playing the protective sister?
“Really? Down by the lake?” Sarai gave her a curious look as if she did not believe a word of it.
Elspeth paused midway to grabbing another apple. What does she mean by that? Does she know something I don’t? “Yes, he went for a walk.”
Sarai merely nodded and took a drink.
Daric raised his goblet. “What do you think of all this, Elspeth? A feast in our honour. Certainly never expected this when I woke this morning.” He tipped his goblet in a salute to Toban, who bowed back.
Yes, he has definitely had too much.
“It is our pleasure, Daric,” Toban said. “We cannot welcome you properly without a feast.”
“Much more of this and I won’t want to leave.” Daric laughed and raised his goblet again.
A young wolf approached Toban and whispered in his ear. Toban nodded at the messenger as though he were expecting the message. “You’ll have to excuse me, Daric… everybody. Aleban needs my assistance. Please continue.” Toban stood, bowed, and made his exit through the archway at the back of the banquet hall.
“Always off somewhere, that one. Busy life, leading his people, I suppose,” Daric mused, then refilled his goblet.
“You should slow down, my friend,” Grady laughed. “And I can’t believe I’m telling you this.”
Daric turned to him, grinning. “You’re right. I’ll stick to water after this one.”
The evening continued in such a festive manner for a further two hours. They talked, laughed, and toasted each other; the travellers did indeed feel welcomed. Ealian joined in as if he was back to his old self. Elspeth was glad of that. Yes, Ealian was still annoying at times and made more than a few stupid remarks during the evening, but that was Ealian, forever the irritating brother.
Wine was had, food eaten, even a song or two was recited by a slightly drunk Daric – with Grady attempting harmonies. All said and done, it was a good night. One by one, wolf, Rukin and Surabhan retired to their beds. Elspeth decided to go, too, and left Daric and Grady to their singing – if she could call it that.
CHAPTER 24
The Song of Fael
Elspeth woke late.
She lay on her back, snug, with the soft wool blanket tucked under her chin. Her self-imposed pledge to beat the others to breakfast had not lasted long. In fact, her resolution had not made it out of the Ambieth marsh. But if she felt guilty, the comfort of her bed made up for it. Indeed, late as it was, she could have stayed another hour or two.
A trickle of light from the grates in the wall – there were no windows in her room, just the two grates above the stove – gave little indication of the time. But the light breeze that filtered through was more than enough to gauge the heat, it was going to be another hot day.
I can’t remember a spring this hot. Summer will be torture if this keeps up.
With an effort, she threw the blanket back and swung her legs over the side of the bed. While her attempt at early rising had failed, some of her habits – her morning routine, archery practice, arguing with her brother, and so on – had proven more resilient. Her morning routine was one of a scant few rituals that her mother had managed to instil into her… the sewing had been a complete failure.
Elspeth fumbled around her bedside table for the tupsticks, then used one to light the small lamp hanging above the iron brazier. After her stretching – touching her toes with her legs straight, reaching for the ceiling, twisting at the waist until she could see behind her – she made her way to the washstand. Peering half-heartedly into the small round mirror, she gave a sigh at the state of her dishevelled hair. She picked up her brush and began her fifty strokes. Grabbing the blue-and-white jug of what was now tepid water, she filled the matching bowl to halfway. Still brushing her hair, she picked up her toothbrush and dipped it in the small dish of soda left for her by one of the Rukin women. There she stood, stretching her ankles and counting her brushstrokes – one hand working on her hair, the other cleaning her teeth – just like any other morning.
A knock rattled the door.
“Morning, miss. Can I come in? It is only me, Lanay.”
Lanay was one of the kitchen staff, one of the wonderful Rukin women who had brought their robes and fed them the previous morning.
“Yes, Lanay, I’m up… just. Come in.” Elspeth straightened the nightdress she had borrowed and wiped soda bubbles from her chin.
Lanay, a large woman, about the age of Elspeth’s mother, popped her head around the door. “Good morning, miss. Excuse me for disturbing you. I heard you moving about. I’ve run a bath if you’re interested?” Lanay nodded in the direction of the bathroom and smiled knowingly.
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