Six of them lay close together; talking, laughing, and generally enjoying one another's company. The elvish ranger and her wolf, however, sat on the very edge of the encampment. Kilren stared at the pair with a half-smile on his face as he noticed that the maiden was whispering in the animal's ear and giggling softly.
“What are you telling him?” the rogue asked.
“I'm telling him about you,” she replied with a grin. “I want him to know you're a friend.”
“Does he understand you?” Kilren asked.
“More than you might think,” she nodded.
“Well, what does he have to say about me?” he asked.
At this question, the maiden's expression changed to one of utmost seriousness.
“It wouldn't be fit for a lady to repeat,” she said, doing her best to hide the smile in her eyes.
At this reply, the entire camp burst out laughing, including Kilren himself.
“Well, just put in a good word for me,” he said, stretching himself at full length on the ground.
“Don't worry,” Erana nodded. “I will.”
After this, the rogue closed his eyes and his slow and steady breathing revealed that he had quickly drifted off to sleep.
“You know, I've been thinking,” Gwendolyn said suddenly as she sat, staring into the fire.
“It's a fine thing to do, lass,” Ian replied, taking a long draw from his pipe and blowing a gray cloud into the air before him, “What about?”
“Well, if Galrin really is after me, will it be safe for me to return home?” she asked. “They took me once. Couldn't I be taken again?”
At this question, the bard and the warrior shot each other a glance.
“Perhaps,” Tealor replied slowly.
“You have a good head on your shoulders, my dear,” the bard said, taking another draw from his pipe. “For my own part, I've been so intent on getting you home safely that I hadn't considered the risks you might encounter after.”
“I hadn't considered it, either,” the warrior agreed with a nod.
“Well, what are we going to do about it?” Darian asked, sitting up and leaning on one elbow.
“I thought perhaps I could be left with someone who could protect me,” Gwendolyn replied, gazing into the young knight's eyes. “Kept somewhere I would be well guarded.”
“That may be rather difficult,” the dwarf said, almost to himself. “Many of the Mikralian nobles place a high value on Valrak's thanks. I can think of very few I would trust with your safety.”
“Perhaps Andor would offer the sweet maiden sanctuary and allow her to stay at the fortress until he feels that she's safe,” Sarena said, smiling over at Gwendolyn. “And, perhaps our worthy Telian could watch over her.”
“I think I would be very pleased with that,” the maiden replied. “If they would be willing to accept such a burdensome charge.”
“I'm certain Andor will let you stay as long as you need to in order to keep you out of Galrin's reach,” Darian assured her. “However, I'm not sure I'll be able to guard you. I'm afraid he's going to have a great deal for me to do when we get back. But, if you're at the fortress, you won't need me looking after you.”
“I'd feel safer if you were,” she replied quietly.
At this, the knight chuckled.
“That's because you've never seen the fortress!” he said. “Once you're there, Galrin will have no chance of getting his hands on you. I just wonder how your parents are going to feel about all of this.”
“So do I,” the maiden replied, turning her gaze once again toward the fire. “They must be very worried.”
“I'm sure they are,” Tealor replied. “Still, they'll forget all their fears as soon as you're home safe.”
“Or safely at the fortress,” his wife nodded.
“I'm sure you're right,” the girl sighed.
The conversation ceased as, one by one, the companions drifted off to sleep. The watches of the night passed both quickly and uneventfully. Before the sun was in the sky, the band was on its way. In the still early light, they drew near to the village of Olinnor.
Here, they were greeted by a familiar, but unwelcome sound. The scream of a woman ripped through the still air before it was suddenly cut off. Darian drew his sword but, before he had taken a step, Tealor's large, powerful hand was wrapped around the Telian's shoulder. With a nod and a wave of his hand, the warrior sent the ranger and the rogue to investigate while the rest of the party prepared for whatever they might face.
The large wolf that walked at the side of the elvish maiden seemed content to stand between her and Kilren without threatening the young rogue's life and the three quickly reached the top of a hill from which they could see the outskirts of the village. After a moment's observation, they turned and quickly headed back to their waiting companions.
“It's some of Valrak's men,” Kilren said as soon as he was close enough to speak without shouting. “They seem to be searching through houses and generally roughing up the population.”
“Then there's no time to lose. We have to...” the young Telian began, taking a step toward the village.
“Wait,” the warrior interrupted. “We have to avoid this battle. We need to go back and find another route.”
“What!” the Telian exclaimed.
“Look Darian, these men are looking for us. They are looking for her!” Tealor said, pointing at the young maiden. “The fact that they're searching this village proves they don't know where we are. If we rush in to help these people, we might as well send Galrin a message telling him exactly where we're heading and what route we plan to take! We can't risk it!”
“I have to,” the knight replied vehemently. “Destiny has led me here. I have to save these people. It's my duty.”
“What about seeing Gwendolyn to safety?” the warrior asked sharply. “Isn't that you're duty, as well?”
The bold knight paused in silence for a moment, turning his gaze from the fair young maiden to the battle hardened warrior.
“I can't forsake one duty for another,” Darian replied, with grim determination.
“If you go into that village, you will have forsaken one for another,” Tealor asserted.
“You're right,” the knight replied after another moment of silence. “You lead the others back and I'll go on alone.”
“You can't!” the warrior said, shaking his head. “They'll slaughter you!”
“Impossible!” the knight replied. “With the power of the Eilian and, perhaps, the help of a few of the villagers...”
“And a ranger of Innalas,” Erana interjected, smiling over at the young Telian.
“I'm in,” Kilren said, lowering the crossbow from his shoulder. “I still need to pay for all my evil highwayman's ways. I guess losing my life trying to save some hapless villagers should just about even the score.”
“Aye, I'll come as well, lad,” the sturdy bard added. “Our victory will make a wonderful song.”
“I'm coming, too!” Gwendolyn almost pleaded.
“Not everything is written in the stars, Darian!” Tealor snapped, glaring at the young Telian. “You're no more destined to rescue these people than Valrak's men were destined to assault them! Gwendolyn, listen to me...”
“My love,” Sarena interrupted, “I fear we must go with them. I agree this may not seem the wisest course, but it's the one the Telian has to take. We, of all this band, owe him the most. Even if they were willing to go on without him, I could not. I owe him far more than merely my life. If he goes, then so must we, my heart.”
“Sarena, you don't have to do this,” the knight insisted. “You two should take Gwendolyn around the other way. The rest of us will catch up as soon as we're done.”
“Look, Darian,” the warrior said, taking up his shield and drawing his sword. “You won't be able to do this without us. Besides, if Galrin knows that four of our party were here, he'll be able to figure out that the other three weren't very far off. Now, step over the
re and pray for our safety while I discuss our strategy with the others.”
The knight nodded and stepped a short distance away from the rest of the party before dropping to his knees to offer up his prayers. Another scream ripped the air, causing the entire band to instinctively turn their heads in the direction of the village.
“Alright,” Tealor said, turning his face back toward his companions, “I don't want Darian to know, but we can't leave any survivors.”
“That seems a little bloodthirsty,” the rogue replied, gazing at his friend with knitted brows.
“I know,” the warrior agreed. “It's certainly not the way I want things to be, but there's nothing else we can do. If any of them get word back to Galrin, we're going to have the wolves back on our heels. We can't take that risk.”
“Couldn't we ask the villagers to hold any prisoners we take for a few days?” the elvish maiden suggested. “That would give us time to get well ahead of any pursuit.”
“And have Valrak punish the village for it?” Tealor asked. “No. Whatever we do, we can't let the blame fall on the villagers.”
“I can't kill a man if he surrenders,” Kilren said quietly.
At this, the entire group grew silent. Tealor drew a long slow breath, staring down at the ground.
“No, and neither can I,” the warrior said through clenched teeth.
“I fear that, if any surrender, we'll just have to take them with us,” Ian replied, looking up at Tealor. “I don't see what else can be done.”
“That's a terrible idea,” the warrior asserted, shaking his head. “But, it fits in with this idiotic plan perfectly. Well, we may as well get this over with and decide what to do once the dust has settled. Kilren, Erana, go around the sides of the village and do your best to shoot without being seen. Ian, you can give us a little battle music while Darian and I walk right down the middle of the road. My dearest, you'll need to hold the top of the hill and guard Gwendolyn.”
As soon as the warrior stopped speaking, the rogue and the ranger left the little band and went their separate ways in search of cover to shoot from. Ian drew his pipes from his pack and readied them under his arm. Tealor stepped over to the kneeling knight and tapped him on the shoulder. A moment later, they were marching side by side over the hill and straight toward the middle of the little hamlet.
“Hold still, Gwendolyn.” Sarena said as soon as her husband was out of view.
The sorceress chanted softly for a moment before reaching out and touching the maiden. Gwendolyn instantly vanished from sight. Shortly after, Sarena was also quite invisible and the two where hurrying, hand in hand, toward the village.
“I thought your husband wanted us to stay here,” Gwendolyn whispered as the two moved silently along.
“He just meant I should keep you safe,” the sorceress replied. “And I am. We don't know how many of our enemies are down there or what their positions are. Our allies may need our help before this is over.”
“They may need your help,” the maiden observed. “I don't think there's much I can do.”
“Don't be so sure,” Sarena replied with a hint of a laugh. “I saved my dear Tealor's life once just by screaming at the right moment. Of course, I wasn't as battle hardened then as I am now.”
“You issue the challenge,” Tealor told the young knight, as the pair passed over the top of the hill with Ian close behind.
The first image to meet their eyes was that of a farm boy, perhaps two or three years younger than Darian, being held by the throat. Five black armored men moved in the street ahead yelling orders at the nearby peasants. As they watched, the mercenary that held the boy drew back and slapped him to the ground. Another scream filled the air as a woman dashed into the street trying to help the child to his feet. At this, the villain's four companions laughed loudly. Two of the group grabbed the woman roughly and began dragging her back toward the open door from which she had come.
“Dogs of Valrak!” the young knight shouted over the din. “By what right do you assault these people? For what crime do you punish this village? Whose order brought you here? By whose authority do you attack women and children? For your crimes, you should be tried and severely punished! However, if you leave this place at once, you can go with your lives and your freedom intact. Do not rely on the aid of your master for his arm is not long enough to help you here; nor is his grip strong enough to pull you from the halls of Kaldor. If you choose to fight, you face the Eilian and death itself. Choose life and flee!”
The mercenary band stopped and stood, silently staring at the trio that approached them.
“That was better than your last one,” the warrior whispered to the young knight.
“Thanks,” Darian replied. “I put a bit more thought into it.”
“Where's the girl?” one of the mercenary band shouted as the enemies drew closer together.
“Where you'll never get her,” Tealor smiled.
“Oh, by the time we're done, you'll be begging to tell us!”
Having said this, the leader of band let out a cry, drew his sword, and charged at Darian with his men as his heels. Immediately, Ian struck up an ancient tune as the knight and the warrior both prepared to face their foes.
As the mercenaries rushed headlong at their allies, Sarena and Gwendolyn darted unseen beyond the field of conflict and passed quickly through the half open door of the first house they encountered. Before them stood the boy that had been slapped down and his crying mother.
“You stay here, I'll be right back,” Sarena said, releasing Gwendolyn's hand.
The sudden sound startled both the boy and his mother.
“Who's there?” the boy asked, gazing into what appeared to be an empty corner of the room.
“Friends,” the sorceress answered.
“I can't see you,” he said.
“That's alright, we can see you,” the sorceress assured him. “Now, be a good boy and let us get on with saving your village.”
Darian stood, his sword ready; waiting for the enemy's onslaught. In silent prayers, he asked the Eilian to give him the strength he needed to overcome his villainous adversaries. As the mercenaries drew closer, he could feel the divine power fill his body as the rapturous notes that flew from Ian's pipes drove him on to battle and victory. As soon as the leader was within striking distance, the gallant knight stepped forward; deftly dodging his enemy's blow before returning it with his own thundering strike. The mercenary skillfully blocked the attack, but was taken by surprise – both by the strength and the skill of the Telian. He fell back before the assault for a moment; giving his men time to flank the young knight.
Two of the five foes that stood before them had been foolish enough to boldly charge the mighty Tealor. With a single powerful strike from his shield, he knocked the first of his enemies to the ground while the second's sword flew from his grasp as it encountered the warrior's flashing blade. In an instant, Tealor had struck and struck again; both of his enemies lay at his feet never to rise.
From where Kilren lay hidden among some small bushes, he could clearly see the combat taking place in the middle of the street. He could also see five more of Valrak's servants coming from another part of the village. They were racing quickly to join the fray. He leveled his crossbow at the first of them and took a slow breath as he made sure of his aim. He could shoot now, but he would wait. As soon as these reinforcement saw his friends, he would fire. Letting a bolt fly too soon would bring his enemies around him like hornets. If he waited, they would drop – one after the other – without ever knowing he was there.
The ranger had placed herself on the opposite side of the village from the rogue. Between the two, they would be able to see any enemies approaching the scene of the conflict. As Erana watched, another band of five rounded the corner of a nearby farmhouse. She quickly bent her bow; only four of the number remained to fight. Her arrow, however, attracted the attention of the band and they began to quickly make their way toward the small
clump of trees from which she shot.
Darian did his best to keep all of his foes before him, but it was impossible. The three he faced possessed both skill and experience; it was only a matter of moments before one stood behind him, ready to strike. However, the fearsome bard observed the young knight's perilous position. In an instant, he had thrown his pipes to the ground, drawn his daggers, and thrust them deeply into the body of the flanking foe. This left the Telian in a far better position; he now only faced two attackers that were both in front of him.
Sarena remained unseen as she stepped silently from the door of the house. A wild yell attracted her attention. To the south, a group of reinforcements were bolting quickly toward the conflict. The sorceress let them pass before stepping into the middle of the street behind them. As soon as they encountered her allies, she would give them a fiery surprise. The thought of it caused a mischievous grin to spread across her beautiful – although, for the moment, invisible – face.
With renewed vigor, the mercenary leader again engaged the valiant knight. The two stepped slowly around one another in what appeared to be a whirlwind of flashing blades. On each side, blows fell with wonderful speed and terrific power – only to be blocked by sword and shield. The pair were evenly matched and Darian knew it would take time to overcome his enemy. However, the young knight suddenly heard the battle cry of the reinforcements from the south and knew that, very shortly, they would be greatly outnumbered. There was no time. He would have to take a chance.
While these two combatants stood locked in a deadly fray, the leader's companion turned his attention to the dagger wielding dwarf. He swung, but his sword struck only the outstretched blade of his enemy. Again, he lashed out but, this time, he encountered nothing at all. In frustration, the mercenary attacked time and time again, but never came close to harming his short and stocky opponent. At last, he flung his sword and shield to the ground and seized the dwarvish bard by the shoulder in a painfully powerful grip.
The Stars of Areon (The Chronicles of Areon Book 1) Page 21