Seeker of Magic

by Susanne L. Lambdin

  “Many have gone in search of the Raven Sword,” Grudge said. “None returned. We’re going to Fregia, not Garridan, and that’s the end of it.”

  “But they weren’t as clever as the three of us.” Hawk’s mood had changed, and he appeared almost giddy as they walked toward the main doors that lay wide open. “Magic is exactly what we need if we’re going to help defeat the Wolf Clan and put Prince Sertorius and his older brother in the grave,” he said. “We’re Royalists, aren’t we? We’ve sided with King Frederick, right? So, let’s find the one magical sword that can defeat the King’s enemies.”

  “Doomsayer won’t help the King,” Grudge said. “Nor will magic save his throne.”

  “Ringerike can,” Hawk said. “My map is a poor one, I admit, but you’ve been to the desert before. I know you can get us there, Grudge. Look, Taliesin has stopped crying. She wants to go. Make us both happy and say ‘yes.’”

  With a loud growl, Grudge marched out the door. Taliesin hurried to catch up and stopped him on the porch. Five horses and a mule were tied to posts in the courtyard. Hawk walked around the two of them and headed toward the horses, but he had an odd look on his face. There were no guards in sight. The torches were lit around the wall, but it was dark on the platforms high in the ancient oak. A light wind was blowing and the scent of flowers was thick in the air. Taliesin gazed up at the sky. The moon was high and the stars sparkled like diamonds in the dark sky.

  “I made Doomsayer speak,” Taliesin said. “Maybe I do have a little magic in me. I believe I can awaken the powers in Ringerike. It’s the one sword I’ve always wanted, Grudge. The one prize that’s always been out of reach. What’s the harm in going to Garridan? I know the prince is headed in that direction, but we can be careful and stay off the main roads.”

  “It’s not a good idea,” Grudge replied. “The risk is too great.”

  “Of course, you’d say that,” she said. “You’re afraid!”

  Annoyed with Grudge, Taliesin headed to Thalagar, placed the saddlebags over the stallion’s rump, and tied them to the saddle. When she was a child, Mandrake had often told her the story of King Korax to help her fall asleep. “Ringerike is the greatest of magical swords because it was the first one made by the gods themselves,” he had told her. “It is made of silver, with a gold hilt, and dragons on the crossguard. It is said to be so beautiful that, once unsheathed, people are held transfixed.”

  Grudge looked at her. He stood beside the big bay, Kordive and tossed the bag of food over the horse’s rump. Rook and Wren had yet to appear. Hawk was loading his weapons onto the white stallion, but she knew he was listening and counting on her to convince Grudge the quest was a worthy one.

  “I know all about the Raven Sword,” Grudge said, his tone sour. “You asked me to protect you, Taliesin, and that’s what I intend on doing. We go north where I have friends.”

  “Please, Grudge,” she said. “It means the world to me. I’m the one who has placed our clan in danger. If I can do this and find Ringerike, I can make amends for everything.”

  “I agree,” Hawk said, coming to stand beside Grudge. “Imagine what Taliesin could do with Ringerike in her hands. Better still; imagine the money we will make selling it to the Eagle Clan, and how much prestige Master Osprey will receive. The clan can return home and Osprey will probably be made a lord.”

  “I have been to the Salayen Desert,” Grudge said. “It’s a dangerous place. If the nomads don’t kill us, the sand worms will.”

  Hawk jiggled the bag of coins fastened to his sword belt. “Hear that?” he said. “That’s the sound I live to hear. It means money. Trust me. Someone will pay a high price for a sword that cuts through steel, cannot be broken, and enables its owner to fly. For all we know, it can do many more things. Why don’t I find Rook and Wren and we can take a vote?” Before anyone could say anything to the contrary, he ran to Raven’s Hall.

  “Magic is nothing to trifle with, Taliesin,” Grudge said. “A sword that talks to the dead is one thing. Ringerike is a king maker and a king killer.” He climbed onto the Morgenstern stallion. Kordive snorted and flipped his black tail as Grudge hung the double-edged axe from the saddle horn. “We’re in the dead business. It’s not for us to go in search of magical weapons. Nothing you can say will change my mind.”

  “I’ll sleep with you if you agree to take us there,” she said.

  Grudge glared at her. As her words sunk in, his expression changed. “Well, that changes things,” he said. “Does it mean that much to you?” She nodded with enthusiasm. “I won’t hold you to this bargain, but if you want to go after Ringerike, I’ll take you there. Just remember this was your idea. Not mine.”

  Taliesin untied the reins from the post and climbed into the saddle, thrilled they were going after Ringerike to restore the Raven Clan’s former glory. Thalagar gave a snort, and she patted his neck. Hawk led Rook and Wren from Raven’s Hall. They wore black cloaks with the emblem of the Raven Clan removed from the left shoulder, and carried one bag each. Wren went to the little white mare and Rook climbed onto a piebald gelding and fastened the silver Erindor spear to his saddle. He looked over at Taliesin and smiled.

  “We’re going after Ringerike,” Taliesin said.

  Hawk laughed as he climbed into the saddle. The group rode across the courtyard and through a back gate. A guard appeared and shut it behind them. Taliesin refused to look around or say farewell, but as the tall trees closed around them, she had the feeling she’d never see home again.

  * * * * *

  Chapter Nine

  A morning fog lay thick on the forest floor. Since she was the most acquainted with the landmarks, Taliesin led the group through the Tannenberg Forest, marking them in turn as she past. Tall spruces with curious white needles. An oak so twisted and gnarled it appeared like a crippled giant in the fog. An ancient temple covered by moss with only the spiral visible. A grove of ash with golden leaves meant they were ten miles from where the forest ended and opened into thick grasslands on the western border of Maldavia. They’d covered thirty miles during the night, stopping only twice as they picked their way through the trees. Avoiding dead falls and gorges, Taliesin listened for the trickling of water in Downy Creek. The moment she heard the creek, she held up her arm and turned to see her friends coming up behind her, the fog lapping at the legs of their horses.

  “We’re stopping,” Taliesin said, keeping her voice low. “Take a break.”

  She slid out of the saddle and led Thalagar to the stream. The horse dipped his head to drink, stomping his front hoof against the soft muddy ground. Wren, wrapped in her cloak, appeared at Taliesin’s side and pointed toward the bushes, in desperate need of relieving herself.

  “I can’t go by myself,” Wren said. “Come with me.”

  Rook came over and took the reins of their horses, and the two women walked a short distance and paused behind a tree to urinate. Neither said a word as they lowered their pants and squatted, fog covering them as they did their business. Overhead, a woodpecker knocked its beak against a tree limb. A warm stream trickled between Taliesin’s feet and created a steady rivulet in the dirt. She noticed a green beetle caught in the swirl of piss and watched it wash away before glancing at the girl to her side.

  “Hawk likes you,” Wren said, eyeing Taliesin shyly. “Ever since we were little, I’ve always been able to tell when he’s keeping a secret. I think my brother has liked you since the first day we arrived at Raven’s Nest. But you’re with Grudge, aren’t you?”

  “Huh?” Taliesin said, grabbing a leaf to wipe dry. She pulled up her pants and fastened her sword belt around her waist. “Hawk is your brother? I thought you were sleeping with those two boys.”

  Wren gasped. “You made me piss on my boot,” she said, angrily. She finished her business and jerked up her pants without wiping. “Is that what everyone thinks? That I am sleeping with Rook and Hawk. I’m only sixteen years old. I haven’t even done that...yet. How could you think that ab
out me?”

  “You can’t blame people for getting the wrong idea, Wren. The three of you are always together. No one knew Hawk was your crib brother; you don’t look a thing alike. Not even Osprey suspects you are kin, and he knows practically everything about everybody.”

  “Hawk is my half-brother,” Wren said, defensively. She pulled the hood of her cloak over her head. “He takes after our father, but we have the same eyes. I cannot believe no one noticed. Rook and Hawk are blood brothers. Rook’s not my lover. He’s like a brother to me.”

  Taliesin tried not to laugh when Wren gave her a hateful look. “Don’t be mad at me,” she said. “It’s not my fault everyone imagined you three were humping like bunnies at night. You did share a room.” She headed around the tree and turned when she noticed Wren didn’t follow. “Anyway, I do happen to like Grudge.”

  “You’re mean, that’s what you are.” Wren came around the tree, fog swirling about her legs and looked extremely upset. “Hawk has only had nice things to say about you. Rook idolizes you, and to think I seriously thought your gift to Rook was out of friendship, and here you’ve been laughing at us the whole time.” She wiped a tear from her pale cheek. “I’m going to tell Hawk what you said. I’m sure he won’t care a fig about you when I tell him.”

  “You can go suck eggs, for all I care,” Taliesin said.

  The girl stomped off, returning to the group. Wren didn’t get far before she let out a piercing scream. Taliesin ran toward the sound, sword drawn, and glanced at Wren who was pointing at the fog. Kneeling, Taliesin waved the fog aside and spotted a long, black snake wiggling across the forest floor. Unable to contain her annoyance, Taliesin severed the snake’s head and held it for Wren to see. It seemed a waste; the snake was simply doing what snakes do and not hurting anyone, but its death put Wren at ease.

  “I stepped on it,” Wren said, biting her bottom lip. “It has a black tail. It’s poisonous.”

  “For Navenna’s sake.” Taliesin rolled her eyes as she lifted the still-wiggling body higher. “That is a Blacktail Crawler, Wren. If it had a red spot on the end of its tail, then it would be a Red Tip, and yes, those are poisonous. This one doesn’t have a spot. It eats only mice, so calm down.” She tossed the snake aside. “You really are a little lamb lost in the woods. It’s no wonder Hawk and Rook have to keep their eyes on you. You’re helpless.”

  Wren’s cheeks turned bright pink. “I wish we’d gone to Eagle’s Cliff and left you behind,” she said, her voice growing louder. “We’re only here because of you. You’re the one who picked up that magical sword and talked to the dead. Maybe I don’t know much about snakes, but I’m not the one who led our clan to ruin. That’s on you, Raven Mistress.” She bowed her head, rammed Taliesin out of the way, and marched to her horse.

  “You nasty, little blue jay,” Taliesin said. “If you feel that way, then why don’t you and your shadows return to Raven’s Nest.”

  “Keep quiet,” Grudge said. He ran over, carrying his battle-axe. “All this squawking will rouse the Wolfmen. What’s this about?”

  Taliesin shook her head, wanting to punch Wren as she started to cry as loudly as a baby. The girl scurried to Hawk and threw her arms around his neck. Wren carried on as if she’d been beaten. “I didn’t do a damn thing to her,” Taliesin said. “She blames me for the situation we’re in. If she can’t hack it, then bundle her up and send her home.”

  “I suggest you try harder to get along with her. If we’re going to the Cave of the Snake God, we’ll need Hawk’s and Rook’s help.” Grudge walked beside Taliesin to the stream. The fog was starting to dissipate. She knelt and dipped her hands into the water. “I think it’s time we looked at the scroll of yours. I want to see what you found.”

  Taliesin splashed water on her face and stood. “We have about thirty miles to go before we reach the grasslands,” she said. “There’s an inn where we can stay the night. We can look at the scroll then, and not before.” She gave a nod in the direction they’d come. “The Wolfmen have been on our tail since we left Raven’s Nest. We’d best get moving.”

  The forest grew still, and Taliesin placed her hand on the hilt of her sword. Grudge turned around, eyes narrowed, and peered into the fog that curled around the tree trunks. A strong odor of wet dog hung in the air. Somewhere in the forest, an owl hooted three times.

  “Three times,” Taliesin said. “It’s a warning.”

  Grudge nodded. “Wolfmen scouts,” he grumbled.

  “Should we run or fight?” Taliesin asked. Her heart beat rapidly in her chest. She couldn’t see anything in the dense fog, but she believed him.

  “You’ve never fought a Wolfman before. Best let me handle it.” Grudge glanced at their friends. “Get out of here. I’ll join you soon enough.”

  Hurrying to her horse, Taliesin gave a soft whistle as she climbed into the saddle. Hawk, Wren, and Rook hastened to mount their horses and followed Taliesin. Kordive, left tied to a low tree branch, let out an angry neigh and stamped his hoof as they rode past. Taliesin clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth and Thalagar quickened his pace. As they cantered along the narrow path, she spotted a familiar tall birch tree with the initials of Black Wings carved in the trunk. Captain Leech’s initials were right above her own, but he’d been the one to do that, not her. A soft growl caught her attention, and Taliesin glanced to her right to see dark forms running through the trees, but they weren’t men in gray cloaks; five black wolves gave pursuit. She let out a whistle and bent low, branches passing over her head as Thalagar, sensing the danger, started to gallop.

  Ahead, Taliesin saw something large and white dash out of the trees. A white stag appeared on the path, led the way through the trees, and then swerved to the right. The wolves snarled as they took after it.

  “We need to get out of the woods,” Hawk shouted, behind her. “Keep going!”

  Thalagar gave an angry snort and pulled hard to the right, fighting the reins as Taliesin’s companions continued along the path. Her horse refused to obey her commands, and running with his head bowed, took after the wolves. Unable to control the stubborn horse, Taliesin was forced to hold on tight as Thalagar caught the last wolf in the pack. With a toss of his head, the horse knocked the beast off its feet, trampled it, and continued, eager to reach the next wolf. The stag was nowhere to be seen, and, at the cries of pain from the wounded wolf, the pack separated, circling to the left and to the right.

  “Enough of this,” Taliesin shouted, but the horse refused to heed. She pulled on the reins as they reached a small clearing, but before she could draw her sword, a rush of large, furry bodies charged from every direction, snarling and growling.

  Thalagar reared, flailing his front legs and sending Taliesin tumbling out of the saddle. As she scrambled to her knees, Thalagar swung around and stomped on a wolf, crushing it beneath his hooves. With a mouthful of dirt and blood, Taliesin rolled aside to avoid being trampled by Thalagar as he flattened another wolf into a bloody pulp. A loud snort from the horse warned Taliesin of danger as a large wolf leapt through the air. The horse reacted swiftly, kicked out with its hind legs, and caught the wolf in the head. The wolf flew through the air and slammed into a tree, breaking its spine. Taliesin climbed to her feet, wincing from bruised ribs, and drew her silver sword as the pack circled her and her horse.

  Sucking air through her open mouth, she swung the silver sword as two wolves rushed her. Thalagar intervened and charged one wolf, while Taliesin struck, slicing into the side of the other. She heard a man-like cry as the wolf crashed to the ground at her feet. The remaining wolves regrouped and slinked into the trees and out of sight as Thalagar trotted to Taliesin, his reins dragging on the ground. She felt a stab of pain in her side as she reached for the saddle horn, intending to mount before the wolves attacked again.

  “Hold still, boy. Let’s see if I can mount.”

  Thalagar’s tail whipped about and hit her face, knocking her aside. The horse spun around, pawed at the
ground, and snorted. A loping figure in gray came around a large pine tree, followed by four Wolfmen dressed in pelts and carrying tree trunks for weapons. Two wolves slunk behind them, panting hard and glaring at Taliesin with yellow eyes. As she pointed her sword at the Wolfmen, she saw the flattened wolf had turned into a naked man. Thalagar had trampled the wolf flat, but its body was reshaping, healing, and he groaned as he rose to his knees.

  “Demons!” Taliesin shouted. “Stay back! Death is all I have for you!”

  There was no time to worry about Thalagar as she prepared to fight the closest man. He had a wicked scar across his cheek and carried the antlers of an elk. The antlers were sharp as daggers and he raised his weapon high as he rushed her. Lifting her sword over her head, Taliesin used both hands to swing it in a wide arc and felt the blade sink into his shoulder. The man stumbled, his arm missing, and fell to the forest floor. The Wolfmen started snarling and the two wolves responded with growls. Thalagar ran past the front of the group, and the two wolves took after him, leaving Taliesin to deal with the four Wolfmen. Their injured companion stood to the side, one hand to the stump of his arm, and searched for his weapon.

  Taliesin swung her sword at a tall man wielding a tree limb. The man moved too close and his chest was split open. He dropped his weapon and sank to his knees. Before he could stand, she struck off his head and stepped around a log as the Wolfmen separated to surround her. One came around each side of the fallen tree and the third started to climb over it. The fourth man, now recovered from being trampled, picked up a tree limb. She charged him, screaming as she attacked. Her sword arced through the air and missed as the Wolfman danced out of the way. His body seemed to shimmer and the limb dropped as he transformed into something between a man and a wolf.