by Hurri Cosmo
Simple. Tama wouldn’t even mention it unless the king did. He would let it stay his secret if that was what the king desired. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t kept secrets before. He still needed to get to the castle, find, and confront his father. This way he wouldn’t have to be alone. He would have company, at least until the king awoke.
“Thank you. I would like that very much.”
“Good. Then it’s settled.” Stomund turned and looked around him. “Where is the king’s steed?”
Tama huffed. “The two took his horse.”
“And yours, too?”
Tama turned his face away. “No, I have no horse. I was on foot to begin with.”
Stomund smiled and clapped Tama on the back. “No shame in that, lad. Perhaps more of us should be on foot.” He patted his midsection as if to indicate he needed exercise, and Tama nearly laughed out loud. The man could not be fitter.
Stomund kicked at Tama’s makeshift travois. “What’s this?”
“It was a fast fix to move the king by myself. As you know, he is not a small man.”
Stomund nodded slowly. “It’s quite brilliant. I don’t think I would have thought to make something like this. I will have my men follow your design and build us something a little sturdier.” He looked at Tama and winked. “Using yours as a base, if that’s all right with you.”
Tama felt heat fill his face yet again. “Of course.”
“Good man.” Stomund nodded in the direction of the king. “I will leave his preparation to you. My men and I will rebuild this.”
It didn’t take long and they were all underway, heading for Blade Rain. Stomund and his men decided that the new much-sturdier travois would fare better if dragged by two of his men than by horse, trading out with two others all along the way. That freed a horse for Tama to use, for which he was very grateful. The horse was magnificent compared to any that he had ever seen or rode in the past.
About two hours into the slow-moving trip, Tama finally asked the question he had wanted to ask the king. “How is it that he had no protection?”
Stomund glanced at Tama and snorted. “You mean, why was he alone? Good question. Unfortunately, it is too easy to answer. We’ve never had any control over these damn Blade Rain royals. First with Prince Joron and his endless disguises and now it seems the king has picked up on the habit of running off without notice.”
Tama smiled. It would seem exactly the thing this king would do, rush off unprotected to save someone. “So, what was his mission? Was there a dragon to be slain?” Tama chuckled.
“Dragon?” Stomund laughed. “No. I’m sure there was no dragon or mission either. He most likely wanted to be wild one more time.”
Tama turned to the soldier. “Wild? What do you mean?”
Stomund huffed. “Sow his wild oats, as they say. He did it nearly six years ago, as well, when he was told it wouldn’t be long before he would be on the throne. He left on a three-year trek through the kingdoms, hopping in and out of every bed he could find from what I understand. Of course, back then, he at least allowed for several guards to go with him. This time he simply disappeared. Luckily, His Majesty left a trail a child could follow.”
Tama was sure his shock and dismay had to show on his face. “Oh!” was all he could manage. Immediately, it seemed, Stomund picked up on exactly what was going through Tama’s mind.
“You’ve grown to like him?”
Tama turned away. “I… I’ve only just met him. How could I like him?”
Stomund chuckled. “You wouldn’t be the first. As it is, it’s a man’s bed this king chooses to frequent. Obviously, you are the same way?” Stomund raised his eyebrows at Tama.
Even though Tama’s face was on fire and he felt no compulsion to tell him anything so personal, he nodded.
“I thought so.” Stomund sighed. “I’m sorry, but the king is still young. And obviously, so are you. Unfortunately, he leads men on, letting them believe they have a future with him. But he is only playing with them. However, all of that is about to come to an end for our king, which is more than likely the reason for this escape from Blade Rain into Claymoor Doom territory.”
“Why is it coming to an end?”
“Our King is about to be married to Princess Annen Novou of Thunder Wolf. A union that will finally put an end to the continued threat of war… and obviously, produce an heir.”
“Married?” Tama could not help but be shaken. Of course, he was well aware of the fact the King of Blade Rain was in need of an heir. It was exactly the reason Kelay had done what she had done. She felt she was first in that line, already with a healthy son in tow. But somehow his heart forgot about that little detail after he was lost in the king’s kiss.
“He didn’t tell you?”
“We haven’t talked. Like I said, we just met.” No, they hadn’t done a whole lot of talking… or at least, not about such things as marriages and babies.
“I see. Then there’s no problem?”
“Problem? Why would there be a problem?” But, of course, there was a problem. A huge problem. The King of Blade Rain was still in need of his care. And his kisses. Damn it.
And he was going to be marrying a woman.
Which, of course, for a king, was only right. But where would that leave him? Suddenly, being anywhere near him when the king woke up was no longer appealing in the least.
Stomund nodded. “Good. Because this marriage must happen. It is the reason we are now in a hurry to reach the castle. The King of Thunder Wolf and the bride-to-be are already there and waiting. The last thing we need is to anger this vicious King of Thunder Wolf by jilting his daughter. Especially, since our own king is the one who went and negotiated the deal.” Stomund set his jaw as if he did not agree with what it was his king had done. But as quickly as that expression appeared on his face, it vanished, making Tama question whether he saw it at all. “That’s why we came looking for him,” Stomund continued, “To remind him of his obligation.”
“But he’s injured.” Tama’s heart plummeted even farther. The man made the deal himself. That said all kinds of things that made Tama realize he had truly misunderstood what happened between them, just as Stomund had said. Thankfully he had only just met the man. There were no real feelings between them. Just a little flirtation. And kissing.
And Tama’s ridiculous imagination.
“Yes, that might delay the nuptials. We will have to see when he wakes. You, being a healer, will be called upon to speak to that.”
“What? No.” Tama shook his head, trying to hide the pain his thoughts had caused. “No, I’m not a healer. Sorry. There’s no way I can speak to anything. He… the king will simply need a lot of rest. That’s all I can recommend for him. He needs rest to heal completely.”
“You’re not a healer? But…you healed him! You reduced his fever and saved his life. You said so yourself. Plus, if you are not a healer, how is it you know so much about things like that—” He waved back at the king being dragged along the ground on a much-improved travois. “—that stuff you put on the wound, not to mention, Witch’s Bane?”
Tama huffed. “My mother. She was a healer, and I had hoped to follow in her footsteps. She taught me about plants and herbs and things. She also taught me about black magic and curses. Elven Port, being on the very edge of Claymoor Doom land, is near the Great Marsh and the village of Dark Marsh. You are from Blade Rain so probably know little to nothing about that River Slade village in the mountains. It is the home of many witches and warlocks.”
Stomund nodded vigorously. “Yes! As a matter of fact, I have heard of that village. I always thought it was only a village in a child’s story. It really exists?” He had turned as far toward Tama as he could without confusing his horse.
Tama chuckled. “Yes. It really exists. I was there once with my mother and sister many years ago. I can assure you, the village is there.”
“Ahhh, that is wonderful! I would love to have a conversation with you about it.�
��
“With me? Well, unfortunately, I don’t have a lot to tell you other than I was there and it exists. My sister and I were not allowed to go into the house where my mother met with whoever it was at the time. We were there for such a short visit and didn’t have an opportunity to roam about the town or meet any of its inhabitants, although I do remember quite clearly the experience. But, alas, it was the only time I have been there. I was maybe four or five at the time.”
“Well, then a conversation with your mother would be ideal if she will have it. Not that I would have use of a witch or warlock, but I find it quite fascinating. Do you think you could arrange it?”
“No, I’m sorry. My mother died a few months after that trip.”
“Oh. That’s…sad.”
“It was many years ago.”
“You are still young, Tama. It could not have been that long ago.”
“Fifteen years this summer.”
“Still.” They rode in silence for a while. “Your mother must have been quite young as well. How did she die?”
“She… was killed. By a sick woman. She accused my mother of using black magic on her husband. She blamed her for his death. The woman said that was why my mother traveled so often to Dark Marsh in the first place. To learn dark magic.”
“Was it?”
“I don’t think so. She used to tell me she didn’t believe in magic. That it wasn’t the witches who put incantations on the plant that healed or even killed people. It was the properties of the plant itself, whether it was beneficial or”—Tama shrugged— “not. Besides, I have trouble believing she would take my sister and me, even that one time, if she was learning black magic.”
“To be truthful, Tama, I don’t understand why a mother would take young children into the marsh at all. There are more dangers there than the threat of black magic. Do you know why she went, then?”
“That particular time it was for a special healing plant that only grew in the marsh. Much like Witch’s Bane. I don’t remember the reason we went. Maybe it was because the woman who usually cared for us during times like that wasn’t able to. I’m not sure. The plant she was after, I understand, was to make the woman’s husband well. But—again, this is what was told to me—the wife ending up killing both, my mother and her husband.”
“Her husband, too? That’s rather curious.”
“Yes. I know. It was all very strange. She supposedly accused my mother of practicing black magic on him, killed him and then she chased my mother into the forest and… killed her.” Tama shivered.
“That’s awful. But it seems so odd she did that. Didn’t she know your mother was only trying to help?”
Tama sighed. “There were all kinds of speculations at the time. Some thought my mother must have turned the husband into monster and that was why the wife killed him. Some said my mother actually used black magic on the wife and turned her into the monster. But then some even believed my mother and the woman’s husband were secretly lovers because my mother seemed desperate to save the man. Black magic wasn’t involved at all. I’ve asked my father about it, why my mother would risk so much for this one man, knowing what the people were saying, but he refuses to talk about her or the incident.” Tama huffed. “So, I really don’t know.”
“What happened to the wife?”
“She was sent to work in the mines up north. No one ever heard from her again.”
“The mines? For a woman? That’s… I mean…”
“I know. It was harsh. But…it was because of how she killed my mother. She… was… hit on the head, and then her mouth and throat were stuffed full of Silver Pig weed. It’s a grass that…well, it’s burned to ward off evil.”
“Did she…?”
“Yes. She set the grass on fire.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Tama. I didn’t mean to bring up such difficult and sad memories.”
No, that was true, the man didn’t. Tama understood that. So, it was definitely time for another change in subject. “How far is it to Blade Rain?”
Stomund sighed. “As soon as we clear these foothills, we will be in sight of the Ice Dragon Pass.”
Tama perked up, his heart hammering in his throat. “Will we go through it today?”
“No. It’s too far and this group is moving too slowly, dragging the king on foot. It’ll become dark before we are able to reach the other side. We will camp tonight on this side and make it through in the morning. No worries, now, though. We’re on Blade Rain land within the hour.”
“Yes, Ice Dragon Pass is a cursed place. I shudder to think of it.”
“It’s only cursed when the sun is gone, so, as I said, no worries. However, I do want to ask you about the Witch’s Bane, since we brought up curses. You said that the two who attacked the king meant to kill him. Did you hear their plot?”
“No. They never mentioned a plot.”
“How is it you know they were purposely trying to kill the king?”
“I told you. Witch’s Bane. It causes damage to the blood. I was able to draw out most of the poison from his wound, luckily it wasn’t deep, so it didn’t have the chance to spread. The high fever took care of the rest. At that point, I just needed to make sure he lived through it.”
“So, then, the reason you feel this was a plot to kill the king is because Witch’s Bane is hard to obtain?”
“Impossible outside of Dark Marsh. It’s called Witch’s Bane because it’s thought to be created by black magic. But, according to my mother, it’s simply the seed of one of a number of very rare plants that grow in the swamps and bogs of the Great Marsh. Supposedly in the places where the sun cannot penetrate the canopy of overgrown swamp brush. Which, to your point, are also the most dangerous places in the marsh.”
“Oh, yes. From what I have heard, aside from quicksand, whirlpools, and bog rats, stories abound about other very mysterious, huge and grotesque creatures, all of them unsavory things that reside in those dark places, waiting for unsuspecting beings to stumble into their clutches. It is said, once you encounter one, you can’t escape it. Although, for the stories to be told, some must have.”
“I have heard many of the same things. However, I think the stories exist to keep people from venturing into the swamps on their own to harvest the plants themselves. More coin is to be made when something is impossible to acquire. Even so, it is still very obviously considered a perilous job to go into the swamps. But the swamp is the only place in all of Ice Dragon where some of these lifesaving, life-altering, and sometimes, life-taking plants, such as Witch’s Bane, can be found. That is the reason concoctions like it are very rare. And very expensive.”
“So, what you’re saying is, these two were using something on their knives that no ordinary brute would be able to get his hands on? Unless, of course, they had plenty of coin.”
“Not necessarily true. Witches generally do not deal in coin.”
“What does that mean?”
“From what I understand, wealth means little to nothing to those who practice the black magic in Dark Marsh. They are more interested in—well—it sounds strange, I know, but, again, according to what I remember my mother saying, they tend to collect human…things. Like blood. Or fingernails. Teeth. Hair. Sometimes, even humans themselves.”
“What? How?”
“I’m not sure. Sometimes it is said they cause death and suck up the spirit. But they have also been known to take an actual person… a child. A firstborn.”
“Oh. Yes. I have heard of such things.” Stomund turned back in his saddle as he appeared to be pondering something. “Tama, are you the firstborn?”
“No. My sister was. Why?”
“And she also went with you on that trip, right? Where is she now?”
“She’s… she died. About two years ago, now.”
“She’s… Oh, Tama! What happened?”
Damn. This was a line of questioning he had not wanted to get into. He supposed he could tell him about the baby. There should be no
reason he would be able to figure anything out if he was careful.
“She died in childbirth.”
“And the child?”
Tama smiled as he thought of Aydin. “He is very well. Thriving. His name is Aydin.”
“Aydin? It’s an odd name.”
Tama laughed. “It’s elven. It’s very ancient.”
“What does it mean?”
Tama took in a large breath, then let it out. “It means prince.”
“Prince?” Stomund laughed. “Where is he?”
Tama’s smile disappeared. “My father took him. I was raising him just fine, and he decided he didn’t want him in the house. So, I am chasing the both of them. I want my Aydin back.”
“Chasing them? Tama, where is your father going?”
Tama glanced at Stomund. “Blade Rain. To sell him.”
“Are you serious? Who, pray tell, in Blade Rain would buy a child?”
“I don’t know.” It wasn’t a lie. At the moment, the only person who would was being dragged behind them.
“What can I do to help?”
“Honestly, I have no idea.”
Unfortunately, also not a lie.
Chapter 4
Many years ago
“Our sister is dead.” Red crouched near the lifeless form of Silver, running her hand along the gossamer gown as if by doing so their sister would once again rise.
“She was greedy and naive.” Black turned from the prostrate form, anger rising. “To allow some human to kill her so…so…easily. And all because she obsessed over her looks, her youth!”
Red moaned. “Every day we are weaker, my sister. DinRau’s power is ebbing faster than you even predicted. The…the thing you turned him into is dying!”
“The Blackdog tree. The spell we wove turned him into Blackdog.”
Red pouted. “So interesting you would turn DinRau into something with your name. As if claiming him for yourself.” She eyed her sister.
“Not I, sister. The three of us. We all turned him into Blackdog, so that we could drain his power. What is interesting is that you would suddenly forget. Seems our dear sister forgot as well and believed she was entitled to far more than her fair share.”