by Lee M Eason
“That’s right,” Jac said remembering. “It was right up on the beach. I think it’d been washed down from further up by the storms the week before.” Jac stopped and turned to look at Bryn. “There’s something else I remember too. I thought, for a while back then, you and Gwen were getting closer. What happened?”
Bryn exhaled thoughtfully. “Don’t know really. Suppose life crowded back in again once we got back. I had the estate, which came into one of its busy periods and she had to head off somewhere, I forget now. The past year we’ve been on the road so we never really picked it up again. Too much going on I suppose.”
“So is that it then?”
Bryn frowned. “Maybe, I don’t know,” he struggled a bit, piecing his thoughts and feelings together for the first time on the subject. “When we got attacked by The Three and she went to find you. I was really worried and when I saw she was safe… it surprised me just how relieved I was that she was ok.”
“Well maybe you need to think about that a bit more,” Jac encouraged. “She watches you a lot. You seem to be the one she holds onto the longest if we’re heading off or catching up again.”
“Maybe,” Bryn didn’t seem too sure. “We’ll see, when all this is over.”
“Don’t wait Bryn. You never know what’s going to happen. That’s one thing I have no regrets about…” Bryn was suddenly aware that Jac had stopped. He looked around warily, his hand going straight to his sword. “What is it?” he hissed.
“Something,” Jac whispered back as the two sunk into the undergrowth.
“Which way?” Bryn asked his voice barely audible. Jac pointed.
They didn’t have to wait for long before another mounted patrol came down the track towards them. They silently edged their way deeper into the shadowy gloom of the dense trees. The patrol, like the others, gave the impression that they were not expecting to encounter anyone in this remote part of the continent. Long minutes passed as the men approached, their breastplates catching the sunlight that found its way through the canopy of dark blue-green. The ornamentation on the mounts’ tack rattled and clinked as they passed, their heavy cloven hooves thudding on the earth. Jac and Bryn heard snatches of conversation but neither spoke Ildran to any useful degree. When finally the riders had passed and were out of sight Bryn and Jac cautiously stepped out onto the track.
“The patrols are increasing.” Jac said looking down the track they had to take. “I wonder if we’re getting closer to a camp.”
“What would a camp be doing this deep in the forest and this far north in Sancir?” Bryn wondered.
Jac shrugged. “Patrolling the border. They won’t want Perin sneaking behind them and cutting them off,” Jac offered.
“Seems likely. I’d like to try and find out as much as we can though, so long as it doesn’t take us too far out of the way.”
“Ok,” Jac said evenly. “Let’s see what’s going on. We can continue along the path, if we meet anymore patrols we’ll have to continue in the forest, though it’ll be harder going.”
Bryn nodded and they headed off. It was sometime before they heard another patrol approaching. When the men dismounted and to take a break Bryn and Jac melted deeper into the forest and decided to work their way parallel to the track. It was hard going and their progress was slower until they found the remnants of a narrow track that headed in pretty much the direction they wanted.
“It’s paved,” Bryn noted looking at the uneven surface, which was still in good condition in some sections, in others the stone had been covered by decades of leaf fall. Still it made the going much easier. “I’d forgotten about this. I think this might have been the old trade route between Neath and Delak.”
“Delak?” Jac asked shifting his pack on his back.
“There used to be a trading town built in a pass through the mountains into Northern Kersel. In the war the settlement was captured, with the intention of using it as a staging post for the invasion of Kersel but that never happened. The war ended pretty soon after. Sometime after the war the pass through the mountains was sealed but not for the reason you’d think.”
“What, something other than keep out?”
“Yes, there are plenty of stories but which, if any, are true I don’t know. No one seems to know. I wonder if Kellim has any idea.”
“That would explain why they’re up here then. Trying to find what’s left of the passage through the mountains.”
They carried on along the path but met no patrols. They walked for several days in the silent forest, following the path as best they could. Occasionally stepping out into the sun as they came upon natural clearings where a rooftree had died and fell. As yet another day drew on it became clear that the trees ahead came to an abrupt halt. That extent of light coming through wasn’t from a natural clearing. Edging their way along the ground they could see a large area of the forest had been cleared and in its centre the felled trees had been used to build a fort. Bryn and Jac peered across the wide stump strewn expanse, watching the activity beyond. To their left they could see the main gate opening onto the track they had originally followed. To the rear of the fort a new path had been cut into the trees and along this passed a steady stream of traffic, heading north to the start of the Kersel Mountains. The fort was rough but substantial and clearly intended to be functional for some time.
“Well there we have it. The track we’ve been on was turning north just before we left it. I wonder if Delak is somewhere up there.”
“You want to head up that way and see?” Jac asked.
“What do you think?” Bryn was unsure they had the time.
“What could we do? Even if we did found out what they’re up to,” Jac shrugged. “The Hallorn army can take care of that if they get this far and Kellim was hot on us getting to Naddier as quick as we could.”
Bryn turned on his side to move a branch that was sticking in him. “I thought the same, though I’d have liked to see what they’re up to. We’ll wait till it starts to get dark, cut across the path up there, get round the fort and carry on along the old trade route. If we can find it again.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Jac agreed. “We can always come back this way once life returns to normal and see what they were up to.”
It wasn’t long before it started to get dark and they made their way to the freshly cut path and waited for things to become quiet. Finally, the traffic stopped and the fort shut its heavy gates. Bryn and Jac crossed the path making sure they were out of sight and headed into the forest. They tried to find their way back to the old route but the light failed and they had to give up. They had no choice but to settle down for the night, taking shelter in the roots of a fallen green comb. Eating cold rations, they prepared for a chilly night with no fire.
Both awoke with a start just as dawn was breaking. Voices and the crack of axes on wood echoed through the trees. They barely had time to gather themselves when a group of soldiers entered the clearing and stumbled across them. The men were equally surprised to see a Hallorn and a Cian sleeping in the forest and this gave Bryn and Jac just enough time to make a run for it. The soldiers quickly recovered and with a volley of shouts dumped equipment and chased after them.
“Left,” Bryn yelled. They dodged trees and leapt over mounds and ditches as they fought to put some distance between themselves and the soldiers.
Jac was struggling to release his bow from his backpack as it thumped up and down. With one eye on his footing he grabbed irritably for it and then in one swift movement stopped, turned, aimed and loosed an arrow. It sliced through the air. Hit square in the chest one of the Ildrans stumbled and crashed to the ground. The other soldiers scattered, shouting at each other and took cover. Jac quickly sent three other arrows thumping into the trees where they hid, before bounding off to follow Bryn. He released one more arrow after a few seconds to dissuade them from following too quickly.
“Are they following?” Jac panted.
“Not yet,” Bryn said looking
over Jac’s shoulder as he caught up.
“Where now?”
“This way, come on,” Bryn urged sheathing his sword. Jac groaned and followed after a quick glimpse over his shoulder.
Bryn was headed for a stream that cut its way through the forest. It was shallow and stony. They splashed into it finding the going easier despite the water. They could hear the shouts of soldiers some way behind and then suddenly off to their left came the sounds of others. Bryn threw himself onto the steep bank before clambering to the top to peer over.
Jac came up beside him. “It looks like they’re all over the place.”
I can make out twenty. I don’t think they know the stream’s here,” Bryn said between breaths.
Jac swallowed trying to catch his own. “They probably haven’t been this far over. Any sign they’re giving up.”
Bryn shook his head. “Looks like they’ve met this new lot and are going to spread out and search.”
“That evens the odds.”
“Come on,” Bryn said quietly, sinking back down the bank.
They made their way quietly along the stream, keeping their heads down and ears sharp. The shouts had stopped but they could still hear the odd crack of hidden twigs. Bryn and Jac kept low, the ache in their backs rapidly increasing. The steep banks had risen above them as the stream scored its way through the soft ground providing good cover, however a short way ahead they could see the banks beginning to drop again. Suddenly, Jac grabbed Bryn’s arm, putting his finger on his lips he pointed up to the bank top. Bryn couldn’t see what Jac meant at first but then caught sight of movement. The soldier was obviously close to the edge of the ravine but unaware of them. They edged to the cover of the steep bank, considering each move they made and pressed themselves as close to it as possible.
Jac laid on his back his bow and arrow ready and his neck craned alarmingly back so he could release a shot into anyone who peered over the bank. They kept their breathing shallow and could clearly hear the other man’s as he moved above them. He was looking about, searching for any signs of the enemy. Each step brought him closer and then he was looking down. It took precious seconds for him to register what he was seeing but in that instant an arrow met him and he toppled forward almost falling on them. Bryn had his knife in his hand and the man was silenced but not before a shout went up from close by. Bryn and Jac were forced to pull themselves up eight feet of bank again. Five soldiers had taken cover behind trees and a large fallen trunk, three more were warily edging their way to where the bank dipped considerably. The soldiers were hastily exchanging hand signals unaware they were being watched.
Bryn looked at Jac. “This isn’t good.”
Chapter 15
Mia Sara and Kara had been flown in through The Ugarmas Dip. The entry into Ildran occupied Urukish had been undercover of dark and still some way back in the mountains. Amarian intelligence hinted at a strong Ildran presence based close to the border ready to respond to any ships emerging from the range. Mia Sara had jumped them from the ship and both had transformed. Kara was in her element. After the constraints of the capital she could follow her nature and regularly switched between forms simply for the exhilaration she felt. Mia Sara on the other hand adopted the only form she could maintain for any length of time, this fact she kept to herself.
They eventually left the mountains and descended into fern jungle that obscured them from the air and the regular sky ship patrols. They had given a wide berth to the large Ildran camp based near The Dip and ran on without rest. Urukish’s sparse population meant they were able to travel quickly, unobserved by locals and for the most part any military. Urukish had once been a major power in the south. Its capital had boasted The Lantrium at Luesh, the seat of The Eastern Panids. However, The Great War laid waste to the country. The population and the land had been decimated, never to recover. Urukish was now a country of jungles and a few small self-governed cities.
Their journey was uneventful. Their only encounter startled a group picking the highly prized fruit from a grove of giant red ferns. The men had frozen in the eerie rose light as the two large animals came loping out of the undergrowth. For a brief instant they had warily watched each other, the men waiting to see if the animals would attack, the Adepts passing through at a measured trot, Kara had been unable to resist a half-hearted roar as they’d left. Apart from this they had no other contact. Kara hunted for food, which Mia Sara insisted was cooked and eaten in their true forms. She was clearly uncomfortable with transforming. Once aware of this Kara made continued reference to it and after several harsh comments from Mia Sara the two had travelled on in silence.
Finally, they crossed the border in Ildra and the jungle began to give way to civilization and they were forced to continue as themselves. Kara had dyed her blonde hair brown and darkened her skin so that she looked more Ildran. Mia Sara’s already dark hair and Amarian colouring meant she needed to make smaller provision. Though she did raise an eyebrow at the Ildran clothes they had been given to wear. Walking for another day they reached Magor, the first of the great southern cities of Ildra. There was a clear and very conspicuous military presence in and around the city, which had been heavily fortified. Mia Sara noted the change from the last time she had been there. She also noted the lack of men and women of a serviceable age. Conscription had clearly been effective and possibly the only way to force a people so uninterested in empire to fight. Those citizens left seemed to be going about their daily business with only the occasional interruption by the military. A situation Mia Sara and Kara were eager to avoid.
As they entered the city their packs were searched and they were questioned, though the guards did this with disinterest and let them pass with little delay. The city itself was a wonder and both could not help but be affected by its splendour. This was a rich city and it showed it at every opportunity in its architecture, its public buildings and its beautiful squares. Magor and Hass, the capital, were often referred to as The Golden Cities. The amount of the precious metal used to embellish and decorate buildings made it easy to see why. The effect could have been tasteless but had been applied with skill and vision. Kara had always felt the Hallorn capital to be beautiful but Magor was a jewel. She was both angered and saddened that the focus on art and culture, led by its previous rulers, had now been turned to conquest. She wondered what would become of Magor if the war reached it.
“Do stop gawping. We’ll look out of place,” Mia Sara said irritably.
Kara didn’t reply and was tempted to pull a face but the thought made her feel childish and she turned her attention back to the city. The atmosphere between herself and Mia Sara had not improved and so conversation between them remained strained and functional. Kara saw the irony in having to spend so much time with the person she least liked on the continent. Of all the people she could have been asked to accompany Mia Sara would not have been her first choice, or thousandth for that matter. Still the woman was efficient and a powerful Talent, that at least would improve their chances of success.
They made their way through the busy city and its solid buildings. The architectural style favoured was monumental. The buildings were blocky and solid with sloping sides; their upper storeys relatively unremarkable with small occasional openings providing the only feature. Many had foliage growing in cascades from the flat roofs. Flowers grew in abundance and the people were equally colourful in their choice of dress. The application of gold leaf in intricate designs to the hands and face seemed to be the fashion.
The people gathered around the city’s many pools and fountains socialised, relaxed and chatted. This didn’t feel like a country bent on conquering its neighbours. Ildra had once been a stabilising factor in the south. She stopped and looked at a statue that dominated the avenue. Even now, nearly one hundred years later, the Image of The Princess Illia was a shrine to the people of Ildra or at least those with Urukish decedents. Her mother had sent her to Amar in an ill-conceived attempt to stop events escalating
to war. The threats from The Urukish ruler had fallen on the equally conceited ears of Saracarn III. Her accidental death had devastated the nation. Amaria had never been forgiven.
“I wonder what she was like,” Kara said dabbing at her forehead. The wet heat of Magor was different again to the dry heat of Amar and nothing like the climate in Naddier. “It’s so humid.”
“You have a persistent ability to point out the obvious,” Mia Sara observed irritably.
“You have an ability to be persistently unpleasant. Has anyone made that obvious to you?” Kara snapped.
Mia Sara stopped. “Look,” she said wearily. “We have never liked each other. We will never like each other. Up until now there has been little need for us to communicate and when we have, you either point out the obvious or continue your ridiculous attempts to goad me. Can we exclude the childish snipes and talk only when absolutely necessary?”
Kara looked at her but did not speak. Mia Sara raised an eyebrow. “An answer would be appropriate at this point.”
“Appropriate yes but not ‘necessary’,” Kara walked on.
With the atmosphere between them even more strained Mia Sara set about finding their contact who ran a shop in a quiet part of the city. The area was a mixture of small houses and specialist shops on a relatively narrow paved roadway. Pedestrians ambled along only stepping onto the narrow pavement whenever a cart or carriage clattered passed.
They made their way along this road and eventually came to the shop they needed, not pausing to look through the large opening, which passed as the shop front, they entered and waited until the proprietor’s two customers had been served and left. At this Kara stopped her pretence of examining goods and stepped over to the counter with Mia Sara. The owner already had a look of expectation on his face as Kara introduced herself and Mia Sara in the way that had been previously agreed. The owner responded appropriately.