The Panids' Children_The Panids of Koa

by Lee M Eason

  She knocked again.

  “Come in,” he said tetchily.

  This is the last time, she reminded herself and steeling herself pushed the door open with her knee.

  Culsen threw the papers he had in both hands down on the desk. The rest of the room was in some disarray. He’d clearly been looking for something. She could only guess it was the rod or perhaps the drawer key. On seeing her he stopped what he was doing and got up from his desk, slowly walking over. Kara stopped in the doorway as he now blocked the way through the room. He paused looking her up and down and with a cold smile closed the distance between them. He seemed to find something amusing and taking hold of the other side of the tray went to lift it from her hands. Kara tightened her grip unwilling to let go, thinking he’d discover the biscuits and mess up her plan.

  “Release the tray,” there was an edge to his voice, the smile still frozen on his lips.

  Not wanting to create a scene and attract attention from the rest of the house she eased her grip. He jerked the tray free of her hands and set it heavily on the dresser to his left. Reaching passed, he pushed the door shut with a deliberate flourish never taking his eyes off her and stepped forwards. Kara moved back coming up abruptly against the wall. Culsen hovered for an instant looking down at her, enjoying the moment before pressing himself against her. Kara looked away and would have slid into the wall if she could. Culsen’s breath was heavy. He stroked a hand down her neck and then slowly down her arm to her hips. His brow knitted and he went to reach into the folds of her dress. Kara tried to pull away but he grabbed her roughly and ripped the material open spilling biscuits on the floor.

  “Sweets for the sweet,” he leered and went to kiss her, grabbing clumsily at her breast.

  The sudden pain jolted Kara some way back to her senses. Adrenalin swept away fatigue. “Bollocks to this!” Suddenly angry she shoved him back.

  Culsen’s expression changed and he lunged forward striking the back of his hand across her face. Kara reacted immediately pushing him back again, this time far enough to bring her own fist into action. Her blow split his lip. Culsen looked at her flushed with anger and shock, his face contorting in scorn.

  “You little bi…”

  Kara’s second blow smashed straight into his jaw, knocking him cold and back over. She only just managed to grab him but his arm flopped out and upset the tray.

  The door to the west wing swung open and a guard entered the room, his eyes searching out the source of the noise. In the time it took him to appraise the situation Kara focused her will, drew on the field and transformed, her careful plans in tatters. Unable to process this startling event the guard had just enough presence of mind to shriek at the terror bearing down on him. A heavy swipe from a spiny paw sent him sprawling unconscious to the floor. She bounded through the doorway, rearing up and clapping both of her huge front paws either side of the other guard’s head as he fumbled for his sword. His eardrums ruptured and Kara head butted him flat to the floor.

  The other two guards rushed her, swords drawn. The corridor wasn’t wide enough for both of them to attack. The first guard slashed at her hide blunting the blade. She swept his legs from under him. He hit the wall heavily and fell. The other guard had a chance and was able to hack off a spine before being trampled. Kara was too big to be stopped by such feeble gestures.

  She knew the noise she was making would be heard downstairs and so wasted no time in bounding the length of the corridor. Erupting into the room she spotted Halleck as he attempted to sit up. At last the antidote was having some vague effect. Halleck had enough of his wits about him to scream in terror before Kara irritably knocked him out. Turning her attention to the shutters she reared up and dragged her claws down them, they broke like twigs. Flattening her spines, she slung Halleck effortlessly onto her back. Distant noises informed her that some of the staff had reached the study. She could make out Culsen’s voice as he screamed orders. She hunched ready to spring. A sudden commotion at the door made her look round. Two of the staff stood opened mouthed and round eyed. With a warning roar, that had them reeling, she leapt. The second she landed Mia Sara appeared out of the shadows and hurried over the lawn to take hold of Halleck.

  “Ready?” she asked hastily, her eyes darting from the window to the lights that had now gone on in the rooms thirty feet to her left.

  Kara nodded with a hideously toothed smile. The power of Mia Sara’s fully gathered will roared in her head as she collapsed the huge space between them and the first marker. Seconds later the remaining guards, amidst angry shouts and orders, burst out onto an empty lawn.

  Chapter 16

  With barely a sound Bryn slid down the bank, drawing his sword as he reached the river. He began edging his way along its bank in order to meet the soldiers and give Jac a chance to pick a few off with his bow before they were forced to fight.

  One of the soldiers shouted, spotting Bryn pressed against the moss-covered bank. The group faltered but then thinking Bryn alone began to advance. One of them shouted something to him, it was clearly a command and Bryn could guess its meaning, he recognised Ildran for sword. It was pointless answering so he simply shook his head. His meaning was perfectly clear and the men rushed him. The nearest managed two paces before an arrow hit him in the chest. The other two closed the distance too quickly.

  Jac was unable to release a second arrow. Bryn obscured his view. Instead he scrambled back up the bank and turned his attention on the other five. They were still taking cover but beginning to edge their way forward, probably assuming the other three had engaged whoever was in the gully. They were obviously intending to come up behind. Jac took his time focusing on his targets, knowing he had to rely on Bryn to take care of himself.

  Bryn had his work cut out the soldiers were skilled and worked to tire him. He held them off. His sword and body moving with speed and precision identifying the pattern they fought in and as a result their weaknesses. He began to find the rhythm of the fight forcing the men to work harder and increased the pace.

  Jac couldn’t risk giving away his position and the advantage. The noise of the fight would be audible to the men in the forest and soon pull them out of hiding, in an attempt to attack from the rear. He had no idea what they were expecting to find but the noises of the struggle seemed to have convinced them that now was the time to move. They cautiously edged towards the gully keeping to the cover of the trees. As they drew steadily closer Jac’s chances to pick them off decreased. He held his nerve and in the end this paid off. Two men broke cover to clear the distance to the gully. As his first arrow cut the air his second was introduced and released. The first found its target, then the second. The third narrowly missed. Jac cursed, quickly fitting another arrow and bringing it to bear but the soldier had found cover. Jac had to search to re-locate the other two. One was closer but he couldn’t see the second. An arrow flashed past him. He recovered quickly releasing one of his own and then another two as the closer man attempted to move in. The second arrow stopped him. Jac reloaded and snapped his attention back to his remaining assailants. One was still behind the fallen tree but the bowman had moved. Jac scoured the undergrowth. Another arrow twanged into the tree. He rolled round and released his own, it grazed the bowman and forced him to move. Jac fired into the undergrowth hoping for a lucky shot but the man had good cover and eventually made a break for reinforcements. Clearly it was time to leave before more soldiers arrived. The ferocious fight in the gully continued and Jac was torn between joining Bryn and leaving the other soldier to either run for it or sneak up behind them. He was considering his next move when the Ildran behind the trunk made a scramble for cover further into the woods. Jac released an arrow after him, deliberately aiming to the side. It thunked into a tree trunk, the man ducked but kept moving. Jac sent another arrow after him to make sure he kept on running, which he did.

  Bryn made his move. He parried a high blow anticipating the brief break before the next. He used the breath spa
ce to duck inside the UruIldran’s reach and butted him hard with his shoulder. This caught the man off balance forcing him to stumble back and over. The other soldier was thrown, his strike cut through air and his own momentum brought him forward into the reach of Bryn’s knife. His shock was cut short as Bryn straightened and followed through with his sword. In his next fluid movement Bryn stepped back and threw his knife. The UruIldran stumbled and pitched sideways to the ground. Bryn straightened to catch his breath but then spun to face the sound of splashing feet.

  Jac skidded to a halt. “It’s me, it’s me,” he shouted. We need to go now.”

  Bryn exhaled heavily in an effort to slow his breathing, sheaved his sword and stood for a few seconds his hands on his hips catching his breath. He swallowed hard and wearily retrieved his knife.

  Jac patted him on the shoulder. “You’re out of shape old boy. Come on we need some distance.”

  Bryn gave him a withering look but without speaking began running.

  They ran, both ignoring the pain in their chests and the increasing leaden weight of their legs. Reckoning they had a reasonable head start as the terrain would force any pursuit to be on foot. Deliberately heading away from any of the paths they had previously followed the two aimed to put as much distance as they could behind them and the Ildrans. Only after hours of running, with brief stops to rest and check for the distant sounds of pursuit, did they feel they could slow.

  “Let’s hope they’ve given up,” Bryn said eventually, his breathing beginning to slow. He was hot and sweating. The cold air was almost welcome but too much exposure would be dangerous. Thankfully they still had their packs so they ate and each put on an extra layer, all the time listening and looking for any movement in the forest around them. They continued at a forced march, resting when they could, only stopping when it was too dark to continue. Several days on, the first sign of life they encountered made them both drop to the ground, half expecting Ildran scouts. They watched with relief as an elegant horned animal emerged from the undergrowth, sniffed the air and then suddenly disappeared into the forest with silent bounds.

  “We must be closing on the Hallorn front line by now,” Jac groaned.

  “The closer the better. It’ll be dark soon. We should find some sort of cover.”

  Jac rolled over onto this back. “I’m shattered. This patch of ground and this tree trunk look like a good place to me.”

  Bryn sat up looking about them. It was twilight and the forest was still, only the soft call of a night bird broke the silence. It was a sound Bryn had always found reassuring. A gentle unassuming call that echoed through the night. “Ok, this is as good a place as any. It’ll give us some cover.” He reached into his bag and pulled out some dried rations absently chewing on them as he continued his surveillance.

  Jac pulled his coat tighter around him and attempted to make himself more comfortable. He ached from head to foot and would have done anything for a comfortable warm bed. “How much further do you think?”

  “I’m not sure. We’ve been heading roughly east.” Bryn flexed an aching shoulder that was beginning to seize up. “I’ll have a better idea in the morning.” He chewed on the dried meat a little longer, wishing they could light a fire to keep the chill of the night at bay. Though, he thought to himself, it was still far warmer than the nights they had spent in Lont. He wondered where Kellim was now and if he’d met with Carrick and Gwen. “I was thinking about what you said earlier, about Gwen. I need to sort how I feel, for that matter what I feel. Rather than just pushing it aside,” he said thoughtfully. “Maybe when life returns to normal I’ll have time to get my head round things. You get some sleep and I’ll take first watch. Jac?” Jac didn’t answer. “Typical. That’s right, you sleep,” he muttered shaking his head and stifling a yawn.

  The night passed uneventfully and so did the next few days. The two travelled warily but eventually found their way back on to one of the main tracks west. This was a welcome change. Their pace had slowed as their energy levels dropped, the path made the going easier. As the dirt track widened it began to show signs of more recent use and so they weren’t surprised to see a small patrol of mounted Hallorn soldiers.

  They quickly left the path and hid. The patrol passed, speaking Hallorn, the confirmation Bryn and Jac had wanted. They re-joined the empty path and continued. Over the next three hours they hid two more times. Once from another patrol and again from the returning one they’d met first. Sure now they had crossed into friendly territory they decided to greet the next patrol. By mid-afternoon it was clear the forest was rapidly thinning and the path ahead was heading out into open ground. They suspected that their progress had been monitored for some time now and true enough as they cleared the forest they were met by four mounted soldiers.

  Jac and Bryn approached at a steady pace keeping their hands in plain sight especially of the archer who had quickly set his crossbow at them.

  The lieutenant signalled his men to halt and he continued the short distance to Bryn and Jac.

  “So what are two Hallorns doing out this far?” he asked suspiciously, reining his mount in.

  “Returning home, “Bryn began. “I’ve got papers here to give to your commander identifying us and the reason for our journey.”

  “We’ve been told to look out for two men answering your description.”

  “Then you’ve found us,” Jac smiled.

  “Maybe we have,” the lieutenant responded flatly, moving his mount behind them. “You’ll understand my scepticism,” he gestured towards his men. “Now if you’d care to walk forward and hand your weapons over we’ll escort you in.”

  Bryn and Jac had no real choice but to do as they were asked. They allowed themselves to be searched and in the midst of the patrol headed for the camp. Its placement looked recent, defences were still being hastily set and resources organised. Under guard they were taken to the captain’s tent where he inspected their papers. “Wait here,” he ordered and then left taking the papers with him.

  Bryn shrugged, wondering what was going to happen next. Jac looked over at the two guards, left to watch them, checking how easy it would be to escape if they had to. One met his gaze his face expressionless and patted the large sword at his side.

  “I’ve seen bigger,” Jac muttered before turning back, a smile on his face.

  Bryn rolled his eyes and settled further into the chair to doze. Time passed. Bored, Jac looked from one thing to another wondering how long they’d be kept waiting and how far he could wind the guards up. He was considering a few questions when the tent flap opened and the captain returned with a familiar face.

  “Yes that’s them,” Ressca said looking at Jac. “As soon as you said one of them looked shifty.”

  “Shifty?” Jac said in disbelief at the grey haired woman. “She’s calling you names again Bryn.”

  Ressca laughed, as they stood and shook hands. “It is good to see you both and almost in one piece. This is Captain Brant. He runs things around here.”

  “Gentlemen,” he greeted. “I’d like to talk to you, with some of my staff. I’m sure you’ve seen plenty that will be of interest to us.”

  “Yeh, they’re quite busy up there,” Bryn replied.

  “I imagine you’d like some food and rest before that?” the captain commented.

  “I will sort them out,” Ressca said, her manner authorative as always. “I’ve my own questions. Come on, follow me,” she said smartly, turning to leave.

  “Captain,” Bryn acknowledged as they left.

  Ressca led them through the camp at her usual brisk pace and both men lengthened their stride to keep up with her. The camp was busy but orderly. It was set out in line with the standard military practice of the Hallorn army, being divided into clearly defined areas. The air smelt of smoke, from campfires and cooking areas, mixed with the tang of pack animals and mounts. The hazy vista of men and tents, supplies and equipment stretched out all around as far as the eye could see.

/>   “They’re building up to another push along the Kersel border,” Ressca explained. “It has been slow progress, even with the help of what’s left of the Sancir forces.”

  “Why are you with them?” Bryn asked as they headed deeper into the camp.”

  “There have been reports that the Ildrans are using their Talents in battle,” Ressca answered. “There are thirty of us here just in case we’re needed. Though all we’ve done so far is get muddier and colder.” Ressca continued walking, dodging between groups of men and stashes of equipment. Jac was glad she’d not been walking with them since Lont.

  “How have things been going since we left Lont?” Jac asked.

  “Segat’s started moving into Cian. From what we’ve heard things are not going well there and Hallorn has had to commit more help to prevent them from being overwhelmed. The megalomaniac must have been preparing this for years, his resources seem endless.” Ressca reached her tent. “Come on in,” she gestured.

  The tent was quite large having to serve as a meeting place for the Talents. Most of the space was taken up by several folding tables arranged to make one big one. Ressca had clearly been working and papers and documents were spread across one end. There was a smaller section of the tent that could be closed off and this contained a bed and a couple of chests. But of far greater interest was the end of the table closest to them.

  “Hot food,” Jac said, dropping his pack and eagerly sitting down. He already had warm bread in his mouth and was spooning out a large helping of stew while his other hand lifted the lid on a second dish to see what was inside.

  “You don’t know how long it’s been,” Bryn smiled at Ressca, before quickly sitting and helping himself to the steaming bowls.

  Ressca let the two men eat, watching them devour the food.

  “You not eating?” Jac enquired, in between mouthfuls, serving himself a third helping.

  “No, thank you. I couldn’t risk getting caught between the two of you. I might be dragged in.”