by Lee M Eason
Durnin reacted, pulling a short metal rod out of his pocket and discharged it at The Child. A bolt of intense energy struck it with little effect. Three more followed in quick succession knocking it back. The creature righted itself roaring angrily. Durnin saw it assess the width of the hole. He quickly threw the rod aside and grabbed another from his pocket. He aimed at the exposed beams. They shattered. The Child lost its footing and pitched head first into the cellar. Durnin discharged the rest of the weapon’s store of energy after it.
More dust billowed into the room. Durnin risked a look into the hole and then waved them on.
“Come on!” Bryn urged.
They all edged their way around the hole on a narrow ledge of floor, the creature below them unconscious.
In the corridor, Durnin lead the way, closely followed by Bryn with Jac bringing up the rear. Lewen kept a hold of Jenna’s hand offering as much reassurance as he could. Their eyes scanned everywhere, weapons poised against the unexpected. The familiar corridor once cosy and welcoming now felt alien and threatening. The silence was disconcerting.
“Clearly we need to get them out of here.” Durnin spoke quietly to Bryn as they cautiously made their way down the corridor. “They aren’t safe.”
“Then we’ll leave as soon as we’re able,” Bryn replied. “My ship’s in port and the weather’s settled enough for us to attempt the crossing.”
They slowed, hanging back in the cover of the corridor, listening for any sounds. The main entrance hall was just in sight. Durnin edged his way out looking sharply from side to side another discharge rod in his hand. He looked back at Bryn motioning for them to wait and in that moment a shape swept him off his feet. Durnin screamed as the creature mauled him. Bryn darted forward and Jac immediately pushed his way through the others, ordering Lewen to stay.
Jac released two arrows at the creature’s hind. It spun round on all fours, talons scratching on the floor. Baring its bloody teeth it roared defiantly, its eyes seeking out Jenna.
Bryn moved quickly, slashing at the creature, driving it away from Durnin. Jac kept his aim focused on one of the creature’s eyes as it slowly backed away, a low growl rumbling in its chest. Its gaze moved steadily from Bryn to Jac, assessing the situation and looking for a sign of weakness in either. Both glared resolutely back never wavering. The creature sensed it had lost the advantage and suddenly turned and ran but not before Jac released another arrow. It found its target but his next was swallowed by shadows.
Bryn sheathed his sword and went to Durnin. Jac moved to the entrance, clambering onto one of the broken doors and cautiously looked out. Ashen faced, Aaron guided Jenna across the hall to where Jac waited. She was visibly shaking but forced herself to keep moving. Lewen looked nervously down the corridor for any sign of the other Child before following. They all watched in silence as Bryn covered Durnin’s body and returned grim faced. Jenna fought back tears, as she was hurried on. Bryn pushed aside his emotions knowing he had to keep them all moving.
Outside Talents had now engaged two of The Children and several contingents of guards were fighting others. The Children were outnumbered but not out matched.
Jac led them from the cover of the columns. The sounds of the fighting swept over them in waves, punctuated by shouts and screams and the chilling roars of creatures they didn’t recognise. Explosions and impacts lit the walls. The ancient gnarl woods burnt like torches. Fire cast flickering shadows that stretched beneath their feet. The familiar suddenly seemed unreal and distorted. Jac moved ahead checking doorways and any possible hiding places as they hurried away from the fighting. They moved in stages, from one point of safety to the next. The gatehouse was just in sight, its covered arch leading to the city streets. There was movement in the shadows and Jac faltered only to feel some relief when soldiers emerged. Several headed toward them but the majority ran to bolster those already fighting The Children. The window to their left erupted. Durnin’s killer leapt desperately into the air. Out of control it knocked Lewen and Aaron over and skidded some distance on the slippery paving. It struggled to regain its footing and seeing Jenna managed to lunge at her. Bryn was there to block it, forcing the creature to halt abruptly or be impaled. For a second the two faced each other again, Bryn stepping to keep himself between Jenna and the Child. Lewen and Jac silently crept forward closing in behind the beast.
Jenna was fixed to the spot unable to move. She tried to stay calm, attempting to focus enough to start drawing on the field but she struggled, her own growing terror and the images of Durnin’s death still a livid memory. Her eyes met The Child’s. They burned into her and she read the determination there. I’m the reason for all of this, all this is because of me. A sudden scream from the creature startled her. One of Jac’s arrows found a vulnerable spot. Lewen saw his chance and lunged. The creature made to spin round but Bryn seized the opportunity stabbing at its neck. Soldiers joined them and finally overwhelmed the thing fell, hitting the ground heavily. Behind them another Child had broken free and was advancing. The Prize was escaping. The soldiers ran to meet it.
Jac rushed on and Bryn shouted above the noise of the fighting, his eyes scanning the way ahead. Lewen quickly hugged Jenna. She clung to him looking at the fallen Child and then at the other now engaging the soldiers. Bryn grabbed Aaron and moved them all on to where Jac waited in the flickering shadows of the gatehouse. They checked the roadway and satisfied it was clear, continued into the city.
In the confusion more soldiers hurried past them, now realising the true centre of the attack. One of the commanders recognised Bryn and ten of his men were ordered to accompany them to the port towers.
The journey to the towers was not an easy one. They progressed slowly, acutely aware of the possibility of more attacks and hindered by the growing panic in the streets. More soldiers appeared, having been dispatched to maintain order and calm people’s fears.
Working their way through the crowds they finally reached the towers. If it hadn’t been for the guards Bryn doubted they would have made it through the clamber of people desperate to leave the city. After being checked through the heavy security they made the ascent to the top in silence, only the hum of the winch marking their progress. The noise of the confusion fell away as they climbed. Jenna stood, her senses numb to everything around her, the night’s events playing over and over in her mind. Lewen held onto her. Catching his own breath, he kept a hand on the railing as the lift swayed and shuddered its way to the top. Aaron absently moved in time to the motion, his eyes fixed on some distant point in his own thoughts, ignoring the rhythmic flash of lights as they passed level after level. The urgent hum of their progress became the only sound but Jac and Bryn remained alert and tense, thinking through their next move. Just as it seemed they would climb forever the drone of the winching mechanism altered and the lift slowed to a jarring halt.
At the top they were stopped at various points to have papers checked until they reached Bryn’s own jetties where several ships were moored. The guards instantly recognised him and let the small group on board The Talern, the ship he’d chosen and prepared in case of such an emergency. The crew quickly geared up to depart and shortly after, they cleared their moorings. The ship slipped through the air. Below fires burned and explosions reached into the sky towards them. The smoke rose on thermals carrying sparks that danced and billowed like swarms of bright insects. Aaron stood numbly watching as it all slipped away. The sails caught the wind, making him look up suddenly as the ship picked up speed.
The sense of relief was brief. They now had time to take in the full implications of what had happened, the memories of Durnin’s death and the terror of The Children etched in each of their minds. They flew over The Bay of Naddier and out across the open sea. Most ships made the journey in a series of stops along the coast of the Rons Sea but Bryn had decided they would cross the large expanse in as straight a line as possible, flying over the Isle of Sern, the southern coast of Aylis and across country all the w
ay to High Halt. They would attempt to contact Kellim through the ship’s Conveyer hoping the Panid had been able to keep to his earlier plans of skirting the Rons Sea. The route engendered some risk, as sky ships were not as robust as their sea going cousins and the area was prone to storms. However, Bryn and the Captain both felt the season was now far enough on to minimize this threat. They sailed on through the long night, guards keeping a watch on the skies around them. Fear of yet further attacks keeping their senses keen.
Finally, morning began to light the horizon and the group assembled to eat breakfast after a restless night. The meal was a subdued affair. Jenna didn’t eat at all. She was very withdrawn and Bryn wanted to give her some space, she would need some time to make sense of her thoughts and feelings. Over the course of the day she spent time with Lewen. He was careful not to press her on the subject of their escape, listening when she wanted to talk and distracting her when she needed to be. When he sensed she needed a little space or wanted to talk to her brother he joined Jac sparing at the front of the ship. It kept them occupied and gave Jac the chance to develop Lewen’s skills. The noise of swords rang out from the fore deck and some of the crew stopped on occasion to watch as the two men parried and thrust, practised a feint, countered or lunged with increasing speed.
When he could Aaron took the opportunity to spend time talking to the Captain and The Master Conveyer, Aln. He wanted to learn more about the ship and practise what he’d learnt on their journey to Naddier. It was a way of keeping himself distracted but he still found his eyes searching out Jenna. With the Captain’s consent Aln showed Aaron how to push The Talern with his will and the two worked in tandem, combining to manoeuvre the ship as it continued its journey.
On the second day out the sky cleared and the sea could be seen stretching out below them in all directions, a perfect disc from horizon to horizon. Jenna stood, at times watching the activity on deck or the glistening waves passing far below. She saw Bryn approach and attempted a smile.
“It’s so strange, there’s no land anywhere just endless waves,” she said after the two had stood looking down at the great expanse of sea.
“There’s always been tales of islands months out beyond Rons but no one’s ever found them. Most people think you could leave Naddier circle the Oceans of Koa and not meet another person until you arrived at the coast of Kemarid.”
They were quiet for a while, Bryn waiting to see if Jenna wanted to talk.
“I know they’re after me,” she said quietly.
Bryn briefly considered dismissing the idea as nonsense but thought better of it. “How long have you known?”
“Suspected since the attack in the woods in Sancir but knew for sure?” she shrugged thinking about it. “After the last attack from The Second of The Three. You all knew didn’t you?”
There was no hint of accusation in her voice but Bryn still felt the need to explain. “We weren’t sure to begin with and when we finally were, we thought it best not to burden you with it. Especially when we couldn’t explain why.”
“And does anyone know why?” she asked not really wanting to hear the answer.
“Only that in some way you are special to them.”
“Special, me? There’s nothing special about me. I thought The Beholder was supposed to know everything hasn’t she told Kellim what they want?” she was agitated by his answer.
“Apparently not. She believes someone is blocking her.”
“Someone?” that part of Bryn’s reply jumped out at her.
Bryn sighed equally frustrated by their lack of facts and their inability to contact Kellim. “I’m hoping when we meet Kellim he might have been able to find out more or that Meg may be able to cast more light.”
“Will we be safe?” she asked suddenly concerned. “Enough has happened because of me.”
“Yes you’ll be safe,” Bryn reassured.
“I’m not worried about me,” she corrected. “It’s all of you. I don’t want anyone else to be at risk, to die because of me.” The feeling of guilt was awful and the images of Durnin’s death horrible.
“Let us make that choice Jenna. That’s not your decision and shouldn’t be your burden. As your friends we must be allowed to choose?” He turned to look directly at her to emphasise his point.
She agreed reluctantly, looking back out at the sky and the sea. Bryn watched, wondering what she was thinking, if she could fully accept what he’d told her and how well she was really coping. He looked at the others on deck glad that they were safe. Durnin’s death was still an open wound, for all of them and he couldn’t help thinking back over current events, wondering if the rest of his friends were ok. His thoughts lingered on Gwen until Jenna’s voice brought him back to the ship.
“Bryn,” she said an edge to her voice.
He turned to see her pointing. “What’s that?”
Bryn narrowed his eyes in an attempt to get a clear view of the small dot in the distance. “I think it’s another ship,” he said warily. “I didn’t expect us to meet anyone out here. Keep an eye on it. I’ll go and check with the Captain. He knows this area well. I’ll get a telescope too.” He added as he quickly headed off.
Jenna watched the dot, her stomach tightening and the tension building in her again despite the ship’s distance. It was difficult to see exactly what it was, which direction it was headed or actually if it was moving at all. Bryn returned with Lewen close behind unlocking a telescope and placing it to his eye.
“The Captain says he meets very little out here even in summer,” Bryn said waiting to hear what Lewen could make out.”
“It’s definitely a ship, large, three masts,” Lewen said slowly picking out its features, “and it is headed this way.”
Jenna looked at Bryn.
“It could be anything. It’s not impossible to come across other ships out here,” he said reading the concern in her face. They went up to join the Captain who now had one of his men watching the other ship’s progress.
“We’ll alter course and quicken our pace,” the Captain said, “and see how they respond.” He nodded at the Master Conveyer. Aln began to focus his will, to draw from the field adding to the push of the wind in The Talern’s sails. Their speed increased and as the minutes passed all watched hoping the other ship would continue to fall away.
“They’re altering course Captain,” the man with the telescope informed.
“What can you see?”
“It’s slavers!” he said in surprise. “They’re flying the flags.”
The others looked at him in equal surprise.
“Slavers!” the captain snapped grabbing the scope. “This far out, don’t be…” The Captain broke off double-checking what he could now clearly see. “Don’t just stand there,” he shouted. “Ready the ship, prepare for attack!”
A bell began to ring and the crew raced about preparing The Talern and taking their posts. The ship was well defended. Bryn had anticipated the possibility of trouble and had some of the company’s own private soldiers brought on board. Both Jac and Aaron appeared on the wheel deck wanting to know what was going on.
“This still doesn’t sit right,” the Captain was saying. “There’s nothing out here for slavers. Either way they’re in for a nasty surprise.” There was a certain amount of satisfaction in his voice.
“Do you want me to continue pushing?” the Master Conveyer asked.
“It looks like they’re going to catch us even if you do. They’re bigger and faster than us. Rest up, we may need you later.”
Aln nodded and The Talern slowed. The Captain turned to Bryn.
“Any help you can lend would be appreciated Sir.”
“You have that, “Bryn replied. “Jenna I want you and Aaron down below.
“But I can help,” Aaron objected. “I’ve been working with Aln and I could support him if he needs it. We both could,” he added pointing at Jenna and himself. “We’ve done the work back at Naddier,” he looked from Bryn to the Capta
in and then at Aln.
“It could help,” Aln ventured seeing Aaron’s look of frustration.
“Who’s going to defend you if they get on board?” Bryn asked.
“If we help Aln they might not get on board?” Jenna responded quickly.
Bryn looked at them both, not happy with the idea. He thought for a moment. “I’ll compromise,” he said eventually. “You stay here, right here.” He pointed at the deck. “If they board you’re straight down that hatch. Is that clear? And you’re to keep out of sight,” he added before they could respond to his first sentence.
The ship gradually drew closer, as every minute of its progress was watched and with every minute the tension on board grew. Men began to shuffle uneasily, eager for the fight to begin and be over. Gradually its shape and outline became clear to the naked eye but at this point it altered direction and began to run parallel with The Talern.
“What are they up to now?” the Captain grumbled lowering his telescope from his eye.
“They’re out of weapons range,” Bryn noted. A quick look at Jac confirmed this. “Even Jac and his longbow couldn’t reach that far.”
“Maybe they’ve changed their minds,” Lewen offered. “They’re close enough to see we’re heavily defended and there doesn’t seem to be many on board.”
“They’ll have more hiding below decks,” the Captain said scratching his chin. “They wouldn’t have got this close if they didn’t intend to do something.” His expression suddenly changed. “Powder weapons! Look for anything unusual on deck any vents in the side!”
Telescopes scanned the ship in a sudden flurry of concern but found nothing. Jac edged closer to where Jenna and Aaron were sat, bow in hand, judging how much closer the ship would need to be. The minutes passed in a surreal peace as the Captain discussed options with Bryn and Aln. Jenna suddenly started, jumping to her feet frantically searching the deck. All eyes turned to her.