Jerin growled, “You need to stop traveling so far away, centaur. What if something happens?”
Lotari smirked, shaking the excess water from his head. “The other good news is I can definitely see the mountains now.”
“Really?” Alyra stuffed the slingshot into her pocket. “Do they look high?”
“No, I would say they were only about this big.” He held his thumb and finger a few inches apart.
“Very funny, you mule.”
Jerin rolled his eyes, then returned to his map.
Lot grinned a moment, then grew serious again. “What concerns me is how difficult acquiring game has become. There’s an evil feel to this land.”
“Did you see anything? Soldiers?” Jerin stood on the bank.
“It’s not what I see, it’s what I hear and what I feel.” He shook his head at Alyra’s perplexed expression and moved deeper into the water. “I wouldn’t expect such young humans to understand.”
“I still think you should stay closer to the White Road. It’ll protect you as well. Then we’ll have nothing to worry about.”
Lotari’s eyes narrowed on the man. “What, you worry? About me? Careful, human, you’ll start sounding like you might actually care about a … beast.”
Alyra shot Lot a warning look, shaking her head in a silent warning against starting an argument now when they were enjoying a nice evening.
He turned away, sniffing the air. “Is that fish?”
“Yes.” Alyra bounced on the balls of her feet. “I caught the first one. All by myself.”
Lotari walked up the bank and shook himself free of water, making sure they were thoroughly drenched. Jerin shook out his map, glaring at the centaur, but saying nothing.
“Thanks, Lot. I just took a bath and was nearly dry.”
“Well, there’s tomorrow’s shower.” He lifted one of the cleaned fish as if it was no more than an old log.
“You caught these?”
She nodded proudly.
“Well done, girl! I suppose you talked the warrior into gutting them for you?”
Jerin snorted, nodding.
He examined her pole and hook. “You used this?”
“Yes, of course.”
“And this contraption worked? How extraordinary.”
Folding his map, Jerin studied the centaur for a moment, as if having an inner debate. Curiosity must have gotten the better of him. “Um…what would you use to catch fish?”
Lotari walked back into the water and crouched over the surface, his four legs spread out. Standing as still as a stone statue, his eyes searched the depths. Alyra and Jerin glanced at each other, perplexed, then back to Lotari. With one quick swing he swiped his hand and hurled a fish up onto the shore, followed by another. Alyra jumped out of the way before they hit her. Jerin’s mouth gaped.
Lotari looked at them with a smirk.
“Have you always been such a show-off, centaur?”
* * * *
“I hate this blasted hot land.” Jerin put the leather he’d been fashioning into a new slingshot into his pack. “The sooner we’re out of this place, the better. Let’s get a move on. I’m sure the centaur will catch up when he’s good and ready to grace us with his company.”
Alyra said nothing. She also worried about Lot’s wandering and wished he’d listen to Jerin’s advice. At least they’d reached the cover of trees, though sparse, once again.
As they traveled, she practiced flinging small rocks with Jerin’s sling. More often than not, the stones hit fairly close to the limbs she intended. Jerin walked ahead, lost in his thoughts. Occasionally, he’d grunt that she’d made a good hit, or advise her to release the cord sooner.
She became so wrapped up in her shooting game she ran into Jerin’s back, her face smashing against his metal-studded shield.
“Hey, what did you stop for?” she rubbed her nose.
He pointed down.
“The rocks are gone!” She gasped. Had they somehow managed to get off track again? No, the King’s Highway simply disappeared.
A dirt road, wide enough for two carts, crossed over where the path should have been. Jerin stepped out onto the road and looked along the northerly direction, then turned to face the south. Alyra started to follow, but he held up a hand to stop her.
“Stay there while I figure this out. If anything happens, run back the way we came and start whistling for Lotari.”
Surprised he’d used the centaur’s actual name she returned to the cover of the trees, heart pounding like a woodpecker’s beak against a tree. This made no sense. How could the White Road simply vanish?
Jerin continued to search the ground, ending up on the opposite side where he called out, “It continues over here.” He followed the rocks into the woods. “The path is so overgrown I don’t know if we can get through.” Shoulders slumped, he returned to the road and broke the dirt loose with the tip of his sword. “Look!” His eyes widened. “This has to be the work of the enemy.”
Alyra went to stand next to him. Glistening white rocks peeked beneath two inches of soil.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they haven’t somehow caused the overgrowth, as well,” he said. “Keep that sling ready and stay in the trees, understand?”
She nodded. “Maybe we should go ahead and whistle for Lotari.”
He took out the map again, brows furrowed in concentration as his finger traced the gold line over the paper. “This might be one of the market roads leading into the town of Denovo.” He studied the northbound side for a long time. “Maybe…”
“If we get off the path,” Alyra said, “we might run into Darnel’s soldiers.”
“But we can’t continue along the White Road, it’s too overgrown. Those vines have some ugly thorns. Even if we tried, who knows how long we’ll hack our way through.” He focused on the map. “We could disguise you.”
A tingling crept up her spine, a feeling of apprehension. She wrapped her arms around herself to ward off the sudden chill trembling though her body. “I don’t know, Jerin.”
His somber gaze focused on the road. “I promised not to do anything that we can’t both agree—”
The sound of hooves clattering over the hard packed earth caused them both to freeze. Too many to be Lotari and these came from the south. Jerin pushed her toward the White Road and reminded her to run if it turned out to be soldiers. Jerin hid himself behind a wide oak, his sword drawn and shield held before him.
In a matter of minutes, a brightly painted carriage came into view, pulled by two brown speckled mares and driven by an older man and woman. Alyra remained couched behind the bush, but peered out over the limbs to see the top was loaded with crates and camping gear. The green curtains covering the window opened slightly as a single eye peeked out, then quickly disappeared.
Jerin stepped out from behind the tree, sheathing his sword, but keeping his hand on the hilt.
“Hold up.” The man tugged the reins. “Afternoon, son,” He gave a friendly nod.
Jerin returned the greeting and walked up to the wagon. The man bent forward as Jerin opened his map. Alyra strained to listen, but only caught a few words.
Finally, Jerin pointed in her direction motioning for her to come on over. When she did, he introduced her to Glen and Edna.
“They are heading to Denovo, too. They trade goods there.”
Alyra eyed the boxes, wondering what they traded.
“I was telling them about how we’ve come along the white path, but have hit a snag.”
Glen croaked in a raspy voice, “That’s the exact reason we don’t bother. Asides, our wagon won’t fit. If you take the white road, you can only take what you can carry. Just silly, if you ask me.”
Edna nodded as she waved a blue-feathered fan at her face. “We’ve worked mighty hard to let all this go.” She gestured toward the loaded wagon. “Asides, you probably come to the end, from the looks of it.”
Alyra was dumbfounded. General Marcel promised the Whit
e Road went all the way into Aloblase. He and Carah, along with many others had warned her to not get off the path. Now here they stood on a dirt road and what they did see of the highway was blocked.
Glen jumped down from his seat and stood beside them. “If you two would like a lift, I’m more than happy to let you sit in the back. The inside is a bit… um, cluttered right now.”
Alyra searched over her shoulder into the woods, wondering when Lotari would catch up. She wished he’d listen to Jerin and stick closer. Her stomach twisted with nervousness. Something about Glen bothered her, yet she couldn’t put her finger on it. They seemed like a nice couple, despite their aversion to the White Road. And maybe that was the problem. Their disdain toward her and Jerin trying to stay on the path. Everyone else had respected the White Road.
“No thank you, sir. We have another companion traveling with us.”
“They’re welcome to ride, too.”
Jerin snickered.
Alyra shot him an angry look.
“Or if there’s anything else you might need.”
Jerin spoke up then. “We could use some water. I’m not sure how far we have to Jolly Orchard. Especially now we have to cut our way through brambles.”
“Sure, come on back here, younguns.” Glen led them to a large barrel strapped to the side of the wagon. Edna told him to give them the biscuits from this morning as well.
“I’ve not heard of a town by that name.” He called to the front where his wife remained. “What about you, Edna? Ever hear of Jolly Orchard?”
“Nope. Prolly abandoned like that bumpy footpath.”
About the time he finished filling Alyra’s canteen, Lotari trotted out onto the road and froze, eyes wide when he caught sight of the carriage.
Edna screamed. Glen grabbed a crossbow from the wagon. The jagged arrow point aimed directly at the centaur, as the old man moved between the wagon and Lotari.
Lotari backed away, arms up in surrender. “Put the weapon down, sir. I mean no harm.”
Alyra darted around Glen and stood in front of Lotari. “He’s with us. He’s the other companion I told you about.”
Edna gasped. Glen’s face took on a look of disgusted shock. “That thing is with you?”
Jerin remained behind the man, his hand resting on the hilt of this sword, yet he made no move to defend their friend.
Alyra glared at Jerin, angry at his refusal to stand up for Lotari. “Yes’” Her chin jutted out in defiance. “Prince Issah sent him with us. He’s our friend, and I’ll ask you to speak more kindly to him.”
“Will not,” spat Glen. “To think I just wasted my water on… how can you hold your head up and act all proud at being associated with such a beast?” He turned to Jerin, who refused to meet his eyes, or anyone else’s for that matter. “Spawn of the Dark Lord. Bred to serve him and nothing more! Don’t know who you met on that trail, but it wasn’t the Prince. He rules in Aloblase. Not associatin’ with the likes of such freaks of nature.”
Was Marya, and everyone in Many Rivers, Lotari and his clan, all disillusioned? Jerin stood, appearing as dumbfounded as she felt. His lips set in a tight line as he looked from Glen, to her, then over to Lotari.
That’s when she heard a gentle whisper coming from within. You’re heart knows the truth. She knew that voice. Issah.
Glen spoke to Jerin. “You seem right nice, boy. You’ve just been misled. Come on with us, son. Anyone who didn’t know better could have made the same mistake.”
The strange man she’d met along the White Road had shown nothing more than kindness. Truth: he knew her, really knew her and he didn’t hold that information against her. Another truth: to deny Issah was someone of great authority and wisdom, Prince or not, was no longer an option.
Lotari’s hand rested on her shoulder. Her heart stirred with a saddened hurting. Like the ache she’d felt watching Marya kiss away Lot’s bruises before they left her cottage. Glen continued spewing foul names at the centaur. He pulled at Jerin’s sleeve trying to convince the boy to come along with him and get away from the beast.
Poor Jerin! She silently pleaded for him to come with them, to also remember the truth.
When he made no move in either direction, she said, “Sir, we appreciate the water, but we’ll continue on our own, thank you.” She wanted no more to do with the hateful couple.
Glenn’s eyes narrowed as he made a gesture to his wife. “Think so, eh? I can get a nice price for ’em in the city. Now Edna!”
The woman banged her fist on the carriage. A rumbling noise came from inside before the side door burst open and out poured six small, grotesque looking men. They reminded her of DezPierre the Okbold, except instead of being treeish, these creatures looked like they were made of mud and rocks.
Jerin gasped. “Brownies. Run!”
Chapter 27
The Brownies swarmed from the carriage. Three held long ropes, the other three were armed with dart shooters.
Lotari grabbed Alyra’s arm and shoved her toward the woods. “Get back on the path, now!”
“Stand still centaur!” Glen ordered, aiming his crossbow. “You’re more valuable alive, but dead works for me as well, creature.”
Alyra was about to jump between them when the butt of Jerin’s dagger slammed into the side of the man’s head. His sword came out and sliced the nearest Brownie in half at the waist. Lotari had his bow out and loaded, taking down another small creature, but not before several darts landed across his chest and stomach. The centaur staggered backward.
Lotari’s grey eyes met Alyra’s. “They’re laced with sleeping potion.” He loaded another arrow, but his dart studded arms shook so hard, he missed.
“Jerin!” Alyra rushed to Lotari’s side. “Help me.”
She tried to yank as many out as quickly as possible. His horse legs trembled so violently, she feared he’d collapse right there on the road.
Jerin ducked behind his shield as several darts rained down on him. The poisoned missiles plunked off the metal.
“Get him back on the path, Alyra.”
She pulled with all her might. Lotari stumbled.
“Lean on me, Lot. Don’t stop. We have to get back to safety.”
Edna stood on the driver’s bench, reaching over the top of the carriage where she pulled out a spear. “Don’t let ’em get away, boys!” She drew her arm back, pointing the metal tip directly at Alyra and Lotari.
Jerin kicked a Brownie so hard he tumbled away like a windblown hat. Alyra remembered how he’d sent the Okbolds scattering through the Yarholm bar room. As the spear left Edna’s hand, Jerin moved in front of Lotari. The head veered off the engraved tree on his shield, but sliced across Lot’s horse rump, leaving a long gouge. Spurred by the pain, Lot reared and galloped into the wood. Alyra heard his hooves clattering over the rocks before the drug finally took effect, and he toppled over.
The remaining Brownies swarmed. Jerin’s sword flew, but they ducked. Alyra ran for the white path. Two pursued her. When she hit the white rocks, a sizzling noise sounded from behind. She spun to find one of the creatures exploding into flames. The rocks!
Collecting a handful, she pulled out Jerin’s slingshot and slipped a stone into the pocket. The sling swept circles around her head before she released, sending the projectile flying. The first missed. The Brownie growled, yellow teeth bared. It followed them, keeping a few feet away from the path.
She loaded a second stone. The Brownie jumped into a tree and began climbing, its sharp claws digging into the bark. If she missed, those knife-like hands might be digging into her throat next. The creature perched on a low branch and readied to hop down on her. She let the stone fly at the same moment it leapt. The stone connected. The beast flipped and landed directly in the middle of the path. Smoke and sparks shot up as a flame consumed the small body.
Lotari yelled out. Alyra turned to find her friend laid out on the path. Another Brownie stood on his chest, clawed hands extended.
Alyra g
rasped another stone in her hand. A warm glow flowed from its depths. She really could make them light up. She threw the pulsating rock with all her strength. Upon impact the Brownie exploded into powdery dust, like the wolves had. For a moment, Lot’s eyes rounded into apricot sized circles before he passed out.
From the road, the carriage set into motion again. Horse hooves clomped over the dirt. At the same moment, Jerin appeared from the surrounding trees.
“They’re leaving with the two monsters they have left. Can’t believe we ran into head hunters, of all people.”
“Head hunters?”
He ducked his face, looking uncomfortable. “There are some people who hunt down creatures and trade them. Not sure what happens to the creatures. Probably sold to the Dark Ruler, I’d guess.”
Alyra sank beside Lotari, pulling the remaining darts from his hide. “He’s bleeding, bad. Will you help me?”
Jerin lifted Lot’s man half, propping him up. Alyra was about to give him some of her water, then stopped. “No telling where they filled their water barrel. This might be bad.”
Dragging the unconscious centaur to the nearest tree, he rested Lotari’s back against the trunk, Jerin took her canteen and his, poured them out, then jogged off down the White Road for the last stream they’d passed. Over his shoulder he shouted, “Check Lot’s water bag.”
She did, finding enough to give him a drink and pour the rest into a pot to make a healing tea. By time Jerin returned, she was checking the cut on his horse back.
“It’s just a flesh wound. Are we safe here? Can you build us a fire?”
He nodded and set to work.
While Jerin prepared them a simple meal and boiled some tea, Alyra stitched the cut along the centaur’s horse rump. The darts rendered his muscles useless. He was awake, but unable to move. Jerin continued to coax him to drink the water and then the tea once it was ready.
By time he finished the cup, Lotari was able speak again. “That’s going to leave a terrible scar.”
Jerin patted his shoulder. “The mares will love it. Makes you look tough.”
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