Kjar opened his eyes and glanced between the two knights. He shrugged. “My apologies, Knight Horth. I still have not yet learned to handle my griffon, eh? I was almost too late. Forgive me, Knight Justice Finngyr.”
Finngyr nodded at Kjar's words and with the help of the younger knight stood up. He shouldered his hammer and approached Horth, who had not healed himself yet. Finngyr extended a hand to him.
“Well?”
Horth stared hard at Finngyr. He swallowed.
“Well what, Knight Justice Finngyr?”
“You still owe me a bow,” Finngyr said.
12
Awake in Craluk's Village
Ghile awoke and tried to sit up. At first, his body didn't respond. His eyes watered and he blinked to clear them. A light blanket covered him, tucked in at the sides. The restrictive blanket and lack of movement made it difficult, but with effort he freed a hand and reached up to clear the grit that crusted his lids.
Cuz licked his face. Both valehounds were resting on either side of him. They nudged his hand as he made to wipe away the drool, each fighting over who would receive the first scratch.
“Hello, you two.” Without realizing it, his thoughts touched theirs. Their feelings of concern washed over him. He could sense they were relaxed and not on guard. Cuz was a little hungry. Wherever he was, he was safe for the moment.
Even though it was dark, his enhanced vision took in what little light there was and allowed him to see clearly. He was inside a small thatched hut. He could hear voices coming from outside, many of them. There was also music. It sounded like some kind of celebration. Even though he didn't recognize the song and the high twangs of the musical instruments were foreign to him, images of Last Hamlet and his clansmen filled his mind and it took a moment to shake the feeling he was home. Where the memory had been, a hollow feeling of loss remained.
He tried to get up. His legs resisted the unfamiliar movement. He must have been asleep for quite a while this time. The amount of time that passed in the dreaming was not always the same as in Allwyn. He was discovering that sometimes what felt like weeks in the dreaming had only been a day on Allwyn or vice versa.
The thatching of the hut was covered in patches of moss and swarmed with all kinds of flying insects. So, they obviously had not traveled too far from the Ghost Fens.
His companion's possessions were located next to nearby bedrolls. Gaidel's things were lined up neatly to one side near Two Elks'. Riff's were scattered off to the other side of the hut and taking up more room than was necessary.
Ghile tried to swallow, his mouth was so dry. He finally forced one that pained his throat. If there was some sort of celebration, then there would also be food and drink. Both appealed to him right now. Not to mention, his companions were probably there. Though he had mixed feelings on sharing what he had learned and what he was going to have to tell them, he was of a single mind when it came to filling his belly.
He took the time to gather his belongings, finding them stacked neatly along one wall. He left his spear, but hung the fang blade from his belt.
Ast and Cuz made to come with him, but he mentally commanded them to stay. After scratching and petting each of them, they happily obliged, laying back down and resting their heads on their paws. He pushed back the heavy blanket covering the entryway and stepped out of the hut.
The small village was not so much on the edge of the Ghost Fens, as hanging over it. He made his way along the well light walkway, tentative at first, as he tested some of the more questionable looking boards.
He followed the music and voices. The talk was interspersed with laughter. He found himself smiling as he moved towards the revelers, the merriment infectious.
When the villagers on the edges of the celebration saw him, some stopped to point, others smiled and clapped. Why were they all covered in mud? They were all human, but they were definitely shorter than the people of the Cradle, if not wider. They seemed comfortable enough with his presence and though most were armed, they did not appear threatening.
Ghile found Riff seated between two mud covered girls. They seemed enraptured with his every word as he waved his hands, in the middle of one of his tales. He stopped when he noticed Ghile.
“Well, look who is back among the living,” Riff said.
From across the fire, Gaidel rose.
Ghile smiled and waved to her. He could see Two Elks sat cross-legged next to where she had been, accepting a bowl of food from a nearby villager. Ghile could see a number of bowls and gourds scattered amongst them.
“Hi, Gaidel. Might I have some-”
Ghile didn't know if it was the sound of the slap or his exclamation at the blinding pain on the side of his face that caused everyone around them to go silent. Even the musicians stopped playing.
“What was that for?” Ghile demanded, rubbing his cheek. He jerked his arms up defensively when it looked like she might strike him again.
Gaidel pushed past him and stormed off back towards the direction he had come.
What in the name of the Devourer was going on, Ghile thought.
Ghile looked to Two Elks and Riff for some sort of explanation. Two Elks watched with an amused expression as he continued to sip from his bowl.
Riff guffawed. “Welcome back, Sheepherder.”
“I said I was sorry, Gaidel. How many more times must I say it?”
They were all back in the hut. Two Elks had been thoughtful enough to bring food and drink with him and offer it to Ghile, but Ghile hadn't had an opportunity to try any of it.
“What you did was foolish and reckless,” Gaidel shouted at him. “How are we to protect you if you throw yourself into danger at the slightest provocation, using powers you don't even know how to control?”
Ghile blinked. “I've already explained I was trying to help fight off the swamp cats. Did you really expect me to stand idly by while the rest of you risked your lives?”
“How was I supposed to know Riff was going to strike the one cat I tried to mind control?” Ghile said.
“Sorry about that,” Riff said.
Gaidel glared down at Riff who shrugged innocently.
At least Riff was kind enough to apologize, Ghile thought. Gaidel was just being unreasonable. Her anger was like a spring storm in the Cradle, whipping him relentlessly.
“Listen, I'm sorry alright? I shouldn't have tried to use the powers before being taught how,” Ghile said, “I'll be more careful next time.”
“Sorry? Careful? Next time?” Ghile could see Gaidel wanted to say more, but was too angry to find words. He had never seen her this angry. He would rather face the swamp cats again than endure this tongue lashing. She reminded him of his Aunt Jilla when she had a go at his uncle.
“So this is funny to you, is it?” Gaidel said.
Uh-oh. Ghile raised his hands, shaking them furiously.
“No, no, no, I was just-”
“That enough, Daughter Gaidel,” Two Elks said.
“I don't know,” Riff said. “I thought she was just starting to get warmed up.”
Both Ghile and Gaidel stared daggers at the sorcerer.
Two Elks continued. “He learn from mistake. He say this many times. He stonechosen. Must fight.”
“It is our responsibility to-” Gaidel said.
Two Elks raised a hand. “It shieldwarden res-pon-sibility protect druid. This mean I protect you from all? Even protect you from you?”
This blunt statement brought Gaidel up short. Even the way Two Elks had stumbled over the word 'responsibility' didn't seem to have lessened the word's impact.
Gaidel looked ready to start again when Riff cleared his throat.
“Look, Gaidel, I was scared we might have lost him, too.”
She blinked and looked between them all. Whatever anger was still left in her visibly dissipated. She sighed and sat down next to Two Elks.
“I wasn't scared,” she all but whispered.
Ghile watched her, tentatively.
He wasn't sure it was safe to start eating yet. The sound of his stomach growling echoed in the uncomfortable silence.
Two Elks motioned toward the food. “Eat.”
Ghile dove in with vigor. It was spicier than he was used to and he drained his drinking cup quickly.
“So, you have been training to use your new powers?” Riff said.
Ghile nodded and answered between mouthfuls. Ast and Cuz followed his hands, watching every bite as if the next handful was sure to be for them.
“Yes. The goblin, the one from the Horn. It, well I think it's the same one, anyway, it's in the dreaming now, teaching me.”
“Awkward,” Riff said. “Not at all put out that you killed it, then?”
Ghile smirked, but both Two Elks' and Gaidel's faces remained impassive. They seemed more intent on Ghile's words.
“No, Muk, its name is Muk, doesn't seem to mind. That is why I wonder if it's really the same goblin or just the soulstone's version of him. It's hard to explain. Muk speaks about a dream teacher when he was alive. The one that taught him. It reminded me of how Adon was there to teach me. Adon is my dream teacher. Well, my first one, at least. Now I have two.”
Ghile filled his cup with more water and continued.
“I have been training to sense animals. I can look through their eyes now, inhabit their thoughts, control them even. I can use my force shield through them. Muk also taught me how to…well, I guess you would best describe it as 'borrow' their abilities for a short time. Though, it's dangerous for them if they are small creatures.”
Ghile's eyes brightened. “We found this stag in the forest. It was so strong looking.” Ghile held his hands before him. “Its chest was so thick. Anyway, it began to run and I reached out and could feel its strength filling me. The next thing I knew, I was running along with it and I was keeping up, leaping over the fallen trees, running as fast as it was. It was incredible.”
The others were staring, Riff smiling at him. Gaidel's expression was more thoughtful. He realized he had probably just shared more about the dreaming with them than he ever had before.
He suddenly felt self conscious. “Anyway…”
“Well, while you were in dreamland learning to be one with the animals, Gaidel and I were here in the real world, saving the day,” Riff said.
Ghile finished eating, as Riff recounted how he and Gaidel had saved the young boy, Ollin from whatever had infected him. The celebration Ghile had awoken to was for them.
“Craluk thankful for saving his son,” Two Elks said. “He offered a guide. What is wrong?”
Ghile was shaking his head.
“No, we must go straight to the Fallen City,” Ghile said.
“What?” Gaidel and Riff said in unison.
“No, Ghile. We're supposed to find this Dagbar, Master Almoriz said-” Riff began.
“I know what Master Almoriz said, but this Dagbar is not to be trusted.”
“Says who?” Riff asked, his voice rising.
“I…it's…” Ghile had not told them about Akira's appearance in the dreaming. He had confided in Master Almoriz back in the ruins about her and her calling him to the City of the Fallen, but he never told them it was Akira who told him about the others and that she was stonechosen like him. Now was as good a time as any, he supposed.
He told them of Akira's visits to the dreaming and what she had shared with him about Dagbar. He left out how much his heart raced each time he saw her, as he recounted his story.
“Ghile, she is stonechosen,” Gaidel stated simply when he finished.
“So?” Ghile said.
“So, you know what must happen when we find her,” Gaidel said carefully.
Ghile did know. He had been pushing the thought back to the farthest corners of his mind. Yes, he knew. One of them would have to die. Different thoughts rushed about inside his head, each fighting with the other for attention.
“I know,” Ghile said finally. “But, she said she was asleep and couldn't wake up. She said her brother was with her. They were in the mists. There were other things in the mists, too, things she was afraid of.”
“I don't see how she or her brother are going to be happy to see you, Ghile. It might be a trap,” Riff said.
“She said Dagbar was a dwarf and he was going to turn me over to the cullers. I don't believe it's a trap, Riff. I think she is telling the truth.”
“Somehow I don't think she has your best interests at heart, Ghile.”
“And you do?” Ghile all but shouted.
When he saw the pained look on Riff's face, he immediately wished he could take it back. Instead, he just stared.
“Ghile, she is stonechosen,” Gaidel said again, as if everything that needed to be said was summed up in that one point.
Ghile knew both Riff and Gaidel were right. Akira was stonechosen. When they did finally meet, Ghile would feel the pull of her soulstone. Not the muted pull in the dreaming, but the same feeling he had when he first encountered Muk in the cave on the Horn.
How strong that desire had been. Ghile had never wanted anything more in his entire life. The thought had been all encompassing. Even though he knew the pain that would follow, had experienced it already, he knew he would feel the same when he found Akira.
Ghile stared down at his hands, saying nothing. He could feel the others watching him. He didn't know what to say. How had his life gotten so complicated?
He thought of his family back in the Cradle. Where were his parents now? They would know what to do. Was Tia all right? He wondered if his kin from Last Hamlet was still hiding in the ruins at the base of the Horn or if they had returned to what was left of their homes and began to rebuild? Were Uncle Toren and his father even now making plans to avenge Last Hamlet? If so, isn't that where he should be? Ghile felt a hand on his. Gaidel was beside him.
“I'm sorry I struck you,” she said.
Ghile nodded. “It's alright.”
“Much to think on,” Two Elks said. “I take watch.” With that, Two Elks left the hut.
Riff patted Ghile on the shoulder before only halfheartedly rolling out his bedroll. He was not even half down before he declared he must have forgotten something at the celebration and wondered out loud if one of the girls at the celebration might have seen it. He excused himself to find out.
Gaidel said nothing else and went to lie on her bedroll, her back to Ghile. He sat there, absently petting Ast and Cuz, lost in his thoughts.
Two Elks sat in the shadows of one of the trees whose limbs hung limp, as if it wept into the black water. He had put out the fires in the gourds near their hut. He did not like them. They affected his night vision while making him too easy to be seen. He had found a place which allowed him to watch the hut, without being spotted by anyone who approached.
He understood why the villagers needed the lights, but they were caught between a wolf and a charging tusker. The very fires which protected them from the Dead Ones, would eventually attract the eyes of the dwarves. Maybe even the ones Two Elks was sure now hunted Ghile.
Two Elks looked up through the branches. There were too many nearby lights to see the stars clearly, let alone something flying through the night sky.
If the dwarf had not found them yet, then he had gone for reinforcements. Their descent from the Cradle had been too slow for them to be far ahead now. Two Elks fought enough dwarves in his life to know the culler would not give up the hunt. Once on the trail, dwarves were tenacious.
They had made it this far, they would make it to this Dagbar's settlement. Probably to find the culler waiting. If not there, then he would be waiting at the ancient city. Two Elks brought his hand to his heart and then his lips at the thought of the ancient city. A gesture his people used to remind themselves they followed the way of their ancestors in word and deed.
Two Elks knew about the ancient cities of their ancestors. They were sacred places to his people. The dwarves fought to keep his people out of the three cities within the plains, but his
people always fought through. It was outside one of those cities that Two Elks was bonded to the little daughter.
He missed his chance to become a seeker and enter the city during that ceremony, a great honor. It looked like he would have another chance to enter a sacred city soon. They were dangerous places even without the golem guardians the dwarves placed around them. He prayed to the ancestors that he met and dealt with the culler before they reached this Fallen City.
But, when they did encounter the culler again, which Two Elks felt certain they would, they would need to be ready. He would continue to work with Ghile. The boy was doing well in their training sessions. Two Elks would never use as small a weapon as Ghile's blade, let alone a weapon that was dwarf made. But, Ghile was not large enough to use a man's weapon, like the great axe, with any skill.
The real issue for Two Elks was Riff. His magic was useful, but dangerous. He did not know how to fight as a member of a warband. Two Elks' people took many seasons to hone the skills needed, time this group did not have.
He thought again about putting the sorcerer in his place, but there was no time for Riff's wounded pride to heal. Besides, if Daughter Gaidel was to learn to be a leader, she would have to learn to handle people like the sorcerer. Two Elks would not admit it, but he found more than a little amusement from watching the two argue. He suspected there was more there than either the little daughter or the sorcerer knew. He would give Daughter Gaidel more time to establish her position before stepping in.
Two Elks sat silently there in the dark, considering many things, when he saw young Ghile emerge from the hut. Ghile stood there looking about for only a moment before spotting Two Elks and heading his way.
Two Elks looked around him to see if some stray light had given away his position.
Ghile moved some limbs aside. “My turn to take watch, I think?” He opened his palms and bowed his head.
Two Elks nodded, still a little bothered he had been spotted so easily.
He was not tired, so he motioned for Ghile to sit. The celebration had ended, villagers drifted off to their huts. Two Elks could see a few guards on other platforms, staring off into the darkness.
Time of the Stonechosen (The Soulstone Prophecy Book 2) Page 15