by V K Majzlik
Standing, he picked up his bow and plucked the arrow from the dead fox. Khar fluttered up to take her normal position on his shoulder. Leaving the carcass for the worms, they returned back to camp, collecting a bundle of firewood on the way.
The sound of the companions travelled through the silent woods making the camp easy to find. Jaidan made his way silently towards them, hoping to take them by surprise and prove a point to them. It worked, and his fellow travellers felt suitable chastised when their friend jumped into the camp, startling them.
“I could hear you all a mile away! I am sure we are not the only ones in these woods tonight.” He dropped the firewood at Gomel’s feet.
“You’re right! We’re just pleased to be out of those stinking marshes,” smiled Nymril.
“Well, we don’t want to lure everything to this camp. It would be nice to have a peaceful night.” He collapsed onto his bedroll, lying flat on his back.
“You didn’t bring anything back other than wood?” moaned Gomel, sucking on his weed pipe. “You were gone so long I assumed you were hunting!”
“I was, but not the sort of hunting you’re thinking of. Even Khar didn’t want the animal I killed.”
“What do you mean, Jaidan?” Eilendan asked, concerned. The rest of the camp stopped what they were doing, sensing Jaidan had important news.
“I killed a black fox. One sent to spy on us.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely positive. I could have sworn I saw the same animal earlier today and maybe even yesterday,” Jaidan explained, his eyes now closed, still lying on his back.
“Jaidan, there are plenty of black foxes in these woods. I’m sure it wasn’t the same one!” jested Gomel.
“Think what you like. But we have all sensed something watching us.”
“Do you think it is still safe to stay here tonight?” asked Gaular, picking up his war hammer. Everyone was still weary from the long days of constant travelling, not to mention the injuries some were carrying.
“I don’t think any of us are prepared to move tonight,” answered Eilendan. “We will take watches in turn. I will take the first. We all need some rest.”
No one wanted to argue with the elf. He spoke the truth. They decided to extinguish the fire, knowing it was better to be slightly cold rather than have a signal fire for the enemy. They each slept clutching their weapons, hoping and praying the morning would come without incident.
Chapter 16 - Guided Tour
“This is one of my favourite parts of the woods,” Tavor revealed proudly. It really was a beautiful area, with late autumn flowers scattered about the tree roots, surrounded by the golden leaves that drifted down from the stately, slender birches and elms.
Tavor had brought them thus far safely, and their journey had seemed quick and easy. Although they no longer appeared to be riding along a definite path Tavor never hesitated. Nechan’s confidence was now growing and he was starting to find a new sympathy for the exiled clansman. Cradon, on the other hand, had never had a problem with trust and was already idolising his new best friend, hanging on his every word and action.
“So you’ve been to these parts often?” Cradon urged Tavor to continue.
“Many a time. I can’t stay hidden away in my farmhouse all year round. I might be an exile, but they have to find me first to stop me wandering through these woods!”
“How do you know they won’t find you, or be waiting back at the farm? Doesn’t that worry you?” Nechan was several paces behind Cradon and Tavor, but could still hear every word.
“If there are people in these woods, I would know about it long before they have any chance of seeing me.”
“How is that possible?” Cradon laughed, assuming his friend was joking.
“The woods tell me!”
“The woods tell you!” mocked Nechan. ”Cradon, he’s just playing with you!”
“Believe me or don’t. It’s up to you. But I hear the voices of the trees through the rustle of their leaves. I read the signs in leaf litter, moss and mud. I understand the behaviour of the animals, birds and even insects. They tell me all the secrets I need to know.”
“So, you’re basically a tracker.” Nechan did not sound too impressed by Tavor’s intangible exaggeration.
“Perhaps, but I will leave that for you to judge.” Tavor was unperturbed by Nechan’s attitude. Cradon, however, was irritated by his brother’s lack of faith and respect.
“Hey, Nechan! He sounds like he could be one of those Elves old Barnon always tells you about! Doesn’t he say they were one with nature!” Cradon jeered, pleased with his quick wittedness.
Nechan just scowled at him.
“Well, your old friend sounds very knowledgeable. Tales from my clan have always whispered about us once being friends with the Elves, so, maybe that is why I am so good!”
Nechan just smiled and nodded politely. He was not deceived. Tavor was nothing like any elf that he had ever imagined, so why was he trying to humour him? Besides, he felt uncomfortable talking about Barnon, fearing either he or Cradon would accidentally let slip about the secret things they carried.
They rode on, but every now and then Tavor would turn and stare at Nechan, making him apprehensive. Did he know something? No, how could he, unless he watched Cradon dig them up? Nechan was positive his brother was not foolish enough to tell even Tavor despite being enamoured with him. Tavor suddenly broke the latest gaze, and as if realising he was making Nechan uncomfortable, laughed to himself.
“I think we should stop for something to eat. There is a sheltered sunny spot just down here. It will make a perfect place to rest awhile.”
Tavor led the twins down a little gully, following a dry riverbed. Gradually the sides became steeper and the central area flatter, until it eventually opened up into a wide expanse of green grass, surrounded by high, rocky cliffs. The area was so sheltered that autumn did not appear to have visited yet.
“What is this place?” asked Nechan. It was like a natural arena which echoed with his voice.
“This used to be a small surface mine. The rock is white granite. Very hard to come by so far north.”
The group dismounted. While Cradon unsaddled his horse, Nechan could not resist studying the walls. The tool marks of chisels and picks were clearly visible, as if the workers had been there only yesterday. The rock was smooth and cold to the touch, and every scrape and gouge showed the precision with which it had been cut.
“Dwarves used to mine this area, you can tell by the precise handiwork. Maybe they mined it for the Elven cities.”
“How do you….” Nechan was taken in for a brief moment, his desire to believe in such things overwhelming.
Tavor grinned again. “I don’t. It’s just my theory. A nice one though, don’t you think?”
Nechan pretended not to care, but continued examining the rock. He remembered clearly how Barnon told him about the white cities of Elvendon. Perhaps this rock, with its light grey, nearly white colour was used in their cities? Tavor was right, it was a nice thought. Nechan dwelled on this, touching and studying the rock, deep in thought, imagining the Dwarves helping the Elves to build their white towers.
“Nechan, come eat!”
Cradon had already broken out the supplies and was dishing up portions for everyone. There was crusty bread, still relatively fresh, with ripe cheese and fruit. They all ate well, aware that such food would quickly go stale, leaving them with the tasteless salted meats and dried fruit their mother had provided. Tavor had also kindly replenished their supplies, included two large sacks of hay and oats for the horses during the cold winter months.
“So how far from the edge of the woods are we?” Cradon sprayed breadcrumbs as he spoke with a full mouth.
“Still a long way. Maybe four, possibly five days riding.” Tavor ripped off another chunk of bread with his teeth and then continued. “Perhaps we should stay here tonight? The horses are safe and there is plenty for them to graze on. Be
sides, there is no need to rush through these woods, we are safe here.” Tavor suggested, as he cut himself another thick slice of yellow cheese.
“That sound’s like a great idea.” Cradon lay on his back, stretching out his arms and legs. “What do you think, Nechan?” He folded his arms behind his head and closed his eyes.
“Do you not think we should go at least a bit further today? We haven’t really travelled very far at all. I would like to put as much distance as possible between us and those soldiers.”
“It’s up to you two boys. But, I did send them off in the opposite direction, and I have made sure we have left few or no tracks. I wouldn’t worry too much.”
“Fine! We’ll stay here tonight.”
“Thank goodness!” Cradon thrust his hands up into the arm, very pleased with his brother’s decision.
“We will need more water though. There is a stream just a short walk from here. I am quite happy to go and fill the skins while you two rest.”
“Thank you!” Nechan handed Tavor his waterskin and watched him leave the mine. That was a generous gesture.
Cradon rolled over and looked at his brother. “Are you sure you are alright about travelling with Tavor?”
“Of course. Why?” Nechan did not look at his brother, he just plucked at the grass about his feet.
“You seem on edge. You still don’t trust him, do you?”
Nechan did not respond.
“He knows so much about the woods. We could learn a lot from him, if you would just trust him.”
Nechan grunted.
“After all, we don’t know how long he is going to be with us. We should make the most of it!”
“I guess you’re right. I’m just worried about what we’re carrying. He keeps doing things that make me suspicious.”
“Like what?”
“Nothing really. Sometimes he says things in a strange way. And, he keeps staring at me!”
Cradon pulled a face.
“I know, you think I am being paranoid.” Checking Tavor was not on his way back, Nechan pulled out the silver orb hanging around his neck.
His brother watched him. “Do you think I should check the other thing?”
“I am sure its safe. You wrapped it up properly. Just make sure you keep it hidden from Tavor.” Nechan carefully tucked the necklace back under his shirt, ensuring it was hidden.
Cradon did not reply. He knew that there was some truth in his brother’s words; after all, they had only known Tavor for four days.
Tavor returned shortly afterwards, carrying bulging waterskins. Neither twin queried what had taken him so long. He must have been mistaken about how far away the stream actually was.
Chapter 17 – Friend or Foe
It was cold and dark when Tavor rolled over to check the twins had finally fallen asleep. He had spent the past two hours waiting for them to drift off, and now he could hear their faint slumbering sounds. It was safe for him to make his move.
Careful not to make a noise, Tavor unwrapped himself from his blanket. Cradon snorted, and pulled his blankets closer up around his chin as he rolled over. Tavor froze, but when Cradon made no further sound, he crept out of the abandoned mine, away from the smouldering embers of the fading fire.
Silvery strands of mist hung in the air, winding around the grey-green tree trunks, illuminated by the shimmering moon high above. He had not walked far from the camp, wading through the mist silently, when he heard a sound behind him. Tavor instinctively melted into the shadow of a large elm tree, his back pressed against the smooth trunk. Silently, he unsheathed his hunting knife and gripped it firmly in his hand. Barely breathing, peering into the gloom, he waited and listened.
Despite his skills, Tavor did not hear the person sneak up behind him. The first he knew of him was the touch of cold steel pressed under his chin.
“Drop it!” the voice hissed.
Tavor raised his arm, dropping the knife into the decaying leaves.
“Are you carrying anything else?” There was a second voice, this time to his left.
“No.” Tavor choked, the blade jabbing even harder into his throat.
Out of the shadows the second assailant revealed himself. He was dressed in Imperial armour, the moonlight glinting on the silver studs of his breastplate and leather gloves. The moonlight also made the nose ring and earrings shine. Raising his hand, the commander signalled for Tavor to be released. As soon as the blade was removed, he was kicked to his knees. Rubbing his neck, Tavor turned, but the first attacker had already blended into the shadows. He could sense there were more than two out there, and was certain he was surrounded.
“You’re alone?”
“Of course I am, Govan!” Tavor snapped, getting back to his feet. “What do you think I am? A novice?”
There was a rustle, and Tavor suddenly found himself at the receiving end of six blades. Govan snapped up his hand, signalling his troops not to advance. ”Lower your voice!” he hissed, the whites of his eyes flashed in anger. He took a step closer, and Tavor could now clearly make out the harsh, chiselled features of the man’s face, the meticulously shaved beard and head, and the glint of his nose ring.
“I came to find you earlier. You’re late.”
“We met some delay on the road. Nothing that concerns you, Imperial business. Do they suspect anything?”
“No,” Tavor smirked. “I convinced them you went the other way in search of them. But they will start to suspect something, especially the blonde one, if I keep having to sneak away because you’re late!”
“I assume it is nothing you can’t handle.” Govan took a step even nearer, standing face to face with Tavor. Neither man flinched, each determined to stand his ground.
“I know what is required of me.”
“Good.”
“When will you make your move?”
“When you can prove without a doubt they have they Spirit Star in their possession, and only when we are joined by the karzon.”
Tavor spat in disgust. “Karzon. Filth. We could do this without them.”
Govan punched Tavor hard across his jaw, filling his mouth quickly with the iron taste of blood. He stumbled back, but steadied himself against a tree.
“They are still several days ride away. They were delayed after their last attack. So we wait.”
Tavor wiped the blood from his chin and ran his tongue around his tender teeth and cheek. His jaw began to burn, throbbing with pain, as his lip started to swell. “How am I going to explain this to them?”
“I’m sure you can be creative! You will not need to wait with them much longer.”
“If there is nothing else, I should get back to them.”
Govan nodded in agreement.
“Brother in arms.”
“Strength in Brotherhood!”
The two men beat their chests once, as a sign of honour and the conversation was over. Tavor watched as Govan disappeared, slinking back into the milky shadows. Within seconds the entire company had vanished like ghosts. Tavor stooped and rummaged in the fallen leaves for his knife. He did not take his eyes off the direction Govan had taken, assuming he was still being watched. Picking up his knife, he wiped it clean and sheathed it before returning to camp.
“Do you trust him?” Javil watched as Tavor disappeared into the shadows back towards the mine and the twins.
“I don’t trust anyone,” Govan smiled, patting the hilt of his sword.
“All right, let me rephrase that question. Do you think he can complete his mission?”
“The man has no choice. This is his only chance to quash his exile. It’s this or death.”
Tavor had completely disappeared from view, and satisfied that he had returned to continue with his deceitful mission, they turned back to their men.
Thirteen men accompanied Govan and his second in command Javil. All were expertly trained in a variety of weaponry, each man individually picked for his skills. This was a Karvathan platoon. They were the most f
eared armed forces of the Empire. Although they were no match for the karzon or some of the other dark beasts, they executed the Rjukhan’s law with an iron fist.
Together they would wait in the shadows for the signal, lurking close, but out of sight of Tavor and the twins. Once the karzon joined them they would launch their attack, but only when they had received confirmation that the boys carried the Aeonorgal. There was always the possibility that they had buried it for safe keeping. This time, no one could afford to make a mistake.
When Tavor returned to the mine, the twins were still curled up in exactly the same positions. Taking his earlier advice, Cradon and Nechan were using their saddles as pillows. Their saddlebags however were piled up beside them.
Before leaving the farm Tavor had tried to rummage through their belongings, but these boys had brought so much with them. He had joked about it but it was going to cause him a problem. He was certain they had the Spirit Star. Something had told him right from the start they were keeping secrets from him, and of course there was the fact he had watched Cradon dig something up just before they left. He just had not managed to find it yet. These boys were proving to be more wary than he first gave them credit for. They just needed to provide him with one quick moment with all of their belongings unattended, then it would all be over.
Neither twin stirred as Tavor slid back into position on his bedroll. Even the horses barely twitched their ears. With a sigh of relief he pulled his woollen blanket up around his head. Part of him hated doing this to the boys as they reminded him of his younger self, but unfortunately their lives were about to take a sharp turn for the worse. It was a pity they had become embroiled in this. Slowly, still clutching his dagger, he drifted into a restless sleep filled with dark memories of the Empire and his living nightmare. It would all be over soon, he kept reassuring himself.
Chapter 18 – Closer To Their Goal
The comrades awoke, cold and damp in the early morning air. A fine mist still hugged the ground and draped the trees. They were all relieved that the night had passed without incident. Jaidan tried to encourage their small campfire back to life, but the embers had fizzled out in the damp air. Even the wood he had collected the night before was sodden and unusable.