“No. I think he’s still there,” I replied casually.
I turned to Jaramel. The young magic user’s face was a picture of concentration, with tiny beads of sweat beginning to trickle down his forehead. His magic was draining him.
“I am immobile whilst I hold this defensive spell,” breathed Jaramel in short gasps, his eyes already reflecting a duller red lustre, “I also do not know…for how much longer I can maintain it.”
I turned once to Baram, the big man looked almost sleepy now. His head rolled forwards until he jerked it upright once again.
I began drawing my sword as I eyed the tree line warily. By the Gods! That bastard was going to pay. Something had to be done soon before he got lucky with another shot! I turned once more to Jaramel. “Don’t leave him!” I ordered through gritted teeth, and then springing forwards I charged into a world of dark covered foliage…
My first few yards into the undergrowth were more precarious than I had expected them to be due to the small sloping incline that was hidden from view. I stumbled for but an instant before regaining my balance. Now wild and alert, my main priority was finding this Bowman before he found me. With sword at the ready, I turned roughly in the direction of the last attack and bounded forwards in big jumping strides so as not to catch my feet on any prominent roots that would otherwise ensnare me. After several leaping steps, I stopped for a moment and listened. I had spent enough of my years in the wilderness to know when to move and when to not, and now was a time to watch. As I tried to still my pounding heart, I observed all around me. Dark looming shadows stretched from every leaf covered tree, every bush and every possible hiding place in a confusing array across the muddy forest ground, and I had to try and find the one that did not belong. I knew our attacker was still here. I could feel his presence, but just where in the black pit was he?
A noise behind made me spin around as fast as a serving girl’s smile. The long-tailed Thrushreaver bird that had landed on a branch behind me took flight instantaneously. At that moment it happened! I heard the unmistakable twang of a bowstring just as my shield arm moved involuntarily again, this time to my side. The deadly arrow was once more cast aside by the power of my magical shield, but better yet, I had seen and heard from where the attack had come from. With my buckler held high and sword out in front I darted for the shadowy gloom between two nearby trees, and then I was giving chase!
The shadow form that fled before me rounded the trees and headed deeper into the forest at my approach! I could see him now. Barely twenty paces behind him, the green-cloaked man ran swiftly ahead of me, but I have had to run from much more menacing things than myself in the past. Now I would have him! As I gained on him slightly, I watched him as he cast aside the Longbow he held before disappearing between two large leafy bushes just ahead. At that moment something warned me to halt my pursuit. A feeling? Some intuition? Or perhaps even divine intervention? Whatever it was that made me stop just before the bushes; It had saved my life! Moving aside the foliage with the flat of my weapon I was not then entirely surprised to find our attacker waiting on its other side with sword held ready for a thrusting attack. Had I pursued my foe further, I would have been dead. As it was, the man realising his ploy had failed, stepped slowly forwards as I moved cautiously back.
“Mr Stein we meet again.” The cool sounding voice had an immediate ring of cold familiarity about it. I recognised it instantly, I was expecting as much. It was the cloaked Ranger who had won my gold from me in the Sunbud Tree Tavern. “What’s the matter Mr Stein, surely you still cannot bear me a grudge over your lost coins? After all, I did win them fairly…well, almost fairly.” A flash of white teeth from within his hood revealed his grin.
“My coin?” I questioned in an almost nondescript tone, “not at all. But shooting my friend in the leg…Well, that’s a different matter entirely!” Both our stances showed our readiness for combat. I also noticed that he held his sword in a manner that told me he was proficient in its use. I had to be wary of this foe, even if I did have the slight advantage of height.
“Yes, well I suppose it’s his fault for being such a large target. I was hoping to pick you off one by one, but you seem to have a fascinating shield there. I don’t suppose you would let me hold it for a while?” I gave a mocking grin and slowly pointed my sword in his direction.
“I’m afraid not, but you will get the opportunity to see my sword more closely.” His eyes glinted menacingly from within the gloom of his hood accompanied by another evil grin.
“Ahh the sword, yes. Well, I do prefer the bow myself, but you will find me just as capable in its use.”
“I do hope so,” I returned whilst planning my first attack, “I would hate this to be over too quickly.” Which was in truth was a total lie! I would have sooner shoot this Ranger with my crossbow and have him killed in an instant, but since that was still strapped to my leg, there was not much chance of that happening.
“Shall we then?” he offered.
“Let’s,” I answered back, I was getting bored of his babble anyway.
My first attack was a deception; I made a thrusting manoeuvre for his chest whilst bringing my shield up in the hope of striking him in the face. As foreseen, he parried my thrusting attack with ease, but then had to bend quickly backwards in an effort to avoid being hit by my buckler. He moved swiftly and retaliated by bringing his sword down in an overhead motion. I side stepped the attack and brought my knee up promptly to his exposed side, but in a blur of green cloak he spun around my attack and struck me on the arm with something that was hidden in his other hand. A stinging sensation sent a wave of pain along my sword-arm as we broke apart.
I looked at my arm and placed my free hand on the cut that was seeping blood through a tear in my leather near to my bicep. A lucky hit, and one that had been totally unexpected. Thankfully it had just been a glancing blow, and my leather armour had absorbed most of the attack, no real damage done. But I cursed myself for not seeing the dagger beforehand.
“Tell me, Mr Stein,” he began in amusing tones whilst eyeing my fresh blood upon his dagger mockingly, “before you die, tell me what is it you hope to find within the North?” I raised a smile as I wiped my blood from my hand. This was good. At least our intentions were still unknown. Now all I had to do was kill him and continue our search. Unfortunately, this was proving to be a bit of a problem.
“Find?” I replied blankly, “we’re not here to find anything. We just heard that the beer is better tasting so we thought we would come and try some for ourselves.”
“Do not take me for a fool Mr Stein!” His words were harsh and edged with anger, was this the first crack to appear in an otherwise composed exterior? “We know you are on a mission for your King. We have known of your movements ever since you left the gates of Ranak-lore.” He smiled as he turned into the light, revealing some of his thin-faced features as he did. “So tell me, did you enjoy the fight you had in the tavern of Galma?” My mind raced back to the Inn of Good Hope and to the three thugs who attacked us.
“That was your doing?” The Ranger gracefully swept his hand before him.
“I arranged that little affray through some acquaintances of mine. I must say it was most entertaining to watch.” My eyes betrayed my look of surprise to the Bowman, “Oh yes, I was there, hidden in a far corner of the tavern. Do you know why I arranged that particular incident Mr Stein?” I said nothing as my eyes probed for a weakness, something I could use, anything! I then noticed that the terrain of the land behind him did not allow much room to manoeuvre backwards. If I tried another charge, he would most probably side step to his right, and then… “It was because I was bored. Bored as I am now. My orders were to follow you to see what your intentions are and then dispose of you. But why continue to follow when there’s action soon to be had to the south?” I launched my attack.
The speed and accuracy of my sudden attack surprised even me! My opponent just had time to swerve to the right whilst hastily blocking
my attack before I shifted my weight and swung my blade upwards towards the position I had estimated he would be in. A dagger flashed before my eyes, but the satisfying feeling along my blade told me that my strike had connected. The Ranger stumbled backwards, his hand immediately going to the deep cut which was issuing blood like a fountain from a place just underneath his chin, I could only imagine the surprised disbelieving look he now must have worn. I then watched with pleasing satisfaction as his hand, wet from his own blood, continually tried to staunch the flow. Hate filled eyes glared at me from the darkness of the Ranger’s hooded cloak.
“Do you know what the problem is with a wound like that?” my words were slow and deliberately sarcastic. The Ranger said nothing but continued to glare at me on shaky feet whilst his cloak turned from forest green to crimson red. “Two-fold. The first is that you will soon start to feel feeble as your lifeblood ebbs away, and secondly,” I smiled a huge grin whilst leaning a little closer for effect, “it does have a tendency to spoil your looks, but in your case, I think I may have improved them somewhat.”
My words immediately sent the Ranger into a frenzied raged attack. His once cool, calm exterior now completely dissolved, replaced instead by anger and desperation as our blades sang out to the tune of our deadly dance. I had been quite startled by the ferocity of his attack, and even though he was severely wounded, he seemed able to put the pain behind him, as another furious rain of blows came, skilfully thrusting, swinging and lunging in my direction. But our deadly dance did not last long. With his strength faltering through blood loss and exertion, and a few more helpful wounds that I had managed to bestow upon his person during our battle, he finally collapsed to the ground to await the cold embrace of death.
Turning over on his back, he used the last of his strength to crawl backwards, all the while glaring at me with hate filled eyes until he could go no further. I moved over him sword in hand.
“What….what are you waiting for….finish me.” Standing over the ranger's broken body, his words came slowly and painfully.
“Why bother?” I replied casually, “I have seen wounds like that before, you have but moments to live. Besides, my sword arm tires now. You understand don’t you?”
The blood soaked Ranger smiled weakly and spat a mouthful of blood on the ground before him. He almost looked as if he was enjoying himself.
“At least.., I go to my grave…knowing your friend will soon be joining me.” He gave another weak smile as a frown darkened my face, my thoughts quickly returned to Baram.
“What do you mean by that?” My anger increased because of his silence. I drew nearer and grabbed his cloak near to his chest, first making sure that his weapons were not in reach. “Answer me damn it!” but it was to no avail, death had taken him. As I let go of his wet clothing, he slumped to the ground. My eyes then went to his shrouded features. Bending over I drew back the hood of his cloak; at least now my nightmares would have a face.
“Taragon!” Jaramel’s voice called out in desperation from somewhere beyond the trees. Quickly wiping my sword on the Ranger’s cloak, I stood and ran back towards the road.
I found Jaramel sitting on the ground just behind Baram. He was supporting Baram’s head within the folds of his arms. The young mage looked up as I approached, his usual fiery stare now reflecting concern.
“He was talking one moment, something about somebody called Kendra, and then he went like this.” Jaramel’s head turned back to the motionless state that Baram was in. I took a moment to gaze upon my friend. His eyes were closed, and his skin looked pale. He could have almost convinced me that he was asleep if it had not been for the lack of snoring. I nervously reached out an unwilling hand to search for his life beat. I then sighed in open relief when one was found, although weak and feeble.
“I never knew one arrow could cause so much harm,” queried Jaramel in disbelief, his gaze returning to mine.
I bent down to examine the entry point of the arrow upon Baram’s leg. A black circle of unknown origins had discoloured the skin around the flesh.
“He has been poisoned,” I announced grimly.
“Poisoned!” repeated Jaramel.
Remembering the two arrows that my shield had deflected upon the road, I quickly retraced my steps and collected one of the projectiles. The long shafted arrow was impeccable in its design, a real piece of craftsmanship that I did not admire. My interest was in its wickedly sharp tip and the black, gooey substance that coated it. I have known many poisons in my life, most of which seemed to have ended up in my blood stream for one reason or another, but this poison was not recognisable by sight or smell, so placing the tiniest amount of the substance on my finger, I tasted it. A sharp bitter taste like lemons stung my taste buds that made me spit instantly. Damn! The poison was unknown to me.
My tongue started throbbing with complaint as I made my way back to Jaramel
“Can your magic do anything for him?” I already knew the answer before he gave it, but I had to try.
Jaramel shook his head. “Most of the magic I have learnt is specifically orientated around defensive and fire-based spells. I’m afraid I do not have the knowledge of a priest or healer.”
Healer! Jaramel’s words struck me like a Fangore’s attack. I whistled to Storm who obeyed obediently and came trotting to my side. Reaching for Jantar’s map, I checked our location. We were but half a mile from the next village.
Every city, town and village had some kind of healer within its walls. Some would even have two or three to care for the complaints of its inhabitants! Why should this northern village be any different?
A northern village! I had not planned to pass through any more villages, not since the last one had been overflowing with warriors. But this was an emergency I could not ignore. Baram’s life could well be in my hands.
I turned quickly to Jaramel. “Help me get him on his horse. We haven’t much time.”
Getting Baram to his horse proved a lot more difficult than I had expected it to be. Even after we had relieved him of his battleaxe, it still seemed to take an age!
Once finally saddled, Jaramel steadied Baram on one side whilst I took the other. We then galloped as fast as we were physically able to until we arrived at a fork in the road. After slowing for the turn, we then headed at speed north-west along this new path. The aroma of freshly cooked food came wafting softly on the breeze from somewhere up ahead. The village was close... Hang on my friend!
We continued onwards a short distance and passed a young boy and a man as they emerged somewhat unexpectedly from the woods. Each was burdened with a great armful of chopped logs. They stood like statues as they watched us pass. I barely gave them a second glance, my mind was fixed on other things, but even so fond memories of Uncle Darack still managed to break my concentration and invade my thoughts.
A short moment later and we burst into the northern village like a stormy wave upon a shore. People dived for cover at the charge of our mounts. A horseman was almost thrown from his steed as it reared uncontrollably at our sudden appearance, and an angry shout was left behind. I only halted our progress when a middle-aged woman, who stood directly in our path, froze with fear as our horses loomed towards her. Pulling tightly on the reins, we came to an abrupt stop, and I shouted at the terrified looking individual the only question for which I wanted to know the answer.
“WHERE IS YOUR HEALER?”
The woman still visibly shaken by our oncoming charge looked wide-eyed all over our party, her eyes lingered longest on Baram before she found words enough to speak.
“Artemis is our healer,” she snapped quickly, “a fine one too, no matter what the rest of them says about him. He’ll sort your friend out, no trouble, double quick too.”
“Where!” I asked again impatiently. A frown found its way onto her face.
“That way,” she said sullenly whilst jerking a bony thumb in required direction. “Go to the end of the village and follow the first path you see on your left. Tha
t will lead you to Artemis.” I gave a quick nod of thanks before kicking Storm in the flanks, this left her just enough time to scuttle swiftly from our path.
I did not have time for pleasantries, and neither did Baram.
Artemis’ home was a low log cabin set some way from the village in its own little glade within the forest. The word “hermit” immediately came to mind. Personally, I would not have cared if he had had two heads and breathed fire so long as he could do something for Baram. Dismounting from Storm, I rushed towards a door next to a herb garden at the side of the house. The smell of two well-used healing herbs, Flotsom and Tydin, were instantly recognisable to my nose as I past.
I reached the door…locked. Clenching my hand into a fist, I began to pound upon the wooden timbers. A cold voice from the other side responded to my attempts at entry.
“Go away! I’m not seeing anybody today.” Unbelievable! What was I expected to do? Just leave and come back tomorrow! Baram did not have so much as an hour left in him, let alone a day. I did the only thing I could do. I lost my patience.
Taking a stride backwards I steeled myself, and then placed all of my angry strength into a kick at the door’s centre. The jarring jolt of the following impact ran swiftly up my leg as the door broke inwards with a satisfying crunch.
With the way now open, I immediately stepped onto the fallen door and entered the dimly lit healer’s home. The air was thick with the smell of pungent smelling herbs. My eyes strained to adjust themselves from the sudden change in light.
The first things I noticed were shelves. They were everywhere around the surrounding walls. Many were lined with bottles of varying shapes and sizes. A table sat in front of me; the light from the doorway was clearly illuminating all manner of piled clutter on top of its surface, most of which I did not even recognise! My eyes searched for the owner of the voice. Nothing to my left except more shelves, and a bed in the corner of the room, although it could have been another table as the light was so bad, and to my right was a small blazing fire that appeared to be moving? Yes, it was moving! I stood there transfixed as I watched the small, blazing ball rise slowly from the ground only to stop suspended in the air three feet from the floor. It was then that I heard the single word of magical command which sent the fireball hurtling in my direction! I had just enough time to realise that the stooped shadow figure standing next to the fireball had actually been holding it!
Taragon Stein: The Search For The Soul Crystal Page 29