The Dark Crown

by S C Gowland

  As the years had passed, he had, slowly but surely started to return to a changed but familiar version of himself.

  A new Kryst emerged.

  More philosophical but hardened to the harsh realities of the world. He had found that by helping others he was healing himself. It had been several months since they had last met and Kaoldan surveyed his friend with cautious optimism, despite the fresh and savage looking scar on his cheek he appeared in good spirits.

  Kryst took a sip of tea, after blowing away the steam. He nestled the cup in his hand, as if cradling a small bird, settled back into the high-backed chair and shrugged.

  ‘Good days and bad days.’ he repeated. ‘I can say no more than that, I still miss her constantly. A part of me is still missing that I will never get back. Yet I endure, this endures.’ he gestured to the world. ‘Some things I think I will never be able to comprehend, like the attentions of your new female friend. I’m almost old enough to be her father too. Almost.’ he added glancing shyly at Kaoldan then almost immediately into the fire.

  He smiled and snorted a laugh.

  ‘Why are you here?’ asked Kaoldan slightly confused by the exchange between Kryst and Kubrean earlier.

  ‘Who knows? Since when does Kubrean ever tell us anything more than he wants?’ he said ‘He might just have wanted some familiar faces around him given recent activity in this area. From what I have been able to find out there has been a noticeable increase in activity by the Krund and nobody seems to know why. Perhaps this little expedition will provide some answers? And to get back on topic, how are you?’ asked Kryst looking at his friend uncrossing his legs to lean forwards.

  Kaoldan stared at his drink, avoiding the look.

  ‘You seem tired, worn out.’ said Kryst critically. ‘Not sure you should be coming with us, old man.’

  ‘You’re almost as old as I am.’ countered Kaoldan.

  ‘Almost…’ said Kryst with a raised eyebrow.

  Realising this was a point he was never going to win, ‘I am okay, despite my advancing years.’ Kaoldan replied

  ‘Good.’ replied Kryst. ‘And the girls, how are they?’

  Kaoldan shuffled uncomfortably in his seat.

  ‘They are well, last I heard.’ he said shortly. ‘They are performing well at Vanguard and seem to be keeping their noses out of trouble.’

  He paused before continuing.

  ‘In fact, I have been told that they are proving to be quite the students in Fajin, Walkerblade and academically.’ He said with a small beam of pride. ‘Not as good as us of course.’ He added.

  ‘Of course.’ nodded Kryst with all sincerity in agreement. ‘Although I’d heard they were considered, by some, to be better…’

  ‘And who told you that?’ flashed Kaoldan, semi accusingly, leaning forwards out of his chair.

  Kryst sensed a change in his friend.

  ‘Just people.’ he said deflecting the query, glancing at Kaoldan.

  ‘People talk, there are not so many of us around these days and Walkers tend not to make many friends other than our own kind.’ he reassured.

  This seemed to relax Kaoldan who slowly settled back into his seat before taking another sip of tea.

  ‘I guess that we should be getting ready ourselves.’ said Kryst reluctantly before downing the last of this tea and standing.

  ‘I’ll go and check on Sadida, she also seemed eager to be going. Strange how they all seem to be able to sense it. Perhaps Zalen is smarter than he looks.’

  ‘Doubtful…’ said Kaoldan with a weak smile. ‘I’ll join you outside, after I’ve had something to eat. Can’t leave on just a breakfast of tea, good though it is.’ he said raising his cup.

  Kryst nodded, silently turned on his heals and headed towards the door, helping himself to a handful of brown bread and honey as he left.

  The bang of the closing door made the smile on Kaoldan’s face disappear. He gazed into the fire; familiar images and dreams, danced in the flames.

  Chapter 5 - Watching

  He raised his hand to shield his face from streams of sunlight to survey his surroundings. Trees at the end of the garden nearest to the wall swayed lightly in the wind and seagulls could be heard calling out in the distance as the smell of salt and the sea wafted in. The gardens were a hive of activity with staff busily scuttling around with tasks to complete; tending to crops, carrying supplies, preparing for another day.

  All clad in honestly coloured clothes; browns, greens and greys, some wearing floppy hats to afford themselves some sort of shade as they worked. Bees and birds fluttered throughout the gardens and no-one raised their head as Kaoldan noisily trod his way to the stables along stony, gravel paths at the rear of the building. He was eager to get going now, turning the corner he was greeted by the sight of six large and rather impatient Pantheras.

  Tren raised his head and looked nonplussed at Kaoldan, he arched his back, stretched and yawned wide mouthed showing an impressive set of teeth and large pink tongue before settling back down on the ground, which crunched under his padded feet, large black claws digging into the stones.

  The sight of a pack of Panthera had always been impressive thought Kaoldan to himself. Tren; large, grey and aloof at the front of the pack, all grey shaggy mane braided to keep the fur out of his eyes, powerful front muscles slowly sloping towards his grey and black dashed body and long tail, which twitched side to side absently. The other pantheras also all looked equally magnificent but wore it with an apparent disdain, a nonchalance that they all seemed to wear. All the Walkers were stood by their pantheras checking and double checking, straps, buckles, bags and saddles.

  Kubrean was busy checking a side bag as Max, his lion-like panthera, taking little interest in the activity. Dalon was sat down leisurely beneath a tree, shading himself from the sun while slowly eating one of the apples that were scattered around him, he was deep in conversation with Yasmina who also sat listening attentively as he spoke in between big bites.

  She laughed and flicked her hair as he spoke, waving his hands to illustrate the point. By his side Dys’n, his black panthera flicked his ears having apparently heard this story before. To the right of Yasmina stood a tall and stern looking panthera, white with black spots, observing all around her, clearly taking the current situation far more seriously than her Walker.

  Zalen was busy in conversation with Kryst, as his white Panthera - Salah – appeared to be struggling to control herself as she looked with some menace at the small group of birds in the apple tree who seemed quite happy chirping their torment at the big cat - his tail twitching in frustration.

  Stood proudly at the side of Kryst was Sadida, the rarest of all panthera; she absently surveyed her surroundings her ginger and black strips rippling as she turned. She turned to her right and immediately changed from panthera to kitten as she saw Kaoldan approaching. She bounded forward, the equipment on her back banging and clacking, stones were sent skittering in all directions as she ground to a halt in front of Kaoldan. Having a kitten thrust its head playfully towards you is all well and good, but when a two metre tall pantheras does the same, the effect is a little more difficult. She nuzzled into Kaoldan with her head, knocking him back several steps.

  ‘Whoa.’ he exclaimed. ‘It’s good to see you too.’ Stroking her furry head and tickling her white chin.

  She was about to try to lie down and roll over, but a sharp shout from her Walker stopped that idea dead in its tracks. Although playful at heart she always did as she was told, unlike some panthera.

  Kaoldan glanced at Tren who sensed the slight, snorted and looked the other way.

  Sadida quickly glanced at Kryst then at Kaoldan then back at Kryst checking the coast was clear then continued playing with Kaoldan.

  Kryst looked up then began marching over with a serious expression on his face, as Kaoldan continued to be almost bowled over by the enthusiastic panthera. He stopped abruptly at the side of the panthera, who was enjoying herself far too much
to notice his arrival. He cleared his throat loudly, the play continued, he cleared his throat again, louder this time.

  Sadida jerked her head around, saw the game was up, then slumped to the ground dramatically, tilted her head and slowly opening her blue eyes and looked cutely at her Walker - well as cutely as a four metre long battle prepared panthera can look. It had the desired effect and a small smile appeared on the corner of Kryst’s mouth.

  ‘Get up and get over there.’ he gestured, Sadida half rose and skulked over to where she had come from. ‘You can say hello properly later.’ he promised, a small spring appeared in her step and her tail rose as she glanced back. It was hard to tell who had really won that contest thought Kaoldan.

  ‘Still a little cat in a big cat’s body isn’t she.’ half-joked Kaoldan.

  Kryst nodded.

  ‘I am sorry, for before.’ said Kaoldan glancing at his friend then at his boots. ‘It’s just, you know.’ he shrugged, ‘still difficult.’

  ‘I know.’ replied Kryst with a slow nod. ‘We can talk, later, when you’re ready.’ he added.

  Kaoldan nodded, the knot in his stomach dissolving.

  ‘When I’m ready.’ he repeated.

  ‘About time we were going, wouldn’t you say?’ interrupted Kubrean, his face beaming with excitement.

  ‘Yes.’ said Kaoldan, relieved by the change of subject.

  He stood straight and glanced around, everyone was looking at him expectantly, even though Kubrean was really in charge.

  ‘Let’s go.’ he gestured ‘The weather is good, and I’d rather we made the most of it.’

  Kubrean smiled back and swung up onto Max. Although he was already a giant of a man, he looked positively enormous on top of his sandy coloured mount. Max shook his huge mane and looked around expectantly. His big blue eyes serving as a roll call to the other members of the group. They moved towards their mounts and swung up into the saddles.

  Kaoldan took a second to survey the group, he decided he was happy. Happy with the size of the group, happy with the weather and happy with the company. Although Yasmina appeared slightly nervous her eyes darting around, she stood up in her saddle closed her eyes before settling herself back down, her face now different; composed, focused, determined. Although only a small thing, it did give Kaoldan a small feeling of reassurance and he would gratefully take it. He approached Tren, the grey panthera stood nobly, surveyed his Walker with sapphire eyes. Long grey legs, which gradually turned a dirty black at his paws, twitched.

  ‘I know.’ whispered Kaoldan, ‘Too soon to be heading off again. Let’s get going and get back, then we can have a break. Duke Lomann wants answers, and it’s up to us to help.’ he explained.

  The panthera flicked his ears and then appeared to grow with pride.

  He tilted his body towards Kaoldan, the Walker took a deep breath and climbed up. He shuffled with a leathery rustle to get comfortable then looked left and right surveying his companions.

  ‘Let’s go.’ he said.

  The crunch of the gravel was the only noise that accompanied them out of the chapter house through the sandstone pillared gates and onto the dusty street. The sight of six Walkers on battle ready pantheras was not an everyday occurrence for the population of Thura.

  The streets were already busy with people going about their daily business and the sight of the six Walkers only served to slow the human traffic. Many just gawped, slight jawed and absent minded as the panthera and their riders made their way through the crowds. The attention was something that Kaoldan had grown accustomed to, but the novelty was clearly new to Yasmina who drew up proudly in her saddle, Kaoldan stifled a smile and slightly shook his head.

  She caught his glance and smiled back sheepishly shrugging her shoulders ‘what can you do’ her face said and so she continued to sit proudly for all to see.

  The group rode comfortably and silently against the noise of the market, haggling and bartering, echo across the wide tree-lined streets. Seagulls called and swooped down, trying to scavenge food from weary looking stall owners waving their arms to defend their produce. Cursing and looking angrily towards the winged thieves. The wind blew the smell of the sea up from behind them and was slightly at odds with the dryness of the day.

  They made good progress through the main market area, then through the tall rows of houses and flats. White fronts and walls, most windows containing glass and terracotta roofs. The buildings gradually lost both their height and majesty as they entered the poorer edges of the city. The dress of the residents was noticeably shabbier, more beggars and shiftily hooded figures glanced their way.

  Small children playing with coloured stones at the end of a row of dirty coloured houses smiled and waved as they went by.

  Yasmina smiled and waved back and even Kubrean bowed extravagantly in his saddle.

  Tren let out a loud yowl which reduced a number of the younger children to quivering wrecks, as the older ones yowled back carefully creeping forwards as they did so. Tren glanced back as they passed by, a look of satisfaction on his face, if such a thing were possible for a panthera.

  The residential areas slowly melted away as they reached the large sandstone city wall, the final point before they left the city limits. The Royal Guards at the main gates eyed them suspiciously, standing motionless in blue and grey uniforms tightly gripping their spears. The heavy wooden gates creaked as they were opened by several puffing guards, the metal frames catching the sunlight which streamed straight into the city, as they swung outwards.

  Kaoldan and the other Walkers nodded their thanks to the guards as they left and surveyed the flat shrubby land that lay before them. Now clear of the cocoon of the city they could see the sun directly in front of them and there were no clouds on the horizon, looks good thought Kaoldan; good weather will help speed things up.

  ‘Shall we stretch their legs a little?’ called Zalen from the back of the group his eyes gazing around challenging his comrades. ‘Just to make the most of the good weather.’ he said attempting to sound convincing.

  ‘We could.’ agreed Kubrean, with similar mischief in his eyes. ‘It makes sense. Time is of the essence after all.’

  Grins began to grow on faces, Yasmina looked around missing the joke but smiled, anyway.

  ‘After you, Master.’ offered Dalon with a grin.

  Kubrean snorted and clicked Max with his heels. The sandy panthera was the oldest of the group but you would not have thought it by the way he bounded forwards and charged off in the direction of the forest in the distance.

  This served to jolt the others to action and one by one within seconds they were away, pursuing Kubrean and his panthera. The wind whistled passed Kaoldan as Tren eventually got into his stride. The prospect of losing to an older panthera seemed to be spurring Tren along with added purpose. The group powered along as the race progressed and they slowly began to separate out.

  Although he should have been concentrating on the race, Kaoldan couldn’t help, but look at the remains of the tree-men that now stood silent and sombre in the distance to his left. They appeared smaller today, grey now, mottled weather worn, with sections broken off generally rather dilapidated, as if they had been there for years not days. It served as a sober reminder that danger still lurked. Kaoldan pushed the fear that was in danger of rising back down into his stomach. He scanned around at the five other riders, each caught in their efforts to win the race.

  Zalen was trailing at the rear, the rush of the wind made it difficult to hear what he was shouting, but it certainly wasn’t poetry.

  Kaoldan turned back one last time to see the tree-men disappear behind them. He fought to put the thoughts that came with them to the back of his mind as he pushed on with Tren. The race ended a moment or two later with a beaming Dalon and Yasmina, and very foulmouthed Zalen bringing up the rear.

  ‘You cheated.’ accused the blonde Walker, pushing hair out of his face. ‘I wasn’t frakking ready!’ he said, shuffling in his saddle.
<
br />   ‘It was your idea.’ countered Kryst innocently, ‘how can you suggest it and then blame not being ready for such a poor ride.’

  ‘Seemed a perfectly fair race to me.’ said Yasmina shrugging indifferently before giving her panthera a friendly rub. ‘Well done, May.’ she congratulated. May’s ears flicked and her tailed swishing in quiet satisfaction.

  ‘It also seemed like a fair race to me too.’ said Kubrean, looking around at the others when he caught sight of Kaoldan’s face, he stopped and immediately understood. ‘But that will do for now, we have a long way to go and not much time to do it in’ he said. ‘Let’s go...’

  ‘You still cheated’ muttered Zalen as he trotted passed shaking his head.

  Kaoldan turned to look first at the city of Thura and then at the distant shape of the tree-men, then he turned Tren and followed his companions.

  Zalen’s complaints about the race; the start, the middle and the end continued for most of that day. The sunshine helped with their moods as the day passed. As night fell, they chose to set up camp in a wide cave at the corner of a sheer rock face. A slight gully that existed in the forest meant it was well hidden and the width of the cave offered protection in case rain decided to fall in the night. It creased in the corner also meant they could light a small fire allowing Kubrean to cook a thick broth of mutton and earthy vegetables; how he was able to create such good food in wild surroundings, had always amazed Kaoldan. But it was not a question he ever wanted answering if it meant not being able to eat like this again. Conversation was light and friendly before they settled down to sleep. Kaoldan had offered to take first watch, and he headed out of the cave to give his eyes chance to adjust to the darkness before the others went to sleep.

  As he moved outside into the cool evening air Kaoldan reflected, the day had gone well, he couldn't deny that. They had covered twenty miles in difficult forest conditions as well as having to find their way along non-existent paths, up and down the hills. The surroundings worked both to their advantage; harder to be spotted by those they would rather not have to meet, and to their detriment; harder going for the group and less distance covered in the time they had available.