"I wondered why only five Kin showed up. I figured they held me to blackmail for information, and that my father gave whatever they asked of him, since I was still alive. He has been loyal for many years, and considering I am his only son, I believe he may receive a reasonable punishment. Presage will make sure he isn't sentenced to death... if we emerge victorious in this war. Any word from the missing Kin?" Simon knelt down beside a dry-looking plant and began to dig out the root, which went fairly deep.
"Yes, we received information from a Leshy. He found a man named Throg, who was with a Kin. They were sent for when we were separated. Since then, I haven't heard a thing. The Meridian soldiers knew of this Throg, and it sounds like the final Kin will be all right."
"Throg. Yes, I am acquainted with him. He is a good man, private, but fiercely loyal to the Assembly. The Kin is in excellent company, then." He dug out the root with his hands.
"Okay, I found sander roots, and I see castor leaves up ahead, so we are done." He motioned to some low-hanging leaves in front of them, plucked a few and turned them over in his hand, and nodded.
They walked back into the campsite, and he dropped the mix into the boiling liquid.
Simon sat quietly with his legs crossed, watching the kettle. The rest of the Kin hunched around the fire. Most of them ate something or sipped water. The journey had not been easy, physically or emotionally.
Shelby motioned Max and Stuart over. While she'd hoped they would make the decision as a group, she had to tell the others. "I told him about his father. He asked, and I didn't want to lie. He assumed the Nightlanders kidnapped him for ransom."
"I don't blame you," said Max. "He may as well be informed now, and if we waited, he might have held it against us."
Stuart asked as he stretched one of his ankles, "How did he take the news?"
"Like I said, he suspected they captured him for a reason, so he had an idea about it. He also thinks Presage will watch out for his father, considering the situation. He took the news okay."
"Well, no harm done. He should be aware. We'll need to discuss some plans while we rest." Max rubbed the back of his neck. "Simon mentioned a manhole-type entrance, with archers guarding the access. Security has likely strengthened since his escape. Depending on how Malefic judges the scenario, as Stuart pointed out, they easily might have moved the Assembly in order to reduce risks. We can't give in now. This is the final push—it sounds hard, but I know we can do it."
"I think moving them to another location is likely," said Stuart.
The sun sank low and the air turned chilly. Though they needed rest, it wasn't practical to stay for long. They had maybe an hour of daylight left, as a hint of yellow laced the blue horizon.
Night was the beast's time. Shelby shivered and pushed the thought from her mind.
Max cracked his knuckles. "Well, Simon said he escaped a couple of days ago. It's possible they moved the Assembly, but probably not quickly. Simon is nowhere near a Meridian Army, and time would be needed for such information to get out, especially with Meracuse surrounded. There's no Internet here. If they transport the Assembly out of their cells, and we're nearby monitoring the situation, then things may work in our favor."
"Sure," said Shelby. "Unless they're being moved with an entire battalion. Not much the six of us can do on that front."
Max nodded. "True, but Malefic sounds arrogant and might be reckless. He may call every able Nightlander to Meracuse, seeking a quick, decisive victory. His haste and overconfidence could give us a good target. I don't think Biskara can predict everyone's movements, especially ours. I overheard some things about how Biskara seems to be able to channel certain information to Malefic regarding military activity, but probably those are in large numbers. Otherwise, he would've directed Malefic to where Simon was hiding. So the element of surprise should be in our favor."
Stuart shook his head. "Your analysis assumes a lot. One wrong move can kill us and doom these people... not to mention Earth. I think we continue to travel with care and piece the puzzle together. One of us might make contact with our link. Even a single message should shed light on what we need to do."
They shifted to Shelby.
"Okay," she said. "You're both right, and some elements don't really matter this second. I think we all concur to follow Simon back to the underground jail and hatch a plan as we go. Let's check with the others and keep going." She motioned them over to Riley and Emily, who had started looking toward them.
After they explained their plans to the two girls, they agreed to forge ahead and hope for the best. Discussion was fraught with anxiety. If they arrived too late, the Assembly already moved, all they could do was wait for a link to be established. Yet making the trip in such short time might be perilous, but necessary if they wanted to help. Everything hung on the size of the force Malefic had left behind to guard the Assembly.
Simon boiled a couple batches of broth, and they all poured some in their teacups. It tasted like chicken soup, and raised their spirits and warmed them. As the cold night closed in, Simon had two cups of broth and seemed to regain more strength.
Shelby finished her last sip and Simon stood.
"I want you to understand what an honor it is for me to be with you," he told the Kin. "I also want to tell you that some months ago, an old seer passed through Meracuse. He declared I'd be part of an important mission, one that would determine the fate of Meridia. My friends laughed, and I did, too. But when you found me today, and after I regained some strength, I realized that this has to be the mission. I cannot think of anything more crucial. We must free the Assembly, summon the truth seekers, and get the Silver Sphere to locate Biskara's coordinates, or Meracuse and Meridia will fall."
Shelby walked over to him and placed her arm around his shoulders. "We'll do the best we can, Simon. We decided to follow you, and to make plans when we have an idea about the number of men Malefic left to guard the Assembly. Remember to tell us anything that could be useful."
"I shall."
They doused the flames and continued toward the Canopus Hills. They decided to walk in pairs and throw some ideas out to each other, though they spoke in hushed tones. They traveled at a hearty pace, but a little less frantic than earlier, as arriving at the Canopus Hills exhausted would do no good.
Night had fallen, and they whispered through the forest. None dared ask for rest. All shared the unspoken hope that they would reach the Canopus Hills before dawn, and then hatch a plan.
Crunching through the leaves, Shelby considered their options. What could they do other than wait? After touching the hilt of her saber, she felt more at peace. She had proven herself in battle, and if it came down to it, she would again. Her breath rose in puffs before her.
The moon hung pregnant in the night sky, surrounded by glittering stars. A few clouds veiled the orb, throwing shadows across the dark landscape. Still, they walked. Simon seemed to be doing well. He didn't speak other than to point out markers along their path.
After some time passed, a chilling snarl peeled from the east. The growl came from a distance, deep and grating. Everyone froze.
"What the heck is that?" Max whispered.
"A Manticore," said Simon, sounding nervous. "We must stay closer together. They do not tend to attack groups of people."
Shelby swallowed hard. It was like hearing the beast. "Well, I'm all for tightening the group. That Manticore sounds pretty big. Simon, what exactly is a Manticore?"
"Picture the head of a man, the body of a lion, and a tail with a spiked ball at the end. Even though the head appears similar to a man's, its intelligence is more like a beast's. I read they are almost extinct, so it is rare to encounter one. But I heard one from a distance once, and my father told me it was a Manticore."
"Well, we should be ready if this one decides to attack," Emily said. She pulled an arrow out and placed it on her bow.
They continued walking, trying to remain as quiet as possible. Shelby loaded her crossbow, and
Stuart drew his hand-cannon. The roar grew fainter as they walked, and before long, they put their weapons away.
After a while, they rested to discuss their ideas. This round, they did not make a fire, despite the chill. No time to spare. Rather, they sat huddled together. Shelby drew her cloak tightly around herself.
The crunch of a snapping branch came from their right.
Shelby jerked to her feet. The Kin whirled to the direction of the noise, and a gangly man stepped from behind a tree in front of them. He moved forward a few paces, and Stuart aimed his hand-cannon at the intruder.
The figure froze.
"Not another step until you tell us what you seek," said Stuart.
"Well, your hand-cannon won't help you much here, son. You are surrounded by twenty crossbows. One move on your part, and they will release," he said coolly. "Nice fertility sign, by the way." The man smirked at the smeared sigil on Stuart's chest.
They all peered around uneasily, seeing no one but the gangly man.
Shelby frowned and rested her hand on her crossbow. An arrow was loaded and it was ready to fire. Should the trespasser make any sudden movements, she'd shoot him. "What do you want?"
He folded his stick-thin arms across his chest and strained his blade-shaped face. "I think I'll be asking the questions. What are you doing here, and where are you going?"
Simon blurted, "Our town was burned and plundered, and we are simply trying to find someplace safe to go."
"From which village do you hail, child?"
"Gaston."
"Nightlanders, I assume."
Raising his arms, Simon snorted, "Who else?"
"Some pillaging has been done by bands of thieves and the like, taking advantage of the confusion."
"Are you a band of thieves?" asked Simon.
"I am Blunderbuss." He moved forward a few paces again.
Simon didn't respond immediately. He stood motionless a second before he spoke. "I recognize your name and have heard many things about you—some good... some bad."
"Of course you have. All you need to know right now is that we hate Nightlanders." Blunderbuss whistled.
Several men, expertly hidden in bushes and trees, came forward. Every one of them dressed in earthy tones, with mud on their faces and matted hair. In the dark, they were impossible to see until they moved.
"The woods around here aren't secure," Blunderbuss said. "A Manticore is roaming, and we fought and killed a Nightlander patrol and, of all things, a Zumbaki pack. Nightlander activity just picked up in the last day. They are looking for something around here. Offer us payment, and we'll honorably assist you through."
Riley glared at him. Shelby nodded to her friend and motioned for Riley to relax.
She then stepped forward. "We only carry the clothes on our backs and the weapons you see, plus a little food. We cannot spare any provisions."
Blunderbuss studied them and smiled. "Well then, we'll give you safe passage, and you will owe us a debt." He pointed his spindly arms to the woods behind him.
"And if we can't ever repay you?" said Riley.
"I'm good at reading people. If you can't, I will assume you're dead. Then the tab won't really matter. I'd rather hold a bad debt than a guilty conscience, letting a group of youngsters be killed in my territory."
Blunderbuss placed his right hand down as if petting a dog, and his men all lowered their weapons. Some slung their crossbows around their backs. A few grunted and muttered to one another.
"You mentioned you're looking for someplace safe. Any idea where you're headed?" Blunderbuss strolled over to them with a warm grin plastered to his face.
"Some friends up in the Canopus Hills are waiting to meet with us," said Simon.
Blunderbuss gave him a wary glance, and shot a look at Max, who stood closest.
Shelby had forgotten that they appeared much older and formidable now. She hoped Max had caught on.
"Yes," said Max, "we visited Gaston when it was attacked, and are not familiar with these parts. Simon is guiding us."
Shelby relaxed a hair.
"So, from where do you hail?"
"Meracuse," she blurted, wondering if she supplied the right answer.
He rubbed his pointy chin. "Ah, city kids looking for adventure?"
"Visiting Simon and his family," said Stuart. "Figured a little country air would do us well. We're all from the same school, Pictor Academy."
"Not safe in these woods right now, laddie. We are heading to Vixen. We aim to restock and find out more information about Nightlander movement. Vixen isn't far from here. I insist you join us, and you can make your plans from there. I assure you that no Nightlanders are in the city."
"Safe in Vixen?" said Simon, wringing his hands.
"If you are with me. I own a private section at the Scuttlebutt."
Shelby motioned everyone closer and they huddled. "Vixen is a city?"
Simon looked horrified at the thought of going to the town. "Yes, but different than the others. Vixen is loaded with taverns, gambling, black markets, and the sort. Local villagers go for entertainment, though my father told me it was dangerous."
"Plenty of us together to protect each other," said Riley. "We'd probably find out some things, and a couple hours of rest shouldn't hurt. With all the Nightlanders tracking Simon around here, Vixen sounds safe for a stop. We've been through a lot."
Shelby's brow creased. "Can we trust Blunderbuss? What if he is leading us into a trap?"
"Vixen is populated by armed gangs," said Simon, "and Blunderbuss and his kind would never want the Nightlanders to take over. He is right: they would not allow entry to Nightlanders. The tales of Blunderbuss I've heard did not include him harming children and youngsters."
"Okay then," Max said. "We go, eat real food, and pick up intel and goods for the journey. I noticed a pouch of coogles in my knapsack. I think you have the same too, guys."
They bobbed their heads in agreement.
Shelby turned to Blunderbuss. "Thank you. We accept your offer. We wish not to stay long in Vixen, though."
"Fine by me. We planned on having a drink or two and grub, gathering some supplies, and then heading back to our base. When we leave, we will take you as far as our camp. Happens to be along the way to Canopus. After that, you're on your own."
They hiked with Blunderbuss and his men for a half-hour. The soldiers seemed a playful, merry group, snatching hats off one another's heads and pick-pocketing each other's belongings. Their loud behavior shocked Shelby; had they any fear of the Nightlander patrols, none of them showed it.
They waded through an area thick with brush, and Vixen came into view as the group emerged from the thicket. The walls sprawled high, built with massive lacquered logs lodged into a broad and polished concrete base. Shelby didn't spot a gate or entrance, but she could hear the city. The muffled noise carried through the air—the sound of civilization.
Blunderbuss and a few of his men led them to a space on the ground, where a rusted, brown clamp protruded from the soil.
He grasped the hook and yanked the large hatch up. "There are several entrances scattered around Vixen, all underground tunnels that lead into the city. No horses or carriages allowed. They operate a stable for those near the main hatch on the far side. I know the guards at this post."
They followed him down the shaft. The corridor at the bottom of the stone steps was well lit with torches, and wide enough to bring in cattle and other livestock. The tunnel smelled of earth and salt. There was another odor, too—richer, sweeter, and it made Shelby's mouth water. A handful of blue-clad sentries nodded to Blunderbuss as they drew closer.
"Been a while, Blunderbuss. I was worried with all that's happening," the sentry said.
"Yep, troubled times, Torf."
Torf adjusted his pike and buckler. "Vixen is on high alert. Main tunnel is closed. We spied a squad of Nightlanders passing by last night. Go on in."
He was as wide as a wall and tall to boot. Shelby wou
ldn't want to fight him in a scrap. Unlike most of the soldiers she'd seen, he was clean-shaven and had short brown hair.
"Much obliged." Blunderbuss waved them into a foyer past the guards.
They climbed a set of earth and stone steps. Torf hit a lever and metal doors in the antechamber grated open. Bit by bit, the city came into view. The Kin stepped forward.
"Wow," murmured Shelby.
Vixen teemed with activity. Rows of huts selling merchandise spread out across the middle of the cobblestone square. Jugglers stood a few feet away, garbed in brilliant motley. A jongleur strumming a banjo sprang up to them, singing.
"VIXEN HAS WHAT YOU DESIRE,
COME FORTH I SAY AND SIMPLY ADMIRE,
GO AHEAD NOW ENJOY ALL YOU REQUIRE,
FOR THIS TOWN WILL NEVER TIRE,
BY THE WAY I'M FOR HIRE."
A florist in a tight-cinched tan bodice and a trail of calico skirts carrying a bevy of roses approached Max. "Just one coogle a blossom for your pretty lady," purred the florist, arching up to him.
Max's cheeks reddened. "Uh, sure," and he fished out a coogle. He accepted the rose and turned to Shelby. "Milady," he chirped with a flourish and a bow, handing her the flower.
Shelby felt herself blush, probably as crimson as the petals. She twirled the stem in her fingers.
"Okay, now, follow me to the Scuttlebutt and stay close," Blunderbuss said as he strode forward.
They advanced through the bustling crowd. Smells and sounds assaulted Shelby. Salts and dried meats were rich, and the odor of smoke hovered around their stalls. Fruits and vegetables stormed her with ripe, citrus-like scents.
"Fresh eel from the Invunche here," cried out a fishmonger.
A fruiterer shouted, "Tasty Landorian apples, name your price."
A scantily clad ecdysiast sidled up to Max, ruffling his hair while swirling her curvy figure. Her violet and copper robes dipped low on her bare, white back. The front of her shirt was covered with a shawl that glittered like cloth of gold. Black hair fell in neat ringlets around her narrow face.
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