by Sam Ferguson
“Don’t look at me like that, Jonathan,” Memaw said when she caught his look. “He can turn himself into a chimney if he likes, but I won’t let the smell fester in my house or clog up my body.”
Captain Ziegler stifled a laugh when Moose audibly snorted and looked away at the far wall.
“I offered a roll with apple butter,” Memaw said.
Jonathan closed his mouth and stepped into the room when he felt Jason pushing from behind. The door squeaked closed and everyone remained silent for a few moments. Jonathan looked at the Ghosts of the Quags, letting it sink in just how serious this was.
“Gentlemen,” Pa spoke up as he sat forward in his reading chair. “You know how I feel about this, but I will leave it up to my grandson to decide for himself.”
Jonathan glanced from Ziegler to Pa and then to Memaw.
Pa didn’t seem nearly as upset as he had the night Jason had spoken of entering the army and going with the Ghosts of the Quags to fight the trolls, but there was an edge to his voice, and a coldness in his eyes. Something was definitely amiss. Memaw sat silently next to Pa, staring at the floor and holding Pa’s hand.
Jonathan turned back to Ziegler. “Where did Raven go?”
“He went north, into Tanglewood Forest.”
Jonathan frowned. What could Raven have been looking for up there?
Jason slapped Jonathan on the back and spoke up next. “You can always count on me, Captain Ziegler. I’m in.”
“We are in,” Jonathan said.
Ziegler shook his head. “No, we only came for Boar, er, I mean Jason, this time.”
Jonathan bristled and stared indignantly at the large man for a moment. He glanced to Miranda, who returned his gaze with sad eyes. No, he had helped her find Raven once before, and he could help again. “I think you are forgetting that I am the one who slew the troll king. I also helped kill the giant troll afterward. Besides that, Miranda and I survived the Murkle Quags and made it all the way down to the Warrens without your help, thank you very much. If anything, it was us who helped you.”
Ziegler nodded and patted the air. “We know that, Jonathan. No one here has forgotten what you did. However, you are still very young. We don’t know what dangers await us in the north, but you can bet they won’t be anything to take on lightly. We are leaving you here as our way of keeping you alive.”
“No, that doesn’t make any sense.” Jonathan glanced to Pa and Memaw, but Memaw was silent, and Pa soon threw in his lot with Ziegler.
“Captain Ziegler is right, Jonathan,” Pa said. “The gods may have smiled upon you once, but this is not a journey any of us want you to be a part of.”
Jonathan shook his head. He knew that wasn’t true. Miranda wanted him along. But then again, why wasn’t she speaking up? He looked to her again, but she looked to the floor.
Ziegler nodded and smiled faintly. “Jason, it will be good to have you back with us.”
“Where are we going first?” Jason asked.
“All we have is a cryptic letter from Raven. It talks about finding some sort of mystical creature in Tirnog, called a Wyrebin, but that doesn’t make any sense because the Wyrebin has been extinct for over a thousand years. As far as we know, Tirnog doesn’t even have a statue or museum exhibit of such a creature, as it was viewed as a nuisance.”
“It was essentially a giant beaver the size of a mammoth,” Ruben put in.
Ziegler nodded. “Exactly, and there are no places in Tirnog where they could keep such a thing alive or dead. Best we can figure is he was giving us a visual clue.”
“Like maybe a painting on a sign somewhere, or perhaps a symbol in a library, that sort of thing,” Bull said, trying to sound smart.
Jonathan perked up. This was his way in. He knew what the letter was speaking about. Not only did he know of a place that was home to strange creatures, the Scholar of the Order of Anorit had even told him about stopping in to see a colony of Wyrebins in Tirnog, tucked away safely and protected from harm. “No, that isn’t it,” he said. “There is a place in Tirnog where they keep mystical creatures. They have an actual Mystical Creature Preserve there, I have read about it. They have several Wyrebins there too.” He was nearly jumping with joy at having something the group needed. Now he could buy his way into the group.
“Tell us where it is then, and we’ll be sure to check it out,” Ziegler commented.
Jonathan shook his head. No one knew about his book, not even Jason. There was no way they could force him to give the information without letting him come along. “Nope, I can take you there, but I won’t tell you where it is.”
“He’s bluffing,” Bull said.
“I never bluff,” Jonathan replied curtly.
“It’s true,” Jason said as he slapped Jonathan on the shoulder. “My brother is a terrible liar. Can’t even bluff his way out of a card game. If he says there is a preserve, then there is. It’s as simple as that.”
Ziegler sighed and finally nodded his head. “All right, but he’s your responsibility then,” he said pointing to Jason. “Keep him out of trouble. We have another lead to follow up in Tirnog. I’ll let you two check out the preserve he claims is there.”
Miranda perked up just then. “I want to go with them as well,” she said. “To the preserve, I mean. I want to see it. If my father was there, then maybe he left another clue for us.”
Ziegler nodded.
Jonathan heard Pa emit a sound that was akin to a growl shortly before rising from his chair and leaving the room.
“You have only until the Fall Festival,” Pa shouted over his shoulder. “Then you get your skinny behind back here and marry Annabell!” Pa stormed into his room and slammed the door.
Jonathan and Jason shared a look.
Bull laughed and pointed at Jason. “Putting on the ball and chain a bit early, aren’t you Jason?”
Memaw spoke up, clearing her throat loudly and directing her words at Bull. “A man can do worse than settle down and get married. After all, without families how would the civilized world continue?”
Bull blushed, something he rarely did, and quietly apologized. “Sorry, ma’am, didn’t mean nothing by it.”
“No, I am sure you didn’t,” Memaw said, her voice scathing and her eyes glaring at Bull.
Everyone was stunned for a bit, that is until Ruben broke the silence.
“We are to be wed as well,” he announced as he pulled Miranda tighter to him. “I would agree with Mrs. Haymaker that marriage ought to be the goal of every person.”
Jonathan wanted to spit on the floor to show his contempt, but he didn’t for fear of his Memaw’s wrath. He felt Jason pat him twice on the back, then his older brother moved away.
“I’ll get packed,” Jason said.
“Pack light, we need to move quickly,” Ziegler instructed.
“When is the wedding, dears?” Memaw asked Miranda and Ruben as if she was oblivious to the fact that Jason was already preparing to leave.
Jonathan caught the sheepish glance Miranda shot his way. He couldn’t tell if she was uncomfortable about the wedding, or if she was feeling guilty for not having told him sooner. Either way, he stuffed it down and turned to follow his brother. He would rather pack than listen to Miranda’s wedding details. Truth be told, he would rather be back in the Warrens again, but with the cabin’s size, he overheard more than he ever wanted to know anyway.
“We plan to be wed next spring. Miranda will be eighteen then, and we will have the ceremony in Lehemat.”
“That sounds lovely,” Memaw said.
Jonathan grabbed an extra shirt and stuffed it into his backpack. He must have made a face while doing so, for Jason was smirking at him and trying hard to keep his budding grin from erupting all over his face.
“Easy, little brother, maybe he’ll die on the trip and the wedding will be canceled,” Jason whispered as he leaned in.
Jonathan glared back at him. He didn’t dignify the jest with a response. Though, truth be t
old, he had thought of the same thing himself already, but that only made him feel like an animal for imagining such a thing.
“It’ll be alright, maybe he’ll turn out to be a coward, and run away from battle. Then she’ll remember who her hero really is.”
Jason made a kissing face in the air.
Only a short while ago Jonathan would have given anything to cheer his brother up, but this was not the way he had imagined that going. He looked down and packed an extra pair of pants.
“And what is it you do in Lehemat, dear?” Memaw asked.
Jonathan paused, half hoping Ruben would announce he sold horse manure fertilizer, or maybe mucked out the king’s stables. He was not so lucky.
“I am the head of arcane research at the Lehemat College of Mystics,” Ruben replied.
“He is the youngest man to ever be appointed to the position,” Captain Ziegler commented. “He was put in charge just two years ago, at the age of twenty.”
Jonathan closed his eyes and sighed. His hands went down for his good pair of boots that were tucked in a chest at the foot of his bed.
Jason moved in close and bent down to Jonathan. “Sorry little brother, tough break.” He patted Jonathan on the shoulder and then turned away.
Despite his anger and embarrassment, Jonathan knew that this time his brother meant his words genuinely. Jonathan continued packing. “Why are you so eager to go north?” Jonathan asked.
Jason finished stuffing his backpack and then pulled out a small piece of paper from his bedside table drawer. He sat down and began writing a note. Jonathan maneuvered around to try to get a look at it, but Jason twisted and put his shoulders in the way.
“Not polite to read other peoples’ letters,” Jason said.
“Then tell me why you are so quick to leave Annabell.”
Jason sighed. “It’s nothing,” he said. “Just…”
“Just what?” Jonathan prodded.
“Well, partly it’s because I owe the Ghosts. After all, I was a part of them for a while during the war. Raven is my brother-in-arms.”
“Sure, I understand that,” Jonathan mused.
“Also, maybe I can do something that will make Mortimer impressed. You know, come back with something, or achieve something that will ease the tension.”
Jonathan shook his head. “I know I am young, and all, but if Mortimer doesn’t respect what you have already done, I don’t think anything else is going to help unless you come back with a lot of gold. That seems to be all he cares about.”
Jason nodded and hurried to finish his letter. “Then I’ll just have to do that,” he commented as he signed the letter and folded the paper.
Jonathan quickly finished packing and returned to the front room with the others. Memaw rose from her chair and bid the others farewell and then embraced Jason in a grandmotherly hug.
“You be sure to watch out for yourself out there. After all, you’re getting married soon.”
Jason smiled garishly and patted her on the back. “I’ll be back before the festival,” he promised. “Give this to Annabell for me?” he asked as he held up the folded letter.
Memaw nodded and then moved toward Jonathan and stopped short of hugging him. She took his shoulders in her arms and looked into his eyes. Her blue orbs had lost a bit of their brightness over the years, and now appeared equal parts blue and gray, but they were as kind as ever. She smiled and nodded, as if convincing herself of something, then she pulled Jonathan in close. “You watch over your brother. You brought him back once, and you can make sure he returns again.”
“I will, Memaw,” Jonathan said.
Memaw gave him a squeeze and then turned to whisper in his ear. “Don’t worry about the girl, you’ll get her back,” she said. She pushed away and gave Jonathan a quick wink, then she retired to her room.
Jonathan followed her with his eyes, stunned that she would say such a thing. He had never confessed to anyone but Jason how much he liked Miranda. A moment after the door closed, he could hear Pa grumbling in a muffled voice.
“We should get moving,” Ziegler said. “If you’re ready, that is,” he added.
Jason nodded enthusiastically. “You would do the same for me,” he said. “Let’s go find Raven.”
“And quick too,” Bull said with a snort. “The little guy has to get back for his wedding!” Bull couldn’t contain his laughter as they all exited the cabin.
Jonathan was the last out the door, locking it just before heading out into the night.
CHAPTER 3
Jonathan barely took two steps before he passed through a thick fog of cigar smoke that made him gag. He looked up to Moose. The big man was making a show of blowing the smoke back toward the door. Unlike Memaw, Jonathan was not about to say anything to the mountain of a man about it. He held his breath as best he could and walked by. He passed by Miranda and Ruben quickly, careful not to let her notice his sideways glance as he hurried to catch up with Captain Ziegler.
The large warrior offered a nod to Jonathan and then held his left hand up, signaling everyone to stop.
“There is one more thing you need to know,” Ziegler said. He motioned for Jason to come up closer. “Dell didn’t approve this mission.”
“Why not?” Jason asked as he rested an elbow on Jonathan’s shoulder.
Ziegler shook his head. “Said that the elves would never forgive a foray into their territory. He made it clear that if we went in, we would be branded criminals.”
“Why did you tell him?” Jason asked.
“The two of you may be done with your service, but we have contracts that last a little longer. Our absence had to be approved.”
“But it wasn’t approved, so how are you here?”
“Put in for holiday leave,” Bull grunted. “We each have about two weeks coming to us, so we all took it at the same time.”
Ziegler shot the bald man a look and Bull closed his mouth. The captain then turned back to Jonathan and Jason. “The truth is, he knows what we are doing. In two weeks’ time, or earlier if our true intentions are discovered, he will come for us. We will be branded traitors.”
“So we need to be very fast, then,” Jason said with a nod.
“Even still, Dell will likely punish any who go with us. He can pretend to look the other way only until Commander Kilgrave finds out, then we will be in more trouble than ever.”
“Bah!” Bull shouted. “We’ll just find Raven and then all go north beyond Tanglewood Forest.”
“We’re still coming along,” Jason said.
Jonathan nodded his agreement. “Raven would do it for us,” he said.
“What about you two?” Jason asked Miranda and Ruben. “Won’t you be in trouble as well?”
“I convinced the council that I needed some time off to prepare for the wedding, though I will likely be expelled from Lehemat once they discover my involvement,” Ruben said.
Great. Not only is he in a high position, but he is risking everything for Miranda. How could I ever compete with that? Jonathan wanted to shake his head and grumble some sort of insult, but he kept calm and held the urges in.
“Let’s move,” Captain Ziegler said. “I hope you packed light. We are on foot, and we must make good time.”
Jason looked down at Jonathan and nudged his little brother. “Ready for another run?”
Jonathan grunted. A moment later the entire group was jogging away from the cabin and into the darkness. Jonathan glanced over his shoulder once, just before turning onto the main road, and silently wished his grandparents farewell one last time.
Despite the war having ended a little more than a year before, each member of the Ghosts of the Quags maintained their pace easily. Even Moose, as large as he was, made the journey look easy as they jogged along the path before turning up north along Threadwyrm Road, which led into Tanglewood Forest. Much to Jonathan’s chagrin, even Ruben the wizard appeared to have an easier time running him. The young boy developed a cramp in his left side
that stung miserably and threatened to bend Jonathan at the waist. On the other hand, Ruben was lithe and not even breathing hard after several miles. Luckily, Jason dropped back to run beside Jonathan, helping the younger brother concentrate on moving forward.
They didn’t stop until they reached the opening into the forest, which took nearly three hours. By that time, Jonathan had long forgotten about the single stitch in his side. His calves ached, his lungs burned, and his stomach threatened to eject anything inside of it as he doubled over and gasped for air.
“Looks like you should train more,” Bull jested as he slapped Jonathan on the back.
“I’m sure he already put in a full day’s work on the farm,” Ruben said.
Great. Now he is defending me. Jonathan forced himself upright and waved at Bull. “I’m okay. Just need a short break.”
“You have two minutes,” Ziegler put in. The large captain stepped over to Miranda and the two began pointing at the forest and talking quietly between themselves.
Jonathan moved away from Ruben, who smiled at him as if he had no idea the distaste Jonathan was developing for him, and went to inspect the woods. The stars and half moon above gave a decent amount of silvery light, but it was nowhere near enough to penetrate the trees. Beyond the large opening of wood and leaves was a gaping darkness the likes of which Jonathan had never seen before. He had, in fact, been to this spot many times, but never at night. During the day, the forest always looked so inviting. Birds were often heard singing loudly, and deer and elk were commonly seen in this very area, nibbling upon the soft grasses that flanked the well-made dirt road. This time, however, the forest was quiet and cold. It appeared as though the woods themselves were a great beast lying low to the ground, mouth agape and waiting for foolish prey to wander inside to be consumed in the darkness.
“It will be fun to finally go inside Tanglewood,” Jason said as he moved to step beside Jonathan. “I doubt there are any trolls in there.”
“Trolls no, but there are other dangers to be aware of,” Bull said as he came up on Jonathan’s other side. “I heard there are jungle cats that roam the forest.”