She Who Has No Name tlt-2

by Michael Foster

  ‘Then I can bring the spell to you. We will all Journey away and leave the spell behind.’

  ‘How will you separate me from the spell?’ Goodfellow asked. ‘I’m holding onto it. You would have to cut my hands off.’

  Eric and Samuel looked at each other with dread.

  ‘Then that’s how it will have to be,’ Samuel said

  ‘Oh, no,’ Goodfellow retorted. ‘I hate to say it, but if you even bring your Journey spell near to me, it will destroy us. This spell is much too unstable. It will draw in your magic and then we would all be dead.’

  ‘I’m afraid he’s right,’ Samuel said after a moment’s careful thought. ‘That spell is chaotic. Anything could happen.’

  ‘We can burn it off, Samuel! Cast it out the window!’ Eric yelled, for the hellish noise of Goodfellow’s spell was becoming louder, a constant flurry of crackling and squealing as it struggled to be free.

  ‘We would need something enormous to use that much power. What do we have? Even attempting something like that now could be disastrous. Trying to tap the spell as it is could set it off.’

  Eric now had tears streaming down his cheeks. ‘No, Samuel,’ he said, shaking his head. ‘We can’t leave him!’

  There seemed to be no alternative. Even if the room werequiet and he had time, it would be difficult to think of some way to defuse the nightmarish power they had summoned. Samuel could only shake his head. They had made a dreadful error in judgement.

  ‘Go!’ Goodfellow yelled. ‘Go now! Go!’ He was shaking feverishly to contain the spell.

  ‘Eric!’ Samuel roared out, shaking his friend by the shoulders. ‘We have no choice. We have to leave-now!’ He was within the bounds of the Journey spell. All Eric had to do was release it and they would both be away from the room-away from Goodfellow, Ghant and its immediate destruction.

  Eric was loose in his grip, as if he had given up hope.

  ‘Eric! There’s nothing we can do!’ Samuel bellowed again, looking over his shoulder to the struggling form of Goodfellow. ‘Release the spell!’

  It was then that three things happened,each one barely a fraction of a second after the last. First, the door burst open as a great length of timber came crashing in. Through the splintered gap,they could see thatthe hallway was full of Paatin, some of them shimmering with magic, and they began stepping over the broken pieces of wood and surging into the room. Second, with the last spark of his willpower, Goodfellow pushed all the power of his spell as tightly as he could, down into one tiny spot, so it looked as if the thing had swallowed itself into a single atomic speck. The crackling and the hissing and shrieking of the spell all ceased, and the room was deathly quiet. Goodfellow looked up at them with a glum but contented look in his eye. The third thing that happened was that Eric Pot triggered his Journey spell and,in the next instant,he and Samuel were standing in the cold night air of the mounting yard, far along the ravine and surrounded by the last fleeing remnants of Ghant’s defenders.

  They heard a noise; a sharp crack followed by a hollow boom and they turned their heads towards the vast central tower of Ghant. Night turned to day and the mountain fortress disappeared in a sudden,blinding flash. A wave of violence rippled up the mountainsides and the storm clouds fled before it. The boiling wind hit everyone in the mounting yard with a deafening noise and the earth bucked them from their feet, sending man and horse alike sprawling over. Eric fell, too, for his strength had been sapped from him, drawn away by the fading luminous lines of his Great Spell. Only Samuel still stood to witness the death of Ghant.

  As the initial blast passed him by, it could be seen that the top of the citadel was gone and the rest of the structure had begun to fall in upon itself. With a massive rumbling, the mountainside on which the fortress was forged began to slide away and was swallowed by an enormous plume of billowing dust. That was when the soldiers all around him began to yell in fear.

  ‘Go,go,go!’ they yelled and every soldier scrambled to his feet and fled for all he was worth, away from the chasm’s edge and down along the mountain path. The earth tremored and the shaking grew into a mighty swaying as boulders and slabs of solid stone the size of houses came crashing down amongst them.

  Samuel had Eric by the collar of his robes and was pulling the magic-weary magician along behind him. His last sight of Ghant was of it slipping into the dust-shrouded chasm, ripping away from the mountain and taking the entire lip of the ravine with it. Those Paatin who had made it from the citadel were gone, crushed or thrown to their deaths. Those on the far side of the chasm began retreating as much as they could, for the far ledge had also begun to give way. Their entire army had pushed up behind them and stones fell on those in equal proportion as they fled.

  Ghant was lost. The cost had been great, but the Paatin horde would not cross this way.

  ‘Samuel,’ Eric called as he was dragged and pulled by Samuel down the narrow valley approach. He had seemed to recover some of his senses. ‘Is it done? Did we make it?’

  ‘We did,’ Samuel said. ‘Ghant has been destroyed.’

  ‘Where is Eric? What have we done to our friend?’

  ‘He is dead,’ Samuel replied. ‘Now come. Let us get to Shallowbrook. We have much to do.’

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Across the Divide

  Those that escaped from Ghant had filled the already swollen town of Shallowbrook to overflowing. People were crammed into every space, attempting to shelter from the icy wind. Lengths of canvas and cloth had been strung all over in attempt to provide at least some form of rudimentary shelter. Captain Orrell and Captain Yarn had barely escaped from Ghant themselves and had now taken control, ordering as many refugees as possible to move along as soon as they could, deeper into central Turia.

  There was little chance that any Paatin would be coming from the direction of Ghant, but until their scouts had confirmed that the pass had,indeed,been sealed, no chances were being taken. Initial reports were that the valley paths had been torn asunderand were nowuntraversable, lest more of the shattered mountain come tumbling down;so that was good news for the time being.

  The entire town had heard the din of Ghant’s destruction, and the mountains continued to clack and complain from afar as great sheets of rock continued to dislodge and thunder down from the frozen heights.

  The Koian party-what was left of it-was put up in one of the many small town inns and the magicians had taken refuge in the building next door.

  They werepermittedseveral days to recuperate from the shock of their losses, before Balten came striding to their table with Captain Orrell in tow. Samuel and Eric, sitting forlornly inside the entrance where they could keep an eye on the commotion outside, put their cups ofhotlemon tea aside and waited for the men to speak.

  ‘I brought the good captain here, because you need to decide what to do,’ Balten explained. ‘If you are still insistent on a mountain crossing,then every day lost is vital. But we must cross before winter falls upon us in earnest. You can’t sit here forever pining and moping. As terrible as it was, we must move on.’

  Samuel was about to scold the man, but Eric beat him to it, speaking with barely restrained anger. ‘This has nothing to do with you. You have no part in Order business. Leave us be.’

  Balten was unfazed. ‘The war affects everyone. I am only offering my help. With old Tudor perished, I am the only one who knows the far side of the mountains.’

  Eric returned his gaze to his tea. He had been withdrawn and silent since Ghant had fallen-with Goodfellow and Grand Master Tudor inside it.

  ‘Our losses have already been great,’ Captain Orrell continued, ‘so it’s understandable if you decide to return to Cintar. I think enough time has passed and we can assume Grand Master Tudor did not survive. Balten’s offer is fair.’

  ‘Yes,’ Samuel admitted. ‘We realise that. There is no question of what we shall do. We will continue to Paatin to rescue the Empress. We just needed some time to…collect our thoughts.’

>   Orrell nodded, saying seriously, ‘Then you should press on. I have procured a local guide who can lead you through the mountains. I understand such a crossing is difficult, but not impossible if you move quickly.’

  Samuel looked up to the captain standing above him. ‘You’re not coming?’

  Orrell shook his head. ‘Not if it can be avoided. I have much to do here. These people need us and we must ensure the Paatin do not find a way through. Valiant will go with you in my stead.’

  ‘It’s not necessary, Captain,’ Samuel said. ‘The more people with us, the more trouble we shall have. If the mountain crossing is as hazardous as we have been led to believe, your men will only make our task all the more difficult. We will take care of ourselves.’

  ‘That is fine,’ Balten stated. ‘Then I will inform the others. We will leave soon. Captain Orrell willsee tothe packs and supplies. Just organise yourselves ready to go.’

  This time Samuel looked at the taller magician with confusion. ‘Others? I think it’s better that I go on alone. The Paatin only want me. Too many have died already.’

  ‘You’re not going alone,’ Eric piped up. ‘I won’t let it end here. I will come too.’

  ‘And yourSeer and his attendant are still intent on the journey,’ Balten revealed, to which Samuel sighed. ‘He’s been more excited than ever.’

  ‘That’s what I’m afraid of,’ Samuel said.

  ‘I thought the Koians were going with you, also,’ Orrell said. ‘At least, that’s what I assumed from how Master Celios was speaking. Perhaps you can speak to him about this.’

  With that, the two men departed, leaving Samuel and Eric to sip quietly at their tea. Samuel looked at the sunny blue sky outside and hoped the weather would hold. With Tudor gone and Celiosminushis senses for most of the time, it seemed Balten was now taking steps to be in charge. Then so be it for now, he thought. The air was full of turmoil and his magician’s senses could not foretell what was to come.

  Their party assembled in the middle of the town, where Captain Orrell and Lieutenant Valiant were directing a handful of their men, loading and checking several sturdy ponies that had been piled with sacks and bags, andexaminingothers that had been saddled and prepared for riding. Balten was there, dressed in sturdy boots and practical climbing clothes. Sir Ferse was similarly adorned, with a knitted scarf of local make flapping around his neck to keep out the chill. Master Celios was dressed as always-thick black robes over black shirt and trousers-and he seemed to be muttering to himself, biting at his nails nervously. They would need to worry least about the weather for,as magicians,they were resistant to such things and could use their spells to warm themselves.

  ‘Foolish Order lackeys,’ Balten said to the magicians, noting their dress. ‘We climb to the frigid heights and you come dressed like this. Let’s see how comfortable you feel when your spells start growing thin. Such clothes, black or otherwise, will do little against the snow.’

  Samuel ignored him and instead spoke loudly into Master Celios’ hood, ‘Master Celios?’ to which the old maninterruptedhis apparent daze and looked at Samuel with the calm of a doting grandfather. ‘Why are the Koians coming? I thought they were only needed as far as Ghant?’

  ‘Alas, I cannot say for sure, Samuel. My dreams tell me many things, some true, some false. I am less sure about the fate of theseOutlanders, but they are still keen to accompany us and I am not sure of anything these last few days. Let them come.’

  ‘It will only cause more trouble for us,’ Samuel said, trying not to let his voice carry to the nearby Koians. ‘What will we do with them once we get to the desert?’

  ‘I cannot see. Nevertheless, they will come,’ Celios stated.

  The Koians milled about together, each dressed in locally-sourced garments, for it seemed almost everyone had lost their belongings in the citadel. Strangest of all was the god-woman,for she was entirely without make-up and was dressed the same as Lady Wind beside her, with an ankle length skirt over sturdy trousers and with a thick,hooded coat. The woman was looking about nervously, peeking out from her hood and obviously uncomfortable out of her traditional costumes.

  ‘Who is that girl?’ Eric asked of Samuel.

  ‘That’s the Koian woman, Eric-their god.’ But Eric continued to look at her dubiously.

  ‘Who?’ he said,for it seemed difficult to believe.

  A man, dressed in the local style of a wide-brimmed hat and a red, green and white striped shawl across his shoulders came striding up to the group and began checking over their pack animals, looking into their loads and peering into the sacks, with the interest of someone at market. He was whistling a merry tune all the while and Samuel could not help but think he had seen the man before.

  ‘Samuel!’ Eric said, beside him. ‘That’s the manwhonearly killed me! Remember? He was in the tower with Ash. He stabbed me in the stomach!’

  Samuel had to peer closely at the man, for if it was indeed him, he did look quite different. The local style of clothing made him difficult to recognise. ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘Of course I’m sure!’ Eric said. ‘He tried to kill me.’

  ‘What’s all this fuss?’ Balten said, noticing the two in discussion.

  ‘We know this man,’ Samuel said. ‘He was working for Ash. What’s going on here?’

  ‘Of course he wasn’t-at least, not to my knowledge-although, I suppose it is possible now that you mention it. He’s quite a handy sort and much in demand. Let me bring him over and we can see. Daneel!’

  The man paused from his inspecting and pulled his arm out from one of the packs, where it was buried up to the shoulder. He looked over to the three upon hearing his name. He trotted over and gave the pair a flourishing bow. ‘A pleasure to meet you two again,’ he said. Then, turning to Eric, ‘I was wondering if you would remember me, but a sword in the belly tends to etch a face into one’s memory, wouldn’t you say? At least you survived our last encounter. I must apologise for leaving you in such a state, but you had left me with little choice.’

  At that, the pair of magicians turned to Balten with furious scowls.

  ‘Hold on,’ Balten said, holding his palms up in defence. ‘I didn’t know there was bad blood between you. I have used Daneel many times and you will be glad to know he is a frustratingly honourable sort. It’s pure coincidence that he lives here and I was as surprised to see him here as you-although I was pleasantly surprised and you two don’t seem quite so pleased. Anyway, it is the good Captain Orrell who has hired him, not me. It turns out that Daneel is the only one willing to take us through the mountains and he has worked for General Mar many times.’

  ‘I find that curiously convenient,’ Samuel said with his arms folded tightly.

  ‘Please, please,’ Daneel implored them. ‘What he says is true. Your good captain has hired me to guide you through the mountains. That is all. There is no misdirection at work here. Before, I was only hired to guard a set of stairs. If you hadn’t been so insistent on passing,I wouldn’t have been forced into the difficult position of attacking you. I had no idea the whole city was in peril. It seemed like a simple job.’

  ‘And you have no qualms working for such scoundrels?’ Eric asked darkly.

  The man smiled. ‘Half the world works for the Circle, my good friend, directly or indirectly. I admit I do so knowingly, but they seem no different to anyone else: the Order, the Gartens, the Turians. I’ve worked for everyone at one time or another, but I never volunteer for the work that many of the city folk seem to enjoy: the murders and so forth. I have no time for such tasteless behaviour.’

  ‘It’s true,’ Balten said guiltily. ‘Daneel is one of those irritating sortswhodoes everything exceedingly well, but he has a set of morals that leaves me shaking my head. Although, no matter how much I try, he somehow always manages to get the better of me. And watch your pockets. He may be no cutthroat, but he’s an irrefutable pickpocket. I keep everythingtuckedaway tight just in case,’ and,with that,he patted his butt
oned waist pocket to illustrate. ‘They have a loose definition of ownership in these parts.’

  ‘So, please, let me introduce myself a little more politely and perhaps you can forgive me for our previous disagreement. I am Daneel of Highmeadow. Welcome to my home. Let’s put the past behind us. We will need to trust each other and cooperate if we are to survive the coming journey. If you truly do not wish for my services, I will be happy towithdraw, butyou should also knowthat no one else can get you across the mountains at this time of year.’

  Samuel and Eric had little choice and agreed with a sigh.

  As they readied to leave, Ambassador Canyon gathered them together, away from Lady Wind and their god. ‘We have lost all our traditional costumes that protect our god from the world around her, and the world from her. Such a thing has never happened before. Please try not to stare at her or make her feel uncomfortable. Remember that while she looks like a young woman, she is still a vessel for a god, and must be treated as such. I hope you can appreciate this.’

  They all nodded, with Daneel grinning all the while and looking towards the young lady with obvious glee.

  ‘I shall bid you all goodbye,’ Captain Orrell announced. ‘Daneel knows the way well, so keep close to his side. Good luck with your task. The Empire is depending on you.’

  And,with that,the captain turned andmarched awaywith his men, leaving them to climb upon their mounts and depart.

  Four of the local men led the way on horseback and they called to each other in a local dialect that only Daneel seemed to know. The men whooped and laughed and whistled as theyrode, often turning to ogle the young god-woman openly.

  She rode clutching the back of Lady Wind precariously, for it seemed she had no idea of how to ride. When they had first been called to mount up, she had spent several minutes attempting to clamber atop her alarmed animal, ending up draped over its back with all the men laughing hysterically and with Lady Wind in a furious temper. Finally, Daneel had put an end to the show and helped her mount up behind Lady Wind, whom she had clutched onto tightly with white knuckles. Daneel’s hands had fumbled all over her as he pushed her up and,while he had apologised dramatically, he had been laughing all the while, leaving the naive god-woman confused while her attendant roared in anger once again.