by M. Gregg Roe
Ariel’s shout caused Saxloc to briefly glance to his right. A second shambler was assaulting Hankin, and Ariel was already slashing at it. Meanwhile Siljan, standing nearby, was obviously preparing to cast a spell, probably Burning Hands, which was her favorite. That should be quite effective against the creature.
Gabriel was already battling the creature by the time Saxloc arrived behind it and began to hew with his sword. It was like trying to trim the world’s gnarliest bush, and he wasn’t sure if he was really even hurting it. But he kept slashing at it, finally managing to hack off one of the foot-like roots that it was standing on. Unfortunately, it seemed to have at least five more. It suddenly began to fall backward, and he lunged to the side and watched it topple over. Gabriel nodded at him, breathing heavily as his sword dripped ichor. But it was the mass of bloodstained snow around Audrey’s head that concerned Saxloc. He rushed over to her and dropped his sword before putting his right hand on the back of her head and casting Recovery.
Empowered by the spell, Saxloc began to probe Audrey’s injuries. A deep cut near her left temple was the source of most of the bleeding, so he channeled energy to heal that first. Then he turned his attention to her skull, which had a slight fracture. Finally he addressed the worst of her cuts and scrapes. It had been a near thing, but she was going to live. But it would be some time before she woke up. He removed her backpack before carefully turning her over. Then he brushed the snow and mud off her face as best he could. Her expression was surprisingly peaceful.
Hearing boots crunching through the snow, he stood up and saw Siljan striding his way. “That’s a lot of blood,” she said as she came to a stop next to him. “Even more than Hankin.” She displayed her bloodstained hands, a match for his own. “It turns out that a rapier is not a good weapon to use against these things. That’s why I just set it on fire,” she concluded, grinning devilishly.
“She’ll be out for a while.”
Siljan shrugged. “I’ve already decided that we’re spending the night here. We’re still miles away, and there might be troglodytes lurking in the vicinity. We need to rest and restore our magic. I’m running low.”
“So am I.” He had used a great deal on Audrey.
Siljan scrunched up her face as she thought. “Ariel and Gabriel are working on building us a shelter. And I need to get a fire going so we can have a hot meal. When the food’s ready, I’ll send someone to help you if Audrey hasn’t woken yet. Okay?”
“Yes, that’s fine.” He wasn’t about to leave her side.
Something smelled good.
Audrey breathed in deeply through her nose. In addition to the aromas of cooked chicken and onions, she could smell wood smoke. That explained why her left side felt warm. Come to think of it, she could hear a fire burning not far away and hear muted conversations. She opened her eyes and blinked several times because they felt itchy. Above her, bare tree branches were silhouetted against a star-filled night sky.
Something had obviously happened to her, but what? They had been walking through the damp and snowy woods with Ariel leading the way. She had been excited because she knew it wasn’t much farther. And then …
Audrey raised herself up from the blanket she was lying on. The others were on the opposite side of fire, and they were still eating. Forcing herself to smile, she loudly asked, “Was I attacked by a bush?”
Ariel started giggling, and that got them all laughing. That was somewhat annoying, but she soon found herself laughing too. It did sound pretty silly.
Saxloc walked over and handed her a wood skewer with pieces of chicken and onion on it. As she ate, he explained what had happened. It was embarrassing. Her memories were still a bit vague, but she had obviously just stood there gaping like an idiot. So much for all her combat training. On the other hand, who expected to be attacked by a bush?
After drinking some water, Audrey motioned for Saxloc to sit down next to her. The others were in the process of gathering more firewood and completing the lean-to shelter she had noticed nearby.
“I’ve decided,” she said, staring at the fire’s dancing flames. “When we get back home, I’m going to ask your mother to tear out all the bushes. I’m afraid of them now.”
“There are also monsters that look like trees,” he said, clearly amused.
Audrey laughed. “Then maybe I’ll just need to be more careful. And more suspicious, not that I’m planning on doing any more adventuring after this. I’ve decided that I’m not going with you to kill the troglodytes. It’s bad enough I’m going to show up tomorrow with bloodstains on my clothes.” Her cloak and shirt both needed a good cleaning now. “Once I’m reunited with Ilona and Iris, I’m staying with them until we get back home.”
“I think that’s wise,” he said gently. “We’ve got Ariel with us, and maybe some of the villagers will help. You should stay with your cousins.”
Audrey smiled wistfully. “I remember when you told me I should buy adventuring clothing that was the color of dried blood. I should have listened.”
“Actually,” he said, smirking at her, “black is also a good choice. Maybe that’s why Hankin always wears it.”
“You know very well that he wears it because he thinks it makes him look dark and mysterious. But you do have a point.” She suddenly yawned, quickly covering her mouth with her right hand. “Nearly dying has made me sleepy. I’ll think I’ll turn in.”
She was soon lying snugly in the lean-to, wrapped in both her cloak and blanket. But sleep was a long while in coming.
After escorting Audrey to the lean-to, Saxloc joined Gabriel and Siljan, who were talking quietly near the remains of one of the shamblers. “Would you prefer the first or second watch?” asked Gabriel, turning to address him.
Saxloc thought about it. He still felt reasonably awake. “The first.”
Siljan shrugged and then yawned. “Then you’re with Gabriel. Ariel and I will take the second. The ones who nearly died get to sleep all night.” She waved vaguely at them and then walked away.
“Siljan is threatening to write a poem entitled ‘Hankin and the Hideous Hedge,’ ” stated Gabriel. “She never tires of trying to annoy him.”
“And he never tires of annoying her. That’s just the way they are.” At one time, Saxloc had thought the two might end up as a couple, but that was out of the question now.
“Shall we assume our positions? I will take the east.”
“That’s fine with me.”
Saxloc was soon standing some fifteen yards west of the lean-to. Lest it attract unwanted visitors, the fire had been extinguished. He made himself a patrol route of sorts, using his sword to hack away some unwanted vegetation. The sky was still clear, and it was rapidly growing colder. The wood was surprisingly quiet, which would make it easy to hear any creature that did try to approach.
One of the things that Saxloc liked about adventuring was that it gave him time to think. His first subject to ponder was employment, specifically the possibility of him finding some. He alone did nothing but train and study. All the others had jobs. Audrey had two jobs and a business she had started. Gabriel had finally taken the job he was clearly destined for. He might well be in charge of the Witch’s City Guard someday. But Siljan and Tabitha had both gone in unexpected directions as far as employment was concerned. That was something to think about.
Saxloc halted as he heard a rustling noise nearby, but it didn’t repeat. It was probably just a mouse or something similar. They were everywhere.
He was skilled in sword-fighting, but there wasn’t a huge demand for instructors, especially ones that were still teenagers. There was also the fact that he was still taking instruction himself, which probably wouldn’t inspire confidence in any prospective students.
But maybe weapons were the answer. His father’s shop would need sales clerks who were knowledgeable. There were types of weapons he was less familiar with, but he could learn. And some things, like the various types of metal, were universal. When they ret
urned home, he would ask his father about the possibility of working at the shop.
After stopping briefly to perform a few stretches, he turned his mind to Audrey as he resumed his patrol. Their tumultuous relationship seemed to be heading for simple friendship, and maybe that was for the best. They had both made mistakes early on, but especially him. He had gone from hating Audrey, to pursuing her, and finally to confessing his love. In hindsight, that had been premature. Even now he wasn’t sure if he truly understood romantic love, especially when intimacy was involved.
The one thing that he would never live down was his failure to notice that Audrey was being trained in Shorinken. He remembered thinking that she had lost some weight, but he had utterly failed to notice that she had begun to move differently, more graceful and with better posture. Saxloc now suspected that both Gabriel and Hankin had noticed the change but had kept quiet when they realized that Audrey was trying to keep it a secret.
When the wolves had attacked them during that trip a year ago, he had been amazed when Audrey suddenly settled into a combat stance he recognized. Despite her inexperience, she had fought bravely. And, despite the nasty Winter weather, she had insisted on accompanying them to Siljan’s temple. She had barely been able to stand when they finally arrived. That stubbornness and determination was part of who she was. He understood that well now.
Audrey had affected his life in so many ways. She had forced him to see how truly immature he had been. After misjudging her so badly, he was now cautious not to make snap decisions when he met someone. Well, unless they were trying to kill him. When adventuring, snap judgements were often a requirement.
He turned his thoughts toward Tabitha. Her reappearance in his life had been unexpected but welcome. They were both different people than when they had been childhood friends, but not entirely. There was a comfort in their shared past, a feeling of camaraderie. Being with Tabitha felt right in a way that he couldn’t put into words. Maybe that was love, but this time he was going to take his time, to not speak the words to her until he was absolutely certain.
Saxloc was thinking about Romee when he heard footsteps approaching and put a hand to his sword hilt. But it was just Gabriel. “Is there a problem?” he asked quietly.
“There are rustling noises coming from within the shambler that we fought. It might be scavengers, or …”
“It might not be dead,” finished Saxloc. He glanced up at the sky, noting the position of the stars. “It’s about time, anyway. Let’s wake Siljan and have her set fire to it. That’ll make her happy.”
Gabriel chuckled. “It will indeed.”
Siljan was delighted by the news, and so was Ariel for some reason. Saxloc was soon lying next to a still-slumbering Audrey inside the lean-to. He studied her peaceful face until sleep overtook him.
6
‡ Reunion ‡
The reflection of the mid-morning sun off the newly fallen snow was blinding at times as they walked in a single file behind Ariel. After yesterday’s experience, Audrey eyed every unusual bush they passed with suspicion. The next bush that dared to attack her was going to feel the full power of her Gauntlet of Force, which she still thought was a great name.
They had gotten off to a late start, but it was only a few miles to the village. Now rested and with the spell-casters’ magical energies restored, covering the remaining distance to Havenbrook had been straightforward. The weather even seemed to be cooperating, with noticeably warmer temperatures that were turning the ice and snow to slush.
She was already beginning to worry about the return journey. Siljan and Ariel were planning to head straight back to the temple afterward, but Audrey didn’t want that. They would be traveling with her cousins, and maybe Fenna too. Keeping that many noncombatants safe would be difficult, especially if they were attacked by something like a pack of wolves. No, she was going to insist that Siljan and Ariel accompany them all the way back to Rohoville.
And why hadn’t they asked Draymund to come along? The man’s flying magic was strong enough that he could simply spirit the twins to safety if there was an attack. For that matter, he might be able to fly them all the way to Rohoville.
Audrey continued to have regrets as she trudged along. Aliva had said that she was too busy, but she should have insisted. And what about Branwyn? She would almost certainly have agreed to help, and her husband might have come along too. She really had been in too much of a hurry.
“We’re almost there!” interrupted Ariel’s childlike voice from ahead. “Just act peaceful.”
“Or they’ll shoot us full of arrows,” added Siljan, walking behind Audrey.
Audrey was too busy removing her gauntlet and stowing it away to answer. They were definitely approaching a clearing, and increasingly she caught glimpses of the village as she walked along behind Gabriel. Nothing looked amiss from what she could see, and that was a huge relief. She had feared that the troglodytes might attack the village before they arrived.
They entered the clearing with Ariel smiling and waving. Several people came out to meet them, including Alessandra, which was a nice surprise. But Audrey’s patience was wearing thin by the time all the introductions were finished. And then Gabriel started asking questions about the troglodytes. She was about to speak up when she noticed the woman called Taina motioning at her. After a glance at Saxloc, who smiled and nodded, she headed over and then followed Taina as she walked away.
“Iris and Ilona have been asking about you constantly,” she said after Audrey arrived alongside her. “I’m taking you to a small house where the three of you can stay while you’re here.”
“Thank you. And thank you for looking after them.”
Taina gave her a wistful look. “I won’t say they weren’t any trouble, but they’re good girls. They didn’t deserve what happened to them.”
“How do you think they’re … coping?”
“Better than I would’ve.” Taina shook her head. “It helps that they’ve got each other.”
That was a good point. They had also been with the other three the whole time. Poor Romee had been all alone when she fled Farmerton’s flames. And then she had found herself in Merryton for a while until Branwyn and Aliva came for her.
The round house they eventually arrived at was barely three yards in diameter. But it looked to be in good condition and was well back from the village perimeter.
“Food will be brought to you later,” said Taina, reaching for the hide that served as the door. She pulled it aside and motioned for Audrey to enter.
Audrey barely had time to take in the small fire pit and two masses of mossy vegetation presumably intended as beds before the two girls were on her. She tossed her staff off to the side and swept the two of them into her arms. For a long while, they simply held on to one another. She didn’t ever want to let go of them, but she finally forced herself to relax her arms.
“Cousin Audrey,” said Ilona. “You came,” added Iris.
“Of course I came.” They watched as she removed her backpack and cloak and set them aside. Then she quickly hugged them again. They were skinny, but they always had been. “It’s so good to finally see you,” she said as she cried tears of joy.
“Ariel and Siljan told us about Farmerton.” “It’s really all gone.”
For Audrey, the familiar pattern of her cousins talking in sequence was comforting. She sat down on the nearest bed, and they sat down on either side of her. The warmth from the small fire felt good as she held out her hands.
“Yes, it’s … gone,” said Audrey, her voice catching in her throat. “Other than the five of you that made it here, only Romee survived.”
“Will we live with you?” “Will Romee be close?”
Audrey remembered trying to explain the mansion and its grounds to them before, but it was something that you really had to see to fully understand and appreciate. “You will be in the room next to Romee. Where I live is really close. We’ll see each other all the time.” She put an ar
m around each of them. “How does that sound?”
“Good,” said Iris, snuggling closer. Ilona didn’t move, and there were suddenly tears in her eyes. “Mother made us leave!” she wailed as Audrey pulled her tight.
“To keep you safe,” said Audrey, noting that Iris was now crying as well. “She was too sick to go with you.” At least that’s what she assumed had happened.
“Everybody was sick,” said Iris sadly. “People kept dying,” she added, breaking the usual pattern.
“It was a terrible thing,” said Audrey, fighting to keep from crying herself. “But it’s over now.”
For a long while the three of them simply held each other and quietly talked. Their story about Farmerton mirrored the one that Romee had told. By the time they realized that a disease was spreading, it was everywhere. When a group of people with either mild or no symptoms decided to head to Fisherton, Berna ordered her daughters to go with them. The woman had already been too weak to walk.
The girls’ account of what happened on the way wasn’t quite as bad as Audrey had feared. The men with them had all been armed with either large knives or farm implements, and they had put up real resistance when the Havenbrook villagers had accosted them. Still, it was clear that all the males, including a boy barely in his teens, had been selectively killed. It was females, particularly those of childbearing age, that Havenbrook needed.
Lunch was brought by two familiar faces. Ursula and Deirdre were one and three years older than Audrey, respectively. The two were first cousins but looked more like sisters. Growing up, Audrey had always admired their slim figures, dark complexions, raven black hair, and lambent green eyes. She had not, however, enjoyed the way the two of them had taunted her for being fat. But that was in the past. They had both lost husbands, and Deirdre had lost her nearly two-year-old son. There was little conversation as the five of them dined on rabbit stew and flatbread, washed down by cold water from the village’s brook.