Heartwood

by Freya Robertson

  After several hours, and what he estimated was about halfway back to the coast of Anguis, Dolosus stopped swimming and took a quick rest. Though he did not have muscles as such, still his limbs ached and burned with the exertion of swimming so far so fast. He turned and looked back the way he had come, towards Darkwater. And then he saw something that made his very soul seem to freeze.

  In the distance was a huge dark mass. He stared at it for a moment, not sure what he was seeing, thinking maybe it was a whale on the seabed. And then he realised. It was the Darkwater army, with soldiers so numerous they seemed to cover the sea floor.

  Immediately, he turned and started swimming towards the shoreline. His heart was in his mouth. Of course, he had known they would come after him, but to actually see it was so chilling that for a while, it seemed as if he had to warm his limbs up again to get them swimming properly.

  Eventually, he reached a rhythm, however, and soon was swimming quickly and evenly. Occasionally, he risked a glance over his shoulder, and in time, he saw the mass was growing. After a while, he began to make out individual shapes, and he knew they were getting closer. But all the time, he was getting closer to the shore, too.

  As he swam he gave some thought as to what he was going to do when he reached the shore. He did not expect Chonrad and Procella and the others to be waiting for him; they would have returned to Heartwood, as he would have done if he was in their position. So therefore, if he came ashore at Vichton, what would he do? He would have to find a horse and ride to Heartwood, and that would take too long.

  Therefore, he decided he would not get out of the ocean at Vichton, but would instead try to find the mouth of the Flumen and then swim up it, right to Heartwood if possible. Of course, it meant Thalassinus would probably find it easier to catch him if he stayed in the water, but he thought it was worth the risk to cut travelling time.

  It was not long before he began to sense the seabed shallowing, and sure enough, before long the coastline of Anguis reared up before him. He swam along the coast, searching for the mouth of the Flumen. He came upon it more quickly than he had anticipated. He purposely wasn’t accessing Damaris’s watery instincts, as he was afraid the water elemental might take him over once again.

  Before long he was swimming up the Flumen, finding it strange to be out of the open sea. He could see the sides of the river channel and beneath him the river bed. The water was different, too; it was fast-flowing due to all the extra rain ,and its pace slowed him down as he was swimming against the current all the time.

  Still, he could feel the miles passing. Occasionally, he risked a glance over his shoulder, and it wasn’t until he thought he was about halfway up Isenbard’s Wall that he saw his first glimpse of Darkwater.

  In the far distance was the dark mass of figures swimming up the channel behind him. And in the front, he thought he saw a glitter of a golden sash. Thalassinus.

  Well, that was a battle that would need to be fought, he thought grimly, but for now he was still ahead and needed to get to Heartwood before they did. He had come so far; he couldn’t fail now. But he was getting tired, and the Pectoris seemed to be getting heavier the nearer he got to its source.

  The last half of the journey up the Flumen was the hardest of all. His watery muscles burned, and he felt so tired, he was sure any moment he would feel Thalassinus’s sword slicing through his tail. But although the Darkwater Lords were clearly closing in, they had not reached him by the time he saw the western end of Isenbard’s Wall.

  The volume of water made it clear to Dolosus the river had burst its banks. He was able to swim up and out of the Flumen’s channel and across the land into Heartwood’s moat. He swam right up to the end of it, then back, trying to think furiously about what would be the best way in.

  Then he saw her – a figure floating motionless in the water. Her light brown hair drifted around her face in the water, and he could see an arrow protruding out of her shoulder. He could also see a dark-haired man trying desperately to drag her up to the surface.

  He swam up to them. The man stared at him in alarm, bubbles rising from his mouth, but he did not let go of the woman. He blinked and Dolosus saw a pair of bright golden eyes. Komis?

  Dolosus looked at the woman, and his heart missed a beat. It was Beata. He did not think he had ever seen her without her armour and had not recognised her with her hair all around her face. She looked beautiful floating there, and he had to shake himself mentally to remind himself she could not breathe underwater like he could.

  He did not have to think what to do next. Grasping her under the arms, he hauled her easily upwards. It was only as he neared the surface he saw the hole in the wall above him and realised where he was. He swam for the hole, the Komis swimming next to him.

  They passed under Heartwood’s solid wall, and then they were in the Baillium. Dolosus saw several pairs of hands reach down and haul Beata and the Komis out of the water. He hesitated, suddenly unsure of what to do. How did he change back into his earth spirit? Nitesco hadn’t explained that part.

  He swam back to the wall as he thought about it. Outside, in the moat, he looked down towards Isenbard’s Wall. And what he saw frightened him more than anything in his life so far.

  Thalassinus waited in the gap between the moat and the overflowing Flumen by Isenbard’s Wall. Clearly, he was waiting for the rest of his army to catch up with him. Gradually, more and more warriors were lining up behind him. He saw Dolosus looking at him, and he smiled. He was huge and terrifying, and immediately, Dolosus turned and fled.

  He swam through the hole in the Wall and, before he could think about it, headed down the channel to where the water level shallowed. In one fluid move, he leapt straight out of the water. In midflight, he felt himself begin to change. Time seemed to stop. His earthly self emerged and engulfed his watery one. Damaris screamed but was forced down deep inside. It was agonising, and he twisted in the air, thinking for a moment he was going to die. But by the time he landed back on the ground, it was his feet, and not his tail, that fell to the earth, and the transformation was complete.

  Immediately, he felt the points of several swords on his body. “It is me!” he panted, holding up his hands.

  Before him, Procella gradually lowered her sword. “It is Dolosus!” she said in amazement. Behind her, Valens’s face lit up.

  Dolosus nodded. “It is I.” He looked to his left and saw Beata turn onto her side and vomit water onto the ground. Relief surged through him that she was all right. Beside her, the Komis looked up at him with those strange golden eyes. Briefly, he remembered she had been sent to try and find the Virimage. Was this he?

  Suddenly, he remembered what he had travelled so far to recover. “I have it,” he said, raising the handle of his bag over his head and handing it to Procella. “The Pectoris is in there. I think it is still alive.”

  “You brought it back?” said Chonrad, coming up behind him. “Roots of the Arbor, you brought it back!”

  Around him, everyone was suddenly laughing and clapping, celebrating the fact that both he and Beata had returned. Chonrad clasped Dolosus to him in a breathtakingly hard embrace, and then someone else reached over and kissed him. He felt a flood of warmth inside, of delight at the thought that they were pleased to see him. He went to grab them and, as he did so, suddenly became aware of his missing arm. The loss hit him like a bolt of lightning and drew him out of his dream homecoming.

  He glanced over his shoulder. “There is no time for celebrating. Quick, we must block the entrance to the channel.”

  He gaze took in all the knights crowded around him. And when he spoke, his fear was plain for all to see.

  “They are coming!”

  PART THREE

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  I

  Following Dolosus’s words of warning, Valens yelled to a handful of Custodes to bring over some large rocks, and they very quickly blocked up the hole that led out into the moat. Valens nodded when he saw it done and s
aid, “That should keep them out.”

  Dolosus looked at the rocks and wasn’t so sure. They didn’t really have a clue just how many or how strong the Darkwater Lords were. Should he tell them? Or was it pointless now they were here, as Heartwood would shortly be finding out for itself, anyway?

  Valens beckoned him over. The great Imperator clasped him by the shoulders and stared at him for a moment. Dolosus met his gaze, and felt as if Valens’s eyes were like great torches, burning and seeing right through him. Before he knew what he was saying, he blurted, “I am sorry.”

  Valens nodded, and Dolosus suddenly thought: he knows. He knows about the dream. But then Valens smiled and clasped his foster-son to him, and Dolosus gasped as he felt he had been forgiven.

  He turned to look at the Komis who was kneeling on the ground beside Beata. Several guards stood over him, swords pressed to his neck.

  “Who are you?” Valens demanded, towering over him. “Are you part of the army who attacked Heartwood?”

  The Komis shook his head. “I am Teague. The one they call the Virimage.”

  There was a collective gasp. Nobody could believe at the same moment both the Virimage and the Pectoris had been found.

  “Come,” said Procella impatiently. “We must replace the Pectoris.”

  “The Darkwater Lords were right behind me,” Dolosus reminded everyone urgently.

  Valens nodded. “The guard on the wall will tell us as soon as there is a breach. Quick, we must sort the Arbor out first, or all else is pointless.”

  Dolosus turned and knelt by Beata’s side. The arrow still protruded out of her shoulder, and she was pale and sweating in spite of the rain. “Can you carry her inside?” he asked Chonrad, who was kneeling by her.

  Chonrad scooped her up into his arms. Together, they all walked towards the Castellum. Dolosus cast a nervous glance back at Heartwood’s huge walls and giant Porta. How long would it keep them out?

  The Quad was awash with water, and they all had to splash through it to get to the oak doors. The two Custodes standing guard opened the doors, and they entered the Temple.

  Chonrad laid Beata on the floor to one side. He went to try to pull out the arrow, but she pushed him aside impatiently, gesturing towards Procella. The Dux was opening the bag she had been carrying and, with a gasp, she took out the Pectoris. Everyone stared at the organ that lay in her hands.

  “Is it still beating?” asked Valens hoarsely.

  Procella looked up at him, her bottom lip trembling. “I cannot tell.”

  “Give it to Silva.”

  The Custos of the Arbor was waiting by the tree. She took the Pectoris from Procella, held it in her hands and closed her eyes. Dolosus looked across at Teague and saw him watching Silva curiously, the first time he had seen another of his own kin inside the walls.

  Silva looked over at Valens, relief evident on her face. “It is alive.”

  There was a collective sigh, quickly hushed as she went over to the Arbor. Dolosus stared at the holy tree. It looked dead. There was no sign of movement in the branches or roots.

  She reached over the massive split in its trunk and carefully placed the Pectoris in the middle of the hole. She spent a moment making sure it was secure, then stepped back.

  They all waited.

  Nothing happened.

  Silva put her hands on the tree and closed her eyes. Dolosus strained his eyes to look for some sign of movement. Did the twigs and branches just flutter a little, or was it his imagination? Eventually, Silva turned, her face drawn. She looked straight at Teague.

  “Can you help?” she asked.

  Teague shook his head as everyone turned to face him. Dolosus could see the panic in his eyes. “I do not know what I can do,” he said defensively.

  “But Beata travelled across Anguis for you,” blurted Procella. “Look at her, at what she has suffered. You were supposed to be able to help us.”

  Valens put a warning hand on her arm. He walked over to Beata and knelt awkwardly by her side. “How are you, Beata?” he said softly.

  She was breathing shallowly, and her face was very white. She was also shivering noticeably. “I am not sure,” she said with a weak smile.

  “We need to get that arrow out of you.”

  She nodded. Valens called for someone to bring some water and a cloth.

  Dolosus came over. Emotion rushed through him at the sight of Beata lying there, pale as milk, sweat beading on her forehead, her long hair lank and matted around her face. To see her so weak and helpless filled him with rage and frustration, and he came forward and knelt beside her. Teague leaned over her, stroking her hair and muttering soothing words. Dolosus watched him with an amused smile. The Komis spoke tenderly and clearly had some affection for her.

  Valens took hold of the arrow shaft in his right hand. He put his left on her shoulder and Dolosus did the same. “Ready, Beata?” She nodded, her breathing coming rapidly.

  “Now,” he said. He pulled as Dolosus pushed down. The arrow came out with a sucking noise, and Beata screamed. Dolosus grabbed the cloth and pressed it down on her shoulder. He gritted his teeth. It was always hard to see someone else in pain and know you could do nothing, but somehow it was worse with the beautiful, gentle Beata. He wanted to comfort her, but Teague was stroking her hair while she sobbed, and suddenly he felt as if he were intruding.

  He stood, watching as Teague tended to her, binding the wound and putting her arm in a sling. It was only then he turned to Valens as the Imperator pulled him slightly away from the others.

  “It is good to see you back,” Valens said in his deep, gruff voice. His dark brown eyes, so like Dolosus’s own, were calm and forgiving.

  “It was a long journey,” said Dolosus. Suddenly, he didn’t have the words to explain what had happened to him down in Darkwater. “I… There was…” His voice faltered.

  Valens placed a hand on his shoulder. “There will be time for tales later,” he said. “When the battle has been won.”

  “Yes.” The two knights looked at each other, and each saw in the other’s eyes their true beliefs.

  “It has been good knowing you,” said Valens. His grip tightened on Dolosus’s shoulder.

  “And I you,” said Dolosus, meaning it. “They will break through the walls, you know.”

  “Yes, I know.” Valens’s arm dropped. He turned and looked over at the Arbor, which still showed no signs of life.

  “Do you think it is dead?” asked Dolosus.

  “No,” said Valens immediately. “Silva insists there are still signs of life within it, although honestly, I cannot see it. But she says she would be able to feel when it died, and I believe her – she has a strong connection to the tree.”

  “And the Virimage?” Dolosus asked, looking across at Teague, who was still curled around Beata, refusing to move. “What about him? Why is he not helping us?”

  Valens glanced over. “You know as much about the situation as I. But I think it is time we spoke. I am not happy with him being quite so close to our Dean.”

  He walked over to Teague and Dolosus followed, curious about the Virimage Beata had travelled all over Anguis to find. “Komis,” Valens said in a commanding tone. “We have to talk.”

  Teague looked up. He saw who was speaking, then looked away. “I have nothing to say to you.”

  “I just want to talk.”

  “I have nothing to say to you,” repeated Teague stubbornly.

  Dolosus drew his sword and lowered it until it touched the Komis’s throat. “Get up,” he said flatly.

  Teague looked at the blade. Then, carefully, he put a hand under Beata’s head and extricated himself from her, leaving a Militis to take his place. He stood and lifted his chin defiantly. “I am sorry Beata has been wounded, but her journey was in vain. I cannot help you.”

  Valens frowned. “How do you know unless you try? Do you mean you cannot, or will not?”

  Teague said nothing.

  Valens gestured to the
Arbor. “Perhaps Beata did not explain to you fully the situation.”

  Teague did not look at the tree. “She explained everything to me – more than once. I know what you want me to do. I am telling you I am not able to do it!”

  “And again I say: how do you know unless you try? Why do you not go over to the tree? Place your hands upon it like Silva does? Even a little of your power might be enough to bring the tree back to life.”

  Teague risked a quick glance at the Arbor. To Dolosus’s surprise, the Komis shuddered. “This is not my battle,” he said stubbornly. “I have no interest in the affairs of Heartwood.”

  “Of course you do,” said another voice. Dolosus turned and saw Silva pushing through the people who were all now listening to the conversation. She came to stand before her compatriot, her golden eyes flashing. “Where do you think your power comes from? The Arbor, of course! Without the Arbor you would have nothing.”

  “If only wishing made it so,” Teague snapped, turning away in frustration. He spun back, lips curled in a snarl. “All my life, I have been cursed with the Greening, and never have I wanted it. I have been brought here, dragged across half of Anguis, all against my will…”

  His voice tailed off as Silva stepped towards him. She carried no weapon, but there was no doubt her manner was menacing. “I do not care,” she said in a low voice. “But you will help the Arbor, whether you want to or not.”

  His eyes narrowed. “You know you cannot force me to do the Greening. You of all people should know that.”

  She grabbed his hand. He resisted, but found with alarm he could not pull away. Everyone watched in shock as, suddenly, vines began to grow from the adjoined hands of the Custos and the Virimage. They sprouted from their fingers and curled down their arms, leaves unfurling, twisting and twining themselves around their body.

  Teague tore himself from Silva with a gasp. Silva’s eyes, too, were wide. “You see,” she panted, “I can make you, and I will!”

  “What was that?” demanded Valens. “I have never seen you do anything like that before!”