Chimene turned her horse and moved into the trees. Panas followed silently, and Tedi saw the third woman join them before turning his own horse around and heading back to the city. He passed through the western gates and met up with Garth just as the whistles started sounding throughout the city.
"That was close," Tedi said. "Too close. I hope they get away quickly."
"I hope we find a way out of this city," frowned Garth. "While I do not differ with Kalina on the need to repay the Rhodans for their help, I doubt that we will find any sellers of horses in this city."
"Perhaps Natia can help," suggested the gypsy prince.
"Not this time," replied Garth. "We know that the Sisters of Justice will not be found within the city. I think it is safe to say that the guards at the gates will be scrutinizing everyone carefully. The chances of leaving Farmin on stolen horses are not very high. We should get back to the inn quickly. We can work on the problem there. I don't want the soldiers taking any notice of us until things die down a bit."
The two Knights of Alcea rode quietly through the slums and back to the Bluff House Inn. The rest of the group were all gathered in Garth's room discussing the alarms that had been sounded.
"Did they all get out safely?" asked Kalina.
"They did," answered Tedi. "What do we do now? We can't ride to Valdo with only two horses."
"I don't think it is even safe to head for Valdo," replied Kalina. "While the shutting down of Farmin had nothing to do with us, it still represents a pattern that the Federation might examine."
"Kalina is right," interjected Morro. "The Sisters of Justice are considered rebels by the Federation. Word will soon spread that Farmin was closed because they were trying to trap rebels within the walls. You are in the same danger as if the alarm had been issued because of your actions."
"I am sorry," Kalina said apologetically. "I had to help them."
"No apology is necessary," Garth smiled thinly. "It was the right thing to do. I am going to keep my appointment with the jeweler. I suggest that the rest of your remain within the confines of the inn."
Garth moved purposefully along the city streets. He appeared to be interested only in his destination, but the warrior's eyes took in everything around him. Hundreds of patrols marched through the streets of Farmin, and citizens were few and far between. Several of the patrols glanced at Garth with curiosity, but none of them accosted him. When he reached Farmin Charms, the jeweler was in the process of closing the shop. Garth quickened his step and caught the shopkeeper before he could leave.
"Abel Ormon?" Garth asked.
"Do I know you?" questioned the merchant.
"No," the Knight of Alcea replied. "I am Garth Shado, a special agent for Sidney Mercado. I told your apprentice that I would stop by today."
The merchant hesitated as he gazed at the passing army patrols.
"If we could just step inside for a while," pressed Garth. "I won't take up much of your time, but I need to speak with you today. I am planning on leaving the city in the morning."
The merchant looked at Garth with a puzzled expression, but he eventually nodded and opened the door. Garth stepped into the shop and the jeweler followed. He closed the door and lit a lantern.
"What can I do for you?" asked Abel.
Garth reached into his pack and produced one of DeCardia's figurines. He handed it to the merchant. Abel examined the piece and nodded with appreciation of the artist's skill.
"It is a beautiful piece," he remarked, "but not something that my clientele would be eager to purchase. What else do you have?"
Garth frowned as he needed to replenish his gold supply, but he had not managed to purchase anything else tradable. The merchant fidgeted as if he were in a hurry to leave.
"I have an excellent ruby," Garth replied as he retrieved a small pouch from under his tunic.
"Rubies are not in high demand right now either," sighed the merchant.
Garth extracted the large ruby from the pouch and held it out in the palm of his hand. The merchant's eyes grew wide, and a smile spread across his face as he reached for it. Abel examined the ruby closely and held it up to the lantern. He nodded his head continuously, and Garth knew that he had a sale.
"This is perfect for a necklace that I am making," Abel said distractedly. "I will give you a dozen emeralds for it."
"I am interested in gold," Garth replied. "My traveling funds have grown low."
"The emeralds will bring three times the value of this ruby in Ur," countered Abel. "Let me show them to you."
Abel reached under his robe and detached a pouch from his belt. He emptied the contents into his hand and then removed six diamonds and put them back into the pouch. He held his handful of emeralds out for Garth to inspect.
"Each emerald is worth around one thousand in gold here," stated Abel. "In Ur they will bring at least three thousand each. The Tyronians can never get enough emeralds to suit them. That is far in excess of the value of your ruby, but I have been looking for just such a gem for some time now."
"I believe that you have offered a fair bargain," replied Garth, "but I truly must have gold for the ruby. I have expenses to be paid. I am afraid that I must decline your offer."
Garth handed the emeralds back and waited for the merchant to return his ruby. Abel hesitated as he stared at the ruby.
"How many are in your party?" Able asked.
A puzzled expression fell over Garth's face, but he answered honestly. "There are five of us. Why do you ask?"
"Because I seek to determine your need for gold," replied Abel. "Where are you staying?"
"The Bluff House Inn," answered Garth. "We have been there for several days already, and it is not the cheapest inn in the city."
"It is the most expensive," chuckled Abel. "I am willing to make you a deal, Garth Shado, because I like you."
"You mean because you like my ruby," smiled Garth.
"That too," laughed Abel. "In addition to the emeralds, I will pay your bill at the Bluff House Inn, and I will pay for the voyage to Ur for all five of you. Plus, I will add in one thousand in gold for miscellaneous expenses. That is absolutely my maximum offer, though. Please do not try to ask for more because I really want that ruby, but I will not be robbed in order to get it."
"Voyage to Ur?" frowned Garth. "Who said anything about a voyage to Ur?"
"I was not born yesterday, my friend," smiled Abel. "You work for Sidney Mercado who is a Tyronian merchant. You said that you were leaving the city tomorrow, yet the city is sealed up tight. No one will be allowed to enter or leave through the gates, and that is likely to last a week or more. Ships to other ports on the Sea of Tears will also be halted, but they will not stop the ship to Ur. As you are Tyronian, it is obvious that you plan to be on that ship. Do we have a deal?"
Garth's face slowly spread into a smile and he nodded eagerly. "We have a deal, Abel Ormon."
Chapter 14
Shadows
Clint McFarren led the Alceans into a small clearing for the midday meal. As the sailors put down the litter, Clint fired an arrow into a tree.
"What is that for?" asked Karl as the Alceans settled down for a short rest.
"That is due north," explained Clint. "I want it marked just in case the trees decide to move again."
"If the trees do move," frowned the Knight of Alcea, "your arrow will move, too."
"It shouldn't matter," replied the Ranger. "I do not think the trees are walking about. I think they may be merely rotating."
"Merely rotating?" Karl echoed with disbelief. "I can't believe you just said that."
"I don't claim to understand what is going on," sighed Clint, "but I do aim to understand it better before morning. When we camp tonight I plan to place markers all around the clearing. Some will be stuck in the trees and others in the ground. When things move on us, I will try to determine just what is moving and what is not."
"Alright," agreed Karl. "Do whatever you can to make sense out of th
is forest. I am more concerned right now about keeping this group together."
"Lyron?" asked Clint. "Or are there other problems?"
Karl turned his head and saw Prince Rigal inspecting Lyron. Everyone else had already moved far away from the litter as if being near it might cause them harm.
"Both," conceded Karl. "Walking at the tail of this group allowed me to watch everyone this morning. They are all on the edge of losing it. The sailors are so scared that a leaf falling will cause them to jump. I fear that Gerant is looking for a fight just so he can die with honor, and Prince Rigal is constantly checking Lyron because everyone is afraid that the minute he dies, he will come back to life and bite someone. Add to that the fact that we are running low on food and water, and there is plenty to be concerned about."
"At least the Rangers are holding up," Clint smiled weakly.
"Shawn and Max are on edge, too," added Karl. "They are jumpier than they have ever been before, and you are not entirely sure which direction is north. Am I right?"
"You are right," admitted Clint. "I am fairly confident that we are heading north, but I cannot be sure. It is only in the last hour that I have been able to catch a glimpse of the sun. The canopy in this forest is too thick to see it at any time other than high sun. How are you holding up?"
"I am nervous," declared Karl. "We are in a magical forest with dead creatures that want to eat us. We might be walking in circles, and the group is slowly going insane. We have a fair number of days before we can possibly see an end to this madness. I really don't know if we are going to make it."
"If it is any consolation," replied Clint, "you are putting on a good show for the rest of us. I think your steadiness has already stopped several of the group from going crazy. Don't let the men know that you are having second thoughts about our chances of getting out of here."
"I am nervous," repeated Karl, "but I am not admitting defeat. We will either come out on the other side of this forest or we will die trying, but I will not let anyone give up."
Clint slyly tapped Karl's foot and nodded towards Lyron. The Knight of Alcea turned his head and saw Prince Rigal approaching. He looked back at Clint and nodded his thanks for the warning. A moment later the elven prince moved alongside the Knight of Alcea.
"He is not dead yet," reported the prince, "but I do not know how long he can hold on. I tried getting food into him, but I cannot. The best I could manage was to pour some water down his throat."
"Can I make a suggestion?" asked Karl.
"Certainly," replied the elven prince.
"Tie Lyron's limbs down when we travel," Karl proposed. "I know the sailors are afraid that he might die and come back to life as Alando did. If he is unconscious, the straps will not bother him any."
Prince Rigal originally appeared shocked at the suggestion, but he slowly nodded his head in acceptance. "I suppose it will not hurt, but I wish it was not necessary."
Suddenly, the sailors shouted in hysterical alarm. Karl whirled and saw Max rushing across the clearing with a hatchet in his hand. He continued scanning the clearing, and his mouth opened in horror. At the edge of the clearing, tree roots had wrapped themselves around Lyron and the litter. The three warriors raced towards the litter as Max started hacking at the roots. Prince Rigal snatched his pack off the ground and pulled a hatchet out of it on the run. He soon joined Max in hacking at the roots.
An eerie howl emanated from the tree as the two warriors sliced into the roots. Karl turned and saw the sailors quaking with fear. He nudged Clint and nodded towards the sailors. The Ranger nodded and hailed Shawn on his way to where the sailors were huddled. With the two Rangers watching over the sailors, Karl bent to get a grip on the litter. Gerant appeared at his side and together they tried to pull the litter free of the roots as Max and Prince Rigal continued to chop them. Eventually the litter pulled free and Karl and Gerant stumbled backwards. Max and Prince Rigal grabbed the litter and carried Lyron to the center of the clearing. The howling from the tree subsided, but Warren continued to wail in horror as he tried to put distance between the liter and himself. Clint had to physically restrain the sailor and hold him to the ground. Karl Gree stood and stared at the tree roots in amazement. He shouted for quiet and eventually even Warren's wailing subsided.
"I do not know what kind of hellish place this Forest of Death is," Karl said loudly, "but we are going to put it behind us. Prince Rigal is going to strap Lyron to the litter, so none of you need fear him. As for the strange behavior of the trees and animals, we will just have to be wary, but I will not tolerate any hysteria. Whatever magic resides in this place is intentionally trying to drive us crazy. Let's show this forest that Alceans do not run scared from anything. Get your gear together and let's get back on the trail."
Clint released Warren and helped Prince Rigal strap Lyron to the litter. In moments the Alceans were back on the trail with Clint leading once again. The Ranger set a brisk pace for the next few hours, and called a halt in a wide clearing. Karl ordered the elves to one side of the clearing and the sailors towards the other. Clint set markers in the trees and the ground and the group ate cold rations quietly. The elves once again took the first shift at sentry duty as everyone else settled down for sleep. An hour later the first set of eyes appeared. Gerant nocked an arrow and started breathing heavily.
"Steady," Prince Rigal said softly. "There is nothing to be gained by acting hastily. Don't let the eyes distract you from watching the rest of the forest."
"How can you remain calm?" Gerant asked nervously.
"I am not calm inside," answered the elven prince, "but I will not let my emotions rule over reason. When there is something real to kill, we will both act bravely. Until then, just wait and watch."
Gerant nodded, but his breathing remained heavy as several more sets of eyes suddenly appeared. The distant howling that had begun with the appearance of the first set of eyes suddenly stopped. The forest grew silent, and Gerant became more nervous.
"I can't stand the howling," Gerant said softly, "but I don't like when it stops like that either."
Prince Rigal did not answer as he rose to his feet and nocked an arrow. Gerant also rose and stood back to back with his prince. Gerant stared into the darkness of the trees and saw all of the eyes blink out of existence at the same time. Without the presence of the eyes staring at him, the elf thought he saw something move deep in the trees. He blinked his eyes and pulled back on the bowstring. For several long moments he concentrated his focus on the area where he had seen the movement until his eyes began to hurt from the strain. He blinked again and was positive that something was out there. When he saw the movement again, he swiftly raised his bow and let the arrow fly. Prince Rigal reacted immediately when he heard the bowstring snap. He whirled around, ready to release his own arrow.
"Hey there!" shouted a voice from the darkness. "Are you trying to kill someone?"
Karl and the Rangers heard the shout and immediately leaped to their feet. They gathered next to the elves with arrows nocked.
"What is it?" Karl asked in a whisper.
"Something is moving out there," Gerant replied as he nocked another arrow. "It is trying to make us think it is human."
"Hello the camp?" called the voice. "Are you going to kill me, or can I join you peacefully?"
"I recognize that voice," stated Prince Rigal. "It is the old man."
"Fakir Aziz?" asked Karl.
"Sounds like him," nodded the elven prince, "but who can say what is real in this forest. We should be careful."
"Fakir Aziz?" shouted Karl. "Is that you?"
"That's my name," came the reply.
"Walk slowly towards us," instructed the Knight of Alcea. "Stop when I tell you to or my men may skewer you."
Karl put down his bow and drew his sword. Clint immediately mimicked the Knight of Alcea. A dark shadow shifted in the woods, and everyone focused on it.
"Max, Shawn," Karl whispered, "watch the other sectors. The elves will w
atch the arrival of our visitor."
The Rangers dutifully obeyed while Karl stared at the moving shadows. The old man moved very slowly, taking each step with care as he approached the clearing.
"There is another shadow moving behind him," Gerant whispered nervously.
"Easy," cautioned Prince Rigal. "Hold your fire until Karl says otherwise."
The four warriors watched the old man slowly appear out of the darkness.
"He is leading his mule," Clint said with surprise. "What do you think?"
"Halt!" Karl ordered the old man. "Show us your teeth and the teeth of your mule."
"Our teeth?" balked Fakir Aziz. "Have you gone daft?"
"Just do it," said Karl as he hesitantly moved forward, his sword ready to strike in a moment's notice.
Fakir Aziz opened his mouth wide and set his teeth together. He held the pose for almost a minute before spreading the lips of his mule.
"They look alright to me," Clint said softly from alongside Karl.
"Why are you traveling at night?" asked the Knight of Alcea.
"I have been following you for two days," replied the tutor. "I finally decided that I didn't want to follow you any more so I pushed on in hopes of catching up to you. I prefer to travel with others in a strange forest. Why are you acting so strange? Have I done something to offend you?"
"I thought you left before us?" asked Prince Rigal. "How is it that you are now behind us?"
"You must have left first," shrugged Fakir. "When I left your campsite I spent some time going back along the Aranak Road to a small village to get supplies. When I got back to the campsite you were gone."
"It's plausible," Clint said softly. "I just don't know if I believe him."
"I don't know either," admitted the Knight of Alcea, "but I can hardly deny the clearing to a fellow traveler. Have Max and Shawn watch us from a distance. I am going to invite him into the camp."
Clint nodded and walked away. Karl signaled the elves to relax their posture before waving the old man into the camp.
Council of War Page 18