Haven Keep (Book 1)

by R. David Bell

  “We could kill it. Soren did.”

  “And died for it.”

  “He died from the fall into the Rift, not from the vyr. He put his sword through the thing’s heart and pushed it off the edge. They both fell, but the vyr died from Soren’s sword, not from the fall. I could feel that through whatever mind link it had on me.”

  “That was one vyr. There are at least four back there.”

  “Four!?”

  “At least. There were three more near the jagged rock formation. It was lucky for us we didn’t stay there.”

  “You saw them?”

  Von nodded. He didn’t think he needed to explain further. Kaiden had more experience with these creatures. Von was sure Kaiden felt the same terror that he did. But, no matter how strong their fear, they needed to keep their emotions under control, keep calm, keep their wits about them.

  More screams pierced the night.

  “Let’s go,” Von said.

  He spurred his horse on, doing his best not to panic and start his horse galloping again. Kaiden followed. There was somewhere they needed to be. Baiden claimed they needed what was in Haven Keep. Von was not going to let the Halfen or some demon from legend keep him from it. They continued weaving through the trees and navigating around the large rocks and boulders. Von felt his eyelids begin to sag. He was exhausted. The horses must feel the same. This pace could kill them.

  “We need to rest the horses,” Von announced, and dismount.

  Kaiden dismounted too. “Just a half hour or so. We can’t rest for the night this close to the vyr.”

  Von was tired. Dead tired. If he stayed in one spot too long he would find himself slipping into sleep. He could not afford to do that.

  “Do you think we can outrun them?” Von asked.

  “I hope so.” Kaiden sounded tired too.

  “Don’t fall asleep on me,” Von joked.

  “I won’t.” Kaiden didn’t sound as if he heard the humor in Von’s weak attempt to lighten the mood.

  “What is that?” Von heard someone coming, or something. Whatever it was, it was coming fast. “Quick, get behind that rock.”

  Von and Kaiden pulled their horses around one of the larger rocks. Isk and Jen followed on Von’s heels. Von positioned himself so he could see what was coming.

  Three men on horseback came thundering into view. Von recognized one as the man Isk attacked the night before. His arm was in a sling, but that wasn’t slowing him down. The two other Halfen men were fast on his heels. They were panicked. Running from something. Running from the vyr. They had to be. What else could make them flee like that?

  The men galloped past. Von and Kaiden could have been standing in the open and the Halfen would not have cared. They sped past oblivious to everything except what was behind them.

  The last horse fell, tripping on something covered by the snow. It went down, screaming in pain, throwing the rider. The man flew through the air, crashing headfirst against a large ore filled rock. The other two riders did not stop. They did not even turn to see if their companion was hurt. They raced off and disappeared into the trees. The sound of hooves faded.

  Von ran to the fallen man’s side. His head was split bad. He wasn’t breathing. Von was surprised he even cared.

  “There is nothing you can do for him,” Kaiden said. “It looks like his neck is broken.” Kaiden drew his sword. “His horse is done for too.” Kaiden silenced the horse’s screams of pain. It was more merciful to kill it then to let the wolves find it alive.

  Kaiden wiped his blade clean on the dead man’s cloak. “We need to get moving.”

  “You don’t have to tell me.” Von was on his horse almost as soon as he was done talking. “Lead the way.”

  Kaiden set a pace a little faster than the one Von set. If it was unsafe, Von was not going to argue.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Flenn always thought he would enjoy his first council at Stone Abbey, yet enjoyment was the last thing on his mind at the moment. He was not trying to shirk his duty, but, under the circumstances, he was not exactly looking forward to the Council of Chiefs Baiden had called for. There would be difficult negotiations and the fate of the north would be determined by the outcome. Flenn suspected the Halfen would try some kind of intrigue or play for power. The best that could be hoped for was the Halfen agreeing to stay out of the way while the rest of the north marshaled their forces to the aid of Oded. Flenn had no delusions the Halfen would do any such thing.

  Riding all day made him a little weary. Baiden’s party didn’t exactly make good time with all the fresh snowfall, and Jeret’s group was in no hurry, which did nothing to help the speed of their travel. It would have been rude to leave them behind, but Flenn almost wished they had. The party would be forced to stop for the night soon, meaning they would not reach Stone Abbey until sometime midmorning. The Halfen were probably already there, poisoning the minds of the other chiefs.

  Normally Flenn would have enjoyed the ride. The air was brisk, the sunlight warm, the forest filled with color. Many of the trees still displayed red and orange leaves, which clung to their branches, trying in vain to protest the coming of winter. The Iron Mountains were to the east, the Emerald sea to the west. He was in the company of good friends and two beautiful women. Of course they were both spoken for. Well Alensa was, and Anora just as well might have been, although no one had bothered to tell Dethan.

  Anora and Dethan caught up to the group about mid afternoon. It wasn’t difficult for them to do with the slow pace the party was setting. Anora wasn’t happy she was left behind after her father promised she could come. Baiden tried to explain circumstances had changed, but she was adamant about coming. Now she was here, there was no sense in sending her back on her own.

  Dethan hadn’t left Anora’s side since his arrival in Azmark, in fact he stayed behind just to be with her. He wouldn’t even be here if Anora hadn’t insisted on coming. Flenn chuckled to himself, wondering what Von would think of that situation. Not that Dethan had much of a chance. Flenn saw the way Anora looked at Von. He may seem to be only a freed indentured servant, but Flenn was confident there was more to Von than Baiden let be known. For some reason, it seemed this Oded fellow and his son Tostig knew of Von before their arrival. Nothing was said to Flenn, but he had learned to read underlying tones and hear unspoken words when the speakers thought their true intentions were veiled. He could be patient. After the council at Stone Abbey he was sure he would have his questions answered. At least most of them.

  The sunlight was beginning to fade, and there was no reason to continue traveling through the night, so Baiden called a halt to the day’s journey. Camp was soon erected and the cook fires started. Flenn couldn’t wait to get some warm food in his belly. Whatever the servants were cooking smelled delicious and Flenn’s stomach growled just thinking about it. In the mean time he could take care of his horse, make sure he was fed and comfortable. Only fools and the ignorant neglected their horses. There weren’t too many things worse than finding yourself away from home without a mount, but being stuck with a lame horse was one of them.

  Flenn found his horse on the line next to the others. He spent some time brushing the horse’s coat and inspecting his shoes. All seemed well as he rubbed the animal’s nose and fed him a couple handfuls of oats and barley. Flenn threw a blanket over the back of the horse, gave him a few more affectionate pats then left a pile of hay for him and the other horses. The servants normally took care of the mounts, but Baiden only brought three servants and Flenn wanted to make sure his horse was not neglected. The servants were busy cooking dinner, so it could be a while before they made it over to the animals. Anyhow, they would appreciate some help with the horses.

  The smell of the cooking food called to him. A warm cup of mead would go well with whatever the cooks whipped up. Flenn was determined to enjoy this night. He was sure there weren’t many quiet evenings left to enjoy now the threat of war hung over the north. No, Flenn knew it was n
ot just the threat of war, it was the reality of it.

  From his vantage point at the horse line Flenn noticed riders approaching. He did not think anyone else at the camp could see the riders yet. There were about a score of them, which meant there were around five more than were with Baiden’s party. Flenn reminded himself Baiden’s servants were not fighting men. Flenn was sure Jeret’s servants were not either. Dethan could probably hold his own, but Flenn would wager he had never been in a real fight. He hoped these men were friendly, but by the way they rode, Flenn had his doubts.

  Adjusting his sword belt, Flenn mounted his horse. He wished there was time to re-saddle it, but he would have to make do riding bareback. He untied one end of the horse line then quickly cut the other. With the line in one hand he led the horses over to Baiden and the other men. They were all gathering for dinner, but dinner would have to wait.

  “Riders are approaching from the east,” Flenn announced. “I don’t think it is advisable for you to be on foot when they get here.” The tone in Flenn’s voice made it clear to Baiden and the others this was not a time to ask questions.

  Baiden mounted his horse before he even looked for the riders. It pleased Flenn Baiden trusted his judgement without second guessing him. To Flenn’s surprise, Berkler did the same.

  Tostig was on his mount before any of the others and raced off to the south, disappearing between the trees. That seemed more than a little curious.

  “How many riders are there?” Baiden asked.

  “About twenty, I think.” Flenn did not get an accurate count, but that was his best guess. “They are riding with purpose and they do not look friendly.”

  “How close are they?”

  “Five hundred spans and closing. They are riding straight at us.”

  Oded spoke softly to Baiden, but loud enough for all to hear. “Our bows could cut their number before we have to fight hand to hand.”

  “That is true,” Baiden agreed, “but, I hope it does not have to come to that. I think a little smooth talking will be able to win them over.”

  Oded shrugged his shoulders. Flenn could not tell if Oded agreed or not, but he was willing to defer to Baiden.

  Flenn heard hooves thundering back into camp announcing Tostig’s return. He pulled in reign just short of where Baiden was. “Twenty-one men. All heavily armed and armored. They have the look of the men you call the Halfen.”

  This was not good. Flenn knew the Halfen would plan some treachery, but this was even bolder than anything he imagined. Baiden’s small party was not prepared to fight twenty-one armored calvary men. There was no telling what Jeret would have his men do. Jeret had always been a friend to Baiden, and the Celtens held no love for the Halfen, but in the face of such overwhelming odds there were no guarantees.

  Flenn did a mental calculation of their fighting strength. Baiden, Berkler, and himself were the only fighting men of the Kailfen clan. There were three servants, Dax, Ronnie, and Scott, who would fight if they needed to, but they had no weapons other than their cooking knives. If he was calculating strength, Flenn couldn’t really count them. Oded and Tostig possessed the look of fighters. Flenn was sure they would be a strong asset. Hopefully the Celtens would stand along side Baiden. They should. Flenn could think of no reason why they would not. There were five of them. Jeret, his three councilors, Thane, Omar, and Loeg, then there was Dethan. Two to one odds. Not good.

  Baiden shouted to his wife. “Alensa, you and Anora take cover in the trees. Do not come out no matter what.”

  “Why? What is it?” Alensa did not sound concerned.

  “No time to argue, just do it.” Baiden was not used to being argued with. Maybe it was different with his wife.

  Alensa finally nodded and disappeared with Anora into the brush. Flenn hoped they stayed there. The Halfen were not known for treating women kindly.

  The Halfen would be here in moments. Flenn watched the tree line and gripped his sword, wishing once again he hadn’t removed the saddle from his horse. He hoped this didn’t come to bloodshed, but he knew it most likely would. The Halfen had already made one attempt on Baiden’s life and now this. Twenty-one men. The same number used in the execution of a royal warrant. It had to be coincidence. Either way, this could likely be the last day for many of these men, himself included. Whatever happened, Flenn must protect Baiden.

  The riders came into view through the trees and continued on until stopping at the edge of camp. Flenn could see the Halfen were not happy Baiden knew they were coming and was ready for them. The leader, a man Flenn did not recognize, looked around the half erected camp as if assessing the situation, then rode a few paces forward, eyes glancing over Oded and Tostig, then finally settling on Baiden.

  The man drew his sword and tried to reign his horse in. It danced back and forth, seeming to sense the tension in the air and the nervousness of his master. Flenn could see that nervousness reflected in all the men behind the leader. The Halfen were not known for their bravery. A knife in the dark was more their style. They probably had hoped to catch Baiden’s party alone, Flenn thought. They most likely were not pleased to see the Celtens here. Oded and Tostig must not be a welcome sight either. It was still ten against twenty-one, unless you counted the servants, which Flenn again decided against. Not odds Flenn thought of as favorable.

  The man finally spoke. He made a show of speaking only to Baiden, but spoke as if giving a proclamation. His voice lacked the confidence his superior numbers should have given him. “Baiden, son of Baiden, I arrest you in the name of the north.”

  Baiden laughed out loud. “What gives you the right to speak for the north? You are nothing but a traitor, and the follower of a traitor. I will see the lot of you hanged and Ky’s head on a pike.”

  “So much for smooth talking,” Flenn muttered under his breath.

  Tostig laughed and gave Flenn an amused look. Flenn did not realize he’d spoken loud enough for anyone to hear.

  Rage filled the Halfen man’s eyes and ran across his face. Some of the men behind him drew their swords. Flenn was glad none of them had lances. He did not believe the Halfen were smart enough to think of arming themselves that way. They probably thought a show of force was enough to make Baiden just surrender to the gallows without a fight.

  “You are the traitor,” the man shouted. “I ...”

  Baiden interrupted him. “How so? You send men to try and assassinate me and you call me the traitor. Now you make a mockery of serving an arrest warrant you have no right to issue.”

  Baiden was losing patience. Flenn half expected him to charge the Halfen by himself.

  “You have sworn allegiance to me,” Baiden continued, “not the other way around. You fools may leave now. If you value your lives I suggest you do.”

  “You are the fool for speaking to us in such a way.” The man’s anger was evident. “We are loyal to the north, not to you. You would have us serve the south. The Halfen grow strong in the north while you grow weak. The north will be united behind Ky and the Halfen after you are stripped of your title,” the man screamed. “And your head!”

  “Enough of this foolishness,” Baiden waved his hand in the air like he was swatting at a gnat. “You wish to take me. I will fight you to the death, in the way of the men of old. In the way of the Dragon Lords. If you wish to honor the north, you will honor that.”

  “The Dragon Lords are your myth, not ours. The Halfen will rule the north with strength you do not have. The might of our armies are marching forth now. Our numbers are greater than the rest of the north combined. We will crush Azmark, and those clans who have not yet united with us will see the light shortly.” The man’s eyes blazed with anger and hatred. “The united clans could not stand against our might. Even if those who remain neutral follow you, that still only leaves you with four clans to fight us. Only fools will continue to follow you. If they do, it will be to their deaths.”

  “If your cause is just, fight me now. If you defeat me it will all be ended.
You will have no need to convince the other clans. There are witnesses enough here to testify it was done in the old tradition.”

  “I am afraid that is impossible. We have been given the sacred duty of arresting you and bringing you to trial. There is nothing that can break our oath and our duty.”

  Baiden roared with laughter. “The oath of a Halfen is not worth pig dung.”

  Flenn was not sure what Baiden was trying to do. If he wanted to avoid a fight he had long since lost that battle. Now he seemed to be picking one.

  The man was now so angry he was spitting as he screamed at Baiden. “I arrest you for the murder of Cray, Lord of the Halfen, his lady wife Jezereel, the murders of Dennen, Drake, Vlennen, Greggor and the attempted murder of Jubben, councillor to Ky, Lord of the Halfen.”

  Baiden again laughed at the man. “Murders?”

  Another of the Halfen rode forward. He was a dirty looking man with reddish gold hair. Everything about him was unkept except his armor. “Do you deny killing my brothers?”

  “By your filthy look I’d say you must be Druden.” Baiden’s voice held nothing but contempt for the man. “I assume you are speaking of those sons of goats Drake and Dennen.” Baiden sniffed his disdain. “Of course I killed those traitorous swine. They attacked me in my own home after being invited as guests. Their deaths were justice, not murder. Your brothers deserved worse than what they got. Something I intend to remedy when I kill you. The devils of the Rift can take you and your whole family.”

  Flenn began easing his sword out. He could see no way out of a conflict now. He hoped Oded and Tostig were as formidable as they appeared.