A Stag in the Shadows

by S E Turner

  'I know, she is a very brave woman.'

  'We were all so wrong, and your mother was so right. Though how many other bairns were not disfigured. How many of them were cruelly sent into the weeping caves to die?'

  She sobbed into his hand.

  'It is not your fault Ukaleq.' Ajeya's voice was thin. 'Dainn was meant to live. If you hadn't intervened then he would have surely died.'

  Ukaleq wiped her runny nose on a finger and smiled at the humble words, then looked at Dainn again. 'What a fine young man you are. How proud Thorne would be of you.' Her voice was barely a whisper now— weak and tiny, her breathing shallow.

  Siri was anxious. 'I think we should go now, I will send someone in to look after her.'

  'No!' she appealed. 'I am going to take this boy to see his father's grave. I haven't been up to much for the last ten years or so. But this is my duty. I brought this boy into the world, and I am taking him to see his father. Even if this is the last thing I do, I want to be the one who reunites them.' She reached for a gnarled walking stick. 'Now, help me up will you.'

  The two men carefully lifted her out of the chair.'

  'Ukaleq you haven't been outside for years, is this a good idea?'

  The old woman went to hit Siri with her stick. 'This is a moment to rejoice, and there will be much merriment tonight as we celebrate the son of Thorne coming back to us. So I am not going to hide away in my hut and miss all the fun.'

  Ajeya held the hide open, and Ukaleq embraced the evening sun as she stepped out into the settlement .

  It was a long walk to the standing stones; a place of burial as well as a place of worship and marriage, a place of totem giving and baby naming and rituals. The two men practically carried Ukaleq the whole way. Her weakened muscles had withered away to sinew, plus she had no weight on her either. Just a mind full of memories now.

  Thorne's final resting place was high on a mound. An air of nobility lingered, and the heart of authority still pulsed. Everyone stopped to allow Dainn the moments he needed with the father he never knew.

  'I have heard so much about you; how humble, how proud, how learned you were. I trust I have inherited those characteristics from you. Though be rest assured that I was brought up by an honourable man, and my mother loved me so very much.' His finger wiped away a runny nose. A thumb removed a tear. 'I hope I will make you proud of me—and that in death you will protect me and my family as I tread my own path in life.'

  A gentle breeze curled around his face and he felt the calm and peace from within the spirit world. His neck curved into a bow and he dropped to his knees.

  Siri held out an arm to stop the women going to him. 'He needs this time alone, we shall watch from here.'

  No one moved. Even the earth stood still and witnessed the moment a son was at last reunited with his father.

  Chapter Forty-One

  As the swollen orange sun set to the west, Dainn and Ajeya took their seats for an evening of song, dance and merriment. She took his hand and sat with him on one side of her, and Ukaleq on the other. Dainn was sandwiched between her and Siri, while Siri's younger brother Zeno sat next to him in the line.

  'So will you be taking up the leadership here?' asked Siri.

  'No, I will not my friend.' said Dainn, visibly shocked. 'I believe you are doing a fine job and I do not wish to take anything from you.'

  'But I was given the position by default.'

  'What do you mean?'

  'Because my people deemed me a worthy leader after my heroic year; bringing down the General and his legions; taking part in the killing games, and being summoned by the King of Durundal to help him on the quest to find his brother. After all that, these good people gave the title to me. '

  'And well deserved Siri, you are an experienced warrior and a fine leader.'

  'But you are as well Dainn, you are a formidable warrior, and a superb leader. Everyone respects you, wherever you go. I have seen your leadership skills on each mission. Because you are Thorne's son, and you are the rightful heir.'

  Dainn turned to look at him. 'Siri, I might be Thorne's son, but you have had a life-time with these people. I cannot come in and take over from everything you have achieved. They know you, they respect you and value your word. That type of leadership comes with honour and good judgements. You have earned this position and I am not about to change anything.'

  Siri nodded a respectful acceptance, and placed his hand on his comrade's shoulder by way of an embrace.

  A young peasant girl arrived with a plate of food and handed it to Zeno, she never took her eyes off him and a playful smile tugged at her mouth. The boy took the offering and glanced coyly back at her.

  'And besides,' continued Dainn nodding in the direction of the young maiden. 'I do believe a wedding might be fairly soon, with a brood of strong sons and daughters to follow.'

  Siri looked at the young couple and saw what Dainn had noticed. He smiled at the bloom of youth. 'Yes, you are right, he will be the next leader, maybe sooner than he thinks. I never got round to finding myself a wife.'

  'Well, you can always leave the leadership with Zeno, and come to Ataxata with us. Maybe you will find someone new within the palace.' Dainn raised his eyebrows and curved his lips.

  Siri cocked his head, but the notion wasn't as ridiculous as he first thought. 'When will you be leaving?'

  'In a few days, so you have plenty of time to mull it over, but it will be good to have someone like you on board.'

  Siri pawed at his beard. 'I will certainly think about it Dainn. But tell me of Namir and Lyall, and of course Skyrah, I am keen to know how they all are, and to hear of Namir's rescue.'

  As Dainn filled Siri in with all the recent events at the castle, Ajeya leaned in to Ukaleq and put an affectionate arm around her.

  'Mother is well and married to Hagen now.' 'That is such good news, I am so delighted to hear that—and Peira, is she also well?'

  'She is, though her husband died very recently—perhaps that is why she was able to tell Dainn about Thorne, albeit by letter, but he knows the truth now.'

  'Yes, it would have been a burden to share while her husband still lived.' Ukaleq's withered hand found Ajeya's. 'Was he a good man to her?'

  'He was a truly wonderful man. Strong, supportive and a great leader.' Ajeya felt her eyes welling up at the thought of him. 'His death wasn't sudden; it was expected. He had been ill for some time. So much had happened in that year. The killing games, the battle, losing Keao.'

  'Keao is dead?'

  'Yes, he died in the battle. '

  Ukaleq looked deeply saddened.

  'But he died doing what he wanted to do. He wanted to make a difference, he wanted to seal his mark and be remembered as a father who fought for his kingdom and his family.'

  Ukaleq nodded.

  'And my dear Hagen, how is he?'

  'He is well. He loves mother so much. We were all so fortunate in coming here.'

  Ajeya lifted her head and breathed in the evening air. So many memories floated past, she was amazed that she could remember them all. But Hagen and Eujena had talked so much about the Clan of the Giant's Claw, it was impossible for her to forget anything, and it all seemed like only yesterday.

  Ukaleq stroked her hand.

  'I am glad to hear that they are all well, please give my love to everyone when you see them next. I think of them often you know.'

  'Of course I will.' Ajeya's words reassured her. 'And you my dear, you have married such a good man.' Her worn face creased into a smile. 'What an intricate life we all lead. So many paths cross and entwine with another, and then each one returns to its starting point.'

  Ajeya smiled at the analogy, for she had been thinking the very same thing just the previous day. She cradled the hunched little figure at her side and couldn't imagine how old she must be. She was the ageing shaman twenty years ago; so now was anyone's guess. And, as if Ukaleq had read her mind, she spoke of her concerns.

  'I fear I am
not much longer for this world my dear. I feel as if I have been waiting for this day; and now it has come, I can leave and venture onwards to my next crusade.'

  'Please don't talk of such things.' Ajeya felt the sting in her eyes.

  'But it's true my dear child. I am complete now. I have no more burning questions to have answered or knowledge to seek. You have given me everything I need.' She creased a smile and her watery eyes looked soulful. 'I am at peace knowing that Peira and her son survived. I am grateful that Eujena and Hagen are happily married. And my world is complete seeing you and Thorne's son together as man and wife. What more could I possibly want?' She dropped her gaze to the ground. 'I am sad that Keao died, but he is with his mother now. Raine is taking care of him. I know she is.'

  Ajeya stifled a melancholy smile as Ukaleq continued.

  'You will have many decisions to make my dear; and there are events that are unfolding right now that will change your life. The wind is bringing a transformation my child, a revelation is near that is painful, but the man at your side will take care of you.'

  Ajeya looked concerned. 'What do you see?'

  'I see a deep sadness on your face... the image of something close to you is fading...' she shook her head. 'Alas, my mind is cloudy now. I am not as insightful as I used to be. but I do know that with Thorne's blood running through your young man's veins, you will both be safe. Even his shadow looks out for him—because he truly does have the heart of a stag. '

  Ajeya went to speak again but was interrupted by the sound of drumming, then the reed and woodwind instruments followed, and the dancers twirled in. And with the cries of ancestral singing, the evenings entertainment had begun.

  The huge outdoor fireplace burned hotter and hotter, as more ash and beech was added and formed a centrepiece as people began to tap on anything that was near; the ground, a mug, a knee. Then the singers came in with a haunting melody that was lifted by the breeze, and transcended around the camp like a plume. Women began to hum a high octave while the men thrummed a deep guttural sound. A woman blew into a wood-harp, with a skill that had been passed down through the generations, and the beating of the drum got faster and faster. The singing trailed off as the snare took over, and in a burst of exuberance, Siri landed in the centre of the group with his feet thumping and his hands clapping. He summoned Dainn and Ajeya into the centre, and together they danced in perfect time with each other. She moved forwards and backwards with them both, meeting together then out again, taking a turn round the edge of the circle, skipping and jumping, but laughing most of all. Round and round they went, gathering more people into the throng, and then started the whole thing over again.

  Then Zeno entered with Colletti, the beautiful young maiden, who laughed with joy for the duration. He put his arms around her waist and nuzzled his face into her hair. He began to match her body and sway in time to the music. She tingled within his warm embrace and held onto him tightly. They didn't even notice the exuberance alongside them. For them, nothing else existed; for this was the first throes of love.

  'Think I might be coming with you after all old friend,' shouted out Siri, pointing towards his otherwise engaged younger brother.

  'I shall drink to that,' shouted back Dainn, and slurped back a mouthful of ale.

  There were shouts of joyous approval with feet stomping, hand clapping, and those who still had a beer in their hand, slurred it all over the dance floor in unrivalled appreciation. Women began to join in the excitement; and danced on low tables, side stepping haunches of meat, and platters piled high with dates, apples and walnuts. The children were supping on weak mead; and as the music changed tempo again, everyone by now was moving in time to the beat. The light from the fire lit up the entire settlement, with joyful faces as bright and as crisp as the clear full moon above.

  The north had turned pitch black now, and the stars were hanging in a clear sky; and as the moon looked down on them with her own graceful smile, Ajeya felt the tears of laughter running down her face, and felt that she never wanted this night to end.

  No one noticed Ukaleq slipping off into the night. She was as silent and as invisible as the moon's shadow. She had gone to her hut, collected her Book of Knowledge, and disappeared without a word to anyone.

  No one ever knew where she went. Many searched for her, everyone prayed for her. Vigils were held by the standing stones every evening—but it was all in vain. Even the fire in her hut wasn't allowed to go out in case she returned—but she never did.

  Though Ajeya didn't worry. She did not shed tears. She knew that Ukaleq was far too knowledgable and wise to simply not exist anymore. No, Ukaleq was the great Shaman, the great healer, who still had lessons to teach and messages to share—wherever that path would take her.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  'Thank you Saskia, I will never forget this.'

  'I am sure my father would want me to help you. After all, it's because of your bravery that we are all safe.'

  'Well, most of us are safe,' his face was grim. 'I never met Coben, but from what you have told me, and what your father told me; it's him we have to be thankful for.'

  'Yes, you are right; but we still wouldn't have made it without you.'

  She slipped her hand inside his. He wrapped his own around hers, and felt his heart miss a beat.

  'What are you going to say when you get to the Castle gates.'

  'I shall say that I have something that belongs to Gya.'

  'How do you know that she is there?'

  'I don't, but as she is Namir's saviour, he will know where she is.'

  'And the reason that you will not introduce yourself at the gates is? '

  He turned to look at her and arched an eyebrow. 'Would you receive the man who had tried to kill you?'

  She shook her head. 'Probably not.'

  He thinned his lips. 'That is why I have to remain in disguise—until I am inside the gates at least.'

  Saskia chewed on the corner of her mouth. 'What if Namir challenges you, or the king throws you in the dungeons?'

  'I don't think they will do that,' he shook his head. 'They are honourable leaders of the kingdom, they do not rule by fear. They govern by virtue and integrity. I could learn a thing or two from them.' He turned to look at her. 'Besides, they will see you with me.' He planted a kiss on her cheek. 'Plus I have the names of those men who I helped to escape. I am hoping they will see that I have changed.'

  She gripped his hand tighter and leaned into his shoulder. 'I hope they do as well.'

  They picked up the pace and followed their path to the north.

  The morning had started off grey and ghostly, with a shifting mist and low cast cloud. By noon, it had all gone, and in its place were the dappled images of light and dark from the overhead sun. They followed their path, cracked and dry from a long hot summer, with thick gnarled roots pushing up from underneath the blisters. It felt strange travelling this far north; the trees were bigger and denser, and the birds that nested here were different; each one seemed to stare at him and hunch down tight amongst the vibrant blooms .

  They found an ancient oak, and hunkered down for the night. Saskia had caught a guinea fowl earlier in the day, and prepared it for supper while Cornelius made a fire. They ate quietly as the sun bowed out to the nocturnal world. Above them, a crescent moon was floating in a celestial sky surrounded by silver pockets of stars.

  The next day, they kept on the valley's course, keeping to the wooded areas rather than the exposed upper slopes. It was easier to hunt in these parts, and to find wood for a fire at night to keep the wolves away. Their journey continued; twisting through a copse of trees, following the dug out trail from sheep, disturbing a boar and narrowly missing the ferocious tusks as they skimmed up a tree. Then the wind picked up and the rain started. These days were slow, so they hunkered down in caves and hovels, ate well, and studied the book of knowledge.

  After days of bad weather, the morning had dawned stunningly clear. The sky turning from
black to turquoise, to a dazzling radiant blue. The ground was slick with tacky mud, pocked with animal prints and droppings. These were wolf prints; and the very presence of such a beast made them feel incredibly small and insignificant. They had heard the howl in the night on many occasions; it seemed to be following them on their path. They must be in his domain they decided.

  They knew they were getting closer to Castle Dru, and within those stone walls, they would be safe. Or so they hoped .

  He held onto Saskia's hand tightly, the book safely concealed beneath his jacket. He pressed it close to him, wrapping his outer robe around him. And as they moved through the day, guided by the rivers and the sun, they followed the path that would take them to the Castle—and the start of his redemption.

  Chapter Forty-Three

  It was almost dawn when they reached it. A stone bridge took them across the river—and there it was, the huge fortress north of Break Pass Ridge mine.

  From a distance, the settlement appeared dark and silent. As they got closer, they could hear pigs snuffling, hens clucking, a lone rooster crowing. Geese were honking and people waking; and for a brief moment, it reminded Saskia of Aiden Hall. But these homesteads fringed the perimeter, and were secure behind a huge crenelated wall.

  'It's too early to announce our arrival,' said Cornelius. 'The settlement is only just waking. We need to give them a bit more time. Let's freshen up by the stream and have some food.'

  'Yes I agree,' she said. 'Though I think it's about time you lost that beard and trimmed your hair,' she smiled at him lovingly.

  'What do you mean, lose my beard? I've got quite attached to this you know.' He stroked the matted growth, his fingers instantly disappearing up to the knuckles. He decided that she was probably right. 'But do you think it's a good idea to do it now? They will recognise me straight away.'