Middleton gave him a proud pat on the shoulder. “There are few folk who have battled a dark wolf and lived to tell the tale.”
Elder studied the grin on his face as his father’s grip tightened around his shoulder. He broke into a laugh.
“You frightened the life out of me last night,” Middleton declared, his face a picture of relief. “I thought you had perished for certain and I would never see you again.” He hugged him again.
Elder basked in his father’s warm embrace, feeling like a small child. “The strangest thing happened to me, Father. When I was alone in the dark.” He took a second to recall the nightmare images that played in his mind. “There were two more dark wolves waiting in the forest. I expected them to kill me.” He shook his head at the memory. “I covered my face and waited, but when I looked again, they were both dead. I found them slaughtered right in front of me on the ground.”
His father simply stared, lost for words.
“Then I ran for my life back to the clearing. That is the last thing I remember.”
“And you would have run straight into the fire if I had not caught you.”
“It seemed a much safer place at the time, let me assure you.” Elder said with a nervous chuckle.
Middleton frowned, the proud smile slipping from his face. “That is not the only strange thing that happened.” He paused, glancing downward. “Something happened with Charlotte. I cannot really explain what it was, if anything.” He shook his head.
“What about her?…Father?”
“I do not know.” He let out a sigh. “Maybe I was mistaken. A lot of things happened in a short space of time. It was probably nothing.” He dismissed the subject with a nonchalant wave of his hand.
Elder knew not to press the matter further.
They walked to the spot where Elder had fallen and scoured the area. There was no sign of anything, not even the bodies of the slain wolves. Doubts began to creep into Elder’s mind. Maybe the bump on his head had played tricks with his thoughts.
They made their way back to the clearing. “Where is Charlotte?” Elder asked, glancing around.
Middleton ran over to the wreckage of the wagon, lifting the remains of the canopy.
Elder stood waiting, but it was clear from his father’s face that she was not there. His heart leaped. “Charlotte! Charlotte!”
She emerged into the clearing, holding Swift and Buttercup by their reins. “Shh, you’ll freak ‘em out,” she said, wearing a triumphant smile. “They weren’t far away, just down there.” She pointed in the direction she had come from.
Middleton walked over and kissed her cheek. “Well done, Charlotte. You have saved us from a very long walk indeed.”
A rush of relief almost brought Elder to tears. He ran over to stroke Swift’s silky, soft nose. “Am I glad to see you, my faithful friend,” he mumbled to the animal. He patted his flank, examining him for wounds. “Not a scratch on him.”
Charlotte’s grin widened, watching him hug his much loved friend. “I thought you’d be chuffed.”
For the first time, Elder noticed a change in her. She was different somehow, a little more grown up perhaps. He couldn’t tell for sure, but there was definitely something about her. In fact, they all seemed a little different from that long, terrifying night in the forest.
Chapter Nine
The Stronghold
Charlotte stood shivering beneath her cloak. She watched Elder and Middleton pack any supplies they could carry by horseback. An overwhelming fear at the prospect of continuing their journey without the wagon twisted her stomach, but she didn’t want to make a fuss. She would just be glad to get as far away from this place as she could, at any cost.
Elder helped her into the saddle and sat behind, putting a firm arm around her waist. “You will be quite safe, I promise,” he whispered.
She welded her eyes shut and held tight to the front of the saddle. Being only the second time she had ridden by horse, she had already made up her mind she didn’t like it. After a few minutes of riding and in the firm grip of Elderfield, she managed to raise enough courage to risk opening her eyes, one at a time.
The forest spread from the edge of the flat moorlands all the way through to the mountainous regions. They picked their way around boulders and through the trees, navigating the horses down the side of a deep gorge. Occasionally, their path would end on a rocky outcrop, with the danger of falling from a sheer drop to the forest floor below. They backtracked to find alternative routes, but this made their journey slow and cumbersome. By the time they reached the bottom of the gorge, the sun began to creep towards the horizon.
To break up the monotony as they rode along, Charlotte taught Elder how to sing Ten Green Bottles. It brought a welcome distraction from the previous night’s events. She needed something to take away the images of horror that lurked on the edge of her subconscious; of horrific monsters that had become part of her real life.
By late afternoon, they had only made it halfway up the other side of the gorge. Middleton stopped and waited for them to catch up with him. “We had better look for a place to make camp soon.” He gestured towards the sky. “It will be getting dark in the next few hours. It would be wise to set up camp before then.”
Charlotte noticed him watching her for a reaction. She tried to appear casual. “I was hoping you would say that. I’m starving!”
He smiled in response, like a proud father.
Within the hour, Middleton led their small company out of the trees and onto a rocky ledge. He dismounted and unloaded his horse. “We will set up camp here.”
“It’s a bit windy,” Charlotte complained, sliding to the ground and pulling her cloak tight about her. She shuffled as close as she dared to the cliff edge and gazed at the canopy of treetops sweeping downward, deep into the gorge below. Behind her, a cliff face rose hundreds of feet above their heads, eroded by countless years of wind and rain.
“This is perfect!” Middleton declared, tying Buttercup’s reins to a fallen tree trunk. “If we build a fire across the entrance to the forest, we will be well protected from any unwanted visitors.”
Charlotte nodded, unconvinced. She helped build a simple shelter against the rocks, using some large branches and the remains of the wagon’s canopy. They encircled the camp with torches and lit a small fire for cooking. The rock face gave refuge from the icy wind that blew in gusts with an unnerving howl. Surrounded by flickering torchlight, Charlotte settled. The heat from the flames warmed her cheeks, and the orange glow masked the harsh environment outside, but her fears remained. It took all her will power to prevent herself from imagining another night of terror.
After feeding the horses, Elder climbed into the shelter, rubbing his hands. “It is getting bitterly cold out there.” He moved himself closer to the fire. “I never thought I would hear myself say this after last night, but I will be glad to get back into the forest and out of this wind.”
“This should warm you.” Middleton handed him a bowl of hot stew. It held a vague resemblance to soup due to their lack of supplies. “It is not the most wholesome meal, but better than nothing.” Nobody complained.
Charlotte finished her food and thanked Middleton. She snuggled down into a pile of sacks. Wrapped in a heavy woollen blanket, she watched the embers in the fire dance against the black sky. It wasn’t long before her eyes closed and dreams took over her unconscious mind.
She stood on top of a large mountain, looking down on all the people far below. The wind brushed her face in gentle gusts, teasing her senses with fresh summer blossoms. The beautiful green lands stretched out before her like a patchwork quilt, bursting with life. With wide, open arms, she illuminated the stunning scenery against the cold darkness that lay just beyond the furthest hills. The people below smiled affectionately upon her. They looked happy and content, calm and peaceful. Charlotte was the sun, oozing warmth and goodness, lighting their lives. Her whole body tingled from head to toe. It was wonderful.
/> “Come on, sleepy head,” Elder whispered, stroking her hand. “Breakfast is ready.”
She opened her eyes and saw his wide smile and a steaming bowl in his hand. His silhouette against the warm glow of the sun reminded her of her dream. She stretched and smiled with contentment. “Hello, Elderfield.” She gestured for him to sit beside her.
“I brought you some warm oats.” He made himself comfortable, passing her the bowl and a wooden spoon.
She stared at his friendly face. “Are you ok? I was really worried about you, you know.” She touched the lump on his head with her fingertips. “That looks sore.”
“I am fine. You should not worry yourself. I only have a small bump on the head and a few bruises.”
“A bump? I thought that thing was going to rip your head off. I couldn’t believe it when you came running back out of the woods.” Her eyes widened. “You know what this means, Elderfield, don’t you?” She wore a cheeky smile. “You’re a hero.”
“A hero!” he scoffed. “Very lucky most likely, but I am no hero.”
She laid her head on his shoulder and hugged his arm. “Ah, you’re my hero.”
After a hasty breakfast, they packed up and headed back into the cool shade of the forest to begin the long climb out of the gorge. Before the morning ended, the trail levelled out to a gentle slope and eased the burden on the tiring horses.
They stopped beside a clear running stream to rest and eat a cold lunch. Middleton unsaddled the horses and left them to graze. After eating, Charlotte followed Elderfield while he carried the two half-filled water skins to the bank. She had never imagined drinking water from anything other than a tap or a bottle. She watched him topping up their water rations directly from the stream, and realised that all the water she had drunk must have come from the same source. She hadn’t seen any taps at the farmhouse.
She copied Elder as he cupped his hands to scoop up a mouthful to drink. She found it wonderfully crisp and refreshing with a slight tang. She spotted Elder watching her. He grinned, and she sensed herself blushing, but didn’t know why. What would she have done without him? He was so nice and kind. If only she could have a big brother just like him to look out for her, wouldn’t life be much sweeter? The thought brought a smile to her face and butterflies to her tummy.
They stayed for less than an hour before resuming their journey. Within a short time, the trees started to thin and opened out into wide areas of grassland. Midway through the afternoon, they came upon a much wider track.
Middleton pulled his horse close to them. “These grooves are freshly cut. Someone has passed this way quite recently.” He pointed to where the trail wove through the trees ahead on them. “They are heading west. I think we should follow.”
“Do you think it is wise to travel in the open?” Elder remarked. “We could be leaving ourselves open to an ambush.”
Middleton shook his head. “This track will lead us straight to the Stronghold, I am sure of it.” He glanced at Charlotte. “We should try to reach the fortress before sundown.”
Charlotte couldn’t agree more. She’d had enough of horse riding to last her a lifetime.
They continued cautiously for the rest of the afternoon without incident. Several miles into their journey, the path ended at a large wall of rock jutting out of the trees on either side of the road. The only way to overcome the obstacle was to ride through a narrow canyon that ran between the massive boulders.
Middleton slowed on approach, and came to an abrupt halt.
Elder stopped alongside him. “What is wrong, Father?”
He signalled for him to be quiet, and cocked his head to listen. “It appears we have company,” he said after a moment. “Charlotte, take this and hide it in your tunic.” He handed her a small dagger.
She stared at it in surprise before hiding it under her cloak.
“Do not be afraid, child. My intent is not to scare you. Elder and I will not let any harm come to you, I promise.” He spoke with the utmost confidence.
Charlotte heard a rumble of hooves echoing against the canyon walls. A row of dwarf horsemen appeared before them, riding short, sturdy horses draped in chain mail. Among them, they carried spears, broad swords, and crossbows. Charlotte’s stomach tightened. More dwarves. And these looked ready for a battle. She felt Elderfield’s grip tighten around her waist.
Middleton grabbed his son’s arm. “Stay here. I will go and speak with them. You are responsible for Charlotte’s welfare. No matter what, be ready to act in her defence only. Do you understand me?”
Elder nodded.
Satisfied, Middleton rode towards the dwarf warriors with his hands in clear view to show they contained no weapons. When he was halfway between Elder and the horsemen, he stopped.
One of the dwarves broke from the line to join him. He rode around Middleton in a circle before coming to a halt to face him.
Charlotte craned her neck to see what was going on. “What do you think they’re talking about? It looks like they’re waving to each other. I wonder if he knows him.”
Elder chuckled.
She gave him a hard stare. “What?” she snapped. “What are you laughing at?”
“They are saluting, not waving.”
“Well, I don’t know, do I?” she exclaimed, watching some more before turning to face him again. “You’re all weird, as far as I’m concerned.”
The conversation went on for some minutes before the dwarf warrior became irritable, raising his voice. Middleton shook his fist, returning angry words.
From this distance, she couldn’t hear their conversation. “This doesn’t look good.” She leaned closer and spotted Elderfield’s hand already resting on the hilt of his sword. She swallowed hard.
The warrior threw back his cloak and pulled a crossbow from behind his back. Aiming it at Middleton, he gestured for him to throw down his arms. He did as he was asked, dropping his sword on the ground and raising his arms.
“Elderfield!” Charlotte blurted out, tugging at him. “Do something!”
Before he had time to draw his sword, the remaining warriors galloped towards them. They were outnumbered by at least ten to one, so fighting was not an option. More dwarves appeared from out of nowhere, cutting off their retreat. Charlotte cowered into Elder’s arms.
“Throw down your weapons,” the nearest dwarf ordered.
Elder drew his sword and let it fall to the ground.
Charlotte pulled her cloak tighter around the concealed knife.
The dwarf dismounted and picked up the discarded weapon, examining it. He stared at them for a moment before speaking. “Go and join your friend.” He motioned his head towards Middleton.
Elder rode to his father’s side and stopped.
Charlotte reached out to him. “What are they going to do with us?”
He took her hand. “Do not be afraid, child. We have reached the Stronghold. This is merely a formality.” He gave her a reassuring smile.
She glanced at Elder. His face had drained of colour.
A warrior rode alongside Middleton, pointing towards the canyon. “Ride,” he ordered.
The track led through the canyon and fell away into a network of roads that fanned out in different directions. Below lay a sight that would stay with Charlotte for the rest of her life.
Rising high in jagged formations stood a range of mountains, spanning as far as the eye could see in either direction. Carved deep into the side of rock was a whole city. It stretched throughout the entire mountain. She gawked at the thousands of window and door openings, some crude and others with fancy stonework and glass in the windows. Wisps of smoke from the many chimneys rose upward from every part of the mountain. She saw the people going about their everyday business like a swarm of ants. It was as if the whole mountain range breathed a life of its own.
Charlotte stared in silent awe. She couldn’t believe her eyes, and blinked several times to absorb the whole spectacle. Her elation soon ended when a dwarf warrior bro
ught them to a halt and ushered their small party down a narrow stone staircase, forcing them into a small cell. The metal-studded door slammed closed with a loud clash. A single streak of light pierced the room through a barred window high above their heads. She stood with her arms clenched to her chest, expecting to see rats scurrying on the straw-scattered floor. She fought against the urge to burst into tears. “What are we going to do now?”
Chapter Ten
New Surroundings
Charlotte unleashed a barrage of complaints in the confines of the small cell. She waved her finger and explained how much trouble there would be if her dad were here. “You’re not allowed to lock up kids where I come from,” she declared with her hands on her hips. Her courage vanished when she heard footsteps approaching the door, and she shrank behind Elderfield.
The bolt securing the door slid back with a loud clunk. Middleton rose to his feet and took a defiant stance. The door creaked open, revealing a dwarf in full battle dress. He removed his shiny, brass helmet crested with yellow feathers and tucked it under his arm. He examined each member of the cell one at a time, his eyes coming to rest on Middleton.
“Welcome, travellers.” He gave a simple bow of his head.
“‘Welcome’ is not a word that springs to mind,” Middleton snapped back, his jaw muscles twitching.
Charlotte watched the funny little man, wondering why he dressed in such outrageous clothing. His forest-green cloak covered a small suit of armour and a yellow tunic with strange writing embroidered across the front. Despite his gnarled features and the same bulbous nose as the others, he had kind, deep-set eyes and a smile to match.
The dwarf removed his cloak, showing he had no obvious weapons. He peeked into the corridor before closing the door. “What business brings you elven people to these parts?”
“Any business I have here is of no concern of yours. I would appreciate if you and your friends would be kind enough to let us go so we can be on our way.” Middleton’s cold gaze did not falter.
“I am Warrior Drew, Chief Defender.” He held a clenched fist to his temple in some kind of salute. “I am in charge of security of the Stronghold. Everything is my business.” His lips pursed into a stern line.
Truth Teller Page 8