“I’ve just found you, and already I must say goodbye. I do not know if I will ever return, but if I do, I’m going to marry you, Akerri Brightwing, and together we will build a new home for the Skomm. I promise.”
Talon kissed her forehead and turned away from her before he lost the nerve.
Chapter 31
Return to Beorn’s Cave
I told Beorn that Talon would one day return, and asked the bear to watch over him as he once had. The mauling to death of the Vaka on the mine road before Talon’s escape was not my doing. Beorn took a liking to Talon early on, and took it upon himself to kill the Vaka.
Azzeal, Keeper of the Windwalker Archive
Talon set out with the hawk riders shortly after dawn. Flick’s silver hawk had been killed during Zilena’s fight with the dark elf, and so he rode with Ash as before. Talon had offered his condolences for Flick’s loss, but the young man only nodded a thanks. He looked as if he might burst if he tried to speak.
Han had informed Talon that they would need a base of sorts for the mission, since it entailed infiltrating Timber Wolf Village and locating Kreal before the challenge could be made.
Talon knew of the perfect spot—Beorn’s Cave.
The silver hawks had once again turned their feathers gray as the dark clouds hanging over the region, which offered them the advantage of hiding their shadows. The bird’s camouflage worked well, but they could do nothing about their shadows that flew across the ground.
They reached the coast and were soon flying over the mines where Talon had toiled for so many months. He saw the workers there below, still locked in their eternal march up the spiraling ridge of the mines.
Talon’s blood boiled.
He had been on edge since leaving Freedom, and returning to Volnoss affected him in ways that he hadn’t expected. He felt anger, but also sorrow, and the old shame that had haunted him his entire life. Talon hated the island, he hated the Vald, but most of all, in this place, he hated the world for allowing such injustice to exist.
Beyond the mines lay the winding northern road. Talon veered right before the fields of white buffalo and continued on past another mine that was long abandoned, leading the riders toward the highest point on Volnoss.
Beorn’s Cave sat on a ridge halfway up the face of the small mountain, and just as Talon remembered, it was flanked by tall winding rows of ivy, yet the mouth to the cave stood open and dark. The cave entrance was too small for the silver hawks, and so they were left on the wide ridge, their feathers having turned to the many hues of the surrounding gray stone.
“This be a fine little mountain,” said Ash, hooking his thumbs in his belt and leaning back to admire the stone.
“Not too loud,” said Talon. “I’m not sure if the bear still lives here.”
“Bear?” said Han, peeking into the dark entrance.
“Yeah. Don’t worry, he’s nice. Just follow my lead.”
“Haze, watch the hawks,” said Han.
Talon led the group into the cave and through the tunnel beyond. He held a torch before him, though he was not afraid in this place. Even when a low growl echoed through the narrow tunnel, Talon continued on.
“Beorn? Beorn, it’s me. Talon. I’m Azzeal’s friend. Remember Azzeal?”
The growl sounded again, though it was not as menacing as before.
The tunnel ended, and Talon pushed through the darkness and came out into the wide main chamber. Beorn was standing upright on two feet on the left side of the cave, and Talon looked him in the eye.
“Hello, Beorn. Do you remember me? You killed a Vaka who attacked me on the road from the mine. We’re friends.”
The bear watched each man as they slowly came in behind Talon.
“These are my friends,” he told the bear, taking a step forward.
Beorn dropped down from his stance and walked over to him. Talon stopped and waited, unafraid, holding out his hand.
The bear was as big as Talon remembered, fully twelve feet tall when standing upright in the cave. Even on all fours he was taller than Talon.
“Don’t be afraid,” Talon told the others over his shoulder.
Beorn sniffed Talon’s face and then licked his cheek, and proceeded to sit back on his haunches. If it was possible for a bear to smile, that is just what he did.
“Do you mind sharing your cave for a little while? I’ve got unfinished business with the Vald,” Talon asked.
Surprisingly, Beorn gave an exaggerated nod—something that Talon assumed Azzeal had taught him.
“Thank you,” said Talon. He turned to the others and spread his arms wide. “How’s this for a base of operations?”
“This will do,” said Han, unable to hide his grin.
They got a fire going and brought in supplies from their saddle bags. Beorn made himself comfortable beside the fire and slept as they went about making camp inside the wide cave. Azzeal’s stone table and chairs remained undisturbed in the right corner, and the men set about dining on rations while they formulated a plan.
Talon had thought instantly of Majhree upon arrival. If there was anyone he wanted with Akerri until he returned, it was her.
“Before I speak with my father, I’ve got to see an old friend,” he told Han.
“Who?”
“Her name is Majhree. She’s the healer who took care of me while I was here.”
“What does she have to do with the mission?” the general asked.
“Nothing but my peace of mind. I would have her brought to Freedom to look over Akerri for me. She was like a mother to her. If there is anyone—”
“This is not part of the agreement. The king promised that we would help you get Akerri. We have done our part. Now you must fulfill your end of the bargain.”
“Part of the bargain was also to help free the Skomm once my father and I had killed the chief. She will be the first to be freed. Call it good faith.”
“You find this woman, and you bring her here,” said Han. “Then you enlist your father’s help. No more bargains.”
“Understood,” said Talon.
“Have you thought how you might sway his decision?”
Talon hadn’t thought of Kreal much. Indeed, he had been avoiding the subject.
“I’ll figure it out,” he said.
“If he refused you because he thought you weak, a show of strength may be the only way to convince him. You may very well have to fight your father,” said Han.
Talon instinctively flexed his fist, feeling the familiar form of Kyrr between his fingers. “If it comes to that, then I will do it,” he said with as much confidence as he could muster.
Han studied him for a while before changing the subject. “What about Chief?” he said, nodding towards Talon’s pocket.
Talon had been avoiding that as well.
“I haven’t tried to summon him yet.”
“What do you mean?”
“He was forced back to the spirit world by a blast from the dark elf. I think he took too much damage. It fatigued him instantly. I’m not sure if…I’m not sure if he’s alive.”
“Has that ever happened before?”
Talon thought of the fight with McGillus and Grimald. “Yes, it has happened before, but not like this.”
“Well,” said Han. “I guess there’s only one way to find out.”
Talon sighed, reluctant to attempt to summon Chief so soon. He had let him rest for nearly a full day, but wasn’t sure if it was enough. It seemed he had no choice, for if he was going to sneak into Timber Wolf Village, he would rather do it with Chief watching his back.
He found the figurine deep in his pocket and held it out before him. With one last steadying breath, he called to Chief and watched the trinket anxiously.
It sparked, and a thin wisp of smoke snaked upward—that had never happened before.
“Come to me, Chief!” he said again, louder.
Again the figurine sparked, but then it began to glow soft blue. Smoke lazily
poured out and swirled around him, and to his relief, Chief stood before him, panting happily.
“Thank the gods. I thought I’d lost you!” said Talon.
Chief danced two circles and sat on his haunches. Then something perked his interest. His ears shot to attention and he sniffed at the air. When he saw Beorn, he didn’t bark, but rather, he cocked his head to the side curiously.
Beorn had been watching him, and now sat up on his haunches. Chief barked and happily padded over to the giant grizzly.
“They look like they’re best friends,” said Han with a laugh.
“They’ve met before. Seems like such a long time ago.”
“Well, it looks like he’s alright. This calls for a drink,” said Han. He poured some rum into the cap of his flask and handed it to Talon. “To Chief,” he said.
“To Chief.”
Talon accepted another drink to settle his nerves. Now that he knew Chief was alright, he had one less thing to worry about. Next he focused his attention on getting to Majhree without being seen.
Chapter 32
Keeping Old Promises
I see this Aurora Snowfell who Azzeal says will one day slay him. I see her in my dreams and visions many times. I want to hate her for what she does, I want to kill her before she is born. But then I see into her heart.
-Gretzen Spiritbone
Talon put Brightwing down on the road from the mines just outside Skomm Village. Han had thought it better not to try and land the hawk in the middle of the village even with its unique camouflage. They had talked about it for a long time, but in the end Talon agreed that the best way to go unnoticed in Skomm Village was to look like a Skomm. It was risky, for it required Talon to forgo his leather armor, but be had Chief with him, and unlike the silver hawk, Chief could actually become invisible.
“Get in and get out,” said Han. “I’ll be watching from on high, and I’ll intervene if I have to, but Shierdon cannot be linked to the overthrowing of Winterthorn whatsoever. So be smart.”
They had torn Talon’s pants at the hem and ripped off the sleeves of his shirt. Both items had been dragged around in the mud to make them look as tattered as possible. There was nothing that could be done for Talon’s boots, however, and so he had been forced to go barefoot.
“I’ll be fine,” said Talon.
“If a Vald or a Vaka sees you, don’t hesitate to strike. They won’t,” said Han. He slapped the reins, and his silver hawk leapt into the air, followed by Brightwing. Soon they blended in with the dark sky overhead and disappeared from sight.
Talon looked down the road toward the mines and a chill ran down his spine. He hated being back here. Even after all this time, it felt as though he had never left. It was as if the entire ordeal since leaving Volnoss had never happened.
He shook himself out of his daydreaming and started for the village with his head down, knowing that Chief was somewhere nearby, watching over him. Han would be above him already, watching as well.
Breathe, Talon. You can do this. You’ve got to do this. No time for second guessing. No time for weakness. You’re a deadly warrior. You’re—Feikinstafir!
A Vaka on horseback rounded a building at the edge of the village and came riding slowly toward the mine road.
Talon thought to run and hide behind the nearest hut, but then he realized that was his old Skomm instinct talking.
Keep your head, he told himself, and continued toward the village with his head bowed.
“What you doing out so late? Eh, throwback?” the Vaka called from his horse.
Talon’s blood instantly boiled at the old insult He drew strength from Kyrr and stopped on the road to face the Vaka.
“Working late at the mines, Vaka.”
“Working late at the mines?” said the Vaka as he drew closer and squinted at Talon.
“You ain’t dirty enough to have come from the mines.”
Feikinstafir!
Talon was caught and he knew it. He silently chastised himself for giving such a stupid answer and tried to think of something…anything!
The man looked closer, and Talon lowered his gaze to the ground.
“Look at me when I’m talking to you!” the Vaka yelled and drew back his whip.
Talon was the faster, however, and even as the whip fell on him, he was darting toward the horse in a blur of motion. He caught the whip in the middle and gave a yank. The surprised Vaka held on tight and was yanked from the saddle and landed hard in the mud. Talon was on him in a flash, leaping on his back, covering his mouth, and slitting his throat from ear to ear. He held firm until the man stopped moving and glanced around.
A Skomm man was standing shock-jawed only a few dozen feet away. Talon offered him a slow nod and brought his finger to his lips.
The man nodded back and continued on his way quietly.
Talon glanced up, knowing that Han must have seen him. “Chief,” he hissed.
The wolf nudged him in the arm, though he remained invisible.
“Drag the body into the woods and hurry back.”
Instantly the body was pulled down the road by the invisible wolf, and for a moment Talon watched the strange scene. He tied the horse off to one of the nearby huts and got off the road, opting instead to walk through the cluster of tents and huts.
He made it to Majhree’s house of healing without incident and knocked on the door softly. At first there was no answer, but then the shuffling of feet could be heard on the other side of the door. Tears came to Talon’s eyes when he heard the sound.
Majhree opened the door and glanced at him sideways like a bird from her crooked position. “Well then, what do you wa—”
“Hello Majhree,” said Talon with a smile.
Her eyes went wide and she slapped her hand over her mouth, as though afraid she might cry out.
“Talon?” she whispered and glanced around the outdoors. “Hurry, come in, come in.”
Talon followed her into the healing house, and a rush of memories as fresh as yesterday came rushing back to him.
“Should I prepare a bed?” asked one of her apprentices.
“No need. This here’s a special visit. I’ll need some privacy. If I’m disturbed, they better be dying.”
“Yes, Maj.”
She led Talon past the cot he had spent so many days in and down a short hall off the back of the building. When they came to a door, she quickly ushered him in, glancing conspiratorially over her shoulder.
“Majhree, I—”
She turned and hugged him tight, crying against him with tears of joy.
“Oh but the gods have answered my prayers,” she said, kissing his face. “How in Thodin’s name can this be real?”
“It is good to see you too.”
“Well let me look at you. My you’ve gotten tall and strong.”
“I haven’t really grown that much,” said Talon, though he could feel his face blush with the compliment.
“There’s something more about you. Ain’t the half-dead Skomm I met near on a year ago who’s standing before me now. That’s for damned sure.”
“Thanks, Majhree. You look great too.”
Majhree huffed and fanned herself. “And ain’t you a big lair.” She offered him a seat at a small table set at the end of the bed. “Now tell me, child, why’d you come back here?”
“I came to get you out of here.”
Her smile slowly left her face and turned to a frown.
“I’ve a silver hawk waiting in the forest,” he added.
She shook her head slowly. “Well, if you ain’t the craziest barbarian on Volnoss. I told you when you left that I couldn’t leave. I’ve got too many—”
“It’s Akerri. I’ve found her, and she isn’t well.”
“Thodin’s beard,” she said. The news added even more of a slope to her back. But then she straightened with purpose. “Where is she?”
“She’s on Freedom, headed to Sherna. I can get you there by morning. But you’ve got to tru
st me.”
“Freedom?”
“It’s a ship, used to be a slaver, now it’s a Skomm warship.”
“Skomm warship!”
She ducked down, realizing how loud she had been, and watched the door, listening. When no sound came from the hall, she continued, quieter this time. “You’ve got to tell me everything from the beginning.”
“I will, but we don’t have time right now. I’ve got to get you out of here. You’re the only one I’d rather have by her side other than myself.”
“Why can’t you be by her side? Why did you leave her?”
“I’ve made a deal with the King of Shierdon. He helped me get Akerri back, now I have to help my father defeat and replace Chieftain Winterthorn.”
Majhree’s eyes widened with every word, and by the time he finished, she was gawking at him, flabbergasted. “You’re something special, Talon Windwalker.”
“There’s more, and I can’t wait to tell you, but not here.”
Majhree nodded and glanced back toward the hall. “But what about my patients? Without me—”
“They’ll make do. Don’t worry. I’ve a plan to free the Skomm as well.”
Again, Majhree was speechless.
In the end Talon convinced her to come, and they made their way back out into the wide room.
“Let me say my goodbyes,” she said at the door, and Talon nodded understanding.
A few minutes later she returned with glossy, puffy eyes and indicated that she was ready.
“We’re headed for the mine road,” said Talon. “Chief is out there right now watching the place, and a silver hawk rider circles above. Follow my lead and you’ll be alright.”
Majhree nodded, and together they walked out of the house of healing for the last time.
Chapter 33
Seeing Through the Eyes of a God
How do the gods see us? Surely we are like ants to them. We stomp around the ground without a care for such tiny creatures, so too must the gods. It is said that they love us. If so, they must weep every day when they look upon Volnoss.
Exodus: The Windwalker Archive: Book 3 (Legends of Agora) Page 16