Hunter's Moon

by D A Godwin

  Argus bore one of them to the ground and began pummeling him with his fists. Tormjere grabbed another who was reaching for Shalindra and hurled him into a third attacker, sending both to the floor in a heap.

  Stay with Honarch.

  Anyone not in the fight was trying to get out, but it seemed that just as many were shoving their way in. There had to be close to a dozen at this point, though several other patrons seemed to have joined the fracas on no particular side but their own.

  Argus disposed of his opponent and regained his feet. Tormjere jumped the upended table and landed beside him. They waded into the attackers together, overturning more tables and smashing drinks on the floor.

  Honarch swept his arm sideways, and several mugs sitting on the bar launched themselves at the men, knocking one out cold and sending the other ducking for cover.

  Only three attackers remained standing. They backed towards the door before turning and running outside, screaming for the city watch.

  “He still makes a mess when he’s angry, doesn’t he?” Honarch asked Shalindra.

  An odd look crossed Tormjere’s face. “She’s never seen me angry.”

  “What now?” Argus asked.

  “We can start killing anyone else who enters,” Tormjere said, “or we can run.”

  “There has been enough death already,” Shalindra said. “We run.”

  “Well, at least one of you has sense,” Argus said as he led the way through the kitchen.

  “I sure make a lot of enemies when I’m with you,” Honarch said to Tormjere as they ran after him.

  A Kindness Repaid

  The horses were lathered and breathing heavily as the riders approached the walls of Tiridon once more. Shalindra was equally tired from the harrowing ride that had seen them sprinting through the night down darkened roads. It was a wonder none of the animals had broken a leg, but the moon had been full, and it provided enough light to avoid the worst hazards. Even then the rider’s attention had remained focused on the ground ahead, and there had been little time for conversation.

  The Ceringion army occupied the same positions it had when they left, and repairs to the wall were proceeding apace.

  And all the demons are gone.

  Shalindra had almost missed that in her haste to reach Edward. Now only blackened grass marked where each demon had died. She wished her own scars could be erased so easily.

  She led them around the western edge of the city rather than through it, and they found Edward’s men still camped to the north of the wall.

  “Looks like we’re half the size we were,” Argus noted.

  One of guards spotted them approaching and called into Edward’s tent.

  Tormjere dismounted the instant they came to a stop, thankful to have his feet on the ground once more.

  A palfrey would have been more comfortable.

  Walking would’ve been more comfortable.

  Shalindra’s heart grew sad as she saw Edward step from his tent. This could not wait, and I fear there will be little comfort to be had.

  “My lady, I am glad you have returned,” Edward said, “though I didn’t expect you so soon. Your message of warning arrived only last night. We’ve seen nothing out of sorts. The Ceringions have withdrawn across the river, all the roads are open now, and… what is it?”

  “Edward,” Shalindra said. “May I have a moment?”

  Edward looked at Argus, who avoided his eyes, then to Tormjere’s expressionless face, and back to Shalindra.

  “I count each of you as my friend. You may tell me here.”

  “Tarrendale fell.”

  Edward’s jaw set in a hard line. “And my family?”

  Shalindra couldn’t bring herself to say it, no matter how hard she tried.

  “They will be avenged,” he stated, his words thick with emotion.

  “I am sorry. Edward, they were… It was because your father disobeyed the King when the treaty was announced. Tarrendale was given to a Ceringion.”

  Argus put a hand on Edward’s shoulder. “You’re Lord Deurmark now, though I wish it was a happier way of telling you.”

  “Lord of nothing, you mean,” Edward said, his voice bitter.

  “It gets worse, I am afraid. The King has labelled both of us outlaws.”

  “But, you are his daughter and princess of…”

  “Edward, I renounced my name.”

  He looked stricken. “You what?”

  “I could not stay there and be controlled by the very enemy that we have fought so hard.”

  “You must take it back. You cannot give that all away!”

  “I fear that I already have. What is past cannot be changed. We must look to what lies ahead.”

  “She’s got the right of it,” Argus said. “You’ll both have a price on your head soon, if you don’t already, and we’ve got a small host in the field here that still answers to you.”

  “Edward, we must—”

  Poloni’s coming with soldiers.

  She stopped and turned towards the gate, where the baron was approaching ahead of two dozen armed men.

  “My dear lady,” Poloni began. “We did not expect you back, but this makes things so much easier.”

  “I bring ill news, I am afraid,” Shalindra answered. “You will soon have to kneel before the Conclave.”

  Poloni looked more pleased than they had ever seen him. “I am not waiting for anything. Master Sdeul arrived yesterday, and I have extended an invitation to Commander Marcus, your former opponent, to discuss how best to move forward with the reconciliation.”

  Shalindra stopped. “You would willingly ally with those that have tried to conquer us?”

  “They offer better trade and security, and a guarantee of peace.”

  “They offer to accept your servitude,” Shalindra spat back. “They will own this city in all but name.”

  “Perhaps in reality it is you who have difficulty admitting defeat,” Poloni countered, his face beginning to turn red as his voice rose. “For all your heroics, you have accomplished nothing. The King has placed us on the path to peace and prosperity. Oh yes, I know what you’ve done.” He waved a rolled message at her.

  “The King is a weak man,” she said, “and your welcome embrace of our enemy makes me question your true loyalties.”

  “How dare you! I will have you flayed from one end of the castle to the next for your insolence!” Poloni screamed, spittle flying from his mouth. “You have turned your back on your father and king and are no better than the rest of your brigands. That’s right! Brigands and thieves! I will see you brought to justice and made an example of! You will all—”

  Tormjere grabbed Poloni’s flapping arm and bent it painfully behind his back, turning the baron towards his men.

  The soldiers began to draw weapons but were stopped by Tormjere’s soft warning. “I will destroy you utterly if you interfere.” To make his point, he gave the baron’s arm a violent twist.

  Poloni shrieked and collapsed to his knees, clutching at his dislocated shoulder.

  Do not kill him.

  Have Edward get his men moving.

  Shalindra whispered something to Edward, and he and Argus turned back towards their camp. Honarch cast a worried glance at Tormjere before following them.

  Tormjere kicked the baron to the ground and leaned close. “We kept these walls standing for you when the demons came, and we can tear them down just as easily.”

  Poloni whimpered, staring up at him in mute terror.

  “Lord Poloni is overcome,” Tormjere said to the soldiers. “He must be returned to his castle for rest.”

  Several men moved cautiously to retrieve the baron.

  “Don’t worry,” Tormjere added as Poloni was lifted to his feet. “I’m sure your new wizard will be able to fix that.”

  He turned his back to them and walked deliberately after Edward. Shalindra followed with concern.

  Do you feel better?

  No, but now we’ve a
chance to leave in peace.

  You have made an enemy.

  He was already an enemy.

  He is misguided, but did he deserve to be left so damaged?

  No.

  Then why?

  Tormjere turned to face her. “Because now his soldiers will stand aside instead of in our way. One man lies broken. How many more would die should we be forced to fight our way from the city?”

  “Too many.” She sighed in resignation. “I will see that he is healed before we leave.”

  Tormjere’s tone softened. “I know. You wouldn’t be who you are if you did otherwise.”

  Shalindra kept further thoughts to herself. He had probably saved countless lives and prevented further damage to the city, but what worried her most was the possibility that, deep down, where he wouldn’t even admit it to himself, he had enjoyed it.

  She came to a sudden halt, and he stopped with her.

  “Enna,” they said at the same time.

  “I have to get to her,” she said, “and Kayala. I fear she will not be safe with the Imaretii in control.”

  Tormjere looked back to the gate. Poloni’s men were gone, and the way remained open.

  They hurried through the streets to the temple of Eluria, giving Poloni’s keep a wide birth. At the temple entrance, they were greeted with worry and led to a small room.

  Shalindra and Tormjere entered quietly.

  Enna looked up from beside the single bed where Kayala lay.

  “What has happened?” Shalindra asked in a soft voice.

  “She came down with the fever, the day after you left. It’s sweeping through the city. Many whisper that it’s from the demon, but I think it a more common disease.” Enna shrugged. “As with all such afflictions, it has been quite resistant to our Mistress’s healing. Most who suffer from it should recover after a few weeks of rest, but she’ll need to remain in bed.”

  “Where is Sister Adira?”

  “I don’t know. She left this afternoon but did not tell us when she expected to return.”

  Kayala’s eyes fluttered open and she lifted her hand.

  Shalindra took it gently.

  “I am glad you’ve returned, Shalindra.”

  “I fear it is only to say goodbye once more. We are leaving tonight, with Edward, but I had to make sure that you were safe.”

  “What of the relics she safeguards?” Enna asked Shalindra. “You know where they were bound, yes?”

  “They should remain here with her, until she has recovered.”

  “No,” Kayala said with sudden strength. “They must resume their journey. Those that you have fought will seek them out, as they do all such treasures. I will be well enough, soon. If you must leave now, then I will travel with you.”

  “That cannot be wise,” Shalindra protested. “Surely…”

  “It must be done,” Kayala said firmly. “Eluria will grant me the strength. Find Marie. She will know what to bring.”

  “I will stay by her side,” Enna said to Shalindra. “And by yours. Kayala has little strength and must be kept warm. I know there is a wagon in the stables here that we could use. Just tell us when we should be ready.”

  Tormjere stepped to the bed and gently lifted Kayala, blankets and all, as easily as a child. “Now is the time.”

  “Always impatient,” Kayala whispered, laying her head against his shoulder.

  “I’ll get Marie,” Enna said and hurried from the room.

  Kayala said nothing as she was carried from the temple.

  Shalindra led Tormjere directly to the stables, where he settled the old woman as comfortably as possible inside the wagon they found there. By the time Tormjere had hitched the mules and pulled the wagon around Enna and Marie were waiting with two small but weighty chests.

  Tormjere gave the reins to Shalindra and hefted the chests into the wagon. Enna and Marie climbed atop them.

  “Wait!” came a shouted command from behind.

  Tormjere’s sword was halfway out before he saw Sir Birion hurrying through the garden towards them. The knight slowed and held up his hands.

  “I bear you no ill will,” he said to Shalindra. “Are the accounts true?”

  “I am no longer your princess,” Shalindra said, “nor am I welcome in any of the King’s cities, if that is what you ask.”

  “You have been cast out?” Birion asked incredulously. “My lady, this turn of events pains me greatly. Lord Poloni…”

  “It was unfortunate, but I believe it prevented a worse outcome, for all involved.”

  “You must leave,” Birion said.

  “We are moving as fast as we are able. I would not wish to be here should you be ordered to restrain us.”

  “I already have.”

  “And what do you intend to do?”

  “I’ve fought beside you too many times to fight against you. Everyone believes you still with Lord Deurmark, but it will not take them long to learn otherwise. Return to him swiftly. I can delay any pursuit, but only for a few hours.”

  “We would be grateful even for that.”

  “My lady, should we catch up to you…”

  “It will be a sad day, Lord Birion.”

  * * *

  They rode through the night again, taking the western road that travelled towards Verone and all the way to Kirchmont. Edward’s men took charge of the wagon, allowing Shalindra some much needed rest as she rode crammed in the back with Kayala, Marie, and Enna. The column didn’t stop marching until midday, at a grassy field of suitable size.

  Kayala did her best to get herself out of the wagon but struggled to even sit upright, and they laid her in a makeshift bed of blankets on the ground. The old cleric managed to drink some water but continued to refuse any food and returned to sleep quickly.

  Tormjere pulled out the two jeweled balls and began rolling them through his fingers to pass the time, producing a pleasant twinkle as each gem glowed when touched.

  “Where’d you get the dohedrons?” Honarch asked.

  “These? From a couple of wizards who managed to drop them along the way.”

  Honarch winced. “I hope it wasn’t anyone I knew—not everyone in the Conclave is evil.”

  “They were sending demons to kill us. I was a bit busy to ask for introductions.” Tormjere tossed a dohedron to Honarch. “What are they used for?”

  “They allow for coded communication across great distances,” Honarch said, examining it. “Felzig had one and…” He stopped. “How could I have missed that? He must have been in contact with the thief who stole the Book. That’s why we chased him all over the mountains for so long.”

  “How do they work?” Shalindra asked.

  “Each is aligned to its brother. Touching any of the gems on one makes the corresponding gem on the other light up. Specific patterns of lights can mean whatever code has been worked out beforehand. It takes a bit of effort to make them, though, so they aren’t very common.”

  The soldiers around them began to rise, signaling an end to their stop. Edward came walking by fast enough that he was almost jogging, and barely slowed as he caught sight of Shalindra.

  “We leave in ten minutes,” was all he said.

  They maintained their hurried march for the remainder of the day with no signs of pursuit. Early the next morning, however, riders were spotted following them. Edward elected to bypass the town of Haverby to increase their speed, but by the afternoon the riders shadowing them had been joined by a column of armored knights under the banner of Tiridon.

  Edward rushed his men into a defensive line, blocking the road.

  “I do not wish to fight them,” Shalindra said.

  “They may leave us little choice,” Edward replied. “If we must come to blows, I’d rather face them now while we still have light.”

  They waited tensely as the column of horsemen drew to a halt, just out of bowshot. Three men rode forward, and Shalindra’s heart sank as she saw Birion astride his charger in the front.

&
nbsp; “Let us see what they want,” Shalindra said, spurring her horse forward.

  Edward gave Tormjere a worried look as they followed.

  “Lord Birion,” she greeted him.

  “My lady,” he replied with a bow. “I trust you are well?”

  “For now.”

  “The day you left, Lord Poloni opened the gates and the Ceringions occupied the city. We were ordered to remain in barracks. There was some looting but little bloodshed. Unfortunately, the temple of your goddess was sacked and plundered, as were several others.”

  “What happened to my Sisters?”

  “I am unaware of their fate, I’m sorry.”

  “Thank you for telling us this,” Shalindra said, “but you did not come this far and with so many men to bring us that information.”

  Birion looked pained. “I did not, my lady. We were ordered to return you to his lordship to face charges of treason.”

  Edward’s grip tightened on his sword. “That will not be permitted.”

  Shalindra raised a hand to calm him. “You do not appear eager for that task.”

  “I am not. You were responsible for every victory we achieved, and I would sooner face a hundred demons than take the field against you. We have come to pledge our lives and services to you, if you’ll have us, in the hope that you can restore some order to the world.”

  Shalindra smiled in relief. “I would be most honored, Lord Birion.”

  Nowhere to Run

  It was a weary and battered stream of people that arrived at the outskirts of Kirchmont. The Ceringions, apparently not trusting Birion to execute Poloni’s orders, had added their own cavalry to the pursuit, catching up to them on the outskirts of the merchant city of Verone. Unwilling to take sides and maintaining a sizable advantage, Lord Artremi had turned both forces away.

  That had left them with little choice but to continue towards Kirchmont, with the Ceringions nipping at their heels the entire way. The constant need to protect against attack, combined with the rapid pace, had worn them down and thinned their numbers.

  They had camped near a cluster of farmhouses a few miles from Kirchmont the night before, and now Shalindra and Edward rode at the head of a small delegation towards the magnificent city. Judging from the ranks of soldiers arrayed before them, they did not expect a warm welcome. They came to a cautious stop within speaking distance.