by Toni Cox
Eventually he became restless. He had no way of knowing the direction his prey would take, but instinct made him make his way south. He travelled with care, for he had the feeling that here he was not the only one sneaking around unseen. He calculated the hours and as the time neared that the ship should come into view, he found himself a hideout on top of a high, rocky outcropping and waited.
He did not have to wait long and his suspicions had been confirmed; the ship was south of him, about another five miles out. At the speed with which it travelled, it would make landfall before he would be able to reach their anchorage, but he dared not shadow travel again today. Changing into his wolf form, he hugged the coastline and ran. The wolf was large and fast and he revelled in the speed with which his paws hit the ground. He might miss them disembark, but he would not lose their scent. Wherever they were going, he would follow.
It was late in the afternoon when the group of Vampyres made camp. There were now two more Elves with them, both dressed in the same black, hooded garments as the one that had met them on the opposite shore.
Blaid snarled quietly at the extent of the Elves’ betrayal. How many of them were involved? He lay low as he watched the group set up their tents for the night. It seemed that, now on the eastern shore of the lake, they did not need to take as much precautions about being discovered. They did not try very hard to hide their tracks, they built an open fire and did not even keep their voices down when they spoke. The Elves seemed completely at ease with their unlikely associates and, later that night, retired to their tents without worry. The Vampyres, not needing the sleep, stayed up for most of the night, spent mostly in discussions Blaid wished he could understand.
Some time during the night even Blaid laid down his head on his paws and closed his eyes. He did not sleep, but rested, knowing he was still feeling the effects of his shadow travel. By morning he felt better, having regained more of his strength and, when the strange group packed up camp and headed east towards the mountains, he was ready.
He followed them for three more days during which nothing of significance happened. Each night they made camp. Each morning they started their travels early and marched until nightfall. He assumed the day travel was for the benefit of the Elves, as he knew the Vampyres preferred to travel during the night. He wondered why these Vampyres were so considerate of the needs of these Elves, or what made them important enough not to kill, or worse, consume.
The Elves cooked dinner over the fires every night, but the Vampyres never ate during the time he followed them. They were now in the lower regions of the Crystal Mountains and, because of the rough terrain, it was a lot easier for Blaid to follow unnoticed. Nevertheless, he remained in his wolf form. These mountains were notorious for their wolves and, although the Mountain Wolf looked different from his own form, at a quick glance he could pass as just another wild animal that roamed the mountain.
On the fourth morning, two of the Elves took their leave and headed away from camp towards Stoneloft. The rest of them proceeded to pack up camp and, while they were so occupied, Blaid managed to sneak a little closer, the rocky and forested terrain giving him the necessary cover. He wanted to find out what was going on and where the others were going.
“They will reach the city in another two days,” the remaining Elf said to the General whom Blaid had discovered was the leader of this group. “They will dispatch your messages as requested.”
The Vampyre grunted, but did not comment.
“The bird we sent to the stronghold should have arrived by now and Kieran should already be on his way as per your instructions,” the Elf added.
“It is pity vee will not ‘ave chance to speak with ‘im, but it is best that ‘e be on ‘is way,” the General said. “’ow many men ‘ave you been able to assemble?”
“There were twenty-three men at the stronghold before I left to fetch you, My Lord, but there has been news that some others were on their way to join us.”
The Vampyre nodded his head. “Is Lord Valander still present?”
“Yes, My Lord.”
“Let us go then. I vant to get there before nightfall.”
Blaid followed them at a distance. The more he learned, the less he liked it. He was worried what he might find when they reached the stronghold, whatever it might be. And the thought that so many Elves were aiding the Vampyres sickened him. What would make them betray their own kind?
The mountain was becoming steeper and the going was tough, slowing even the Vampyres. At some points, Blaid had to change form to climb rocks he would not have been able to scale with four paws. It was cold here in the mountains and he shivered, always thankful when he could change back into his fur.
They carried on, even when the sun set behind the Grildor-Bron Mountains in the distant west, barely visible even from this elevation. The Elf lit a small lantern and for another hour they clambered about in the dark before the snick of a blade being drawn brought them all to a halt. The group stood tense for a moment and then the Elf let out a soft whistle, repeated twice. After a short, tense silence, the whistle was repeated.
Blaid hid within a fissure of a rock, seeking the unseen watchman who had uttered the whistle. His sharp ears picked up the smallest of sounds and he eventually traced the man to across a narrow, but deep, chasm before them. He also sensed a row of men on a higher ridge and he heard the distinct sounds of bows being drawn. The whistle was repeated again and then two lanterns flared up, shedding some light on a narrow rope bridge spanning the chasm. The group advanced and had soon crossed over. Immediately the lanterns were shuttered and the chasm was again just a black pit in front of him.
He knew where the bridge was and he could still follow their scent, but it seemed that the bridge was well guarded and he dared not cross it. He waited a while for the men on guard to relax and resume their normal, nightly routine. The group was made up of two Elves and three Vampyres; their mixed scents strange in Blaid’s nose.
As evening turned to full night, Blaid emerged from his uncomfortable hiding place. He tried approaching the bridge, but was immediately rewarded with alert guards drawing their bows. Not wanting to arouse suspicion, he scouted the area for another way across the chasm. It was a long fissure that divided two steep peaks and he could hear the faint gurgling of a stream at its bottom. He padded up and down along the chasm for a long while, before he eventually conceded that he would not be able to get across unless he either used the bridge or climbed higher up the cliffs. The bridge was the easier option and he decided to test the watch men’s vigilance again. He picked up a small rock and tossed it over the chasm. It landed with a surprisingly soft thud on the other side, no doubt muffled by a patch of moss. Immediately he sensed the watchmen stir and he heard yet again the sound of bows being drawn. He sighed; even shadow travelling over the chasm seemed to be out of the question; he would become impaled by their arrows even before he could fully materialise again. He did not know the mountain beyond the chasm, so shadow jumping further into it was also not an option.
Travelling along the chasm seemed his only option. He made the change and, now naked, shivered in the frigid temperatures of the high mountain at night. Gritting his teeth, he started to climb. The sharp rocks were cutting his bare feet and more than once he slipped as his feet were becoming slick with blood. But he made progress. By morning he had reached the point where the little stream sprang from the mountain in a little waterfall and he could now simply step over the narrow gap that was to become the chasm. Exhausted, he found himself a place to lie low for a while. He changed into his wolf form and then spent some time licking the blood off his injured paws.
He was hungry, tired, and sore, but it was now mid-morning and he still had to travel back down the other side of the chasm to pick up the spoor and follow the Vampyres to their stronghold. Reluctantly he heaved himself off the ground and stepped out into the open. Immediately the hairs on his neck and along his back tingled and started to stand erect. Danger was imm
inent and he employed all his wolf senses to detect where it was coming from. But he need not have made the effort; the dark grey, heavy-set, form of a Mountain Wolf revealed itself with bared fangs and saliva dripping from its jaws. Blaid felt its deep growl within his own chest and the message was clear; he was on this alpha’s turf and he was not welcome.
Blaid only had a moment longer to marvel at the beast’s size and bulk, its canines; longer than a man’s finger; and the enormous paws, before it sprang to attack.
“Every city has acknowledged that they have received their messages, My Lord,” Commander Ridgewell informed Lord Longshadow. “But it will be well into Fire Moon before their troops will arrive with us.”
“Let us pray that it will not be too late,” Jagaer replied, sounding despondent. “I wish we had been able to get more information from Somas before he died.”
The assembled men were quiet for a moment; everyone had been thinking the same, but only their Lord had been brave enough to speak it aloud. Jaik watched them as they all kept their eyes averted and wished there was something he could do to make his sister feel better.
Not being able to save Somas was weighing heavily on her and she blamed herself for his death. After having seen the extent of Somas’ injuries, it had been clear to everyone that there was nothing anyone could have done to save him, not even Maia. But she would hear nothing of it. She had been going over and over her healing powers with Silas for days now, practicing, trying new techniques. She was haggard; heavy, dark rings beneath her eyes; and she had lost weight. He was more worried about her than he had ever been.
“Our forces are ready to march at a moment’s notice,” Rowlean said. “The advance guard departed yesterday and will encamp around Greystone. A supply system has been put in place to keep them fed for as long as it might take.”
“Tarron Heights has already dispatched their men and they should arrive with us within a day or two,” Jaik added. “They will replenish their provisions while they are here and then march out to join the advance guard at Greystone. Lord Tallson has kept a small unit of about three hundred men with him to guard his city, but he has sent every other man and woman willing and able to fight.”
“Yes, the other cities are doing the same. Let us hope it will be enough,” his father replied.
Jaik knew that every city was sending as many warriors as they could without compromising the security of their own city. They were hoping for the armies of Thala Yll, Alea Yll, Braérn and Crook Island to arrive within the next two Quarters. The people of Rathaés, Dragonfort and Stoneloft would take a little longer. But his father had managed to recruit almost one thousand eight hundred men and women from the smaller settlements and those that preferred to live in the wild. They were arriving in small groups almost every day now.
“What are our final numbers, including our own men?” Jagaer asked after another long silence.
“Currently the figure stands at just under seventeen thousand, My Lord,” Commander Ridgewell answered, “but we do not have confirmed numbers from Rathaés or Stoneloft, only estimates.”
Once the meeting was over Jaik headed home. He had not spent much time there lately, what with all his additional duties and the preparations for the war, but he needed to be there for his sister. She needed him now more than ever. She was so strong and yet so fragile. Sometimes he wished she had not been blessed by the Mother with the gifts of a Prime. She could have been an ordinary princess, living an ordinary life, falling in love, and following her dreams. Alas, it was not so. All the worries of her people rested on her shoulders; at least that is how she felt about it.
The smell of mushroom ragout greeted him as he stepped into their home. An ominous sign, their mother’s futile attempt at making Maia feel better. He was startled to find Aaron and the siblings, as well as Silas, Rothea and Riker sitting around the fireplace with Maia. She had shunned most company over the past days, preferring to hole up in Silas’ cave.
“Good evening, Mother,” he said quietly and kissed her on the cheek before he continued into the common room.
“Jaik, glad you could finally join us,” Silas said.
“Yes, the meeting took longer than expected,” he replied and noticed the strange way his sister looked at him.
Jasmin stood up and went over to the kitchen to help Malyn dish up the food. Maia’s gaze followed her and Jaik saw again the deep sadness within her eyes. He walked over and sat down beside her.
“My Princess,” he said gently and draped his arm across her shoulders.
She immediately leant into him and he felt her relax.
“I’m all right, Jaik,” she whispered.
He doubted it, but did not contradict her.
“Here you go,” Jasmin said and handed them each a bowl of ragout.
Jaik didn’t mind mushrooms, but they were his sister’s favourite. It smelled delicious nonetheless.
“Thank you, Jasmin,” he said.
He was astonished at how well the Humans had adjusted to life on Elveron. All three were well on their way to becoming respected members of their community and were contributing significantly to the wellbeing of the city. But what was the most amazing were the physical changes the three were exhibiting. Both men had grown stronger and had adopted some of the elven features, such as the pointed ears, smooth skin and, in Aaron’s case, no more grey hair. Jasmin, besides the blonde hair, was starting to look more and more like Maia. If he didn’t know better, it was possible to think the two were sisters.
They all ate then, interspersed with some polite small talk, the fire crackling comfortingly in its grate. After the meal, Maia helped Jasmin, Rothea and Malyn clear away the dishes and the men were left alone around the fire.
“How is she doing?” Jaik asked Silas quietly.
“She is getting better. We have had some interesting conversations.”
Jaik raised his eyebrow, urging Silas to go on.
“She is worried that she will not have the strength or the knowledge to save her people. I have taught her everything I know and more. She is ready. She only needs to believe it.”
“How do we make her believe?” he asked.
“By believing in her,” Aaron answered.
Jaik looked at him. He was serious and seemed to genuinely believe that it was the answer. Jaik looked back to Silas and saw the old man nod.
“Indeed, Jaik. She is unsure of herself and every time something does not go her way, she feels that she has failed. But it is all part of her learning to be a Prime and without those failures she would not become who she is supposed to be. We need to be there for her during those times and she will eventually come to see just how much power she has.”
Jaik nodded. He did believe in his sister and felt with an unshakable certainty that she could accomplish anything she put her mind too. He just hated to see her suffer and the weight she had to carry was crushing her right now. He wished he could lighten her burden.
“Ah, Maia, we were just talking about you,” Silas said, bringing Jaik back to the present.
“Good things, I hope,” she said with a shy smile.
“Always,” Riker answered and stood to take her hand and lead her back to her seat.
Jaik watched Aaron glower at Riker, but Maia didn’t notice. His mother smiled at the sight of them together and he knew she hoped that Maia would find room in her world to let Riker in. He felt the same. Riker was good for her.
With the women back around the fire, the conversation turned to lighter matters, a refreshing change from the constant worry about the impending war. His father finally came home as well and joined them around the fire. It felt good to sit with friends and family and Jaik noticed Maia visibly relax and enjoy herself.
Eventually the Nightingale’s said their good nights and left for their own home. Silas took the cue and also left to go home. Soon Malyn and Jagaer also excused themselves and retired to their room.
Maia yawned and she looked like she might be ready
for bed as well.
“Do you mind?” Jaik said under his breath and discreetly Riker and Rothea retreated from the room.
Maia looked at him questioningly. He took her hand.
“I haven’t had much of your undivided attention for a while,” he smiled at her, “how about a little brother time?”
“I’d like that,” she said and snuggled into his shoulder.
He wrapped his arms around her and rested his cheek on the top of her head.
“How are you holding up?”
“Better than I was,” she replied, absently swirling the thin smoke of the fire into twirling whirls with her mind.
“I am worried about you.”
“I know.”
“There is worse to come.”
“Yes.”
He sat up, pushing her up with him and then holding her at arm’s length.
“Are you ready?”
He watched her steady gaze and he suddenly saw an inner strength within her that he had not seen for a while. He knew then that she had made up her mind; nothing would stop her from doing whatever she had to protect her people.
“I think so, Jaik,” she said, her smile confidant. “I know what to do now.”
“You do?” he asked, suddenly startled. There was a certain tone to her voice that made his nerves stand on edge.
“Yes.” She rose to her feet, then bent and kissed the top of his head. “It will all be all right.”
His vision dimmed briefly as he struggled to free himself from the death grip the wolf had on his throat. He fought through it and twisted to break the grip. Snarling they separated and circled one another. The Mountain Wolf was strong and fierce and Blaid was in his territory. He had realised that it was the smell of the blood from his bleeding feet that had alerted the beast to his presence. There was nothing he could do about it now but try to defeat the wolf.