Path of Kings

by James Dale

"No," Ailicia said sadly. "But I can feel Graith. Even asleep he knows we have been talking to his pets. We should go before he finds us and asks us why."

  "We wouldn't want that," Jack agreed. "Lead the way Morning Flower."

  Jack opened his eyes as they stepped from the dream to find Arrinor sitting at his side, watching him closely.

  "You were asleep a long time," the prince said anxiously. "Is everything...? Is Ailicia..."

  "I am well brother," the Ailfar maiden answered quietly. "We are unharmed."

  "What...where have you been?" he asked.

  "I'll tell you all about it in the morning," Jack yawned sleepily. Though he'd appeared to have been resting soundly, Dreamwalking was tiring work.

  "It is morning already," the prince informed him, inclining his head towards a faint, orange glow growing in the east. "Now tell me where you have been."

  "Yes," another voice announced out of the darkness. "I would also like to know where you have been."

  "Good morning sire," Jack sighed, recognizing the voice as Cilidon's.

  "Feigning sleep will not save you daughter," the Ailfar king said. "Did you think Grimblade cannot sense someone Dreamwalking only a few feet away?"

  "No," the princess replied quietly.

  "You have disobeyed me," Cilidon said angrily. "Did I not say you were not to enter a wolf dream?"

  "Actually father," Ailicia replied calmly as she sat up to face him, "your exact words were not without the protection of another Dreamwalker."

  "Those were your words," Arrinor nodded, earning him a thankful smile from his younger sister.

  The Ailfar king shot his son a warning look which told him to mind his own business. After a strained moment of silence, he sighed wearily, "I suppose they were. So Jack Braedan, you can Dream-walk as well as Mindspeak?"

  "Apparently," Jack replied.

  "What other skills are you hiding?" the Ailfar king asked. "On second thought, I don't want to know. So, tell me, where have you two Dreamwalkers have been?"

  "A wolf-dream father!" Ailicia answered happily.

  "Long Tooth's," Jack added.

  “The pack leader who was slain yesterday afternoon?” he asked curiously.

  “The same,” Jack nodded. “Eaolhar’s bow may have ended his life, but it seems when the packs die, they go to the Land of Dreams.”

  "And did you learn anything from this Long Tooth?"

  As the sun crept above the horizon, Jack and Ailicia recounted all which had happened to them on their Dreamwalk. It was full daylight by the time they finished their tale and Cilidon was done with his questions. "And he says we will know the pack's answer before sunset?"

  "Yes father," Ailicia nodded. "Though he did not say how."

  "Let us hope it will not be a thousand howling wolves appearing suddenly on the horizon," Cilidon sighed. "Asking the packs to join us? What will you do next nephew? Sign a treaty with the grim'Hiru?"

  "If I could keep them from trying to kill me long enough to ask, I just might give it a shot," Jack shrugged.

  "Do me a favor, will you? If you decide to try, invite either Theros or me along to the bargaining table," Cilidon smiled. "We monarchs tend to grow irritable when we are left out of such things. It makes us feel unneeded."

  "I'll try and remember," Jack grinned.

  As the camp awoke and began to make preparations for the day, word quickly spread of what Princess Ailicia and Jack had done during the night. Most received the news with guarded optimism, though there were several held the opinion it would be better to crawl into bed with a scorpion than make a pact with wolves. Kirk Vanar was included in this group. When he learned of his duke's offer of allegiance with the packs, he gave Jack a wounded look clearly stating he thought his lord had dishonored Kaegel's memory.

  "How could you?" Kirk asked hotly. "After what happened on the Elfway?"

  "We are at war captain," Jack explained softly. "Maybe not openly yet, but we are at war just the same. Sometimes concessions must be made. Even treating with the enemy. Which would be a more fitting monument to Kaegel's memory? Killing every wolf in Aralon or having them join us to fight the real threat in the east? I'd bring him back if I could Kirk," Jack said, laying a consoling hand on the young captain's shoulder. "But since I can't, maybe I can insure no more of my friends die like he did."

  "I understand what you are trying to do in my head," Kirk admitted quietly. "But in my heart...in my heart I hope they refuse you're offer."

  Jack really couldn't blame him. In Kirk's mind all wolves were nothing more than raving beasts. He could never know what it was like to talk with them, to feel their fear of the Tree Shadows, or know the joy they felt from a successful hunt, or the human-like love they shared with their mates. But as the company broke camp and renewed their journey southward, Braedan did his best to explain what it was like to Mindspeak with the lesser beasts. Ailicia joined with him as they rode. And though last night was the first time the Ailfar princess had ever spoken with wolf, she did a much better job of conveying what Jack struggled to explain. By the time the sun had climbed high into the sky, her gentle words had gone a long way towards softening the captain's position on the matter.

  The company stopped at noon to take lunch and water the horses at a small stream lying in their path. It was while they were resting here one of the Rangers on rear guard came galloping back to the main body, riding directly to Cilidon.

  "We are being followed my Lord," he announced uneasily. "By a wolf."

  "Could it be we have our answer?" the Ailfar king asked, turning to Jack.

  "Only one way to find out".

  Jack and Cilidon, along with King Theros, Arrinor, Ailicia and Captain Beltaran followed the Ranger to the tail of the column where they found the rear guard facing back north, watching a lone, gangling, silver pelted wolf about a mile behind them.

  "Isn't that...?" Arrinor began.

  "Snow Dancer," Jack nodded. "Shall we see what message he has for us?"

  The six rode on toward the young wolf, who remained unmoving as they grew nearer. When less than ten yards separated them, Jack slid from Eaudreuil's back and stepped to the forward.

  "Greetings Snow Dancer," he said, showing the wolf empty hands.

  "Great Lion," the young wolf beamed.

  "Have the packs come to a decision?"

  "They have."

  "And?" Jack asked anxiously. He could read nothing from the wolf's demeanor one way or the other.

  "Is the Tree Shadow's pack leader?" Snow Dancer asked, looking directly at Cilidon.

  "It is," Jack nodded. "He is called Cilidon An'Mera. Here is also Theros Th'nar, called the Dragonslayer. A great king of the two legs."

  "The packs are well acquainted with The Man Dragon." Snow Dancer said, eyeing Theros warily. "He has sent many of my kind to Beyond. Will he also honor the covenant?"

  "He will." Jack replied. "Do we have a covenant Snow Dancer?"

  "We do," the wolf nodded. "Long Tooth says to tell Great Lion many packs will stand with him against Red Slayer."

  A collective sigh of relief ran through the gathered Ailfar as Arrinor, who had been quietly giving a running commentary of the conversation, quickly relayed the good news.

  "We are honored to have the packs as our allies," Cilidon said, dismounting to stand beside Jack.

  "Great Lion," Snow Dancer continued hesitantly, "Long Tooth also sends this message. Not all packs will come. Those who have already answered Red Slayer's call will fight against you. And many fear Red Slayer more than they fear Great Lion.”

  “I understand, Snow Dancer,” Jack nodded. “How many will stand with us?

  “Less than half of those who have yet to answer his call,” Snow Dancer replied.

  “It’s better than none I supposed,” Jack sighed. “Convey my thanks to Long Tooth. Tell him Great Lion will keep his promise. All who come to stand beside me will never live in fear of Two-Legs again. You have my oath,” he said, extending his open hand to t
he young wolf.

  "I will," Snow Dancer replied. As he had done the day before, he licked Jack’s hand. Not tentatively this time, but without fear. "I am also to say you should not travel to the wolf-dream again. Not until you have Bright Flame. Red Slayer and...the Shadow hunt for you there."

  "How we are to call the packs then," Cilidon asked, after hearing the translation from Arrinor. "When the time comes for battle, we will need to reach them quickly."

  "I will call them for you Great Lion," Snow Dancer replied, when Jack posed the question. "From this day forward, until Red Slayer is no more, I am to remain by your side, as a part of your pack."

  "So be it," Jack smiled. "Welcome to the pack of Great Lion, Snow Dancer of the Green Valley."

  "Thank you...Wolf-brother," Snow Dancer replied, flashing Jack a toothy, canine grin. "Does Great Lion have anything to eat? It has been long since my last hunt and I am hungry."

  So it was for the first time in remembered history, a wolf traveled freely in the company of humans and Ailfar. It was a tenuous alliance. Cilidon's Rangers and the Dragon Guard accepted their new companion readily enough at the command of their kings. The Golden Lions, suffered Snow Dancer’s presence grudgingly. Their horses however, were a different matter entirely. From the day they were foaled, the scent of a wolf in their nostrils meant only danger and death. They could not distinguish by smell between one who had formally been a predator was now somehow a friend.

  For this reason, Jack tarried at the rear of the column with the young wolf, upwind of the main body, and there they would remain until the troop's horses had grown accustomed to the sight of their former foe. Eaudreuil alone among the equines possessed the necessary intelligence to understand the sudden change in the wolf's status. In fact, a surprising rapport soon developed between the Val'anna stallion and Snow Dancer, and quickly formed into such a bond that by the time the company reached the Great South Road late in the afternoon, the wolf was padding alongside the stallion, chatting amicably like they had grown up together in the same litter, pup and colt. When they stopped at night to make camp beside the road, the wolf even went so far as to curl up to sleep at the Val'anna's feet.

  The simple act went a long way towards spanning the gulf between Snow Dancer and his new pack mates. When morning came, Jack and Eaudreuil rejoined the main body, the wolf tagging along with them. Soon they were moving easily among the troop like it was the most natural thing in the world to be traveling in the company of a wolf. Only Kirk still showed displeasure at Snow Dancer's presence, giving Jack disapproving looks whenever the wolf drew near him.

  The final barrier was breached by Snow Dancer as the company stopped for the evening to make camp. He disappeared into the darkness only to return minutes later with a plump rabbit dangling from his jaws. The young wolf deposited his kill at the surprised captain's feet, then turned to a curious Jack. "Will Great Lion tell this one Snow Dancer shares his pain? I also know the hurt which comes with the passing of a pack mate."

  "Go ahead Kirk, take it," Jack said. "It is a peace offering."

  Kirk looked hesitantly at the fat coney, then at the cold jerky in his hand. Snow Dancer nosed the rabbit closer to the human and sat down on his haunch as all eyes turned to watch, Ailicia's filling with tears at the touching gesture. After a moment of indecision, Kirk drew his knife and deftly dressed the rabbit, halved it, then tossed the wolf his share.

  "Is it okay if I cook mine?" Vanar asked.

  "I think he'll understand," Jack smiled. "He accepts Snow Dancer."

  "That is good," the cub beamed, snatching up his portion of the carcass and literally wolfing it down. "There should be no ill will between pack mates. Not when they are hunting Red Slayer."

  "And everyone said Amen," Jack agreed heartily.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  The Inn of Two Fountains

  Two more days of travel found the company intersecting Great South Road. The turned southwest and before evening of the next day they made camp with the towering walls of Immer visible on the horizon.

  "We will enter the city in the morning," Cilidon announced. "After a good night's sleep and after we've cleaned up a bit. We may have had to slip out of Elvendale under the protection of Spell-weavers, but we will ride openly into the High King’s city."

  "As well you should m'Lord," Captain Vanar nodded. "But I think it would be wiser if Duke Jack were not a part of your company."

  "And why not good captain?" Ailicia inquired. "He is a noble of Brydium and an Elf-friend."

  "He is a marked man just the same highness," Vanar replied. “He may be safe enough in your company, but we don’t need eyes following him to see where he goes in the city.”

  "Kirk's right," Jack nodded. "If Kiathan or Valarius have agents in Immer, they will surely be watching the city gates. I'd just as soon not announce I am here. Not just yet. The Lions and I will enter after you. Without out all the pomp and circumstance surrounding Theros the Dragonslayer and the King of the Ailfar. Kirk already says I could pass for an Ailfar. The eyes of any watchers will likely pass over a lone elf and five simple travelers arriving for the Haelfest without a second glance."

  "I like it not," Cilidon muttered. "But methinks Captain Vanar has the right of it. Very well. It will be as you say."

  The next morning broke bright and clear, the early sun dancing like diamond fire on the freshly polished armor of the Dragon Guard and the Ithlemere mail of the Cilidon's Rangers. The twins A'randraial and Ciliandrion took up positions at the head of the column, unfurling the banners of the two kings, one a soaring black dragon on a field of red, the other a shining Ahvendalia of gold on a field of green.

  "That sight should hold the eye of any watchers," Jack remarked. "If not, Princess Ailicia most certainly will." The Ailfar maiden had changed from her green and brown riding garb into a brilliant blue gown embroidered with silver thread, and her flowing tresses cascaded down her slim back in waves of living gold.

  "Let us hope so," Theros nodded. "Take care Lord Thonbor."

  "I will have Count Arthol send word to you as soon as we are settled at the Inn of Two Fountains," Jack promised.

  "The very minute," the Dragonslayer commanded.

  "All is ready father," Arrinor announced, riding back from the front of the column. He had asked to be allowed to ride with Jack and the Golden Lions, but Cilidon had vetoed his impetuous son's idea without a second thought. Six travel stained horsemen might enter Immer with little notice, but six in the company of an Ailfar prince, when Jack was known to have gone recently to Ail'itharain? That was another matter.

  "Then let us be off," the Ailfar king nodded. "There are Lords of the Staffclave I would speak with without delay."

  As they watched the procession move out toward Immer with crisp, military precision, Jack sensed the now familiar thoughts of Snow Dancer impressing on his mind. "Yes, young one?" he asked.

  "Great Lion," the wolf beamed hesitantly, "I cannot...I cannot go with you to the stone man-place. Even this far away the smell is...is sickening. Such a large number of two legs living as one pack in the same den is surely not healthy."

  "I understand Snow Dancer," Jack nodded sympathetically. "Stay out here in the open fields. Do not wander beyond my call. Do not get yourself killed stealing some farmer's chicken. Stay far away from the two legs who live in this place. They do not know you are a friend of Great Lion and do not know of our covenant."

  "I will do as you say Great Lion," the young wolf promised, then walked over to stand in front of Eaudreuil. The roan lowered his large head and he and the wolf touched noses briefly, the Snow Dancer took off at a run back towards the open plain.

  "Okay guys," Jack said, as he watched Snow Dancer move off to the north. "I know Thonbor deserves better than this, but on with your cloaks." Each man had been given a Shadow Cloak like Jack's, donated by Cilidon's Rangers, to wear over their light blue tunics. All markings had also been removed from their mount's tack, leaving no visible sign they
were other than nameless travelers without land or lord or station. Jack had also instructed each man to refrain from shaving to add to their ruff appearance. Though with Brian, the command proved to add little to his disguise. Which Anghol took pains to ensure everyone was well aware.

  "A disreputable looking bunch if I do say m'Lord." Vanar grinned when their disguises were complete, "We may not even be permitted to pass the gate watch."

  "Then you'll just have to bribe our way through," Jack laughed, planting a floppy brimmed hat on his head to further hide his features. "You did bring plenty of coin didn't you Kirk?"

  "Aye," Vanar nodded, "but I had hoped..."

  "To spend it on something for Gweneveare. I know," Jack finished for him. "You might want to think about just marrying her. It would probably cost you less in the long run."

  It earned him a laugh from the others, and they set off for Immer with high spirits. Jack held Eaudreuil to a leisurely canter, letting Cilidon and Theros draw well ahead. As the walls of the High King's city slowly loomed larger in the distance, the road began to grow crowded with other travelers making their way south from Brydium. One group in particular caught Jack's eye, a gilded carriage surrounded by a squad of finely dressed household guard. The curtain was pulled aside allowing the occupants to watch the passing countryside, and Jack gave a start when he recognized one of those inside as the Count Uthor Sybaris.

  "Good day to ye milord," Jack greeted him, doing his best to add what he thought was an Ailfar accent to the common tongue of Aralon. The Count gave him a disapproving once over, then drew the curtain closed without the courtesy of a reply.

  "A piss rude fellow. What?" Jack observed when they had ridden out of ear shot of the carriage. "I don’t think the Count recognized me."

  "I doubt even our own sweet Thessa would have known you this morning," Kirk replied with a grin.

  It took them the better part of an hour to travel the ten miles to the outskirts of Immer, the road becoming more crowded the nearer the came to the city. By the time they arrived at the walls surrounding the High King’s city, a thick press of people milled around the Great South Road gate awaiting entrance. To Jack's delight, one and all were talking excitedly about the procession of King Theros the Dragonslayer and the Ailfar. Satisfied six unremarkable horsemen would garner little notice after such a grand display, Jack lit up his pipe and calmly waited their turn. As they passed beneath the city walls half an hour later, he could swear no one gave them even a second glance. Though he saw several studying the crowds with undisguised interest.