A horse whinnied behind him and Brenyn turned to look.
Noris yet stood in the shade of the oak grove where Brenyn had left him, and though he had not bolted, the horse was obviously anxious, undoubtedly rendered so by the events of the last few… what? – minutes? – moments? – Brenyn could not be certain.
He glanced up at the sun and found that it appeared not to have moved from the place in the sky where it had been when he had approached the darkings.
Moments, then, perhaps, had passed – but no more than a few minutes.
Glancing around once more for evidence of the darkings, and finding none, he turned and made his way to Noris. The horse was skittish, and flinched when Brenyn reached for the reins, but allowed himself to be led back onto the road, nonetheless. There, Brenyn, abruptly unsteady, trembling, dizzy, stopped and leaned against the horse’s flank, breathing deep, and considered all that had happened in the last few moments of time while he waited for his strength to return.
Magic power, bound to the streams of his blood and rooted in the constructs of his flesh and bones, had awakened and come to his aid yet again. And this time, perhaps in equal response to the combined might of three darking lords, it had arisen in awesome display. Curious, while he leaned against Noris, he looked down and examined himself, his hands, his feet, even his clothing, and found that he was utterly unharmed and unscathed.
Except for the evidence of the corpses of three horses and the disappearance of three darking lords, it was as if nothing at all had happened here on this remote section of road. Remembering the raven that had sat in the heights of the distant oak, he turned his head and looked. But that bird, also, was gone.
As his strength began to return and his breathing gradually grew calm, Brenyn considered himself. What he was, he knew not, nor did he understand the power that resided within him. All he knew, now, was this – he could not be defeated.
Maybe, he could not even be slain, at least by darkings.
And that foul race would suffer for it.
Leading Noris some distance off the pavement to avoid the bodies of the horses, Brenyn gained the road beyond, mounted up, and let the horse go toward the west at a walk while the sun began to slip down the sky and the plains rolled away behind him.
Because of that which had happened upon the road behind him, Brenyn understood now that darkings could not oppose him with any hope of success. They – and their master – likely knew it now as well.
Knowing it, what course would they take, he wondered?
What would their master do with this knowledge?
As for himself, Brenyn now knew that all the lands under his protection would likely be unmolested, for any darking that came attempting mischief, once discovered and apprehended by Brenyn, would perish.
Two things, then, were true.
The lands of Prince Johan, Prince Taumus, Garren, Pelterez, Gatison, and Palator would be made safe.
And Brenyn could seriously consider widening the sphere of his influence and protection. The destiny that Prince Taumus had foreseen for him seemed to be coming to fruition.
He decided to give no further thought to the mystery of the power that dwelled in him. It mattered not why he could do what he could do, only that it was so. He lifted his face and breathed deep as a freshening breeze gusted across the prairie, bearing with it the scent of grass and hay. For the first time since Emi had been taken, Brenyn felt that there was a purpose to his life other than just an existence consisting of an endless search for vengeance.
His heart would never truly live again, but at least the body to which it gave life would serve a higher purpose.
Brenyn spoke to Noris and urged him into a trot.
Ahead lay Illnius, Merkland, and Hanfurd, and beyond them, Gruene, and Thalia, and Juritzia, and the valley where he had met Johan Murlet and joined his band.
Those lands would comprise his hunting ground.
He would stalk darkings in them as he had once stalked deer in the woodlands of Vicundium, and, when the race of darkings disappeared from them, he would widen that region to include the lands that lay round about – Thayn and Braddia, and to the north, Farum and Paladia. He would roam to the south and the north, and west to the shores of the sea, ever hunting in new lands.
And when there were no more darkings to slay in the west, he would journey into the east and seek them there. Eventually, as they fled from before him, or died by the power of his magic, he would go and search out the master of those foul creatures and he would perish at Brenyn’s hand as well.
He would seek nothing else upon the earth, no kingdom, no principality, no wealth, no fame. He would only seek to avenge the people that dwelled upon it, who had suffered for time out of mind through the plague of ruin that had been wrought upon it by the fiends that hid their faces and caused war and misery and death.
As he rode westward, the sun seemed to look down upon him with a brighter, gladder eye, for Brenyn Vagus had found his destiny.
51.
At the western border of Worgunia, where he entered the land of Illnius, Brenyn spoke his name to gain access and asked but one question of the soldiers upon each side of that frontier.
Are there darkings about?
The answer returned from both contingents of soldiers that manned the posts was the same – a red darking had passed the border a week or so before, going east, seemingly in a great hurry. This news disappointed Brenyn, for he was certain that the darking described was one of those that had perished in the heat and light of his magic upon the road several leagues behind him.
He moved on.
When he reached the Illniun capitol of Laston and spoke to a merchant at the heart of that city, he was told that a darking had indeed been seen in that city.
For one moment, Brenyn’s hopes rose, until the merchant went on to say that the red darking that had come from the south had not tarried but had then hastened eastward, toward Worgunia, not ten days before. Brenyn realized that it was almost certain that this creature was the same one that had passed the border further eastward at about the same time.
Foiled in his hunt yet again, convinced that this particular darking had already been one of his prey, Brenyn decided not to seek an audience with the prince of Illnius, a man named Bereford, whose name was spoken with a measure of dislike and disdain by the merchant, though in a low, quiet voice. Instead, he left Laston and hastened westward through Illnius, following the road as it bent around toward the northwest and the border of Merkland, for he had grown anxious over the security of Prince Taumus, a man whose presence in the world Brenyn believed necessary.
Three days later, at the border that was shared by Merkland and Illnius, there was a surprise.
An impressive construction project was in progress upon the Merkland side of the frontier and Prince Taumus was present, overseeing the project, which consisted of the erection of two large, turreted towers that, when completed, would stand upon either side of the roadway as it entered Merkland. Upon the hill that rose behind these structures, a fortress was also under construction.
Taumus, apparently, meant to secure his border against any future incursions from the prince of Illnius.
The prince was standing in a field near the road, watching the ongoing construction, as Brenyn passed through the frontier and entered the roadway that ran between the foundations of the new towers. The prince saw Brenyn at once and hailed him.
Brenyn dismounted and handed Noris’ reins to the soldier that Taumus sent hastening over and then approached the prince, bowing his head to him.
“Your Highness.”
A frown found the prince’s noble features. “I beg you; do not offer your reverence to me, Brenyn Vagus,” he said. “Indeed, I should rather bow my head to you, for news of that which you have done in the east has reached us. Yet another darking has died by your hand in the hall of Garren of Fralun, has it not?”
Meeting his gaze, Brenyn decided that, of all the princes that
ruled upon the earth – besides Johan of Magnus - Taumus was a man that should be apprised, without concealment or suppression, of the truth of all that had transpired in the last several weeks.
He nodded. “Yes, a darking was slain in Garren’s hall. But there is more that may interest you, Your Highness.”
The frown vanished from Taumus’ face. “Indeed?”
“Johan Murlet – him that you knew as a mercenary captain – now sits the throne of his homeland of Magnus, in the east, for he is the true blood prince of that land and his birthright has been restored to him,” Brenyn told him. “And he will be a man of peace.”
Taumus considered this for a moment and then nodded. “I ever thought Captain Murlet to be noble and good,” he admitted. “I will confess, however, that it is your opinion, Brenyn Vagus, of any man, that I find most instructive.” Then, sensing that Brenyn had further to tell, the prince frowned again. “There is more?”
“There is,” Brenyn affirmed. “Prince Gatison of Durovia, to the east of Magnus, has agreed to pursue peace, not only with Johan of Magnus but with all his neighbors.”
Prince Taumus, as discerning as ever, stated, “It is good for neighbors to dwell in peace,” even as a frown furrowed his brow. “But that bit of good news,” he went on, “is, I think, not nearly the sum of all that you have to relate, my friend. There is a difference in you, Brenyn Vagus; I can see it. What has happened?”
“I slew yet another darking, eastward in the land of Marsia,” Brenyn stated without preamble. “A few days later, as I came west, I was attacked by three darking lords upon the road in Worgunia and slew them all.”
At this, the prince’s eyes widened with shock. “Slew them all? – three red darkings – all together?”
General Eizen, who stood near the prince, gasped. “Three – at once? How then do you stand before us?”
Taumus waved his hand in impatience as he kept his sharp gaze fixed upon Brenyn. “Silence, I beg you, general; let him speak.”
“They assaulted me in unison,” Brenyn continued. “It was an ambush of sorts. Somehow, they knew that I travelled upon that road and they waited for me, together.”
Taumus, astonished, stared at him. “And yet you live.”
“I do,” Brenyn agreed. “I was not harmed.”
“But the red darkings? – they truly did not survive?”
“Perished,” Brenyn replied, “all of them.” He met Taumus’ gaze. “You told me once, Your Highness, that, should I resolve the mysteries of the power that dwells in my blood, it might serve to alter the state of the world itself.” He shook his head. “I do not yet understand the power that was bequeathed to me, but I know this – no darking can stand before it and live.”
Despite his amazement, a smile touched the corners of the prince’s mouth. “Even so,” he answered, “I see that you now accept that the power is in your blood – and not in instruments of steel.”
Brenyn returned the smile. “It was you that suggested this first to me,” he confessed. “And I now acknowledge the truth of it. The power is in me, and not in sword or shield.”
Taumus narrowed his eyes, studying him. “And what will you do now?” He asked.
“I will do as I promised, Your Highness,” Brenyn answered.
“As you promised? And that is –? Remind me, Brenyn.”
“I will defend your borders from the malice of the darkings,” Brenyn replied, “and the borders of all those lands whose princes seek peace with you.”
Taumus gazed at him in silence for a long moment. “Once,” he said, “we thought that the darkings would hunt you, did we not? Now? – I suspect they will flee from you.” He nodded thoughtfully. “And so, the people of the lands through which you often pass may, perhaps, dwell in peace – and that will be a great thing, a marvel.”
“I mean to make it so,” Brenyn said. “And I mean to increase the lands that I guard far beyond the borders of Merkland. I may return here less often as I travel further cross the face of the earth, for I mean to push the darkings and their evil far from the lands and homes of my friends. The more I push back the scourge of the darkings, the more people that will be free.”
The prince watched him with respect evident in his eyes. “That is a fine thing, Brenyn – a finer thing than has come upon the earth in ages.” He shook his head in wonder. “I do not know what it is that you are, my young friend, but surely the gods themselves have sent you into the world. What will you do now? – today?” He asked. “Will you stay for a time and enjoy the courtesy of my hall?”
“Nay, Your Highness,” Brenyn answered with regret. “For I must be ever on the move. Summer has turned to autumn, winter will soon be upon us, and I mean to travel once more through all the lands from Hanfurd to Durovia before the turning of the year.”
Taumus frowned with disappointment. “Then what can I do for you, my friend? – for I fear that I owe you a great debt, as does every prince of every land that you guard with your power.”
Brenyn smiled. “Nay, my lord; there is no debt, for I merely do that thing which I was born to do.”
But the prince was looking beyond Brenyn, at Noris, whose reins were yet held by the soldier. His eye brightened as he studied the pack tied behind Noris’ saddle. “But there is something I may do for you, after all,” he said. He turned to General Eizen. “General, see to it that Brenyn is provisioned well for the road – victuals, and anything else he may lack.”
He looked back at Brenyn. “You often sleep upon the earth, I suppose, as you travel?”
Brenyn smiled again. “Very often, Your Highness.”
Taumus turned to Eizen once more. “There is a blanket, of deepest blue, in my tent, that Alayna fashioned for me. Bring it and have it fastened to Brenyn’s pack. It will keep him warm when the nights grow long and cold.”
“Nay – I cannot accept such a gift,” Brenyn protested.
Taumus ignored that as he continued to look at Eizen. “Go, sir, and do as I request.” He turned back to Brenyn as the general moved away. “The gift is already given, my friend, and you cannot now refuse it.”
“But the princess made it for you, Your Highness.”
“Hear me, Brenyn Vagus,” Taumus said. “By your power and diligence, my princess is kept safe – as are the lands that I govern. Alayna will be glad that the work of her hands will aid you, even in a small way.”
Brenyn met his gaze in silence for a long moment and then inclined his head in acquiescence. He smiled. “It will not be such a small thing, when the snow is deep and the wind is strong,” he said. “I thank you, Your Highness.”
Taumus looked over at the sun, sliding down the afternoon sky. “The day wanes,” he pointed out as he looked back at Brenyn. “Stay with me this one evening, I beg you, that we may commune together. Your horse will rest and be given the best care, and you may start anew in the morning.”
After a moment of hesitation, Brenyn agreed, and so spent a very pleasant evening supping with Prince Taumus and drinking his wine. Eizen was present at that supper, as were a few officers that Taumus invited. Throughout the evening, several of the lesser officers who had not warranted an invitation contrived to appear at the entrance to the prince’s tent to deliver a report upon matters that ostensibly required the prince’s attention, hoping to catch a glimpse of the darking slayer.
At first, Prince Taumus tolerated these interruptions with a measure of good humor, for he understood that they were in awe of this man known to slay the creatures that had wrought such misery upon the earth. Eventually, however, his patience grew thin and he commanded that none be allowed access until morning.
When the new day dawned, Brenyn, anxious to continue his journey, stood with Prince Taumus as Noris was fetched from the stables.
“I heard you when you stated that you mean to complete a circuit back to the east, unto Durovia beyond Magnus, ere this year ends,” Taumus said. “But will you return west during the winter?”
“I will, Your
Highness,” Brenyn answered, “though you may see me not, for, as I told you, I mean to expand the frontiers of free people and hunt darkings in all places where they may be found. It may be that when I return from the east, I will travel the roads far to the south of Merkland.”
Disappointment darkened the prince’s eyes. “My hall will be warm when the days are cold,” he reminded Brenyn. “And when the days are cold, you may find yourself in need of a respite from the road. I would hope that you may find your way to my hall, now and anon, my friend, when the way grows long and your bones are weary from travel – I pray you, do so if you can.”
Seeing the hesitation that made its way across Brenyn’s face at this suggestion, Taumus sighed and nodded. “But, if not, it will suffice to know that you are there, beyond the horizon, altering the world for good.”
He met Brenyn’s gaze. “On behalf of the people of Merkland, Princess Alayna, and myself, I thank you, Brenyn Vagus.”
Brenyn, nonplussed, knew not how to respond to this. In reply, he simply inclined his head for a moment and then turned to mount up on Noris.
“I will return when I can, Your Highness.”
Taumus nodded once more. “The door to my hall will ever be open to you. Never forget it. Farewell, Brenyn.”
“Farewell, Your Highness.”
52.
As the days of that autumn passed and the season waned toward winter, Brenyn rode first west through Hanfurd and thence north and then back east once more, passing through Morilund and Fralun. The first snows of winter had fallen upon the slopes of the Metallum Mountains when he crossed those craggy heights and came down once more into Magnus.
When he reached Veir, he remained there for two days with Johan, Kristo, and the others. Glad he was to see that his friends dwelt in peace in the land of their birth. Johan was as fine a prince as he had once been a mercenary captain and the people of Magnus rejoiced that a son of true blood once more sat the throne.
A Plague of Ruin: Book One: Son of Two Bloods Page 46