Cold From The North, page 20
part #1 of The Onyxborn Chronicles Series
Ogulf had never forgotten that day, and he never wanted to. Another reason he hadn’t forgotten that day, was because it had been the last day Ogulf had seen that side of his father. He had seen flickers during the Summer of Rebellion, and he had even seen some recently, but nothing like the eyes Rowden Harlsbane had when he was at his best. Ogulf knew it was about time that those eyes were seen again.
‘Very well – I will speak with your father,’ Danrin said. ‘Any help at this stage would be welcome, and perhaps he could show my men a thing or two… I’ve heard stories about the way your people fight.’
Smiling at Danrin, Ogulf made his way closer to his pack, standing next to Melcun. He began to take out each item and examine it. For the first time in as long as he could remember, Ogulf was beginning to feel excited, and even a little hopeful. The hope that was supposed to be here in Luefmort was nowhere to be found, but hope had a new destination, one that he would be heading towards tomorrow.
Ogulf watched Melcun place the book Crindasa had given him in his pack as the pit of his stomach started bubbling skittishly, creating a cocktail of all of his feelings with the giant boulder in his gut serving as a yearning for revenge. He needed to be on his guard; the time to leave for Esselonia approached.
Chapter 22
Night began to fall in Luefmort. The sun lingered on the horizon, glowing bright orange as the light to the west faded into a peaceful darkness in the east in a soft and perfect gradient.
Just like it had been for the past few evenings, the area near the palace was bustling with life. Beyond the palatial square was a busy street filled with taverns, inns, and pleasure houses. Danrin had asked Ogulf and Melcun to meet him in one of the taverns known as The Old Bricks, and he had also arranged for their packs to be taken to the supply ship ahead of them.
‘A bit too conspicuous, wouldn’t you say, Danrin?’ Melcun said. The three men were sitting at a high table with tall stools, each cradling a bone-carved mug full of mead.
‘You could say that. But better than trying to sneak you through a city and having to explain that to one of your captains if we crossed their path, wouldn’t you agree? Don’t worry, I have a plan,’ Danrin said.
For the first time since meeting the young Fated Knight, Ogulf felt nervous. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Danrin, he just didn’t like the idea of not knowing exactly what was coming next.
‘A plan you might care to share?’ Ogulf asked quietly. The room didn’t care much for them or their conversation, they were seemingly just another table, though this didn’t put Ogulf any more at ease.
‘No need, just trust me. I have told the man who will take you to Esselonia that you are official messengers travelling on behalf of the Shingally Empire. That is the story you should stick to until you get off his boat, and then you can be whoever you need to be to get to Feda,’ Danrin said. ‘I see no need to tell him anything else.’
Now a certain element of the plan made sense. Ogulf and Melcun had been given thick leather armour, new trousers, and leather-wrapped boots before they left. The leathers and armour were black and bore no Shingally markings, which was a relief. Though sturdy, the main body of the armour was very light and allowed Ogulf to move as if it were not there. The Shingally armorers had always been world-renowned, but Ogulf only truly appreciated why now that he had experienced their wares for himself.
Ogulf was also wearing another new piece of armour, a shoulder pauldron that was attached to his existing axe sheath that wrapped around his back. The steel covering had been given to him by his father. On it, etched, then painted with perfect white paint, was the outline of his mother’s tree. He knew it would be his one day, he just hadn’t expected that it would be given to him while Rowden was still alive. They hadn’t shared many words when Rowden handed him the piece, just a look. One that was full of understanding, acceptance, and thanks from both men. It sat across his right shoulder. The unfamiliar weight was something he would need to get used to.
Along with the addition of the pauldron, he had also fastened a new loop to his axe sheath, so that he could carry Wildar’s axe and his own on the journey.
Ogulf and Melcun sat with their backs to the door, sipping on their mead as they awaited Danrin’s next instruction. The Fated Knight looked calm, but every so often, whenever the door creaked open, his eyes darted over the heads of Melcun and Ogulf towards the entrance. Most times, there was no further reaction, but on the next slow grinding of metal hinges, there was undoubtedly a flicker in Danrin’s eye. Ogulf stopped himself from turning to see what had caught the young knight’s attention.
‘Ah, Aylan, my old friend, how are you?’ Danrin said, smiling over Ogulf’s right shoulder.
‘Danrin, you little sod, how the bleeding oars are you? The capital treated you well, I see. Left a boy and returned a man,’ a man said. His voice was light, and he gave a heartfelt chuckle with every few words. He embraced Danrin, dwarfing him.
It took Ogulf a second to realise the enormity of the man. His barrelled chest and muscular arms were trophies of hard work. He was a head bigger than Danrin, who was already quite tall. The orange hue of the candlelight in the inn bounced brightly off of the man’s bald head. He had a chin that looked like it could take a direct impact from a warhammer and do more damage to the weapon. He wore a light, sun-bleached shirt, black trousers, and boots that appeared to be made of animal scales. After embracing Danrin, he extended a slab-sized palm towards Ogulf.
‘And these must be my travelling companions,’ Aylan said. Ogulf met his hand first. The handshake was firm, but not crushing like he’d expected. ‘Not often I have the pleasure of transporting those on official business, but when a man like Danrin needs me, the gods know I’ll be there to lend a hand, or a boat in this case.’ The hulking man’s chest rose and fell as he chuckled.
‘You flatter me, Aylan,’ Danrin said, smiling as Aylan tried to fit his broad frame onto the wooden chair next to the Shingally Knight. The stool groaned under his weight as he shuffled to find comfort. ‘These are our messengers, Ogulf and Melcun. They have a hefty task on their shoulders, but we need to do our part in an effort to broker peace in the war. We’re hoping their counsel might be enough to start some kind of dialogue to lead us towards peace between the Northern and Southern armies.’
‘Here’s hoping they can do just that; this war has been terrible for business. I haven’t sailed to the South of Esselonia for over half a year now. They have a blockade near the Red Isles and the bleeding fools won’t even let my ship pass when I am carrying aid for their people. Curse the bloody rich,’ Aylan said. ‘Anyway, it’s a pleasure to meet you both.’
‘Aylan is captain of The Gwentar – you won’t find a better man on all the seas. Consider the debt paid, and now the favour is mine to return whenever you need it,’ Danrin said.
Ogulf had hoped that Danrin would have told the ones responsible for their transport the true nature of the journey. He didn’t like the idea of a facade, but it seemed the only way now, and posing as messengers didn’t bear too much responsibility. In essence, it wasn’t even a lie, given that Lord Hanrik had tasked them with delivering a letter to Feda.
Melcun had seemed relieved when Ogulf told him of the letter; having something like that would not only help get them an audience with the princess, but it would let her know that they were associated with people who wanted to help her – people who were alive, at least.
‘There is no such thing as favours amongst friends, Danrin. Do you have time for an ale before we set off?’ Aylan asked.
Danrin nodded and Aylan summoned a server to fetch them four mugs of ale. Ogulf would have protested if he had the chance but he didn’t want to cause offence. Aylan and Danrin began to catch up, and before long, the ales arrived and were drunk. Ogulf forced his down without enjoying a drop of the bitter liquid Aylan had chosen.
‘We best be off; the boat won’t steer itself. Tides be good to you until I see you again, Danrin,’ Aylan said. All four men rose from their seats.
‘Yes, understood,’ Danrin said. ‘It was a pleasure as always, Aylan. Next time, let’s ensure the meeting is not so brief.’ He turned to Ogulf and Melcun. ‘The kingdom thanks you for this. I’ll await your news. Pass the regards of the kingdom to both North and South Esselonia – we can’t be looking to take sides. And most of all,’ he said, looking at them sincerely. ‘Be careful.’
Ogulf and Melcun departed the tavern with Aylan, and they followed him through the streets at a leisurely pace. They were headed for the southern entrance of the city, where there was a road that would lead them directly to the port nearby. As they approached it, Ogulf noticed it was far less fortified or guarded than the entrance they used when they arrived. Some of the men on watch nodded at Aylan as he made his way through the streets. The large man returned the nods. As they got to the outer walls, the gates began to open for them.
‘You seem popular,’ Ogulf said to Aylan.
‘How’s that?’ the sea captain said, turning with a slight smile.
‘Everyone seems to know you here,’ Ogulf said.
‘Aye, that’s true, I know most of them. I’ve been in and out of Luefmort for years and many a man will buy a sailor an ale and listen to his stories,’ Aylan said. ‘Many a man will also ask if the spoils of the sea could fall off a cart for a small purse of gold every now and again. Don’t worry, not Danrin, he’s too noble for that, but others will hand over good coin for a case of Esselonian wine to charm their wives with once and turn a blind eye to my moves forevermore. So, knowing people certainly has its benefits, much like right now.’
Ogulf wasn’t sure what Aylan meant, and that must have shown on his face because next Aylan said, ‘Don’t worry, Danrin hasn’t said anything, and nor will I. Official messengers don’t take night vessels to the ports of a country at war. Not unless they’re on unofficial business,’ Aylan said with a smirk, and as they walked, he continued to wave at the passing guards. ‘My lips have been sealed by the coins I’ve received. In truth, whatever your plans are I hope they help end this bleeding war.’
Ogulf didn’t want to divulge anything to Aylan; he was content in knowing that while Aylan had doubts about the official nature of their travels, he didn’t seem to question their position as Shingally’s. Either that or he didn’t care. Ogulf assumed the latter.
‘Going through official channels, like sending Lord Hanrik or another member of the Shingally council, was too much of a risk,’ Ogulf said, unsure of where these lies were coming from, though a twist from his stomach suggested that the increasingly familiar iffy feeling in his gut was the most likely source. ‘Regardless of the type of endeavour we’re on, I am sure you’ll understand we must be vigilant, the circumstances being what they are.’
‘Aye, can’t argue with that. Right, here we are,’ Aylan said, pointing them towards a horse-drawn cart. Already on the cart was a small boy who sat upright and eager and seemed to relax when he saw Aylan. The horse at the front had a perfect coat of smooth brown hair, it looked almost statuesque as it waited to move again. ‘No problems then, m’boy?’
The boy on the cart shook his head, his smile beaming like a beacon in the night.
‘This is my lad, Emren.’ The boy scooted over in the front seat of the cart and Aylan climbed on with notable ease for a man of his size. The cart sloped to one side slightly. ‘Hop on,’ he said, motioning to the back of the cart. Ogulf noticed the two packs Danrin had put together were already in the cart. He watched as Melcun patted his down and only stopped when he ran his hands over a certain part of the bag, checking for the book Crindasa had given him.
Ogulf and Melcun did as they were told, and as soon as they were seated, Aylan cracked a short whip and the horse began to move.
‘Won’t be long till we get to the docks,’ Aylan said as the cart creaked and jolted along the rugged path. Turning back, Ogulf watched the walls of Luefmort slowly shrink away as Aylan steered the cart onto a narrow road which was lit only by the vivid white of the moonlight.
Chapter 23
The ship was a sight to behold. Even in the dark, it was mesmerising. Light crept from candles in the cabin and the hold. Men of all shapes and sizes hurried aboard with crates and then busied themselves with tasks on the ship. They moved in a methodical way, like this was the thousandth time they had performed this same routine. On the top deck was a huge ship’s wheel that looked too big to be real – it looked more like the centrepiece of a windmill, given how broad it was.
On board The Gwentar, Ogulf and Melcun were shown to an area in the upper hold where they could stay until the boat reached Esselonia. The wood wailed and creaked with each step as they were led to a dark corner of the space where two empty hammocks swung gently between two beams. Encased candles were attached to some of the wooden supports to illuminate the place. Between them rested a large crate and two smaller ones which Ogulf assumed were to act as a makeshift table and chairs.
Aylan grunted as he looked at the hammocks and put his weight on each of them to test their durability. Then he turned to Ogulf and Melcun, his previously sun-kissed complexion now resembled something closer to the snows of winter.
‘I’m sorry about this, I know it’s not much or very comfortable,’ Aylan apologised. ‘I asked some of the cabin boys to fix this up. You can have my quarters for the evening if you would prefer?’
‘This is fine for us,’ Ogulf said.
‘We don’t have too many passenger types on our vessel, and I wouldn’t like to put you with my crew in the lower hold – there’s more dirt and dust on them than you would find in all the alleys in the Shingal. You’re sure this is okay?’ Aylan asked. ‘I wouldn’t want to offend Danrin.’
‘Please, Aylan, it is more than fine. Danrin will know we were treated well and travelled comfortably,’ Ogulf said, trying to calm the man who was clearly keen to stay in Danrin’s good graces.
‘Aye, okay,’ Aylan said, the colour in his face returning to its normal, light brown shade. ‘We’ll be setting off soon, just a few more things to sort. If you wouldn’t mind staying down here until we’re out of the port – it can get a bit lively up there when we’re getting this old dear going – but once we’re on the open, feel free to come up. There’s not much to see at night other than the stars, but being on the waves is certainly good for the soul. Either that or get some sleep. I’ll make sure no one disturbs you too much. If the seas are good to us, we will be in Esselonia around high sun tomorrow. The port we will be headed for is Vargholme. From there, passage to Delfmarc will be easy enough to find.’
Delfmarc. Danrin said that was where they would have the best chance of finding Feda. He said it was considered the capital of North Esselonia, and would be her seat until she could return to the island’s official capital in Catermort, and retrieve her throne from her Uncle Eryc.
‘Thank you, Aylan,’ Ogulf said with a smile.
‘I’ll send one of the lads up with some water and some bread for your supper,’ Aylan said as he departed.
The vessel rocked ever so slightly as it sat in the port. The wood shrieked and the wooden beams above Ogulf bent slightly as the crew of the Gwentar made their final preparations for departure. Curiosity got the better of Ogulf as he began to look through some of the supplies in the hold near their hammocks.
There were copious amounts of food in most of the crates – so much, in fact, that the contents towered above the edges of the containers. In another, Ogulf saw what looked like arrowheads. And then there were three filled with what resembled leather armour, not quite as protective as the ones given to Ogulf and Melcun, but certainly sturdy enough. It looked like the supplies going to Esselonia weren’t as innocent as Lord Hanrik had made out. The assortment of smells from the crates suddenly hit Ogulf; leather, fruit, fresh meat, and steel mixed with the damp of the air in the hold made for an unpleasant collection of scents.
‘Not too bad, all things considered. I mean, I would rather be sleeping in the palace but at least it’s not too cold. And I never thought I would say this, but the idea of bread for supper isn’t all that bad,’ Melcun said.
‘You’re right,’ Ogulf said, sitting on his hammock with his feet still firmly on the floor. It swung slightly beneath him. ‘Danrin said Delfmarc was a day’s ride from the coast, maybe two. How far do you think the messenger facade will get us?’
‘It will be risky. I don’t like the idea of having to keep the lie going any longer than we need to. And it’s not like Aylan even believes it’s true, not all of it anyway,’ Melcun said, sitting on his own hammock. He swung his legs round and now lay prone, wrapped in the netting of the suspended bed.
‘The old way,’ Ogulf said. ‘That might be easier – especially getting into the city.’ Ogulf had thought about this for most of the day. Once they reached Esselonia, there would be no one but themselves to determine their path, and he relished the idea of being in control of his own will once more. He had come to the conclusion that acting as regular travellers would go against them; they had no idea who was and was not a threat to them by sight alone, so avoiding contact or confrontation would be key.
If they were smart, they could find their way to Delfmarc without placing themselves in any precarious positions. The closer they could get to Feda before they were intercepted the better it would be, given that there was no guarantee she would even be at Delfmarc – but where else would the princess of a nation at war be than inside the safety of one of her fortresses? The only problem he could see, aside from the obvious ones, was finding out how to get to Delfmarc without wasting valuable time.
Ogulf and Melcun exchanged thoughtful glances.
‘It could work. I mean, it will be hard without knowing the lay of the land, and it might take us a while longer, but I think it’s better than risking any other way,’ Melcun said.
