Sea of Souls, page 16
Toryn felt a pang of guilt. He had been daydreaming, and thus failed to notice the plume of smoke rising from the plain on their right. Toryn stood in his stirrups. ‘It’s a farmhouse. But it’s the field that smolders.’ He grimaced as he tasted the death of Greendell.
Gundrul shook his head. ‘Has to be an accident. Can’t be the work of the enemy this close to Farrand.’
Toryn’s stomach clenched. ‘Yet their servants ride through our realms with disdain for our borders. We should investigate.’
‘Our priority lies north. We would waste valuable time.’
‘Wait. I see a struggle.’ Toryn let his eyes wander across the fields. ‘Yes. A lone man against three.’
Gundrul stared at the smoke. ‘A local dispute perhaps? Or should we intervene?’
Toryn spurred his horse, calling over his shoulder. ‘We intervene! I’ve seen these fiends before.’
The captain waved his arm, wheeling the company after Toryn. They set off at a gallop. The finest horses of Archonholm responded, tearing across the grasslands, pleased to be on softer ground. As they neared the farmhouse, Toryn’s heart sank. He could not know how, but a wrong had been committed. It wrenched at his gut, forcing bile into his throat.
◆◆◆
Gundrul spat. ‘The foul beasts. Who could do such a thing?’ Toryn’s eyes smarted from the acrid smoke, but they could not shut out the appalling sight. Three charred bodies lay at the center of a burned-out circle in the stubble of the harvested field. Gundrul stared at the smallest. He bowed his head. ‘Couldn’t be older than ten. The poor child. I hope they were dead before they burned.’
‘Captain!’ Janae strode across the field. She flinched at the gruesome sight at their feet. She pointed east. ‘Three set off at speed but a few minutes ago. They must have seen us coming. And there’s a survivor by the farmhouse. An old guard I’d wager. He’s in a bad way but he can talk.’
Toryn ran to the house. Two of their company sat comforting a bloodied man slumped against the wall. They had given him water, but Toryn guessed it would only serve to ease his passing. Gundrul caught up. He kneeled and picked up the sword by the injured man. ‘An Archonian blade to be sure.’ He placed it in the man’s hand, closing his fingers around the handle. ‘Please. Tell me your name, soldier. Your courage will be remembered.’
The man coughed. ‘Adreel. But I failed. I was too late.’
Gundrul clutched the man’s free hand. ‘Looks to me as if you fought against the odds. That’s courage in my book.’
A tear ran down Adreel’s soot-caked face. ‘Four of them. Big fellows. I came when I saw the smoke. Thought Patrel needed help.’ He spat blood. ‘That poor family. I knew something was wrong when Shepra failed to greet me.’
‘Shepra?’ Toryn glanced back to the smoke. ‘Was she his… daughter?’
He clutched his stomach. ‘His dog. Always scampered to the gate when she saw me coming.’ Adreel’s hand raised towards the field. ‘They did this.’ He choked back tears. ‘I’d known Patrel since we were lads, and his wife too.’ He choked back the tears. ‘I held Rayla, his daughter, when she was born…. She…’ His jaw clenched. ‘I made one of those swine pay. You’ll find him in the barn. At least he won’t be troubling anyone again.’
Gundrul nodded to Lorek. ‘Take Elrik and check out the dead scoundrel.’
Toryn laid his hand on Adreel’s arm. ‘Had you seen the likes of these men before?’
‘No. I’d have noticed four large chaps dressed in nothing but black.’
Toryn cursed. ‘Nordleng! I thought as much. I’ve seen their handiwork before. And to think I felt pity for the one swallowed by a droog.’
The captain glanced to the smoldering circle. ‘But why do this? What would they gain from murdering these fine folk?’ Adreel tried to speak but slumped back against the wall. Gundrul grasped his hand, ensuring Adreel had a firm grip on his sword. ‘Don’t fight it, Adreel. It’s the plains for you, my friend. You can hold your head up high when the old boys come to greet you. Go in peace, Archonian. May your hops grow, and your beer quench your thirst.’ Adreel’s eyes closed. He smiled as his last breath left him. Toryn bowed his head as the man died. His Verse flowed through Toryn, recounting the Archonian’s long, hard life, serving both the realms and his family with a good heart. He looked up to the sky. Adreel would indeed deserve his place on the Plains of Evermore.
‘I’ve searched the house, Captain.’ Janae stopped and placed a hand over her heart.
Gundrul stepped back. ‘Had those scum been here long?’
‘Several days judging by the mess. There’s no food left, and the place has been ransacked. I’d say they used the house for shelter and sustenance.’ She shook her head. ‘The poor family were just unfortunate to be in the wrong place.’
Gundrul could not take his eyes from the blackened patch where the family lay. ‘Please ready a bird. I’ll send word to Archonholm. Lady Harlyn will have to consider committing a force to track and capture… or kill these swine.’ He turned to Toryn. ‘I know you hope to talk with Nyomae with your… your magic tricks, but I think it best if we send a bird, just in case, eh. This cannot go unreported.’
‘A good decision. Our trials were not always successful.’
‘Captain.’ Elrik ran back from the barn pointing north. ‘More approach. On the road from Cafra I’d say.’ They stood to see a black and white dog bounding across the field with three on horseback following. Toryn and Gundrul strode out to meet them.
The captain pointed. ‘That must be their dog. A fine collie if I ever saw one. I reckon she’d have run for help. Poor lass will be gutted to find she’s too late.’ He held up his hand to the riders. ‘Captain Gundrul, Archonian Guard.’ The horses slowed, but Shepra scampered past. Toryn followed. She cautiously stepped onto the scorched earth, whimpering as she endured the heat, but the faithful dog would not be separated from her family. Toryn went to her. He removed his cloak and laid it beside the farmer. Shepra crouched upon it and licked her master’s clawed hand. Toryn turned and left her alone to mourn.
Gundrul spoke with the riders as Elrik and Lorek returned from the barn. Lorek snarled. ‘If only we’d arrived earlier. Our friend Adreel did well to take out one. They are big men, and well-armed, and I would say well-trained.’ He looked east. ‘But they’ll rue the day they did this. If I ever see the likes of them…’
Toryn sighed. ‘I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of these foul folk before long. They’ll be in league with Nordryn and the Ruuk. But be wary. Even the Amayans break sweat to tackle them. They are highly skilled, but ruthless with it. I don’t know how they’d fare in open battle. They seem better suited to stealth and raids.’
Elrik grunted. ‘And attacking defenseless women and children.’
‘As I said. Ruthless. They have not a care for any but themselves and their masters.’
Gundrul approached. ‘The riders are from Cafra. They said the dog showed up in the early hours.’ He turned to Shepra sitting quietly with her family. His eyes glistened. ‘The lass must have run twenty leagues without rest. Now there’s a dog I’d have by my side any day.’ He looked towards the barn. His lip curled. ‘The Cafrans speak of a dozen or so similar acts. But they’re difficult to track, and harder to confront. I hope Elodi can aid these people. Can’t have them spreading fear, there’s enough of that already.’
Toryn turned back to the farmhouse. ‘Is that their objective? Do they spread fear? Or is there another reason for being in Emryst?’
Gundrul rubbed his chin. ‘The Cafrans are certainly anxious. But they only raid the farms. They’ve not gone near the mines, or the wealth of the cities.’
Toryn scanned the horizon as the dust kicked up by the fleeing Nordleng’s horses cleared. ‘No, they’re here for something else. They’re turning south. But for what?’
Gundrul whistled for his horse. ‘We must be going. We have our own mission to complete. The town folk will give these poor souls a decent burial. I’ll advise they also send a rider to Archonholm with the news as a precaution.’ He glanced up. ‘We can’t be sure if these Nordleng swine have hawks that will bring down our feathered friends.’ Gundrul spoke with the Cafrans as the rest of the company mounted.
Lorek nodded to the farmer and his family. ‘What about the dog?’
Toryn turned to see Shepra had not moved. ‘I’d say she’ll likely stay here.’ But as they set off, Shepra barked and ran after their horses.
Lorek cheered. ‘Looks like we have another volunteer. I imagine she’s keen to avenge her family.’
19. THE REALMS RIDE NORTH
‘And you can be sure?’ Elodi found she gripped Amyndra’s arm.
‘I’m afraid it is true. My rider arrived in the early hours. The Ruuk have crossed the Kel and taken positions at Torm, and farther east in the foothills of the Kellen Heights. Forces loyal to the Five Realms have retreated. They’re forming a new front stretching between Rand and the port of Gwend as best they can. But thankfully, the Ruuk appear to have stopped. Why this should be I do not know. They had us on the run, and had they ridden on, we’d have been routed before our camps were made ready.’
Elodi looked out from her window. ‘Fortunate indeed. But I worry when the Ruuk are patient. Nordryn must be waiting for instructions from his new masters.’ Her hand went to her mouth. ‘The forests! It must be as I feared. Nordryn has his eyes on the timber. He’s gathering his forces to take Borrund.’ She turned and strode to the doorway. ‘Please come with me. Your news has forced the issue. We will have to commit a sizeable force to Ormsk. The reserves will be no match for the Ruuk. We cannot afford to concede a single tree to that traitor. And we must ensure Aralak Gorge remains guarded, and the east side of the Kolossos Pass is not lost.’
◆◆◆
Lord Kernlow struggled to stand as Elodi and Amyndra strode into the Great Hall. He glanced down and pushed aside his half-eaten dinner. ‘You look as if you’ve seen a shreek, Lady Harlyn.’
Elodi stopped at the table. ‘I’ve already had that pleasure, Lord, but it is not the reason the blood has drained from my face, or for my haste.’ She gestured to her companion. ‘This is Captain Amyndra from the forces of Broon who remain true to the Five. She has received word of Ruuk crossing the Kel.’
‘They’ve crossed the river?’ Kernlow shuffled to his map. ‘Oh dear, that is bad news. That brings them closer to—’
‘The forests of Ormsk. Thankfully, our forces are prepared and ready to ride. I have dispatched a bird to the Knights of Amman stationed at Karrock. They will head north immediately to aid those loyal to Broon. The forces at Borrund have already deployed to bolster the line. I have ordered the First Horse to ride immediately to Ormsk, and my reserves at Amroth to help secure the Kolossos Pass to the west. And at dawn, my knights will ride to aid our forces in the east.’
Kernlow’s eyes moved up and down the Kolossos Mountains. ‘Excellent.’ He groaned. ‘I’m afraid my legs aren’t what they used to be.’ He waddled back to the table and sank into his chair. ‘That’s better. Now I can think.’ His eyebrows raised. ‘Ah yes, what of the gorge and the spiders?’
Elodi strode to the map and picked up the pointer. She ran it up the east side of the mountains. ‘If Broon’s loyal forces still hold the line at Rand, I have instructed a detachment of Archonians to consolidate the watch on the fences at the gorge. I do not believe it’s in anyone’s interest, even Nordryn’s, to neglect them. I’m sure the aralaks don’t care into which side they pump their foul poison. But I’ll be happier if it were our guards at the fences.’ The golden finger slid down the map to Cafra. ‘But that is not all. Bands of Nordleng are raiding farms in Emryst.’
Kernlow’s mouth gaped. ‘So far south?’
‘Unfortunately, yes. I have sent a small detachment of First Horse to track them down and… eliminate them.’
The lord’s brow furrowed. ‘Not that I wish to question your judgement, but do we not need every last one of them elsewhere?’
‘That would be my desire, but the Nordleng are a vicious tool of the enemy. While it may be a tactic to draw more of our resources away from the front, I cannot leave the people of Emryst undefended against such a cruel band of hoodlums. My hope is to kill them quickly, then my riders can be sent north.’
‘Then it is a wise decision, Lady Harlyn.’ He looked to Amyndra who appeared in awe of the Great Hall. ‘And you, Captain. What is your mission?’
Amyndra stiffened, suddenly hearing the question. She glanced to Elodi. ‘Lord. I am to ride with the First Horse to aid my comrades holding the line.’
‘The First Horse? My dear, they are our finest riders and knights.’ He looked to Elodi. ‘Would it not be preferable for her to accompany the Archonians?’
Elodi replaced the pointer on its stand. She smiled at Amyndra. ‘The captain is a fine rider, and Warrior is a swift horse equal to any of ours. She also has more experience of fighting than many here. I can assure you, lord, she will not be the least intimidated by Archonholm’s elites. And remember, she knows the lands east of the Kolossos better than any south of Emryst.’
Lord Kernlow pushed back his chair and stood. ‘Ah good. I see you have thought this through.’ He glanced to Amyndra. ‘And I apologize if I have offended you, Captain. You sound a very capable soldier, and one whose service and loyalty will be most welcome.’
Amyndra bowed her head. ‘None taken, my lord.’
‘Good. Then it sounds as if we have a workable plan.’ He glanced down to his unfinished meal. ‘Err… do you need me to do anything else, Lady Harlyn?’
A wry smile passed across Elodi’s lips. ‘If you can arise at the crack of dawn, a short address from you would help to rally the troops, my lord.’
◆◆◆
Elodi dearly wished she could ride with Aldorman and her knights. The sight of their banners, shining armor and proud horses trotting across the Menon Bridge had raised her spirits. In two weeks, they would cross the Great Elda and enter Noor. Messages from Ruan at Seransea stated Noor remained free of invaders. But Elodi had come to learn the lulls in enemy activity usually heralded preparations were underway for a decisive strike. Aldorman was to marshal the reserves to form a line along the Seran River, but he was ordered to reform on the south bank of the River Wend if overrun.
A horn blared below. A division of Archonians under the command of Cubric assembled at the bridge. While Gundrul and Toryn had gone east, Cubric would lead his guards on the tails of Aldorman’s horses. But even with the fabled brutal Archonian’s marching speed, it would be close to three weeks before he could take his position. But Elodi was under no illusion the enemy could be held back for long. So, another tactic had to be deployed. Small bands trained in the art of ambush, were tasked to harass the Ruuk where possible. If they attempted to bridge rivers, cross marshes, or build camps, they were to disrupt their plans and force them to divert resources away from their bigger plan. But even with a concerted effort, Elodi was certain they would have to withdraw before long. The River Wend provided the next line of defense, but inevitably they would surely be pushed back to the Great Elda. But this had to be held — the Elda had to be the line where the Ruuk were stopped. If the Five Realms had any hope of surviving, the Kolossos Pass must be secured. If it fell into enemy hands, their ability to reinforce either side of the mountain range would be lost, and with it, all hope of preventing the darkness reaching Farrand.
Earlier that morning, Amyndra and her two comrades of Broon had ridden with the First Horse, looking every bit the equal of the elites. Despite the loss of many from their ranks on Bardon’s doomed sea voyage, they would still pose a serious threat to the enemy. Elodi had used her farsight to follow them many leagues as they sped along the Great Northeast Road beneath the shadows of the Foranfae.
Reluctantly, Elodi turned away. The crowds lining the bridge had long since returned to the city, thankfully quieter since the departure of the warlock. Her eyes wandered back across the Menon River. Her forces were tasked to hold a line almost one hundred leagues wide on both sides of the Kolossos. But should the enemy break through, they would be entrapped. Elodi shuddered at the thought captured soldiers could soon be turned against the realms by the dark arts of her foe. Yet, despite the bravery and skill of her army, she believed the plight of the realms ultimately rested on Nyomae’s shoulders. But Elodi was aware the secrets Nyomae sought could also work against them.
20. THE SKY IS FALLING
Nyomae looked up from the scroll and rubbed her eyes. The melting wax from the candle had seeped into the cracks on the splintered tabletop to form what looked like a map. Nyomae traced the lines of red rivers meandering across the wide, wooden plain. She leaned back and looked up to the low arched ceiling of the vault. Nyomae had smiled to herself as she had stooped to gain access to the scrolls, finding herself in the same gait that had taken her across the realms while living under the shadow. But the shadow reigned no more. That had retreated, likely never to return following the words she had just read. Nyomae stretched. Draegelan was indeed a clever, most resourceful Archon. He must have been aware his physician kept a note of every word he uttered during his fever. Even in his debilitated state, he had devised a way to impart the location of knowledge he dared not take to his funeral pyre.
On arriving at the library of Neverdor, Nyomae had quickly solved the first clue in the test devised by Draegelan. The word he had inserted into the rhyme led Nyomae to a scroll beneath the West Window in Neverdor’s library. She simply had to count down the shelves, then along the partitions to find the one Draegelan wished to be found. His plan required trust in the archivists of Neverdor to maintain strict order. And mercifully, it was a role in which they took great pride. It had not taken Nyomae long to unlock the meaning of Draegelan’s misplaced word in the rhyme: Gwylmadoc. The age-old celebration took place in West Haven on the eighth day of the eighth month. And this turned out to be the shelf and scroll’s position situated under the West Window of the library. It was a remarkably simple code, too simple for many minds liable to overthink the conundrum and miss the solution.
