The Hunter's Gambit

by Nicholas McIntire

  “And the Magi?” Jonas asked after a long pause.

  “Five remain.” she said softly.

  Jonas nodded to himself. He honestly hadn’t known what to expect. But nevertheless, the numbers told him everything he needed to know.

  “What about Drava?” Aleksei asked after a moment.

  “Drava stands. But it could topple with the mere suggestion of attack.”

  Jonas and Aleksei shared a look of concern.

  “We could send another message to the men in Mornj,” Jonas said, “have them march into Drava, evacuate the town….”

  “No.” Aleksei said sharply. “Sending more men will only add to the death count. I don’t want to risk losing half of our forces down there.”

  “Then what would you propose?”

  Aleksei took a deep breath. “I think we need to visit Drava, Jonas.”

  It took the prince a moment to understand what Aleksei was saying. When the realization sunk in, he was not surprised so much as curious.

  “Why?”

  Aleksei glanced at Raefan and Aya before responding. “Because we can deal with this. More than that, we might be able to figure out why this is happening.”

  Raefan glanced at the two men in confusion, “And what’s to say that you won’t be butchered just like the others? I trained with Jeran and Benjamin for years. They were good Knights. Perhaps not as talented as you are, Aleksei, but I doubt you would do much better in the end.”

  “Jeran and Benjamin were good men, Raefan, and I mourn their loss. They were all good men, and I cannot tell you that I will not fall as easily as they. But I know that I have to at least investigate. Jonas can do things that the other Magi cannot. And, as it is, we have very little to work with.”

  Raefan clenched his jaw, but finally nodded.

  “You are too important to risk, Raefan.” Jonas said softly, “I’m sorry, but Ilyar cannot afford to lose both you and Aya so easily.”

  “But we can risk losing you, the Prince of Ilyar, and Aleksei? My apologies, but I don’t follow your logic.”

  Jonas winced. He wished they didn’t have to lead the other man on like this, but he couldn’t risk telling them exactly why they would succeed where the others had failed.

  As of yet no one was aware of the extent Jonas could draw on the Archanium, or of Aleksei’s ability to tap his connection to time. And both Jonas and his Knight were still too unsure of their talents to make any claims.

  “Fortunately,” Jonas said quietly from his chair, “you don’t have to understand your orders to follow them.”

  Raefan opened his mouth angrily to speak, then thought better of it. “Of course, Highness.”

  Jonas looked away from the Knight and smiled reassuringly at Aya, “Is that all you saw in your vision?”

  She considered for a moment before answering, “Vadim is angry. Enraged. He feels like…like Aleksei set him up to fail. I could feel resentment building within him.”

  Aleksei frowned, “He practically begged me for that command.”

  “How is Hade reacting to this?” Jonas asked.

  “That wasn’t clear. But knowing Hade and his penchant for mindless agreement, I’d say he’s probably harboring similar feelings.”

  Jonas nodded, “Very well. Thank you for doing this, Aya.”

  She rose, recognizing her dismissal, “I’m glad I could be of aid. Good night.”

  When they had left Jonas' rooms, the Magus stood and walked to the window. “Well?”

  “When do you want to leave?” Aleksei taking a seat in the chair Aya had just vacated.

  Jonas considered, “I think you need to leave as soon as possible. I’ll wait until no one’s paying attention and join you in a few days. I don’t want to take any chances in case that Magus has people watching us. And I’ll be able to travel faster anyway.”

  Aleksei nodded and stood to go, “I’m going to pack then. I’ll draw less attention if I leave now.”

  “Wait.”

  Aleksei stopped. “What is it?”

  Jonas regarded his Knight curiously, “Is everything alright?”

  “You mean besides losing a lot of good men for nothing?”

  “That’s not what I mean. You haven’t been sleeping well.”

  “I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

  “There’s something else.” Jonas insisted.

  Aleksei took a deep breath, “There’s been something…off in the Wood recently.”

  Jonas sat and studied his Knight, “Since the Lost appeared?”

  “I suppose. Their return must be throwing the animals into confusion.”

  “And this is keeping you awake?”

  Aleksei nodded, “Sometimes. She’s been telling me that the spirits are restless, but I’m not exactly sure what She means.”

  Jonas nodded, now deep in contemplation. “I just wanted to make sure you were alright. I worry about you.”

  Aleksei flashed that handsome smile that Jonas realized had been missing of late. “I just want all this sorted out. It’s not wearing on me very well.”

  “Be careful.”

  Aleksei leaned down and gave Jonas a gentle kiss, “Come down as fast as you can. I have a feeling you’re going to be more effective than me.”

  When Aleksei was gone, Jonas continued to stare out onto the empty Lawn, threads of despair tickling at his heart. That nagging feeling had once again returned to him. The answer seemed somehow closer; to make more sense.

  Beasts in Drava. Unrest in the Wood. Unexplained Magi in the Palace. Each element pulled at the corners of his mind, but he couldn’t understand why. Jonas chased them into the waiting arms of sleep.

  The door opened silently and Sammul looked up at the sudden draft. The door shut and two figures materialized. The first was a heavyset man, his face white. The second was one of Sammul’s most loyal servants.

  “Thank you, Delira.” he said calmly.

  The woman nodded, spared the pale man one last contemptuous glance, then vanished. When the door had shut again, Sammul beckoned the man closer.

  “Come here, Bertrand. I’m not going to bite you.”

  Perron regarded Sammul cautiously before shuffling forward. “You…you summoned me?”

  Sammul held back a laugh, “Indeed I did, Bertrand. Have a seat.” He paused, considering the best way to deliver his news to the noble. “Now then, I assume you’ve heard the reports from Drava?”

  Perron jumped at that last word. “Yes, Sammul, I’ve heard.”

  “To a man, Perron.”

  “A few Magi survived.” the lord muttered.

  “Indeed they did. And this should prove to you that although our plan has a good possibility of succeeding, it is not impervious.”

  Again Perron flinched.

  Sammul imagined it had been much harder than Perron would have ever thought to regard the Queen as his enemy. Harder still to consciously unleash terror and death upon his own people. But it was too late now, no matter which way he turned it. His path was set.

  “What of Krasik, then?” Perron asked.

  “Krasik is where he was, where he should be, and at the moment is being prepared to launch his attack on our good queen. But don’t look so distressed, Perron! This is what you wanted, isn’t it?”

  “Oh, of course.” Perron stammered. “Of course, Sammul. It’s just that….”

  “What, Perron? Are you losing your resolve? Because if you are, I’m sure Lord Malak will be more than happy to take some of your responsibilities until you are more…sure of our cause.”

  “No!” Perron said forcefully, “No, I know what must be done.”

  “For the good of Ilyar, Perron.”

  The man nodded, looking down at the floor, “Aye, for the good of Ilyar.”

  “Now then,” Sammul continued briskly, “as commander of the forces in the South, it is your job to make sure that any call for aid is not answered with undue haste. />
  “Drava can be rebuilt. The troubles in Drava will not strangle Ilyar. But they will send a very clear message to the people of this realm that change is the only course of action. And then there is the matter of revealing yourselves as the resistance.”

  Perron looked nervous at that, “And when will that be?”

  Sammul waved a dismissive hand, “You must make your case to the public first. Thus, the sacrifice of Drava. If the Ilyari see Andariana’s incompetence at dealing with the situation in the South, they will begin to lose faith in their monarch.

  “If your men are doing as instructed, then the Legions should not be overly surprised to hear the rumors come to life. The people of Ilyar will demand an answer. And Parliament will be ready to provide them one.”

  “Andariana will not abdicate willingly, Sammul. You have to know that better than I. And the Palace Guard will hardly allow us to march into Kalinor and seize the throne. Their loyalty is to Lord Captain Drago. Everyone knows that. I’ve also heard that more than a few Magi are influenced by Prince Belgi; perhaps even more than yourself.”

  Sammul kept his face impassive, but rage burned in his eyes.

  “The unfortunates who follow the Prince are of no consequence.” Sammul snarled. “I command the Voralla, Perron, and I alone. I command the Magi of Ilyar. If a few dissidents prefer to delude themselves into thinking that they will be safer following Jonas, they are free to throw their lives away. But the majority of the Magi will come when I call them.”

  “As you say, Sammul, as you say.” Perron muttered hastily.

  Sammul took a deep breath, calming himself only with the greatest effort. It would be pointless to lose his temper now, when everything was still so fragile. No, he would have to be patient.

  “What about reports on the Prince and the Lord Captain?” Sammul asked after a long moment.

  Perron shrugged, “There’s not much to say, is there? The Lord Captain spends most of the day in his office or inspecting the Guard. The Prince emerges from his chambers around noon to eat with Princess Tamara. He generally pays a visit to the Lord Captain after the midday meal, and then he retreats to his chambers again. The Lord Captain spends most nights with the Prince.”

  “And what, dare I ask, is the Prince doing sequestered in his chambers for so many hours?”

  Perron shook his head, “I’d like to tell you, Sammul, but I’m afraid no one really knows. I can’t pay off his servants, and every time I’ve tried to have someone listen in they’ve come away with such a headache that they’ve remained bedridden for days afterwards…You don’t think he suspects anything, do you?”

  Sammul waved the suggestion away, “Impossible to say with Jonas. He could suspect you, or me, but what he knows is anyone’s guess. Does he spend much time with the Queen?”

  Perron shook his head, “Rarely. Their relationship seems casual, if friendly. I believe he only makes an effort to see her when he wants something.”

  Sammul snorted, “This is your report? That the two act exactly as one would expect given their positions?”

  Perron’s brow lowered, “I can’t make them give away their thoughts. Their actions are easy enough to monitor, outside of the Prince’s chambers, of course.”

  “They’re easier to ward.” Sammul grunted dismissively. “Jonas is smart enough to keep any delicate information to himself.

  “Where are they right now?”

  “Last I heard, Drago and the Prince were holed up in the Prince’s rooms with another Magus.”

  Sammul glanced at Perron sharply, “Who?”

  “Aya. And her Knight, I think.”

  Sammul breathed out evenly. Aya. Unsurprising, but vexing nonetheless.

  “Very well. Have your eyes and ears listen for any mention of what took place in the Prince’s chambers tonight. Perhaps her Knight will get drunk and let something slip; they’re usually the easiest to squeeze for information.”

  “As you command, Sammul.” Perron said, trying to mime supplication.

  The door swung open silently.

  “Good evening, Perron. So nice to see you again.” Sammul said softly, turning away as Delira’s cloak enveloped the Chancellor.

  CHAPTER 23

  Into the Wood

  MOONLIGHT BATHED THE sleeping city as Aleksei guided Dash onto the road. No one would notice the old draft horse missing and with Agriphon still safely stabled, it might buy them a few days before anyone realized that Aleksei had left Kalinor.

  At the moment, secrecy was critical.

  Hunter.

  Aleksei pulled Dash up short and turned his head to the east.

  Mother Wood? he thought, What is it?

  I have need of you, Hunter. It is of great urgency.

  Aleksei breathed in deeply and turned Dash towards the East Gate. He couldn’t imagine what the Wood could need. He first thought was that the beasts had been discovered beneath Her branches as well, but Her tone had changed in the last few days.

  Hurry, Hunter.

  The voice struck him like a hammer. This wasn’t like anything he’d heard from her before.

  She sounded terrified.

  It took Aleksei half an hour to clear the East Gate. His mind raced the entire time, trying to determine what might scare an entity like the Wood. He had difficulty imagining such a thing.

  The uneasiness he’d felt earlier grew as he raced towards the Wood. By the time the tree-line came into view, it was bordering on painful.

  What’s wrong, Mother?

  I have been poisoned, Hunter. She whispered.

  Aleksei rode into the Wood and the pain in his chest lifted.

  You have come to me, Hunter. I thank you.

  Aleksei frowned, realizing that the unrest he’d felt had been the Wood urging him to Her.

  What’s wrong, Mother? he repeated.

  My Lost, Hunter. Their presence has waked the poison that slept within me.

  Aleksei’s mind was filled with the same visions from the nights before. People consumed in fire. The forest in flames. A great white behemoth stalking through the embers of Ilyar.

  They brought it into the Heart, Hunter. When they chased My Children.

  Aleksei took a deep breath. Who, Mother?

  The Kholodym, Hunter. They sought to destroy My Children. To destroy Me.

  Aleksei’s eyes widened. What could possibly destroy the Wood itself?

  They were cast out of this land before the poison could mature. It withered, but did not die. And now it stirs once more. If it is not destroyed, it will grow and consume. Until I am no more, Hunter. Until My Children are gone from this world.

  “What am I to do, Mother?” he asked aloud.

  You are my Hunter, my Protector.

  Aleksei nodded in assent. “Take me to it, Mother Wood, and I will do my best.”

  Leave your animal to my care. He will only serve to hinder you.

  Aleksei slid off Dash’s back and stroked the horse’s neck soothingly. “I’ll be right back, old boy. Try to stay out of trouble.”

  The horse pawed at the path in irritation. Aleksei smiled, “I’m sorry, but you can’t come with me right now. I’ll be back to get you in a little while.”

  He patted the horse once more, then looked into the dense canopy. The moonlight was dim, and soon he’d be plunged into complete darkness.

  “Mother Wood, if I can’t see, how will I know my enemy?”

  The darkness will protect you, Hunter. Your eyes will serve you better in the dark.

  Aleksei sighed. He hoped She was right.

  He walked down the path, noting that as he moved the trees blurred and twisted around him. She was taking him to another part of the Wood.

  He continued walking and suddenly the trees were much closer together, much larger. The air became warmer, thicker. Aleksei realized that he was moving into the Wood’s primeval Heart.

  The texture of the path changed. The hard-packed e
arth gave way to distended stones and fragments of what appeared to be some sort of shell.

  Stop.

  Aleksei froze in mid-step, watching, listening. The last of the moon’s light vanished from the trees, and darkness descended in the Wood. Aleksei breathed slowly, evenly, and listened.

  Hunt.

  He dropped into a crouch and instinctively lifted a piece of the odd shell he had seen in the path. He pressed it against his nose and took in its scent, breathing in sulfur and char. It sent a cascade of images through his mind, most of which he couldn’t understand. Finally, a singular vision clarified itself in his head.

  Robed figures were standing around a hole in the earth. It appeared to be a well, but rather than water, it was filled with liquid fire. The figures drew alien runes around the well. Some moved in an odd rhythm, though Aleksei could hear no beat or pulse to follow.

  From the fire rose a shape. At first, Aleksei thought it was a being of some sort, but as the robed figures manipulated it, he recognized it was a filmy egg. Something was writhing within, pushing against the soft barrier that imprisoned it. Something was being conceived.

  The vision evaporated and Aleksei was left with the distinct impression of something long, something serpentine.

  A low growl built at the back of his throat. He sniffed at the air and instantly caught the creature’s sharp, sulfurous scent. It was off to the east, motionless, possibly scenting him as well.

  Aleksei drew his sword and began to move, off the path and through the dense underbrush. It knew he was approaching, it could feel him. And Aleksei could smell something else in the air.

  Anger.

  Every time he had tracked something in the past, he had smelled its fear. This creature did not seem to possess such an emotion. It only desired to destroy him so that it could continue fulfilling its purpose.

  His feet whispered silently across the ground, his mind endowed with such an intimate knowledge of the Wood that he didn’t need his eyes to know where the dry twigs and leaves lay or where the ground dipped and rose.

  The wind shifted and Aleksei realized that the creature had shifted as well. It was no longer before him as it had been a moment ago. Now, it was….