***
The terrain changed as the predominant type of tree growth went from conifers to mixed hardwoods. It made for a rough ride as the wagon meandered over tree roots and bumped against low branches and tree boles. Nevin was glad the wheels were fairly wide and the cargo box had at least a minimal suspension, or the wagon would not have stayed together. It was also fortunate that the weather was pleasant. By Nevin’s calculation, the climatic conditions were comparable to mid-May in a temperate zone.
The density of tree growth steadily increased as the day wore on, until it became quite difficult to navigate the wagon in any semblance of a straight line. The men walked to lighten the load so the wagon would be easier to maneuver among the thick-trunked oak and maple trees. To make up for their slow pace, they decided to forgo any meals until they stopped for the night. Only once did they stop at all, so that Faldon could water the horses at a shallow brook. At that stop, and a half dozen other times, Faldon reported seeing something large moving among the trees. The wagon driver was admittedly anxious from the talk about trolls, but no one else saw signs of any two-legged creatures, large or small. Faldon would not be calmed by their attempts to console him. Each man admitted he had never actually seen a troll, nor knew anyone who did; that offered no consolation to Faldon, who was convinced that no one encountering a troll would live to tell about it. The only way they could get Faldon to relax a little was for Orris to strap on his sword.
About two hours before sunset, they reached a knoll where Anson stopped to get his bearings. Using the wagon as a step, Anson climbed an oak tree to look to the north where Worad once resided. He shinned down and reported that he smelled a faint odor of wood burning but could not see any smoke. “It is unusual for a mage to light a hearth fire by day. They seek seclusion. Let us move more quickly.”
Anson took off by foot in the lead, followed by Nevin, Faldon driving the wagon, and Orris following up in the rear. It took less than hour to near their destination, though the wagon suffered considerable buffeting as it squeezed through a thick population of burr oaks. To Faldon’s relief, Anson finally held up his hand and ordered them to stop.
The mage waved for his comrades to come closer and be quiet. “Something is wrong. The smell of smoke is too strong for a hearth fire. Leave the wagon here and let us walk the remaining distance together.”
Orris drew his sword and Faldon a dagger as they walked on carefully. The smell of burning wood grew stronger. When they reached a little clearing, they saw the fire’s source—a large cottage was in ruins, burned to the ground sometime in recent days. They cautiously walked up to the charred remains of the structure.
Orris bent down on one knee to survey the ground, his training and instincts taking over. “There has been a struggle. And blood is spilled here and in a spot over there.” He continued to sort through signs that the others did not see, bits of debris in the form of broken twigs and torn blades of grass. “This is not the handiwork of our troll friend but of men,” he said. “These tracks show at least five, one of them likely the victim of treachery from the others. There are burnt remains of two bodies, one wearing soldier’s gear. Sorry to say, Anson, but the other probably was the man who lived here.”
Anson was saddened at this news, but not surprised. This was not the first time he came across an attack of a mage by a group of rogues. They looked around for any further sign of Worad or others, but came up with nothing. All but Faldon thought the attackers would not return, since their business was accomplished and there was nothing left to loot.
After returning to the wagon and finding it just as they left it, they prepared a camp for the night. All agreed it was wise to avoid a fire and rotate guard duty every three hours. Anson would be first, followed by Nevin, Orris and Faldon. Orris gave Faldon a stern warning to stay awake this time; the wagon driver flinched at the rebuke.
Nevin found a spot upwind on even ground. After the long day of hard travel, he went to sleep immediately without waiting to eat. When his turn for guard duty came, he nibbled on some bread and cheese that Anson set out for him. Nevin’s watch went quickly and he woke Faldon to replace him.
Alliance for Antrim Page 25
