A few minutes later they reached the head of the valley where it bottled to a much narrower pass, almost a gorge. Large boulders and scree lined the edge of the slopes that had closed to just a few hundred feet apart. As he was staring intently behind them Cal caught something out of the corner of his eye. Behind one of the large boulders was a narrow cave entrance, hidden by the boulder to anyone approaching up the valley and only just noticeable coming the other way.
“Quick, follow me.” He pointed the cave out to Maris who quickly led the group to its entrance. The trio dismounted to allow the Makkisen to enter the cave along with Tamala, whilst Cal and Astridson hid behind the boulder to await whoever was behind them.
Cal carefully slid his sword from its scabbard and placed it carefully against the boulder. His bow and quiver were already by his side and he took the opportunity to slide the hide covered quiver over his shoulder and loosely notched an arrow ready.
The next twenty minutes seemed to stretch on into eternity as they waited for the riders to come into view and Cal almost sighed with relief when they finally rounded the top end of the valley. When he got a better look at them he actually did let out a sigh.
There were five in the mounted party. Four had the obvious look of hired muscle, chain mail and well used swords, whilst the fifth was almost comical in his appearance. He couldn’t have stood more than an inch taller than Tamala and his emaciated physique pointed toward anything other than a warrior. His clothes were bright, gaudy colours and his horse was weighed down by several large bundles.
“Trader,” whispered Astridson, “though who he thinks he’ll trade with through these passes I’ve no idea.”
As they sat and waited for the party to get a good distance ahead of them Astridson suggested that as they had already found cover, and there was only an hour or so of light left, they might as well make camp where they were. Despite the relative ease of their journey that day both Cal and Tamala thought the idea a good one.
A short while later they had managed to create an almost comfortable camp slightly further back into the cave. Far enough back that they felt safe lighting a small fire to have a warm meal that evening.
Tamala set about preparing a broth for them whilst Cal moved back to the entrance, joining Astridson.
“How long to get through the mountains?”
Astridson considered the question for a moment before replying, “No longer than a week if we avoid trouble, perhaps as few as five days.
A lot depends on the weather as we travel the higher passes. At this time of year we should be fine, but it’s not unheard of for storms to strike hard.” He glanced at his younger companion before adding “Why?”
Cal was gazed silently into the evening gloom for a few seconds before answering. “Until we arrived at Mid’gra I’ve always had someone to catch me if I fell, so to speak. Since Mid’gra we’ve been heading north or taking stock at Agorel. Now…”
“And now you face the prospect of having to make decisions that will have weighty consequences.” Astridson placed a consoling hand onto Cal’s shoulder, “You’ve had several exceptional teachers from all that I’ve heard, best put their teachings into practice. If nothing else can lead you, follow your heart.
You’re a good man Calmagyr Ironsson, and good men rarely make the wrong choices.”
A wry smile crossed Cal’s face, “Thanks, I think.
The way I’m figuring it we’ve probably gotten ahead of Her Majesty, even with our extended visit to your people.”
“Stands to reason, your travel by ship and then Tamala’s transporting us straight to Agorel would have gained you considerable time.”
Both were silent for a short while whilst Cal tried to order his thoughts. “Is there anyone north of the mountains that we might loosely term as allies?”
Astridson gave a short, barking laugh before replying, “Not that you would notice, no. The Dwarves further to the west toward Saldar, but aside from them there is no-one after we cross into J’Dar.
We might find those that would aid our cause for money once we reach Churek, if we need to that is.”
Cal’s look was all the answer needed for that suggestion. “No, we’ll make for Churek as best we can and then decide what to do once we know we are definitely there ahead of Her Majesty.”
Four days spent carefully making their way up increasingly narrower mountain trails brought the party to the edge of a steep saddle between two peaks.
“Dragon’s Back Ridge,” Astridson eased himself off of Kosmiir’s back and stretched muscles sore through the hard ride they had set themselves. Cal and Tamala followed suit, stretching also before each found their eyes distracted by the magnificent view the ridgeline provided.
“Does that mean we’re finally going to stop climbing up?” Tamala smiled as she spoke, though they would all admit that they were chaffing to start down the northern side of the mountains and head down to the town of Churek.
Astridson answered her smile as he replied, “Yes, that’s exactly what it means.”
Cal gently nudged Maris’ flank to move alongside Kosmiir so that he could speak more easily with Astridson.
“Have you had any thought as to what we’re going to do once we reach Churek?”
“Not really. I was hoping for inspiration sometime before we get there but as it is…” he shrugged.
Cal seemed to take a moment to think before he spoke next. “I’ve been thinking about that trader that passed us a few days ago.”
Tamala spoke up as he paused, “You’re thinking of trying to pose as one? Wouldn’t we need something to trade first?”
“Perhaps not. How much luggage did that one we saw seem to be carrying? I didn’t see enough being carried to warrant a trip over the mountains.”
Both Astridson and Tamala thought about that for a short while before it was Astridson that spoke again. “You think he was establishing contracts? Taking orders for items or equipment to be transported at a later date.”
“That would be my suggestion. We used to get the occasional trader came through Fallon’s Glen that would do similar. Take orders for things we needed from Holdur rather than have one of us waste a week travelling back and forth.
If he wasn’t carrying a large amount of merchandise couldn’t he have just been carrying samples? Possibly weaponry or something like that.”
“You know, Cal might just have something there.” Tamala looked thoughtful for a moment before carrying on, “We know that our enemies are spread widely, and I’d imagine that the J’dar won’t be bringing much to the table in the way of arms.
They tend to buy whatever they need from traders from Miri and some of the less scrupulous dealers from northern Galorn.”
“So, you’re saying that they come from exactly where we’ve just left?” Astridson’s smile grew wider. “I’m liking this idea more and more.”
“How are we going to play this?” Tamala looked at the both of them, “I mean how are we going to explain our party. Cal looks older than he actually is,” she winked at Cal causing him to blush and Astridson to laugh, “but he hardly looks old enough to be a weapons trader.”
Astridson glanced at the rapidly approaching ridgeline. “I guess we need to decide soon. It’s only a few days from Dragon’s Back to Churek.”
The party lapsed into silence as they started to ponder how they were going to explain their group once they reached what passed for civilization in these parts.
Escape
The cart slowly rolled to a stop, the driver calling for the oxen to halt after a nod from Raldon. Luda had been dozing and stirred as the rocky movement came to a halt. He glanced to see that both Vorston and Collett were awake and waiting for the guards to come up into the back to release their manacles allowing them a short while to stretch and get their evening meal before being restrained again whilst they slept.
They had travelled north for a couple of weeks now and the crisp mountain air was definitely making itself fel
t through their less than adequate clothing.
“Do you think they’ve noticed yet?” Collett spoke quietly to Vorston.
“Doubt it, they don’t strike me as the brightest lads.”
Luda looked quizzically at them both. “Noticed what?”
Vorston answered, “That we’re being followed.
There’s a slight gap in the covering up this end that we can just about see through and both Collett and myself noticed something the other night. I’d guess we’re being tracked and though I think I know who by, I’m not absolutely certain.”
“And your suspicion is?”
Before the dwarf could answer the cloth covering the rear of the cart was pulled aside and one of their guards roughly motioned for them to stay still whilst they were unchained.
All three sat still until they were free and then exited the cart and stretched while a small camp was prepared, and fires were started. Quickly the smell of plain but filling food started to fill the air about them.
The light was fading quickly when motion was spotted a short distance out from the camp. Two of the guards immediately stepped up drawing their swords.
“Who’s there?”
“Steady yourselves, we’re only passing.” Coming into view was a small party of dwarves, only four strong. “We saw the fire and thought to see if we might trouble you for some warm food, cold rations aren’t the best thing for up in these mountains.”
“Fat chance of that, but you can ask.” The guard turned back to where Raldon was sat and called over. “Boss, got a short-arsed runt over here looking for some warm food.”
Vorston closed his eyes and slowly shook his head, the action unseen by their captors. “This could get painful.”
The unknown dwarf had moved closer to the camp and the two guards that had moved to meet him, his walk calm and measured.
“I couldn’t help but notice you have a dwarf with you.”
“Their prisoners, on their way to Saldar for trial.” Raldon had stood and was now moving to join his men. “What’s it to you shorty?”
Vorston was struggling to contain his mirth as the situation developed.
“Just asking.” The stranger had now reached a point just out of arms reach of the three ruffians he faced. “I’ve a couple of lads back there who were curious.” he turned to motion behind himself in such a natural movement that as he turned back neither of the guards closest to him had time to react as he brought the war hammer that had been attached to his belt round in a swinging arc.
The arc abruptly ended at the chin of the first and then a deft twist of his body changed its direction to slam into the stomach of the second as the dwarf stepped forward.
He quickly kicked one of the swords in Collett, Luda and Vorston’s direction and whistled over his shoulder. The whistle was answered by half a dozen other shapes moving from the near gloom toward the light of the camp.
Collett quickly swept the sword up testing the weight of it even as he came around in a crouch. Vorston grabbed a large lump of wood that had been collected earlier for the campfire while Luda just squared up to the first guard to approach him, stepping round the wild swing of his sword and grabbing him roughly by the arm as he overbalanced. His huge fist connecting squarely with the man’s nose causing a scream of pain and blood spurting down his face.
The approaching dwarves had now reached the camp itself, armed with a mix of sturdy short swords and heavy war hammers. Raldon yelled in frustration and threw himself toward Collett, swinging his own sword as he did so.
Collett’s sword met the attack with a ring as he blocked the strike and then swiftly flicked his blade out, catching Raldon across the wrist. It wasn’t a deep cut, but the shock caused Raldon to leap backward away from the Boraan commander.
Guards were rapidly being subdued and Raldon took that in as his gaze fell about him. Realising that he would swiftly be on the loosing side of this little skirmish he suddenly bolted past the cart to where the horses had been tied.
Before anyone could stop him, he had leapt onto the back of his own mount and kicked hard to get the horse moving.
Cursing, Collett stared after the disappearing horse and rider before turning back to their rescuer.
“Thank you friend. Your intervention was most timely.” He held out his hand, waiting to see what reaction they would receive from the dwarves.
The dwarf’s face split into a wide grin. “It was worth it to see that pompous ass’ face.” He extended his own hand and grasped Collett’s wrist. “Now, what kind of vagabond have I let loose on the world? One with many issues on his shoulders judging by that uniform.” He motioned to the official looking clothing that Collett was wearing, official clothing that he had almost forgotten he was wearing.
“Boraan military if I’m guessing right.” The comment came from a younger looking dwarf who had walked over to join the group.
Collett laughed, “I guess there’s no getting past it. Commander Collett, senior general to Her Majesty Queen Myriana.”
“The Commander Collett, that’s a name we’ve heard even in these isolated parts.
I’m Garron, son of Harlin, Chief of Clan Mallor. I’m guessing that whatever you’re up to, it’s something my father needs to know about.”
“Most definitely friend.
I do have a question for you though, what made you decide to interfere with our predicament? I’m sure it wasn’t just to see the look on their faces.”
Garron nodded toward Vorston, “Your friend here perked my interest. Usually dwarves that get themselves into trouble out in the big wide world are involved in relatively minor things.
It’s unusual to see one manacled up and being transported in such a way. Normally they would be tried and retained locally. Although that’s possibly something that’s seems to be changing recently.”
Vorston stepped forward and introduced himself, “Vorston, Chief of Clan Wendell.”
“Welcome Vorston.”
Collett raised and eyebrow, “You forgot to mention you were Clan Chief for a conveniently long time.”
“It wasn’t worth mentioning until now. You’re the unlikeliest looking dwarf I’ve ever met so I reasoned that it wouldn’t make a great deal of difference.”
The tall Commander laughed, nodding acknowledgement. “Fair enough, I suppose. Now back to our new friend’s question.
The new situation you’ve mentioned is something that might make a little more sense when we speak to Chief Harlin. Would you be willing to escort us to meet him?”
“I think we could manage that.
Now, if you’ll just introduce me to that bloody great big giant that’s busy scaring the seven hells out our prisoners, we can be on our way. I’m guessing hanging around here to see who our bolter brings back with him isn’t part of the plan?”
“Definitely not.” He turned briefly to face in the direction of his big companion, “Luda! Come meet our new companions.”
A couple of hours later the group had made their way into the network of gullies and washes that made up the lower slopes of the mountains surrounding the pass the muddy road to Saldar had led through.
Garron pointed to a slight rise ahead of them, “We’ll be able to stop just past there. Decent cover and a good view back down the trail.”
Collett nodded, “How far to your village?”
“From here, two days at the most. You in a hurry? Your former transport wasn’t exactly the quickest.”
“There are reasons for a bit of pace, although I’m not entirely sure at the moment where it is we need to hurry to.”
“That could be a bit of an issue. We can speed up the pace if you wish, it’s your legs.” Garron laughed as he spoke. “Perhaps you would do me a favour of being the one to inform Luda that we’re picking up the pace.
Churek
The trail they’d been following had led them steadily downhill for the last few days. Skirting the edge of the great J’dar Desert Tamala had been feeling the he
at as they travelled. Fatigued even though they rode the Makkisen, they were all glad now that they were almost within sight of their goal.
They had sorted through their plan of action for when they reached the town of Churek. Astridson would play the part of trader, with Cal as his apprentice. Tamala, they had decided, would pose as the representative of their factor. The person who controlled the purse strings.
It was workable, though it would still rely on some level of luck.
Cal had brought up the possibility of Tamala using some of her new found powers, but reluctantly she had admitted that they should keep that option for if they found they had no choice as she was still learning the limits of those abilities, and it wouldn’t do for them to suddenly learn one of those limitations at just the wrong moment.
It was approaching dusk when they spotted a small grove of fruit trees a couple of dozen yards from the trail. Astridson nudged Kosmiir in that direction and the others gratefully followed. On the edge of the desert the nights were pleasantly warm but the Makkisen had advised their human companions that erecting tents at camp was still a good idea in case a dust storm blew in from the desert during the night, so Tamala and Astridson took as few minutes to clear a small area where the tents could be erected, whilst Cal spent the same time gathering up extra firewood for the evening.
It had been decided that this close to Churek they should start being a bit more visible, starting to slip in to their various characters before they reached the town. It would also help with their disguises if they were seen openly arriving rather than try to sneak in.
Once the small site had been cleared Astridson started to prepare their evening meal whilst Cal and Tamala sat on a small log he’d pulled closer to the fire.
“How do you think we should approach things when we get to Churek?” Cal asked the question in a general sort of way, unsure himself what would be the best way for them to act.
“Well,” Astridson responded, “we don’t want to appear too eager asking about the Queen. A lot will depend on what we find when we get there.
Fall of a Kingdom Page 29
