Elana held up her hands.
‘Please. Thank Madria; she healed you. I am just her channel.’
She turned around and returned to the group.
‘Still sceptical, Belwynn?’ she asked.
Elana had a funny expression on her face, like a young girl’s I told you so. It made Belwynn smile.
‘That was really impressive, Elana,’ said Soren.
‘Yep, you don’t see that every day,’ added Moneva.
‘Well,’ said Elana, ‘as I said, Madria has given me these powers.’
‘Good for Madria,’ snapped Herin. ‘But are we going to leave now?’
‘Yeffin,’ said Belwynn.
‘What?’ demanded Herin, as everyone started to leave Hallaf’s Home, Gyrmund in the lead. ‘What the hell does that mean?’
Clarin slapped his brother on the back, chuckling. ‘Herin, you had to be there.’
7
Creatures That Come Out at Night
THEY TRAVELLED ON FOOT in a south-easterly direction to reconnect them to the route taken by the Brasingians, and it didn’t take long to find it. The trail they had left was now so obvious that Belwynn could have followed it by herself. Twenty horsemen in single file had thrashed through the forest floor, churning the ground and ripping plants, not to mention horse dung here and there. After a while there were footprints as well as hoof prints, meaning they had decided to stop riding and walk their mounts. This was hardly surprising; it was difficult terrain now.
The trees closed in on them and blocked the sunlight, making it much cooler. Thorns, sprouting from the forest floor, scratched them and got stuck in clothing. The ground underfoot was uneven and sloped up and down, tiring out Belwynn’s thigh muscles as she pushed up and straining her ankles as she manoeuvred down. She was fearful of turning an ankle, but Gyrmund kept up a severe pace as he tried to make up time on his quarry. He knew which direction they were going in, and would take them on a shorter or easier route when possible to make up time, always keeping in touch with the trail they had left. As he went he gave warnings about this or that hazard, and they got passed down the line. Other than that, there was no talking—just the sound of breathing from the exertion.
It didn’t help that, thanks to Rabigar, they had become a walking weapons arsenal. Belwynn presumed that he and Herin had organised the weapons for everyone, and she had no doubt they might be needed, but in this environment they made the going even tougher.
Belwynn had a light sword that allowed her to swing and thrust without losing balance. She was no fighter, but she had sparred plenty of times with Clarin and Herin, who had taught her the basics. Herin’s sword was much bigger; he used it two-handed and liked to fight with speed. He also carried a seax in his belt and had a bow, coloured black with charcoal. His brother Clarin preferred to use sword and shield. His size and power, however, meant that he could use a sword that was almost the same weight as Herin’s with only one arm. Rabigar was the other member of the group who favoured fighting with a sword and shield. Kaved had a sword and hand axe. Both Krykkers wore metal armour on their arms and legs, complementing the hard scales that grew on their torsos. Moneva wore a short sword on each hip. Gyrmund carried sword and bow. Dirk carried a mace, a favourite weapon of the Order of Toric. Soren and Elana carried no visible weapons and were not expected to fight.
They looked the part, and there were some very experienced fighters in the group. But they had never fought as a unit, and Belwynn knew that they would struggle to face up to Salvinus and his twenty veterans. In that situation, they’d have to hope that Soren could tip the odds in their favour.
Gyrmund called a halt, and Belwynn peered forwards from her position in the line. It looked like they had come to a clearing, and Gyrmund seemed to be looking around, perhaps fearful of an ambush. Signalling for them to stay where they were, he moved into the clearing, studying the ground, walking a circuit around it. He walked off into the trees on the other side for a small distance, then came back again, gesturing for everyone to enter the clearing.
‘We’ll have a brief rest here,’ he said.
‘Thank the gods,’ said Moneva, dumping her pack on the ground. ‘I hate this place. Why did you bring me here?’ she asked Herin accusingly.
‘It’ll do you good to get some fresh air,’ he suggested. ‘How are we doing then, Gyrmund?’
Their guide made a face. ‘I don’t like it. This is where our friends said goodbye to their horses. Vossi tracks come from that direction, to the east. They came here and took the horses, but they were handed over to them.’
‘Handed over?’ asked Soren.
‘I mean that both groups were here at the same time. The vossi didn’t arrive later. It can’t have been an accident; it all looks pre-arranged. Which is worrying.’
‘Why?’ demanded Herin.
‘If Salvinus has some kind of arrangement with a vossi tribe, they could be hostile towards us.’
‘What would the vossi do with the horses?’ asked Belwynn.
Gyrmund shrugged. ‘Eat them, probably. Or sacrifice them.’
‘Sacrifice, then eat them,’ said Soren.
‘Better than riding on the fucking things,’ said Kaved.
‘Could they have a vossi guide?’ asked Rabigar.
Gyrmund shrugged. ‘It’s possible. I’ve never heard of vossi doing that before.’
‘Any good news?’ asked Moneva petulantly.
‘Well, they spent some time here, maybe waiting for the rendezvous. We’ve made up a bit of time on them now. We’re three to four hours behind, I would say. They set off in that direction, to the north-east; as we would expect, they’re heading for the Empire. They’ll be spending the night in the Wilderness. We need to move on a bit more and then find somewhere to make camp ourselves.’
Gyrmund kept them going in the half-light, keen to use his knowledge of the terrain to keep moving after the Brasingians had most likely stopped for the day.
By the time he decided to call a halt, Belwynn was exhausted. All she wanted to do was set her blankets out and go straight to sleep, and most of the others seemed set on the same idea. However, as she got ready, she realised how hungry she was, and she lay there, exhausted, watching Gyrmund and the others get a fire going and then put some pans on it. Eventually, he handed out bowls of stew, and she sat up, spooning the hot food into her mouth with her fingers as quickly as she could.
‘Now this is good stuff!’ Clarin congratulated Gyrmund. Even Dirk mumbled an appreciation.
‘So, Elana. That was some impressive magic you used earlier,’ said Soren. ‘How long have you been able to do that?’
‘For a few months now. I wouldn’t call it magic, though.’
‘A few months?’ he repeated.
Belwynn understood what her brother was thinking. He had studied and practised for years, to the point of obsession, to develop his powers. And she had learned to do that in a few months?
‘Not magic?’ asked Belwynn, intrigued.
‘I’m not a wizard, like your brother. I am a vessel; my powers were given to me by Madria. I think it is very different.’
Belwynn nodded. She was still finding it difficult to get her head round the idea of the goddess in all of that.
‘And Rabigar. What made you leave Bidcote and your smithy for this?’ asked Soren.
The Krykker thought about the question. ‘For this?’ he said, gesturing at the Wilderness around them with a wry smile, ‘I have no idea. But I have been an exile from my homeland for many years now, Soren. When you are told that you cannot have something, it makes you want it all the more, am I right?’
‘Oh, yes,’ said Kaved, grinning. ‘When a girl says no, for instance?’
Rabigar looked at Kaved with distaste. Belwynn had been too preoccupied to notice before, but despite the fact that they were both Krykkers, their relationship seemed strained.
‘I’ve travelled around the lands of Dalriya for many years now, and when I find a place
which lets me live in peace, I settle down. After a while, however, I realise how unhappy I am, and that I do not truly have a home. So I pack up and move on again. The smithy is in good hands; my apprentice Ulf has taken it over. Prince Edgar has been very kind to me, but I do not think I shall be returning to Magnia.’
‘Perhaps you felt moved to leave because you have been chosen, Rabigar,’ said Elana in a soft voice. ‘Perhaps we have all been chosen, in our own ways, and given a purpose.’
‘We Krykker are a practical people, lady. We do not think in such mysterious ways.’
‘That is not to say they are not true,’ answered the priestess.
‘Ha,’ barked Kaved. ‘Good luck converting Rabigar Din to your religion, sweetheart.’
‘What does Din mean?’ asked Belwynn. She had only ever heard Rabigar addressed by his first name.
Kaved looked at Rabigar, who didn’t look happy.
‘You better tell ‘em now you’ve said it,’ said the Krykker bladesmith darkly.
‘It’s not a bad name,’ answered Kaved. ‘Krykkers have their hierarchies to maintain, and the number of letters in your name denotes your status. Din is a peasant’s name. When Rabigar was exiled he was also stripped of his status—his old name is gone, and when speaking of him we are supposed to use the name ‘Din’. Those of us with some sympathy call him Rabigar Din.’
Rabigar had been a familiar figure to Belwynn while growing up. Everyone knew about the Krykker bladesmith. They knew he was an exile. And they knew never to ask him why. Kaved was getting very close to the subject, and Belwynn felt uncomfortable and intrigued at the same time.
‘I don’t suppose you’ve told anyone about the reasons for your exile?’ Kaved asked Rabigar, grinning.
‘No,’ said Rabigar.
He wasn’t smiling, and the atmosphere was becoming strained. Kaved, however, seemed unconcerned. ‘Well, don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me.’
‘You have the advantage over me,’ said Rabigar slowly. ‘I don’t know what you’ve done.’
‘I do, don’t I?’ replied Kaved, a smirk still playing on his face.
‘What about you, Kaved?’ asked Belwynn, trying to turn the conversation around. ‘Were you given a peasant’s name?’
‘Oh, no such excitement for me. I’m from simple warrior stock. No, my reasons for leaving weren’t so special. You could say I have a problem with authority. I prefer to make my own decisions.’
‘I’ll drink to that,’ said Herin.
The tension around the fire eased somewhat, and people began bedding down for the night after an exhausting day. Belwynn knew that she would sleep immediately.
‘We’ll have to keep a watch, tonight,’ said Gyrmund. ‘It’s vital. I’ll go first.’
Belwynn cringed at the idea of staying awake alone during the night in this place. She closed her eyes and hoped that the men would do it, feeling guilty as she did.
‘No, you’ve worked hard today and we’ll need you to be alert tomorrow,’ said Rabigar. ‘You sleep through. I’ll take first watch.’
‘Wake me next,’ offered Clarin. ‘I’ll wake up the loudest snorer.’
Not me, thought Belwynn, relaxing a little.
‘Are there creatures in here, that come out at night?’ asked Moneva after a pause.
‘Most of the creatures in the Wilderness are nocturnal,’ said Gyrmund. ‘You’ve got all your usual rodents—’
‘Wait,’ interrupted Moneva. ‘Please, forget I asked. I don’t want to know. I really don’t want to know.’
Belwynn was woken by Soren crouching over her.
We’ve got visitors, he explained.
Belwynn immediately got up and began to pick up her possessions. She didn’t need to be told that these ‘visitors’ were not going to be friendly. Where are they? she asked her brother.
Herin says there is a group heading straight this way from the north—he doesn’t know how many, but they’re close.
Everyone was up and ready to leave. Gyrmund silently beckoned them to follow him in an easterly direction, while Herin and Clarin brought up the rear. The group were kept to a slow pace by the need for silence and the fact that it was still dark. Soon, however, they heard screams coming from the direction of their night’s camp.
‘Vossi!’ shouted Gyrmund. ‘We’re going to have to run for it!’
More and more screams came from behind them, and Belwynn felt sick in her stomach as she realised what the numbers of vossi on their trail must be.
There’s got to be a whole tribe of them out there! she said to Soren as they tried to keep up with Gyrmund.
Before her brother could reply, however, Belwynn tripped over a snag in the forest floor and hurtled face-first into the ground. Soren stopped to pick her up, but by the time the twins were on the move again, Herin and Clarin had caught up with them and urged them on faster.
Belwynn looked behind her and immediately wished she hadn’t.
The vossi were plainly visible in the distance. The trees seemed to be crawling with them in every direction as they gave chase, screaming at each other, or maybe at their quarry. They all had the same brown, bark-like skin and were running at full pelt towards them. She could make out small weapons glinting in the dark, spears and daggers, weapons that didn’t slow down their pursuit, unlike the swords and shields that her companions carried. Belwynn’s quick glance was enough to tell her that the vossi were gaining on them, and she smiled bitterly as she realised that the tables had been turned on them—the hunters were now the hunted. Gyrmund was taking them in the opposite direction of Salvinus. In an instant, their plans had disappeared.
The pace of the chase now began to take its toll on the Magnians as they became tired and ragged. Elana was finding it difficult to keep up and was being helped along by Rabigar. Belwynn’s lungs felt like they were going to burst, but fear kept her moving. She heard whistling sounds from behind them and turned to see vossi missiles hurtling towards them. Thankfully, they were falling short of their target, for now.
After heading in a north-easterly direction for some time, Gyrmund tried to change tack and take them north-west. There were vossi there, however, and a shower of missiles forced him to return to his original course.
Herin ran up to speak to Gyrmund. ‘We’ve got to do something!’ he shouted. ‘We’re going to end up trapped or walk straight into an ambush!’
‘I know. I’m working on it.’
‘Well, hurry up! We haven’t got much longer,’ demanded Herin. ‘I’m going to buy you some time,’ he said, and returned to his position at the back with his brother.
Belwynn looked back as Herin shouted in Clarin’s ear. The two brothers stopped running and took shelter behind a large tree.
As Clarin hefted his shield off his back, Herin grabbed his longbow and took an arrow from his quiver. Drawing the string back to his chest, he released the bolt at the nearest vossi. It managed to dive out of the way, but Herin was already releasing his second arrow at another of the vossi, and this one struck its target full in the chest. The brothers’ move succeeded in temporarily halting the chasing pack, who stopped to fire their own missiles. Clarin, however, was ready for this, and used his shield to protect both himself and his brother from the long range attacks. Herin was able to release a few more shots at the enemy, but their position became increasingly precarious as more vossi came into view every second.
Meanwhile, the others had stopped once they had gained a safe distance, and Belwynn watched with increasing foreboding. Kaved must have been doing the same; he now ran back in the direction of the brothers. Belwynn turned to look at Soren, but he was in deep conversation with Gyrmund and Rabigar, while the others were, like her, desperately trying to catch their breath.
The number of missiles raining down on the brothers was now unmanageable, and Clarin was slowly retreating, holding the shield in front of him to stop the darts, spears, knives and other weapons hitting flesh, moving from one clump of trees to
the next. At the same time, the vossi had become bolder, and a number of them charged at the brothers, both of whom drew their swords. The longer reach of the brothers allowed them to swing their weapons and connect with the vossi enemy. Herin leapt back out of reach of the retaliatory blows, while Clarin used his shield to further effect and stopped any of the vossi breaching his defence.
Kaved had now reached the conflict after running at full speed towards them. ‘Run!’ he shouted at the brothers as he let his charge carry him into the vossi, sword and axe both twirling about him.
‘Move it!’ shouted Gyrmund, seeing Herin’s stand fall apart. Belwynn forced herself to turn away from what was happening behind them and followed Gyrmund’s lead. He was taking them in the same north-easterly direction as before. Her left ankle sent jolts of pain around her body every time she put her weight on it, and she realised that she must have damaged it in her earlier fall. The adrenaline of the chase had masked the pain until now, but she was determined not to slow everyone else down and pressed on. Their brief rest had allowed a number of vossi who had been running parallel to the group to almost catch up with them, and they were forced to head due east as more vossi missiles clattered into the trees around them.
Belwynn looked behind her and was relieved to see the figures of Herin, Clarin, and Kaved all sprinting in her direction, followed by the vossi, who now looked even more terrifying as they screamed out their challenges, intent on taking revenge for their fallen tribesmen.
Ahead of her, Gyrmund seemed to be looking around frantically as he led the group on, as if trying to find a landmark amidst the endless backdrop of forest. He must have spotted what he was looking for, as he whirled round to speak to the rest of the group.
‘Soren is going to cast a spell of protection over us so that the vossi can’t reach us. He can only keep it going for a short while, so follow me closely and don’t stop for anything. We’re heading for a bridge.’
The Weapon Takers Saga Box Set Page 9
