by Sam Taw
“I thought as much. I can’t believe she went along with it, knowing full well that only poor Sorcha was cursed at the Nine Children stone circle. None of us were in any danger at all.”
“Kyjyan priests, eh?” He tittered, trying and failing to lighten my mood. “Come on, I’ve tucked some of Tallack’s ale away and have a nice bit of cold pork in my hut.”
It was the best offer I’d had in four full seasons, but as we made for the entrance, Tallack called out to us.
“Hey! Where are you two going? Come and help us plan the journey to the sacred springs. We shall need the pair of you to travel with us.”
My heart sank. Couldn’t they do anything without either Ren or I being at the centre of all the turmoil? This trip was bound to end in tragedy. It was based on too many lies. One careless word and it would send Blydh’s demon into a frenzy of spite and bile none of us would survive. I’d scarcely spent a night in my own bed and they were ordering me to travel again. Was this punishment for Paega’s escape?
Renowden saw my defeated expression and turned to face the Chiefs. “Wouldn’t you prefer us to stay and watch over the camp in your absence?”
Tallack grinned. “My mother and Treeve can do that. We’ll need your navigation skills and Aunt Mel’s medicines.”
I could see Tallack’s urgency and his reasoning. The faster Blydh was back to normal, the easier we’d all sleep. There seemed to be no way out of this command. With great reluctance, Ren and I shuffled through the warrior benches to the small table next to the fire and sat down. Slaves brought us ale and pies, stew and fresh bread but my appetite had vanished.
It didn’t take long for the conversation to descend into nonsense. Tallack wanted to take is fine Phoenician vessel along the coast past Duro lands to dock within the bays belonging to the Belgae. His intention was to show this huge and powerful tribe that we too were a force with which to be reckoned. I couldn’t see how intimidation would persuade them to allow us passage through their region, but then I’m only an old woman. What do I know about such things?
Even Blydh could see that it was not only the longest route to take, but that the Belgae would skin us alive for our presumption. It was typical of Tallack to think that his charm and bluster would win out. He pouted and sulked in his tall chair, refusing to add anything further to the debate.
Blydh was in favour of riding our swiftest horses directly through the Durotriges territory and killing all the homesteaders and raiding parties in our path. Endelyn talked him out of that one, explaining her fragile state and lack of fighting experience, plus the overwhelming advantage our enemies would have in terms of numbers.
As usual, it was Ren’s voice of reason that saved us from an entire evening of folly. “There are a few boats at our tin mine on the northern shore. We should send word to Clemo at the settlement, get him to sail up and meet us. We can ride along the borderlands and leave our horses with the alchemists, while we go on to the mouth of the River Avon.”
“I thought the sacred springs lay further inland?” Tallack interrupted.
“It does, Chief, but Endelyn’s priestly friend told us that we would need to send tributes to the Belgae Chief in the first instance. All being well, we can negotiate terms with him. I suggest that we fly our banners on the boats and hope that we are well received by their scouts on the banks of the Avon.” Ren said. He had turned fully around on his seat facing the top table. He held such respect that both the Head Hunters and the Sea Warriors all sat in silence listening to his plan.
“And if we don’t get a favourable welcome?” Tallack said, straightening his back to sit taller in his lofty seat.
“Then we’d better learn how to dodge their arrows. The Belgae are supposed to be the best archers in all the lands.”
Blydh’s brow pinched together and he briefly closed his eyes. He was clearly in pain. “We can take shields, for what good they will do us. Are we better to show our strength or take a small party and hope they don’t slaughter us on the riverbank?” He touched the swelling on his head, dislodging the dressings.
“Can’t say one way or another. We’d be stupid to go without any protection at all, but too many warriors would look like an attack.” Ren’s patience with my nephews was astounding. This was obviously why he was so well liked. He took time to steer their thoughts while maintaining the illusion that they were in charge. If only I could hold my temper in the same way.
“We could use my black pennants of the priests.” Endelyn chipped in. “A voyage of pilgrimage would not draw fire.”
“Begging your pardon, priestess, but we have no way of knowing whether that would provoke them more. They are a proud and worshipful tribe, but their faith is not ours. They have their own rituals and practices. It could make matters far worse.” Ren held her gaze with a confidence that comforted me. He would not let her lead my nephews into unnecessary danger. She buckled and dropped her stare to the table before her.
“White then?” I ventured. “Banners of peace would be a show of intent. Even if they are suspicious, it should keep them from aiming their arrows at us until we have a chance to speak with them.” Each of our leaders looked about them for signs of dissent. No one spoke for nor against my suggestion.
“Fine. White it is.” Tallack said. “We’ll take four of my men and four of Blydh’s.” He turned briefly to Massen, one of his warriors. “Send out our fastest riders to make arrangements with Clemo on the northern shore.” And then to me he said, “Aunt Mel, come and help me sort out the tributes and offerings.” He jumped down from the top table platform, took hold of my arm and, before I could protest, marched me out of the Long Hut.
Breathless and struggling, I tried to keep up with his long strides. “Hold your horses, boy. You’ll yank my arm off.” I complained, but it did little to slow his progress.
“You must send Senara to keep watch at the River Sid crossing. She can arrange a delay if the Duro elders request a meeting with us. Don’t let on to anyone about what we discussed. With Blydh so changeable at present, we can’t afford to let him be distracted by his quest for vengeance. First and foremost, we have to get that demon out of him.”
I understood his fears and his logic, although I’d have thought an opportunity to forge an alliance with our old enemies would take precedence. We hurried into the Chiefs’ storage hut, lit fresh torches and asked the guards for assistance with uncovering the trove pit containing the most recent tributes and tin deliveries.
Our wealth was vastly diminished following the raid on our old compound. Tallack’s half-sister knew exactly when to strike us and where to find our entire hoard. We’d be stretched for offerings for some time to come. What we did have, was mainly salvaged from the estuary at low tide after we had burned the Novantae flag ship, killing many of their warriors in agonising flames.
One oak chest was all it took to house the treasures in the pit. Tallack lifted the lid and examined the contents. There was a small quantity of gold and a few bronze daggers, two charred breast plates and what jewels and metals our prisoners were wearing at the time of capture. What remained of our copper and tin supplies was pathetic and wouldn’t amount to a reasonable tribute to anyone, let alone the Chief of a massive tribe.
“What are we to do, Aunt Mel? This won’t appease the Belgae. If anything, they’d consider this an insult and kill us on the spot.”
He was right. What little wealth we had was spent on supplies to build the new compound and grain stores. Tributes paid to us for passage across our lands had dwindled to nothing. The Duros had spread such vile rumours about us, that few tribes were still willing to keep our trade agreements. Those who were loyal did not have the means to travel, relying on our boats to make deliveries to their lands instead. Short of raiding new territories, we were stuck.
“What about your mystical sword? That would be more than enough on its own.”
Tallack’s eyes widened at the suggestion. It was as if I’d offered his life in exchange for
the Belgae’s favour. “They are not having that under any circumstances. Come to think of it, perhaps I should leave it behind. If we are to throw ourselves on their mercy, it would be too tempting to those religious kyjyans.”
“And if we have to fight?”
“Then I will use my old sword. It stood me in good stead before.”
I looked at Tallack in the dim lighting of the store hut. The guards withdrew to a respectable distance, allowing me to speak candidly with the anguished Chief. I could see that his burdens were more than his young years were able to carry. His brow was wrinkled and his eyes watery. All I could think to do, was to give him all that I possessed.
Taking out my tin pouch from beneath my tunic, I slid the strapping from around my neck and handed it to Tallack. “Here, take this. I can spare a bronze knife or two from my kit, but not my biggest nor smallest.” As I started walking towards the door, he stopped me.
“I can’t take your knives, Aunt Mel. You’re our only healer. You of all people need to hang on to those, but I bet my mother has a fair few jewels and trinkets tucked away.”
“So would the wives of the elders. Get Cryda on side and let her persuade the women of the tribe to contribute to Chief Blydh’s recovery.”
Buoyed with renewed vigour, he raced from the hut to elicit his mother’s help in raising funds. My task was clear. I had to keep the hope of making a deal with the Duro elders alive via Senara. I stood outside the storage hut in the darkness and scanned the island. There was not much light from the moon and there were few fires outside of shelters and huts. From what I could see, the trainees were warming themselves and cooking their meagre rations near to their shared tents. It was the only place I could think to look for Senara.
Leaving the clean boardwalks, I trudged closer all the time wondering if Kewri was with her. As their rosy faces loomed into view, I slowed my pace. Would Kewri decide to accompany Senara to the borderlands, or come with us to the sacred spring? I wasn’t sure whether I had the authority to give him orders.
They both smiled at me when I reached the fireside. Other trainees moved aside, allowing me to step closer to the warming flames. They had three ducks and two rabbits between more than twelve young warriors. A quick glance about, informed me that they had no grain or flour for bread, nor any leaves or roots. It was certainly more than the larger families had outside the compound, but I was instantly humbled at the extent of their meal. Sometimes I forget how spoiled I am, being of Chieftain blood.
Despite my shame, there was no time to dwell on the pitiful conditions our trainees endured. I called to my friends and beckoned them away from the others to explain the situation. Senara immediately began checking her weapons and securing her bow and quiver about her body.
“There’s no need to speed off right now.” I chuckled. “The morning will do just as well.” I turned to Kewri and there was a long and uncomfortable pause between us. In my heart, I knew he wanted to ride out with Senara. I also knew that he would feel obliged to follow and protect me. With no specific orders about him accompanying us from Tallack, I let Kewri make the decision alone.
“It’s entirely up to you, lad. You’ve put yourself in danger on my behalf for long enough. Go with Senara if you wish, but know that you’d be a welcome addition among our party too.” The moment I saw his shoulders sag with indecision, I turned away and walked into the darkness heading north. I heard them whispering behind me but I didn’t stop. There was much to prepare and little time in which to gather all that was needed for the trip.
It was late before I managed to get myself to bed. Everything I needed to take was bundled and stowed ready to strap to my horse, including what little spare metal I had hidden. Kewri didn’t return to his bunk on the other side of the hut and neither did Blydh. I took this to mean that Blydh’s pain was manageable and that Kewri was spending his last night with Senara before she left for the borderlands come dawn.
In the morning, I ate a little salted pork and stale bread and let the fire burn out. Dragging my bundle down the boardwalk towards the pony enclosure, I was surprised to see Tallack’s men already mounted and prepared to leave. At first, I thought I’d been tardy, but I couldn’t see any signs that my nephews were ready for the off, neither was Endelyn. When I drew level with the gate to the horse pen, Kewri was leading his massive carthorse and my faithful old pony in my direction.
Seeing the dear giant with his horse didn’t necessarily mean that he’d chosen to accompany us. “Senara?” I inquired, avoiding the obvious question.
“She left at sun up.”
I tried to assess his mood, but his quiet demeanour made it hard at the best of times. Did he make the choice or did Senara? Either way, a selfish part of me was pleased that he was coming along. Behind us, I could see Tallack and his mother in a heated exchange. Cryda let her body sag in an exaggerated sigh, before lifting her jewels from her neck and ears. Clearly, his mission to collect offerings of metals, amber and polished stones was more difficult than anticipated.
I left my bundle on the dry planks of the boardwalk and walked across the wet grass to join them. From inside Tallack’s hut, I could hear Treeve moaning and muttering to himself. Cryda took no notice of my presence at all, continuing her nagging conversation with her son.
“You’ve already taken all that the ladies in camp can spare, surely you can leave your poor mother one necklace?”
“Sorry, Mother. We’ll need all we can find if we are to make this ritual work.”
“But you’ll leave us with nothing. What will happen if we have need for more food?”
“Then you’ll have to get off your arse and forage or hunt, like everyone else. Treeve will lend a hand. He’s pretty handy with a bow.”
Hearing his name being mentioned, Treeve stuck his head between the door flaps, dragging Tallack’s packed bundle with him. “I can lend a hand with what?”
“You won’t let my mother and baby sister starve in our absence, will you?”
A single brow rose high on his forehead. His sneer was unhidden and pronounced. “You could always take her with you, Chief. I know how you dote on your family.” The jibe was not missed by any of us. This ambitious young sailor believed he had as much power as our Meterns themselves. I shot him with my most insidious glare but it failed to make a mark. It concerned me that he was left to govern the tribe along with Cryda, and she was too exhausted from nursing her babe to care about matters. What would we be returning to under his rule?
Tallack cupped his hands in front of his mother and accepted her jewels and the offerings from the women in camp. From the sound of metal clanging against metal, I realised that more copper and bronze sat in the leather bag slung across his shoulder. He’d obviously tapped up the men for their contributions as well.
It was when I saw young Treeve retreating, that I remembered something. He took the quill necklace from the body of Kerensa before sinking her in the marshes. It was filled with her family treasure; flakes of pure gold.
I was about to raise the issue of Treeve’s offering, when Blydh appeared in the doorway to the Long Hut and bellowed at the top of his voice. “You are the traitorous scum who let Paega escape and went after him.” I turned to see him staring at Kewri with the horses. “Well, man? Where is the kyjyan weasel?”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
My hope of matters surrounding Paega’s escape fading into the background were dashed. Blydh was no longer the frightened little boy we’d seen the night before. The demon was in full control again and he was spitting with rage. Even at distance, I could see his reddened cheeks and panting chest, his tightened fists and aggressive posture. Surely, he wouldn’t be so dumb as to pick a fight with our resident giant?
Tallack saw the bile rising in his brother and ran to simmer the situation down. It took me longer, but I too moved in to soothe his bitter temper. Therein lay my mistake. As soon as the demon clapped eyes on me, the venomous monster altered course and spat in my direction.
&n
bsp; “It’s all your fault. You’re in league with the Duros. You sent your man to set Paega free on purpose so that he could join forces with Brea and lead another attack.” He stumbled forward and adjusted the helmet as it slipped down over his eyes. When he pushed the bronze helm higher, I saw him wince. It was enough of a distraction for me to wave Kewri away. The giant took my cue, placing himself between our two horses and leading them to the northern gates. If he found out that I’d sanctioned an approach to forge a lasting peace with the Duros, he’d drive a knife through my heart there and then.
I was left standing with Tallack and Blydh. There was nothing I could say to Blydh when the dark spirit was in control. To him, I was the enemy. Stepping backwards, I let Tallack lean in and hold his brother by the shoulders. He spoke softly and calmly until Blydh had simmered back down, but it was clear to me that we could not have Kewri trigger such outbursts while we were on the trails. Blydh was simply too volatile.
It grieved me to leave the giant behind. I’d grown accustomed to his steady pace, his quiet nature and his comforting protection. I knew that Ren and Tallack would not let me come to harm but their time was stretched enough without having to watch over an old woman as well.
Our numbers were reduced to just thirteen, counting me. Endelyn rode at the front of the line next to Blydh. Tallack was a short way behind them. Ren and I were closer to the warriors at the back, with an additional horse trailing behind us loaded with supplies.
Our peaceful white banners were tied about each of our arms, plus suspended from a pole on the spare pony, not that they were needed on our own lands but their presence might just save our lives on the banks of the River Avon.
I must say, we did not look like a peaceable group of travellers. Every warrior was heavily armed with spears and shields, long daggers and bows. If Tallack had left Blydh to his own devices, his horse would have been laden with the rotting heads from his last raid into Duro territories. As it was, none of the ponies could bear the extra weight. We had no time to lose and a long ride ahead.
