The ground was somewhat firmer around the clearing, but was covered in soggy, rotted leaves and needles felt like semi-dry mud. They walked the north side of the log and set Maerek against the tree. After doing so, Thomas knelt down and placed his cheek next to the dragon’s mouth. His breathing was slow and steady, but his skin was chilled.
“How is he?” Keane had walked up and placed a hand on Thomas’ shoulder.
“I’m not sure. His skin is cold. His breath is slow, but steady. But is that normal for him? Should I be worried Keane?”
“I don’t know either. Ledría, is this a suitable place?”
Ledría nodded and walked over to Maerek. She kneeled on the leaf-litter and forest debris, closed her eyes, and placed her hand on Maerek’s. A soft, green light emanated from her hands and Seeped into the dragon’s cool flesh. After the light subsided, Maerek’s skin went cold.
“Come closer,” she whispered, calling the traders over. “We need to keep him warm.” Without speaking, the group huddled close around Maerek, pressing their body against his to keep their friend, and each other, warm. Again and again, Ledría channeled the Faye, summoning up the healing warmth, and releasing her healing gift into the face of Maerek. No one rested that night, listening to the subtle breathing of the healer, the small hum of her power, the slow and weak breathing of the dragon who saved them, and the softer noises of the forest.
A twig would fall from a tree and the group would tense and hold their breath, waiting for another noise. If a bush rustled seemingly unnaturally, there was an edge of panic, an edge of survival that was shared among the traders. The darkness was their friend, hiding them from any guardsman who was searching for them, and at the same time, their enemy, hiding those who hunted them. The night pushed on them with force, sucking the heat from their bodies and heightening each noise.
Thomas and Naeru were both looking into the clearing, trying to spot any guard that was searching for them. Their eyes adjusted to the dark and shapes began to appear in the silhouette of blackness.
“What’s happening?” Japeth asked, barely breathing the question.
“I don’t know,” Ledría replied. “He… the… this is beyond my skill. I… I think… I think he is dying,” she stammered, shivering from the cold, and from the effort of healing. When the dragon was a captive, it was only broken bones and flesh that needed mending. Here, healing was required to draw out the poison and whatever internal damage was caused. The healing light she knew, that came so easily to her, seemed to have no effect.
“Keep trying,” Japeth said, and then set his eyes on the clearing, watching, waiting for an enemy.
The night passed without incident. At first light, each of the traders offered up a silent prayer of gratitude, but that gratitude was quickly turned to heartache and hope. Ledría had expended her strength, and the vibrant green light from the night before was absent. Now, in the early hours of the morning, she simply rubbed her hands, now red and raw, and placed them on Maerek’s ashen cheeks. The dragon was as stiff and cold as stone. Thomas placed his fingers on Maerek’s neck and the back of his hand just over Maerek’s mouth. His pulse was faint, but steady, and his breathing was shallow and hoarse.
Japeth motioned for everyone to look around them, but seeing nothing, turned their attention back to Maerek. Without speaking, Aelex pulled Ledría away from the body, burying her broken sobs in his shoulder.
“There’s nothing more you can do,” Aelex whispered.
“Ledría, what was the real story, the honest one?” Japeth asked as he squatted next to the dragon, placing the back of his hand on Maerek’s cheek.
“I’ve known about him too, Japeth,” Keane said as Ledría clutched at her brother’s shirt. “The truth is that he was taken from his family, that they were hunted, some of his family slaughtered and harvested for their blood, and he was held as a prisoner with Ledría. Nothing changes about who Maerek is, just our perception of what he is.”
“Regardless of what he is,” Aelex began, “he still breathes. Thomas, do you have anything on you to help draw out the toxin?”
Thomas still held the shoulder bag and searched around the various pockets and flaps. Finally, he pulled out a bundle of leafy dandelions, complete with tap roots, leaves, stems, and flower. He then looked at Maerek, weak, barely breathing, and cold. He knelt next to the dragon and tore the leaves and taproots off the dandelions. Then, he snapped the tap roots into even portions, and wrapped each piece a leaf, forming a square shaped packet. Thomas placed the packets in his mouth and chewed slowly, careful not to swallow. After making a crude poultice, he removed the masticated packet from his mouth, and placed the poultice under Maerek’s tongue. One by one, Thomas chewed the packets, removed the old packet from Maerek’s mouth, and put a new one in its place.
“The dandelion has some purification properties,” Thomas said between poultice placements. “I was planning on making a concentration from the roots and leaves later, but we must make do with what we have.”
Naeru stepped back from Thomas and Maerek and pulled Japeth aside.
“It’s a twenty-day trek back to Ruiska, without cutting cross-country to keep the Guard off our trail. If we go through the Blades with nothing but the clothes on our back, and… the dragon, we’ll dead by the end of day.”
“I understand,” Japeth said calmly. “We need to survive, and a wounded member of our team does not help our situation.”
“Yes, we need a plan.”
“We have a plan,” he said.
Ledría looked over at Japeth and Naeru and frowned. “I… we, we can’t leave him here, leave him for dead, not after all that he’s done. He is still alive!”
“We won’t,” Japeth said softly. He walked back over to the traders and knelt on the damp ground, placed a hand on Ledría’s shoulder and looked down at the dragon. “The plan is to survive, one problem at a time, one day at a time.” The traders were silent, even Naeru, and all looked at Maerek. “Firstly, we need to find shelter, somewhere off trail. Last night took a lot of strength from us all, and none of us will last long out in the open like that again.”
“I can look for shelter,” Aelex volunteered.
“I’ll go with him,” Naeru said. “It may take us a while to find a place… suitable for our situation.”
“Be careful,” Japeth replied with an approving nod. Without saying anything, Aelex and Naeru left, and headed down the slope toward the trail. “What do we have for supplies?”
“I’ve got my bow and a couple arrows left,” Keane said, holding out his bow and placing his other hand on his quiver. There were only two arrows left. “We have a knife, and various plants and herbal remedies in Thomas’ bag.”
“We also have our wits,” Thomas replied, removing the last packet from Maerek’s mouth. “With enough effort and some luck, we could start a fire. Keane has his bow, so we can get some protein that way.”
“Good, good, that is a start,” Japeth said.
“We’ll also need to find a way to move him more efficiently than a three-man carry,” Ledría commented. She leaned closer to Maerek, feeling his forehead and cheeks with the back of her hand. He was still cold and showed little improvement. “Fire would do all of us good, especially him. He will need more than body heat if he is to last another night, I think.”
“It would do us all good to have some warmth,” Keane replied gently. “You should get some rest. We’ll wake you when it’s time to move, or if anything changes.”
“Sounds good.” Ledría rubbed her eyes and looked at Maerek again. Ledría pulled a string from her coat, wound it up in to a ring, and placed it over Maerek’s heart. As she laid the string down, she breathed in deeply, a faint glow of green light emanated from her body, flowed down into her arms, down in the ring, grew in brightness slightly, and then Seeped the dragon’s skin. As the light dimmed, she leaned against the log, laid her head on her knees, and fell asleep.
CHAPTER 11
“Do yo
u think it was wise to send her brother with Naeru?” Keane asked openly.
“You still doubt him? He said he wasn’t associated with the Guard,” Thomas replied.
“I may not have asked the right question. I should have-”
“You should have trust in him,” interrupted Japeth.
“What are the chances he would come across his sister who was traded as a slave? What are the chances we would encounter and befriend a dragon? What are the chances we would be ambushed by Tessíran military? There are too many coincidences for all of this not to be a coincidence.”
“Perhaps,” Thomas said softly and sharply. “Perhaps there are too many coincidences for all of what happened to us not to be a coincidence, but perhaps your assumptions are misdirected.”
“What do you mean, misdirected? Who else could it be?”
“Do you remember what the Lieutenant said?” Thomas looked at Keane as he asked this question, and then over at Japeth. “Concerning our journey across the Blades? Concerning Maerek’s oath?”
“He said many things,” Japeth said. “But in the flash of commotion, I’m not sure what you’re referring to.”
“Seen,” Keane whispered. “His reasons had been seen.”
“Exactly,” Thomas said, pointing a finger at Keane and then touching his own nose. “There are too many coincidences because it isn’t a coincidence.”
“I don’t follow,” Japeth said furrowing his brow.
“If I’m right, and I think I am, then Maerek is being watched by a person called a Seer, someone who can perceive past, present, and future. A person who Sees, with a capital ‘S’.”
There was a rustle in the undergrowth down the hillside. Everyone hushed and crouched over Maerek. Thomas placed a hand on Ledría’s shoulder, and placed a finger over his lips, gesturing silence. Everyone sighed in relief when Naeru and Aelex came out of the brush and back to the group.
“How did you find shelter so quick?” Japeth asked.
“We didn’t,” Naeru replied, breathing hard.
“We found something better,” Aelex finished. “Bring Maerek.”
Keane, Thomas, and Japeth carried Maerek down the hill, following Aelex and Naeru, and Ledría followed last. Being able to see a little better from the morning light, the group made an easy going of getting down the hillside they climbed the night before. Tree limbs and stumps were avoided, and moist, mud-like sections were walked around. Keane sniffled but not from the cold.
A gray haze settled in the trees, obscuring some portions of the view ahead. The haze also provided a little cover and muffled the sound of the group hiking through the forest. Just before they reached the road, they saw a suon, hitched up to a wagon, tied to a tree.
“There weren’t any guard with our beast, so we tied to that tree,” Aelex whispered. Japeth waved him off and nodded, keeping his eyes fixed on the road. He set Maerek’s legs down and walked closer to the trail. Aelex was right. Japeth gestured for Keane’s bow, as well as the arrows. Keane unstrapped the bow from his shoulder with one hand and then gave him an arrow that he had stored away in his boot. Aelex was about to run out to the suon, but Japeth placed a hand on the young man’s shoulder.
“Not yet,” mouthed Japeth.
The suon stomped the ground, lifted its head and sniffed the air. It waved its head back and forth and then looked right where the group was hiding. Then it bowed its head and let out a low, guttural rumbling sound. Japeth kept his hand up in a fist, telling the group to hold. The suon rumbled again. Before entering the road, Japeth nocked an arrow, looked left and right, and cautiously stepped out to the suon and wagon.
The suon instantly calmed as Japeth came out to meet him. Japeth patted the beast’s side and looked over it. There were no scratches, no broken scales, no blood or puncture wounds. The wagon wheels were in as good as condition as could be hoped for after a long trek, and the structure of the cart was just as it had been left. The contents were rummaged through, and the stored salted meat, pelts, and grains were taken. All that remained were a few lengths of rope, the heavy blanket, the shelter tarp, cooking supplies, a small sack of potatoes, and surprisingly, a Tessíran tinderbox left behind by one of the guardsmen. The insignia on the box was of two snakes coiled around each other, facing one another, fangs barred. It was the logo of the Three Brothers syndicate. Japeth motioned for the group to come out to the trail.
“Wrap Maerek up in the blanket in the cart, and then place the tarp over everything.” Keane, Thomas and Naeru did as instructed. When they finished, Japeth handed the bow and arrow back to Keane. He looked up and then back down the trail, listening and waiting for any sign of another ambush. He exhaled deeply, hearing and seeing nothing, and leaned against the wagon to look up at the pale gray morning sky. There was a dense cloud cover, and with the crisp chilled air of the mountains, rain, or more likely snow, was to be expected.
“The dragon would say head to the pass,” Japeth said as he looked at his group. “He carries within him, an oath, a life debt, a blood-bond, to rescue a female of his kin in Noiknaer. By saving my life twice over, I feel indebted to that selfsame oath. It is my intention to cross the Blades, with the wounded dragon as cargo, and go as far as I can to fulfil the promise he made. I hold none of you to the same request. There is food, enough for each of us to head back to Ruiska, if desired, and a tinderbox one of the guardsmen must have left behind to start fire with. I will pass no judgement, nor should any of your pass judgment or criticism on any who decide to retire from our company. This journey has been extraordinarily difficult for all of us. If you wish to return to Ruiska, step forward.”
No one stepped forward.
“There is more to risk than aiding the dragon,” Naeru said. “The Tessíran guard could be waiting for us on either end of the trail. We risk death either by sword, or death by the Blades? I know the Blades enough to take my chances there.”
“Aye,” the other traders said in unison.
“And if the Tessírans await us at the pass?” Ledría asked nervously, clenching her red, blotchy hands.
“Oh, they most certainly are. Perhaps it is best that you hide in the wagon also,” Japeth said. “Let us deal with the guard when the time comes.”
[][][]
Maerek and Ledría were placed in the wagon with the canvas tarp draped and tied taught over the top of the cart using the rope that remained. Maerek was wrapped snuggly within the elk hide, and Ledría curled against it for warmth. The suon grunted and huffed as it pulled the wagon up the last incline toward the entrance to the Broken Blades. Foamy saliva slid from the corners of the reptile’s mouth and dripped in viscous globs onto the ground. The group pushed and pulled on the wagon, shoulders bending the wooden panels, straining arm and back muscles pulling on taut rope. Even with the lighter payload, the exertion and wakefulness of the night before sapped them of their strength. The last mile was completed by sheer will and adrenaline.
As the traders crested the hill, they grunted or sighed in frustration. There, at the top of the hill, the capital guard stood in rank and file beneath three curved stone obelisks, blocking the entrance to the pass. The lieutenant they bound the night before stepped forward and stomped the butt of his spear into the ground. Japeth rubbed the suon’s neck, calming the beast and thanking him for his hard work.
“Where is the dragon and the Conduit girl?” the lieutenant commanded. Keane was bent over, hands on his thighs, breathing heavily, clearing his throat of excess mucous, spitting it on the ground. Keane spat again and rubbed his head.
“Where are they?” the lieutenant barked. Keane stood up now and looked over at Japeth. Japeth stayed close to the suon, back turned to the lieutenant and his detachment. Naeru, Thomas and Aelex followed suit and turned their attention to the cart, examining wheels, ties, paneling, reigns, bolts, all things that were in no need of inspection or repair.
“You will answer me. I order you.” The lieutenant took another step forward and raised his hand. The g
uard that was with him each drew a sword in unison. “Or would you prefer to answer to steel?” Japeth was still silent and moved his attention to the suon’s claws, pulled a knife from his belt carved out the caked-up clay and mud that was encrusted between the talons and padding in the feet. Naeru was re-coiling a length of rope, Thomas was organizing his herb satchel, and Aelex was gathering rocks from around the wheels of the cart.
“The dragon died last night from blood loss and poison,” Keane said, “The girl died from exhaustion. We buried them in the mountain. We have business to conduct on the other side of the Blades. You will let us pass.”
The lieutenant smiled widely and fiercely.
“No, can’t let that happen. Our orders were to kill you and take the dragon and girl. You and your band of traders will die here.” At this, the group froze and slowly turned their attention to the lieutenant.
“That is not an option,” Japeth said flatly and calmly. Japeth gripped the wooden knife-handle tightly, his knuckles turning white. At this, the lieutenant took a step back, surprised at the statement but then recovered and stood firm. “You would kill us in cold blood then. Have you no honor?” Japeth looked at the guardsmen behind the lieutenant. These guardsmen were young, young enough to be his grandchildren or young nephews. They were not hard-bitten soldiers, but mere youth, their bright faces hinting of innocence and fear. Japeth looked again at the lieutenant. “Is there any honor among you?”
“Enough! Kill them!” A few of the guardsmen ran forward but stopped as Keane knocked an arrow and pulled the drawstring tight against his cheek, aiming directly at the lieutenant.
“Easy, Keane,” Japeth said quietly, placing a hand on Keane’s shoulder. “We don’t want to give them reason to feel threatened. Lower your bow.” Keane did as instructed and Japeth continued. “Tell me, Lieutenant, how many have boys have died by your order already? How many mothers will you have to answer to?”
“Kill them! Now!”
The young guardsmen didn’t advance. A few even sheathed their swords and scowled at their commanding officer. The lieutenant yelled in rage and charged at the traders, spear raised and pointed at Keane. Keane raised his bow and drew back the string. But before he could release, the lieutenant groaned, choked and fell forward, his body sliding down the road toward the traders. Lodged in the back of the lieutenant’s neck was a short-bladed throwing knife. Blood pooled around the body. The guard who threw the knife hesitantly came forward and kneeled to retrieve his weapon.
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