Stalking the Beast

by Howard Andrew Jones

  Calvonis leered up at the tall, spare figure beside the half-orc. Elyana's weight was planted on her left foot, hand resting easily on the deceptively ornamental pommel of her magnificent longsword. Most weapons with such intricate filigree were to be hung as decoration in the halls of lords, but Elyana's blade was entirely functional.

  "Don't you want to hear my conditions?" Calvonis asked.

  There was no immediate answer. The firelight shifted, highlighting now one corner of Elyana's high cheekbones, now a smudge of dirt along her brow where she had pushed back her hair with a soiled hand.

  "A few hours back," Elyana told him, "I was still very curious. But do you know what? Now I'm bored. You bore me, Calvonis." She fingered her hilt. "I'm thinking I could drive this sword through you before anyone could stop me and then we could all get some sleep."

  Calvonis laughed. "You're bluffing."

  "Am I?"

  Lisette, expert though she was at reading subtle emotional cues, couldn't tell. She would have guessed that Elyana remained curious, but it might be that her opinion had shifted.

  "He is a prisoner," Hindreck interjected. "We do not countenance the mistreatment of prisoners."

  Lisette smirked. Hindreck was too stolid to be playing along with Elyana's interrogation, which would only magnify the summoner's concerns. If Hindreck thought Elyana's threats were real, it would better convince Calvonis and make him more likely to talk.

  Then again, Elyana might not be bluffing. The elf was a little more challenging to gauge than Lisette had first suspected.

  Elyana turned her head toward the druid. "We caught him. I have as much right to him as you do."

  "Isn't there some sort of Kyonin code for prisoner conduct?" Hindreck asked.

  A slow, satisfied smile spread across Elyana's face. "I wasn't raised in Kyonin."

  "She's footloose and wild," Calvonis said. "A traveler who makes her own way, carving her path with reckless abandon and the sword of her fathers." He giggled.

  Elyana shifted ever so slightly. "So which is the real Calvonis? The madman foaming here? The Razmiri prophet shouting at us from the tree? Or the canny man who played the part of a grieving husband? And," Elyana added slowly, "I think you'd best remind me why I should care."

  Calvonis shifted in his bonds, slowly raised a finger to scratch some of the dried blood from the side of his nose. "I'm not the only agent of change."

  "I know," Elyana replied.

  Both druids seemed caught off guard by that pronouncement, and stared suddenly at Elyana.

  "I suspect you've known that for a while." Gone was the madman. Now Calvonis sounded completely reasonable. "But there's more to it. Don't you want to know the plan?"

  Elyana patted her sword hilt. "Curiosity gets me into a lot of trouble. It seems to me that, as facile as you are with the truth, you'd tell me just about anything. Kilvor, what's your plan for him?"

  The older druid's eyes gleamed in the firelight. "We mean to transport him to Sevenarches. We can learn the truth there before he's tried, found guilty, and hung. His ashes will be mingled with the earth so that some use will come from him."

  That was the first thing Lisette had heard from Kilvor that she actually liked.

  "Do you mean you can compel the truth from him?" Elyana asked.

  Lisette didn't think she imagined the hint of pleasure in Kilvor's answer. "Through one means or another."

  "I won't respond to spells," Calvonis said. "Or violence."

  "Oh, I imagine you will," Elyana countered. "I'm just wondering if it's worth the trouble. I'm not welcome in Sevenarches, you see, and I'd like to see the moment they string you up. I want you dead. So...because I can't go there, I might just have to end things myself. I could take your head in one blow. Tell me, Kilvor—you're a master healer. How are you at putting people together when their heads have come off?"

  "I've had little practice," Kilvor admitted.

  Drelm laughed heartily.

  Elyana slapped the side of her sword. "Calvonis, you'd best get interesting really fast. I'll probably just let the druids have you. But if you irritate me, I'll kill you. It's up to you."

  Calvonis pondered only for a moment. Lisette had the sense that this conversation wasn't going as he had planned. "I'd like to live."

  "Guess again."

  "I think you're bluffing," Calvonis said slowly. "I can tell you things that will help you, now. You can learn them later, surely, but then it will be too late."

  "We can make no deals with you," Kilvor said. "But we can offer you the chance to make your peace with your god."

  Calvonis laughed at that. "I am at peace with my god, little man."

  "He doesn't call the orders," Elyana said. "I do."

  "Now wait a moment—" Kilvor said, but Calvonis paid him no heed.

  "I see that," the summoner responded. "And why you haven't carved a country for yourself out of this mess of the River Kingdoms, I'll never know."

  "A country," Elyana said. "Why would I want the bother?"

  "Surely you're not ignorant of the possibilities."

  "Are you suggesting we discuss philosophy, Calvonis? Or trade career advice?"

  Calvonis smiled.

  "You have limited time," Elyana went on. "Say your piece so I know whether I walk away, or drive a sword through you."

  "We have a base, in the wilderness. I can take you there."

  "For an ambush," Elyana suggested.

  "No," Calvonis said quickly. "I had planned to weaken you, then lure you there, after I had called my allies. They're waiting. I can show you the way. But if you wait until you compel me to speak, they will have drifted off. And they will cause as much havoc as I have."

  "Why have you done this?" There was a wheedling note in Hindreck's voice. "You wish to bring people to the altars of your god...by killing them?"

  The druid was such a fool. "How stupid are you?" Lisette asked. "They've sent these agents into the River Kingdoms to stir up trouble. Those who welcome the Razmiri church into their lives will be spared. It's nothing but a protection racket."

  "If you like," Calvonis said. "But it's already working. And it will work regardless of anything you say. The faithful will say that you malign our holy god and blaspheme because you will not see his light."

  Hindreck sighed in disgust.

  "So you lie for your god," Drelm said. He had been silent throughout the discussion, and it was startling to have him suddenly weigh in. "You bring violence, then say he protects those you do not harm. Because you harm only those who do not worship your god."

  "Yes! Even the half-orc can be taught, it seems. My god spoke to me and sent me forth to punish—"

  "A god you would betray." Drelm touched Elyana's shoulder. "Kill him. His faith is true; he would not betray his people. This is some trick."

  "You're right," Elyana said.

  "No," Calvonis said, and lifted bound hands as if to ward off a blow.

  "I'll have him draw a map," Kilvor declared ominously, "and we'll send forth our followers to scout it. If we find he speaks the truth, I'll speak on Calvonis's behalf. To commute his sentence to a life of servitude."

  Calvonis's gaze settled for a long while on Kilvor before shifting again to Elyana.

  "He has a map." Not taking her eyes from Calvonis, Elyana removed a browned sheet of parchment paper from inside her vest and slowly unfolded it. She passed it over to Kilvor.

  "What do you think of that?" Calvonis asked with a smirk.

  Lisette's curiosity was piqued. "What's on it?"

  "Everyone he's killed, or been involved in killing."

  "I do so like to keep track of these things," Calvonis said. But Lisette felt like she'd seen something different in his eye then. He was nervous.

  She looked back at the druids, now carefully examining the paper, and slid over beside them. Disappointingly, between the dim light and the way they hunched over the parchment, she saw only the suggestion of some landforms, a twisting line that w
as surely the Sellen River, and a whole lot of handwriting she was too far away to clearly discern.

  She returned to Elyana's side. "He's worried about something on that map."

  "I'm certain you're right." Elyana still hadn't ceased looking at Calvonis. "Take a good long look at it, Kilvor. And meanwhile, Calvonis can tell us all about his allies. The ones who are going to ambush us."

  "But we have no agreement," Calvonis protested.

  "I haven't killed you yet," Elyana pointed out. "Keep talking and I'll see if I remain kindly disposed."

  "There are four," Calvonis said, betraying very little reluctance. "Two sisters. One studied with druids from the east, and the other is a witch. They are very accomplished, and devoted to Razmir. Then there is Tyaval, the Cleanser of Razmir, the Shepherd of Wolves."

  "What's that mean?" Drelm prodded.

  Calvonis chuckled. "You think Cyrelle is powerful? Wait until you come up against his beasts."

  "What sort of beasts?"

  "Wolves. But such wolves as you find in nightmares."

  "Who else?" Elyana said.

  "Why Elyana, you don't sound impressed. Should I start making up details?"

  Lisette heard the druids talking in low tones behind her. She couldn't quite make out what they were saying, but Hindreck sounded excited.

  "Sounds like they spotted it, Calvonis," Lisette told him, and he pretended nonchalance.

  "Maybe they did and maybe they didn't," Elyana said, and a crafty look came into the summoner's eyes.

  "Did you find it, Elyana?"

  Elyana smiled.

  "What did you see?" he asked.

  Lisette surprised herself in her eagerness to hear the truth. But she said nothing.

  "You didn't see it," Calvonis suggested. "You're bluffing."

  Elyana's smile broadened. "Not knowing maddens you. I like that."

  Lisette laughed. She was growing to enjoy the elf.

  "The fourth member of this band of yours," Elyana prompted.

  "We are the Five Fingers of Razmir," Calvonis said. "The fifth of us is a high priest of Razmir himself, and a mighty warrior. He needs no magic or monsters, for his blessing is so great he need only wield his sword to slay his enemies in whatever form he finds them."

  "I shall look forward to crossing swords with him," Drelm said.

  Calvonis laughed. "You won't stand a chance."

  "You're trying to intimidate Drelm?" Lisette asked, then chuckled. "You're even dumber than I thought."

  Annoyance flitted across the summoner's face, but he relaxed as Kilvor and Hindreck set down the map. Kilvor stepped up to Elyana and handed the paper back to her.

  "What did you find?" she asked.

  Calvonis cut in quickly. "Do you ask because you don't know, or because you test them?"

  When Elyana didn't answer, he smiled. "Oh, you are so clever, Elyana."

  "There are patterns there," Hindreck said, "but we don't know what they mean. The summoner planned some kind of magic."

  "For the glory of Razmir," Calvonis said. "Blessed be his name, blessed be the dirt that bears his boots."

  "What are you up to?" Drelm growled, but Elyana threw up a restraining hand. It never failed to amaze Lisette how tight a control the elf had on the half-orc.

  "I'd ask much the same thing," Hindreck said. He would, of course, because he wasn't very bright.

  "No," Elyana said, quickly. "Just have him show us where this ambush spot is."

  "But what of my reward?" Calvonis asked. "What do you promise me to betray the other fingers of the hand?"

  "Elyana," Kilvor said slowly, "I think we should have him draw the map. Do not let him touch that one."

  The elf cocked an eyebrow at the druid.

  "We must remain cautious."

  Elyana nodded. "Give him a life of labor with your people. For the map."

  "I'm not sure I can do that."

  Elyana crooked one finger toward Kilvor, and he and Hindreck stepped to the other side of the fire. Lisette dearly wished to listen in to that, but she remained, looking down upon Calvonis.

  The summoner smiled up at her.

  "What is it you like so much about Razmir, anyway?" Lisette asked. "What sort of god needs humans to cheat for him?"

  "I am an instrument of his divine will. You cannot understand."

  "She's right," Drelm grunted. "You make calamities. A real god would make them himself. Razmir is weak."

  Lisette laughed gleefully. Drelm's barb had hit home, for Calvonis's face twisted in fury.

  "It's you who are weak, orc-blood! You and your Abadar! Does your god speak to you? Does your god send you forth to punish?"

  Drelm's answer was calm. "Abadar teaches so that men may make their own choices. The wise follow him. But he doesn't send forth murderers when his will isn't obeyed."

  "You're no man," Calvonis said. "How dare you even name yourself one! How were you fathered? Some green-skilled filth catch a fat farmer's wife too slow to run? Is that how it was?"

  Drelm should have snarled and launched forward to throttle him then. Calvonis wanted it. Lisette, watching the half-orc, saw the anger pass over him like a wave. His face remained almost frighteningly blank; the tension instead crossed him in a slow straightening and roll of his shoulders.

  Calvonis saw it too, and tried further. "How many orcs got her, Drelm? Did you ever wonder?"

  Lisette didn't like the half-orc, but even she felt her gorge rising at this. Slowly, deliberately, Drelm put his hand to his weapons belt.

  "Or maybe—maybe she's the one who crawled off to the greenskins and begged for it. Just like that whore you're going to marry did."

  "Don't do it, Drelm," Lisette hissed.

  Drelm opened his mouth. And then he chuckled. The chuckle grew into a rolling laugh.

  Lisette could scarcely believe it. Neither, apparently, could Calvonis.

  Drelm grinned down at Calvonis. "You think I've never heard such things? That I could look like this, and never encounter such vile words? Abadar be praised, I heard worse things from children, and you're a fool if you thought to goad me with them. The teachings of Abadar showed me patience. Your god seems to have taught you nothing but foolishness."

  "My god is a warrior god," Calvonis said. "I see now I underestimated you. I but tested you—"

  "Shove it, Calvonis," Lisette said, and considered the dull-looking half-orc beside her.

  Drelm reached out and put a hand on her shoulder. "He is good only for killing," he said. "But I will do it when I wish, not when he wishes."

  Lisette nodded in understanding, and Drelm removed his hand.

  Elyana returned with Kilvor and Hindreck. "How are things here?"

  "I'm getting to know everyone better," Calvonis said.

  "He wants to die," Lisette told Elyana. "He tried everything he could to get Drelm mad enough to kill him."

  "It must be hard to fail at so much," Elyana said. "Kilvor's agreed. You get to draw us a map. It seems like I'm too distracting for you, so Drelm will watch."

  "And I'm to be spared?"

  "You will be spared," Kilvor said. "So long as you speak the truth."

  Drelm snorted at that.

  "Am I to draw with my hands tied?"

  "You'll make do," Kilvor replied sternly.

  The Oaksteward had more sense in him than Lisette would have guessed.

  "I will watch him carefully," Drelm promised.

  Elyana started back, and Lisette fell in step beside her.

  "So," she said quietly as they departed, "what was all that about?"

  "Kilvor doesn't have the strength to use one of his transport spells again, not tonight, so he can't send Calvonis away. But he can still contact other Oakstewards. One of them is going to come here in the morning."

  "And?"

  "And compel some answers from the summoner."

  "Then what? Do you really think that there's a fortress out there where there's more like him?"

  "It's hard
to say. I think it's certain that there are more Razmiri out there doing...this." Elyana stopped outside the light of their own campfire and considered the horizon. A low-hanging cloud was a dark blot under the stars.

  "And you're thinking about going after the fortress, aren't you?"

  Elyana nodded slowly. "We've stopped the summoner, but unless we stop his group, then the problem isn't really over." The elf considered her. "But none of you signed on for that. We've lost so many already, and—"

  "I'll go," Lisette said. She almost felt guilty when she saw Elyana smile faintly. Another battle was one more chance to see Drelm get killed. "Do you think the others will agree?"

  "I'm certain the elves will join us. Maybe Grellen. I don't know about Cyrelle. I'll speak to them come dawn." Elyana eyed her for a moment, then nodded. "Thank you, Lisette."

  The gratitude struck Lisette oddly, and she found herself wandering back toward where Illidian and Aladel still lay. It should not have mattered to her that Elyana had thanked her. It should not have mattered at all.

  Aladel slept facing east, Illidian facing west, away from one another. She crouched down beside the crippled captain.

  His good arm was tucked under his head like a pillow, and his half limb hung out from the blankets, obscene and strange. Even still, he remained the most beautiful creature she had ever seen, and as she sank down beside him she desired once more to know his lips upon hers, to feel his arm around her. She tried to pass it off as lust, but at some level she knew she desired company, and this wounded, driven creature was perhaps the only one with whom she could pretend, for a little while, that only the present need trouble her.

  She reached out to brush a stray lock of Illidian's hair from his forehead and was surprised to see him shift his head, as if in reaction. Well, the drug the druids had given him would have to wear off at some point. Lisette bent down and kissed the nape of his neck. When he spoke softly, as if in a dream, she smiled to herself and slid beneath his blankets to continue nibbling that same patch of skin.

  She took her time with him, pressing her body against his, and soon he was responding, in a slow and foggy way. She helped him remove his leggings, and pulled off her own, then slid slowly onto him. She didn't care that others might hear their low moans or sighs; darkness still covered all.