by Pedro Urvi
“I see.”
“Your task will be to watch the Zangrian army’s war camp and report any strange troop movements. Duke Orten has the Blizzard Army in his fortress, along with his personal guard. In case the Zangrians set foot in our territory or make any suspicious moves, we need to pass on the information so that he can respond.”
“Will he attack the Zangrian forces?”
“If they cross the border and enter Norghanian territory, he will. It’s a question of honor.”
“It might not be the most prudent thing to do… considering the situation in the west…”
The Commander stared at him for a moment, as though studying him.
“We serve the king. We do that by following our orders. I have mine, you have yours. We don’t question the decisions of those above us. That’s the first rule in the army.”
Lasgol understood the officer’s warning, and nodded respectfully. “Of course,” he said.
“It’s not a bad thing for a soldier or a Ranger to think, but that’s not his job. That’s what our leaders are for. They’ll decide which is the best course of action is. We carry out our orders when they’re given to us.”
“Of course, sir.”
The Commander made an affirmative sign behind Lasgol, which puzzled him. He wanted to turn around, but thought it would be rude to turn his back on the Officer. Suddenly he felt himself being held from behind, with his arms pinned to his sides. He saw somebody’s arms pressing against his own, and however hard he tried, he was unable to free himself from them. The strength behind those arms, whoever they belonged to, was enormous. He tried to struggle, and suddenly his feet were off the ground. He felt that he was being spun around, unable to set foot on the ground. The situation was dangerous, and he had to free himself at once. He was about to use his Gift to help him do so when he heard a full-throated shout.
“Lasgol! How wonderful!”
He recognized that voice at once.
“Gerd! Big guy!”
Chapter 29
“Lasgol! My friend!” the big guy said, laughing.
“Gerd, put me down so I can give you a hug!”
“I’m giving you a good one already!” he called back, without either letting him go or stopping his spinning.
Ona growled and got ready to attack. Ona. Quiet, Lasgol ordered her.
The panther chirped doubtfully. She did not like what was being done to him, and she wanted to stop it.
Lasgol, fearing she would hurl herself at Gerd, repeated the order: Ona. Quiet.
“Put me down, Gerd, you’re making my panther nervous.”
“Your panther?” Gerd stopped spinning and looked back at Ona, who growled threateningly at him. He smiled from ear to ear and finally put Lasgol down on the ground.
“What a beautiful animal!”
“Her name’s Ona.”
Gerd crouched and looked into her feline eyes. “Hi there, little one,” he greeted her in a friendly voice.
Ona did not trust the big guy or his friendly greeting. She stiffened and growled in warning.
“You’d better not touch her. She doesn’t like strangers.”
“But it’s me, Gerd. Animals adore me.”
“I know, big guy, but she doesn’t know you yet.”
Gerd turned his attention back to Lasgol. “Hey, I’m so happy to see you!”
“And me to see you, my friend!”
They hugged one another tightly. For a long moment they remained locked in that embrace, both deeply aware of the great friendship which united them.
“It feels as though it’s been ten years!” Gerd said.
“I feel the same way, even though it’s only been one long year.”
Gerd was so happy that his smile lit up his whole face with an expression of overwhelming delight.
Lasgol looked him up and down. “How are you, big guy?”
“Very well, though not as well as you. You look fantastic!”
“But you’re even bigger and stronger than you were last year.”
Gerd rejected the thought with a gesture. “No way!”
Lasgol looked at him more closely and was able to verify that his friend had genuinely grown, both in height and breadth of shoulder.
“You look like a grown man,” he said. “You’re the spitting image of a Norghanian warrior god. You ought to grow your hair a bit longer and carry a huge two-headed axe on your back.”
“Hohoho! I’d like that, but don’t forget, I’m a Ranger, not a warrior.”
“Yeah, a giant Ranger,” Lasgol said laughing.
“I see you two already know each other,” said the Commander, who had been watching this reunion.
“Yes sir,” Lasgol said. “We’ve been friends ever since we were at the Camp.”
“The best of friends,” said Gerd, nodding eagerly.
“We trained together,” Lasgol explained.
“That’s something that unites people,” the Commander agreed. “The same in the Rangers as in the Army, I guess.”
Lasgol and Gerd nodded simultaneously.
“Good, that’ll make it easier for you to adapt to the fort and the border. Gerd, look after your friend.”
“Of course, sir.”
“You’ll soon be given orders, both of you. Until then, let him get settled in.”
“I’ll take charge of that, sir.”
The Commander nodded and turned back to his command quarters.
“Come on, I’ll show you around. Although there isn’t much to see. All forts are the same.”
“I’ve never been in an army fort before.”
“Oh, of course! What am I thinking of! This is my second fort, and quite honestly they’re all built the same way, stone by stone and tower by tower.” The big guy pointed to the wall which surrounded them and the six square towers: one at each corner of the square wall, and one on either side of the single gate.
“It looks pretty sturdy.”
“The lower part of the wall is – it’s pure rock – but the upper part is wooden, just like the upper parts of the towers. From what the soldiers have told me, forts are built and then abandoned according to need, so they don’t make them as strong as castles or fortresses.”
“I see. But anyway, it looks very solid.”
“As long as it doesn’t rain fire,” Gerd commented, and his face took on an expression of fear.
“How can it rain fire? Don’t tell me that’s what you’re afraid of?”
“No… well… a bit, yes… they tell me the Rogdonians and the Zangrians have Fire Magi. They can make fire rain down, and even create volcanoes in the middle of a camp.”
“Oh, come on, that’s nonsense. You mustn’t believe everything they tell you. They’re probably saying it just to make people afraid. Don’t pay any attention to them.”
“It was veteran soldiers who were talking about it, and they were very serious.”
Lasgol wanted to ease his friend’s mind, but he knew that what he was saying was possible. Egil had already told him that Fire Magi were very powerful and were capable of burning half Tremia.
“Have you seen a Zangrian mage in the time you’ve spent watching the border?”
“No… but there are more and more Zangrians on the other side of the border all the time…”
“Well then, take it easy. Until we meet an enemy Mage there’s nothing for us to worry about.”
“And if we meet one?” Gerd asked fearfully.
Lasgol smiled. “We make sure we’re three hundred paces away.”
“Out of his reach…”
“That’s right.”
Gerd smiled back. “Ufff, I’m feeling better already! I’m so happy you’re here! I’m so glad to see you!”
“Same here, my friend!”
They went on walking, with Ona beside them. Gerd bent down and spoke friendly words to her. Lasgol messaged to her: Gerd. Friend. There was scarcely any need for this. Gerd had a gift where animals were concerned, and the p
anther trusted him almost at once. She let him pet her, and he showered her with affection which she obviously appreciated. Lasgol watched them, both surprised and delighted. His friend was a wonder. He could have been an amazing Beast Whisperer, or any other Wildlife elite specialty. He had a gift from the gods when it came to dealing with animals. If not for his fears, he would have been a Specialist by now.
“She’s a beauty and a delight,” Gerd said to Lasgol as he scratched Ona’s head and she licked his hand.
“Tell me, how have you been getting on?” Lasgol asked.
“Very well! Captain Esgunson has had me patrolling the Zangrian border all this time, as well as the border villages, to check on the activity of our southwestern neighbors. He sent me to this fort because the Zangrian activity has moved close to here. Now I report to Commander Emarson. He’s very worried about the movements of the Zangrian forces.”
“I don’t know anything about them. What can you tell me?”
Gerd stopped beside the well in the center of the fort. “Well, they’re very short and ugly.”
Lasgol laughed out loud, and the soldiers in charge of the water looked at him in surprise. He lowered his voice.
“What do you mean, short and ugly?”
“Really very ugly,” Gerd said emphatically.
“Describe them to me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one.”
“They’re a lot shorter than us Norghanians, and more compact. They’re… square… yeah, that’s right. I’d say they’re nearly as broad as they are tall.”
“So that must mean they’re strong?”
Gerd nodded. “They’re broad-shouldered and barrel-chested. And they have short legs, which are also strong. They come up to here.” He held his hand at the level of his stomach.
“That’ll be for you, because you’re a giant. They’d come up to my nose.”
“Nah, even less, they wouldn’t even reach your chin.”
“Interesting.”
“You can pick them out from a long way away because they’re so hairy and ugly. That’s what stands out most.”
“Explain that,” Lasgol said, still smiling.
“They’re hair is black and scruffy and their noses are wide and flat. Their hair and beards are shaggy and tangled. And their eyes are darker too. Except for their skin, which is like ours, the rest is all dark. When you see one you’ll realize.”
“From the way you describe them they sound like the exact opposite to us: we’re tall, blond…”
“And handsome.”
“Well, that’s arguable.”
“I think we are, compared with them. And their uniforms are yellow and black, which doesn’t help.”
“I think I’m starting to get the idea. What weapons do they fight with?”
“Square metal shields and spears.”
“Curious.”
“I’ve been studying them all year, and I think they use spears to compensate for their short stature.”
“That makes sense.”
“They fight well and they’re strong and tough. That much I have found out.”
“Have you fought one of them?” Lasgol asked in surprise.
Gerd shook his head. “No, but I’ve seen them practicing a number of times, and trust me, they’re hard as rocks.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. And what’s happening around here?”
Gerd sighed. “The Zangrians are putting together an army very near, in a large war camp. I guess that’s the reason why they sent you too.”
“Yup, it looks as though things are getting dangerous.”
“I’ve got the feeling they’re going to cross the border and invade us…” Gerd’s face had shadowed.
“Do you think they’ll dare to?”
“Two seasons ago I’d have said no. I’ve been watching them day and night, and their movements didn’t show anything more than that they wanted to put pressure on us at the border. But now they have an army waiting, on the brink of invading us. I think now that it’s about more than just making us nervous and putting pressure on us. I believe they’re capable of crossing.”
“If they do, there’ll be war.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
Lasgol nodded uneasily. “Just what we needed…”
“Yeah,” Gerd agreed. “There’ll be plenty of deaths if they do cross.” He was looking aside at the Norghanian soldiers around them.
“Let’s hope it doesn’t happen.”
“Hey, is Camu with you?” Gerd asked suddenly. He was looking all around, intrigued.
“Yeah, he stayed in the forest. I didn’t want any trouble with the soldiers.”
“Good idea. I guess he’s as mischievous as ever, right?”
“I’d say even more so, and more stubborn.”
“I’m so much looking forward to seeing him!”
“I’m sure he feels the same way.”
“I’d love it if you would take me to see Camu so I can say ‘Hi’ to him. I’d love to. We’ve still got some time left.” He glanced aside at Commander Emarson’s quarters.
They left the fort, and Lasgol took Gerd to where he had left Camu resting.
Camu, where are you?
He got no answer.
Camu, wake up. I have a surprise for you.
Surprise? came Camu’s message.
A friend.
Who?
Come out and see for yourself.
The creature appeared from behind a group of bushes.
“Camu!” Gerd called, smiling broadly and spreading his arms in welcome.
Gerd! came Camu’s joyful response. He gave several shrill shrieks of excitement and in three bounds threw himself on the giant, who embraced him closely. Camu licked Gerd’s whole face with his blue tongue, and the giant laughed in delight. Lasgol watched the happy scene with a mixture of joy and tenderness that touched him deeply. Ona chirped lovingly beside him. Lasgol scratched her head, and the panther replied with a grateful grunt of contentment.
“You’re huge!” Gerd said to Camu, still smiling.
Camu shrieked happily.
You more big, Camu transmitted, but Gerd did not catch it.
“Camu says you are too,” Lasgol relayed to him.
“Huh? Can you speak with him?”
Lasgol nodded. “His intellect has grown too.”
“He talks back to you?”
“Yup. We communicate with mental messages.”
“How can that be?”
“Well, you know… it’s because of the Gift…”
“Magic…”
“Yes.”
Gerd’s face changed. There was fear in his eyes now, and his expression shadowed. He dropped the arm that was holding Camu, but the creature went on licking him, excited about the reunion. Gerd made an effort to defeat the fear magic aroused in him, impelled by his feelings of affection for Camu.
Lasgol could see in his eyes the inner struggle his friend was going through. He wondered whether he would ever overcome his fear of the arcane and unknown. This inner battle Gerd had to fight was a constant in his life, and it would always be that, because defeating those fears was a daily task.
Gerd looked at Camu, and suddenly his face lit up. He overcame his fear and once again hugged Camu, who clung to him.
“Now tell me everything I’ve missed. I want to know it all.”
Lasgol smiled. “I’ll tell you everything, big guy.”
Lasgol spent the following days getting used to the fort and its military routine. It was rather curious, with a hundred soldiers inside the fort milling around in constant activity. When they were not dealing with supplies and distribution, they were practicing with their weapons or repairing those parts of the fort that needed attention. Lasgol found it all too small and crowded. He could barely take a step without bumping into a soldier. He was definitely not too keen on the military life inside the fort. Ona liked it even less. As for Camu, he was outside, trying to develop a new skill, though Lasgol
did not know which. He had encouraged him to do this; after all, it was little short of impossible to make him change his mind once an idea had taken hold in it.
The best moments of life in the fort, for Lasgol, were those when he went out exploring with Gerd. They had a whale of a time doing this. Lasgol was pleasantly surprised with how well his friend handled himself in the southern forests, and particularly with his knowledge of the area. That morning the two of them had gone out scouting, without any soldiers to lead, which always left them feeling relieved. It was not that they had anything against the soldiers – far from it – but they themselves were Rangers, and the soldiers were clumsy and noisy in the forest. The two of them exchanged looks of disbelief when the soldiers tripped over, or made more noise than a herd of wild horses at a gallop. Gerd shrugged and forgave them. They were trained to fight, not to make their way stealthily and unobserved through forests and plains as they themselves were.
Gerd indicated a winding stream ahead of them. “See the river through the trees?” he whispered to Lasgol.
“I can see it.”
“That’s the border, right here. It’s the southernmost point in our kingdom.”
Lasgol nodded. “The other side is Zangrian territory?”
“Exactly. Like to go into the kingdom of Zangria?”
Lasgol opened his eyes wide. “You mean cross the river?”
“That’s right,” the giant replied with a smile.
“But… that… wouldn’t it cause a political conflict?”
“Only if they catch us.”
“Gerd… we’re on the brink of going to war with them. You don’t really mean it, do you?”
Gerd laughed. “Obviously you’ve never been at the border before. I cross it all the time, alone or with soldiers.”
Lasgol looked at him in amazement. “Seriously?”
“Sure. It’s what we do here. We cross over to their side and then we spy on them or harass them.”
“I can’t believe it.”
“You’d better believe it, because they do exactly the same thing.”
“What? That’s insane! Why?”
“It’s called harassing tactics, or as we call it, Border Games. Some days we spy on their activities, others we burn their supplies, or poison their water, or frighten their horses, and so on. They do the same on our side.”
