The guards at the tower gates nodded to them as they entered under the stone archway into a hall. The doors at the other end were opened for them, and they came into a warmer passageway.
‘This is where I leave you,’ Kallie said, leaning over and kissing him.
‘I’ll be up in the morning to see you,’ he called, watching her walk up the stone stairs.
‘I wouldnae want folk looking at ma arse like that,’ his sister said, as she appeared from a door to the right.
‘I’ll be sure to let you know if it ever happens.’
She laughed. ‘Good to see you, wee brother.’
They embraced.
‘Pyre’s dog breath,’ she grimaced. ‘You fucking reek! Poor Kallie.’
‘I’ve been on the road for a third,’ he said. ‘It’s been blowing blizzards, it was too cold to wash every day.’
She raised an eyebrow.
‘Come on,’ she said. ‘Let’s go see Kyla, just don’t get too close.’
They walked through a few chambers, each growing warmer as they approached the heart of the old building. They reached a hall with two enormous fireplaces in opposite walls, which were roaring in their giant hearths. In the centre of the hall was a long table, with wooden chairs arranged around it. At its head sat Kyla, and commanders and company leaders were filling a few of the other seats. Kyla looked up when she saw them enter.
‘Company leader Killop,’ she said. ‘Good to see you again. Sit.’ She beckoned over to a serving boy, who approached with cups and a jug.
‘Chief,’ Killop nodded.
He sat down at the table, and Keira joined him on his right. They were poured some warmed dark ale. Kyla waited until they were settled before continuing.
‘How goes it with my sister?’ she asked.
‘Chief Kelpie is fine,’ Killop replied. ‘Her plans for the new village are moving ahead quickly. There were already a few hundred Kell living there in tents by the time I left. They’d nearly finished the foundation trenches for the village hall, and she was hopeful that the first houses will be up within a third.’
‘Good,’ Kyla replied, ‘and the people, how are they?’
‘Mixture,’ he said. ‘Some are downcast, others optimistic. A few stories came in about how the Brig are getting fed up housing and feeding so many refugees, but most reports are that the locals are being hospitable in the main. Latest count has just under eleven thousand Kell now settled over southern Brig. They’ve accepted you and Kelpie as the new chiefs of the Kell. They called a moot and took a vote on it. No one dissented.’
She nodded. ‘Thank you, Killop.’
‘I also have news from Domm.’
‘Let’s hear it then.’
‘Messengers were saying that the Lach have retreated to the Fire Mountain Pass, and their scouts have made contact with the Domm frontier guards. Conditions up there are terrible apparently, and the pass is almost blocked with snow, so the refugees are having a hard time of it. They’re gathering them at the Fire Temple, and the Domm are intending to keep them there over the winter.’
‘Any word of the Lach losses?’
‘Nothing certain.’
She sat back in her chair, sipping her drink.
‘We are blind to the south now,’ she said. ‘While you were away, the Rahain completed their stockade wall at the base of the pass. It extends over fifteen miles, and anything that gets too close is peppered with crossbow bolts. We’ve had no news of what the Rahain have been doing this last third.’
‘It sounds like a defensive move by them,’ he said.
‘That’s what we think too,’ she said. ‘We must stay alert, but all indications are that they intend to do nothing until spring.’
‘Is that why we’ve been handing out holiday passes?’
‘Aye,’ she said. ‘We’ve been giving them to those lucky few who have villages close by so they can see their families. I understand that you were in Huntswell yourself?’
‘Aye, Chief, I got word that Kallie was up there, so I took a wee detour on the way back, and visited her folks.’
Kyla smiled.
‘One last thing before you go,’ she said. ‘The Kell battalion is back up to two thousand. The appeal we put out to the other clans for volunteers did the trick, and a few hundred Brig and Domm have come over from their own units, and signed up for a temporary secondment. Although under Kell leadership, this is the first ever battalion with all four clans represented. You’ll find that your own company is back to its full complement of two hundred.’
He nodded.
‘Thank you for coming, Killop,’ she continued. ‘Now go and enjoy Winter’s Day.’
He stood. ‘Thanks, Chief.’
Killop and Keira left the chamber. Lacey and Kyleen were waiting outside for her, with three packs. He nodded at them.
‘I’m heading up to Nebbit Point now,’ Keira said to her brother. ‘I need to debrief my squad leader.’
‘Kylon?’ he said. ‘How’s he getting on?’
‘He’s not completely shite,’ she said. ‘Has a few talents that have surprised me.’
‘I knew you’d get to like him,’ he said. ‘He’s a good lad.’
She shrugged. ‘Aye, he’s not bad.’
Lacey handed her a pack, a strange expression on her face.
‘Tomorrow, then.’
After taking a bath, Killop toured his company while they were preparing for the following day’s holiday. Only half of his warriors were now Kell, the rest were a mixture of the other three clans. He met with his squad leaders, and listened to their gripes about the bad weather and worse ale. As before, he found that any he hadn’t previously met were aware of who he was, due to his sister’s fame. He slipped away once the festivities got underway, so the warriors could get drunk and be themselves without their commander hanging around. He found a warm room in the tower and got an early night.
The following morning Killop rose before dawn, swung his pack on and climbed the tower to its fifth floor. The day threatened more snow, so he wrapped up warm, and ascended the steep and icy mountain path to the top of the ridge. After a climb of two hours, he reached the shoulder of the mountain where the tower of Nebbit Point stood. It was small, and two-storied, though the upper level was open to the elements, and used solely for lookout duty. On the lower level were three rooms: a kitchen, a small storeroom, and a large communal area with a fireplace, table, chairs and pallets for sleeping.
The snow lay all around, crisp underfoot, as he approached the silent tower.
He pushed open the wooden door and stepped into the warmth of the interior.
The dark room was lit by the low flames of the fireplace, and the floor was littered with sleeping bodies. At the table near the fire, a few people were sitting, and Killop stepped over the warriors to join them.
‘Morning all,’ he said. ‘Happy Winter’s Day.’ He sat and looked around. Keira, Kelly and Kylon were sitting round the table, drinking, with another man, whom Killop didn’t recognise.
‘It’s a bit early for whisky,’ he said.
‘Try again, wee brother,’ Keira slurred.
‘You been up all night?’
‘See,’ Keira said. ‘I telt ye he wasnae completely stupid, though I did get most of the brains. And the looks.’
‘Is anybody up on the roof?’
‘Aye, boss,’ said Kylon. ‘Got a sober-shift worked out to get us through the holidays.’
‘Come on, wee brother,’ Keira said, ‘did ye think Kylon would be negligent in his duties? That lad kens how to take care of business.’ She started giggling.
Killop frowned.
‘And who’s this?’ he said, nodding at the other man.
‘This is Domnan,’ Kylon said. ‘Volunteer from Domm.’
‘Aye? Good to meet you Domnan.’
The man grunted, and sipped his whisky.
‘And how you doing, Kelly?’ Killop said.
‘It’s Tornface, ya eejit,’
Keira smirked.
‘Still alive,’ she said.
‘Been trying to get her to speak to her sister,’ Keira said, ‘but she’s a stubborn wee ginger cow.’
‘I’m just back from seeing your folks,’ Killop said.
‘Aye,’ Kelly said, ‘I heard.’
‘They were asking after you.’
Kelly shrugged.
‘At least you’ve still got yer ma and da,’ Keira said, ‘ungrateful wee radge that ye are. Mine and Killop’s are fuck-knows-where, and the rest of the Kell’s are all dead or missing, and yours are just up the fucking road, and ye won’t go and see them?’
‘Fuck off, Keira,’ Kelly snapped. ‘The girl they knew is dead, and my ripped face would only give my ma nightmares. I don’t fucking belong there any more – I’m scarred inside, and out.’ She stood, and grabbed her thick cloak. ‘I’m only here to kill lizards, not to take any shit from you, high mage. And if you call me Tornface one more time, I’ll rip your fucking tongue out.’
She walked to the entrance, and left, slamming the door on the way out.
‘Deftly handled, Keira,’ said Kylon.
‘You would know about that,’ she muttered back.
The sound of Kelly’s departure had stirred a few and there were groans from the floor. Conal got to his feet.
‘You lot still up?’ he said, scratching his head.
‘Aye,’ Keira said. ‘Get the breakfast on.’
‘Aye, mage,’ he sighed.
He walked to the kitchen door.
‘Do you want a hand, Conal?’ a young warrior asked him.
‘Who’s that?’ Killop whispered.
‘Bryony,’ Kylon said. ‘One of the Brig triplets.’
‘Triplets?’
‘Aye,’ Keira laughed, as they watched Conal and Bryony go into the kitchen, ‘and two of them, the identical ones…’
‘Two of them are identical?’
‘Is that not what I just said?’ Keira replied, looking at him as if he was stupid. ‘Anyway, the two of them have a bet to see who can cop off with Conal first. Poor lad’s totally oblivious.’
‘Who’s winning?’
‘Well, last night I would have put money on Bryanna, but the lassie cannae handle her drink, check her out, still snoring…’ She nodded across the room to where a young woman lay sleeping, her long blonde hair tangled over her face. ‘She’ll be raging when she wakes up and sees who’s helping Conal cook breakfast.’
Kallie came over.
‘Good morning, man-bear,’ she said, leaning over and kissing him. ‘You smell sweeter today.’
‘Happy Winter’s Day. Not hungover?’
‘No. I got here to discover that I’m on day duty on the roof,’ she said. ‘I’m up there with Kalma as soon as we’ve had breakfast. Still, means I can have a drink tonight. You staying?’
‘Aye,’ he said. ‘I’m off until tomorrow.’
‘Good. Try not to get too drunk today, I’d like you to be able to speak by the time I get off.’
Keira laughed. ‘I’ll look after him for ye, wee sister.’
‘That’s what worries me, big sister.’
Koreen came over and sat down on Killop’s right. ‘Morning, bosses,’ she said. ‘Time to start drinking?’ She poured herself a whisky.
‘Morning, Koreen,’ Killop said. ‘Did you get the Brig triplets for your crew, then?’
She nodded. ‘Aye, unfortunately. Two mental lassies and one sour-faced misery guts. Look, there she is.’ She pointed at a young woman with short dark hair who was setting a kettle over the fire. ‘Happy Winter’s Day, Bridget.’
The young woman scowled back.
‘See?’ Koreen shrugged. ‘Right miserable cow. Only here because her sisters volunteered. Still, if she shoots in battle like she does in practice, she’ll kill a shitload of lizards.’ She sipped her whisky. ‘Check yer sister,’ she said.
He turned, and saw that Keira had passed out, her head on the table. A little puddle of drool edged out from the corner of her mouth.
‘I wonder where wee Lacey is,’ he said.
‘She passed out hours ago,’ said a voice from across the room. It was Kyleen, who had been sleeping over by the door. She was up now, and carried a blanket, which she draped over Keira’s shoulders.
‘Nobody try waking the mage until at least noon,’ Kyleen announced to the room. ‘If you do, and she turns you to ash, it’ll be your own damn fault.’
Most of the squad were awake and, after washing, were ready to begin the day’s festivities. Extra food and drink had been hauled up the ridge for the holiday, to celebrate the middle of the year on its shortest day, and to drink through its longest night. From the smells coming from the kitchen, Conal and Bryony were cooking up a feast.
Killop was handed a mug of dark Brig ale. This would be his first Winter’s Day without cider at breakfast since he could walk. It was a tiny thing, but it rankled. The bitter had replaced the sweet.
The squad arranged the seats so they could all fit round the table, and the food started to arrive. A few had sore heads, but the good mood was infectious, and soon even Bryanna was laughing, especially at Conal’s jokes.
Halfway through breakfast, Kelly came back, and took her old seat by Domnan, who had remained there throughout the night, and was now tucking into his morning meal. Kylon went out, and came back a little while later looking refreshed and well-groomed. He still didn’t speak much, Killop noticed, but he scowled less, and he looked upon his squad with a fierce, protective fondness. He took his seat by the snoring Keira and, as he looked at her, Killop noticed something change in Kylon’s eyes for a second.
He glanced to his left where Kallie sat, but she saw his questioning expression and rose to her feet.
‘Best be off to guard duty,’ she said. ‘See you later.’
Kallie and Kalma left by the door to the stairwell.
He turned to this other side, where Koreen was drinking and laughing.
‘Koreen?’
‘Aye, boss?’
‘Is there anything I need to know?’ he said. ‘About, well, any relationships among the squad?’
She thought for a moment. ‘No, don’t think so.’
‘You sure?’
‘Well,’ she said, ‘apart from Kylon and your sister, but obviously you know about that.’
She looked at him, and her grin froze.
‘I see you didn’t,’ she said.
‘How long…?’
Before he could continue, Kylon got to his feet, and banged the table.
‘Squad,’ he said, his firm voice carrying. Everyone quietened. ‘Think how strange this is. Winter’s Day, with Kell, and Lach, and Brig, and Domm sitting round the same table, sharing the holiday feast, on the top of a fucking mountain.’
The squad cheered, and drank their ale.
‘We will eat today, and drink tonight, and forget the lizards of our nightmares for a time, and for that time we will live as we always have. Do what we have done for uncounted generations. Doing these things makes us who we are, and while we do these things, we will never forget.’
He raised his cup, and waited until everyone had done the same.
‘To Winter’s Day,’ he said, downing the cup’s contents in a single gulp.
‘To Winter’s Day,’ they echoed him, and drank.
Others took over the cooking, and breakfast morphed into lunch, as the day wore on and the alcohol flowed. To clear his head, Killop stumbled up the stairs to the roof. It was another grey, cloudy day, but it wasn’t snowing, and the wind was light. Kallie and Kalma were standing facing out to the south, where the fortress of the Crags stood in the distance, at the end of the long ravine.
They noticed him. Kallie half-raised a hand to Kalma, and walked over.
‘Man-bear?’ she said, smiling as his unsteady gait.
He gazed at her, forgetting what he had intended to say. She looked beautiful.
‘I’ve been meaning,’ he said, slurr
ing, ‘to ask you something.’
‘Aye?’
‘Do you think we should get married? We could…’
She held up her hand. ‘Stop.’
He stood with his mouth open.
‘You’re hammered, Killop,’ she said. ‘Listen, go back downstairs, slip off to the storeroom, and get some sleep. I’ll come for you when I’m off shift, and you’ll be able to say you got drunk twice on Winter’s Day.’
‘That’s probably a good idea,’ he said, and made his way back down the stairs.
As promised, Kallie woke him a few hours later. It was pitch dark and warm in the storeroom, and they stayed a while.
When they returned to the main hall, huge steaks of dripping meat were being served, the ale was flowing, and Keira, awake and half-drunk again already, was in her element, holding court with Kylon, Lacey and Kyleen by her side. She had a growing band of devoted followers, Killop laughed to himself, as he and Kallie took their seats.
After eating, Killop saw the dark-haired sister out of the Brig triplets, sitting on her own at the end of the table. She looked drunk, and was scowling at the rest of the squad. He picked up his drink and went to sit by her.
‘You’re Bridget, aye?’
‘Aye,’ she said, raising an eyebrow. ‘Who are you?’
‘Killop.’
‘And who’s that?’
‘Company leader.’
‘Then what the fuck are ye doing here?’ she said. ‘If ye don’t mind me asking. Sir.’
He laughed. ‘This used to be my squad, and I wanted to see them for Winter’s Day.’
‘You used to be in this squad?’
‘Aye.’
‘Do you know,’ she said, ‘my stupid sisters specifically requested to join this squad, because they’d heard all about this amazing mage, who was burning thousands of Rahain, a real war hero. So we join up, and we find out she’s really a foul-mouthed drunken maniac who’s fucking the squad leader.’
‘That foul-mouthed maniac happens to be my sister.’
‘Ohhh,’ she said. ‘You’re that Killop!’ She started laughing.
‘Don’t listen to her,’ said one of Bridget’s blonde-haired sisters, though Killop wasn’t sure which. ‘She’s a vindictive wee toerag.’
The Magelands Origins Page 40
