Charles had seated himself as Dawyn talked with Verna. “So, I hear that you’re heading for Henry’s Crossing, eh? What business do you have there, if I may be so bold?”
Dawyn chewed as he mulled over the question. Charles and Verna seemed nice enough, but how far could he trust them? Did he dare tell this man the truth of his identity and those of his companions? No, Charles might not tell anyone, but it would be best if he didn’t know at all. If more of Garik’s men came around and tortured him, there could be the possibility that he would break and tell them everything he knew about them. Better not to let anything out about their true identities. As for their true purpose though, that was different.
“We’re heading south hunting rumors of Lord Garik being down in that region. Each of us has a score to settle with the man, but we need to find him first. Have you heard anything about him?”
“Aye, I’ve heard plenty about old Lord Garik. Rumors started spreading in here about six months past. Stories of entire assassins' and thieves’ guilds bowing before Lord Garik, with little blood spilled. The merchants who told the tales seemed terrified. Thieves had become emboldened and were roving across the countryside mugging travelers in broad daylight. The king’s men can only do so much and I know it but, by the Founders, it sure does seem from where I’m sitting that the king isn’t doing a damn thing about this whole affair.”
“I’m sure the soldiers are doing all they can,” replied Alivia, giving Dawyn a quick glance and then looking back toward Charles. “It can’t be an easy life.”
“You are right about that, lass. I served in the king’s army for just over twenty years. Achieved the rank of captain at one point, so I know how things go. A soldier is only as good as the army at his back and the support of his king, as the saying goes. The army is dwindling and the king doesn’t seem to be supporting his people. If he doesn’t change things, the people may give up on him.”
“If the people give up on the king they will be letting the denizens of the underworld win,” Anwyn argued. “The people wouldn’t want that.”
Charles chuckled. “What the people want is stability. They want to be able to feel safe at night. So if surrendering to the assassin and thief guilds and paying tribute gives them a semblance of safety by knowing that they’ll be kept alive then who am I to tell them otherwise. As I said, I’ve been a soldier for more than half my life. I have great respect for the king – I served under his father before him too, but others don’t think like I do.” Charles speech set a sorrowful mood in the room. Perhaps Charles had a point, though Dawyn had a hard time imagining that the people would give up and surrender to the darkness without a fight.
“I’ve heard other dark things from Henry’s Crossing, too. It’s said that a strange noise can be heard in the woods surrounding the town in the dark of night. Bodies have been found, their heads removed and the blood drained out of them. Some people claim it is a creature of some sort, while others claim it is a murderer on the loose. It is said that a group of huntsman, some twenty strong, went into the woods. One came back alive, and he was rambling about some creature with giant pincers for hands, four legs like a crab and a hard carapace all over. He claimed that they fired arrows at it but they just bounced off. The creature’s central pincers where his mouths are believed to be could chop a man in half with a single snap. The last merchant that came through here was several weeks past. He stayed for a bit before Lord Garik's thugs forced him to pay, but he told us that every night seven people were found dead. ‘Blood and shadows have come to Henry’s Crossing’ the man had said.”
“Don’t the lord and lady of that land take action?” Alivia said.
Charles shook his head. “Lord Tomas and Lady Igraine refute all claims the creature exists. Anyone who speaks out against them is soon found in a dark alleyway without a head, if you believe the stories. In addition to that, there have been sightings of known thieves and assassins entering their manor unchallenged by the guards. If I were a betting man I would bet everything that the lord and lady are in bed with Lord Garik and his followers. Those two would be a good place to start – if you can reach them.”
“We’re pretty good at getting to hard-to-reach places,” Favio said. “Any idea why Lord Garik chose Henry’s Crossing as his seeming base of operations?”
“It’s a supply hub,” Dawyn said before Charles could reply. “It’s one of the pivotal crossroads between Valnos in the south, Malanor in the southwest and Durnhold in the southeast. By having their operations there, they can bypass the city of Tar Ebon and remain undetected longer. Also, by having access to the Tar River, they can ferry their goods wherever they please almost with impunity, as the king’s navy doesn’t patrol the rivers. It’s quite a strategic move by Lord Garik. He gains centrality and the ability to move to anywhere in the southern regions between the mountains, whether on the king’s roads or by boat. He will be entrenched there.”
“Aye, it may take more than just the four of you to take down Lord Garik,” Charles said.
“We are possessed of some unique abilities,” Dawyn said. “We’ll hold our own.”
“Have you heard rumor of a mage in Henry’s Crossing, Charles?” Alivia asked. Dawyn had been expecting the question. One of her primary responsibilities on this mission was to be the counter to the female mage that Lord Garik had close to him. It was natural that she would want to know more about the woman.
“No,” Charles said with a thought, “I can’t say that I have. Sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for, friend,” Dawyn said. “You’ve helped us more than you know.”
“Eh, just doing my duty to help protect the kingdom. I may no longer wear the uniform, but once a solider of Tar Ebon, always a soldier.”
“We should gather our things and be going now,” Dawyn said. “Again, we cannot thank you enough for all you have done for us.”
“Nor can Verna and I thank you enough, kind traveler. Allow me to go fetch Verna while you all gather your things. I know she’ll want to say goodbye.”
“I wouldn’t dream of leaving without saying goodbye to your lovely wife,” Favio exclaimed. “Why, that would be so terribly rude of me.”
The group walked upstairs to gather the remainder of their belongings. Within five minutes they had reported back to the common room of the inn. The four exchanged hugs with Verna and shook hands with Charles. “You folks were the nicest I think I’ve ever had visit my inn,” Verna said with a slight tear in her eye. “You all remind me a lot of my own children, Founders bless them. You all be safe now.”
As they were filing out of the inn on their way to the stables, a thought struck Dawyn. Setting his backpack down, he reached in and un-clasped the brooch at the top of the front of his cloak. It was a golden “S” laid over a symbol of the Tower of the Seven Stars. A crown sat atop the tower. Clutching it in his hand for a moment, he straightened and handed it to Charles.
The man stood speechless. Finally, he said, “By the Founders, is this…?” Charles had been in the army, so Dawyn suspected he would know.
“It’s what you think it is, Charles. I would like you to keep it as a reminder that the king has not forgotten you or your people. When visitors once again grace your tavern tell them you believe in their king. We have not forsaken you.”
“This is too much for me to keep, Commander. I’m not worthy of such a gift.” The fact that the brooch was pure gold signified Dawyn’s rank within the Shadow Watch Guard. The commander of the Guard wore a gold brooch – the other members wore silver ones.
“Consider it a loan, then,” Dawyn said. “Keep it safe for me until I return one day to claim it. Can you do that?”
Charles nodded. “Yes, sir, I can do that.” He snapped to attention and gave Dawyn a salute.
Dawyn returned the salute and then extended his hand one last time to shake Charles’. Turning, he strode toward the stables and didn’t look back. A long journey was still ahead to Henry’s Crossing, and his
reasons for making for the town with all due haste had increased.
Chapter 13: Dark Travels
The closer the companions came to Henry’s Crossing, the sparser the land became, and the more signs of death and destruction they saw. At one farmhouse, on their second day out from Selma, they were witness to a horrible sight. Three bodies, male by the look of it, were crucified against the barn, while two more petite bodies, the mother and what looked like the daughter, were lying in the dirt next to the well in the center of the yard. The group stopped and buried the family of five before moving on.
At another farmhouse a few miles down the road, they found the doors and windows barricaded and two young boys sitting atop the roof. As the group neared, the boys began clanging what sounded like cowbells and several men ran out of the house a few moments later, carrying pitchforks, bows and axes. There were at least six men. Four men slowed as they neared the group. The last thing Dawyn wanted was to scare the folks, but they were running low on supplies and he had hoped to be able to purchase some.
One of the men, a tall, muscular fellow with long, brown hair and a beard that went down to his chest called out, “That’s far enough, strangers. Take another step and we’ll pepper you with arrows. By the Founders we will!” The man raised his bow, an arrow ready to be loosed.
Dawyn stopped Shadow and the others reined in as well. They were a hundred feet or so from the farmers. He raised his hands, palms facing the men to declare that he was unarmed. “We come in peace. We are looking to buy some food from honest folk such as you. Please, we will not harm you.”
The man didn’t lower his bow. “These are dark times. We don’t know who to trust. I’m sorry, but we cannot help you. Please leave now, before things get messy.”
Dawyn sighed, but saw the resolve in the eyes of the man and his companions. He turned to the others and said, “I think we should go. We’ll get nowhere except risk being wounded and hurting or killing these men. A bit of food isn’t worth bloodshed.”
The others nodded. “I concur,” said Alivia. “These men are just honest farmers seeking to defend what’s theirs. I would do the same in their position.” Her tone told Dawyn that she had never been in their position, or any position even close to that of these men, but he appreciated the attempt at sympathy. Alivia could be arrogant, bull-headed and fiery tempered sometimes, but no one could say that her heart didn’t beat.
That settled, the companions turned their horses around and, with one last look at the farmers still standing strong, rode back the way they had come toward the king’s road. They had not spent a great deal of time with the farmers.
The day wore on and, as night fell, the group decided to rest in the woods rather than attempt to find man-made shelter. They followed the sounds of running water to find a fresh stream, so they could wash themselves and have clean water for cooking. The spring night was mild enough to sleep under the stars with little more than their cloaks, so the group made a small fire to cook some of their rations and warm up before settling in early to sleep.
They split up the responsibility to stand guard over the camp. This close to a stronghold of underworld activity, a sentry was critical. Dawyn took first watch but found it to be uneventful. He awoke Alivia with a gentle touch on her shoulder and went to lie down. Within minutes, he was asleep.
Dawyn was awoken by the early light. Ashes were all that remained of the cook fire and Anwyn was still awake, seated on a large log and gazing westward into the forest. Brushing off the dirt and grass from his clothing, Dawyn walked over and sat down next to her.
“Did you have any trouble?”
She glanced at him and smiled. Dawyn could tell she was tired. “No, I haven’t seen any indication of human life at all during my watch. A few animals came by, which I was tempted to chase.”
“Are your animal instincts that close to the surface?”
Anwyn looked thoughtful for a moment. “They’re no closer than if you saw a deer and were hungry. You would be tempted to attack and kill it if you had the means. Humans are just as much carnivores as other animals. But I do seem to be hungry more often.” She shrugged. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe the animal side of my nature longs to come out more than my human side.”
Dawyn eased his arm around Anwyn. “It matters not to me, Anwyn,” he began. “You are a beautiful woman that any person would be honored to call a friend. Some little quirk is not enough to change that. In fact,” he said, as he turned her face toward his, “I actually like your quirks. I think they make you more interesting.” As Dawyn spoke, he leaned in and kissed her on the lips. For a moment, she was surprised and Dawyn feared she would pull away, but then he felt her relax and she returned his kiss with passion.
After a few moments, they ceased kissing, but huddled close until the others began to stir. Then they separated and went to make preparations for the day’s travel.
The group set out after a quick breakfast of now-stale bread and dried meat. They estimated they had three more days before reaching Henry’s Crossing.
The remainder of the day passed with the group of companions making small talk as they rode, looking around at the landscape. Any travelers they saw on the road either did not make eye contact at all, or did so nervously before looking down and hurrying on their way. The closer they got to Henry’s Crossing the worse things got, which dampened the mood of the companions.
Chapter 14: Henry's Crossing
At last, on the fifth day after Dawyn and his companions left Selma, as they topped a rise, the city of Henry’s Crossing could be made out in the distance. The midday sun was shining, as if unconcerned about the rumors of the darkness that had come to shadow the town in underworld activity. The city had a short wooden palisade around it, while a small line of people waited to enter the town. Along the river, boats could be seen moving up and down, ferrying goods or people to destinations unknown.
“So that’s the city?” Anwyn said. “It’s not much to look at if you ask me.”
“That is the city,” Dawyn said. “It’s a crossroad, so it’s not the largest of cities. Merchants and travelers pass through on their way to somewhere else – few choose to remain in the city. It is, or was anyway, a town of merchants, innkeepers, brewers and blacksmiths with a few farmers around. Now, though, who knows what we’ll find.”
“I think it’s time that we parted ways,” Favio announced. “The plan calls for me to infiltrate Lord Garik’s ranks. It wouldn’t do for me to be seen walking into the city with the three of you, especially if I know you like I think I do. You’re going to go in there and, at some point, make a scene. I don’t want to be implicated in any way in whatever you plan on doing, Dawyn. I will go in, masquerade as a thief and find the location of Garik. Then, I meet back up with the three of you, assuming you’re all not dead or imprisoned, and we go after the bastard. Does that sound like a good plan?”
Dawyn hesitated before nodding. “Yes, you’re right, Favio. Go on ahead or follow behind us. Better yet, come in from the east or south while we come in from the north, in order to further distance our relationship for the time being. What signal will you give when it’s time to meet and where shall we meet?”
“There’s an inn named the Angry Bull. The innkeeper, Horace, owes me several favors. When the time comes, and you’ll know it when it’s time, go to the inn, speak to Horace and he’ll help you find me. But don’t go to him until you’re sure I’ve found Garik, understood?”
Alivia nodded. “Understood. But how do we know that this Horace friend of yours is even still alive? For all we know he could have been driven out with the rest of the townsfolk.”
“Trust me, Horace is a hard man. Unless he’s dead, he’ll still be there. He’s also a survivor. He knows how to recognize strength. If he saw Garik and his men moving into town, he wouldn’t make waves and give them a reason to hurt him or his family.”
“If he’s so adaptable,” said Anwyn, “how do we know we can trust him?”
&n
bsp; “Horace is like a brother to me. We traveled for years together and we had each other's backs.” Favio’s eyes took on a distant look, remembering the past. “When I thought I was all alone in the world, Horace was there to help give me a reason to live. I owe Horace many things, including my life, but he owes me twice as much. I will swear on every limb of my body that he won’t betray me or any person I call friend.”
Dawyn looked Favio in the eyes, gauging his sincerity. At last he nodded. “That’s good enough for me. If he’s a friend of yours and you trust him, we will, as well. We’re wasting daylight, so let’s move.” With a small kick he urged Shadow into motion and the others followed. They stopped in a copse of trees about two miles from the city, where Favio took his leave. Eastward he went, staying out of sight of the city, where he would then swing around to the east gates and enter there as planned. The others continued on toward the north gates.
At the gates, they found several city watch guards lounging around, checking visitors. There was a sense of apprehension in the air. All visitors were being told to dismount from their horses and lead them through the gates. Dawyn and his two companions did so before joining the line. It was a small relief from the saddle sores. Dawyn was accustomed to riding, but hadn't ridden for this long in a while and they still stung. He couldn’t imagine the discomfort Alivia and Anwyn were experiencing, though the faces they made as they dismounted gave him a good idea.
All of a sudden, one of the guards grabbed an apple out of a nearby cart and began munching on it. The farmer said something and stepped up to the guard, as if telling him to stop. The guard shoved the farmer back with an outstretched mailed glove. The farmer stumbled back and the guard proceeded to kick the man in the knee with an armored boot so that he fell to the ground. The guard leaned low and must have said something to the man as he clutched his sword, for the man had the fear of death in his eyes. Dawyn was tempted to draw his own blades and come to the defense of the farmer, but he had to play his part long enough to get into the city. It wouldn’t do to announce his presence this early. The guard just laughed before snatching yet another apple from the cart and walking away, tossing the apple into the air and catching it a few times. The farmer rose slowly to his feet and, head down, entered the city with his cart.
Blood and Shadows (The Saga of the Seven Stars) Page 9
