‘We have some warm clothing for you and Ellie, Immy, Gil and Borg, but you will need more clothing and more blankets. And we need more food. Water won’t be a problem, but we must be able to carry some wood. Every man will need to take a fair amount on his back. The mountains are riddled with caves and crevices where we can shelter at night, but without a fire…’ He shook his head. ‘I must be crazy.’
‘We can pick up anything we need whilst we’re creating diversions,’ said Elena decisively. ‘After all, no-one will ever know what we took if we burn the place down before we leave.’
‘That’s true!’ Immosey agreed. ‘And if someone’s firewood was to disappear one would assume it went up in flames with the house.’
Elena chuckled. ‘And no-one would bother to ask where all the food went. We’ll need to make it a decent fire if we want this to work.’
‘I’m sure I can make a decent fire Ellie,’ said Louisa grinning wickedly.
‘Oh wait! I’ve an even better idea!’ Immosey was almost jumping with excitement. ‘We use the burning hut as a distraction. But when we steal the boat from Halling we need to make it look like we did everything to cover our tracks. We need to make it almost impossible to notice that particular distraction. Then we go over the Mountains. Hopefully we’re strong enough.’
Elena gave her sister’s hand a squeeze. ‘You’re right. They’re much more likely to believe we went that way if there is barely any evidence.’
‘Just enough evidence to cause them gloat arrogantly of their superiority,’ Louisa agreed.
‘You girls are wicked schemers!’ said Milgorry adamantly.
‘I thought human women were supposed to be more…more…well, less devious,’ Eibhear scratched his head. ‘Aren’t you going to be the next Queen of Alkira?’ he asked Elena.
‘The girls won’t be setting fire to anything or stealing any boats,’ said Milgorry decidedly and Immosey’s bottom lip dropped in disappointment. ‘Rudi, where were you going before you found us?’
‘We were trying to find out where they were taking Nandul before he wakes up.’
‘And then?’ Kelian asked curiously.
‘He’ll always be well guarded so I guess returning him outright is never going to be an option.’
‘What would happen if you just killed him?’ asked Gilgarry. ‘Returned him,’ he corrected himself.
Rudiger snorted. ‘I doubt I could even pull an arrow from my quiver before someone stuck a knife between my ribs, but if I was lucky enough to return the bastard I can think of at least twenty people who would be vying for his position.’
‘We’re that close already to being at war within ourselves.’ Eibhear shook his head sadly. ‘There are as many now who desire power as there are who desire only to keep our freedom. We cannot go on like this. Something is going to snap.’
‘What would the guardians do if the free went to war against the fallen?’ asked Immosey, her words clarifying the distinction she saw between the free people and those of the free who sought power.
Araas glanced at Timbul and then shrugged. ‘There have been uprisings before,’ he said seriously. ‘But each time those who desire only freedom have had the advantage, so the guardians have not needed to interfere.’
‘What about now?’ Gilgarry prompted.
‘I don’t know. You would have to ask my father,’ said Araas in a tone which effectively closed the discussion.
‘So,’ said Immosey, taking the hint to move on, ‘where do we go from here?’
‘We go home,’ said Kelian firmly. ‘Rudi and Eibhear will go back to hunting for Nandul. I imagine if they go up to the Ice Coast they will find his sleeping body.’
‘Yes! Of course!’ cried Rudiger, slapping his hand to his forehead. ‘That’s where he would want to be when he wakes up. His guards will know this. Ah! That’s so obvious! I’m an idiot!’ He studied Kelian for a moment. ‘Such a pity I can’t keep you here either, Highness.’
‘Right now you need to go south and I need to go with Araas to burn down a hut. Timbul will take Gil and make it look like we went south by boat. Milgorry you and Borg will stay here-’ He broke off as Milgorry glared at him. ‘Mil please, if the rest of us are captured you are the only one here who can get the girls safely across the Ice Mountains and back into Alkira. Please don’t argue. I know you’ve already done so much for us, but please do this for me.’
Milgorry glared at him for another moment. ‘One change then. You stay here with me. Borg goes with Araas.’ It was Kelian’s turn to frown. ‘Borg and Gil are trained for this type of thing. You’re not,’ said Milgorry bluntly. ‘No disrespect intended, but they’re a lot better than you are at this type of action. They don’t try to do your job, so you need to concentrate on your own bailiwick.’ Kelian raised one eyebrow at Milgorry’s tone which made it obvious he wasn’t going to be easily swayed.
‘I hate it when he’s right,’ he said to nobody as he sat down on the sand and leaned back against the rocks, closing his eyes. ‘He’s starting to sound like Araas and Tim,’ he mumbled grumpily and Timbul laughed as Araas and Milgorry traded bemused glances.
‘Maybe we should do nothing at all,’ said Gilgarry. ‘I’m sure the fallen would be incredibly discombobulated by all the activity, but do we really need all the confusion and the added danger?’
‘What are you saying?’ asked Milgorry.
‘What if there were no fires, no distractions, no stealing of boats. It just seems like a lot of work and wasted time. For what? Why can’t we just go from here over the mountains? Rudi can take his warriors south and we slip over the Ice Mountains and go home.’ He gazed longingly towards the east. ‘Why not?’
Kelian started to laugh. ‘Why not indeed! We do seem to complicate things. You’re right.’
‘We’ll still need more supplies,’ said Milgorry. ‘And in this case I’m definitely the best person to get them. Rudi can stay with you until I’m back.’ To his surprise Kelian agreed.
‘But I want you to take Tim and Borg with you to help carry everything we need,’ said Kelian. ‘How safe are we to camp here for the night?’
‘You’re safe nowhere whilst you’re in or near Nyinaku, Kelian,’ said Milgorry emphatically, ‘but I doubt they’ll come after us tonight. They know they have us trapped. They will be content to wait for us to try to cross the ice.’
Chapter 45
Sheldon’s Mark
It felt strange to Dale to be back on Alkiran soil. The Tabuls led them through the wasteland and left them at Sheldon’s Mark. Colonel Ronden studied the tired, filthy group now standing before him.
‘King’s Marshall, most of my men are camped about two miles our side of the Khynol gap. We thought you might come that way, and so did the fallen judging by the number of them guarding the area.’ He frowned uncertainly at Lias who stood silently with his arms folded.
‘I doubt they will still be there. They know which way we went.’ Dale frowned. ‘When did you leave the Gap?’
‘Morning of four nights ago,’ answered Ronden. ‘I hurried.’
‘Had they shown any signs of attacking?’ Danil was quite certain the answer would be no.
‘No sir. Do you wish us to withdraw? I only just arrived back from the Gap myself, but I’ll send word if you wish.’
Danil shook his head. ‘Keep them there a little longer. If they’re still watching our soldiers, there are that many less of them following His Highness.’
‘I thought you would have Prince Kelian with you.’ Ronden sounded accusing.
‘His Highness is well guarded. I doubt I could do a better job than Araas and Timbul.’
‘Tiernan’s sons? No, I suppose you couldn’t. No offence intended sir, but the guardians are remarkable.’ He frowned as Valeska chuckled. ‘I see you are of the guardians, Lady…?’
‘Valeska,’ she answered.
Dale yawned. ‘If it’s not too much trouble we haven’t eaten or slept properly in quite a while.’
‘I’m afraid we’re a little short on luxury here at Sheldon’s Mark, but you are most welcome to make use of the barracks and of course I will arrange for meals.’
‘A bed will be a luxury if it’s not made of one blanket thrown over a rock.’
‘No. We can do better than that…?’ Ronden looked questioningly at Dale.
‘Dale. And this is Enri,’ Dale pointed to his Squire, ‘and Guardian General Callian,’ Ronden’s eyes widened as Dale continued, ‘and Alexander of Castle. The little sleeping angel is Aithne. And this is Lias, warrior of the free.’
Ronden paled a little as he studied Lias. ‘Fallen? Supreme Majesty! Why have you brought him here?’ He took a step back and glared at Lias.
Dale smiled at the Colonel’s discomfiture as Lias’ hand rested on the hilt of his knife. ‘Colonel, we stand here alive because Lias was willing to lead us from Nyinaku. He’s an honorable warrior and a friend.’
Ronden didn’t look any more comfortable. ‘I really don’t think-’
‘Colonel!’ Dale’s sharp voice caused Ronden to step back in surprise. ‘Lias will be treated with the respect he deserves!’
Ronden frowned in irritation. ‘I think it’s up to the King’s Marshall exactly what is to happen to him, boy!’ He glared sternly at Dale.
Danil tried not to laugh. ‘At this stage it’s up to Baron Dale to decide what happens to Lias, though I think you will find that the Baron is aware that Lias is a free warrior and may return to his homeland as he pleases or stay in Alkira at His Excellency’s word.’
‘Baron Dale? Ah! Of East Inlet!’ Recognition dawned on the Colonel’s face. He looked at Enri. ‘And you’re Duke Percy’s boy? You look like your mother,’ he said. He turned to Lias and regarded the warrior. ‘I spoke rashly. That you stand alive in this company should have made your position obvious…I apologize warrior.’ He sighed heavily. ‘I’ve had little sleep in days, having ridden from the Gap. But that’s no excuse for blind stupidity. You are also welcome, warrior of the free.’ Lias inclined his head and gave a small nod.
‘We carry sad news,’ said Danil. ‘We lost Prince Galbraith and David of Castle in Nyinaku. They were both good men.’
Colonel Ronden lowered his head. ‘I met the Prince only once. This is terrible news. I heard his ship is still anchored at Warbilla. Will you go home that way?’
Danil glanced at Dale who nodded to Colonel Ronden. ‘That’s the quickest way for us to get back to Castle with information. I don’t look forward to telling King Dannicus. I know he loved his nephew dearly.’
‘Galbraith was a good Captain. I imagine one day he would have been Admiral of the Fleet.’ Colonel Ronden shook his head sadly. ‘It concerns me that we ended up with two Princes and a Baron and his Squire flitting around Nyinaku doing what our soldiers should be doing. Now we’ll take a seat and discuss matters whilst the men organize food and beds! I’ll try to find a better place for the Lady.’
‘My wife will stay with me,’ said Danil firmly. Colonel Ronden’s jaw dropped.
‘Wife!’ Ronden’s gaze flashed over to Callian.
‘Yes Colonel,’ Callian smiled. ‘The King’s Marshall is now also a guardian; however both His Majesty and Tiernan have agreed that he should remain as King’s Marshall.’
Ronden’s eyebrows shot up. ‘A big bed then, for the King’s Marshall and his Lady Valeska.’ The Colonel opened the door and gave instructions to a soldier who was patiently guarding the door.
‘Actually we won’t need a really big bed until the baby arrives,’ said Valeska cheekily, enjoying seeing the Colonel’s changing expressions.
He didn’t disappoint. He stopped dead still, turned around and stared at Valeska for a long time. ‘Baby?’
‘Yes, you know – small child, infant, little one…’ Enri was also enjoying the Colonel’s reactions.
‘I know what a baby is Squire,’ said Ronden frowning. ‘I’m standing here talking to the King’s Marshall who is now a guardian and he’s married and his wife is with child. They’ve just escaped from Nyinaku with the Guardian General, a fallen warrior – sorry – a free warrior, one very battered looking soldier, and the Baron of East Inlet and a Squire who is still a child. I’m thinking of asking someone to hit me, just to see if I’m awake!’
‘If it’s not too much trouble Colonel, could you wait until I’m fed and off to bed,’ asked Dale sleepily. ‘Then I’ll have Enri hit you if you wish.’ Enri glared at Dale indignantly as the Colonel laughed.
‘Don’t laugh too loudly Colonel,’ Danil suggested. ‘The mad Baron just might carry out that threat. And we’ve certainly come to respect Enri’s abilities.’
‘You’re thinking of recruiting him?’ said Ronden perceptively.
‘I think Kelian wants him trained to follow his father as Duke of Western Downs, but you never know in the meantime.’
‘Surprise after surprise. Follow me, before I myself ask Enri to hit me.’ He led them into a room with a long table surrounded by chairs. The group sat and for the next hour they discussed the events leading up to their escape from Nyinaku. Colonel Ronden listened without interrupting. They were given food and ate it quickly as Danil spoke.
‘So Olwid left four of his men with us and they stayed with us to the edge of the wasteland,’ Danil finished.
‘Did you see any groups of warriors in the wasteland or around Skeleton’s Rest?’ the Colonel asked curiously.
‘No. But I deliberately avoided any regularly used paths,’ Valeska observed.
‘There have been reports of them moving in numbers around the area.’ Ronden sat forward and rested his chin on his fist. ‘They’re so damned hard to track.’ He raised his eyebrows as he noticed Dale had his head on the table and his eyes closed. He pushed back his chair and reached over to wake the young Baron.
‘Baron Dale,’ he said as Dale lifted his head and looked questioningly at him. ‘I’ll show you to the barracks now and we’ll speak more in the morning, when you are awake,’ he said. ‘There seems little point in asking your opinions if you aren’t awake to answer.’
Danil laughed knowingly. ‘Colonel, don’t be deceived. Baron Dale may have appeared to be asleep; he may have even been snoring, but if you ask him to repeat anything that was said here tonight…let’s just say he hears better asleep than most people do when they’re being shouted at.’
Colonel Ronden raised an eyebrow skeptically. ‘Regardless, you are all tired and I think we can continue this in the morning sir?’ He glanced at Danil.
‘Agreed.’ Danil stood up and stretched. He had been surprised how little sleep he required since his marriage to Valeska, but for the last ten minutes and had been longing to crawl into bed.
Ronden led them across a courtyard to a set of old but well maintained barracks which did indeed feel like luxury to the travel worn group. He left them to settle in. When he returned not ten minutes after he left the group, he found them all asleep excepting Lias who stood silently outside the door as if on guard.
‘Lias, you should get some sleep. We will guard you,’ said the Colonel, waving towards the soldiers who had followed him to the barracks. ‘And I have something for you,’ he said drawing a fine sword from a sheath he was carrying. He held the hilt towards the warrior.
‘This is a beautiful sword,’ Lias commented as he took the sword and felt the weight in his hand.
‘I noticed your sheath was empty,’ said Ronden curiously.
‘My sword was lost when…’ Lias’ voice trailed away. For him, the emotions connected with the battle were confusing to say the very least.
‘Well now you have a replacement,’ Ronden stated, taking the hint to move on. ‘An apology for rash words and thank you for helping them.’
Lias sheathed the sword. He unbuckled his belt and laid his sheathed sword across the end of an empty bed, and then he lay down on the bed and was asleep in seconds.
Colonel Ronden turned to one of the soldiers. ‘Triple the guard,’ he whispered. �
��Post more sentries at the outer limits and I want instant reports of any suspicious sightings.’ The soldier looked around curiously at the sleeping group. ‘Sergeant,’ said Ronden, ‘the fallen will want every one of these people dead, even their own warrior. I don’t intend to let that happen.’
‘You think they will follow them here?’
‘Without a doubt. I just hope they don’t arrive tonight.’
To Colonel Ronden’s surprise the tired group was allowed to sleep peacefully through the night. Lias and the guardians only slept for about three hours, but Dale, Enri and Alexander slept through the night and well into the morning.
The heat from the sun beating through an open window woke Dale. For a moment he lay with his eyes closed wondering where he was. The second he remembered, he leapt from the bed and pulled on his boots. As he stuffed his gear into his pack he noticed several food packages had been added to his supplies. He hoisted the pack onto his back and hurried out of the barracks stopping for a moment when he saw the number of soldiers spread around the courtyard. He could see Colonel Ronden on the verandah of the main building which overlooked the courtyard. The Colonel was leaning over a map of Nyinaku and studying it carefully. Callian and Lias were at the far end of the courtyard. Lias held his new sword and he was using Callian to try it out. Even in practice the sight of the two battling was daunting and most of the soldiers in the compound had stopped working to watch. Dale tore his gaze away and went up the verandah stairs to Colonel Ronden.
‘We need to go,’ he said without preamble. He glanced sideways and saw Callian and Lias lower their swords and turn to look at him.
‘Now Baron?’ The Colonel didn’t look surprised by Dale’s statement.
‘Yes.’ Dale’s countenance was grim. Danil and Valeska appeared from the door leading to the garrison’s headquarters.
‘Baron…’ Colonel Ronden was unsure whether he should ask the question, when Dale seemed inclined to such short statements.
‘Where are Enri and Alex?’ Dale interrupted as Callian and Lias came to stand beside him.
‘They’re in the kitchen having a late breakfast.’ Colonel Ronden gestured towards the door.
The Fallen (Book 1) Page 44
