‘There’s no-one else here Dale. Shall we move these supplies?’
‘Let’s try to move them a short distance from the wall and only in this one area. The door is about here.’ Dale pointed towards the wall behind the supplies to indicate where he meant. ‘We’ll try to make the stack look untouched from this side.’
‘And how do we get behind everything without tipping it all over?’ asked Alexander.
‘We don’t. We leave a small gap and slide something back into it once we’re through,’ Dale explained. ‘Callian, we will move the goods. I want you to concentrate on warning us if we are about to be discovered.’ Callian walked away from the group as they began to move the supplies. They were not interrupted and soon they crawled through a small gap at the bottom of the stack. Callian came through last and turned and pulled a huge sack of flour into the gap, effectively hiding the entrance to what they called ‘the baker’s door’, the tunnel which led under the street and through the curtain walls to the castle. The tunnel came out in the castle kitchen and Dale was certain that if anyone was in the castle they would have this passage guarded. He hesitated, wondering how far they would get before someone put an arrow through him, thinking him an enemy.
‘I’ll go first,’ said Danil, pushing past and moving up the tunnel. ‘Alex, bring up the rear.’ Alexander waited until everyone passed and then followed the group down the tunnel. They had barely gone a hundred paces when they were challenged.
‘Who enters?’ a voice asked from the darkness.
‘King’s Marshall Danil.’
‘Prove yourself before approaching please King’s Marshall,’ the voice demanded politely but firmly.
‘Is that you Lieutenant Callum?’ asked Danil curiously.
There was a flash as a lamp was uncovered and Lieutenant Callum peered towards them. King’s Marshall!’ he exclaimed.
‘What happened?’ asked Danil.
‘Sir, it’s probably better if you go straight through to the conference room. General Marnol is there,’ Callum explained.
Danil’s heart quailed. ‘Callum, where is the King?’
‘The King disappeared during the battle. Did you not know?’
Danil shook his head and turned to see his shocked expression mirrored in the faces of his companions.
‘Let’s go,’ said Dale, pushing his way past Danil and heading towards the kitchen.
Chapter 3
Mulgrew and Peta
‘This could be an absolute disaster,’ Kelian stated emphatically as they gazed across the field to the farm house which had been built not far from the stream running through the shallow valley.
‘We have little choice,’ said Borgulnay, looking down at Gilgarry, who lay trembling on the ground where he had placed him moments before. ‘If we don’t get help, he’ll die.’
‘And if we do, anyone within shouting distance of this farm is in danger.’ Kelian knelt in front of Sergeant Gilgarry.
Gilgarry gave a rasping gasp. His eyes stared wildly and his body shook uncontrollably. Sweat ran down his face as Elena and Louisa frantically tried to keep him still. His head fell forward and saliva dribbled from his mouth, and then his body gave a great spasm and he vomited.
‘Kelian, please,’ Immosey whispered, her eyes filled with terror as she tried to clean the vomit from her brother’s mouth. Kelian looked from Immosey to Louisa and then to Elena.
‘I can’t let him die,’ he said. ‘We’ll take the chance and hope we don’t bring doom on whoever owns this little farm.’
‘I’ll take him,’ said Milgorry and he picked up Gilgarry’s body as though he weighed nothing.
Five minutes later they stood at the door of the farmhouse. A man appeared at the side of the house before Kelian knocked on the door and he hurried over to the group. He was dressed in heavy trousers and a sleeveless, cotton undershirt. He stared intently at Gilgarry and gestured to the door.
‘Inside,’ he said gruffly, glancing in the direction from which he had come. He opened the door and led them through the house to a small sunny room. Milgorry laid Gilgarry on the bed and stood back. The man rummaged through a drawer and drew out several bandages and a straight wooden rod.
‘It was a spider wasn’t it? Where was he bitten?’ he asked. Kelian pointed to the tiny mark on Gilgarry’s hand. The farmer placed the rod against Gilgarry’s arm and bandaged the limb firmly. He took a second bandage and wound it firmly over the first then he sat back and grimaced sourly at Gilgarry’s writhing body. ‘I reckon it might be too late,’ he grunted. ‘There’s too much of the venom already spreading around his body.’
‘No! Please no! There must be something we can do!’ Tears ran down Elena’s face and her voice was barely a whisper.
‘We need to keep him really still, and if we could get his body to relax, that would be even better.’
Araas reached over and ran his hand over Gilgarry’s face. The Sergeant was immediately completely immobile. Understanding dawned on the farmer’s face.
‘Well, now there’s a chance.’ He turned back to Elena. ‘It’s just a chance, lassie. I see you love this man.’
‘He’s our brother,’ said Elena, gesturing to Immosey and Louisa.
‘I don’t know what else you can do, Guardian, but if you know any little tricks to get the venom out of his system or to change it so it doesn’t hurt him, now would be the time,’ said the farmer adamantly.
‘I can think of nothing that would help.’
The farmer moved towards the door. ‘Now I don’t mean to be rude, but I have cattle that have broken through a fence and are wandering around many miles from where they should be,’ he said looking back towards Gilgarry. ‘Don’t let him move.’ He hesitated and turned to Araas. ‘I assume you can wake him if you want to?’ he asked. Araas nodded. ‘Can you hear his thoughts when he’s sleeping?’ he asked curiously.
‘Sometimes I can, sometimes not. There are times I can sense nothing from someone when they sleep, and sometimes I can see dreams as clearly as people can see them themselves. It’s more difficult when they have been caused to sleep, when someone has forced their mind to be still.’
‘We’ll give you some help with your cattle,’ said Borgulnay, and he followed the farmer into the field with Timbul, Kelian and Milgorry right behind him. The cattle had wandered quite a distance, and even with the help of Timbul and Milgorry’s speed, it took hours to locate and muster the beasts. Finally they were confined to their paddock and everyone returned to the farmhouse. Gilgarry had not moved and Araas stood motionlessly watching him. Elena, Immosey and Louisa were talking quietly together, sitting on the floor with their backs to the wall but Araas seemed lost in concentration as he stared at Gilgarry.
‘What can you sense, Guardian?’ the Farmer enquired curiously.
‘The few thoughts I can sense are a lot clearer than I might have imagined.’
‘That’s a good sign!’ the farmer exclaimed, sounding far more positive than he had earlier. ‘If he was going to die or lose his mind I think this might have happened by now!’
‘Are you certain?’ asked Kelian hopefully.
‘No, of course not. This type of spider bite is fatal often enough. What was he doing when he was bitten?’
‘He was digging around in the soil looking for anything worth eating. We left Naraloon in rather a hurry, so our supplies were a bit limited. We were hoping we would have a chance to hunt between Naraloon and Tarlique, but we’ve had a difficult enough time just trying to stay ahead of...’ Kelian shook his head. ‘He became so ill so quickly!’
‘That he’s even alive is…unexpected. But good! What did you do, Guardian?’
‘Well, I did put him further into unconsciousness than normal, to a point where his heart is beating only enough to keep him alive. It may be helping. Of one thing I’m certain. If you hadn’t helped us, he would be dead. He owes his life to you, Farmer…?’
‘Mulgrew,’ he answered. He picked up Gilgarry’s hand a
nd felt it. ‘I have no idea what to do next,’ he admitted. ‘I’ve been bitten so many times that I recognize the symptoms easily, but the bites no longer affect me. Perhaps we could wake him?’
Timbul reached over and brushed his hand over Gilgarry’s face and his eyes opened very slightly. ‘You’re a Guardian too eh?’ The farmer looked inquisitively at Timbul. ‘I could have guessed from how fast you moved with that bull after you!’ He laughed as he remembered the difficulties Timbul had experienced in trying to move the bull in the right direction.
‘Captain?’ said Gilgarry hoarsely, and Borgulnay sat on the edge of the bed. ‘This bandage is hellish tight. How about I take it off for a while?’ Borgulnay turned to the farmer questioningly.
‘We can always put it back on if he goes downhill,’ said Mulgrew.
Immosey leapt up and began to unwind the bandages whilst Gilgarry lay staring up at the ceiling. She removed the wooden rod and then rolled the bandages, placing them on the little table beside farmer Mulgrew’s bed. Gilgarry reached out and took Immosey’s hand and gave her a little smile before he resumed his study of the ceiling.
‘I’ll boil some water and we’ll have a cup of tea,’ said Mulgrew. ‘Then you can tell me why I have a bunch of Guardians in my house.’ He watched Milgorry suspiciously for a moment and then said, ‘I’ve never had much to do with the Guardians, and now here they are standing in my bedroom!’ He left the room and they could hear him moving about in the kitchen.
‘Mulgrew probably has no idea who we are and its best if it stays that way,’ said Kelian quickly. ‘Even so, I don’t see how we can keep him safe after we move on. Can you sense his thoughts?’
‘His thoughts have been only on saving Gil’s life,’ said Araas. ‘So either he’s quite disciplined at hiding his thoughts or he has no idea who you are. Probably the latter, but don’t be deceived. I’ve known more than a few humans who learned to hide their thoughts. Have you ever seen him before?’
‘He’s familiar somehow. I don’t know.’
‘Perhaps the fallen won’t follow us here,’ said Louisa hopefully. ‘I was hoping when you killed – I should say ‘returned’ the warriors at the inn, that you might have put an end to this.’
‘I doubt it, Lou,’ said Milgorry. ‘They will certainly know where we are and they will have already planned their next move.’
‘What if I make some sort of excuse to stay here for a while after you all leave. Just in case they attack Mulgrew,’ Timbul suggested. ‘He could dress in my clothing and go with you. I can catch up with you later.’
Gilgarry pulled himself up into a sitting position. ‘How soon are we planning to leave?’ he asked croakily.
‘I don’t know yet, Gil,’ said Kelian. He turned as Mulgrew entered the room.
‘Right,’ said Mulgrew, placing a laden tray precariously on the end of the bed. ‘I have tea for everyone, and some biscuits.’ He made to hand a cup to Gilgarry, then stopped and placed it on the table beside him as he noticed the Sergeant had his eyes closed. He moved the tray from the bed to the top of a high dressing table and then he lifted Gilgarry and slid him so he was half lying down, and he placed a large pillow behind his shoulders and head. He flipped the bedcovers over him and expertly tucked him in, and then he took the cup of tea and a spoon and began to place spoonsful of the warm tea in Gilgarry’s mouth. Gilgarry opened his eyes a little and swallowed reflexively and Mulgrew continued until most of the tea was gone. As soon as Mulgrew moved away from the bed, Araas ran his hand over Gilgarry’s face and the soldier slept. Immosey picked up her brother’s hand. She could feel only a weak, slow pulse. She took the bandages and bound Gilgarry’s arm.
‘Just in case,’ she said softly.
‘You look like you’ve had some practice at looking after the sick,’ Kelian commented as Mulgrew began to hand out cups of tea.
‘I have. Now tell me,’ said Mulgrew firmly, ‘what the son of the King is doing wandering around down here in this God forsaken end of the country.’ Kelian’s jaw dropped in astonishment.
‘You can hide your thoughts?’ Timbul asked in surprise.
‘Being this close to fallen territory has given me plenty of practice,’ Mulgrew confirmed. ‘And now I suppose you’re wondering how you’re going to get out of here with all the warriors of the fallen looking for you?’ Kelian was now stunned. ‘Or are they looking for their own warrior?’ asked Mulgrew, frowning at Milgorry who remained expressionless. Mulgrew glanced perceptively at Araas and Timbul then turned back to Kelian. ‘And I’ll bet you’re also wondering how long I’ll survive after the Guardians leave?’
Kelian leaned back against the wall and looked appraisingly at farmer Mulgrew. ‘Correct,’ he confirmed.
‘I’d come with you, Highness, but my wife has not returned as yet from Chayse.’ He stared out the window. ‘She should have been back by now,’ he muttered anxiously.
Kelian started forward as Araas and Timbul exchanged glances of dismay. ‘Let’s go!’ said Milgorry and he rushed from the room with Timbul.
‘You think…’ Farmer Mulgrew stared at Araas in horror. ‘Surely not! Oh Peta!’
Araas moved to the window. ‘She’s actually less than a mile away,’ he said. ‘No!’ he added emphatically as Mulgrew flew towards the door. ‘I have no idea who else is out there right now, but if Tim and Mil can’t get her home, then no-one can. Don’t jeopardize her safety by giving them a second person to protect if they’re attacked.’ Mulgrew sighed and joined Araas at the window. Five minutes later Peta appeared, flanked by Timbul and Milgorry.
‘Well, if they didn’t know we were here before, they certainly will now,’ Araas stated.
‘You can be sure they already knew,’ said Milgorry.
‘What’s our plan?’ asked Timbul.
‘If Farmer Mulgrew and Peta can put up with us for a little longer, perhaps we should stay for a bit. Gilgarry will have time to recover properly and if we’re attacked, we’re all here together. We can defend this place.’
‘You are most welcome, Highness,’ said Peta graciously. ‘Bedding might be difficult…’
Elena smiled at Peta. ‘We’ve been sleeping on the ground for so long now I will simply be pleased to be indoors. We have blankets and we can use our packs as pillows,’ she said practically.
‘Tsk! I think we can do better than that!’ Peta exclaimed and she bustled from the room.
Chapter 4
Reports
Dale led the group along the remainder of the tunnel, through the kitchen and dining area and up the spiraling stairs to the conference room. He paused at the doorway. General Marnol of Highview was standing next to his wife, Lady Sophie, and they were deep in conversation with Administrator Tappy, Baroness Kielie of Storm Haven, and a young soldier whose face was so much like General Marnol’s it could only belong to his son. Everyone in the room was exhausted. Their clothes and bodies were filthy with dirt and ash, and their faces were lined with grime and anxiety. They turned towards the doorway when Dale and Danil appeared.
‘Well aren’t you a sight for sore eyes!’ General Marnol exclaimed, shaking Danil’s hand. I’ve never been so pleased to see someone in all my life.’ He clapped Dale on the back and snorted at his appearance. ‘Last time I saw you Baron, you looked like you’d been in a fight,’ he said grinning. ‘Now you just look beaten, scratched, bruised, and dirty and your clothes need washing. You hair could do with a cut too,’ he added as Dale raised his eyebrows indignantly and brushed his dark brown hair away from his eyes.
‘But you’ve kept yourself well, General,’ Dale retorted sarcastically, taking in the soldier’s battle worn appearance. ‘Though from what we saw of the city, you’re lucky to be alive.’
‘That we are,’ Marnol agreed soberly. He turned to Callian. ‘Guardian General, we’ve never needed your help more than now. And I recognize you also,’ he added, looking past Callian. ‘Alexander, isn’t it? One of the better soldiers trained at Highview. You probably remem
ber my son Evan?’ Alexander reached over with a smile and shook hands with Evan. The two had spent many hours training together and though never great friends, each held respect for the other soldier. General Marnol looked at Enri. ‘And you must be Enrique? You look like your mother,’ he said, not waiting for an answer. He eyed Lias curiously. ‘I was about to say the last person I expected to walk through the door was the King’s Marshall, but in actual fact you are the last person I expected to walk through the door. What is one of the fallen doing in the King’s conference room?’
Dale sat himself down heavily at the table and gestured towards the vacant chairs. ‘Sit!’ he ordered and everyone immediately sat. ‘General, if it wasn’t for this free warrior, Lias of Tarl, we would still be in Nyinaku wondering how we were going to rescue Elena, Louisa and Immosey from the fallen, though by now it’s more likely that we would have been caught and killed. As it is, here we are, and even as we speak Kelian and the girls should have crossed the Ice Coast, with the help of yet another of the free. Actually I’m hoping that by now they are very close to either Naraloon or Tarlique. Our escape from Nyinaku was paid for by Lias. There is little chance he will be able to return to his homeland or to his family for a very, very long time – if ever.’
Lady Sophie sighed and rested her head on her clasped hands in relief. ‘Are you sure they’re safe Baron?’
‘I hope so, Lady. Now would someone please tell me what’s going on? What happened to the King?’
‘To be honest, we’re not entirely sure,’ Lady Sophie admitted worriedly.
‘First tell us what happened in Nyinaku,’ Baroness Kielie suggested. ‘Then we will try to describe what happened here.’
‘Before I do, does anyone know where Leon is?’ Dale felt guilty asking after his well-loved horse, having seen the terrible carnage littering the city.
‘Your cantankerous beast is being kept in the stables near the city gates,’ said General Marnol. ‘I thought its name was Crocodile - which defines its temperament perfectly. I’ll have him brought back here if you wish.’
The Fallen (Book 1) Page 50
