I inhaled a deep breath of air, marveling at the freshness of it, the smell of the trees and the lake. Insects and amphibians serenaded the night with pleasant noises. The twin moons, though small were very pretty and furnished just the right amount of reflected sunlight. Yeah. I could get used to this.
I experienced a small flash of fear as I recalled the shadows that had appeared on my chest x-rays. Did I still have that affliction, whatever it may have turned out to be? Was the problem left behind in my old life and world? Or would I grow sick and die of cancer or some other lung problem? I pondered the subject for a while then finally gave up. Whatever was going to happen would happen. Worrying about it would change nothing and, if my days were limited, I determined that I would enjoy each minute to the fullest. More and more I found myself including Dwan in my dreams of that future.
Down at the lake I could see that Tinker had finished her drink and was washing her face and hands. To her left I saw a ripple which I took to be a small floating branch. I started to make my way down to the lake to get myself a drink. As I headed that way I noticed the ripple again. It seemed to be heading directly towards where Tinker was washing herself. My internal alarm bells began to ring as I watched. The ripple now sped up and I could see a small object peeking out of the water in front of it. I started to jog, then run. Just as I shouted a warning the head of a snake rose out of the lake. It looked just like any snake from my world, about five feet long and propelling itself through the water with lazy and sinewy silence. The head was raised out of the water and the mouth was open.
I felt real terror. Tinker was my only real link to this world. She was my translator, my interpreter and my friend and I could not bear the thought of losing her. But it seemed destined to happen. Even as I sprinted toward her shouting I could see that I would not get there in time. The serpent was just too close.
Tinker heard my shout and swiveled her head toward the approaching danger. “Run, Tinker” I shouted again. But she didn’t. She waited. And crouched. And just as the serpent struck Tinker went from a ball of soft angora fur to a tornado of claws and teeth. She moved like a mongoose, leaping straight up into the air letting the snake’s head pass below her. She then came down just behind its head and unleashed a fast-motion series of claw slashes, slicing away portions of the snake’s flesh. The reptile attempted to ensnare her in its coils but, again, my little friend was too fast and the coils ended up closing on nothing but air. Tinker darted left, then right and dodged another strike, delivering additional slashes with her claws and sinking her teeth deep into the back of the thing’s head. My heart stopped as I was certain the reptile would now wrap her in its coils but she shook the snake like a dog shaking a toy and leapt away again. By now I had stopped running and was simply watching in stunned silence as what I had expected to be a disaster was turning into a surprising display of the physical abilities of my delicate-looking companion.
The snake now decided to seek easier prey elsewhere and slithered back toward the water. Tinker was not in a forgiving mood, however, and grabbed it by the tail, dragging it back onto the shore. Once she had it back on dry land she dodged another strike and delivered another dozen or so claw strikes in the space of an instant. I saw small clumps of snake flesh flying in the air. Finally I ran forward yelling at her to stop. I had no reason not to think that this particular reptile was not poisonous and I didn’t want to risk Tinker getting bitten.
She finally appeared to hear me. She gave the snake one last slash leaving long gouges in the scales then hopped casually over to where I stood and began inspecting her tail for dirt. The miserable snake took the opportunity to slither back into the water at what I was certain was his top speed. I knelt and checked her for injuries in the dim light. Finding none I picked her up and sat her on my knee. I took her little head between my thumb and forefinger, lifting her head so that she had to look at me.
“Tinker, my little friend, you have to promise me to be more careful. I can’t lose you. I would feel terribly alone here without you.”
Her black eyes looked into mine. In my head I sensed a wordless reassurance that she would be careful but, also, that an attack by a snake was not really something that she considered dangerous. I smiled and stroked her back with my finger. The entire incident took less than thirty seconds. My shouts had not even woken my human friends. We passed the remainder of the night with far less drama.
At first light we were all up and moving on, shivering against the morning chill and carrying our weapons and satchels of gear. It was to be another long day of putting distance behind us. Vynn said we might be able to reach the outpost which was our destination by tonight. It all depended on the terrain and how quickly we could cross it.
With Vynn in the lead I passed the time making small talk with Dwan. I told her about the event involving the snake. She was as astounded as I had been. As she had previously told me, not much was known of the mysterious ’Children of the Mountains’.
We made good time, the topography that we were traversing was an easy mix of light forests and long grassy plains. I was still not used to the bright yellow-green color of the grasses or the pinkish tint to the sky but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the sight. As the morning warmed we moved quicker but we always kept one of us in the lead watching for trouble. I was somewhat more at ease when we were crossing the prairies because one could see for miles around, decreasing the chances of ambush.
We stopped twice to take advantage of fresh water from streams and to partake of a small meal. Food was running low now. Then, just as the light of the early evening was beginning to fade, we saw a sight that dazzled me.
By now I was used to seeing animals that were similar to those found in my world, just a little different. But ahead of us in the distance I saw what was, unmistakably, a horse! Not some alien version of a horse but a real horse. It was slightly smaller and leaner than the horses I had been used to in my world but that was to be expected in this light gravity. In Clovis I had spent some time at a friend’s ranch and had enjoyed riding the large Quarter horses up into the foothills around the little city. These horses looked to be more like the Arabian type. Though leaner and a bit more skittish than most breeds, Arabians were highly prized for their stamina. The animal I saw ahead of us was jet black in color and appeared to be all alone. From my limited experience with the animals I knew them to be herd animals and it was unusual for them to be seen wandering around alone but no others were present.
Vynn and Dwan were as excited as I was and we headed toward the animal with renewed eagerness. When we were within fifty yards of the horse we stopped and Vynn pointed out something that could not be seen when we were farther away. The animal had a bridle on it and a small, light saddle on its back. The horse’s dark coloring had hidden those items from our sight until we had gotten closer. Vynn cautioned us to remain where we were as he approached it. He took the last of our dried fruit, which amounted to one small handful, to use as a lure.
Dwan and I knelt low and looked on breathless as he got closer and closer. The horse, which had been grazing on the nutritious grass raised his head and watched Vynn, still chewing. I didn’t know that I had been holding my breath but when Vynn offered the handful of fruit and the horse came to him and ate it from his hand I felt myself exhale. Vynn gently took the closed loop reigns in hand and patted the animal’s neck, then led it back to where we stood. I could swear the horse looked relieved to be among humans.
“There is no good reason for this charon (Olvioni word for horse) to be out here by itself, fitted out for a rider,” he said. “We’re close to the outpost, let’s get there as soon as we can.” We transferred all of our gear and most of our weapons onto the horse/charon then took off again, this time at a faster pace. None of us said anything but, after finding the horse, we were dreading what we might find upon our arrival. After another hour or so of traveling through the trees we crested a slight rise and there it was.
The outpost was l
arger than I’d expected, oval in shape and made up entirely of de-limbed trees stuck into the earth. I felt an icy stab in my abdomen when we saw bodies littering the ground around it. There had definitely been a battle there and recently. Two or three other horses were wandering around the area outside of the outpost walls. I scanned the top of the fortification and could make out several people manning the elevated walkways within. To my relief I saw that they were human.
We made our way closer, watching the wooded area off to our right because that was the only direction providing dense cover where someone could hide. When we were about a hundred yards away we were seen by a sentry. I could hear some shouts from the compound but Tinker did not translate for me. Then I saw the sentries’ gesture for us to come to them. And they seemed to be indicating that we should hurry. Vynn reacted without delay and lifted Dwan up onto the saddle of the horse we’d found and slapped it on the flank. It took off with her on its back, toward the fort. He then waved me on and we both sprinted after her. Shortly thereafter the outpost gate was swung open and Dwan rode inside. Several warriors gathered outside the open gate urging us onward.
From off to our right I heard a shout then saw several Greys burst out of the wooded area. I quickly shoved Tinker into my vest and put on more speed, trying to catch up to Vynn who was easily leaving me behind. I was thankful for the light gravity and unpolluted air as I put on as much speed as I was capable of. Back in Clovis I made a habit of jogging on a city trail four times per week just for the exercise. The activity increased my stamina but I never won any medals for speed.
Vynn continued to open the gap between us. The Greys saw me lagging and diverted toward me. It was now certain that Vynn would make it inside but my success was still in doubt. The warriors at the gate could have closed it and guaranteed their own safety but, instead, they drew swords and hefted spears, prepared to defend us. I could hear Dwan’s voice urgently calling to me from the ramparts of the fort.
The Greys got uncomfortably close but I just beat them to the gate. We ran inside to the cheers of other warriors in the outpost and the gates were slammed shut and secured with sliding metal bolts. The attacking Greys were met with a barrage of spears from the warriors stationed above. Three were slain before they retreated back to the trees.
I was doubled over just inside the gate sweating and gulping air. I saw Vynn doing the same. Another soldier walked up to him and punched him in the shoulder. Vynn turned his head seeming a trifle miffed at the blow. He then saw the originator of the action and his face broke into a grin. Both men embraced, talking to each other at the same time. Tinker was still not translating for me but the time I’d spent with Vynn and Dwan had enabled me to pick up certain words and phrases. I heard mention of ambushes, family and, of course, Grey Ones.
After a few minutes Vynn used my name, or his version of my name, and nodded to where I stood behind him. The warrior turned to greet me and his eyes were even with my sternum. He slowly looked higher and higher until he met my eyes. I smiled. Vynn laughed and rattled off a string of Olvioni words that I could not decipher.
As if the poor man was not surprised enough at my size, Tinker chose that time to peek her head out of my vest. Vynn’s friend literally took several steps backward, a look of shock and disbelief on his face. Tinker climbed fully out and scampered up to my shoulder, grabbing my ear with one hand.
Vynn’s voice, speaking English, sounded in my head.
“Yes, Mag-Gan, it is a child of the mountain. And a giant. And both are friends. I have much to tell you, old friend. But first, some water if you please.”
A few hours later, after having fed and refreshed ourselves we gathered (me, Dwan, Vynn, his friend, Mag-Gan and, of course Tinker) in a hut within the palisade. The room had log walls, a dirt floor and a heavy canvas roof. It was lit by some device I’d not yet seen in this new world. There were glass globules placed in several strategic areas of the room and they were filled with glowing leaves. The light was quite adequate and one could have read a book with it. My mind went back to the nights I’d spent on this world and the wonderful trees to which Tinker had led us for the purpose of spending the night. The interiors of the hollow trees were lined with these same glowing leaves only these glowed much brighter. I surmised that these had to either be different plants or that they had somehow been enhanced. At any rate the effect was quite pleasant and serviceable.
Another surprise were the toilet facilities. My time on this planet so far had led me to believe that its development was somewhat equivalent to the middle ages of earth. Of course I had not taken into account the details of my appearance here or the dire circumstances under which I had met Vynn and Dwan. When I indicated my need for relief I was directed to a lean-to construction which was affixed to the interior of the palisade. Inside were two stalls, separated by an interior log wall. Each stall held a clay or porcelain-like toilet. Each had a flush tank hung above it and clay pipes running to the commode itself. It was extremely similar to the facilities I was used to in my old life. It flushed with a long lever attached to the side and I surmised that there were pipes running under the ground and outside of the fort. Emerging from the stall I saw pipes rising out of the ground leading to a larger reservoir from which the flush tanks were obviously refreshed.
There was a large well in the center of the garrison and above that was a windmill. The entire arrangement was lined by smooth river rocks the size of oranges. It appeared that plumbing was well-developed indeed on this world if even a rustic fort, such as this, sported such modern facilities.
At the meeting I sat on a chair fashioned from some type of hardwood and canvas, as did the others. Mag-Gan stood and spoke while Tinker translated for me.
“I command this outpost. We have been here two seasons and were to be relieved two days hence. My friend and brother-at-arms, Vynn, has informed me that the relief party was ambushed and is not coming.”
Mag-Gan paused and went to a shelf and poured a porcelain cup full of hot red liquid. I surmised that the liquid was the Olvioni equivalent of coffee. Vynn and Dwan had downed several cups after first entering the hut, both expressing deep sighs of pleasure. They now nursed additional mugs of the liquid as they listened. I was provided with a serving but it tasted like black licorice, not a taste I particularly enjoyed. Mag-Gan continued. “Earlier today I sent a mounted patrol to see if they could spot our relief column as the men were starting to get anxious. They were attacked shortly after entering the tree line. Of the ten warriors in our party only five made it back to the outpost.
“The original attacking force we estimated to be around thirty in number. The patrol survivors say they took down six before being overwhelmed. Add the three we killed at the gate when you arrived and we still have about twenty or so outside. But they hide in the tree line and there may be many more. I had only twenty warriors to begin with. We now have fifteen.” He smiled and pointed to Vynn. “Of course we now have the fierce warrior, and my close friend, Vynn among us. His experience and abilities will be extremely helpful. Of the tenfold of Charon this outpost kept, we now have only six. One was returned to us when the Healer Dwan rode it through our gate. The others still roam about the outpost. We have been trying to entice them close enough to bring inside but they are spooked now and shy away. I fear they will be killed and butchered by the Greys after night falls.
“Normally we could stay here, surrounded if need be, for another season. Our food supplies are adequate for such a siege. But as fate would dictate, our well is drying. It pumps less each day. I have no expertise in this area but my engineer tells me we may have five days, more or less. My heart tells me I must decide on action within three days.”
Mag-Gan refreshed his cup. Tinker watched him, whiskers twitching.
“The biggest problem we have right now is lack of information”, Mag-Gan continued. “If I knew how many Greys we face I could better plan. Also, having our full complement of charon would help even the odds. Even if we are
fifteen against twenty, a cavalry charge with all ten Charon would be effective enough to at least let some of our number break through.” Mag-Gan looked at Vynn and shrugged. “It is of the utmost importance that we let Olvion know what is happening out here. We have been used to tenfolds harassing our outposts and supply convoys. Seeing two and three tenfolds together this far out and attacking fortified positions is unusual. Something is afoot.”
Vynn stood and stretched. He walked by me, tickling Tinker’s head as he passed. Her eyes closed in brief ecstasy. “I can make one suggestion”, he said. “The other four Charon are grazing close by on the side of the outpost farthest from the tree line. We can mount four of our remaining Charon and make a run for them out of the gate on that side. If fortune smiles they will not run from us and we can snatch their reigns and lead them back inside.” He shook his head. “If only we had archers”
Mag-Gan nodded. “I fear the charon are too far away for us to reliably catch them and reach the outpost again before the Greys can cover the distance. They will attack in full force. Four warriors leading Charon with one hand and managing the reins with the other could not hope to fight their way back through.”
The Olvion Reality (The Chronicles of Olvion Book 1) Page 13
