The Quickening

by Fiona McIntosh

  ‘Elspyth, you hide,’ Wyl ordered.

  ‘No point apparently. Give me a blade!’ she replied.

  ‘No!’ Lothryn was determined. ‘We’re enough to satisfy them. You hide for now and then you run the moment you get your chance. Don’t you dare cross me on this.’

  Lothryn’s glare was enough to dissuade her arguing further. She grabbed their sacks and backed into a depression in the rockface.

  And so the two men found themselves alone on a freezing plateau, awaiting sure death.

  ‘I’ve been meaning to say something about your son, Lothryn. I’m sorry you’ve had to leave him.’

  ‘He’s in good hands.’

  Wyl should have left it at that but, embarrassed by his inept first attempt at raising the subject, he pressed on. ‘I fear we’ve forced you into making the most damning of all choices. Blood should come before duty.’

  There was a difficult silence before Lothryn spoke again. ‘He’s not blood,’ the man said in a soft voice.

  The words hit Wyl like a blow and he was glad they stood with their backs to each other, eyes roaming the rocks for any sign of the beasts. His pause gave Lothryn the opportunity to fill it.

  ‘He’s not my son. My wife birthed him as ours but he was sired by another. Duty came ahead of blood,’ the man of the mountains admitted.

  Wyl was confused. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I regret it but I permitted my wife to be used in this fashion. Perhaps I am making amends now for bad judgement.’

  ‘I don’t understand,’ Wyl said.

  ‘He is from Cailech’s seed.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘I’ve never told anyone. I hate myself for being so weak and allowing Cailech his way. You shared your secret with me. I will do the same with you. Cailech made me promise I would swear it was the death of our first two babes which soured our marriage but it was nothing of the kind. If anything after such tragedy we felt closer than ever, more committed to each other. Ertyl saw my capitulation to Cailech as betrayal. She accused me of many things, the most hurtful, I suppose, was the most truthful — that I was his puppet. She said I had no mind of my own. And that made me less of a man in her eyes.’

  ‘Why would you permit such a thing?’ Wyl knew he should not ask it of Lothryn but the words tumbled out.

  ‘My King demanded it for the line. Ertyl’s father was the strongest of the tribal leaders before Cailech united them. He believes in lineage. His family blood and Ertyl’s family blood would make a powerful mix.’

  ‘Cailech strikes me as too … I don’t know, intelligent, respectful, loyal even to ask such a thing.’

  This time Lothryn grunted, although Wyl could not see the twisted set of his face. ‘It wasn’t his idea, of course.’

  ‘Shar’s Wrath!’ Wyl cursed, understanding dawning. ‘Rashlyn?’

  ‘He advised — he had a vision — and Cailech followed it.’

  ‘So the boy is where?’

  ‘He was taken from me. Cailech wants him raised away from my influence. He will keep the child close — be his father. I would have loved him as my own, because he came from Ertyl. When he was taken from me on the day of his birth something snapped … and then the feast and the events surrounding it gave me the excuse I needed, I suppose.’

  ‘To strike back, you mean?’

  ‘Well … to let him know I am my own man. He took too much from me — my wife died because of him. And my son is now motherless.’

  ‘What is the child’s name?’

  ‘He is called Aydrech … golden warrior.’

  ‘We shall stay alive, Lothryn, and we shall see the boy grown, I promise.’

  The Mountain man grunted but before he could say what he intended they were spotted by Myrt and others, who were climbing up the escarpment to where they stood.

  ‘Lothryn!’ Myrt cried. ‘Traitor!’

  ‘Run, Elspyth!’ Lothryn screamed. ‘You too, Wyl, it’s our only chance.’

  They heard Elspyth take fright like a startled deer and leap from her hiding spot, crashing down the ridge into the undergrowth below.

  Wyl refused. ‘We face this together.’

  At that moment, the ekons leapt down from their vantage point above the plateau and pandemonium broke out.

  It was a bloodbath. The ekons’ long and agile bodies landed the jump with the greatest of ease. Their white coats were striped in a dark brown, a brilliant camouflage in this environment. Yellow eyes sat above vast snarling mouths; their paws were huge and their spines strong enough to support them on two legs if need be. The daunting razor-like teeth were intimidating enough, but a barb on the tip of their strong, swishing tails which could inject a fast-acting paralysing poison completed what was arguably the most effective killing beast Wyl could imagine.

  If they had wings, they’d be perfection, he marvelled to himself.

  Momentarily stunned by their arrival, he could only watch as the duo instantly killed two of the men with teeth and barb. Another two who rushed towards them with swords met a similar fate.

  ‘They should know better,’ Lothryn said almost conversationally as he slowly went about the business of loading his crossbow with a mean-looking bolt. ‘Myrt!’ he called calmly. ‘Use bows!’

  Myrt nodded and began barking orders, rallying the remaining men as another went to his gods.

  ‘Romen,’ Lothryn spoke softly; Wyl could hardly tear his eyes from the carnage. ‘You must go. Fight another day. Take Elspyth. You’ll come out at a place we call Straplyn — a narrow deer track leading into your realm. Get into Morgravia to safety.’

  ‘Lothryn, I can kill these men now! I can give us a fighting chance.’

  ‘No! This is the right way. No killing of my people. Go — before they even realise you’ve gone. Save her for me. They won’t kill me. Cailech will want that pleasure for himself. I’m not afraid.’

  Myrt looked back. ‘Hurry, Loth, loose that bow!’

  Men screaming, animals ripping flesh and carrion birds already hovering was the ghoulish scene as Lothryn’s words sunk in.

  ‘He will torture you!’

  ‘He has nothing to get from me. No. He won’t torture. But he will make me pay somehow. Please, Wyl … escape, for all of us. Make this count.’

  It was the big man calling him Wyl which broke the spell. Lothryn saw his words get through and took the opportunity. He pushed Wyl away and ran towards his friend Myrt. Side by side once again they fired death bolts towards the animals as men died about them. Wyl finally turned and ran, hating himself. No one noticed him leave the wind-riddled escarpment … no one cared right now. Except Wyl. He made a promise that he would return. Return one day to claim back Gueryn and Lothryn if they were alive and if not, he would seek terrible revenge on the King of the Mountains.

  Eighteen men died that day on the escarpment. The ekons were riddled with bolts before they too fell. Only four of the Mountain Dwellers could now claim to have outlived an ekon attack.

  Myrt finally turned to Lothryn. ‘We are to bring you back alive.’

  ‘I thought as much.’

  ‘You let him go, of course.’

  ‘Yes. I’m glad I got him this far.’

  ‘Why, Loth?’ Lothryn knew Myrt was not referring to Koreldy’s escape.

  ‘Oh, it’s complicated, my friend. Don’t immerse yourself in the web. Stay pure. Stay true to the tribe.’ Lothryn offered his wrists and Myrt reluctantly nodded towards one of the others to bind them. ‘Did the Morgravian soldier live?’

  ‘Cailech spared him for reasons he keeps to himself.’

  Lothryn felt a twinge of satisfaction that Wyl had been right. ‘And me? Is there a plan?’

  ‘I’m not sure any of us would want to know it, Loth,’ his friend admitted sadly.

  THIRTY-TWO

  WYL WORRIED AT NOT finding Elspyth. By nightfall his anxiety had tripled yet he dare not risk a fire which might attract Cailech’s scouts or worse, a curious ekon. He hoped Elspyth would have
the same sense. He decided he would need to find shelter quickly before darkness closed in completely. One blessing was that he was already in the lower levels of the Razors so the air was far milder and breathing was normal again.

  His fighter’s hearing and instincts combined to sense danger before he saw it. The noise came from behind and his sword was out of its scabbard and pointing at Elspyth’s throat in a blink.

  ‘Shar’s Wrath. You’ve cut me,’ she complained, although the wild look in her eyes suggested she had intended far worse for him with the thick branch she was carrying. ‘I thought you were one of the scouts. Thank the stars you’re safe.’

  He slid the sword back. ‘Let me see how bad it is.’

  ‘It’s fine, really,’ she said and he could see it would stop bleeding very quickly. She looked as weary as he felt. ‘Where’s Lothryn — is he coming?’

  This would not be easy. ‘No.’

  Elspyth dropped the branch and balled her fists instinctively. ‘Dead?’ she asked, her face without any expression.

  He shook his head.

  Now she just looked beaten. ‘He made you leave, didn’t he, like he made me run?’

  ‘Lothryn is too brave for his own good. We had a chance at escape but he wouldn’t agree to my killing any of his people. He chose to face Cailech.’

  Her shoulders slumped and she sat on the leafy ground amid the small grove of trees they found themselves in. She wept quietly, her wound already forgotten.

  Wyl knelt and put his arms around her. ‘I know you were fond of each other.’

  ‘Cailech will execute him,’ she muttered through her tears.

  ‘I don’t believe so somehow, Elspyth. I can’t promise you that but, as I sense with Gueryn, I think Lothryn might be more useful to the King alive … if he can get past his rage, that is.’

  ‘He will hurt him, though,’ she muttered.

  ‘Perhaps, but he is strong. He will survive. I know it.’

  She wiped her face, trying to gather herself. ‘So we just leave?’ she said flatly.

  ‘For now,’ he offered as gently as he could. ‘But I give you my oath. I am coming back for them.’

  She turned to him now, her wet eyes searching his for any sign of guile. ‘Swear it!’

  ‘I do swear, on everything I consider precious to me. I will return, I promise.’

  ‘With other men, you mean?’

  ‘With a plan and when I am equipped to deal with Cailech.’

  ‘And so what happens between now and then?’

  Wyl had not thought beyond escape. Now that freedom seemed very real for them he considered his options. Elspyth waited whilst he thought, digging in her pack absently to fill the silence. It was Lothryn’s pack. She had mistakenly grabbed it in her flight. In it Elspyth found a little food. She was no longer hungry. She offered it to Wyl.

  He had no appetite either but obliged, chewing as he spoke, tasting nothing but knowing his body needed it. ‘All right. This is my plan for us now. As soon as we enter Morgravia we split up. You must not go home, Elspyth. It’s too dangerous right now. They know where your cottage is —’

  ‘But my aunt,’ she protested.

  ‘They have no quarrel with her. If she is dead …’ he saw how the words cut her. ‘Forgive me but it must be said. She may be dead. And if not, she is safe. You are not.’

  ‘So where do I go?’

  ‘Travel to a place called Rittylworth.’

  She nodded. ‘I’ve heard of it. There’s a monastery there, is that right?’

  ‘Yes. Good. That’s where you need to go. Brother Jakub will help you. But you mustn’t linger. Promise me.’

  ‘I promise,’ she said, confused. ‘So then what?’

  ‘My sister, Ylena Thirsk, is at the monastery. You must take her with you. Tell her and Jakub that Romen Koreldy insists. Mention nothing of Wyl Thirsk. Do you understand what I say?’

  She bridled. ‘You’re speaking our language so of course I do.’

  ‘Apologies. I am worried for Ylena as much as I am for you. Travel north-east. Under no circumstances allow her to return to the Thirsk family home in Argorn. You need to get to Felrawthy. I will tell you what to say to the Duke when you get there. It is important you give him some information — I’ll write it all down in a letter for him. He will offer the protection you both require for different reasons.’

  ‘I’m confused.’

  ‘Just trust me.’

  ‘And where are you headed, may I ask?’

  ‘Into Briavel. I made a promise to its Queen which I must fulfil.’

  She crossed her arms and eyed him suspiciously. But he was offering no further information.

  ‘I need you to keep my secret, Elspyth. No one is to know that Romen Koreldy is really Wyl Thirsk, especially Ylena. No one will accept or even try to understand — the fact that you do is some sort of miracle. You will be safe and anonymous at Felrawthy so long as you keep our secret. I will send word as soon as I can and I will not break my oath to you. I need you to be patient.’

  It was towards dusk of the next day that they found themselves at Straplyn as Lothryn had predicted. The path, as he had said, was little more than a deer track, which by Wyl’s estimation cunningly entered Morgravia in the northwest. Energised by their success at getting this far, neither felt tired enough to sleep and they agreed to press on through the night until they could establish exactly where in Morgravia they were. It was a clear moonlit evening and very mild in comparison to the chill of the mountains.

  ‘It even smells like home,’ Elspyth commented absently.

  ‘Will you be all right?’ Wyl finally asked the question.

  ‘Yes, you’re not to worry about me. I have been alone, save for my aunt, for most of my life. Lothryn and I never did get the chance to speak of how we felt but we felt it all the same. If Shar decrees we be together, we will be.’

  ‘You’re wonderful, Elspyth, do you know that?’

  She stole a glance and grinned, obviously flattered by his words.

  ‘No truly,’ he said. ‘You’re courageous and honest, you’re resilient and loyal. You and Lothryn share many qualities and you deserve each other.’ He reached out to take her hand as they walked. ‘I won’t let you down. If he lives, I’ll get him back for you.’

  Elspyth squeezed his hand, finding his touch comforting and filled with friendship.

  ‘And you’re very handsome, Romen Koreldy, but I prefer the man inside … Wyl Thirsk.’

  It was Wyl’s turn to be coy. ‘Romen helps me be all that I can’t, though,’ he admitted.

  ‘I’d like to have met Wyl, the man. I saw you fight at the tourney. You are a magnificent swordsman.’

  ‘I was a bit short, though, eh?’ he said, as ever unable to handle a compliment from a woman as Romen might.

  She laughed. ‘Oh well, don’t be too hard on yourself. They say there’s someone out there for each of us,’ she said. ‘After all, look at Lothryn and myself. What an odd match we are — him so huge and me so tiny.’

  ‘I believe in love at first sight.’

  ‘Is there anyone you love, Wyl?’

  ‘Yes.’ He could not help being honest. Now that he was free, getting back to Valentyna meant everything to him. ‘But she is untouchable. Way above my station. An impossible relationship … and probably one which exists only in mind,’ he said. ‘Doomed to be an unrequited love,’ Wyl added with a dramatic flourish of his hand, hoping to turn his comments into something more lighthearted.

  ‘Ah, the Queen,’ she said intuitively.

  He looked at Elspyth, shocked to admit she had learned his other secret.

  ‘I’m right, aren’t I?’ she said, tapping her nose. ‘A woman can guess these things. Does she know?’

  It was a loaded question. He shook his head gloomily. ‘No and no. She knew me as Wyl and thinks he is dead but she has never met Romen Koreldy.’

  ‘Wyl … may I call you that?’

  ‘Of course.’ It was
refreshing to hear his own name spoken.

  ‘Can I suggest you take a look in a mirror sometime. At the risk of understatement, the body you live in is very pleasing on the eye. You have no idea right now how she may view you.’

  ‘I don’t know about that but what I do sense is that the Queen is in terrible danger. I must get back to Briavel.’

  ‘I understand your motives better now. Thank you for telling me.’ She pointed to a milestone ahead. ‘There, Wyl! Now we can see where we are.’

  ‘Sharp eyes,’ he admitted and they hurried to the small stone pillar. ‘D four miles,’ he read out. ‘Where’s D, would you know?’

  ‘Has to be Deakyn, which means we’re about twenty miles from Yentro.’

  ‘And several days from Rittylworth for you. Can we get horses at Deakyn?’

  ‘Yes, I should think so. It’s only a village but it’s on a main road which feeds south. It has an inn called the Penny Whistle and I imagine horses should not be a problem.’

  ‘Our problem, of course, is paying for them. They took my purse when Cailech had us imprisoned. Damn!’

  ‘But they didn’t take mine,’ she said reaching beneath her skirts.

  Wyl could not help but hug her. It was good for them both to hear each other laugh.

  ‘Right, I’m happy to keep going,’ he said and saw her nod.

  ‘You can spend the time telling me all about Wyl and how he turned into Romen. I must know the whole story … in detail this time.’

  They had hidden their cloaks to rid themselves of all links with the Mountain People. The travellers standing before the innkeeper were dusty and dishevelled but thankfully the man did not so much as bat his sleepy lids when they arrived at the Penny Whistle in the early hours of the next day. It was still dark outside and he was too burdened with yawns to be even mildly curious. They had coin to pay and that was enough. Wyl and Elspyth shared a room to avoid drawing attention to themselves, and there they slept.

  After cleaning and tidying themselves later in the day, they enjoyed a hearty midday meal, having missed breakfast. Elspyth then used all of her money on purchasing a horse for Wyl’s long journey.