“He’s been hit on the head in a bad way.” Truth, even the bad kind, is better than a lie. “Right now they are doing everything they can for him. All we can do now is sit and wait.”
Niranene instantly understood the situation and silently entered the tent. Ethan went to follow, but Alex grabbed him and shook his head. “Let them do their job. We will only be in the way and I do not want you to see your brother’s condition right now.”
Ethan conceded by setting his pack beside the tent and sitting as close as he could.
Lily and Crest sat down beside their men. They spoke softly so that those nearby and asleep didn’t wake and also to keep Ethan from overhearing them. “If his concussion is so bad, how did you find him?”
He answered Lily. “I think some part of him knew someone came to rescue him and all he could manage to do was to make some kind of noise. Maybe his foot twitched or his hand moved, but whatever he did to make noise got my attention. As to how he got a concussion I believe he was hiding inside the house while it collapsed and something heavy fell.”
“If not for his brother, Evan would most likely be dead by now if not very soon.” She then scooted closer to share in his warmth.
Shaking on his shoulder brought Alex awake an hour or two before dawn. Niranene awoke them to with a smile. “The cranial bleeding has finally stopped, but I’m keeping Evan sedated for a few days just to be sure he doesn’t have further complications. Ethan is with him and sends his thanks for all the help. Would you like to see him?”
“Nay, but I’m glad he is better.” Alex then told Ava and the others the good news. All breathed a sigh of relief. To Niranene he said “We all have much work to do and little time.”
“Don’t I know it.” She said and wiped her brow with the cloth on her forearm. “I didn’t get a chance to Thank you for this night’s sudden surprise. Do I honestly have to be married along with Allahandra and Rakkian?”
“Don’t you love, Marlin?”
“Of course I do, bu…” He cut her off quickly.
“Would you say nay to an old man’s dying request?”
“Of course I won’t, but…”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“I don’t know…” she mumbled and couldn’t look directly at him anymore.
“Is Marlin lacking in the bedchambers?” Lily suddenly asked.
The head healer went scarlet. “He more than satisfies…”
“Ah then you’re afraid to be bound to him? You can do the Ra’van Marking Ceremony and choose to cut your arm or leg and if he doesn’t satisfy you in a certain way you can dabble with another for awhile and come back without feeling guilty.”
“Is that what you did?”
Lily shook her head. “Nope. I marked the center of my chest because Alex has satisfied me in every way and even some I never knew I possessed.”
“Don’t remind me.” Niranene grimaced and dug a finger in her ear. “Your vocals are too loud.”
“They are just right for me.” Alex joked and Lily laughed.
Lily then wound her arm around Niranene’s and walked away with her. “Tell me, what have you decided for your binding to Marlin tomorrow.”
“I’m unsure. Maybe you could tell…”
Alex went in a different direction and allowed the women to discuss plans while he and his siblings started tasks early and went to see how much the men had progressed on defenses and help when necessary, after finding breakfast first.
Stone masons worked diligently, trying to repair the wall that they breached not long ago. They found sizeable stones and carved them in large bricks while another group created mortar to bind the stones together and seal the gaping rift with all possible haste and properly laid. Nearly three hundred were commissioned to repair the damage while another hundred warriors protected their comrades from any sabotage the inhabitants might try.
When Alex, Ava and Shade arrived they worked shoulder to shoulder with others. What would have taken a team of ten men and four draft horses took only Alex as his abilities allowed him to lift and carry the large bricks. It was hard for some to not stare in awe at such feats of strength. Shade wasn’t a slouch either as someone helped slide a harness on and he dragged stones wherever the humans pointed. Chatter amongst the men grew as the morning moved along. Sweat sprung to life all over Alex’s body and Shade also began panting from the exercise.
A commotion on the ground stopped progress briefly and Alex and his siblings took a respite to go and get a drink of water to quench their dry throats. While Shade lapped the water from a trough Alex looked up when someone shouted for his attention. He looked over to see a large group of men staring at him. “There a problem gentlemen?”
“Is it true that the queen and general are to be wed tomorrow?” One asked.
“Aye, but not just them, but also Niranene and Marlin as well.”
News spread like fire after that and excitement grew equally fast among those native to Alluan and those loyal to Freelan. When the conversations dragged on long enough the foreman and other building masters spurred the men back to work. With all he did, Alex decided that he’d forego stretching as lifting and carrying stones five times, or more, his weight loosened him up enough.
Noon began approaching and Alex knew that he had somewhere to be and quickly unstrapped the leather harness from Shade.
On their way back they spotted Marlin mounted atop Clift. The pair pulled up alongside the trio and Marlin said “We were just sent to find you. Zawat is ready and already waiting for you to return.”
Together they quickened the pace and in a few minutes they saw the tall wooden wall surrounding Lady Hanna’s estate and passed through a line of stationed guards.
Inside and standing together on the grounds were many curious officers, fiends, the usual Freelan leaders and dozens of red robed priests. Only one sat and only due to his weak body and advanced age prevented mobility. Many took notice of the new arrivals and greeted the prince with a wave or another form of acknowledgement.
Dropping to the ground Alex approached the knot of people and stood beside Lily while Shade naturally stood to his right.
“I’m here. Did I miss much?”
“Not at all, young prince.” Zawat spoke. “Now that you’ve arrived the assembled can see how I’ll save the day.” The old man then smiled at how dirty the prince looked and knew he wasn’t one to stand back and let someone else do all the hard work. Gray dust and dirt clung heavily to his form and his partner’s black fur also showed hard demanding work.
Sitting before Zawat’s seat sat eleven identical hexagonal items in a circular pattern with a twelfth one in the center that sat larger than the others. The large one looked to be cut differently, with eleven angles. Each one dazzled the eye in the overhead sunlight. The old man then looked to a nearby priest and raised an upturned hand.
The priest then pulled out a leather satchel from over his shoulder and sat the strap in the old priest’s gnarled hand. Zawat then opened the flap and withdrew a thick stack of parchment, three inches thick and looked at the assembled. “For those of you who don’t know what I’m about to do I’ll explain. These crystals set before me are my items. They are a type that allow instant movement from one spot to another. That is how my people came here without notice. In my hand is simple paper, but what I’ve written will protect others from any unforeseen consequences. Simply put, these papers will bind certain rules to my item. I have worked throughout the whole night creating such an elaborate set of laws.
“Once activated I’ll send all humans, their items and clothing all standing within the boundary created by these crystals back to wherever they call home. I’ve ruled that they won’t reappear within another solid object such as a tree or wall or even in water. They will arrive safe and unharmed once I begin. Furthermore, should any of the Royal Guard before us call Central City home they’ll be sent into the vacant courtyard before the prison sitting behind me. There Rakkian will establish the bulk of Freelan to di
sarm and quickly detain the troops before the realize what will have happened to them.” That made a few laugh and Alex’s translation made the area vibrate with mirth. “Allahandra’s and my seers agree that the troops will be here in three days and after I’m done with them such numbers will not be rallied quickly enough to be of any kind of threat for the coming winter.”
Then the High Priest gave the stack of papers to Calosh who sat them beside the items and began placing the largest piece in the center of the paper, on top. Then he began carefully placing one smaller item with the large one. In less than a minute the items sat together in a cluster atop the paper and looked like a beautifully solved puzzle of precious gems.
Zawat then opened his palm up again and someone gave him a blazing torch and all watched as he leaned forward and set the paper afire. Astonishingly the fire consumed the paper in a few short minutes and the clear items seemed to absorb the burning material into itself and as the fire died twelve deeply reds glowing items remained. That and a charred piece of grass from the flame and ash of paper. “Alex, will you help an old man out and hand me the center piece.”
Carefully, Alex stepped forward and touched the glowing item. “It’s cold!” He admitted and the old man chuckled.
How is it cold when a moment ago flames surrounded it? He wondered and lifted the slightly largest and differently designed piece. I speculate if the red glow came from the fire or is it Zawat’s life he has given over? Alex then glanced at the smiling elder. He hasn’t died yet so maybe the price has just been charged, but to release it will finish off him.
The central item then dropped into the old man’s hands. “Much appreciated.” Still holding Alex’s gaze he said “Now the rest I’m leaving to you. Only the blindness you cause will keep from any enemy seer seeing where you’ll set each crystal. Deposit where you see fit and make sure that it resembles somewhat of a circle. A straight line won’t be able to encompass the mass.”
“Where should I place them?”
“Doesn’t really matter. In trees, underwater. Just don’t set them in plain sight and on the ground so that someone can just pick it up. Now that my task is done…” He paused to yawn. “I must rest. It isn’t good to keep the elderly up all night long and busy working. I’m leaving the rest to you young people. Good night all. I’ll see you in the morning for the Taar Ah Rok.”
With that he was raised and walked out.
Alex spotted the satchel used to hold the papers and grabbed it to stuff the remaining eleven glowing crystals. The future of Freelan and all he loved rested upon these eleven crimson glowing items. Not wanting to risk complications he slung the strap across his shoulder and approached Shade. Once mounted he met their stare. “To much is at stake to leave these out in the open. I’ll place them and return as soon as possible.” Then his throat tickled. “Shade, let’s move and hide these.”
The High Alpha turned and lopped over to the gate and passed through. Sensing the urgency in his brother Shade began running at half his true speed and angled northward per request. Ava flew overhead, gliding on a gentle breeze. Shade stuck to the main road and soon reached the northern wall.
Men with weapons moved aside as Shade trotted up the stone stairs to reach the top of the wall. Alex asked one of the lookouts and he reported only small movements from scouts.
Judging distance took but a moment before Alex landed on the ground and took three long steps back. Utilizing his strength, he charged towards the stone railing, made a small leap, planted both bare feet on the very edge on the outer wall and jumped mightily over the moat below and easily cleared it. Relying on his training, Alex gauged the distance to the rapidly approaching ground and angled his feet. Fifty feet from above Shade too jumped over the wall and moat just as Alex’s heels touched the ground and he rolled to absorb the impact that would have killed a normal man. Shade extended his paw and just as it touched his shadow he enveloped himself to painlessly land. As he rematerialized he watched as Alex counted and made absolutely sure he didn’t lose any crystal or that they were all still perfect. They were.
From above Ava laughed and both Alex and Shade looked upon the wall to see how many stood thunderstruck. It made the situation humorous.
Quickly mounting again, Shade took off in a streaking blur, but before they moved too far Alex secretly tossed a crystal into the deepest part of the moat, when he felt sure none could see him do it. The object plopped and remained put and undisturbed until being called upon.
The speed at which they traveled increased as Shade began running. A pair of partnered Shadow Fangs spotted their High Alpha streaking faster than an arrow and sought to join him, but Shade knew the mission couldn’t allow others to view where they’d deposit the objects. They didn’t stand a chance to be able to keep up with him as he burst into a greater run. The pair and their partners disappeared two leagues later.
At the tree line, in the northeastern section, Alex found an old rabbit hole and tossed another in. Shade angled more north and another three miles later they dropped another in a hollow tree that no human other than Alex could climb.
Getting ready to locate a sixth placement Shade jogged into a small clearing where they stumbled upon a Royal Guard scouting party of five men and their mounts.
Realization took a few moments for both sides to understand they had both been found. This couldn’t have happened at a worst time.
A Royal Guard reacted first and threw a knife, but Alex’s reaction was quicker as the item deflected off his left metal bracer while his right hand removed his singing sword.
No time or quarter could be given for this task was of the upmost importance and secretive. No more than thirty knew of the specifics and these scouts stumbled upon something they shouldn’t have.
Alex leapt after three while Shade roared towards the last.
Sharp thrusts from an enemy claymore tried to keep their enemy at a distance while the other two could get at Alex’s sides, but their speed lacked greatly in comparison. A powerful backhand from his left bracer knocked the long bladed sword directly as his companion, cutting a five inch deep wound. The counter couldn’t have been more perfect for the opening gave Alex’s right arm enough clearance to behead both the spiked gauntlet person trying to grapple and the claymore bearer in the same move. The razor sharp edge of his special sword cleanly and nearly painlessly killed the two.
Shade tossed his head, knocking over his prey in such a way that he struck like lightning as he opened his maw and sunk his foot long saber canines into the man’s side and powerful neck muscles lifted and shook the man to death all in a blinding second.
The final man with the severed artery in his leg tried vainly to strike Alex’s left side, but an unseen backhand turned his head completely around, breaking his neck and ending his suffering.
As suddenly as they met, one group died.
The horses fled.
Placing his fingers in his lips, Alex whistled. Ava dove into the canopy not twenty seconds later and went speechless. She didn’t see them.
“Ava, go back to the city and report this. The men on the wall need to know scouts are hiding in the area. Remember this spot and tell the others where we are. Wait for us by the south gate till we reunite.”
She didn’t bother speaking and flew out of the area with all haste.
Blood coated Shade’s impressive sabers as he said “We need to leave here and finish up. But before that, see if they have anything on them.”
While Shade cleaned the gore from his fangs Alex went through the dead men’s pockets and packs. Minutes later Alex grinned as he pulled out a map with markings. “Shade, come look at this.” And he did.
“It looks like they have been tasked to feed the army and have been searching for herds and other resources.” Then Shade also said “Turn it over I thought I saw more writing on the back… Ah look at that, they’ve been also detailing our men upon the walls and how we’re nowhere near finished repairing the breach. It is a shame they
don’t have orders we can use.”
“Aye, but at least this won’t reach the main force.”
Shade grinned as Alex stuffed the map in the satchel.
They left the dead and resumed placing the last six items in discrete locations.
By late afternoon Shade and Alex appeared at the southern gate to be met by the newly established Commander Jakz and Crush. The middle aged guardian and new leader of the Grizon had to wait to speak as Ava flew and fussed over both Alex and Shade with equal affection. “Did either of you find any further trouble?” Jakz asked.
“Nay, just a few fresh tracks. Did you find the four?”
“Aye, reports from my men say they found the corpses and disposed of them. Their horses have fled the area.”
“Jakz, why do you seem so upset?” Alex asked after seeing the firm set of Jakz’s jaw and his rigid stance.
“When you report in to Allahandra you’ll understand.”
Fear gripped his heart. “Has something happened?”
“Nay, not like that. Just go and you’ll see.”
Not liking the way he spoke of some situation made Alex mount up and return to Lady Hanna’s. Shade made haste.
Pausing at the mansion door, Alex took a steadying breath to prepare for something he knew not what to expect. A gentle nudge from Shade made him open the door.
In the room were dozens of women making Shade’s run look more like a gentle walk. Controlled mayhem swirled around the room with mixing aromas of food preparation and perfumes of varying potency. Three remarkably still forms caught his eye and he approached with great caution.
Lily turned with a broad grin, saying “Welcome to the Queen’s Nest! The worker bees are something to see aren’t they?”
“Wedding preparations?” He asked with a twinge of dread.
She laughed and Niranene piped “Help me!”
He turned to see her standing beside Allahandra in a blue dress and deep as her eyes. Her arms were outstretched while three women worked on making it just right. Light green and yellow gemstones were being sewn into the bust while a delicate silver chain wrapped around her waist to emphasize her hips.
Ra' van (Book Three of the Items Trilogy) Page 27
