Runefell: Crossroads

by Shawn Sodman

  “It may already be too late for that,” Ja'noa says.

  “Your words wound Sven,” Sven says. “Why are you always so cruel to Sven?”

  Gelana then says, “Sven, don't change the subject. We want to know what is in the soup.”

  “Alright...alright,” Sven says. “Keep in mind that up here in mountains we do not have cattle or pigs. So we get by with animals that land offers.” He then shifts his eyes to their new fury guest.

  “No!” Kel'ana says sadly. “Wolf meat?”

  “I am sorry, Kel'ana,” he answers, “Sven did not wish to fool you. Sven was hoping no one would ask.”

  “I am not hungry anymore,” Kel'ana says as she sets her bowl down.

  “Me neither,” Ja'noa says.

  “I guess that just leaves more for me,” Lyra says.

  “Lyra!” Kel'ana yells.

  “I am sorry,” Lyra replies. “I am really hungry.”

  “Sven likes woman with good appetite,” Sven says as he fills her bowl again.

  “I think I have had enough too,” Yentroc says. “Though it is good, Sven. I am just ready to go to bed.”

  Evelena says, “I assume we cannot maintain the fire. So Lyra, can you make us some light?”

  “No problem,” Lyra says as she gets up and pulls a lantern out of her backpack. She opens the lid and pulls out a small rock from inside the lantern. She warns, “Remember, don't look directly at the light.” She holds the stone as she casts a spell. Soon the stone shines brightly and she places it back in her lantern and re-attaches the lid. The lantern lights up the entire area.

  Sven says, “We will not need to have any watches, it is too cold for most things to travel at night except for the things that are attracted to light. So when we all go to sleep you will have to make sure you cover that up.”

  “Agreed,” Evelena says.

  “There is enough room for two people in each tent,” Gelana says, “I'll sleep in Sven's tent.”

  “Oh, no,” Yentroc replies, “you don't need to do that. I'll do it.”

  “No,” Sven says. “As much as Sven would like to sleep next to any of you girls, Sven must sleep alone.”

  “I agree,” Evelena says, “We can fit three of us into one of the tents.”

  Gelana and Yentroc look at each other disappointed. “Alright,” Gelana says. “I'll sleep with Rehma.”

  “I'll sleep with Kel'ana,” says Ja'noa.

  “So I guess that leaves the three of us,” Evelena says to Lyra and Yentroc.

  “After I fall asleep I will not be able to maintain the warmth spells,” Kel'ana says. “So make sure you all get comfortable and covered up soon.”

  They start to file into their tents and the wolf follows Kel'ana. Kel'ana looks at the wolf and says to it, “Alright, I guess I can let you come in the tent.”

  “Are you sure?” Ja'noa asks.

  “No,” Kel'ana replies. “But I don't want to leave it outside.” She pulls back the opening to the tent and the wolf enters. It lies down on the end of the thick fur blankets. “Aw,” Kel'ana says. “It looks like at least our feet will be warm.”

  “Just as long as it doesn't bite my feet,” Ja'noa replies.

  It is a cold clear night in the mountains. After sleeping for a few hours, Sven is awoken to the sound of Evelena's voice.

  “Kel'ana!” She calls. “Kel'ana, hurry, it's Lyra. She needs your help.”

  Sven quickly throws on a shirt and puts his boots on. He wraps himself with his blanket and leaves his tent. He can see Kel'ana running over to Evelena's tent. Evelena is standing at the entrance and says to Kel'ana, “You have to warm her up! She is breathing but she won't say anything.”

  Kel'ana casts the warmth spell again on Lyra who is shivering uncontrollably. Sven runs over and looks inside at the shivering Lyra. He says, “Spell will help, but she is already cold. We have to get her warmer.”

  “I'll make a fire,” Kel'ana says.

  “Yes,” Sven says, “I'll carry her out.” He reaches for her and can see she is still wearing her fur coat. He pulls back the blanket and asks, “She has not changed her clothing?”

  “No,” Yentroc answers. “Why?”

  Sven feels the fur beneath her and says, “All the snow has melted and it is wet. That is why she is cold. You have to get her into dry clothing, now.”

  “Alright,” Evelena says.

  “Put something light on her,” Sven says.

  “Why?” Yentroc asks.

  “So Sven can share his body heat with her better,” he answers. “I'll be back to get her when you are done.” Sven exits the tent and walks over to Kel'ana who is maintaining a modest fire. “How long can you keep the fire going?”

  “As long as I don't cast any more spells,” Kel'ana explains, “I can keep this going as long as I want.”

  “Good,” Sven says. He goes over to his tent and grabs another fur blanket. He brings it back over to the fire any lays it down next to it.

  Evelena opens the tent and says, “We are ready.”

  By now the others have awakened and are up to see what is happening.

  “What's going on?” Gelana asks.

  Yentroc answers, “It's Lyra, she is freezing.”

  Sven hurries back to Lyra's tent. Lyra is standing at the entrance still shaking badly. She appears dazed so Sven asks, “Lyra, can you hear me?”

  She looks up at Sven and slowly nods her head.

  Sven opens his blanket as he leans down to wrap it around her. He says, “Alright, little one, Sven needs you to hold on to him tight.” Lyra puts her arms around Sven's neck as he reaches around her to pick her up. He looks at Evelena and says, “Her arms are like ice.” Sven carries Lyra over to the fire. When he reaches the blanket on the ground he kicks off his boots so he does not track snow onto the fur. He sits down on the fur close to the fire.

  Lyra closes her eyes and curls up in Sven's arms. Her head is the only part uncovered as the rest of her is pressed against Sven's warm chest under the thick fur. Sven sticks one of his hands out from underneath the blanket and holds his palm out close to the fire.

  “Is the fire helping?” Kel'ana asks.

  “Yes,” Sven says. “I will use the heat from fire.” Soon the fire warms Sven's hand and he places it on Lyra's back.

  “Oh,” Lyra sighs as she begins to shiver less.

  Sven places his opposite hand near the fire to warm it.

  “Is she going to be alright?” Evelena asks.

  “We will have to wait and see,” Sven answers. “Come, my little Lyra,” Sven says to her, “talk to Sven.”

  Lyra's eyes slowly open as she says, “You are so warm.”

  Sven smiles and replies, “And you are like glacier.” Then he looks back at the others who are watching and says, “Lyra is going to be fine.”

  Later everyone is sitting around the fire. Lyra has warmed up enough that she is sitting on her own wrapped in a blanket. Sven gives them some advice. “When you return to your tents, you should all get out of your travel clothing and put on something dry. Then you should all share your blankets and sleep close to each other.”

  “Ja'noa and I are already sharing our blankets,” Kel’ana says.

  “Good,” Sven says. “My only concern is whether or not Evelena and Yentroc are going to be able to keep Lyra warm enough.”

  “We should be able to,” Evelena replies.

  “I don't know,” Yentroc says. “I am cold myself. I am not sure if I can keep her warm too.”

  Sven says, “If Lyra gets too cold again we will have to move her to my tent.”

  “What?” Lyra questions, looking uncomfortable with the suggestion.

  Sven looks at her and says, “If they cannot keep you warm Sven will.”

  “I'll be fine,” Lyra says as she gets up. “See, I am not even cold now.”

  “That is because of Kel'ana's spell,” Evelena replies. “Once that wares off you will be cold again.”

  “I am sure I'll be fine
,” Lyra says confidently.

  “Well, Sven can keep me warm,” Gelana says with a smile.

  “Gelana, you're not helping,” Evelena says giving her a stern look.

  Sven looks to Evelena and says, “Make sure if she gets too cold you will let Sven know.”

  “I will,” Evelena says.

  Sven takes his blanket from the ground and shakes off the snow. “Goodnight, everyone,” he says as he walks back to his tent.

  “You should go with him,” Gelana says to Lyra.

  “No,” Lyra protests.

  Ja'noa says, “Would you two leave her alone? She doesn't want to sleep with him.”

  “Well, we would,” Gelana replies, “right, Yentroc?”

  “Yes,” Yentroc answers, “but we weren't invited to his tent.” She and Gelana now stare at Lyra.

  “I am not going to sleep in his tent,” Lyra says angrily.

  “I am sure he wouldn't try anything,” Yentroc says.

  “I am not worried about that,” she answers.

  “So what is it then?” Gelana asks.

  “He is just so...” Lyra looks down at the fire, embarrassed.

  “Handsome?” Gelana asks.

  Lyra doesn't respond as Yentroc and Gelana laugh.

  “That's enough, Gelana,” Rehma says as she stand up. “Let's get back to bed.”

  “Agreed,” Evelena says. “You two have had your fun, now let's all get some sleep.”

  They head back to their tents and Kel'ana ends her spell and the fire goes out.

  Later after everyone has fallen back asleep, Sven hears his tent open. He looks and sees Lyra standing in the entrance. “Lyra, are you alright?” he asks.

  Shivering once again, she says, “I-I am sorry to b-bother you.”

  “Not at all,” Sven says. “Come in, little one. Take off your boots and come lay next to Sven.”

  Sven pulls back the top blanket to let Lyra get underneath. The sight of his bare chest surprises her. His muscular pectorals and rippled abdomen looks more like a statue than a man of flesh and blood. “Oh,” she gasps as she looks away.

  “Sorry,” he says, “Sven knows you girls have not traveled much, but surely you have seen men before.”

  “Not like you,” Lyra mutters under her breath.

  “What?” he asks.

  “Nothing,” she answers as she looks back at Sven trying not to stare. She lies next to him and he covers her up.

  As she snuggles close to him, Sven cringes from the cold touch of Lyra's feet against his legs. Despite the uncomfortable feeling he puts his arm around her and pulls her close. He then says to her, “There you go, my little Lyra. You just let Sven keep you warm.”

  With her head against his broad chest she looks up at him and says, “Thank you, Sven.”

  “Goodnight, Lyra,” Sven says.

  Chapter 25

  Day 7

  Good Morning

  When the morning light shines into the tent the next day, Sven wakes up and finds Lyra still curled up next to him. Sven takes a moment to watch as she sleeps. He looks at the markings on her face of the leaf and small stars. Sven gets up slowly so that he does not wake her. He is wearing only drawers and begins to put on the rest of his clothing.

  Lyra finally wakes as Sven is finishing getting dressed. “Good morning,” she says to him.

  “Good morning, my little Lyra,” Sven replies. “Did you sleep well?”

  “Yes,” Lyra answers as Yentroc opens the tent door to check on them, “Thank you for last night.” Lyra says.

  Yentroc asks, “Wait! What?”

  Sven laughs and Lyra says to Yentroc, “It's not what you think.”

  “What did you mean then?” Yentroc asks, teasing Lyra.

  Sven explains, “Sven just kept Lyra warm last night.”

  “Oh, I'll bet you did,” Yentroc laughs.

  Yentroc leaves as Lyra jumps up and quickly puts her winter clothes on. Once she is dressed she chases after Yentroc. The others are sitting around a fire and eating breakfast. Sven's begins to take down his tent as Lyra catches up with Yentroc.

  “Yentroc!” Lyra yells to her.

  Yentroc turns to face Lyra who is clearly angry with her. “What?”

  “Nothing happened last night,” Lyra protests.

  “I was only joking, Lyra,” Yentroc explains. “There is no need to be upset.”

  “Well, I didn't think it was funny,” Lyra says angrily.

  “What is going on?” Evelena asks, as she joins Lyra and Yentroc.

  “It's nothing,” Yentroc explains. “I was just teasing Lyra about Sven. I didn't think it would make her this angry.” She looks back at Lyra and says, “I am sorry.”

  Sven now walks over to them and says, “Lyra, is everything alright?”

  “Everything is fine,” Lyra answers as she begins to calm down. “Come on, Sven, I'll help you take down the tent.”

  Sven and Lyra walk back over to their tent. Evelena says to Yentroc, “Why are you teasing her?”

  “It really wasn't that bad,” Yentroc says as Rehma and Gelana walk over.

  “Well, it made her pretty upset,” Evelena replies.

  “I thought she was going to hit you,” Gelana laughs.

  At the tent Lyra begins to help Sven pack. Sven says to her, “Yentroc was joking. I am sure she knows nothing happened.”

  “I know,” Lyra says with a big sigh. “I don't know why I got so mad. I guess it's because I just didn't want her to think you tried to have your way with me. I know that you are not that kind of man.”

  Sven laughs a little and says, “Believe me, Sven is that kind of man, at least normally, but Sven would never try anything with you.” He stops packing the tent and gently turns Lyra to face him and says, “Sven has too much respect for Lyra.”

  “Thanks,” Lyra answers, sounding confused.

  Then Sven laughs again and adds, “Even if Chance did not make Sven promise to be on best behavior, Sven would not have done anything last night.”

  Lyra, puzzled, thinks for a moment then asks, “So, even if Chance had not said anything to you in Copper Pass, you would not have tried anything? I don't know if I should be flattered or offended.”

  “Why?” he asks.

  “Never mind,” Lyra says shaking her head.

  “Oh,” he replies, “Sven did not mean it like that.”

  Before Sven has a chance to explain further Yentroc walks over and says, “Lyra, I am sorry about earlier.”

  “No,” Lyra replies. “I am the one who should be sorry. I was just upset because Sven kept me warm all night and never once betrayed my trust, and I didn't want anyone to think of him as anything less than chivalrous.”

  “I understand,” Yentroc says. “I didn't mean to offend either of you, and if I did, I am sorry.”

  “Thank you,” Lyra replies.

  “Alright,” Sven says as he stands up with his backpack ready. “Everyone eat up. We are going to have a long day ahead of us.”

  Chapter 26

  Over the Edge

  It is morning on the deck of the Red Dawn. The ship is still docked in East Artos awaiting repairs. The crew have been summoned by the captain after returning from a long night on the town. Most of the men are tired and are wondering why they have been gathered. The crew is talking amongst themselves, and many are speculating what is happening.

  Then from captain's lounge, Ariella emerges. She has at her side the cat o' nine tails. Now the men know why they are there. An uneasy silence falls over the crew as Ariella walks to the center mast of the ship. Everyone is there, including Allen and Marie who stand next to each other holding hands.

  Ariella looks around at her men as they all nervously drop their eyes. It has been a long time since the captain has made an example of anyone in front of the entire crew. Ariella calls out to her two enforcers, “Drake, Leon!”

  The two men step forward and with their heads down respond with, “Aye, Captain?”

  Ariella
then announces loudly to the crew, “Many of you may already be aware that yesterday afternoon Fernando Greythorn betrayed my trust.” The crew mumbles a bit before Ariella continues. “Drake and Leon, the two of you were in charge of watching over Mr. Greythorn to make sure he did not escape, and yet that is exactly what he did.” Ariella walks slowly around the two men then asks Leon, “I asked Drake to help with that door in the cave. What were you doing at that time?”

  Leon looks straight ahead and answers, “I was going to help Drake with the door, ma'am.”

  Ariella then asks, “While you were helping Drake with the door, who then was watching Fernando?”

  “No one, Captain,” Leon answers.

  “And what happened next?” Ariella asks, already knowing the answer.

  “Fernando escaped, Captain,” Leon says still looking straight ahead.

  “That's correct, and whose fault is that?” Ariella asks as she looks up at the towering Leon.

  “It is my fault, Captain,” Leon answers. “I accept responsibility for his escape.”

  “Very well,” Ariella says. “Now then, if you would please remove your shirt and face the mast. I assume you will not need to be restrained.”

  “No, ma'am,” Leon answers as he removes his shirt. Leon then stands facing the center mast of the ship.

  The captain walks up and says, “On your knees, if you would please, Leon.” Leon kneels down and leans forward onto the mast. Ariella then says, “For allowing Mr. Greythorn to escape, you will receive five lashes.”

  Leon nods his head and says, “Yes, ma'am.”

  Ariella steps back. She readies the cat o' nine tails and lashes Leon with the first strike. Leon flinches from the pain. The captain strikes him a second time as Marie grabs Allen's hand. Allen looks at her and quietly says, “Don't worry, I am used to the captain's whip.” He smiles trying to reassure her, but Marie still looks frightened.

  The third lash of the captain's whip causes Leon to grit his teeth and clinch his fists. The fourth causes him to let out a groan. Ariella pauses for a moment before delivering the final lash that causes the big man to cringe and let out a small cry of pain. Marie whispers to Allen, “I love you.”