by M. Gregg Roe
Calm now, Audrey put a hand on the woman’s shoulder. “Thank you for trying, Siljan. Now I need you to ask them what they want done with the body.”
The answer was that they wanted it conveyed back to the castle. The disk creature, which had arrived at some point, volunteered to carry it. Gabriel carefully picked up the body and laid it on top. The corpse weighed little and smelled faintly of vinegar. The two hoppers followed along as the disk creature moved away. After a brief hesitation, Audrey joined them. She probably felt that it was her duty.
“That was strange,” Siljan said quietly as the other visitors that had gathered dispersed. “Maybe the hoppers’ world has different deities.”
“Ones that hop?” he asked, arching an eyebrow.
Siljan visibly relaxed as she chuckled at his joke. “Probably. I’d love to see where they live.”
“So would I. Have they said where they are going after they depart from here?”
“It’s some kind of secure base,” she replied. “They stay there while waiting for the next destination to be ready.”
“Does that mean that there are structures like this on many worlds?” he asked.
Siljan frowned. “There’s something more permanent on some worlds, but this is only temporary. It will fall apart after they leave.”
“Audrey will not be happy about that,” he commented, wondering if it might be best not to tell her in advance. “Shall we resume our patrol?”
“If we must,” she said, pretending to be tired and sighing melodramatically.
They were observing a group of creatures that resembled large brown armored chickens when Audrey flew up and landed nearby. “They invited me in,” she said, “but I couldn’t enter. It was like there was an invisible barrier, but I couldn’t detect anything.”
“That means the interior isn’t part of Andoran’s Realm at the moment,” Siljan told her.
Audrey’s face fell. “I didn’t think of that.”
Gabriel felt for her. He knew Audrey longed to explore the world outside. Still looking sad, she rose into the air and flew away to the north.
“One’s going in,” Siljan blurted, pointing. “I think it’s counting on that scaly hide for protection.”
That was indeed the case. Insects were already swarming it, and he could see birds and other small animals closing. Soon, larger animals would appear, and they would keep attacking until the intruder died or fled back across the boundary.
Despite the resemblance, the creature had muscular arms instead of wings, and they ended in wicked-looking claws. It began lashing out at its attackers, each blow precise and deadly. The slaughter of woodland animals was horrifying to behold, but he found the fighting style intriguing.
“I am not watching this,” Siljan declared, then turned her back on the carnage. The other five chicken-creatures had formed a line in front of the boundary, watching with their dark eyes.
A wolf bounded up, only to be struck by the creature’s clawed right foot. The wolf’s howl of pain was cut short by a slash from the creature’s beak that tore out its throat. More wolves arrived, along with an assortment of other animals, and the tide began to turn. They swarmed it, oblivious to their losses as they sought weak points and vital area. A wolf broke teeth as it tore scales off the creature’s left leg in a spray of blood. Instantly, a fox launched itself at the raw wound, ripping out chunks of flesh with its sharp teeth.
“It’s killing itself,” Siljan said, her voice bordering on panic. Despite what she had said, she was watching now. “Why doesn’t it retreat? Why aren’t the other ones helping?”
“The creatures are warriors,” he stated, suddenly certain. “They seek to display their skills, to test their worth.” To do so, they had selected a single representative to pit its skill against the might of the Gray Forest. It might even have been a volunteer.
The end came quickly. Gabriel winced as a sparrow evaded a clumsy claw swipe and dove into one of the creature’s bulbous eyes, causing it to burst. Seconds later, a robin took out the other eye. A concerted attack by a group of animals that included rabbits, raccoons, and squirrels knocked the creature to the ground. Then the foxes and wolves closed in for the kill.
“I am never eating again,” Siljan said, her face ashen. “Do we need to retrieve…” she trailed off as the five remaining creatures turned around in unison and strutted away. “Or we could just leave the body,” she continued, staring at the retreating creatures. “Have I mentioned how much I hate the Gray Forest?”
“I am not fond of it either,” he told her sincerely. “I believe it is time for a break.”
“And some strong drink,” she added, taking his arm. “Let’s go.”
Despite what she had said, Siljan drank only water after they returned to the camp. Nor did she refuse food. He both ate heartily and consumed a flagon of the ogre’s fine ale.
Siljan was a shadow of her usual self as they resumed their patrol, so quiet and serious that he finally voiced his concern.
“I’ll be fine,” she told him in a tone that said otherwise. “Now that we no longer go adventuring, I rarely see that kind of violence.”
“Nor do I while seated at my desk or attending meetings,” he returned, straight-faced.
She cracked a smile. “I always knew you’d end up with that kind of job. You’ll eventually be captain.”
That was his goal, but he was in no hurry.
The rest of their day was peaceful, answering questions and observing the visitors. Siljan was more like herself by the end of their duty, but he wasn’t surprised when she told Audrey that she wouldn’t return the next day. The horror of the death they had witnessed was still in her eyes.
Standing near the river’s rocky shore, with the sun low in the western sky, Gabriel ground his teeth as he fought to reign in his emotions. Following the terse speech, Mardan’s face remained a mask of stubborn determination. Standing off to the side, Zyrahi repeatedly ran her left hand through her hair as she watched. Remembering his training, he took a deep breath and silently counted to ten before speaking his mind.
“You are leaving with the visitors?” Gabriel asked incredulously.
“They extended a general invitation,” Mardan retorted. “It is an opportunity we do not feel that we can pass up. I have already written letters to your mother and sister.”
He could not believe his father’s cowardice. Not trusting himself to speak, Gabriel abruptly turned and gazed across the river at the sparse woods beyond. Still burning with anger, he barely felt the cool breeze that was rippling the water’s surface.
His companions today had been Rosalind and Harbik. On the whole, there were fewer visitors out, and many of them seemed to have other interests. Some examined plants, cutting off pieces or even digging up smaller ones. The three of them witnessed no acts of violence, but did see a dog-like creature that looked like it was made from purple clay stumble and fall into the river. It emerged unharmed and then, to their amusement, had deliberately jumped back in.
“You will tell them in person,” Gabriel rasped as he spun back around. “Audrey can take you.”
“That was my argument, as well,” Zyrahi said as Mardan’s expression hardened. “He fears to face them.”
Mardan looked at her in disbelief. He opened his mouth, but then snapped it shut.
How was it that a demon seemed more human than his own father? Social interactions with females had always been one of the man’s weakness. And then there was his stubbornness. Arguing with him was usually a waste of time.
“What of your possessions?” Gabriel asked, fixing his father with an intent gaze. The house was rented, so it wasn’t an issue.
Mardan shrugged. “Take what you wish and donate the rest. There are ten platinum pieces secreted in a book about pole arms. Divide them up as you see fit.”
That was an enormous sum of money. His father was frugal, but it was inconceivable that he could have saved up so much. Gabriel was suddenly certain that
the coins dated back to the man’s youth, long before he had married. They were an emergency reserve that he had kept secret from all of them, insurance against an unexpected calamity.
“Do not deliver the letters until after we have departed,” Mardan ordered. After a brief hesitation, he turned and strode off toward the camp. Zyrahi made as if to follow, but then approached Gabriel instead.
“It is my fault,” she confessed, looking downward and wringing her hands. “I suggested the possibility of Audrey transporting your mother and sister here to bid him farewell.”
That hadn’t occurred to Gabriel. “It was a good thought,” he told her, “but I will accede to my father’s wishes.”
She clasped her hands together and looked up at him. “I will protect your father with my life. You have my promise.”
He couldn’t hide his surprise. “Do you love him?”
“I do,” she said, breaking into a wide smile. “Is it so strange that a demon could grow to know love?”
“It is not,” he said, thinking of Aliva’s mother. She had unquestionably loved both her husband and daughter.
Zyrahi walked away, but he remained. The colorful sunset barely registered as he stared out across the water. In all likelihood, tomorrow morning would be the last time he ever saw his father. He just didn’t know how to feel about that.
“Gabriel.”
It was Audrey’s voice from behind him. He didn’t want her to see him like this. Warriors weren’t supposed to cry.
“Mardan just told me,” she said. “Is there anything I can do?”
Heedless of his tears, he turned to face her and cleared his throat. “There is not. He has made his wishes clear.”
With a look of compassion, she reached out and touched his wet cheek. “You should go spend time with your father while you still can. I… Was that a splash?”
“It was,” he said, suddenly feeling much better. “I believe one of our visitors has gone for a swim.” Another splash sounded. “Or maybe more than one.”
Audrey rolled her eyes. “Go spend time with your father,” she ordered. “I’ll go check on our swimmers.”
Gabriel would go see his father, but not until his tears had dried.
[ 42 ]
Castle's End
Aliva’s mind was elsewhere as her aerial route again took her above the castle, just past midnight. With her superior night vision, she was the logical choice to keep an eye on the area after dark. There were only two groups of visitors outside at the moment. Over a dozen hoppers were inspecting the castle’s exterior, or at least that was what it looked like. Maybe that was part of the routine before leaving. More interesting were the two creatures that appeared to be having a friendly argument near the edge of the Gray Forest. Resembling giant beetles, their carapaces were a metallic purple and their four segmented eyes were on retractable stalks. They made clicking sounds as they drew incomprehensible symbols in the dirt and gestured sharply at one another. Maybe they were like Ferikellan, researchers studying the enigmatic woods.
She suddenly noticed two hoppers on the castle’s roof. They couldn’t possibly have jumped that high without some kind of magical boost. Hoppers seemed to serve the role of crew for the huge hexagonal vessel currently nestled inside the castle. It definitely looked like an inspection to her. The hoppers were even small enough to inspect the inside of the skinny towers.
The source of Aliva’s distraction was the news that had come just before she set out. In less than half a day, Mardan and Zyrahi would be leaving with the visitors. The shock of it still hadn’t worn off. Or the guilt for her part in it. Medea would take the news in stride, but not Gabriel or Marryn. They would never see their father again.
At least it would all be over soon. She was looking forward to returning home to her husband and foster daughter. Even better would be sleeping on a normal schedule. They had provided her with her own small tent, but she still had barely slept. The thought of it made her yawn. To help remain alert, she rotated onto her back and gazed at the stars, some of which were obscured by wispy clouds. Which one, she wondered, did the hoppers come from? Were they all home to some type of intelligent creature?
Wake up!
Aliva’s eyes snapped open in shock. She hurriedly rotated to look downward, then gasped. The ground was frighteningly close, and so was the Gray Forest! With her heart pounding and in a cold sweat, she brought herself to a stop less than five yards from the boundary. The moonlight showed several birds and animals staring at her from inside, motionless and eerily quiet. Only then did she realize that she must have screamed in her panic.
“Thank you,” Aliva said as she descended into a mass of fragrant wildflowers. She took several deep breaths after her feet came to rest on solid ground. Maybe she would just walk back to the camp.
You are welcome, the goddess replied. You would not have perished, but it would have been unpleasant.
That was an understatement. Some type of large feline with dark spots had joined the other animals, ignoring the nearby prey as it focused on her. It looked more than capable of taking her down and ripping out her throat. Feeling intensely uncomfortable, she resolutely turned her back on the malevolent forest creatures.
“Have visitors come here before?” Aliva whispered as she trudged forward. Even though she could no longer see them, she could still feel the stares. After her recent experience, she never wanted to go inside the Gray Forest again.
Not since the creation of Andoran’s Realm, Lasrina responded.
Aliva adjusted her course slightly. She could hear clicking in the distance, so she might as well see if the giant beetles were still arguing.
“Will they come again?” Aliva asked, but there was no answer.
The beetles were still at it when she arrived. She smiled and waved a hand, and they clicked and waved their eyestalks. As they resumed their heated discussion, she glanced at their scribblings and then did a double take. Amidst the incomprehensible symbols was one she recognized: Andoran’s. And it was in several places.
Aliva walked away in a daze. It might be coincidence—there were a few symbols that resembled ones she knew—or it might be proof that Andoran had once encountered something similar. She was still thinking about it as she wandered into the camp, found her tent, and collapsed onto her cot.
Despite the bright sunshine, she almost overslept.
As Aliva hurried toward the castle, ogres were already beginning the teardown of the camp. She alternated bites of the bread and cheese a young male ogre had handed to her when she emerged from her tent still yawning. Other ogres were ahead of her, observing the proceedings. It looked like some of the visitors were giving speeches, standing at the top of the ramp next to Rosalind, who was clad in a bright blue dress.
Mardan and Zyrahi were also nicely attired, he all in black and she in a pale yellow dress. Birchbark, who was conversing with them as Audrey looked on, appeared quite animated. Off to the left of the ramp, Gabriel stood alone, his posture rigid and expression unreadable. Several yards behind him, one of the disk creatures floated motionless.
Aliva shook the crumbs from her hands before coming alongside Gabriel, noting that his clothing was even more wrinkled than hers. She was just in time to see one of the chicken warriors, as everybody called them, turn around smartly and strut inside.
“Did I miss anything good?” she whispered to him as she came alongside.
Gabriel shook his head. “They expressed gratitude for our hospitality, wished us well—that kind of thing. It was rather repetitive.”
She bit off her next question because Mardan and Zyrahi were now headed toward the ramp, each carrying a large canvas bag. That ruined her plan to have one last conversation with Zyrahi. She took Gabriel’s calloused right hand with her left as the couple walked up the ramp. His only reaction was a gentle squeeze that she returned.
When the two reached the metal entry chamber, where a hopper now awaited, they turned around and put down their bags. Smil
ing, Zyrahi executed a perfect curtsy. Standing at attention, Mardan looked directly at his son and snapped a crisp salute. Showing a trace of a smile, Gabriel returned it. Aliva held up her right hand and waved. In response, Zyrahi looked her way and nodded solemnly.
After retrieving their bags, the couple walked forward into the structure, following a hopper. The three soon disappeared from sight down a side passage.
Gabriel released her hand as his shoulders slumped. “It is done,” he whispered. “My father is gone.”
“By his own choice,” she countered, moving to stand in front of him. Audrey and Rosalind now stood to either side of the disk creature.
“I will see if the ogres need assistance,” he said stiffly, then strode away.
Aliva wondered if she should follow, because she could tell that he was in pain and deeply upset. But Birchbark beat her to it, intercepting Gabriel. She watched as the two of them continued on toward the camp.
“It wants to stay.”
Aliva hadn’t noticed Audrey approaching. “Do you mean the disk creature?” she asked.
“Yes. Do you think I should let it?”
“Is there some reason to refuse?” Aliva countered, still not really feeling awake.
Audrey hesitated. “Well, no. I just wanted your opinion.”
It was more like Audrey couldn’t make up her mind. Or maybe she wanted someone with whom to share the blame if the creature turned out to be dangerous. The disk creatures—there were at least three of them—all had a strong magic signature. But that might simply be the enchantment they used to float.
“I have no objections,” Aliva told her, glancing over at it. “People will probably assume that it’s something that Andoran created.”
Still looking uncertain, Audrey said, “Okay. Let’s go tell it. Then I’ll take you home.”
“Good, because I really need a bath.”
Audrey chuckled. “You’re not the only one. Last night was crazy. I only went home long enough to feed Benson and change clothes.”
