“But we now know for sure that the travelling healers, the Gray Pilgrims, are also spies. Most have been neutralized. So what could Abel really do?”
“The same can be said for Kerik. I think we should leave things as they are.”
“Very well. Let it be so. But what do we know about the Diné and the Sonora Clan?”
“We know that the Sonoran heavy cavalry is well-trained and preparing for battle. The Diné scouts are still helping the Haven troops, and it is harder and harder to get anything through our supply route along the Kolaroo River. They have hundreds more scouts that they could send north at any time. Kerik’s message might stir them up.”
“The longer we wait, the more chance we give the enemy to mass their forces,” said Logan. “Doesn’t our dear leader realize that delay might be costly? His meddling has done nothing but slow us down, but he will be sure to blame us if anything goes wrong.”
“Perhaps we should try to make sure the blame falls on General Roundy. We should plant the idea in the Prophet’s head that Roundy is indecisive, and that he caused the delay.”
“Not bad, Balek. Not bad. We should do exactly that.”
†
The meeting with General Logan had done little to ease Balek’s mind. He had taken a risk in speaking out, but he did not think Logan would betray him. He was not surprised at his cautious response. It reminded him of those paltry few which had managed to block the entrance to the ancient tunnel. The Prophet’s army could have eventually overwhelmed the defenders, of course, despite their wicked field artillery. But General Logan, overcautious as always, had broken off the attack and decided to take the longer route north. The man was incapable of bold and decisive action.
This move north did have a couple of advantages, Balek had to admit. It would allow the two armies to join forces and use the northern supply line, which had been free of attack. Despite the forces they had left behind, it was clear that the route up the Kolaroo River would have to be abandoned for the present. None of these things were a decisive setback, but they were annoying, and they could put him in a poor light.
Balek was pleased to see a report that people in the House of Healing were unsettled, due no doubt to the Prophet’s decree. Kerik, the chief surgeon, was also commander of the fortified citadel, as well as being the leader of the Christian order of the Grey Pilgrims. Balek’s eyes and ears reported that Kerik was extremely upset. The remaining Grey Pilgrims, who travelled extensively and provided basic healthcare, were keeping Kerik well informed. They acted as intelligence gatherers, and they were sophisticated. Balek knew better than to underestimate them, even though most in the Prophet’s realm had recently been rounded up. But he could also play that game. Perhaps he should send off some messages of his own.
Chapter 11
†
Danny Yazzi and the Diné People
For the devious are detestable to the LORD, but He is a friend to the upright. Proverbs 3:32 HCSB
The landscape of the Diné area was picturesque and varied. From rugged peaks, majestic lakes, and high mesas in the north, to rocky canyons and deserts in the south, passing through grassy plains in the east, Dinétah was inhabited by a tribal people with numerous clans. One of the most prominent was known as the Yazzi Clan. They were a fierce, proud race of warriors recognized by their tawny skin, round faces, and jet black hair and eyes. They were famous for their skills in horsemanship, scouting, tracking, and archery. It was common for them to also carry a short sword or battle axe for protection from invaders who sought to move into their land. There was always an abundance of wildlife here which provided a constant source of food for the community. Strangely enough, though the streams were full of trout, they had a strict taboo against eating fish.
Danny Yazzi was a war leader of those Diné people. His folk normally led quiet, peaceful lives as devout Christians following the “Jesus Way”. But it was their duty to resist with force anyone who tried to attack them. At age thirty-five, Danny was at the peak of his fitness. Although an excellent horseman, he was able to travel fast on foot with amazing endurance. He cut an imposing figure, even though of average height. His broad shoulders and narrow hips gave his body a definite wedge shape accentuated by his longer than usual arms. His hair was long and braided, though often tied up in a bun at the back of his head. In addition to the ancient language of his people, which still survived, he spoke the common tongue fluently.
The conflict in the North had settled down to a long campaign of harassing the enemy supply trains. Danny had decided that it was time to leave his nephew, Wilson, in charge. He had proven himself in battle and was the natural choice to lead the warriors. Danny had important business in the south, and it was time to visit his home in Dinétah. He knew that another battle lay ahead, and he wanted to carry with him a fresh memory of his family.
His wife, Aiyana, was a black-eyed beauty, whose long, wavy hair flowed down past her waist, almost to her hips. Despite bearing two lovely boy children, named Dakota and Micco, her figure retained its youthfulness and flexibility. Dancing was one of her passions. She danced proudly at many a festival, amid good food, music, and games. She was also a talented cook, famous for creating the area’s best mutton stew and fry bread, the national Diné dish. Her corn bread was also notable, in a land that used corn as a staple.
Most of Danny’s followers were young, single warriors who displayed respect and loyalty to their leader. The other clans had agreed that Danny would lead a united force. This time, instead of scores, they would number several hundred. They now were training daily and, because they only wore light armor, were able to run many miles a day without becoming tired. Their stamina was also due to their diet of sour milk protein drinks which helped in muscle recovery after a long training session. Health and fitness was a strong value of the Dine people, even the women and children, who were amazingly agile and energetic.
Danny Yazzi sat atop a bluff overlooking the juniper-covered ridges and valleys below him. The northern horizon rose purple with winter snows still visible on jagged peaks. His seat was a red sandstone ledge which formed a cap-rock and gave the bluff a flat-topped look. Several other mesas could be seen, scattered to the west. The Diné were not town people, but the chapter house at the base of the slope was the focus of community life. A thin scattering of octagon-shaped hooghans could be seen nearby. He often came here after a training session to climb to the summit, sit, and meditate on life and its meaning. He often prayed to his Jesus, as the stillness of his surroundings brought him into the presence of the One he worshipped. Today, though the sun was shining brightly, a crisp wind brought cool air. He breathed in deeply, inhaling the pleasant breeze, feeling totally alive and alert.
“Thank you, Jesus, for another day, for my perfect wife, my good life, which you have chosen to bless. I surrender myself to you, Jesus, and pray for our allies who are being persecuted by the evil one. I pray for their safety and for the one prophesied by Carl the Elder. May he come soon and pass into Stonegate as the key to end all trouble, and may peace reign again in our world. Lead me, Lord, in what you wish me to do to fight the evil around us. Show me the way, I humbly ask. Amen.”
Danny was troubled by what his faithful scouts had told him. He was not alone. The Prophet’s decree was being discussed in the chapter houses and before hearths, and talk of warfare was on the lips of most men. Suddenly, in the far distance, Danny could make out a group of men riding quickly from the north, a reddish-brown plume of dust rising behind them. Their cloaks nearly blended with the clumps of gray sage. From the clothes they wore and their pack mules, Danny recognized them as the Grey Pilgrims. His keen eyes discerned a familiar form. Eli, of the House of Healing, was in the lead. Jumping to his feet, Danny sprinted down the slope. He heard a whistle. Something was amiss.
“Greetings,” said Eli, as soon as he saw Danny approaching the chapter house. An
elderly couple kept a small tienda nearby, so all of them ventured there for refreshments and to relay the latest news. “We have brought you some herbs, medicines, and bandages to add to your supplies. We believe you may be needing them soon.”
Danny nodded in agreement. “Yes, my scouts and trackers give me news. We know that the enemy has eyes on Steamboat and the East. We got word from Donald. He needs our help. We ride very soon.”
“Good, good, that is what I was hoping to hear,” said Eli, as he and the other pilgrims took a seat, each with a bowl of ale.
“The Sonora Clan will also fight,” said Danny. “They understand the danger, and Señor Reuben Ramos is getting ready.”
“That is the news I will bring back to Kerik,” said Eli. “Jesse also rode with me, but our paths divided. He is taking a direct route to deliver the news to Señor Ramos.”
“Very well, but I recently learned another thing. My scouts get reports from a spy in Junction. He heard news about a place called Owl Hollow. There is only one way that the enemy could have heard that name. I think there is a spy very close to Samuel. Few people know this place.”
Eli’s eyes widened. He spoke, “Owl Hollow! No one knows about Owl Hollow except for a few people in the House of Healing and Donald, Samuel, and Philip. Perhaps there are a few others. The six girls, they know, but—not spies, surely!”
Danny did not reply. Eli thought for a moment. “This is bad news. If that is the case, we must alert Donald and Samuel at once. Somehow we must get help to the Owl Hollow family.”
“I understand,” said Danny. “Yes, the retreat contains much of value. But Donald is on the way to Hightower.”
“In that case, I must get the message to him. The fastest way would be to return to Haven and send the news by heliograph.”
“Fastest, yes. But dangerous. The safest way would be to carry the message directly, south of the mountains, then going north on the eastern plain.”
“Very well, I will take it upon myself to ride there and warn him. And I must leave immediately.”
“Would you need supplies? We have some bags of dried fruits, nuts and smoked meats that would feed you on your way.”
“That is most kind of you,” said Eli. “Food is now scarce in most areas. You are fortunate to have such an abundance here.”
“And tell Donald that we are nearly ready. We ride to Stonegate, not far behind you. Reuben Ramos is also raising his forces. Tell him that. We are nearly ready. Do you know the trail to the east and where to turn north?”
After some discussion, Danny agreed to send a young scout with them to show them the way. They went to the storeroom at the rear of the council house and selected bundles of supplies. Eli and his companions packed the mules and refilled their water jugs.
But before they departed, Danny took them to his home, which was not far. It was a collection of four hooghans, surrounded by branch-covered arbors and corrals. The doors all faced toward the rising sun. Aiyana met them when they neared the largest building.
“We have guests, wife,” said Danny.
“I see them, husband,” she answered with a smile. “Do come in. You are welcome here.”
Danny made introductions. Eli and the two young men doffed their hats, and Aiyana repeated her invitation. They finally agreed to sit in the shade of an arbor and drank cool water while Aiyanna quickly prepared them a meal. A teenage girl brought them a towel and a filled basin, and they washed the dust off their faces and hands. She had a lamb roasting, and soon juicy slices of tender meat were wrapped in corn tortillas. Herbs and spices combined with a brown sauce to give a delectable flavor. They all ate until they were full and then washed the grease from their fingers.
Aiyanna passed among the guests and spilled corn pollen on their heads, speaking sweet-sounding words in her own tongue. Seeing their curious looks, Danny said, “It is a blessing. She is asking Jesus to give you safe travels, horses that run fast and never stumble, and paths filled with beauty.”
With that sweet ceremony, they departed.
Danny watched Eli and his companions disappear into the distance. I must visit Reuben Ramos, at once.
†
It took a moment for Don to grasp the full implications of Samuel’s statement. He had never before been concerned about the messenger pigeons. For the lack of a pigeon, we might have lost the ammunition. “We have to warn Owl Hollow immediately,” Don said. “They have to leave.”
“Don, I say we send Philip,” said Samuel. “I hate to risk him, but he is a resourceful lad, and one man, travelling fast and light, would have a good chance of getting through. The trail over the pass west of Estes Park is little used, and it is the most direct route to Owl Hollow.”
“But he would have to pass very near General Logan’s entire army,” protested Don. “The way leads through Lady Lilith’s lands, and she is no friend of ours. Why not send a full mount of troopers, at least?”
“Because Philip could travel faster and draw less attention.”
Don thought for a moment. What a terrible choice. “I suppose that Philip is our best chance,” he said, finally. “He does have a mare that can run with the best. But only if he volunteers. Otherwise it will have to be Eric.”
“Eric knows the way, but he is a big man. He is not the one to send when we need speed. But I will not force Philip.” Samuel hesitated. “We need to talk to him, but there is one more thing. Steamboat troubles me.”
“Steamboat? What do you mean?”
“They are going to be attacked, and we have done little to help. My head tells me that this is foolish, but my heart says we must at least make a gesture,” said Samuel. “And we must move quickly, if at all. I say that after Philip has delivered his message to Stanley at Owl Hollow, we send him on to Steamboat. He can deliver another message, this time for your acquaintance, Wesley Fletcher.”
“I am concerned about Steamboat, too. But there is nothing we can do to help them.” Don was puzzled and did not like the idea of putting Philip at even greater risk.
“We can at least warn Fletcher. They need to know that they can expect no help from us. Fletcher has much influence, doesn’t he?”
Don nodded, stroking his chin. “He certainly does. But surely he already knows the danger—all too well.”
“Perhaps. But I think we should encourage him to evacuate—fall back to Stonegate.”
“How realistic is evacuation? They might have to get through Logan’s entire army to get there.”
“The worst of it is,” said Samuel with a sigh, “we don’t exactly know where Logan’s army is. I suspect they plan to go north until they can go around the Western Wall. That way they won’t have to take their big guns over the mountains.”
“If that’s true, then perhaps the way east might be clear. But how about this? Philip could take Crispin with him to Steamboat. Crispin knows the way and has met Fletcher. Wouldn’t that be better?”
“That is a thought…he is Stanley’s nephew. But I think Stanley would let Crispin go if we asked.”
Samuel stopped and thought for a moment. “On the other hand, Steamboat is walled and has town guns. Perhaps the enemy will think twice before attacking. Maybe that is the reason for the delay. They could simply bypass the town.”
“Perhaps. But I doubt that the defenses will prevent them. Balek Brown and the generals have no choice. They are under orders from the False Prophet. They know that his wrath is terrible. They will attack, no matter the defenses.”
†
After the meeting between Don and Samuel, Philip was briefed about his mission. He was eager to volunteer and glad that he might have Crispin along for support and company. Samuel drew a quick sketch map and gave him precise directions: “Remember, we told you how to find Owl Hollow. Do you have it clear in your mind?”
“I think so,” returned Philip. “Travel northwest on the trail next to Deep Creek, which flows into the Kolaroo, then to Heart Lake.”
“Correct. Travel northwest from here to the village of Estes Park. There is a good trail over the mountains to Grand Lake, the headwaters of the Kolaroo. There is a watchtower on the crest of the pass. They can point you in the right direction. Then follow the river down to Deep Creek. You know the way from there.”
Don gave Philip a letter for Stanley, updating him about the danger of the spy and telling him to get the ammunition to a place of safety. He added the second message for Wesley Fletcher of Steamboat. Then they both checked Philip’s gear, making sure that everything was in good repair. It was almost dusk when Philip finished saddling his horse, Victory, and rode off into the night, heading for Estes Park and the mountain pass.
Chapter 12
†
The Sonora Clan
For the upright will inhabit the land, and those of integrity will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous uprooted from it. Proverbs 2: 21-22 HCSB
Directly south-east from the Diné area, the Sonora Clan lived under the leadership of an esteemed military leader, Señor Reuben Ramos. The Sonoran heavy lancers were indeed heavily armed, almost as well as the False Prophet’s cavalry, but perhaps not as well trained as the Stonegate horse troops. Altogether, the Sonoran cavalry numbered about one thousand. Not enough to defeat an army of sixty thousand, of course, but they were all that could be deployed in time to face the enemy. They had agreed to ride north with the Diné forces.
The False Prophet (Stonegate Book 2) Page 11
