by Kal Spriggs
“I will have to think about it,” Aerion said, and gave her a nod. “But I don't know if horses and I would agree right now.”
“Think of the poor horse!” Katarina said. “Between you and Josef, I'm surprised you two didn't ride them into the ground.” Her laugh was infectious and Aerion found himself laughing in return. She moved a bit closer and the breeze brought him her scent, an odd combination of flowers and sweat that made him suddenly aware that he wore no tunic and his hair was in disarray.
“They did, my Lady,” Arren said from nearby. “Did you not see that the pair of them had their feet on the ground? They walked the poor beasts into camp last night.” Aerion was both grateful and unhappy at the interjection.
Katarina gave a laugh at that and Aerion blushed. “Well, we can't all be-” he caught himself before he made a comment about Arren's true nature. “We can't all be skinny old bags of bones.” He finished lamely.
“Old, am I?' Arren said. “Well, then, I shall have to talk with Gerlin, it seems the boy and I just volunteered to ride ahead. Aerion, how about you get a pair of horses ready and we'll set out?”
Aerion bit back a groan. He heard the merry sound of Katarina's laughter again, and felt her pat him on the shoulder, “Don't worry, Aerion, I'm certain once you get moving your muscles will ease.”
Aerion lost his tongue at her touch and simply gave her a smile and a nod.
As he walked away, he couldn't stop his mind from picking at the conversation. He replayed the conversation again and again in his mind, until his head spun with possible meanings and things he should have thought to say.
When he brought the horses back, Arren gave him a smile, as he helped him to saddle them. “You look like you've something on your mind.”
Aerion shrugged, “A bit. Thanks for volunteering me, by the way.”
“We need a bit of time away from everyone else,” Arren said.
Aerion shot the older man a suspicious look, but as always, the spy seemed impossible to read. Aerion wondered if Aramer's adopted persona had gained a life of its own in some fashion. “If you say so.” Aerion tightened up the last strap and then mounted. His sore muscles protested immediately.
They rode out of camp, and along the margin of the old road among the tall trees that had edged up to the ancient stones. “I told Gerlin we would ride ahead along the front. He already has a couple others riding the flanks.”
“What was it you wanted to talk about?” Aerion asked. He wanted to watch Aramer's face, but he knew he needed his attention on their surroundings. Even if he watched Aramer, he doubted he could pick up anything the spy didn't want him to know.
“A few things,” Aramer said. “No doubt your mother has cautioned you to not trust me...”
“Actually, she said you are conniving and manipulative but well intentioned,” Aerion said.
“Huh,” Aramer said. “That might be the nicest thing she ever said about me.” The spy rode in silence for a while as he pondered that. “Well, regardless, I think it best I clear up a few things.”
“Why now?” Aerion asked
“Things changed,” Aramer said. “But I suspect you've put a bit together yourself, and just so that I don't have to worry about you doing something stupid, I'd like to hear what you think I am up to.”
Aerion flushed, “You think I'll do something stupid?”
“Well... impulsive, which can amount to the same thing,” Aramer said. “Especially when your emotions get the better of you. And lets face it... you have plenty of reasons to get emotional, especially where Lady Katarina is involved.”
Aerion felt his ears burn, “Does everyone know? First my mother lectures me on not falling for a noblewoman, now you?”
“Aerion, who you are attracted to is, frankly, your own damned business,” Aramer said dryly. “And even your mother knows that. I should caution you, however, that whatever Lady Katarina's feelings, you can expect her to be less than free with how she expresses those.” Aramer sighed, “In any case, let us move to a less sensitive topic, shall we? I've seen you deep in thought and I've caught enough suspicious glances that I want to know what you think I'm up to.”
“And you'll tell me if I'm right?” Aerion asked
“That depends,” Aramer said. “Some things simply aren't safe to know, not for you, and others aren't safe for me if you know them.”
Aerion glanced over at Aramer, “Well, that's the best I can expect out of you, I suppose.” He took a deep breath, “What I think you have in mind is the restoration of the High Kingdom. I think you and the wizard have planned a lot of this out, somehow. I'm not sure how Lady Katarina exactly fits into it, or why you want her oath. For that matter, I'm not sure I entirely trust what the wizard said about those spirits that guard the Southwatch.”
“You're perceptive,” Aramer said.
“And I think there's something more about this treasure, something that you don't want anyone to know, not yet,” Aerion said. “There's something there more valuable than treasure or riches or weapons.”
He saw Aramer start and then shoot a sharp look at Aerion, “You do, do you?” The spy gave an ironic laugh, “Well, you might be right at that.” They rode in silence, and Aerion could almost hear Aramer's internal struggle as he decided what to tell him. They rode up a switchback in the road, then crested a low pass.
“Hold up, thought I saw something,” Aramer said.
Aerion waited while the other man pulled out a brass spyglass. He stared down into the valley ahead for a moment, “Down in the valley, near the bridge, there's several men gathered.”
He passed the spyglass to Aerion, who handled the valuable item gingerly. He raised it to his eye, and peered down below. It took him a moment to find the bridge and then to focus it on the men.
He saw six or seven. They seemed gathered in a circle on the near side of an ancient stone bridge where the road crossed a deep ravine. Most of them wore what looked like animal skins. “Norics?” Aerion asked.
“Looks like it,” Aramer said. He frowned, “It doesn't look like an ambush. The Norics sometimes do have trade parties. I'm half tempted to send you back to warn them...” He shook his head, “No...we should get more information.”
“Ride down slow,” Aramer said, “And be certain your weapons are ready. The Norics will attack anyone they perceive as weak. I speak some of their tribal languages, Krastongue is the most common.”
“Anything I should do or avoid?” Aerion asked as they started down the road. He quickly lost sight of the bridge as the trees blocked his view.
Aramer spat, “These are Kras-nar-Thak lands. The tribes that live in these mountains are some of the most savage men you'll ever encounter. They value strength, brutality, and power. When I speak to them, I'll suggest I'm your slave. Glare at them, look fierce, and for ancestor's sake, whatever I do, just look ready to kill.”
Aerion looked over at the other man, “What if they're gathered to trade?”
“Then look even meaner, that way they don't think to kill us and take what we have, on principle,” Aramer said. “They measure fighting prowess by loot and slaves. They kill anyone they think is weak, even their own family. And worse, the Kras-nar-Thak are demon worshipers.”
Aerion felt his stomach twist at that thought. “Well, since we've some time... why don't you tell me what you're up to?” He hoped that they would slip through this without a fight, but if they did face one, he didn't want to let anxiety wear at him until he couldn't focus.
Aramer gave a harsh laugh, “Well, it will pass the time.” He licked his lips, “You weren't wrong about my goal. You overestimate my abilities if you think I've engineered this situation with Lady Katarina and Hector. I'm doing my best to spin the situation, though, I'll admit. And you aren't wrong, there are things at Southwatch that haven't been seen since the Sundering. Weapons, magical devices, and relics that will have an impact on the greater world.” He let out a breath, “And for your information, I told Cederic what
lies there and it was that information that drew him here. We met for the first time when we caught up to Lady Katarina, but I have sent him messages and we have some of the same goals... I believe.”
“Why's this so important?” Aerion asked. He couldn't imagine any object valuable enough to draw the attention of Noth. By all accounts, he was the most powerful wizard who had ever lived, certainly the most knowledgeable. Noth had withdrawn to his island long before the Sundering and had completely cut ties with the rest of the world after Moral slew his father High King Haden.
“It's more than important, Aerion.” Aramer said. “It is absolutely vital that Eoriel be united under a new High King... and soon. For a thousand cycles we have struggled along, the Five Duchies unable to work together, sometimes even going to war with one another. Other powers have encouraged the chaos and the Norics and the Armen have thrived, as have the Vendakar in their jungle kingdom to the south. But something's changed, Aerion. That change is what has forced the issue. The balance is disrupted... and soon everyone that has a stake in this world will fight to control it, because if we are not united... well, the result will be unthinkable.”
Aerion shook his head, “What could have changed after a thousand cycles?”
“That my boy, is the question I cannot answer,” Aramer said, his voice suddenly seemed even older than Arren. He doesn't just sound old... Aerion realized, he sounds ready to give up. “I will tell you this, it is an answer that keeps me awake late at night, and one that many have died to learn.” They rode along in silence and then Aramer straightened in the saddle, “They should be around this bend. Remember what I said. Look fierce and be ready for them to attack. Don't count on them not understanding us, some of them learn our tongue from their slaves or prisoners.”
Aerion loosened his sword in its scabbard and drew his shield onto his right hand. He also prepared to dismount. Though he felt confident enough for the easy ride thus far, he doubted he would stay in the saddle for any real fight. They rode around the corner, and it took Aerion a long moment to take in the scene some fifty yards distant.
Five of the Norics stood, weapons drawn. Two more lay still on the ground. The man they faced towered over them, a huge presence that looked absurd in comparison to the shorter Norics.
The Norics themselves were short and wiry. All five were pale-skinned, often with dark brown or black hair, though one fellow had a shock of red hair. They were dirty, with layers of dirt and grime that clung to their skin and furs. A breath of wind pushed their stench to Aerion. He nearly gagged at the combination of untanned hides, unwashed stink, and rotten meat.
One of the Norics turned and called out a warning to his companions. They all looked over. Several of them spun away from the large man and moved to face Aerion and Aramer. The lead one called out in their harsh language. The string of guttural words sounded most like someone choking on their own tongue. Aerion glanced over at Aramer, who appeared almost bored in his saddle. After a moment, Aramer responded, then spoke to Aerion, “They say this is none of our business. The big man there refused to pay the toll.”
Aerion stood in the saddle and took a moment to look at the man the Norics had attacked. The stranger stood tall, well over seven feet in height. Despite the cool mountain air, he wore only a light, brightly-colored, cloth kilt and sandals. He had a large wooden club in one hand. In appearance, he looked obscenely fat, with a massive gut that overhung his rope belt and rolls of fat that hung off his arms.
“He doesn't look like he has anything to pay them, not unless he has something hidden in his skirt,” Aerion said with a snort.
One of the Norics jabbered at him, and raised his spear threateningly. Aerion glared down at him. He hoped that this would not require a fight. His stomach tensed at the thought of the odds, five of the Norics against the two of them.
Aramer responded with a snarl and a stream of what could have been a recipe for his mother's apple pie for all he knew. Aerion looked around the group and then, from the corner of his remaining eye, he saw motion in the trees. Aerion slowly turned his head, and from the periphery of his vision, noticed several more Norics creep through the trees. “There's more of them in the trees to our left.”
“We can't let them hit us here. They may have cut us off. Make for the bridge. We can limit their numbers there,” Aramer said under his breath. He moved his horse forward, and Aerion heard him start speaking in the Noric tongue again.
Aerion felt his muscles grow tense with tension as he waited for the fight to start.
He had focused so much on Aramer and the approaching Norics that he had completely forgotten about the stranger who stood motionless on the bridge. The big man gave a bellow and took several steps forward to slam his long wooden club into one of the Norics. The head of the club struck the barbarian at the base of his neck. Aerion winced at the sharp snap of bones. The man went down without a sound.
All the Norics stood frozen and Aramer shouted, “Now, to the bridge!”
Aerion rode his horse straight forward and the Noric who had threatened him with his spear did not get out of the way in time. Aerion heard him scream as the horse trampled him. Blood spattered the dirt of the road, a bright red splash that Aerion knew would soon be joined by more of the same.
Aramer clearly knew how to fight in the saddle. He rode down one of the Norics as he slashed another with his sword and then spun his horse once he had reached the bridge.
Aerion dismounted next to him and stepped up next to the stranger, “Thanks.”
The huge man gave him a broad smile and then said something in a tongue that Aerion didn't recognize. Before Aerion could say anything else, Aramer pointed back at where the Norics stood. “Here they come,” Aramer said.
Aerion watched as what seemed like a hundred Norics boiled out of the trees. They gave wailing, savage cries as they came forward, many swung short axes or spears. Aerion drew his sword and gave a bellow of his own.
The bridge limited their numbers and forced them into a tightly packed mob as they raced at them. Aramer took a moment to fire his crossbow and Aerion saw the lead attacker drop with a scream as the bolt caught him in the stomach. His fellow Norics did not so much as slow as they trampled his body.
The big man next to Aerion gave a bellow and stepped forward to meet the rush. His club swung in a broad arc that smashed two of the Norics into bloody ruin. Aerion stepped forward next to him and deflected a spear thrust with his shield even as he hacked down with his sword. The next moments passed in a blur. He felt a spear bounce off his scale mail. He saw a Noric warrior, face drawn back in a grimace as he leapt forward with a long dagger in hand. His leap ended in a sickening thump as the stranger's club caught him in an overhand swing that smashed down into the stone bridge in a wet ruin.
Aerion saw a Noric about to stab Aramer in the back and he swung his sword and caught the savage in the side instead. He blocked another attack with his shield and saw Aramer take his attacker's head off with a swing of his own blade. To the side, he saw a Noric had slipped around behind the big stranger. The Noric hopped up on the stone railing of the bridge. Aerion saw the Noric draw back an ax to strike at the back of the big man's head. Aerion went to shout a warning. Before he could say anything, the big man drew back a fist to punch at another Noric. His elbow caught the Noric behind him in the chest and sent him in a tumble off the bridge into the ravine below with a scream. His punch continued forward to smash the Noric in front of him. The Noric flew backwards into his companions and sent several of them to the ground.
The closely packed Norics had no room to move and no strategy beyond the attempt to overwhelm them with numbers. Aerion's arm ached with weariness as he blocked blow after blow and ended far too many lives with attacks of his own. Aerion lost all sense of time. He swung his sword over and over again.
Then something big loomed in his vision. Aerion heard the horses scream and the sound of their panicked bolting behind him. A talon the size of Aerion's head whipped
through a gap in the mob and slammed Aerion in the chest. The blow struck the air from his lungs and he heard talons scrape across the scales of his armor.
Aerion gave a weak shout and swung hard at the arm. His sword struck, and sparks flew up from the impact as it bounced off. The shock almost shook the blade from his grasp.
Another talon caught his sword arm and drew Aerion up. He stared at the hulking monster in shock. A scaled, dog-like face met his gaze. He saw long, dagger like teeth as jaws snapped closed inches from his face. Aerion gave a shout of mixed terror and rage. He wrenched his arm free and thrust at the snapping jaws.
The teeth slammed shut on his sword like a metal trap.
Aerion stumbled back and held up the stump of his blade in shock. The demon reached out his right arm and Aerion frantically held up his shield to deflect the attack.
He saw Aramer swing his sword down on the demon's right arm. Unlike Aerion's sword, the runic blade cut cleanly through the arm and a spray of hot black blood gushed out. The demon let out a hideous screech and leapt.
The big stranger swung his club then and caught the creature in the stomach. It stumbled back from the impact. That gave Aramer the opening to thrust at it's exposed throat. The creature clutched at its throat as black blood spewed forth. It thrashed and shook and in its death throes smashed a half dozen Norics that couldn't get away, until it finally lay still.
At the sight of their demon dead, the remaining Norics broke. Aerion watched with a stunned sense of relief as the two dozen attackers that remained threw their weapons aside and ran.
Aerion sunk down to his knees, exhausted and completely spent. He stared at the monster that lay dead in the center of the bridge. “Was that a demon?” Aerion asked.
“Yes, a smaller one, thank the ancestors,” Aramer said as he walked towards the horses. They hadn't run far, thankfully, just to the opposite end of the bridge. “And thanks for being bait,” Aramer called over his shoulder. “Between you and the big fellow, there, you kept his attention.”
