The Lone Apprentice

by I K Spencer

"Perhaps," Anthen replied absently, already engrossed in thought. He surveyed the meager materials at the disposal of the three warriors for a few minutes, then nodded. "A snare," he announced finally. "We can fashion a net and trap the creature."

  Garrick looked doubtful. "We have nothing strong enough to contain the beast."

  "Our cordage will hold and that length of Dolonarian line on Teya's mount will suffice as filler. Hold a moment and I will elaborate."

  The three riders halted and Anthen explained his idea. Each of the guardsmen carried his standard issue cordage, the finest available in all the realm. The confident younger warrior explained how they could weave the strong hawser into a sizable, square net, which they would raise like a sail using saplings as the creature bore down on them. As the beast flew into the net, the combined weight of the riders and their mounts would anchor the trap. The riders would cross lines to enclose the winged demon before it could free itself. Anthen used his hands to illustrate the maneuver.

  "There are countless things that may go wrong but I think it is worth a try," Anthen concluded, his gaze shifting between the other two to gauge their reactions.

  The stocky older guardsman shook his head in resignation but there was a smile on his face. "It is at least better than what feeble resistance we have provided thus far."

  Teya nodded. "It might work."

  Using the failing light, the trio fashioned a large, roughly square net from the guardsmen's lines. The net was sparse but they felt the openings were small enough to contain the sizable creature. They cut some lengths from the weaker Dolonarian rope and used them to shape the snare in places that would not spell disaster should the inferior cordage fail. While the two guardsmen finished securing the knots, Teya cut two tall saplings, roughly twice her height, from a nearby thicket.

  They fastened the top corners of the net to the two poles and Teya and Anthen lifted the poles to raise the trap. A lead attached to each of the two vertical sides and was tied to their saddles. A third lead, using the remaining portion of the less effective Dolonarian line, went from the top of the netting to Garrick's mount.

  They quickly decided that Anthen and Teya should man the poles and execute the crossing maneuver since they were the best riders. Garrick would also then be free to wield his battle hammer to protect the exposed pole bearers and perhaps divert the attacking beast into the trap. Once the creature flew into the snare, the poles would be dropped and the pair would cross, bearing the brunt of the load while Garrick would hold the third line taut. Teya and Anthen would continue to circle their captive to further strengthen their trap, then Garrick would move in to finish the beast; even this unearthly demon could not withstand a direct blow from the gigantic hammer.

  Satisfied with their handiwork, the trio mounted up and continued on, soon immersed in total darkness. They rode in formation—Garrick a few feet ahead and the other two split apart with the poles carried in their saddles like staffs, the net hanging limply between them in the still air. Anthen did not feel the creature's presence as they rode north through the night, using the moon and stars to navigate. He doubted they would remain unmolested before dawn, however, for the creature held an even greater advantage in darkness.

  As they silently progressed through the dark night, he pondered the creature's absence. Here they were, completely exposed on mostly open terrain in the dark, and the beast did not even seem to be stalking them so far as he could tell. Was it possible that the creature had lost them temporarily? He presumed a more ominous explanation—it had business to attend to elsewhere and could return whenever the beast or its master desired to resume the cat-and-mouse game.

  He had expected the attack to come during the predawn hours, when they were the most fatigued, but the gray dawn came without incident. The party discussed stopping but the daylight bolstered their spirits and they decided to take advantage of the creature's absence and press on.

  The sunrise was blocked by fog and clouds to the east but soon the fiery orb lifted above the clouds and burned off the fog. The tired trio breakfasted in the saddle on jerky and dried fruit. Anthen gained no refreshment from the tasteless meal nor from the warm, stale water he washed it down with. By late morning, the second wind that had come to the riders at daybreak was all but gone, burned away by the hot sun and fatigue from over twenty-four hours without sleep. Their horses were dragging as well and they unanimously voted to stop at the next cover they found.

  They had just spotted a small grove to the northeast when Anthen sat bolt upright in his saddle. "It is near," he warned.

  He and Teya readied their respective poles and Garrick held the third lead loosely in his left hand, his right gripping the oak handle of the heavy hammer. The sensation was overpowering and Anthen knew the beast approached rapidly but not the direction. Each tired rider scanned the skies all around, straining to see the barely visible form before it was too late.

  "There!" Teya shouted.

  The others followed her gaze toward the very thicket they were heading toward. Anthen scanned the blue sky above the trees but saw nothing. "Where? I see nothing!"

  "It is low, just off the ground!"

  Anthen lowered his gaze and noticed a strange distortion in front of the brush. The mixed background of the copse offered excellent cover. Had the winged demon picked the position for that purpose?

  "I see it! Garrick?"

  "Aye!" the bearded warrior growled and moved into position just a few feet in front of the other two.

  Anthen took aim and fired twice while Teya launched a single arrow. Anthen guessed that she probably fired for the same reason as he, so as not to make the intelligent creature suspicious that their resistance this time would be different from the other attacks.

  "Ready!" Anthen yelled and held the pole with both hands as the creature quickly approached.

  "Now!" He and Teya shouted simultaneously and lifted the snare in place as Garrick lunged for a swing at the shimmering form in an attempt to drive it toward the trap.

  The creature darted easily around the weapon and headed for the lifted net. At the last second though, it seemed to sense the trap and tried to soar above it. Anthen kicked Rorc forward to cut off the escape and dropped his pole as he felt the net being pulled back. As the line went taut Rorc reared from the immense force and for an agonizing moment Anthen thought they were going to be pulled over backwards. The big bay somehow held its ground though, then surged forward again.

  The young guardsman felt more than saw Teya cross in front of him. He continued the circle, hopeful until he looked up at the now shrieking shape in the net. The writhing beast was too high in the snare and not caught securely in the tightening center! He watched helplessly as Garrick frantically tried to reel in the top lead while moving back toward the net, attempting to pull the top of the net down over the creature. For a few seconds the burly guardsman seemed to be doing just that, then Anthen heard a sickening snap as the lead failed.

  Without Garrick's strength, the powerful beast quickly freed itself from the snare and wheeled toward Teya. Anthen dropped his line and took up his sword as he raced to aid the woman. He watched in horror as the creature ripped Teya from the black mare like a rag doll and broke the horse's neck with frightening quickness. She thrust her sword at the creature and it wrenched the weapon from her grasp with frightening ease. She appeared to be floating on air, rising in front of him.

  He realized that the beast meant to carry her away and instinctively dove and caught her by the legs. The added weight brought them down some but, with a terrible shriek, the beast slowly started to rise again, lifting both Teya and Anthen. Just then Garrick rode forward, swinging the big hammer at the blurred form overhead. Teya screamed in fury and looking up, Anthen could see her slashing at the demon with her dagger. Garrick roared as he lifted the heavy weapon again.

  As if sensing the advantage had been lost, the creature dropped Teya and rose above the reach of Garrick's swinging hammer. It hovered for a moment
and opened its terrible eyes and jaws, seeming to consider them with some curiosity, then darted away, leaving as quickly as it had come.

  After waiting to see that the creature did not turn for another attack, Anthen looked around to see if the others were all right. Teya lay on the ground holding her left shoulder and he knelt beside her to see how badly she was hurt.

  "Are you wounded?"

  Teya sat up, obviously in pain, but shook her head. "Nothing serious I think."

  Anthen gently slid the tunic off her shoulder as Garrick knelt beside him. Teya's shoulder showed several purple bruises left from where the creature had clutched her and a single deep cut on the front of her shoulder, oozing blood.

  "What is this?" Anthen asked, eyeing the small cut suspiciously.

  The cut was very clean, as though a dagger point had been carefully used to make the wound.

  "I felt a sting just before it released me. I think it happened then."

  Anthen instantly leaned forward and began to suck hard on the wound. He spat the blood and repeated the maneuver several times as Garrick ran to get some water.

  "I do not think there is poison," Teya commented calmly but did not stop Anthen; it was better to be safe.

  Anthen rinsed his mouth with water and nodded. "I did not detect anything."

  "What then?" the older guardsman asked as Anthen cleaned and bandaged the wound.

  "Oh I think it was merely a signal," the battered woman offered, "Telling me that it could have easily killed me if that were its purpose."

  "Or its master's," Anthen added.

  "Aye. The devil certainly did mean to carry you away though," Garrick said angrily and drew no disagreement from the other two.

  Anthen and Garrick called their mounts and stripped the dead horse, loading Teya's gear onto Lance. The trio collected their scattered weapons as well as the net and poles; it might work the next time, although the odds were lowered considerably with one less mount.

  Teya went and knelt before the horse that had carried her from Greyrock through the Dolonarian wilderness. The black mare had served her well and Anthen was not surprised to see her shed a few silent tears for the animal. The people of Arnedon were known for their horsemanship, forming strong bonds with the animals. Even so, it felt strange to see Teya cry; the sadness such a contrast to the fierce expression on her face just moments ago as they had battled the monster.

  He extended his hand and helped the warrior-woman into the saddle behind him. Rorc turned his head to inspect the added weight and nickered softly to welcome her.

  "Farewell my sister," she called softly as they rode away.

  Chapter 35

  The trio rode the short distance to the wooded grove in silence, too tired even to talk. Anthen felt better once they entered the dark forest, comforted by the relative safety of the trees above. He knew that their winged foe was no longer nearby but welcomed the added protection nonetheless.

  To their surprise, the wooded area proved larger than the small grove they expected. Instead it turned out to be a narrow band of woods at least a few miles in length. They continued for a mile or more until they reached a creek, then found a suitable campsite—a small clearing next to a narrow section of the waterway offering thick brush on all sides for protection. The three warriors and their remaining mounts went immediately to the creek to drink their fill. Teya and the two men doused their entire heads in the water, which felt wonderful after the long ride and the hot sun.

  "I don't know about you two, but I'm for a good sleep followed by a hot breakfast." Water was streaming down Garrick's broad, sunburnt face and dripping from his gray beard.

  Anthen frowned. "Sounds perfect but I did not happen to spy an inn nearby."

  "True enough," the older guardsman replied cheerfully, "but I did catch sight of some small game and I bet there are a few fish about. I say we build a fire, try our luck, and roast the food in a pit while we sleep eh? I'll even do the cooking."

  Anthen looked to Teya for her reaction.

  "We could use a good meal as well as rest," she said with a nod. "I saw some ripe berries a little way back."

  Anthen was exhausted but after days of stale, tasteless meals, the desire for fresh food was stronger. "Agreed. We can travel faster on full stomachs."

  The trio split up. Anthen crossed the stream and hunted to the north while Teya searched for game and berries back to the south. Garrick started a fire, then spent the next hour in utter peace, fishing the pools along the creek. He caught a half-dozen small fish of a type he had never seen before. They weren't trout but they would have to do. Anthen returned with two quail, a rabbit and an armload of tubers. Teya returned a short time later with the berries, another quail, and some wild carrots and other plants she said would add flavor.

  "What a feast!" Garrick said as he eagerly accepted their bounty. "You two get some sleep and leave the rest to me."

  "Oh I think a bath would suit me first or Anthen might not let me share his mount," Teya said with a wink and disappeared with her pack.

  "I suppose I should do the same," Anthen admitted as he looked at his filthy clothes and grimy hands.

  Garrick watched Anthen strip and enter the shallow stream as he quickly gutted and skinned the rabbit. He noticed for the first time the younger man's shoulder wound as well as the ugly scar along his wrist. No doubt there were worse scars on the inside from what the apprentice had endured while under Cidrl’s spell.

  "I see you have earned your first medallions as a guardsman," he commented as he plucked feathers from the quail.

  Anthen stopped soaping his chest to offer the older guardsman a questioning look.

  "Your wounds. They are each a badge of honor in our profession. That wrist looks particularly nasty."

  "Aye," Anthen agreed as he resumed scrubbing. "I needed to stop the bleeding quickly and did not have enough heat to cauterize it cleanly."

  Garrick winced at the thought. He finished with the birds and started with the vegetables, rinsing and peeling the tubers and carrots. Anthen had washed his filthy clothes and was hanging them on branches to dry.

  "Teya seems a fine young woman," Garrick commented.

  "Aye. We are lucky to have such an ally as her. You should have seen her as we fought our way from the palace. I have never seen anyone who can match her with a longbow or on horseback."

  "All that and a pretty face as well. Quite a woman," the older man replied as he chopped the vegetables into bite-size pieces.

  Anthen gathered up the stalks, peelings, and pilfered a handful of wild carrots and piled all between the two horses, which happily interrupted their search for food to attack the gift.

  "That she is," the younger guardsman agreed as he climbed into his bedroll still wet from the creek, wearing just a loin cloth in the oppressive heat. "Her skills are such that often I forget that she is a woman and then other times ... well, it is very apparent." With that, the worn out guardsman rolled over and within moments, was fast asleep.

  Garrick smiled, glad to see Anthen was not completely destroyed after being betrayed by Cidrl's beautiful confidante in Gates. He knew those wounds were far from healed but the young man at least noticed the presence of his pretty comrade.

  As he finished stuffing the rabbit and birds with the vegetables and spices, Teya pushed through bushes, carrying her wet clothes. She wore a plain, sleeveless frock, no doubt for comfort in the stifling heat.

  Garrick eyed her as she arranged her freshly washed clothes on branches. In his eyes she was too lean but still possessed pleasing, though, subtle curves. Her strong arms and calves were not unattractive and her gray-blue eyes sparkled when she flashed him a warm smile.

  Garrick rose quickly to his feet and bowed. "You are a vision my dear. I hope it is not improper to say such things to a fellow warrior in your country."

  "As long as the fellow warrior is a woman," she teased, chuckling, "though I wonder if your eyesight is failing." Her eyes fell upon the dressed rabb
it and quail. "That looks delicious! I never looked forward to waking up so."

  "Aye," the bearded guardsman agreed as he dug a trench using his dagger. "How is the shoulder?"

  "Already forgotten thanks to Anthen's treatment. I owe both of you my gratitude. That awful creature would surely have carried me off had not the two of you intervened."

  "'Tis nothing. Comrades help one another. We are just thankful that you have joined us. It must have been a difficult decision to trust Anthen."

  "Yes, at the time I struggled mightily, but there was something in him, a glimpse of the tremendous weight he bears perhaps, that made me believe him. Have you known him long?"

  "No. I first met Anthen when I brought him to King Jamen in the early spring to inform him of our suspicion of Cidrl." Garrick watched Anthen toss in his sleep. "He has certainly matured since that day."

  Teya nodded, a sad look on her face. "I can well imagine. Such experiences as he has endured quickly remove any vestiges of youthful innocence and idealism that remain."

  "Aye and you don't know all I am sure. I am surprised he is not bitter after all he has been through." Garrick had finished digging the pit and pushed most of the coals into it.

  "Well he is obviously special, in many ways," the woman replied. "If anyone may triumph in all this, he is the one to do it."

  Garrick nodded solemnly. "I have often thought that the gods have made it so. Here we have the greatest threat to peace in eons and along comes this phenomenal young man, a guardsman with unmatched skills and special abilities. It is as if the gods were setting up a contest for their own entertainment."

  Teya offered the stocky guardsman a kind look. "Do not forget your own role in this. If not for your efforts, we would not be even aware of the threat represented by this evil madman."

  "Oh, I take pride in my part as you should in yours. You provided key information and I doubt Anthen could have escaped Greyrock without you. But we both know that he has the crucial role." Garrick's gaze returned to the slumbering guardsman and Teya saw a great sadness enter his broad face. "And I feel his part in this struggle is far from over."