Daniel walked away from the village with a heavier pack and a lighter heart. Several women had seen Sarah and him off, but most were busy building a funeral pyre for the dead men. The village was determined to start afresh as soon as possible. Everyone took time to stop and wave them off though, smiles accompanying the waves.
They walked in silence for some time. Daniel wanted to ask Sarah how she was, to offer his support and condolences, but couldn’t think of how to broach the subject. He thought of talking about other things, such as the village they had just left, but felt that would just highlight that he wasn’t talking about Jon. So they walked on in silence.
“Daniel,” Sarah said softly, some time later. “I’m all right. Not good. Far, far from good. But all right.”
Daniel was caught out. He hadn’t expected Sarah to be the one to break the silence.
“Are you sure?” he asked, cringing inside at asking such a stupid question.
“Yes. Lisle helped. We talked a lot. I told her about Jon, about how we met, about Mary and about how Jon died. I cried a lot. Then she told me some of her story, hers and the other people from the village. She told me some of the things those men had done. It made me realise that no matter how much losing Jon hurts there are worse things that could happen. Not only that, but that there are people who have survived those things. Survived them and grown stronger. If they can do it then so can I.”
“That is good. I wish I could do more, say more, to help.”
She smiled fondly at him, though her eyes still showed a deep sadness.
“Oh Daniel, what am I going to do with you? You can’t fix everything you know. You do a damn good job at trying, I’ll give you that. Some things are much harder to fix, or take a lot of time. This is one of them.”
She lapsed into silence for a while. Daniel held his peace, not able to think of anything useful to say. After a few minutes Sarah spoke again.
“How far do you think we are from Echtberg? How long will it take to get there?”
“I am not really sure. It really depends on whether…” Daniel trailed off.
“On whether I mind you carrying me or insist on walking?”
“Yes. Sorry, but we can move much faster if I carry you. I know it is not particularly dignified though.”
“All I care about is reaching Mary as soon as we can. If you don’t mind playing at pack horse then I can certainly put up with being the rider.” Her face darkened. “But… not today. I need to walk for a while. Walking helps somehow. It stops the tightness in my chest from choking me.”
Daniel reached out a hand, meaning to place it on her shoulder.
“No!” Sarah snapped out. Then she continued in a softer but strained voice. “No. Sorry, but no. I need to be strong. When Mary is safe by my side and we are clear of danger I will grieve properly. Until then I need to keep going. Lisle helped me to see that. Lisle and the other women from…”
She stopped walking, looking surprised.
“You know, I never asked the name of the village,” she said.
“Nor did I,” Daniel replied, also surprised. “They never mentioned it and I did not think to ask. I could run back to ask them if you want.”
“Don’t be stupid. Even with your speed that would be…” Annoyance at the suggestion was replaced by a slight smile. “Very funny. And I fell for it.” She started to walk again. “I guess it will just be Lisle’s village then, unless we go back one day. Or we ask its name at the first village on Lisle’s map.”
“I would rather avoid entering any of the villages. From Lisle’s description we should be able to skirt around the outside of them all. One or two people may notice us but that is much better than the whole village seeing and remembering us, asking us questions and studying us. If the Bronze Order are following, and I am sure they are, then we need to avoid leaving a clear trail.”
“I hadn’t thought of that. You’re right though. That is a good idea. Do you think the Bronze Order will visit Lisle’s village though? If they do then they might cause the villagers a lot of trouble.”
“I think it unlikely. We travelled a long way very fast before finding the village. The Bronze Order only have a vague idea of the direction we took. Judging by the number of villages on Lisle’s map there must be forty or more we could have stumbled across. Travelling to each would take time, far more time than I think they will spend.”
“But you said they would be following us?”
“Yes and no. I think they will head directly for Echtberg. That ambush was no coincidence. They knew both where we would be and which two of us had magical powers to command. Lisle said Echtberg is a major base for them so I think they will head there, then start to search for us as well as stepping up security at the town.
We do not know the exact path they will take though. If they happen to travel through a village that has seen us then it will give them valuable information on our route, and on how far ahead we are. I want to keep them guessing.”
“When we reach the town how do we get in? Do we just walk in?”
“I am not sure yet. We need to get close and observe their defences and their routines. We may be able to simply walk straight in as part of a crowd.”
“And if not?”
Daniel smiled. “I have some talents that most who try to enter will not have. How many could scale a near vertical cliff face at speed?”
“From what I have seen at least some of the vampires, and if Echtberg is a base for the Bronze Order I am sure they take great efforts to keep vampires out.”
Daniel’s smile faded, and the glow of confidence with it. He should have considered that.
“That… is a good point. I confess it was not something I had considered. Still, I have other skills the vampires do not. The simple ability to enter during daylight hours with the sun shining down is the most obvious. The guards may be less vigilant in the middle of the day.”
“Maybe…” Sarah answered, clearly unconvinced.
Daniel didn’t blame her. He wasn’t convinced himself. As they walked on in silence Daniel considered and discarded many other ideas. There must be a way to safely enter the town, but what was it?
Chapter Seventeen
Nathan cursed as his horse stumbled on a rough patch of ground, nearly pitching him out of the saddle. He managed to grab hold with his bound hands in time to catch himself, and then hang on until the horse steadied.
It was still morning yet he was already exhausted. After the Major had ordered Nathan and the others taken captive there had been a short period where they were left, though of course guarded. Nathan had expected to be shoved together with Josef’s group but that hadn’t happened.
Then they had been pulled up, helped onto their horses and warned that they would be killed painfully if they tried to escape. With his hands bound and legs tied to the saddle there was no chance of getting clear anyway. Just staying on the horse was taking all his strength.
Cal had already fallen once, his useless left arm leaving him unable to hang on. He didn’t reach the floor — being tied to the saddle prevented that — but he was left hanging in agony until their captors dragged him back atop the horse. Once done they had lashed his hands to the saddle, an even more uncomfortable way to ride than Nathan was experiencing but at least guaranteeing Cal wouldn’t fall again. Nathan was sure they did it for their own convenience rather than Cal’s safety.
Nathan’s mind was still in turmoil. A powerful anger burnt deep in his soul. How dare the Major do this! How dare he accuse Nathan of being week, of not opposing the darkness. Nathan had done nothing but what was right, had opposed Josef’s tainted orders. What was so special about this Bronze Order that they could look down on Nathan and the others? Nothing that Nathan could see. They used similar equipment, they had a similar structure. In fact they were beneath his own order in many ways. His order would never take prisoners in this way.
His anger towards Josef was burning stronger than ever too. If Josef h
adn’t opposed Nathan’s plans then they wouldn’t be in this situation. If Josef hadn’t fallen to darkness the Major might have treated Nathan with more respect.
Mixed in with the angry thoughts were ideas on how to escape. Despite being bound and tied into the saddle Nathan had considered spurring his horse, trying to escape their captors. It was pointless though. Even if he could somehow break past the many Bronze Order guards and then out pace them he would be lost in unknown lands without food, water, blankets, spare clothes or any other supplies. Their captors had been careful to remove all such useful items from their captives' horses.
With immediate escape an impossibility, Nathan’s thoughts turned to the future. When they reached Echtberg was there any chance he would be freed? It seemed unlikely. The Order had no knowledge of their Bronze Order cousins, which suggested strongly he wouldn’t be allowed to leave and make them aware. That meant he and the others would need to break free. Nathan thought the best time would be either shortly before reaching the town or just after entering. He’d overheard their captors discussing the town enough to know it was a large, sprawling place. Large enough for a small group to lose themselves in. He hoped.
Thinking about escaping led Nathan to an unpleasant conclusion. They would stand a much better chance if Josef and his men joined them. The thought stuck in Nathan’s throat, but it was unavoidable. With Daniel gone maybe Josef would see the light once more. Even if not, Nathan could leave Josef once they were free, or even kill him if necessary. Until then there was no doubt that greater numbers would give them a better chance. But how could they plan the escape, and stage it, if he and Josef continued to be kept apart?
When they stopped for lunch Nathan almost fell from the saddle. Two Bronze Order guards caught him and half lowered, half dropped him to the ground. Nathan fell to his knees then dropped onto his back, stretching and pulling his legs to work the cramps out.
They lowered Cal more gently but he still collapsed to the ground, and lay there groaning for some time. Nathan worried for Cal till he caught the man’s eyes and saw the blazing hatred there. Cal wasn’t beaten. More than that, he burned with anger at their captors. That was good.
Nathan’s group were fed and given water. He caught a brief glimpse of Josef but swirling bodies blocked his view again. Much as he tried he didn’t spot Josef again. The more he tried the more frustrated he got. How could he coordinate an escape attempt if he couldn’t talk to Josef?
All too soon the break was over and they were mounted again. Nathan’s body hurt even more — the cramp in his legs still remained and his muscles were tired from the mornings ride. He knew it would only get worse.
By late afternoon every movement of the horse sent waves of agony through Nathan. Still they rode on, not stopping until late evening. Nathan almost cried in pain as two guards pulled him off the horse. He couldn’t move his legs at all and they dumped him heavily onto the ground. The rest of Nathan’s group were given the same treatment.
Dinner was a thick stew and nearly stale bread. Enough to stave off hunger but not enough to feel full. As far as Nathan could tell their captors ate the same, though the portions were larger.
Then blankets were passed out to Nathan and the others. They settled down near a fire, with lanterns surrounding them and far too many guards to consider running. Not that Nathan could have run anyway, or done more than hobble. The rest of his men were in a similar state, except for Cal who couldn’t move his legs at all.
Despite Cal’s burning anger Nathan worried about him, worried whether the injured man would be able to survive the next days travel. Nathan decided to tackle their captors about it tomorrow. Cal would need some form of help, maybe to be carried on a litter between two horses.
Despite the turmoil in his head, the anger and the constant planning of escapes, Nathan felt sleep wash over him almost immediately. The immense physical strain of the day had left his body exhausted. He was soon lost in deep sleep.
Nathan jerked awake as a piercing scream rang out from somewhere nearby. Heart pounding he stared around, trying to see beyond the area lit by the fire and lanterns. Many of the guards were looking around too, as were the other prisoners. The scream came again, long and piercing. A sound of agony and fear. This time it cut off suddenly instead of fading away.
“What the hell was that?” Nathan demanded, shouting at one of the guards.
In answer several of the guards drew their swords and rushed to the prisoners. One placed his sword point against Nathan’s chest, forcing him back until he was laying down again. Nathan could just see another prisoner being given the same treatment out the corner of his eye. When he tried to turn his head the pressure was increased.
“Keep still,” the guard growled. “I don’t know what that was but I don’t like the fact it happened when you’re with us. If we think any of you are planning to escape, or are involved with whatever’s out there, we’ll kill you all.”
Time crawled past. Initially Nathan worried that the guards might kill them all anyway, especially if there were any more screams. As time passed the guards relaxed a little, though the sword maintained its pressure on Nathan’s chest. Finally someone approached and traded a few words with the guards. The sword was pulled away.
“You can sit up but no more,” growled the guard. “Stay put. Don’t move. You aren’t off the hook yet.”
Nathan nodded then slowly pulled himself into a sitting position, careful not to give the guards any reason to react. He glanced around the others and his blood ran cold.
“Where’s Cal?” he asked, looking around desperately.
“I told you to keep quiet,” the guard shouted, drawing his sword again.
“But where is Cal? He was right here. What happened to him.”
“He ran.” The Major’s voice snapped out. He stalked into the firelight. “Somehow he worked his way free and he ran. Two of my men saw him but they couldn’t stop him. He was past them and into the darkness before they could react.”
“How could he run? He couldn’t even stand earlier.”
“That’s what he made us think. Clearly he was a talented actor. My men said he was running just fine.”
“And they didn’t chase him?” Nathan demanded.
“Of course not,” replied the Major scornfully. “They aren’t idiots, unlike your man. My men know the dangers that lurk in the darkness in these lands. Only a fool would leave the safety of the camp, the safety that our numbers provide. We are powerful and we fight against the darkness. That makes us targets. Whenever we travel creatures of darkness shadow us at night. Watching. Waiting. Seeking a weakness. Seeking a chance to snatch one of ours. Sometimes one of our younger recruits makes a mistake, does something stupid, and pays for it with their life. The creatures can’t have believed their luck tonight, to have someone come running into their arms.”
Ice flowed through Nathan’s veins as the Major’s words sank in.
“You mean… you mean that was Cal?”
The Major smiled grimly. “Yes. Do you see why I took you captive now? You are weak and stupid. You act like ignorant children when you should act like men. And then you call your pathetic group of children the Order. Its very existence is an insult to the brave men of the Bronze Order.”
The Major spat on the ground then turned away.
“Wait!” called Nathan. “What about Cal?”
The Major turned back. “He’s dead. If he’s lucky. If not there is nothing we can do to help him.”
“Can’t you at least look for him? In the morning?” Nathan asked weakly.
“We can’t spare the time, and I wouldn’t anyway. If he’s dead then finding his body serves no useful purpose. If he’s not dead then we will face him again, sooner or later, and deal with whatever he has become.”
The Major turned away again. The guard stepped forward.
“That’s enough out of you lot. Lay down and get some sleep. Tomorrow is gonna be a long day.”
Feelin
g numb inside Nathan lay down again, but sleep wouldn’t come. Something just didn’t make sense. He knew that Cal hadn’t been faking. He’d seen the pain and the anger burning in Cal’s eyes. So how had Cal managed it? Had he been possessed somehow? Nathan had heard the night walkers could do that — bewitch a man’s mind and bend him to their will. Cal had been too badly hurt to stand. Could they have made him get up and run? Knowing the powers of darkness it was certainly possible.
But then, why Cal? If they could do that why pick on Cal? Why not go for one of the many Bronze Order guards in the camp? Was there something about Cal? Had darkness seeped into Cal’s heart and soul during their travels? But if so, why had Cal chosen to come with Nathan rather than stay with Josef and Daniel who were themselves seeped in darkness.
No matter how much he thought about it there were far more questions than answers, and the few answers were shaky at best. What was it that he was missing?
Chapter Eighteen
Nathan must have fallen asleep eventually because he was woken by a shove from a boot. Guards were telling him and the others to get up. The loss of Cal hit Nathan once again. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was responsible for Cal’s death somehow, though he couldn’t say how.
He realised he needed Josef’s help to escape more than ever. Nathan only had two able men left, Thomas and Bruno. And of course William, who was as much a liability as a help. William still suffered lapses of concentration, periods where his mind just switched off. It was a miracle he still lived at all, or a curse seeing as he had been healed by Jon’s dark powers. Nathan had been considering leaving William behind when he made his escape. Now he had second thoughts. The idea of leaving anyone in the clutches of the Bronze Order was too much to bear.
Dark Soul Silenced - Part Two Page 14
