by Chris Ward
Why not fight for such a cause as that which now lies before me. If in the end of things we win, then perhaps I will find a more settled life; surely some good woman in this land would lie with one as black as me?
Scion rode awkwardly on, but as a man at peace with himself.
Ofeigr was quietly focused as always. He had learnt long ago as a child to hide his feelings, for his violent father had taken too much pleasure in his cries of pain and pleadings, and so he trained himself to bear the pain in silence. Instead it had festered into a great hatred which still boiled within his breast, and which to this day had not been given resolution. Despite his outward inscrutability, he had greatly enjoyed his time since joining with this Rema Bowman, brother of Refr, his childhood friend. He had greatly admired Rema’s skill with the bow, watching in stunned amazement when from a league distance he had brought down two of those who tracked them. He too carried a bow, and with it and his sword had slain many Norz. Ofeigr admired any who could best him in the skill of battle, and Rema Bowman was one such man. Travelling through AlGiron had been as though his dead mother’s childhood stories had come to life, and for a brief time he was able to put aside the pain and violent memoires and breathe anew. But his mind was never far from his own secret and deeply personal quest, and he rode with a deep conviction that in the end he would find the man he sought, Refr Cantira. And when he did he would have some things to do and words to say, all of which he had long rehearsed, for he had carried a bitter secret and a scar which would not heal; his betrayal by Refr many summers past still burned like a hot blunted knife twisting always within his heart. There was a voice which spoke within and which for many years had travelled in short circles in his mind.
I will be revenged Refr, your redemption is coming and then I will be released to live in peace.
Ofeigr rode on in grim silence, looking to his own future. For now he was happy to travel with these new companions, and when it was all over and the battle won, for he never doubted this, then he would find his man, and in Rema Bowman fate perhaps had gifted him the key.
Reigin rode behind the group, and upon a new horse which Elder Anderlorn had given him. It was a beautiful black steed with an eager nature, alert and wanting to gallop almost all the time, as though it seemed to sense that life was for celebrating and the great energy it possessed should not be held back by mere cantering. Reigin too felt like celebrating. His life had changed so dramatically since fate had brought him to Sylvion Greyfeld, and since then so many revelations had almost overwhelmed him that he could hardly recognise himself, so different now from the cold and calculating Wolver which once he was. The coming battle held no fears for he was supremely confident with his skills, and should death surprise him it would be quick and in a cause which held a purpose for good, and this was something new as well, this understanding of right and wrong and choosing either for oneself. Reigin also looked to the future for he had been given a glimpse of something beyond, for he had sworn to himself that when the fighting was done he would find a way to save his clan and return them to AlGiron.
That too is worth fighting for, he thought, as the powerful beast beneath him carried his huge frame effortlessly on. He thought too of Cordia of the Edenwhood and smiled.
They camped the first night in the forest but a stone’s throw from the open plains. They had travelled many leagues with but a span’s rest at noon, and so fell exhausted by the fire which Reigin had quickly readied. The night was mild and warmer than the heights of AlGiron, and Rema spoke of his plans to gather what forces they could in Wildwood and march them south to the Plains of Amrosi and make a stand with the Edenwhood somewhere before the Vaudim mountain so that they were protected from the rear, since none would penetrate that mess of rock and brambles as El-Arathor had described it.
‘The army we saw from AlGiron is moving north across the plains,’ he said with great seriousness, for the mention of these matters carried the prospect of many deaths. ‘They are looking for us. If we can reach the Vaudim, the army will have to come to us and we can prepare well. It should help even out our lack of numbers.’ They all thought then upon the vast army that they had witnessed like a small town upon the plains and knew that they would only number in the hundreds whilst arrayed against them would be the might of Revelyn and thousands of men at arms, well trained and willing to slay whoever crossed their path. It brought a sombre silence down upon the group.
‘Sylvion spoke to me of the Equin,’ Reigin said after a time, ‘are these creatures real, for I have only heard of them in legend.’ At the mention of this name it seemed that the bushes round about them rustled slightly and for an instant all before the fire froze and listened.
‘The Equin are real enough, but I have never seen them,’ Rema replied thoughtfully when the moment had passed. ‘Sylvion has told me something of them, but what they are willing to offer us is beyond my understanding of these creatures. She used to visit them in the forest as a child. I have never thought them more than that which might have entranced a young girl...’ His voice faded away as Reigin interrupted.
‘And yet this woman has surprised us all in recent times, perhaps these Equin may yet offer much to our cause.’
Rema looked at the huge man and as their eyes met across the fire they both knew that each had a special relationship and understanding of Sylvion Greyfeld who was at the heart of all which was to follow.
‘You speak truly Reigin,’ Rema whispered after a moment. ‘I hope that you are right and that her knowledge in these matters provides us all with something greater than we can imagine.’
At that moment the bushes rustled gently once more and suddenly Reigin sprang up in a blur. So fast was his movement that the others had no time to react for in an instant his sword was drawn and he had disappeared like a sabrecat into the shadows. As they sat stunned by this unexpected act, there was a scream close by followed by a shout and the sounds of several creatures fleeing through the forest; then another scream and an oath which clearly came from Reigin. Rema was now on his feet and stood with an arrow to his bow for he had laid it within easy reach. He knew however that in the firelight he could see nothing of what went on in the deep shadows round about them, so he would not see to shoot and so took care to not send an arrow after Reigin.
‘Reigin, what is happening?’ Serenna called out in fear, ‘are we attacked?’
At that moment the mighty soldier appeared. In one hand he effortlessly carried the strange body of a slight and wiry man with enormous eyes. He threw the dead man down by the fire; in the other hand his deadly sword dripped bright with fresh blood. He spoke urgently.
‘We have been discovered. This man of stealth and such large eyes is a gatherer, they are spies and few can see so well or move about so soundlessly as these, not even Wolvers. There were three of them. If they are here then there will be one, possibly two Wolvers close by, for they have been sent out to roam the path before the army and seek out whatever they can of any who might cause a threat. By luck they have come upon us. They will have seen and heard all we spoke of. Our plans are revealed.’
As he spoke he started to put out the fire.
‘Quick we must fly, for we have little time, the other two will inform on us. The Wolvers will choose first to seek us out. I know this for that is what I would do. We leave now or some of us will die.’
No one, not even Rema thought to oppose this urgent direction for all knew what might come after them, hadn’t they just witnessed Reigin move with such a fearful speed? It was beyond human ability to stand against the like of it in a dark forest which hid any skillful hunter. For a moment Rema relived the cold fear of another pursuit, and then he was up and gathering the little he carried.
It was not long before they were all mounted and moving fast through the trees which allowed only enough moonlight through to see the horse in front. Reigin led for he knew the ways of the Wolver and how best to put them off the scent. He searched the fall of the land until he f
ound a stream which they followed for several leagues, walking in it until at last a rocky shelf was discovered upon which they were able to leave the water and walk their horses off into the forest hoping that their tracks would be almost impossible to follow in the weak moonlight.
Rema stopped them then for he knew that all but Reigin were too exhausted to go further.
‘We will make a stand back by the rock shelf. You and I Reigin. I can see enough to shoot and I will not miss. They will have to travel slowly to pick up our trail. We will have the element of surprise. We can deal with two surely?’
Reigin took a deep breath and thought upon this brave suggestion.
‘It is possible,’ he replied, ‘but what if there are three? In the shadows once they sense us we will not have much time. The breeze is light and changes. They will smell us out. And if they lose our trail they might just stop in the dark and we will not know until they come upon us in the daylight.’
‘But we have not left a trail that can be followed thus far.’ Rema was trying hard to convince himself.
‘Rema Bowman,’ Reigin whispered seriously. ‘We have not done all I hoped we might, for the water was shallow and our horses disturbed rocks enough. They will be slowed, but if you have light enough to shoot, then a Wolver has enough to track. It is a big risk.’
The two men stood and looked at each other as the rest of the exhausted company waited anxiously upon their decision.
Rema made the decision then.
‘We will wait for them. All here are exhausted and if we travel on they will hear us and perhaps overtake us when we are not ready. Here at least we have the advantage and you Reigin, you are better then they, for that it what you have told us.’
Reigin said nothing for a moment, for in his heart he had realised that these who came against them were his kin, and for the first time in his life he did not relish the prospect of taking a life.
‘We will make a stand Rema Bowman as you wish,’ he replied quietly, ‘but I will not kill them.’
‘I cannot take them all,’ Rema replied with an edge in voice just short of anger.
‘You will not kill them either,’ Reign continued evenly, ‘Not unless I fail in what I plan. Now the rest of you will remain hidden, you cannot make a sound or you will die. These who come after you will be upon you before you know it.’
And with that Scion, Serenna and Ofeigr were instructed to take their horses further on and tether them, then find shelter some distance away for it was death to stay too close to the animals.
Rema and Reigin waited in deep shadows by the water, their weapons ready. The faint moonlight was barely enough, but their eyes were now accustomed to it and Rema felt that in some mysterious way he could see better as time passed.
He was shocked by how quickly the Wolvers found them. Not a span after they had settled down to wait Reigin tensed.
‘They are close Rema, remember what I ask of you.’ And with that he disappeared into the night.
They were but shadows. They came on foot along the watercourse. They made almost no sound but in the gloom it was impossible to be completely silent. They reached the rock shelf and paused. Rema hoped they would continue on but one of them seemed to crouch down and see some disturbance which gave a clue to the passing of their prey. The briefest conversation came faintly to him. The two Wolvers crept out into the open and Rema knew he had no time left.
He sighted his arrow and fired. It took the Wolver on the left in the right leg just above the knee. He did not flight the arrow with all his power and so it went in and through the leg but remained embedded there. The Wolver gave no cry, but had his sword out in a flash. His companion saw what had happened and disappeared into the shadow of the nearest oak tree, which was where Reigin waited. In a flash of speed which only one such as Reigin possessed, his sword smote the Wolver on the back of the head and he fell unconscious. In no time he was bound for you do not let a Wolver lie unfettered. Rema instantly had another arrow aimed at the wounded Wolver who understood immediately that one of their own had attacked them for none else could have done it.
‘Tall man,’ the Wolver hissed, I see you.’
Reigin appeared from the shadows and walked fearlessly toward the wounded Wolver, his deadly sword glinting in the soft silver light. Only Reigin would dare to do such a thing.
‘And I see you Wolver. Drop your sword or another arrow will pierce your heart. Do it now man. I cannot spare you otherwise.’
Rema watched from the shadows with his arrow aimed and bow full drawn. He thought they had won it, easily and with little bloodshed for the wounded Wolver dropped his sword to his side. Perhaps it was because they had been Wolvers together, perhaps Reigin believed too much in his superior ability and did not think that the wounded Wolver would strike. The reasons mattered little but Reigin moved in too close and in a flash the wounded man moved like lightning, his sword cutting the air toward Reigin in a deadly swipe. Reigin saw it come but was caught off guard and had no time to fend it well; the stroke swept the sword from his hand and he stood defenceless before the deadly soldier, who despite his pain and terrible wound immediately struck again to kill.
Rema fired then, and the arrow passed Reigin with a rush of air that spoke only of death. It passed through the Wolver’s chest and heart and continued on to lose itself somewhere distant in the tangled forest. The man stood in bewilderment wondering what had happened as his life blood pumped like a fountain down his breast, and then his eyes glazed over and he was dead before he fell.
Reigin swore softly into the night, frustrated that he had been caught off guard, and angry that the man had died, for he wanted to save them all, and suddenly knew that he could not. Each man would have to choose his own path as he had done.
The captured Wolver came to his senses before a warm fire and faces which seemed less evil than he might have expected. He was sullen and glowered angrily at his captors for he felt the shame of his position deeply. Sitting before him was one he knew well, one whom they had all admired and emulated. The Tall one.
‘Tall man you have betrayed your king and you brother Wolvers,’ he hissed angrily.
‘I have saved your life,’ the Tall one replied evenly. The Wolver suddenly looked around and realised that his companion was not present.
‘Where is Viper?’ he demanded angrily.
‘Viper struck like a snake, and died like one. He was warned but did not listen.’ The Tall man spoke quietly with a touch of regret.
‘You killed a brother?’
‘I did not kill him.’
‘Then who? Who here could kill a Wolver?’ The deadly man cast his eyes around the group and seeing Rema caught his breath.
‘You,’ he hissed in disbelief, ‘You are the one who drank with us in the tavern before Sabre was killed. You did that. The other three in the forest. That was you as well?’ His voice had faded and he asked the question in a voice tinged with awe. Rema nodded.
‘I killed only those who came against me.’
The Wolver turned back to Reigin in shock. ‘You ride with this one, the one whom we seek; the one who would seek the death of our King. This one has killed five of us now. Tall man, how can you do this thing?’ He was unable to comprehend the enormity of Reigin’s actions for they seemed beyond understanding.
‘I do it because it is right, Scorp. I have learnt to make my own decisions. I choose now where I go and what I do. I am no longer a Wolver. I am Reigin of the Edenwhood. I have found where I come from, and I aim to see the mad King Petros who you serve, removed from the throne of Revelyn and my people... your people Scorp, set free and brought home to AlGiron the home of the Edenwhood.’
Reigin spoke as much for himself as for the stunned Wolver Scorp. It was his own personal declaration of intent and sealed his way forward, the last piece in the change which had brought about his redemption.
‘Well spoken Reigin,’ said Serenna who was clearly moved by his words. ‘I hope against all that stands
before us that you achieve your dream.’
‘And I as well,’ said Scion with a nod of approval.
Ofeigr sat quietly, his thoughts his own.
Scorp the captured Wolver looked around the group in amazement.
‘There are five of you, and perhaps a score or two more in the place to which you travel. The whole army of Revelyn is on the march to put an end to your mad delusions. Six thousand men against this, what hope do you have?’
‘Only six thousand,’ said Rema with a wry smile, ‘that is good news indeed for we guessed it closer to ten. It looks like we have a better chance than I thought.’
‘You are all mad!’ Scorp hissed the insult with as much derision as he could muster.
‘No,’ Rema replied evenly, ‘your king is mad, the one who advises him is madder still, and you choose to follow madness. What does this make you Wolver?’
Scorp was now at a loss for words.
Rema turned from him to the others. ‘We will rest now, for before the sun is up we must be gone. We have a long day’s ride once more. Our plans are no longer hidden so time is stolen from us. To sleep then. I will keep watch for a time, then Reigin and perhaps Scion will follow?’ The large black man nodded his head in agreement. Reigin expertly ensured that their prisoner was well secured and with Rema watching, the camp fell quiet. No further words were spoken but many thoughts passed through the Wolver’s mind. He too did not lack intelligence, and like Reigin before him, he was now struggling with a change in the order of things.
They reached the outskirts of Wildwood shortly before sunset the next day. They had ridden hard with little rest, their horses exhausted and now underfed. White foam covered their flanks and heaving chests but they had galloped bravely and borne the five safely over many leagues. They had seen no one, for the forest and roadways were deserted and silent in a manner which Rema thought unusual.
