Jema scowled, and already he yearned to grab his collar and smash it against the iron bars for some respite, but the wizard refrained him.
"We leave tomorrow," Vhalen nodded, and ushered Jema out of the prison block and back to the surface.
"Do not be a victim to his tongue," Vhalen quoted Jema on their earlier conversation. "It is not wise to preach words you cannot adhere to yourself."
Jema conceded his composure was compromised. They had their guide, and the way to proceed, in the dawn of tomorrow their journey would begin.
The morning arrived and Landau was escorted with his supplies to the Queen's stable where the rest of his fellowship mustered for departure, and for the first time Landau witnessed his allies in his venture.
Lyeanna perched atop her horse, a young woman outfitted in armor of leather and fur, highly decorated with colored strands and beads, woven into the material and dyed in the colors of the forest. By her waist was a short-sword and intricate blowpipe, and fastened to her back was an extravagant, recurved short-bow of yew, with silken string, and a quiver of arrows around her shoulder. She was beautiful in her plain appearance, her luscious charcoal hair was tied in a ponytail, and though her muscles were soft she appeared hardened, equipped with a look of determination.
Among them also was Halwende, armored with brigandine steel, blended with wolf fur, it was hardy without hampering him. He was thirty-odd if Landau had to guess, with black hair curled in short strands, and a thin and tidy moustache caressed his upper lip. His muscles were forged from hammer and anvil, armed with a pair of silver swords with elongated hilts of his own making, and from his sheath hung a cloth of a tattered herald for no purpose other than some personal keepsake. Prominent was his shield, more regal than any he had ever seen, bejewelled with shapes and golden detail it glistened upon his back.
Landau's gaze however fixed upon Brommac, a Barbarian of the north which he observed for the first time. His muscles rivalled any other, unnatural they appeared in their swelled enormity, Landau doubted his hand could even wrap around his finger. Unlike the others he bore no armor, his attire consisted of only trousers and a leather tunic that blanketed his widened chest, his face was chiselled with a square, protruding jaw, and when he spoke his voice boomed. His brow was thick and his shortened hair was a faded blonde, though despite his brutish physique, he appeared the tidiest of all the men present. Standing beside his enormous stallion he grasped a double-edged battle axe, a weapon that men struggled to wield with both hands, he casually held with one.
The assassin from the south-lands was among his company, cloaked in his black attire he remained standing with the guards. Raminus smiled upon being reacquainted with him, though offered him no sledge this time around, for his stare was enough to make him feel uneasy. His purpose appeared lost on the others who scrutinized his inclusion, for his presence was absent in the council.
Jema soon arrived and wore the finest armor among them all, a delicate silver plate that contoured his muscled physique, though he concealed it with a brown leather tunic and a purple cloak reminiscent of his last. Upon Landau's coming the eyes of the fellowship gazed toward him, it was unnerving yet they welcomed him with contentment. Jema gathered his supplies for Samson to harness to the horse, but first guided him out of earshot of the group for a private audience.
"Are you ready for this son?" he asked in hope of encouraging the boy on his way. "It will be a dangerous road, but these are your allies, the finest at what they do, I have no doubt," gesturing to his companions.
"I think so," was as certain as Landau could be. "Why is the assassin here? We're not leading him somewhere else this time are we?"
"I'm afraid this time he will be leading us. I will explain to you later, but he will be of no harm to you this time around, Vhalen will see to that."
"I just wanna do the right thing, if it means keeping my family and friends safe."
Jema smiled at the determination someone so young could inherit.
"You're very brave Landau, it is your courage that gives me hope. Stay close to me at all times. I will not fail you."
"Thank you sir," he embraced him and returned to the others, where Vhalen had arrived with the Queen by his side.
Despite the perilous journey Vhalen opted to remain dressed as he always did, his only protection was his staff that he constantly leaned upon. Samson joined him for the first time since the council and gave him a playful slap on the shoulder in beguile of the situation he had engulfed them in.
"You sure know how to cause some trouble kid," Sam said with a smile. "Quality over quantity right," he bantered before mounting his horse.
Away from the group Vhalen approached Raminus whom he took in his custody, though the assassin was aggravated in his conditions.
"My weapons wizard, you promised me them!"
"And you shall have them, upon arrival of our destination," said Vhalen, much to the displeasure of Raminus. "I never agreed to allow them to you on our journey. That would be careless of me."
Already Raminus stirred, though in the presence of the Queen he withdrew his frustration. Her powering glance and sorceress sceptre provided him with discomfort, and Jema bound his hands to the chain of his horse.
The knight mounted his stallion Kilian, and only Landau remained standing, and found himself in the audience of the Queen whose empowering smile mesmerized him a final time.
"Despite our morbid circumstances, I can see the commitment in your eyes," she noted of Landau. "Find forgiveness in how all this eventuated, go forth only with the thought of your purpose. I bestow upon you my blessing, a gift I give rarely, and only to someone of true courage."
Landau in the wake of her words waited for some magical aura to encompass his person, however her words were all that showered upon him. In her forgiveness he found a new hope, for it burdened his mind since the destruction of Porthos, and among his companions he perceived a faint victory not yet felt until now.
"Thank you your majesty," he bowed. "I'll do my best."
His endearing reply and gesture enamored the Queen, who hugged him like a mother would her son. Clancey arrived to escort him to Jema's horse, and together they hoisted him to the rear of his saddle.
"Porthos little savior," he titled him. "Do us proud Landau, and remember," he gestured to the sword strapped to Jema's side, "never use it. Only when the time calls for it. The further you distance yourself from the enemy's power the better," and his wise statement was not lost on Jema who Clancey shook hands with upon his leave.
"Take care of him."
"I will good friend. Thank you for all your help."
With that Clancey subsided, and as the sun began to rise upon the fresh morning the Queen stood before them.
"Heroes of Heldorn, the hope of us all rests in your task. There is no further knowledge that I can bestow upon you from that of which you've already heard. Much is uncertain on what will come to pass, but remain forever vigil in your goal. Be tolerant of each other, for united your strengths will bring a greater hope. I wish you fortune," she bowed before them, and they honored her words.
With that Jema flicked the reigns of Kilian and the others followed in succession. Landau turned to give Clancey one final wave, reluctant to do so, for it was the last piece of home that he was leaving behind. Samson noticed high on the balcony was Julia with Elman, a look of grief and sorrow expressed on her face, grieving like a wife whose husband was off to war. Samson clenched a subtle fist, and rested it on his heart, and smiled in their parting glance. With the absence of a crowd they trotted their horses beyond the tiltyard toward the northern gate, where a select group of soldiers stood in salute of their heroic knight. With the drawbridge descended the heavy doors opened, and they ventured across the moat to begin the long journey to the Imperial City.
Chapter 17
THE COMPANY OF LANDAU
In the wake of their departure Landau and his companions travelled the northern road. Jema appeared their l
eader, and they shared a saddle as the knight led from the front. Sam rode behind them to accompany Landau, and with him went Lyeanna, whose scouting eyes were ready to aid them of any danger ahead. Brommac lumbered behind her with Vhalen at his tail, closely guarding Raminus while Halwende guarded the rear.
In the yards of the city the beauty of its fair lawns and autumn trees removed any thoughts of danger. It was hard to be without cheer in such homely scenery, yet as the grand contour of Arwendel faded behind them the journey became ever present. The company rode at some length between each other, and the pace was slow that some chose to walk their horse at no impairment to their speed. The duty of guarding Raminus was shared between Vhalen and Jema, for Landau imagined what words he spoke his keeper could only endure for a small length of time. Jema soon took his reins, and Landau walked with Vhalen, the wizard glanced back to watch his tower fade over the horizon, for long had it been since he strayed north from its outlook.
"Have you seen much of the northern lands Vhalen?" asked Landau, their voices out of earshot from the others.
"Long ago it seems," he smiled, "back when the trees of Faulkham reached to the northern mountains, and the grass of the Harradale was green, and removed from the footprints of war. Much of my youth was spent in discovery of the southern lands of Heldorn, and only once have I travelled to Astiroth. It is a safe land for the country dweller, the Pale City is a sight to see no doubt. One of few to rival the marvel of Arwendel. I think you will find great delight in its display. I only hope in Jema's company we will find welcome."
"Sam says he never speaks much of it. I feel like he's troubled to return there."
"If I know my friend he will put his concern aside to worry of our own."
Landau looked to see Brommac cast tall shadows ahead of him, whilst Halwende made his own company, and rode behind them by ten horse lengths.
"Do you know all these people?"
"No, and be mindful who you trust Landau. Though their help is greeted, what drives them to pursue this danger discomforts me. Jema and I have our reasons, and I would exempt Lyeanna also, for she has no other agenda but to serve her Queen. I have known her since she was a child, which is most uncommon for a man. She will be estranged from her home and you would do well to comfort her when needed."
Landau never thought to harbor any suspicion of his companions. His greater concern rested on Jema's passenger, still clothed in the blackest of threads his presence already sat unwell with him.
"What about that assassin? If anyone worries me it's him, no doubt in my mind."
"Our misfortune has led us to rely on his wisdom. It is best you refrain from conversing with him my lad. He is skilled in the tangling of thoughts, as are most of his kind."
"But he's dangerous isn't he?"
"In the midst of our company he should pose no threat. Though he will seek to confuse you with artful trickeries and misleading phrases, and through them they will lead you only to treachery. Remain alert to his subtleties and he will be unable to hold any power over you."
Landau could only think back to when he held a dagger to his throat, no subtle words did it take to find him in that position. Even now in front he leered uncomfortably back towards them, as though he heard every word.
For a whole day they kept to the road, and upon eve crossed the Erein river that streamed to the east to which Jema veered them, and eventually they made camp on the bed of the creek where the water was fresh and the cover was ample. In the distance the chimneys of Crittek smoked the sky, and its fires glistened like a torchbug resting on the faraway grass, yet Landau couldn't understand why they found themselves on the outskirts, as he shuffled for kindle to start a fire. It was the first chance all of them had to converse as a group and express their concerns, and as Jema prepared a tidy fire, the men sat around it to introduce themselves, and clarify their thoughts.
"Are ye not headed for the village?" Brom asked of Jema.
"Not when we carry such an artifact. The townsfolk of Ruun are unaware to our purpose and I don't intend to endanger them. Our company will garner much suspicion wherever we go. We will keep to the eastern country as much as possible, only Bruna will we stop to resupply, before we cross the Nettleborn bridge into Alduain."
"The northern road to Bruna would cut short our journey significantly," Halwende told.
"Our aim is not to tread comfortably nor quickly I warn you. Safety is my concern. Let us hope we can maintain it."
"How can you be sure the Empire will aid us?" said Halwende. "If they heard what I heard in council I would not be so inviting, to shelter a weapon that draws such an enemy."
"I only hope my allies of older days remain in the city still to aid us," said Jema.
"You Imperials enjoy your secrets I see," scorned Raminus. "You mentioned nothing of a weapon knight. At least your honesty is consistent."
"Who is this man?" asked Hal. "Does he not know our purpose?"
"No, and mind what you speak around him, for you should not trust him. He is our guide," Jema said, "he is to lead us through the Rift, and his purpose ends there."
"What good be a guide if he knows not what troubles us?" said Brom.
"I did not choose to come willingly. Jema here thinks to use me as a hound to sniff his trail, and a hound doesn’t need to know the purpose of his journey, it only longs for the reward. Mine will be to remove myself from your arrogance," Raminus spoke to Jema, "and knowing the irk you will take from seeing me walk away from your keeping."
"You’re the only reason I would consider the northern road, to be free of your company as swiftly as I can. Your purpose here is to guide us through to Asmaria, your opinions you can keep for yourself," said Jema.
"And that is as far as I will take you. I have no urge to travel to the Pale City, nor the borders of its cavalier country. Once my deed is done I will happily depart your failed venture, whatever it may be."
"Until your tongue is needed I suggest you keep it," said Vhalen.
Raminus removed himself from their company, and wandered to the creek to remain in solace.
"A fine start,” amused Halwende. “Let’s assume we arrive at the Pale City safely, our cause will only be a burden to them, not to mention half our company will be in their disfavor. Assassins, barbarians, even wielders of magic Vhalen are frowned upon in the city. Together we will only enflame their suspicion."
"If the armies of Helskaar were to mass an attack then the Pale City lies on their doorstep. Their city will come under much hardship would they harbor the sword or not Halwende."
"Then why not take it straight to the heart of Black mountain and be done with it? Why do ye even need the Empire's aid?" Brom grunted with eagerness.
"There is no point sitting here debating it, any other strategy we plan now so far from our goal would only be folly. I will leave it at that" said Jema sternly. Already the men grew tense in each other’s company, and their eyes were ever probing.
"You mentioned a man named Drentkin in council," Sam spoke to his mentor. "You described him as their champion, do you think he will help us?"
"I certainly hope so," Jema replied. "He is a hero of the highest caliber, once part of the Dauntless, demon hunters from the valleys of Bawn. He is versed in all aspects of our enemy and will know much of what we are up against, and how to deal with them. I only hope his ordeal in Blackreach is done by the time we arrive."
"If ye say this sword be a beacon, then why don't the armies of the enemy march upon it? Surely the favor be theirs."
"I cannot know the enemy's plans Brom. I suspect he finds his strength and cannot yet unleash his full power."
The barbarian shook his head, frustrated in the complexity of it all.
"Are ye foolish to act on such beliefs?"
"We would be foolish to wait and see," said Jema. "There’s no denying our journey is clouded, though the risks of failing have never been greater. The armies of Heldorn will battle this enemy even if we fail, but as Nerelion says,
men and all others will never know peace, and I fear the cost of life will be insurmountable. This is our only chance to prevent this chaos from ever thriving."
Landau meanwhile sat idle and watched his companions make sense of his ordeal. Behind him he noticed Lyeanna separated from the others. She knelt to the sky while she gripped a necklace detached from her neck and whispered into a crafted pendant, words of hope and love of which Landau couldn't hear. Her glance caught his prying eye, and he turned in embarrassment from her. When he peeked once more she had gone, without making a sound. He would apologize if she weren't so intimidating, but before long he withdrew to his bedroll, as did his companions. After all that deliberation no-one appeared any more informed to the knowledge of their quest.
In the dawn they continued east along the creek which wove its way on to the outskirts of the Harradale, a landscape of grass riddled with boulders as far as the horizon revealed. Jema guided their horses through the maze of stone, round and large they scattered the land as if they had rolled down from mountains, though no mountain was close enough to warrant such a sporadic display. Their size provoked them to weave around them rather than over them, but before long they found the open terrain and increased their speed.
Barely had the morning announced its presence when the sun, even in the fall season exhausted them in their heavy apparel and forced them to pause often, and consume water quickly. Come high noon the heat brought much frustration, and the open fields of the Harradale gave no reprieve. Leaves of thickets were crisp in the sun’s intensity; the fellowship sweltered and most rode panting.
"The sun gives us no favor this day," Halwende vented, wiping the sweat off his horses' coat.
"This is strange weather indeed Vhalen," Jema said. "Not even the warmest day in Spring could bear such ferocity."
The Secret of Azuron (The Sword Empire Book 1) Page 27
