“Wait! We need answers...” called Kael.
“Let him go, Kael.” interrupted Ader. “He joined us without request and will not stay for such. His task as he sees it is complete.”
Ader stared at the brush line that swallowed the broad shouldered Ulrog.
“I don’t think we have seen the last of the stone prophet.” predicted Ader.
“Are we to believe his dismissal of our danger?” questioned Granu.
“I don’t care for danger!” erupted Eidyn. “We must cross the river ourselves and give chase!”
Ader spun on the Elf prince with fire in his eyes.
“Hold your tongue, Eidyn Valpreux!” snapped Ader. “I have come to an end of managing both the great and the small! And you, my prince, are the small! You will learn to manage yourself or you will leave us! Now is the time to THINK, not run off with proud but nonetheless foolish intentions!”
Eidyn clenched his teeth and stared at the Seraph. Finally, his rigid face broke and he lightly bowed his head.
“Yes, Lord Ader.” mumbled the Elf.
“Good.” stated Ader as he spun to Sprig. “First we must focus on those here in front of us. Those we can help immediately.”
The Seraph leaned over the still form of the Sprite and a green glow spread from his fingertips across Sprig’s body. Momentarily, the Seraph smiled.
“He is simply unconscious.” stated Ader. “The Delvin order are experts in a form of defense that relies heavily upon incapacitating their assailants. He will awaken shortly, and I will have another young man willing to rush out and get himself killed. We will let him sleep.”
Ader turned to Cefiz and checked him once more. The Guardsman mumbled in his slumber.
“Our lieutenant, however, will be in considerable pain. His movements will be labored and difficult, but he should be able to travel.” concluded Ader turning to Eidyn. “Where we must travel is the question.”
“We must...” began Eidyn.
Ader’s hand shot up to cut the Elf off.
“... think of the big picture as well as the small.” finished Ader. “Lilywynn will not be harmed. Even if the order to capture and not harm Elves is rescinded, the priests will determine her worth. She has information. Izgra will desire that information and he will send for her. It is certain that she will be sent to Kel Izgra.”
“Then her death is certain!” exclaimed Eidyn. “Once Izgra has no further use for her, he will dispose of her!”
“That is why our course of action must include intercepting Lilywynn before she arrives at Kel Izgra.” said Ader. “As I see it we have choices. One is to charge across that river, which will undoubtedly be watched, into the maw of the Malveel. Ulrog packs will be waiting. We will sacrifice ourselves upon the altar of chivalry.”
Eidyn knit his brow.
“What other choice do we possess?”
“Infinite number.” replied Ader. “Think and you might even produce some yourself.”
Eidyn frowned.
“The Ulrog lands are unknown to us.” said Ader. “The mountains have myriad pathways. Even if we were to fight our way past the Ulrog guarding the crossing, which way do we turn. If we do not find the trail of Lilywynn’s captors, we are simply in enemy territory and must fight our way back out again.”
Ader let his words sink in. Granu nodded and agreed with the assessment.
“Our quest lies to the East.” said Ader. “All of the Ulrog’s pathways lead to one place, the Valley of Mnim. No matter what path the Ulrog chose to transport Lilywynn, they must eventually travel through the Valley of Mnim to deliver her to Izgra. That is where we shall strike!”
Granu smiled and nodded his head once more.
“It is an excellent idea.” rumbled the giant. “But you must arrive at the valley before the Ulrog pass. Then you must defeat a heavily armed contingent of Ulrog Hackles in their own territory. Finally, you must slip out once more without encountering more Ulrog. How certain are you that it can be done?”
“I have no certainty of the plan. “ stated Ader. “But it’s most assuredly better than trying to bull our way across the Frizgard and through Ulrog territory!”
Granu’s eyes narrowed.
“I know of a better plan.” stated the giant.
Ader raised an eyebrow.
“Enlighten me.” stated the Seraph.
“Both plans have merit.” said Granu. “If we could make our way across the Frizgard, I am capable of tracking anyone across mountainous terrain. The Ulrog holding the girl would never expect an attempt at rescue in their own territory. It is possible that we may be able to retrieve the girl well before the Valley of Mnim.”
“Very risky.” stated Ader.
“The plan contains two risks.” affirmed Granu. “ The first lies at the crossing. Once we are in the mountains, I can keep us hidden. The Keltar have spent lifetimes perfecting ways to hide in the mountains. However, the crossing is where we will face our strongest challenge.
The second risk lies in speed. If we are unable to catch the Ulrog, they may pass through the Valley of Mnim unchallenged. Once this happens, the girl is lost.”
“That is why we must act immediately!” exclaimed Eidyn. “We must make the crossing now!”
“No!” returned Granu. “I must make the crossing now. You will ride on and set up watch in the valley.”
Ader raised an eyebrow.
“How do you intend to deal with the Ulrog at the crossing?” asked Ader.
“I do not.” replied Granu. “You must deal with them.”
Ader’s lips curled into a smile.
“We shall be the speed to your brawn.” stated the Seraph.
“Exactly.” returned Granu. “You will feign a crossing at the fjord. When you encounter resistance from the Ulrog there, you will initiate enough of a battle to draw them after you. Once the crossing is open, I and the Guardsman will enter the Ulrog’s territory and pick up the trail of the girl and her captors. Avra willing, we will be able to attempt a rescue within the next few days.”
“I am coming with you.” stated Eidyn.
“Alas no, you are not.” said Granu shaking his head. “Speed is required for the second half of the plan. If we are unable to retrieve the girl, someone must arrive at the valley before the Ulrog. This will be our last chance to save her. It is our half of the plan that is fraught with uncertainty. “
“What of Cefiz?” complained Kael. “He is not capable of making the journey!”
As if on cue, the lieutenant groaned in his sleep.
“I said it once already this evening.” stated Granu. “The Guardsman is made of sterner stuff than appears. He will only slow you down, and you require speed. He will do what he must to keep up with me.”
“I will join you.” came a voice from behind Granu.
All eyes turned to the Windrider. Vieri stared at the restless face of Cefiz.
“He was willing to sacrifice all for me.” stated Vieri her eyes drifting to the giant. “The girl’s loss is my fault as well. I must have a hand in making things right.”
Granu’s face remained impassive as he nodded to the Windrider.
“So you must.” stated the giant.
Eidyn quickly gathered his things and packed the stallions. Ader stood staring at the Keltaran, not speaking. Granu silently stared back. Kael glanced back and forth between the pair then spun and ran to collect his own things. Finally, Ader broke the silence.
“Tis a good plan, Prince Granu. One befitting a king of his people.”
The giant nodded in return.
“However,” continued Ader. “I am loath to carry it out. I fear I will not see certain members of this party reach the honors they so deserve. “
The giant shrugged.
“We are all called upon to do what we must. If our lives be forfeit following what is right, it must be the will of Avra.” said Granu.
Ader smiled and nodded at the giant. The Seraph whirled and let out a sharp whistle.
Tarader trotted from behind the thickets and approached him. Kael frantically strapped his belongings back onto his mare and Eidyn already sat atop his stallion.
Ader raised his hands and softly chanted. A green glow surrounded Cefiz and the Guardsman slowly roused.
“Put our young scout on Tarader if you please.” said Ader to Granu. “I will awaken him and inform him of the circumstances we face on our way to the crossing.”
Granu bent and gently lifted the Sprite to the back of the giant stallion. Vieri moved forward and bent close to Cefiz. His eyelids slid open and he stared into the dark eyes of the Windrider. A light smile played across his face.
“Those eyes once more.” coughed Cefiz.
Vieri smiled in return.
Cefiz struggled to rise and the Windrider wrapped an arm about him. She clenched her teeth and helped the grunting Guardsman to his feet.
“I shall require a short time to properly motivate the Ulrog to follow.” said Ader. “When we depart, initiate your plan, Granu. May Avra guide you.”
“What is he talking about?” coughed Cefiz leaning heavily upon the girl. “What is going on?”
Teeg, Eidyn and Kael aligned themselves behind the Seraph. Ader turned the horse to face them.
“Although our prince might argue otherwise.” began Ader looking at Teeg. “the loss of Lilywynn is not the most important thing that has occurred here this evening. You know your task lies elsewhere.”
“But I had a hand in bringing Sprites people into this mess.” replied Teeg. “I cannot leave...”
“You can and you must.” interrupted Ader. “All of Sprites people are in danger, as well as your own. It is time for you to ride South.”
Teeg nodded and spun his horse.
“Good luck!” called the old Elf laying his boots into the flanks of his stallion.
“Loss of Lilywynn?” said an agitated Cefiz. “Where is the old trickster off to?”
Ader turned his great horse Northeast and trotted from the grove. Eidyn followed and Kael took a long look at Cefiz.
“Good luck as well.” mumbled Kael as he rode from the grove.
Cefiz’s face flashed alarm and the lieutenant struggled to break free from the hold of Vieri.
“What?!” exclaimed the Guardsman looking to Granu for answers. “Where are they going?!”
“We lost a member of the company.” stated Granu grimly. “Our paths must split here as we attempt different alternatives to retrieve her.”
Cefiz’s brow knit in deep concern as what the giant uttered sunk in. Granu smiled and put a hand on the Guardsman’s shoulder.
“I spoke for you, Zodrian.” said Granu. “We cross the Scythtar together.”
Cefiz’s eyes widened in alarm.
“Interesting.” was his only reply.
CHAPTER 22: THE LIGHT WIELDER
Eidyn’s stallion pushed past Tarader as the Elf prince coaxed it forward along the broken pathway. Ader frowned and turned about to search for Kael. The boy’s mare delicately picked its way along the trail avoiding unsteady boulders and holes.
“Slow yourself, Eidyn.” said Ader. “We must give the Keltaran time to journey to the crossing.”
Eidyn frowned and reined his mount in.
“Give me a moment to revive our guide.” continued the Seraph.
Tarader slowed and halted as Ader laid his hands upon the bundle draped across the back of the beast. Green light pulsed from the Seraph’s hands and enveloped the Sprite. Sprig woke with a start and fought against the Seraph’s restraining hands. Ader quickly calmed the young man with strong, soothing words.
“Ride on ahead of me.” called Ader. “I will speak with our friend and inform him of developments.”
Kael and Eidyn nodded and complied. Tarader slowly moved forward as Ader leaned in close and spoke to Sprig. Kael glanced back to see the young man’s face awash in a combination of anger and sorrow, but the Southerner also read determination there.
After a few moments, Ader directed his stallion beside the two young men.
“Our objective is not to kill Ulrog.” stated Ader. “In fact, it is not even to engage them if we can. We want to draw them across and away from the fjord.”
A few moments more and the group heard the unmistakable sound of the rushing Frizgard. Kael kept his sharp eyes peeled for any sign of the Ulrog. Ader finally threw a hand up calling for a halt. Sprig quickly turned to the Seraph and whispered.
“Agreed. Scout to the crossing, make a report, then lay low as we discussed.” replied Ader.
Sprig nodded then leapt from the horse and disappeared into the brush along the pathway. The group moved forward through thinning vegetation.
After several hundred more yards, the path widened to the Northeast and the river could be seen charging past in the moonlight. The Northern side of the crossing lay thick with trees and brush as it sloped to the mountainous heights above. Sprig stepped from behind a bush and his hands moved rapidly.
“The Southern half of the crossing is free from Ulrog.” reported Ader. “However, it appeared so when Lilywynn crossed earlier. The Ulrog lay in wait on the opposite shoreline, hidden amongst the slopes boulders. They remain like stones in the shadows for hours even days when they must. We can expect the same and must take care.
Eidyn, retreat a hundred yards down the path to where the wood thickens. Head due East through the cover and wait for me in the woods just East of the crossing. I believe I can properly motivate the Ulrog to follow us by myself.”
“But...” began the Elf.
A sharp look from the Seraph silenced all further protest. Ader then turned and nodded to Sprig. Once more the Sprite dashed into the brush and disappeared. Eidyn stared at the Seraph angrily.
“I have good reason for these decisions, Prince Eidyn.” frowned Ader. “I spent enough energy this evening healing Cefiz and Sprig. I cannot afford to protect you in this battle, but you might be able to protect me. Head to the cover of the trees, I require that you.....”
Granu removed Cefiz’s pack from the back of his mare. He slowly rifled its contents, strewing items on the ground.
“There is no need or use for your animal where we are going.” stated the giant without looking up. “We will be forced to carry any items we can use. It will be difficult hiking and we must remain as light as possible.”
When the giant was satisfied, he cinched Cefiz’s pack closed and tossed it to the Guardsman. Cefiz quickly snatched it from the air then hissed in pain, grabbing his shoulder. Vieri glared at the giant and tried to take possession of the pack from Cefiz.
“I will carry it.” stated Vieri turning to Cefiz.
Before the Guardsman could reply, Granu turned on the Windrider.
“No you shall not.” growled the Giant. “We move into my realm now, and it is I who will keep you alive in the Knife Mountains. The Guardsman will be fine.”
The Keltaran bent over and retrieved a cloak from the ground. He turned and threw it to the Windrider.
“It is not Cefiz I worry about Vieri Shan.” growled Granu. “You are of delicate build and are ill prepared for a trek through mountainous terrain. The air is thin and the temperature frigid. If you plan to help, you must first stay alive.”
The Keltaran spun and walked toward the river pathway. Vieri scowled and wrapped an arm around Cefiz.
“And the lieutenant can carry his own weight!” called the giant over his shoulder. “For I do not wish to be carrying a Windrider, no matter how delicate of build she be, once her legs give out from exhaustion. If you intend to keep up with me in the mountains, you will need all of your strength.”
Tarader approached the fjord, nostrils flaring. The Seraph talked soothingly to the beast and coaxed him forward. The stallion edged into the ankle high rushing water and it hesitantly stooped to drink. Ader’s eyes scanned the tree line opposite the river. He felt the Ulrog staring back at him, waiting for orders. The pack would likely contain two or three priests. Ader prayed for only
two.
The pines on the northern slope glowed in the light of the full moon and the stiff breeze swayed the stand from West to East. The sound of the surging water masked the noises of the night.
“What rocks do the corruption of Amird hide under this evening!? Why do they cower from the presence of one man!? What is it they fear!?” shouted the Seraph.
A clatter of rocks tumbling down the slope erupted from behind the stand of pines and a covey of mountain dove broke from the trees and whirled into the moonlit sky. Tarader’s head rose sharply and the stallion shook, pounding his fore hoof into the rushing water. A thunder of footfalls was immediately followed by the image of black shadows moving in and around the trees.
“Come forth and confront me!” demanded Ader.
A crash echoed in the ravine as several hulking Ulrog stepped from the pines and hurled crude iron tipped spears at the Seraph. Tarader danced left across the treacherous footing of the river bed and the spears fell harmlessly into the spinning current. More Ulrog broke from across the tree line and launched spears. Once again the distance and poor accuracy prevented the weapons from being effective. Many of the Ulrog produced cleavers and clubs. They lumbered forward down the bank and into the river. Ader sat calmly watching them, as always struck by how quickly these awkward looking creatures moved. Water splashed and sprayed through the moonbeams as the beasts tromped forward.
Granu moved quickly along the river’s edge, surprisingly silent as the big man slipped through the brush. Cefiz struggled to keep up, jaw locked, wincing in pain. Vieri followed, concentrating on both the path and Cefiz.
The trio reached a bend in the river and heard a commotion over the rush of the current. Granu halted and the group gathered near a stunted stand of pines. The giant peered through the branches to see Ader sitting astride Tarader at mid river. Ulrog rumbled forward splashing through the shallow water, brandishing weapons. The Seraph sat passively atop his horse staring at the menacing stone men.
Kael tied his mare to a nearby tree. The Southland boy removed his bow and quiver and stood next to Eidyn. Kael’s palms were sweaty and he wiped them on his tunic. Uncertainty distracted him and fear coursed through his veins. Eidyn glanced at Kael and calmly smiled.
The Pool And The Pedestal (Book 2) Page 29
