Brakthas finished off his platter of fish and wiped his greasy fingers on a cloth napkin. "Yum, was that ever good. Time to go?"
Aldreya nodded. "We will ride without pause until dinner."
"That's a lot of riding," muttered Daledus, who like Jerret looked kind of groggy and ill from the previous night's ale consumption. "No lunch?"
"I eat every three hours," said Jerret. "I'm definitely having lunch."
"Jerky and cheese," said Aldreya. "Eaten on horseback."
"And bread," said Jace, who had a spare loaf stuffed in one pocket. He patted his cloak. "I have a jar of pickles in here somewhere too."
Brakthas shook his head as he gazed at Daledus. "Hey, is she always so strict? Not even lunch? I don't get it."
"We're in a race," said Aldreya. "It fairly important. It has to do with the fate of our continent. That sort of thing."
Brakthas jumped up, almost knocking over his chair. His eyes were wide in mock surprise. "We better get going then! That's serious stuff!"
"I'm ready," said Galandra. She winked at Lannon. "Looking forward to traveling with Divine Knights. You'll have to show me some moves."
Dallsa gazed at her, frowning.
"I don't know many moves," said Lannon. "My swordplay is rather simple. And you don't appear to possess a sword."
"I want to learn swordplay," she said.
"I'll teach you," said Jerret.
She ignored the barbarian. "I'm sure you Knights have a spare sword I can borrow. If not, I can purchase one here in town before we leave. So maybe a few lessons from the High Watchman?"
Lannon shrugged. "I suppose." It was an odd request, and he sensed Dallsa was glaring at him. Her jealously was overbearing and apparently inescapable. Considering that Lannon was very rigid in following the Sacred Laws, she didn't seem to trust his judgment at all when it came to women. He wondered if she thought he was naive when it came to the ways of the world.
***
They bought some more supplies before riding out. Jerret found some sturdy chain mail in one of the shops to replace his missing Knightly armor. It was heavy, strong, and durable--of Dwarven design and crafted for intense combat. It cost a small fortune, forcing Jerret to borrow quite a bit of silver from Lannon. But Lannon was happy to see the former Knight with some impressive new armor.
The day was sunny and warm as they rode out of Red Barrel. They continued to pass through farmlands throughout the morning, with long stretches of corn and wheat fields on either side of the road. This was a region where honest folk lived who just wanted to be left alone. They were used to doing things their way, and the expansion of Bellis Kingdom had changed nothing for them. They farmed, hunted and trapped, sold their goods, and made due. Bellis had yet to impose taxes on them and the harassment and strict rules that would come with those taxes, but there was muttered talk in the houses and taverns that things would soon change.
Lannon was apprehensive about leaving Taith in the care of the innkeeper, but he was reasonably sure the boy would receive excellent care. After all, the innkeeper wouldn't want to risk the wrath of Lannon or the Divine Knights. Lannon fully expected the innkeeper to put Taith to work (something Taith would hate), but he felt it would be good for the boy to be given some chores and responsibilities considering the hardships he would be facing as a Squire of Dremlock. Taith's days of slogging through life were over. He would soon learn a new way that would push his mind and body to the limits--a way of pain and punishment and fierce endurance. The fires of Dremlock would forge him into a warrior, stripping away his pettiness and laziness, dulling his fears and regrets, and leaving him no time to dwell on the pain of his past. His days would be filled with sweat and competition, and any rest he was lucky enough to receive would feel like a true blessing.
Good luck, Taith, Lannon thought. He didn't envy the lad.
They intended to ride until dinner, but in an unexpected move Aldreya decided to pause for lunch. They rode into a field and built some fires. They had stocked up on a lot of vegetables in Red Barrel, which they fried up with canned venison and seasonings in their large iron skillets.
After everyone had eaten, Aldreya produced a map she had purchased in Red Barrel that revealed the lands leading to Wolfbine Kingdom. She pointed to the location of a town called Maldorian Alvorian, or Malva for short. "We could reach this town by nightfall," she said.
"I would advise against going there," said Galandra. "That town is in the Mud Belt, and towns in the Mud Belt are having serious problems with bandits lately." She traced her finger over the map. "I suggest we stay on the Aktos Trail and just camp when evening comes."
"Agreed," said Saranna. "Some of those gangs of rogues are extremely dangerous. Lately the whole Mud Belt is a den of thieves and cutthroats making war on each other and whatever honest people still live there."
"What do you think, Brakthas?" asked Lannon.
The tall, bronze-skinned warrior hesitated, then said, "I have to agree with the ladies. If we're looking for fighting and bloodshed, that's the place to go. On the other hand, the Aktos Trail is dangerous too."
"We definitely don't need any trouble," said Lannon. "We had enough of that in the Soddurn Mountains."
"Last I knew," said Saranna, "Malva itself was bandit free. I visited there about two months ago. A Ranger named Fodan maintains law and order there, and he's no one to fool with. It's the journey there that would cause me concern--through long stretches of forest where bandits hide out waiting to ambush travelers. I've heard reports that the region has grown more dangerous since my visit, with a gang called the Blue Vultures causing the most trouble."
"The Blue Vultures?" said Lannon, raising his eyebrows.
"That's right," said Brakthas. "The Blue Vultures. Those are some nasty, nasty barbarians. Sneaky, too. If we were to encounter them, we'd have a tough fight on our hands. The Blue Vultures are some scary fellows."
Aldreya smirked. "I don't think we have much to fear from wandering bands of barbarians. Dremlock doesn't yield to rogues."
"You're not in Silverland anymore," said Saranna. "Things are different out here. Some of these gangs are like trained armies."
"Is it even worth going there?" said Dallsa. "We have plenty of supplies, and we can sleep in our tents. I don't see the point."
"We need more warriors," said Aldreya. "And there is no safe place for us on this journey. If Malva has what we seek, we should go there."
"Warriors can be found there," Saranna admitted. "There are a few wealthy businessmen living there who protect what they have at all costs, and Fodan has some highly skilled mercenaries working for him. Some of the best fighters money can buy go there seeking employment."
"Hey!" said Brakthas, glaring at Saranna in mock anger. "What are you trying to do, get us mixed up in a war with the Blue Vultures? And keep in mind that any added help is going to dilute our share of the treasure."
Saranna shrugged. "Greater numbers equal greater safety. I'll worry about treasure later, when we actually find some."
"Exactly," said Galandra. "I'd definitely feel safer with a crowd around me. Makes it less likely I'll be the target of some assassin's bow."
"I guess we'll proceed to Malva," said Aldreya, "and see if we can hire a few more fighters. Any objections? What's your opinion, Jace?"
"I have no objections," said Jace. "We need as many warriors as we can get, wherever we can find them. These Blue Vultures do concern me, though. I've encountered barbarian gangs before. Very savage and very cunning. But I think it's worth the risk. Personally, I'm willing to put up with a few barbarians merely for the sake of good food and a comfortable bed."
"I think we should avoid that town," said Lannon, "and stay on this trail." He was tired of combat and had a strong feeling they would find trouble in Malva. "We're on a long journey. And what's so special about Malva? There will be other places where mercenaries can be found, including Wolfbine Kingdom."
"Malva is unique," said Saranna. "You wa
nt the best warriors you can hire, and such warriors are not easily found. But they are found in Malva, thanks to Fodan and his reputation."
"Saranna speaks true," said Galandra. "We could visit a thousand towns and come away with nothing. And although Wolfbine is indeed full of great warriors, Bellis has a strong presence there and could make the hiring process a huge challenge. I don't want to go to Malva either, but if you want elite mercenaries that are easy to obtain, that's the place to go."
"Do we need a vote?" asked Aldreya.
No one answered. Lannon shook his head, not caring to challenge her on the issue, as he was uncertain of his own opinion.
"Then we ride for Malva," she said.
Brakthas rubbed his hands together. "Mud belt, here we come!"
"Why it is called the Mud Belt?" asked Lannon.
"Because it's muddy," Brakthas replied. "What did you expect?"
"But why is it so muddy there?" asked Lannon.
"I don't know," said Brakthas.
"The soil was cursed by evil spirits," said Jace. "At least, that's my theory. And I think it's a thoughtful and intelligent one."
"Maybe it's just a stretch of boggy land," said Bekka. "Swamps and bogs contain a lot of mud, right? Simple answer."
"I'm sticking with evil spirits," said Jace.
Bekka sighed. "If you say so."
"Me too," said Brakthas. "I like that explanation. Only evil spirits could mess up the ground like that." He laughed, then extended his hand to Jace. "You're the size of a dumb Ogre, yet as wise as a seer."
Jace shook it. "Now that we appear to be friends, could you spare me a bit of pipe tobacco?"
"Forget to buy some in Red Barrel?" asked Brakthas.
"Unfortunately, yes," Jace muttered. "I was too distracted with food and other things. My mind has been quite cluttered lately."
"I don't have any," said Brakthas. "I rarely smoke. I have some wintergreen leaf, though. Good for chewing."
"I'll pass," said Jace, looking glum.
***
As the afternoon slipped by, the friendly farmlands gave way to large stretches of swamp and boggy fields where dead trees lay. The road split in two, with the Aktos Trail leading one way and Mugvos Trail leading another. They took the Mugvos route, and the land turned even more swampy. Mosquitoes became such an issue that Lannon went to the extreme of blocking their attacks with his power. Only Vorden was unaffected, as the bugs didn't seem to want to go near him--perhaps reacting to the aura of the Deep Shadow that always surrounded him. Everyone else was busy slapping at bugs, scratching at bites, and muttering.
"I once had a technique," said Jace, "to make mosquitoes avoid me. I could alter my very smell to ward them off." He scratched his neck and arms, groaning. "Sadly, I seem to have forgotten it."
"This is madness," said Jerret, swatting a huge mosquito on his arm and leaving a splash of blood. "I'm ready to hide in my tent."
The Rangers chuckled. They handled the swarms quite well and seemed a bit perplexed by all the fuss.
"What's your secret?" Daledus asked Brakthas. "Why don't these bloodsucking devils bother you?"
Brakthas shrugged. "I'm used to them. Maybe I've been bitten so many times I no longer notice it. Or maybe they don't like my smell."
"Apparently they love my smell," said Jerret, who was taking the worst beating of the bunch. Dried blood was crusted to his ears and forehead.
Bekka grinned at Jerret. "I thought you lived for bloodshed. Don't you relish this fight?"
"This isn't a fight," said Jerret. "I'm being eaten alive. My skin is on fire. Aldreya, can't you do anything?"
The Green Knight shook her head. "I fear it's going to get worse toward evening, especially if this breeze lets up. But we can afford no delays if we want to make Malva by nightfall."
Dallsa groaned. "Surely this Mud Belt is cursed by the Deep Shadow. It's not natural for mosquitoes to be this large and aggressive. I'm beginning to think Jace is right--this is the work of evil."
"Evil spirits," said Jace, nodding.
As they traveled deeper into the swampland, they encountered broken glass from dishes and wagon parts. The wagon and everything in it seemed to have been torn apart, with pieces scattered along the road. At last they found the wagon's owners: a family of four lying dead in the undergrowth beside the trail--father, mother, son, and daughter. They had been killed by blows to the head.
Overwhelmed with disgust, Lannon longed to see justice done. The murders seemed so brutal and pointless. "We must find whoever did this."
Aldreya nodded, her green eyes smoldering with anger. "Indeed, this evil should not go unpunished. If only we had time to hunt for the killers. But sadly we do not. Our mission is too important."
Brakthas knelt and examined the bodies. He pointed to blue paint on the backs of their hands. "The work of the Blue Vultures. This poor family never stood a chance against those savages."
"A bad sign for Malva," said Saranna. "We're very close to town. For the Blue Vultures to murder this family here is a bold act."
"Perhaps we should turn back," said Galandra.
Dallsa looked away, wiping her eyes. "Unbelievably awful. My heart aches for this family." Still not used to such sights, her face had gone pale and she looked ill. Dallsa had not yet learned to deal with death, and it left her frustrated. Death closed the door on healing, and that door could never be opened again. On the ground before her were people bearing terrible wounds--yet she could do nothing for them, and it gnawed at her soul. Not even the most powerful healers could help the dead. She had no choice but to leave them to the earth and move on.
"Awful indeed," said Jace, shaking his head. "It is always disheartening to see the work of savages, how they ransack and destroy anything wholesome. Just a peaceful, honest family on a journey--perhaps off to meet with relatives or what have you. But the savages couldn't let them be."
"It's the way of the world," said Galandra. "The innocent suffer at the hands of greedy, evil bullies, and rarely is justice done. Look at all the misery Bellis has caused, yet Verlamer still rules his kingdom."
"Justice always prevails," said Aldreya. "Eventually."
Galandra shook her head. "I can't agree with you. I've seen a lot of injustice over the years--evil deeds that went unpunished. I've seen thieves and murderers do nothing but prosper at the expense of their victims. Where do get that crazy idea? Is that a Birlote thing?"
"Evil consumes itself," said Aldreya. "It is a devouring beast that spares nothing. It is a trap that offers its own punishment."
"Aldreya speaks true," said Prince Vannas.
"Without a doubt," said Lothrin. "Those who embrace evil embrace their own doom. They are to be pitied."
"Okay, so it is a Birlote thing," said Galandra.
But oh so true in way, Lannon thought. If he couldn't find a way to resist the Deep Shadow, it would indeed doom him. It was a trap--and one that countless people had not managed to escape. You could prosper for a while, but eventually the beast would turn on you and drag your soul into despair.
"I'm not going to sit here," said Dallsa, "and feel pity for the killers because they have tainted souls or whatever. I feel pity for this family, who were terrorized and murdered. And right now, someone is getting away with it."
"I agree," said Lannon, sighing.
"We should seek vengeance," said Jerret. "Surely the killers couldn't have gotten too far. Let's track them down."
"Exactly," Daledus agreed. "Let's take some heads!"
No one answered. Although the desire for vengeance had already gotten Jerret expelled from the Divine Order, no one felt like reminding him of that. They were too angry to dispute his words. They too wanted vengeance. Lannon told himself it was justice he sought, but his hand had tightened around his sword hilt and a dangerous mood had overtaken him.
Prince Vannas held up the White Flamestone. "By the Divine Essence, I swear the killers will burn in white fire!"
"So much for pitying
them," said Galandra, looking amused.
"Put that away," said Lothrin. "It isn't needed right now."
The prince glared at Lothrin. "Make me."
"We need to calm ourselves," said Aldreya, "and focus on our mission. We're Divine Knights, remember?"
"Not all of us," said Jerret.
"Incorrect," said Aldreya. "You're being employed by Dremlock and Ollanhar, and you're required to obey the Sacred Laws and behave like a Knight. Otherwise you will be in breech of your contract. Jerret, you are what is called an Acting Knight and must uphold the duties of the Order."
"We get it," said Brakthas. "We're all Knights, for now. So therefore my opinion must hold some weight. And my opinion is that we should turn back. Otherwise things are probably going to get very bloody in Malva."
"That's cowardly," said Jerret. "These Blue Vultures need to be dealt with. Don't you feel sorrow for this family?"
"Sure I do," said Brakthas. "I have a soul, don't I? I feel terrible about it. I wish they had never come here. I would feel the same way if bears or wolves had done this. Or Goblins. These Blue Vultures are like animals. They don't fear anything and don't know the meaning of pity or mercy. If we go up against them, some of us are going to die. At least one or two of us. Maybe all of us."
"Not necessarily," said Lannon.
Brakthas shook his head. "You don't get it. You don't understand the Blue Vultures. There's no way to explain it to you. Once we get in a fight with them, they'll never let us rest. They don't know how to let go of a grudge. And considering the mission we're facing, we don't need this."
"I'm with Brakthas," said Galandra. "I say we turn back."
"We're going ahead," Lannon commanded. In spite of Brakthas' dire warning, he wasn't backing down from a potential confrontation with the Blue Vultures. Someone had to take a stand against this evil. The dead family in the mud could not be ignored. They were Divine Knights, and their sworn duty was to protect the innocent and punish the guilty, even if strange lands. It was a complicated situation, but Lannon was going with a simple solution--do what he felt was right and hope for the best.
Knights: Legends of Ollanhar Page 7
