by Avril Sabine
“I know, but…” Visions of all that could be bought with that sort of money raced through her mind. Then she thought of what might happen if they were discovered. “No. You aren’t going to convince me. You’re crazy. We’d never pull it off.”
“We can. Besides, they’re not going to question us. They sounded desperate for someone with elf sight. And who cares why, as long as they pay.”
“Some wizard made a mountain pass disappear and they need to find it so they can retrieve something that was stolen. They only wanted him to go as far as the hidden path. But we can’t trust the General.”
“Why not?”
“Because it was Farnell Serensten. He was a captain when the old man knew him.”
“The man he blames for leaving him for dead when he lost his arm?”
“Yes.”
“I thought it might have been.”
“You can see why we can’t go. We’d be mad to trust him. Nothing about the mission seemed right. Farnell said it was straightforward. But if that was true, why would a general come begging for help? A general doesn’t do the work of a lackey.”
“There’s probably a reasonable explanation for it. After all, the fellow knew Pa from years ago. Maybe he thought it was the polite thing to do.”
Shadow shook her head. “You’re not fooling me with that pathetic excuse. You’re mad to even think about going.”
“I’m not mad. I’m desperate. Please, Shadow. You heard what I said. He doesn’t believe any man’s good enough for you to marry. You’re seventeen! Do you want to spend the rest of your life at his beck and call? Gran lived past eighty. He’s likely to live another forty years at least.”
“Oh god no,” Shadow whispered. “Forty years.” A chill shivered along her spine as she pictured herself at fifty-seven still being yelled at by her Pa and serving in the tavern.
“Or more,” Irlan said quietly.
Shadow shook her head in horror. She stalked away from her brother and muttered under her breath. She reached out to touch a tree that stood near her, the bark rough against her hand. She couldn’t get the image from her mind. “Older!” She pictured her Pa at one hundred years and herself with a walking stick as he still ruled her life. She pushed away from the tree, wanting to run as fast and as far as possible. Her feet stumbled forward. The roaring in her ears started again and she felt a wave of panic rush through her. “Never.” She turned suddenly and Irlan, who’d followed, nearly stumbled over her.
“Hey, careful!”
Shadow stabbed him in the chest with her finger. “You’ve got to promise we stay away from any fighting. As soon as things get crazy we’re out of there. And you make them give us some money up front. They also provide horses and supplies.”
“You’re the best.” Irlan swung his sister around again.
“Put me down.” Shadow tried to push away from him.
Irlan grinned down at her. “Let’s get you ready little brother, before you change your mind.”
Shadow groaned. Irlan grabbed her hand and half dragged her home, talking excitedly all the way. The moment they came near the tavern, they both fell silent. A quick peek inside showed the coast was clear and they hurried up to the loft.
They grabbed clothes, including some old ones of Irlan’s for Shadow to wear. Using his Ma’s shears, Irlan hacked off his sister’s hair and left it with a note for their Ma to find the next day.
Shadow stared at the hair lying on her bed, still plaited. “This is crazy.”
“Get dressed. It’d be just like the old bugger to come out here and stop us.” Irlan left her alone in the loft.
She stared at the boy’s clothes she was to wear. Luckily she’d never gained those curves she’d always wanted. Reaching for the linen bandage, she bound her chest first, then dressed in Irlan’s old clothes, which were slightly big. With one last glance at the hair on her bed, she joined Irlan downstairs. He held a pillowcase with some food and spare clothes. Her stomach lurched.
“Are you ready?”
She shook her head. “No.” The motion felt strange and she reached up to touch her hair.
“You can’t change you mind. Come on, Shadow. We have to leave. Now.”
“This is crazy.” She looked past her brother at the door that led to the bar. Movement felt impossible.
“So is staying.”
Her eyes clashed with her brother’s. The rolling in her stomach stopped and she slowly nodded. “I suppose it is.”
Irlan grinned and reached out his hand to her. “Then let’s get out of here.”
Chapter Three
Shadow took hold of Irlan’s hand and ran outside with him, grinning at the laughter that burst from him as they raced through the dark. “You’re mad. We’re going to run into something.”
“After the amount of time we’ve spent out here at night, I could run through this place with my eyes closed.” Irlan slowed and let go of her hand. He reached into the pillowcase. “Here.” He handed Shadow an old felt hat of his as sounds from the camp reached them. “Keep it pulled low and hold your tongue.”
Shadow nodded as she slipped the hat on. Her hand brushed against her hair and she touched the jagged strands, surprised at how light her head felt with her hair cut off. It wasn’t all that was light. She alternated between fear of what was ahead and lightheaded joy at leaving the tavern. She only wished her Ma would go with them, but Gennie believed Gil would change. She’d pointed out each time he’d acted like the man he’d once been, telling Shadow that one day soon she’d know the man her Pa really was.
“Who’s there? Show yourselves,” a guard ordered.
Irlan stepped into the light cast from the torches. “We need to see General Serensten.”
Shadow stayed close behind him, keeping her head tilted to hide her face with the hat’s brim.
“Who are you and what makes you think the General wants to see two brats?” the guard demanded as they came into the circle of light thrown out by the burning torch, one end of which was pushed into the ground. The flame flickered in the soft breeze and the guard held his sword at the ready. “I’m waiting.”
“I’ve got elf sight,” Irlan said.
Shadow jabbed her brother in the back but he ignored her.
“Elf sight.” The guard chuckled. “Hey Wardell, kid here reckons he’s got elf sight.”
Wardell came to join the guard. “What’s that, Yarin? Bad sight?”
“That’s about it,” Yarin agreed. “Can’t you see this is a soldier’s camp? We don’t have time for brats. Now take yourselves home and stop pestering us.”
“What’s going on here?” Another soldier stepped out of the shadows to join them. He had black hair slightly longer than the two soldiers. His brown eyes looked between the two men and then over to Irlan and Shadow. He was broad shouldered, held himself straight compared to the slouched stance of the guards and a sword hung from his belt. He looked to be only a few years older than Irlan but acted like he’d seen more of life.
Shadow had never seen anyone like him before. She was glad Irlan didn’t expect her to speak. She didn’t think she’d be able to.
“Ah, nothing Captain Relth, ah Sir.” Yarin stood to attention.
“Everything’s under control, Captain Relth,” Wardell said.
Shadow’s gaze was drawn back to the captain as she wondered if having a surname so close to the name of their country, Relthon, had helped or hindered his career.
“I’ve got elf sight and I want to see the General,” Irlan said.
Shadow’s hands became fists and she wanted to hit her brother. What was he thinking? How was he going to get them to believe something that wasn’t even close to the truth?
“Nothing, Wardell?” Carson asked quietly. Wardell took a step back under the hard look.
“They’re just kids mucking around,” Yarin said. “Ah, Sir.”
“Let the General be the judge of that. What’s your name boy?” Carson demanded.
“I
rlan.”
“And who’s hiding behind you?”
“My brother Shadow.”
Carson stared at them a moment and then chuckled. The tension left the soldiers and they relaxed again.
“How appropriately named. Follow me. We’ll see what the General has to say.” Carson strode away without looking to see if they followed.
Irlan and Shadow shared a quick look and hurried after Carson. They were led to a tent in the middle of the camp.
Carson halted at the entrance. “Wait here.” He stared at each of them before he entered the tent.
“Why did you tell them you had elf sight?” Shadow hissed at her brother as soon as they were alone.
“We don’t want them looking too closely at you.”
Before Shadow could reply, Carson pulled the tent flap back and gestured them inside. The General sat at a collapsible table, with pen, ink and parchment in front of him. He stared at Irlan and glanced over at Shadow who stood close behind her brother.
“Are you telling the truth, lad?” Farnell asked.
Irlan nodded, pinned by the cold blue eyes of the General.
“There are four mugs in here. Magic hid. Find them for me,” Farnell ordered.
Irlan glanced around. Shadow could see the panic rush in on her brother. She felt the same panic. She didn’t know what the General would do if he found out Irlan had lied, but she didn’t think it’d be good. Reaching out, she wrapped her hand around his right wrist and tugged slightly on it until he turned in that direction. He slowly turned until she stopped tugging. Taking a deep breath he moved forward until she dug her nails into his wrist. Guessing he’d have something to say about that later, she pulled on his arm. He stared at the ground for a moment then looked over at the General and Captain.
“Well lad, if you think it’s there, bend down and pick it up,” Farnell said impatiently.
Irlan looked at Shadow. She could see the question in his eyes. For a fleeting second she felt like reminding him it was his fault. Then she remembered the cold eyes of the General. He was too much like Gil. Irlan didn’t stand a chance against him.
She moved forward and put her foot to a slight angle and hoped he understood what she was doing. Irlan crouched with his back to Farnell and Carson. He hesitatingly reached in front of him. Shadow saw the look of surprise as his fingers ran into the invisible cup near the toe of her boot. He picked it up, took it to the General and placed it on the table with a clunk.
“Hurry it up, lad. You’ve still got another three to find.” Farnell drummed his fingers on the table.
Irlan swallowed visibly. Shadow tugged on his wrist and was relieved this time he was able to follow her directions quicker. Shortly, all four mugs were on the General’s table, still invisible. Farnell pulled a bag of white powder from his belt pouch and sprinkled it over the mugs. It would have been a blend containing some of the same powder originally used to hide them.
Four ceramic mugs sat lined up along the table and Irlan sagged slightly. Shadow’s hand circled his wrist again and she dug her nails in to make him stand straight.
“Looks like you weren’t bragging, lad,” Farnell said. “So what price are you looking for your services?”
“Same as you offered the tavern owner,” Irlan said.
“No.”
Irlan shrugged and turned to walk out.
Shadow tugged on his arm but he dragged her along with him. She felt like hitting him over the head with something. Did he want to go back to the tavern?
“Half what I offered him,” Farnell called out.
Irlan shook his head and turned to face the General. “I’ll be doing the same job. Finding the path you’re looking for. It was obviously important enough for you to offer that price this afternoon. I can’t see why it should suddenly lose importance. Same price plus horses and supplies for me and my brother.” Irlan met Farnell’s eyes.
Shadow was surprised he could bring himself to, but she guessed it was no worse than all the times he’d stood up to their Pa. She shivered as she recalled how well those shows of bravado had turned out.
“You only.” Farnell pointed at Irlan. “We’re not nursemaids. You’re brother won’t be coming.”
“I’m his only kin. There’s nowhere to leave him,” Irlan said.
“I’ll pay the tavern owners to keep him while you’re gone,” Farnell suggested.
“No.” The word burst from Irlan. “I’ve heard stories about that drunk. I wouldn’t leave a dog in his keeping. The kid comes with me or I don’t go. He won’t be no trouble. He’s a bit on the simple side. He gets upset if he’s not near me. Ever since we lost our parents he hasn’t been able to let me out of his sight.”
Shadow dug her nails into her brother’s wrist again. She wanted to kick him as well. Simple! He was the only simple one. This would’ve been straight forward if he’d let her admit she was the one with elf sight. There certainly wouldn’t have been any reason for them to leave her behind then.
Farnell stared at Irlan, his chin resting on his linked fingers. “Eighty percent what I offered Gil, horses, supplies and the kid can come along. We ditch him the first time he gets in the way.”
Irlan nodded. “I want some gold to show good faith.”
“When we’re riding out in the morning. One coin only.”
“One each day,” Irlan said.
“One each week,” Farnell shot back.
“Done.” Irlan stepped forward and held out his hand.
Shadow stayed back and dropped her head more so the hat shaded her face. She looked towards the brim and tilted her head slightly so she could watch Irlan shake Farnell’s hand. Carson, who had stood behind Farnell, stepped forward. Her breath caught in her throat as he smiled at her brother.
“Come on lad, I’ll find somewhere for you and the kid to bed down for the night.”
Chapter Four
“Roll out!” a soldier bellowed at daybreak. “Come on you mangy curs. Get moving. No breakfast for any slug-a-beds.”
There were grumbles and groans as soldiers rolled out of swags and quickly readied themselves for the day. A man, who stood beside a large pot hanging over the fire, filled the bowls each soldier brought to him with the serving spoon he held.
“Hey lad,” Carson called out to Irlan.
Irlan and Shadow looked over. Carson held up two bowls and then pointed towards the campfire. Irlan nodded and he and Shadow made their way over.
“Any second thoughts, yet?” Carson asked as they joined him.
Irlan shook his head, but Shadow was tempted to say she certainly had more than second thoughts.
“So, if you’ve got no kin, what have you been doing?” Carson asked as their bowls were filled.
Irlan looked over at Shadow and she saw the sudden look of panic cross his face.
“Peddler,” she whispered, just loud enough for Irlan to hear.
“Speak up kid, I can’t hear mumbles,” Carson said.
“We travelled with a peddler. He dumped us in the last town,” Irlan said.
Carson looked from one to the other. “He’ll never learn to speak if you always answer for him.” He gestured towards their bowls. “Better get that food in you. The General doesn’t wait for anyone.” With a last glance at them, he walked off.
Shadow and Irlan found a place by themselves to eat. “I keep thinking someone is going to see through me,” Shadow whispered.
“Why would they? People only ever see what they expect.” Irlan shovelled in another mouthful of food.
“I don’t know. Every time the Captain looks at me I think he suspects something.” Shadow’s eyes strayed across the camp until they rested on Carson. He turned in her direction and she hurriedly stared at her bowl.
“Nah. Anyway, he’s a dodgy character. He’s far too young to be a captain. I was talking to one of the soldiers last night and they said he’s twenty-one. And, considering he’s only a captain he seems to get more respect than the General. Makes you wond
er what he’s planning. It might be rebellion.”
“You wouldn’t think the General would be that dense, would you?” Shadow glanced over to Carson. His back was to her again. She returned to staring at her food, not wanting to draw his attention.
Irlan shrugged. “Who knows?”
They fell silent for a while as they ate their food. Shadow scrapped her spoon around the bowl. “I hope we don’t take too long to get where we have to go. This not being able to speak when I want is frustrating.”
Irlan laughed. “You manage to hold your tongue when the old bugger’s in one of his rages. Just think of it being like that.”
“Yes, but that’s not all the time. Not every day, every minute. I’m going to go crazy with only you to talk to.”
“Time to leave,” a soldier standing beside the General’s tent, which was being packed away, bellowed. “Saddle up.”
“Come on. We don’t want to get left behind.” Irlan shoved the last spoonful of food in his mouth.
“That’s what you think,” Shadow muttered as she rose to her feet. How was she to manage long hours of no talking, ducking her head in supposed shyness and fading into the background? None of it was her strong point. She could manage for short lengths of time, but hours? Days? Irlan expected the impossible.
The whole day was spent riding. Even the midday meal was broken on horseback with soldiers taking jerky, flatbread and fruit from their saddlebags. Shadow and Irlan had been given food to put in their saddlebags before they’d ridden out that morning. By the time the sun was setting and the light starting to fade, Shadow could no longer feel her legs. At some stage her backside and then her legs had grown numb. Now that they were stopping she wondered how she’d ever get off her horse. She watched as Irlan staggered to the ground, groaning. When some soldiers turned to watch him, he straightened and led his horse to where the others unsaddled. Shadow started to smile at her brother’s behaviour then remembered she’d probably look worse. She didn’t get to ride anywhere near as much as he did.
Taking a deep breath, Shadow dragged her leg forward over the saddle. There was no way she’d be able to dismount properly. She tensed, slid off the saddle and grabbed at the stirrup as her knees gave out. A hand grabbed her mid arm and hauled her up before she hit the ground. Looking up, Shadow saw it was Carson. She quickly looked away from his piercing brown eyes and tilted her head forward so the hat hid her face.
