For Caliban and Ferreter both, the voice issued from the rift within the tavern and resounded out of their prospective hound’s muzzle. Caliban was no fool and knew a major player when he heard one. He took in the scene at the tavern and realized he was dealing with one of the highest ranking demons. In fact, for this demon to have control over the Void’s own hounds, it could only be the Fallen Star.
“Master of the Fiery Lake,” Caliban said with deep respect. At the same time, the hound in the tavern turned to the rift, became a black glossy looking glass so as to show Caliban, and echoed his voice. “I was not aware that you were not included in our original plan. One of your demons sought out our former leader with news of the coming of a new twelve. The demon spoke of a student learning under the Magi, Verger Rex. It seems Rex became convinced of the coming of a new twelve and had calculated which race they were to come from. The demon had a great deal of information, including when the Gateway would open to admit the new twelve into the Hub World.”
Silence followed for half a minute and then the voice issued from the rift once more. “Who was the demon?”
It was Ferreter who responded, knowing that silence was death, “Weaver of Chaos, we were never given a name. You know how guarded your servants are with their identities.” The image in the hound in the Fatted Calf shifted to carry Ferreter’s image and words. “However, I can show you its true appearance.”
Ferreter lifted his head so it touched his hound’s head. The image within the hound in the tavern shifted from Ferreter to the images gleaned from the Rider’s mind. A pale elf appeared, then slowly morphed until the fake shell fell away and the true visage of the demon shone. The form resembled a human figure in a fuzzy photograph. A sooty substance streaked with red flowed through its nearly insubstantial body, adding definition when it reached the boundaries of the frame. Twisted limbs were barely visible, and the remains of wings appeared from just behind the figure.
Ferreter then asked, “Do you know this demon, Creation Breaker?”
Instantly, a wave of energy pulsed out of the rift, through the hounds Ferreter was talking through, and into his body. Thousands of tiny flaming needles grew under Ferreter’s skin and he screamed until his voice broke. Only then did the voice from the rift speak, “I know all of my subjects, Rider.”
Ferreter flailed, his mouth trying to form words, his mind trying to send a reply, but it was Caliban that finally spoke. “Lord of the Dark Host, my associate misspoke; he merely meant to ask, do you recognize, from our seeing, your servant?”
Caliban would not have normally spoken up for another, even a fellow Rider, but Ferreter was uniquely skilled and it would be a long time before he could be replaced. At the end of Caliban’s words, Ferreter’s form fell limply to the ground; the only sign of his living was his deep desperate breaths.
“Yes, Rider, I do,” the voice responded. “I sense from your mind that you are on its trail. How goes your hunt?”
“We’ve lost the trail in the desert here in the Eighth Kingdom. The scent of the anthope has obscured the markers. It may have fallen into their hands.”
“Very well, I will deal with the tracking and punishing of this servant. I require your skills here at Council Rock. Before that you will tell me all you know; you had better be quick, as the third watch is well underway.”
Chapter 10
Rebekah looked at her face in the mirror and sighed. She had developed several more freckles from her exposure to the sun. Her fair skin always did this, and it annoyed her. How many days had she been stranded in the wilderness? Was it two? One? No, one and a half. There was the crossing, and then one whole day in this strange reality. No longer did she think this place some delusion. No, this was reality, one she was just coming to terms with but never felt she would truly comprehend.
Rebekah sighed and tried to clear her head from all the random thoughts. She continued combing her long, wet, strawberry-blond hair, once again wishing for a hair dryer or a little makeup. It wasn’t as if she ever wore a lot; she just didn’t like how the freckles were overbearing without foundation and how tired her eyes looked without liner. David would have said she was fussing over nothing and tell her how beautiful she looked. The sincerity in his voice always made her blush and feel more attractive. However, David was not here. She sighed and put down the brush, realizing her mind was wandering again.
She had been constantly worrying about the rest of her family; however, the acolytes that ran Haven’s sanctuary, the Owl, and her guardian angel kept her engaged. The Owl conversed with her whenever they were in her assigned room, the acolytes welcomed her help wherever she offered, and the Fox comforted her during those times in between.
Rebekah volunteered in the kitchen where she met her first dwarf, a joyous young lady who was newly wed to another dwarf who kept the cellar stocks and saw to the catacombs. In the garden, she assisted an elderly weald and several gaeder. She also helped in cleaning rooms, which is when she met the Coterie acolytes who were mainly guards. The temple physician was an elf, as was his young assistant healer, Alawnwee; she was assigned to help Rebekah with care of herself and her unborn child.
Alawnwee and Rebekah didn’t have too much in common, though the young elf maid was a transplant same as Rebekah. She had just come of age on the elven home world when she crossed over. She had not been alone. However, one by one she lost her companions through a yearlong trial that left her hurting spiritually and fearful. It took some time, but Alawnwee became determined to take back some control of her life and established a life in Haven. Rebekah admired her for this, and a strong kinship formed between the two women.
Through Alawnwee Rebekah learned more about the other races that populate the Way World. Rebekah was fascinated to hear the stories of the nisse, and quickly realized that in her world they would be called fairies. She was also able to quickly identify the limnaid as mermaids, the polyheme as giants, and the avian as what humans pictured angels to be. Rebekah’s education was not to be complete, however, as Alawnwee would hardly speak of the other races such as the anthope (who sounded like shape shifters) and several different creatures she would only call the Twisted Ones.
*
Dawn of the fourth day since the crossing brought the Owl fluttering into Rebekah’s room. She sat up as best she could as the Owl perched on the window ledge.
“Greetings, friend,” Rebekah called out.
The Owl bobbed up and down in greeting. “Good morning, Lady Rebekah.”
Rebekah shifted uncomfortably in bed. The discomfort had nothing to do with her pregnancy and everything to do with the new information the Owl had shared with her about her children’s fate. Since then, the Owl had started calling her Lady Rebekah, in honor of the status she would be accorded as mother of the future kings and queens of the twelve kingdoms.
She took quick control of the emotions bubbling up inside her by reaching out and stroking the Fox’s fur. The Fox, who had not stirred from its spot on the bed when the Owl entered, did so now in order to give Rebekah better access to the full length of its body.
“Do you have news?” Rebekah asked hopefully.
“Yes,” the Owl replied. “Though there has been much activity regarding your family’s arrival, your husband and children had a safe night without any encounters.”
“Do they still travel with the Coterie allies you spoke of?”
“Indeed. I would not be surprised if they were to gain more allies this day. Trust that God will expand the circle of protection around you and your family.”
“Yes, I know; it’s just that protection can only go so far. I’ve read through the Bible plenty of times, enough to know that even God’s chosen face dangers and trials that can harm them.”
“Harm them? Yes. Change them? It has happened many times. However, none of God’s chosen were ever abandoned.”
Rebekah continued to stroke the Fox’s fur. Tears of fear and frustration brimmed in her eyes, but did not fall. The Owl glided
over to the bed and landed at Rebekah’s feet.
“I have more news.”
Rebekah wiped away the tears and looked up at the Owl. She nodded her head so it would go on.
“The carriage set to bring you to the Central Kingdom arrived last night. Craftsmen are refitting it for a smoother ride and will have it done by sundown. You are set to leave the day after tomorrow.”
“Why not tomorrow?” Rebekah asked in surprise.
“Tomorrow is the Sabbath, and in Haven it is strictly honored. The Gates to the city will be closed at dusk tonight and will not be opened again until the dawn following the Sabbath. Besides, your own circle must be formed.
“In addition to the Fox and myself, the horses and the two coachmen, a small guard of fifteen Coterie warriors heading to their ancestral houses will also accompany us. Finally, your nurse, Alawnwee, will ride with you, to stay by your side through your pregnancy and beyond.”
Rebekah was delighted by the news that Alawnwee would accompany her, but quickly became puzzled. “Alawnwee said she loved Haven and could not see why anyone would trade it for the crowded fortress city, Dauntalus. Why would she choose to join me there?”
“Alawnwee is very strong in her obedience to God and has answered the call of God’s herald. She trusts strongly in the security that is Haven, but is willing to go into more dangerous territory out of love. It is her love of the Word that drives her desire to please Him and those He has put in her life. The healer under whom she serves has implored her to seek more training to strengthen her skills. She respects him and wishes to honor him. Additionally, she has grown to cherish you these last few days, as you have her. For these reasons she will go where she is sent.”
“I will be honored by her company and friendship,” said Rebekah.
“Be sure to tell her that. She is strong of faith; on the other hand, like you, she still fears what the future will bring.”
A not so distant noise of dishes clanging brought everybody’s attention to the door. The Owl quickly turned back to Rebekah.
“That is her now. She’s bringing you breakfast, news of the carriage, and news that she will travel with you. You two can prepare together. Enjoy the Sabbath service tomorrow. I’ve other tasks to complete before our departure. Good day to you, Rebekah.”
With these last words the Owl took off, flying back out the window. Seconds later, a small knock at the door announced Alawnwee’s arrival. Rebekah called for her to enter and thanked her for the morning meal. As the two women shared breakfast, they shared their hopes and fears of their future in Dauntalus.
Chapter 11
The journey to Council Rock was nearly complete when David called the group to a halt. He said a light lunch should be eaten, and instructed the children to put it together. Meanwhile, he gathered the others around him.
“From this point on we will be moving deeper into perilous territory. We should expect attack from many different quarters and enemies.” David paused and looked at the Coterie brothers. “I can’t ask you to go any further with us. I’m certain it won’t be long before my children are revealed for who they are to be. I’ve been away for many years and I don’t know the political situation. Then again, I know how transitions of power have gone before, both here and in the other worlds. The ruling class won’t just surrender, nor will they willingly bow down when set aside. I appreciate your help in getting us this far this fast . . .”
“Are you finished?” First Thunder’s voice boomed as he asked the question. “We are not leaving you now. It took my ancestors thousands of years to figure out that it was easier to fight for God than against Him. He has called you forth, and we will stand with you.”
Rock looked at David gravely. “You are about to enter a nest of vipers. You will need as many allies as you can find.”
Fleet of Foot nodded, agreeing with his brothers’ words. “I was willing to travel the long road with you when I only suspected what your family might represent. I would be honored for you to consider my weapons your weapons, and my life yours to command.”
As Fleet of Foot finished these words, all the brothers placed their fists to their heads and closed their eyes. David was taken aback by what he knew was a long standing pledge of loyalty for the Coterie.
“It is settled then,” the Beagle stated. It looked at all the brothers in turn and then said, “Your loyalty honors God, and your ancient pledge of fealty will be accepted.”
The Beagle then turned to David. “David, I know that you have fears. However, God has granted you support, and you have the truth of God’s loyalty, foresight, and care strapped to your side. The hardest part of parenting lies in learning to trust God and your children when it comes time to let them make their own choices. Your older children will soon be well caught up in the turbulence of transitioning the Way World into a new dynasty. You must remember your younger children, though. They possibly have years ahead of them before they ascend to their thrones. Continue to teach them, guide them, and prepare them for the task you now know is ahead of them. Now, speaking of your children, they are finished with the lunch preparations; we should join them.”
Without waiting for the others to concur, the Beagle lopped off to join the children. Each of the Coterie brothers in turn clasped one of David’s shoulders and his forearm, a typical Coterie gesture of acceptance of a contract. David returned their gesture in kind. Once they had all left, David turned his face skyward, closed his eyes, and grasped the Sword of Truth before whispering, “Strengthen me, O Lord.”
The group ate and remounted. Fifteen minutes later they were met by a company of soldiers mounted and dressed in resplendent armor. The soldiers were lean and tall, and the helmets they wore framed their angular faces. The parties halted close enough to each other that the children could see the soldiers’ almond shaped eyes. The five eldest children quickly realized from the distinct features and the information the Coterie brothers had shared with them that they were in the presence of another alien race.
Two of the soldiers detached themselves from their group and moved closer still. David and First Thunder did likewise.
“Greetings, travelers,” said the shorter of the two. “What brings you into the realm of the throne at this time?”
First Thunder answered first, “My brothers and I come to fulfill an order of riding horses.” He indicated the line of horses the children and the extra supplies were on.
David then spoke up. “These brothers were kind enough to offer my family and me a ride as our paths converged.”
“These are to be Lord Avrant’s horses,” the taller of the two soldiers whispered to the other. “He will not appreciate them being treated as pack animals.”
“The last I remember,” David responded to the overheard comment, “good deeds were not looked down upon by any of the races.”
For a moment, silence ruled the ground between the two parties. Then the taller soldier spoke up. “I did not mean my comment as a slight toward you or the Coterie men’s good deed. I was merely pointing out to my fellow officer my cousin’s disposition toward his property.”
David inclined his head in a slight bow. “I am David Koen, Truth Blade. Should Lord Avrant have a problem with his purchase, I will be more than willing to discuss it with him.”
The smaller of the two soldiers began to chuckle. “It’s been a long time since a Truth Blade rode the Here Between roads. I doubt Lord Avrant would know the full extent such a conversation could entail.” The soldier then bowed slightly to David. “I am Yero, captain of the Far Guard for Lord Avrant. My lieutenant is Hogan, fifteenth of the line.”
Hogan shifted in his saddle and shot Yero a cross look. Yero caught the movement in his peripheral vision and smiled broadly before adding, “Nevertheless, I’d rather have him at my side than any of the rest.”
Hogan sighed, “That, Yero, is why you’re stuck as captain of the Far Guard.”
“Must I keep telling you, Hogan, that I’m not stuck here? H
ere I’m free of politics and court intrigues.”
First Thunder cleared his throat, hoping to bring the conversation back around to the matter at hand. When he had everyone’s attention, he spoke up. “My brothers and I would like to make delivery as soon as possible.”
Yero once again bowed slightly in his saddle. “Hogan, take them to the royal stables, but take the back way so as to avoid the council meeting and any disapproving eyes. This should also save Lord Avrant the embarrassment of disgracing himself by objecting to a good deed. I’ll take the men to check behind the travelers and the main path.”
Hogan shook his head at Yero’s comment, but signaled to the Coterie brothers to follow him. He moved the group off the road to a barely noticeable trail between the thickets lining the road. After a few moments the trail broadened, allowing for easy two-by-two travel. Here Hogan pulled back to ride alongside David.
“I would like to apologize again if you took my comments as a slight. I’ve been working with Yero for nearly two years now, and his openly critical attitude is rubbing off. Neither of us should be speaking so brazenly of Lord Avrant.”
“I am a man accustomed to the wilds myself, and speak openly where I shouldn’t always,” David remarked before changing the subject. “Things have changed since I last traveled these roads. I must admit I wasn’t fluent in the royal line, but Avrant is not a name I remember.”
“He was third in line until his brothers died during a tour of the kingdom’s holdings. Lord Avrant took the throne of the Seventh Kingdom ten years ago when his father succumbed to a lung disease.” Hogan shifted in his saddle as if something was annoying him. His next question changed the course of the conversation. “How long have you been gone?”
David turned in his saddle to look at Deborah riding on the horse just behind his. “Nearly twenty-three years,” he answered and then stopped his horse. He halted the rest of the horses, too. He continued looking at Deborah in a puzzled fashion that quickly turned to shock.
The New Guard (Crossroads Book 1) Page 10
