by James Wymore
Unprepared, this attack would take out the most heavily armed and armored knight. Elwood was a veteran of too many battles to fall for it, though. He fell flat and thrust up with his hunting knife. Wedging the tip between large plates of crusty armor, he used his forward arc to pull the reptilian foe down early and grind its face in the frozen ground. With two more seconds, he would have followed with the second knife for a deadly blow. Unfortunately, he knew this monster was too fresh to allow him so much time. He tipped the knife away so the barb wouldn't catch, and rolled away from his foe.
The beast righted itself in one low squat, with its injured hand crooked across the new stomach wound and the good hand balancing between two frog-proportioned legs, ready to spring again. Rocky spikes rose above the sandy-colored plates on the creature's back. Between the armor, dark brown scales glittered beneath the water running off its back in channels like small streams. Two fist-sized eyes filled most of the square head that jutted, without a neck, from the broad shoulders. The only other feature on its face was a huge mouth, where the muzzle of the crocodilian monster opened to reveal huge, sharp teeth.
Elwood knew this move. Obviously, this Hyzoi was inexperienced fighting humans. He was surprised it would try the same kind of rush attack after it failed from the cover of water. It must be a low ranking scout, set to wait in the reservoir beneath the ice for just such an ambush. It would not be alone.
Elwood permitted himself a glance at the large hole in the water, quickly returning to the giant, clear eyes of his foe. Instinct told the monster its prey looking away would be a good time to spring. Having baited the attack, Elwood also knew what to do next.
When the monster's body uncoiled, Elwood plunged both knives into its eyes. The powerful attack still connected and pushed him back, but when he landed under the heavy enemy, it was already dead. Elwood's still bruised ribs screamed with pain. He ignored the ache and kicked the dead beast over so he could roll out.
When he heard the ground cracking more, he already knew he didn't have the luxury of getting up carefully. He leaped forward, ignoring the fresh pain, and ran.
Several plated monsters broke free of the ice at once. One latched its long face onto the fallen Hyzoi. Another sprung over the fallen comrade, flailing its claws wildly to try to catch anybody behind it unaware. The last one quickly corrected and jumped after Elwood.
Hyzoi easily caught running humans. However, it would take time for them to get their bearings on land. He hoped they would be inefficient moving through snow as well.
Elwood was already on the moving sleigh when the three beasts charged again. Bowen whipped the goats into a frenzy. With their automatic fear of the pursuing predators, they started jumping more than running.
Elwood turned, defending the back of the sleigh. Whenever one of the beasts launched at the vehicle, he swiped with a knife. Several times, he cut across their hands or arms. The thick hides made the defense ineffective.
"We can't go faster up the hill," Bowen called back.
"Turn to the side," Elwood yelled.
Bowen changed course, moving into the trees. Once the goats weren't fighting the slope, the sleigh shot forward, increasing the distance between them and their pursuers.
"The goats can't hold this pace long," Bowen said between whipping and coaxing.
"They won't have to," Elwood said. Already, the three Hyzoi slowed and stopped.
Bowen let the goats keep running, but stopped pressing them for speed. Looking back he asked, "Why'd they stop? They were still faster."
"They only have a few minutes," Elwood said. "Their heart only has three chambers. After sprinting, they run out of energy fast."
"Something tells me we can use that against them," Bowen said.
"That's lesson one."
After dinner, Macey stepped outside to 'get some air.' Having never seen her do so before, Elwood suspected something. Jewel cleaned the dishes, using the usual Winigh water saving method. Bowen leaned back in his chair and started snoring. After a taxing day, Elwood couldn't blame him.
"The way Bowen tells it," Jewel said across the cottage, "you were lucky to escape with your lives."
"I've never seen Hyzoi hibernating beneath the ice before. Usually, they can only go a few hours before surfacing for air."
"So they breathe air, like us?" Jewel wasn't sure how to use that information.
"They are more like us than different," Elwood said. "They have ranks and families. They have causes they believe in."
"But why are they so violent? Why are they bent on destroying us? We don't go down to the water. What cause do they have for coming up on land?"
"I don't know," Elwood said. "I can't remember if we've ever succeeded at communicating with them or not."
"Even if somebody did manage to talk to them, they obviously didn't convince them to stop."
"One thing is sure now." Elwood stood up and moved toward the door.
"They have to take Bowen's word. He saw them, too."
Jewel nodded. She had a pleasant expression, but Elwood couldn't read it. Was she happy about Bowen seeing the Hyzoi or not?
Elwood stepped outside and easily found Macey. She stared up into the sky at a few stars that had managed to find their way through the clouds.
"Something on your mind?" Elwood asked.
"I just can't believe it," Macey said. "It feels like everything is coming to an end."
"It's not the end." His breath hung in the air long seconds after he spoke.
"How can we fight an army of those fishmen?" she demanded. "Bowen said you killed one. But if there are enough of them to wipe out an army of Selene soldiers, what hope do goat herders from Winigh have?"
"This time, we know they have more range. And we are the defenders. If we prepare for their coming, we will have a big advantage."
"And what of the strange tracks you saw?"
"They have machines I've never seen or can't remember. Yet Bowen's pretty clever. I bet he can help us build some machines they've never seen before either."
"I believe in you," Macey said. "I will always believe in you."
"This isn't magic," Elwood said. "It doesn't matter if you believe or not."
"It is for me." Macey looked down from the stars and studied Elwood. "I wish you could have met her in better circumstances."
Elwood knew whom she meant. "So do I."
"But she's the smartest one of us," Macey said. "She will understand difficult circumstances."
"Then she can explain it to me." Elwood smiled.
Just then, Bowen came out carrying a small holder with a lit candle in it. The small light was enough to bring out all the trees, which before looked only like a wall of black. Macey said, "I thought you were asleep already."
"I was just deep in thought." He put one hand around Macey's waist, and gave her a little hug. "There's something I need to show you," he said to Elwood.
"Right now?" Elwood asked.
"Might as well," Bowen said. He started walking toward the shed. Elwood followed. Macey nodded to show she knew what was up and then headed back inside the house.
"I know you've seen this storage," Bowen said as he handed over the candle. He pulled the wide door open with a loud creak.
Bowen handed Elwood the candle, who held it inside so the interior lit up. The glint of metal reflected back. "All the weapons you've salvaged," Elwood said. He let a smile cross his face.
"There's more," Bowen said. He reached around the side and pulled out a piece of purple fabric. As Bowen unwrapped the odd package, Elwood saw it held another weapon. "Does this look familiar?"
Elwood held the candle closer. The blade was wide. A long S-curve at the top gave the point an ideal angle for leverage without sacrificing slicing efficiency. A long barb shot back from the point, and the back had a series of sharp serrations like a wicked saw. The bottom of the S-tip provided a second levering point on the back swing. Elwood had never seen a more elegant shape for killing Hyzoi. "I d
on't think I've seen it before."
"Pick it up," Bowen suggested. He held the fabric as if presenting the handle ceremoniously.
Elwood wrapped his hand around the tight leather grip. A single teardrop point stuck off the bottom of the grip. The crossbar held a yellow gem with the same silver sun as the ring. "Was this mine?"
"It wasn't by you," Bowen said. "When I saw that ring earlier, I remembered this matched. I had it set aside. I never expected to need it as a weapon. But now, I think it's the perfect weapon for a general."
"General?" It didn't sound familiar, but Elwood didn't hate the idea. He hefted the blade. It was light for its size. The edges had some nicks and showed heavy use, but the blade was well cared for. It felt good in his hand. It almost begged him to slash and thrust. He didn't recall any sensory memory of this sword specifically. It made him wish he could go back and try those three Hyzoi from the river again. "Thank you, Bowen. You sure you don't want to keep this one for yourself?"
"It doesn't matter which one I use. I really favor the axe you sharpened some time back. Something tells me you could use this better than the rest of us."
Chapter Nine
Bowen held the last two weapons unloaded from Jewel's sleigh above a pile of twisted metal death implements in the middle of the largest building. In one hand, he had a modified pickaxe with a round and serrated top; in the other a long, thin half-sword. Everybody watched as he unceremoniously tossed the metal pieces onto the mound with a loud crash. With the family gathered for the evening, every eye was on him.
Bowen didn't speak fast. He let their minds churn over the sight of the weapons he had placed there. He took off his purple hat, smoothed his hair, and scratched his beard. He didn't speak with a loud or authoritative voice. He simply reported the facts.
"I have seen the fishmen. They were hibernating beneath the ice, where the Southwall reservoir used to be. When I broke a hole for my goats to drink, one busted out to come and get me. That man stood between me and the monster." He pointed at Elwood. "He fought the beast, using only two knives, and killed it. Then three more broke through the surface and chased us into the woods. Except for our sleigh, they would've had us."
Bowen reached into the pile and extracted a curved scimitar with a saw blade down the concave spine. He lifted it in the air. "The fishmen are coming for Winigh. They will not take prisoners. We are all walking corpses if we do not fight. I mean to spend my life defending my last home."
Macey rushed up and drew the thin stiletto knife she used for cooking. "My brave man," she said quietly to Bowen. Then she held her weapon up.
There was a pause while the men standing near the walls looked at one another. Then two strong young adults stepped up and chose the pickaxe and a double barbed axe from the pile. Several men moved in to claim weapons. Vince, seeing the good weapons going fast, jumped forward and lifted a serpentine sword.
When the pile was gone, teens started coming out of the kitchen with bread knives, cleavers, and bone saws. Jewel followed them into the great room, wiping her hands on her apron.
Aunt Lanny woke from a nap, dazed. Not sure what was happening, she stepped outside and came back in with a pitchfork.
When everybody had their hands held high, Bowen began looking around, unsure of the next step. He made eye contact with Elwood and raised his brows.
Elwood stepped forward and pulled his own magnificent blade. He lifted it with the others. All eyes were on him, but he looked at Bowen and waited patiently.
"I have no understanding of war," Bowen said. "I propose we make Elwood our general."
"It's got to be family," Vince insisted.
"No," Jewel interrupted. Oddly, she was the only person not holding a weapon up. "This war will be all of Winigh, not just us. It's bigger than family."
"Elwood," one of the teens, bursting with enthusiasm called out.
"Elwood," said another. Each person, in turn, spoke the name. Macey started to cry like a proud mother.
When they finished, Elwood dropped his sword and they all followed, some hitting the ground with awkward clanks. When he spoke, he showed them confidence, but felt his own heart sink. He loathed responsibility for the lives of so many good people.
"There is much to be done. More than we have time to do. Every man and woman will need two weapons. We need alcohol—as much as you can make. And we need oil. Spare no wood for large fires, let the heat of our actions keep us warm. All of Winigh must be gathered here to train, forge weapons, and build fortifications. We will need space for all of them to sleep, and provisions for all of them to eat."
"It's the middle of the winter," Aunt Lanny said.
"And be grateful it is. If not for the snow, the Hyzoi would have come already."
"Curse all fishmen!" one young man called out.
"Call your enemy by name," Elwood said. "The Hyzoi deserve your respect." He said it slow, 'high-zoy' so they would learn it. "If they were beneath us, we would not deign to kill them."
Everybody nodded their understanding.
"I must go with Bowen to rally the troops," he continued. "We begin tomorrow. Eat your last big meal tonight. Sleep your last long sleep. In the morning, make every flask of grape juice into strong wine. Prepare this homestead to house a hundred. Convert wagons into chariots. Turn shovels into spears. Build sheds to hold provisions the others will be bringing with them. Make armor to protect heads and arms from crocodile teeth. And collect all the caustic and poisonous chemicals you own."
Jewel nodded, keeping an inventory of his commands in her mind.
"Do not lift a weapon to train before I return," Elwood said. "Tell only stories of heroes. Mothers, be proud only of sons and daughters who fight until their bodies are covered with scars and their hands are drenched in clear blood. The glory of war comes only with death. Renown to those who inflict death. Immortality to those who taste it to protect others."
"You wanted to speak to me?" Jewel said as she lowered her wool hood and unclasped her cloak. They were in her small cottage, with a fire for heat and a candle for light. Macey and Bowen's things were tucked neatly under the small table.
Elwood stood from the only chair. "I know the burden of organizing everything will fall on you while I'm away."
"Macey has agreed to stay behind and help."
"I just wanted to make sure you know the importance of everything that has to be done."
She looked him in the eye and said, "I know."
"Good." He looked at the fire, burning low. He knew what he wanted to say. He just couldn't fight the gloom in his heart whenever he tried to say it.
She didn't help at all. She just waited patiently, neither smiling to tempt nor scowling to discourage him. Her light brown hair fell on one side of her face, throwing a shadow over one eye.
He finally decided he needed an ally. He needed a confidant. "I told you before, I can't remember anything before the battle. Sometimes things are familiar to me, though. I remember strong feelings, or things I used to do. Like the sword Bowen gave me. I don't remember it. But when I pick it up, it feels natural. Do you know what I mean?"
"I can't say I can imagine what it's like to not remember your whole life or anybody in it," she said. "It makes me sad to think of it."
"It should make me sad, but it doesn't," he said. "Once you forget, you don't know what you were missing. So the importance doesn't make you miss them or make you sad. It's just confusing."
"Okay."
"But I have remembered a few small actions. My hand kept trying to touch and turn a ring I wore here." He held up his right hand and pointed to the empty ring finger. "That's why I asked Bowen to take me back to where he found me. I felt somehow I had a ring that used to go there."
Jewel nodded.
He continued, "Don't you see, it's not my left hand. It's not a wedding ring. And I really hate the Hyzoi. If I dwell on it, I become furious and I get this blood lust that…"
Her face turned down. He knew he was off track
.
"What I mean to say, is that I am sure I didn't have a wife from before. Or if I did, I think she might have died. I don't know."
"That seems like something one would be glad to forget," she offered. "What makes you think so? Have you remembered feelings?"
"No. But every time I think of marriage, I get this dark foreboding."
"So you have thought of marriage?" Jewel asked. "It's not a good sign if it makes you feel dark." Jewel looked disappointed. He saw she had a hope he had somehow dampened.
"I don't know what it means."
He saw confusion on her face and wagged his head. "I'm terrible at this." He took her hands and waited until she looked back at his eyes. "I'm trying to say I'm broken. I feel as if I am bound to a forgotten oath. But I don't know what it is."
"I can only pity a bound man," Jewel said. "It seems unfair for someone who has fought so hard for freedom to have none."
Elwood let go of her hands and paced a few steps. Why couldn't he let himself enjoy the prettiest face he'd ever seen? What unseen force held sway on his mind, and worked against any kind of love or progress in the short span of life he remembered?
He said, "One thing about short memories, it makes every moment of life seem a lot more important."
"That would be a good thing." She offered a smile.
"And with the war before us, my time may be very short, anyway."
"It is the tragedy of soldiers," she nodded.
"If I were free to offer you my heart…" He stopped. This wasn't the right way. She turned aside and began to take an unnatural interest in the candle.
He started again. "Please, take this."
When she looked back at him, he was holding out the ring. She didn't reach for it. Instead, she lifted the candle holder closer to examine the ring. Under close light, the golden jewel sparkled and threw back a rainbow of colors.
Her eyes lit up. She said with extra breath, "You are giving this to me?"
"I want you to hold it for me."
"To hold it? Elwood, in Winigh if a man gives a woman a token like this, it means…"
