The last two animals slid to a stop before attacking. They were just beyond the reach of Mansel’s sword. Gripping the weapon that Zollin had crafted for him made Mansel feel strong, the pain of his grief was dampened, and he felt a thrill as he slashed at the animals.
For a long moment as the creatures growled at him, Mansel forgot about the alpha. Then he felt a sudden sense of danger, almost as if Nycol had whispered a warning in his ear. He dove to the side and felt a searing pain erupt along his lower leg, but then he was thrusting his sword in the nearest animal's side as it dashed toward him. The blade sank into the creature's chest, before it bounded backward and collapsed. Mansel rolled to his knees and slashed at the alpha who feinted toward him, then jumped nimbly out of reach.
The other animal was circling slowly, giving Mansel a chance to glance down at his leg. The gashes didn't look too deep, but there were three solid cuts and a much shallower fourth scrape. His thick boot leather, which reached all the way up to his knee, had saved him from a much more serious wound. Still, his blood was flowing freely ,and when he stood up he felt it running down into his boot to puddle around his foot.
Mansel stayed close to the large boulder, opting for the protection it gave him over the possibility of escape. The animals were trying to pin him in, but what they didn't know was that Mansel had no desire to flee. He was there to kill the wretched creatures who had stolen his Nycol from him, and he meant to avenge her, even if he died in the process. He held Death's Eye in his right hand, spinning it around in the air to keep his wrist loose and keeping the animals at bay for the moment. With his left hand he drew his dagger. It was a very plain weapon, just dull steel, an unpolished brass cross guard, and a rawhide wrapped handle, but it was razor sharp. He had used the dagger to kill the animal that had attacked him when he was starting a fire in his cabin, and it was still sticky with the creature's blood.
The alpha feinted again, but Mansel wasn't drawn off guard. Instead he held his ground and watched both animals. The smaller of the two moved closer, but didn't attack. The alpha snapped its jaws, making a loud clack, but it wasn't in reach and slipped quickly back. Mansel guessed that the alpha planned to keep Mansel's attention, forcing him to defend himself on one side while the second animal attacked him from his blind side. It was a good plan, simple but effective. And while Mansel understood the strategy, he had no intention of letting the creatures take control of the attack. He just had to wait long enough for the second animal to be almost in position.
He did his best to look frightened, waving his sword at the animals whenever they growled or feinted toward him. Mansel was glad that they respected his sword. If they had attacked without any caution, he could have killed them, but they would have done the same to him. While he didn't fear dying, he didn't want to fail at his task. He wanted to make sure all the creatures were dead.
The second beast was almost ready to attack. He couldn't wait anymore. He dug the toe of his boot into the dirt and pine needles, then kicked the debris toward the alpha. The larger animal sprang back instinctively, while the other, smaller creature attacked. It wasn't quite ready, so its leap was short and not as far to Mansel's back side as it could have been. Mansel was expecting just such a move and swung his sword hard in a back handed slash that caught the creature's muzzle. It screeched in pain, but Mansel was already swinging his sword back toward the alpha. He was too slow, and the creature knew it. Mansel saw its huge, white body hurtling toward him, the long, narrow muzzle open wide to sink its oversized canines into his throat. But it didn't see the smaller dagger, which had a blade about as long as a grown man's hand from palm to finger tips.
Mansel slammed the dagger into the alpha's throat as the creature's forepaws stabbed into his shoulders. They fell to the ground in a tangled heap. Mansel felt hot blood on his hands as he twisted the dagger, ripping the life from the foul creature. It didn't die easily. The long claws on its forepaws slashed at his chest. The beast's teeth snapped at Mansel's face, but he still had his sword and swung it up to fend off the biting attacks. The sword blade was too long to be useful in such close quarters, but the thick hand guard smashed out several teeth, and broke others as Mansel shoved it into the animal's mouth.
For several frenzied seconds they fought, but Mansel's dagger had struck a mortal blow, and soon the alpha's strength waned. Mansel pushed the creature's body off of his own and struggled to sit up. The last beast bounded away, but it was wounded, the long nose nearly severed. Mansel didn't think it would survive for long in such a state, but he was wounded too. His shoulders, round with muscle, were burning from deep cuts made during the alpha's attack. His stiff leather vest had saved him from being sliced to ribbons, but the alpha's initial attack had pierced the tough leather armor. Both shoulders were bleeding, and in some places on his chest, the creature’s claws had broken through the vest and reached his flesh. The wounds weren't dangerous as long as he cleaned them quickly. He would need to get back to his horse, where he had a bottle of strong spirits that would keep his flesh from putrefying. But first he had some work to do.
It hurt his shoulders to raise his sword over his head, but he ignored the pain. Nycol had endured much worse when the hateful animals had ripped her apart and let her die slowly. He chopped down with his sword using all his strength. Death's Eye's blade severed the alpha's head from its body in one blow, unleashing a gush of blood. The white fur was tinged red along the side, but Mansel reached down and hefted the heavy trophy. Then he walked slowly around the boulder. On the far side he found exactly what he expected. An entire litter of squirming, white furred pups. There were nearly two dozen of the newborn monsters. They had wicked looking black eyes, and they growled in high pitched, fearful yelps.
Mansel had no idea what the animals were or where they came from. He simply couldn't fathom how they had appeared in such numbers. Bones littered the ground around the wicked looking pups, as well as carcasses of the slain animals from the attack on Brighton's Gate. Most of the arrows had been broken as the creatures were dragged back across the prairie, and then their bodies were fed upon by the others. It was foul and unnatural. He guessed that some dark magic was at work, which meant that Zollin still had enemies. As much as Mansel wanted to simply lie down and die, he wouldn't turn his back on his friend in need. He had hoped to die in his struggle with the animals, but he had survived. The villagers under Quinn's guidance had slain more of the creatures than Mansel expected. Death would have to wait for him, but not for the wretched creatures' spawn.
He raised his sword but hesitated when he heard a growl from behind. He started to turn but was a second too late. A massive paw smashed into his back. There was a burning pain in his lower back as he tumbled across the ground. When he looked up he saw the biggest of the white-furred animals he had ever seen. The hideous creature was not as sleek or well formed as the others. Its head was too large, the tongue lolling out between the few teeth that remained in its awful muzzle. The white fur was completely gone in large patches across its body, and large, swollen udders dragged the ground from its round belly.
It was the female, and the mother of the pups. Unlike the others, the mangy female moved slowly, placing her fat body between Mansel and her litter. He took his time getting back to his feet, and felt his lower back where the female's dull claws had scored two cuts across his exposed flesh just below the vest. Mansel raised his sword and staggered forward on his wounded leg. The female growled but didn't put up a fight. Death's Eye stabbed into the creature's chest, driving deep into her heart, and the fat creature slumped over.
Mansel jerked his sword out and then stabbed each of the pups in their soft skulls, killing them instantly. When he was done he felt so tired he nearly collapsed among the bones of the strange animals that had been eaten by their own pack mates. He shivered at the thought, then picked up the alpha's head and cleaned his sword blade on the matted fur, before setting off to find his horse.
Chapter 27
They wer
e out of danger for the moment, but Brianna was still anxious. She had no idea if the soldiers might return, or if there might be more of the phoenix birds that could attack at any moment. Sorva was in distress, and the only way for Brianna to help her was to bathe the dragon in fire, but that might also attract unwanted attention. Night had fallen, and the bright flames needed to heal Sorva would be seen for miles, but she had no other choice.
Conjuring fire for Brianna was as easy as breathing. She simply willed the flames to exist and they did. Bright, yellow flame billowed out from her hands in long gouts that covered Sorva’s black body. The dragon rumbled a low growl as the fire did its work. Brianna didn’t understand how her fire healed the dragons, nor did she understand where her power came from. Yet it felt natural to her, instinctive and right. The flames shot out and raced over Sorva for nearly half an hour. Brianna spent most of her time staring into the night sky, fearing what she might see coming, but nothing approached.
Sorva had managed to roll over by the time Brianna was finished. The huge dragon growled angrily and blew a stream of fire at the ashes where the phoenix had died and then been reborn. Brianna couldn’t help but smile. She didn’t blame the dragon for being angry, but Sorva’s reaction also reminded her of a child. She had to keep in mind that the dragons were very young, and their life experience outside of the Northern Highlands was limited.
“We aren’t the biggest or the baddest anymore,” she said gently to Sorva. “We have to be on guard. We won’t be welcome everywhere we go.”
An image of Sorva flying away with Brianna on the dragon’s back entered her mind.
“That’s right, it is time to go”
One jump lifted Brianna high enough to summersault onto Sorva’s back. She landed as lightly as she could. It was doubtful that Brianna could hurt Sorva just by landing on the dragon’s back, but after healing the huge beast, she didn’t want to take any chances. Sorva spread the great black wings, then jumped into the air. Brianna could tell that Sorva was still a bit skeptical about the wing that had been broken. The dragon could see that the holes ripped into the wings were mended so well there was no indication that they had ever been torn. Sorva could feel that the wing bone was mended, yet it was still hard to really believe it.
Each flap brought a feeling of joy and gratitude spilling over Brianna. Even though they had spent the day resting, Brianna and Sorva were both tired from the ordeal with the Phoenix and the soldiers. Brianna had been planning to fly to Orrock to tell her parents about the baby, but she wondered if she would be welcomed. It was a chance she wasn’t willing to take. If Zollin wanted to be King Hausey’s lackey, Brianna wouldn’t stop him, but she didn’t want anyone telling her what to do. So she urged Sorva south.
They flew over Yelsia, hidden from the people below by the darkness of night. They saw Felson shortly after setting off. Lights lined the town’s streets and spilled out of the homes. Brianna felt a pang of regret for not stopping to see Miriam, but the risk was too great; she was anxious to get further south before more of the king’s army came after her. It was difficult to accept that her own kingdom was not a safe place anymore.
Brianna couldn’t help but think again about the little cottage Zollin had built for them. In the Great Valley they had been safe, if not exactly welcome. The mountains were a refuge, both from the dangers brewing across the Five Kingdoms, and from the expectations of the leaders she had once trusted. That trust had been eroded during the last year, and suddenly she wasn’t needed, but wanted; not to save the Five Kingdoms, but to control her power.
Zollin may have been right to hide them away, but Brianna could never be happy that way. She needed freedom and adventure, even if that meant living in danger. Only, she didn’t like that Sorva had been in danger. Brianna’s needs had nearly cost the loyal dragon its life. She didn’t think she could live with herself if something happened to Sorva because of decisions that Brianna made. She would have to be more carful.
They flew through the night, passing the city of Mace Creek just before dawn. They spent the day in a forest, remaining out of sight. Brianna slept most of the day while Sorva hunted. The dragon was amused to slink through the forest, rather than spotting its prey from the air. Eventually it happened upon a group of feral hogs, which it gobbled down greedily. When night fell again, they returned to the sky, and the temperature rose the further south they went.
Brianna was running low on supplies, so just before dawn they landed a few miles outside of Selphon City. Brianna walked into the town, hoping to trade for supplies. She gathered a few items from the large saddle bags Zollin had procured in Brighton's Gate, a well made dagger, some animal skins, and a couple of bottles of the winter wine that was a little too sweet for Brianna’s taste.
Selphon City was a trade port, where goods were traded before being shipped up and down the coast. She didn’t think she would have too much trouble trading for food, and then further south she guessed she would be able to scavenge for what she needed in the abandoned towns and villages that had been overrun by the witch’s army. She might not get much bread or vegetables, but Sorva could supply plenty of meat. They could make do, but Brianna wanted to resupply while she could.
The market was a busy place, crowded and loud. Vendors were shouting at potential customers, hawking the benefits of the goods they sold. Brianna was wandering through the maze of stalls, tents, and carts, trying to get a feel for the place, when a loud bell started ringing. The people in the market reacted to the sound in panic. The customers fled, while vendors rushed to pack up their goods and leave the marketplace.
Brianna didn’t understand what was happening at first, but then a group of horrific looking men came rushing into the plaza. They were all armed, their clothes mismatched, their long hair tied into braids. Several of the men rushed toward her, lust in their eyes. Brianna wasn’t sure what was happening, but she heard someone shouting the word pirates, and everything became clear.
One of the men rushing toward her had a club and he raised it, intending to bludgeon her over the head. Brianna didn’t give the man a chance, instead she sent a wave of fire flying toward the group. They screamed as their clothes and hair were singed. The man with the club looked stunned for a moment, his filthy skin tinged red from the heat.
To Brianna’s right another pirate was dragging a vendor from his stall. She sent a ball of fire flying at the pirate’s back. This time the flames took hold, kindling on the outlaw’s filthy coat and sending him screaming from the plaza.
“Witch!” the pirate with the club shouted.
Suddenly Brianna was the center of attention, with pirates rushing toward her from all sides. She conjured a ring of fire around herself, daring the pirates to dash across and attack her. She sent more balls of fire flying, and it only took a moment before the pirates were running away.
“Leave the city!” Brianna ordered them. “Or you’ll be burned beyond recognition.”
Several of the pirates had been burned, some severely, but they all fled. Brianna followed them, rushing through the town. Selphon City consisted of big buildings near the market, and smaller shops spreading down toward the harbor. Near the water there were inns and brothels, taverns and sheds used for smoking fish. Two ships were just then sailing into the harbor, and the pirates were rowing back out to them from the docks. Brianna stood on end of a wooden pier watching them for a moment. Then she sent a large gout of flame across the harbor. The wooden boat, which was filled with nearly thirty terrified pirates, was struck by the flames. Most of the pirates dove overboard and the wooden boat caught fire.
Brianna smiled at her handiwork. She didn’t think the pirates would come back to Selphon City anytime soon. And the best part was that she didn’t need Zollin. She had faced the attack and dealt with it all on her own. She felt strong and more independent than she ever had before. Not that dealing with pirates was the most impressive feat she’d ever accomplished, but it was the first time she had used her powers to help
save a city before tragedy struck. During the events leading up to the Witch’s War, it seemed like she and Zollin were always arriving too late to be of real use. They managed to turn back armies and save thousands of lives, but never before the devastation was inflicted.
She walked back through the town, noticing the stares in her direction. There were people hiding in their homes and shops, peeking at her from their windows and doors which they cracked open ever so slightly. In Brianna’s mind she thought they were seeing a hero, but their fear soon became all too evident.
“Who are you?” asked the vendor she had saved. He looked terrified as he asked and Brianna tried to calm him down.
“I’m Brianna. Don’t worry, the pirates are gone. I doubt they’ll be back any time soon.”
“You should be gone as well,” came a nasty sounding voice.
Brianna turned to find a pock-scarred woman with bright red hair. She was thin, her skin pale, and her eyes were a little too small for her face.
“I’m sorry?” Brianna said.
“You heard me. You should leave. We don’t need your kind around here.”
“I saved your town,” Brianna said.
“We don’t need your help,” said a tall man with a thick mustache.
“She’s a devil,” said another. “I saw her conjuring fire.”
“Or a sorceress,” said a fat woman, spitting after the last word.
“I’m not a devil or a sorceress. My name is Brianna, and I’m a Dragon Keeper.”
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