by Missy Jane
She went down to one knee and cut a crude cross into the bark at its base. It would be the only marker for this grave. Theda couldn’t name her enemies but they were still out there. She knew they were Kevan and they were well trained. Other than that she had no clue.
Had they been sent by her father to wipe his mistake from the land? Had they been sent by his enemies to bring him to heel? She didn’t know and she didn’t care. Vengeance sang in her blood, but first she had to survive the night.
Night came quickly to the southern rim of Lenara. The vast continent was home to many friendly species, but violent creatures of all kinds also roamed the land. Theda and her mother had been living in the wilds for years, traveling from kingdom to kingdom in search of a place to be. They thought they had found it in the Outlands, a strip of earth along the southern rim. The small fishing village they had called home had been friendly enough…for a time. Then Theda accidentally showed a small sample of her powers and the villagers had turned their backs on them.
She shoved those memories away as she shouldered her small pack of supplies and headed north through the trees. Taking the road would be easier, but the women who had killed her mother could be anywhere. Theda didn’t know why they were after her, only that they knew her mother’s real name and her bloodline. The name of King Kadmos had been on their tongues as they ran her mother through with a wicked sword. She would face the king and look him in the eye when she asked if her mother’s death had been at his command.
Light leaked from the sky and soon stars shone above. The moon was only half-full when she heard the first wild animal call to its friends. Climbing up a sturdy tree would probably be the safest bet, but she was too exhausted to muster the strength. She pulled her knife out of her belt and held it ready.
Hours later the moon was high above. Her feet ached, her lungs burned and her stomach growled. She ignored the complaints and kept her eyes trained on the ground before her. It began to blur and she stopped to rest against a tree. Night creatures scurried around her and the sounds of the forest drowned out her panting breaths. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath.
“Time to go,” she whispered.
She opened her eyes and moved away from the tree. Two steps later she froze. A light in the distance danced among the dark shadows. It hadn’t been there before. She was sure of it. How had it suddenly appeared? She crept forward, taking care with each footstep. She’d grown up hunting for food and knew how to disappear in the woods. Concealing her sounds took thought but little effort. Soon she was close enough to see an old man warming himself by a small campfire.
He wore dark clothes and kept his silver-streaked hair at chin length. He hummed to himself as he roasted what appeared to be two rabbits. Theda’s stomach growled. She doubled over, as if that would muffle the sounds. The man stopped humming and stared into the trees.
“Who’s there?” he called out. He stood with some effort but didn’t move away from the fire. “Come out where I can see you, or go away.”
He held a thick staff that was a head taller than him. Aged hands gripped it as if he knew how to use it as a weapon. She had no doubt he’d had practice. It was the staff she recognized first. Then when he turned to look from one side to the other, the light caught his profile. She stepped out of the trees slowly.
His surprise was evident when she entered the clearing with both hands raised. She wore a simple loose shirt and trousers like a man, but her long braided hair and high-cheekbones marked her as a woman. Her hands were rough and dirty, but hopefully he wouldn’t notice in the feeble light. She wasn’t sure if he’d recognize her.
“Well,” he said. “What are you doing out here?”
“I know you might not remember me. My name is Theda. I’m traveling north…alone. Do you mind company until sunrise?”
He stared at her for nearly a full minute, as if gauging her sincerity. Then he smiled, showing a nearly full set of teeth, before making a sweeping gesture with one arm. “You’re welcome by my fire, Theda. I’ve plenty of meat to share, but no ale if you’re a drinker.”
“I am not.”
“Well good, then.” He hobbled back to his spot and settled on the ground with a groan. His legs creaked as he slowly stretched them out. “I do remember you, and your mother, Feshara the healer. Did she stay behind in the village?”
She watched him warily, placing him in his late fifties at the youngest. Wrinkles marred his thin face. He’d been nice enough the few times her mother had talked to him.
“I buried her before sunset. There’s no going back to the village for either of us.”
His face showed no surprise but the ready smile melted away. “Have a seat, Theda. The rabbit is nearly ready. Was it your stomach I heard echo through the trees or an angry bear?”
She smiled in spite of herself and sat on the opposite side of the fire. Sharing intimacies with a near stranger wasn’t her way, but she’d fled her home with next to nothing and couldn’t pass up his hospitality. “It was me you heard…sir.”
He laughed, a cackling sound that suited his aged face. “Sir, eh? Been a while since I’ve been called sir. I guess I can give you my name since I’m sharing my supper and you don’t seem to remember it. I go by Albain. I used to be Albain of Ilstred, but now I’m Albain of the Road. And you? Where did you hail from before that miserable little fishing village? Your beautiful mother and you stuck out easily enough.”
She fought a grimace at the mention of her mother. “I’m of the road now too, I suppose. I’ve never been to Ilstred.”
He nodded as if she’d given him a complete answer, before stirring the fire with the end of his staff. “Ilstred is part of Halstrid, the human kingdom to the north. Is that where you’re headed?”
“I’m not certain. Are you headed that way?”
He shook his head, frowned as if in thought, then shrugged. “I don’t remember. I guess it’s as good a place as any. I’m human so maybe I should be among humans. Out here in the Rim, there’s all manner of creatures. Some humans who have been here too long even seem to forget what they are. Don’t you think?”
She frowned at the fire and considered it. “Perhaps. If they’re lucky.”
He nodded again. “I know a trick or two to getting through these lands. You stick with me and we’ll get you north. Mind traveling with an old man for company?”
She wasn’t certain she wanted company, but was too polite to say so before sharing his food.
He chuckled as if he’d heard her thoughts and leaned forward to turn the rabbits. “Looks done to me.”
He pulled them off and handed one whole skewer to her. She didn’t argue. Her empty belly was more than ready for whatever he had to fill it. Albain ate his portions slowly, entertaining her with tales of the kingdom of Halstrid. Hearing about her father from a stranger’s lips fascinated her and she listened in silence. Soon the food was gone and her eyes were drooping.
“Sleep now, my dear, and in the morning we’ll head north. We’ll walk through the gates of Halstrid together.”
She slumped over and her eyes closed with the vague thought that maybe she should be more wary of this strange man.
Chapter Five
Kephas patted his horse as he walked beside him. Though the Kevan weren’t known as great breeders, they still raised spectacular creatures. Triton was no exception. The solid black stallion had a moderate temperament and was large enough to carry him, even in gargoyle form. The stallion allowed Kephas to lead him at a slow pace, but he nearly trembled with restlessness.
“Easy now, strong one,” Kephas murmured. “We still have plenty of miles to put beneath your hooves before this deed is done.”
They’d been traveling for days and had long left Pastel behind. It had taken an effort for Kephas to continue on through the strange land and not stay a while to explore its secrets. The lone Pastel
le he’d met before leaving home had prepared him for their exotic looks, but nothing could’ve prepared him for their lack of inhibition. It seemed very little was considered taboo in Pastel.
Now he was in a swampland that separated the Pastel border from the Outlands. Known as the Bogs of Tristitia, no one knew how they came to be. There was evidence this land had been a desert long ago, but not even the oldest wizard knew what caused the changes to the land. Creatures who thrived in the wet environment were all that dwelled here now for more than a moment’s respite. Many travelers made it through the Bogs without a problem. Kephas expected to be likewise unhindered, but it wasn’t to be.
The first sign of trouble came in the form of a light mist. Gargoyles had many inhuman traits, including a flawless sense of direction. He wasn’t at all concerned about losing his way. But the mist thickened, then Triton stumbled and made sounds of distress as Kephas tried to lead him over the uneven ground. “What is it, boy? I can see well enough. Come along.”
He guided the stallion around ruts and large rocks, kicking them out of the way when needed. They’d made it a few paces when one of the rocks Kephas kicked away came rolling back to him. He halted and looked down at the stubborn object next to his boot. Then he kicked it away again, only to have it come rolling back. Triton whinnied and reared back. Kephas tightened his grip on the reins. “Whoa, boy. Easy now.”
“Ezee, ezee, ezeeeeee.”
Kephas turned his back to Triton and looked out into the fog. The mysterious high-pitched voice had come from low to the ground. He squinted and laid a hand on a dagger, but didn’t draw the weapon. Some creatures only became aggressive when they felt threatened. He didn’t know what could be out in the mist with the ability of speech. Using his internal powers, he took on his gargoyle form with a thought.
His height rose by over a foot and his girth would’ve torn his clothes if they hadn’t turned to stone as well. His skin turned gray as a mountainside, though it would still be warm to the touch. He was much stronger in this form and nearly invulnerable. There was very little to be concerned about now.
“Ezeee, ezeee, ezeee.”
The voice grew closer to him and to the ground. He stayed perfectly still, working to keep Triton from pulling the reins from his grip. Suddenly a small gust of wind swirled the mist around his legs and when it cleared a two foot high lizard-like creature stood staring up at him.
He stared back. “What in the many hells are you?”
“You! You, you, you!”
“I’m Master Kephas.”
“Kephas! You!” It hopped up and down on stubby legs as if learning Kephas’ name had been its sole intent. Then it spun around once before staring at him again. “Giga! Me! Giga, Giga, Giga.”
“Giga,” Kephas repeated with a slight bow of his head. It was easy to be courteous to the amusing and non-threatening animal.
It chortled in a high-pitched squeal and spun around again. Its short arms didn’t allow for its four-fingered paws to touch. Otherwise, Kephas was certain it would be clapping. He scratched his chin as it danced around in place, paying no mind to the restless horse towering above it.
Kephas patted Triton’s neck. “Don’t worry, boy. I don’t think it means any harm.” He placed his hand back on the dagger, just in case, and kept a wary eye on the thing. It finally stopped dancing and stood watching him, panting with its tongue out like a hound.
“Well, it was nice to me you, Giga, but we’ll be going now. Goodbye.”
It stood to the side of the path so Kephas easily moved around it and headed toward the border.
“Bye? Bye, bye, bye. Giga bye!”
Kephas glanced over his shoulder to find the creature on all four legs lumbering after them. It didn’t move quickly, but could keep up with their walking pace.
“So, you’re coming along then?”
“Giga bye.”
Giga kept its elongated snout to the ground and kept pace with them in silence until they finally left the mist behind. Its body was covered in small scales that easily moved with its muscles. It appeared to be completely hairless and the claws at the end of its paws curved inward. The tiny beady eyes in its head told Kephas it most likely preferred the night. The moon hung high above and illuminated the road well, the only reason Kephas had chosen not to stop. He knew the Bogs weren’t always safe to fall asleep in.
Long minutes passed with Giga remaining beside them. Triton grew used to its presence but Kephas remained between the creatures in his gargoyle form as a precaution. He knew the strip of Bog lands he traveled was the narrowest part. They should reach the Rim by dawn.
His thoughts were on the next part of his journey when Giga suddenly jumped in front of them and stood on its hind legs. It hissed loudly at something ahead of them. Kephas pulled his dagger and stepped in front of Triton, who had become agitated at Giga’s sudden movement.
Nothing happened. Just as Kephas was beginning to think the little creature had overreacted, the mist swirled again and a large dark shape lunged toward them, screeching.
“Damnation!” Kephas yelled as he jabbed at the thing with his dagger. The blade stuck in its dark hide and it reared back, taking the dagger with it. Kephas jumped on Triton’s back and pulled out his sword. With a battle cry he charged.
The stallion had been trained for battle and didn’t falter as they neared the beast. It stood a head taller than Kephas’s gargoyle form and was twice as wide. The head sported a large horn that curved to the sky, with dark eyes the size of a man’s hand on either side of it. It reared back on its legs like a horse before falling to the ground and charging them. Kephas held his sword out like a lance in anticipation. Right before it reached striking distance, Giga appeared on the beast’s head and clasped the horn in its small teeth.
The beast skidded to a halt and began shaking its head violently but Giga held on tight. With his free hand, Kephas pulled two throwing knives from his vest and sent them sailing, one after another, straight into the beast’s eyes. It reared back again and screamed in anguish. Before it dropped, Kephas threw a much larger dagger and buried it in the underbelly. The beast dropped, which buried the dagger even deeper, before falling onto its side.
The beast heaved out a dying breath and then was still. Triton made sounds of distress but Kephas calmed him with soothing words and gentle hands. He slid from the horse’s back and approached the fallen creature with his sword ready. It didn’t move, and not until Kephas was close enough to set the tip of his sword to its neck did Giga finally release the horn. Giga dropped to the ground and hissed at the beast before running around Kephas to stand behind his boots.
He looked down at the strange Giga. “It’s dead now, I’d wager.”
Giga peeked at it again. “Dead. Deeeeeaad.” Then it nodded its small head in agreement.
Kephas chuckled. “You’re a might braver than expected, little Giga. Glad to have you along.”
Giga nodded again but didn’t take its eyes off the dead creature before them.
The wind shifted and a horrible stench hit Kephas. “Gods that reeks, whatever it is. Time to go.”
He pulled out a rag and cleaned his sword before sliding it back into its scabbard. Then he grasped Triton’s reins, thankful the stallion hadn’t run off. The horse whinnied in annoyance, most likely at the smell, before letting himself be pulled around the dead creature. Giga trotted along beside them once again as they continued on the trail.
Kephas looked up at the moon with a sigh. “That’s all the excitement I need for one night. Let’s hope that’s all we get.”
* * * * *
Albain watched Princess Theodora sleep as plans formed in his mind. The name change had thrown him for a moment when they’d first met, but he knew better. It had been decades since he’d seen her as a babe in her mother’s arms, but the Queen still looked nearly the same. A shame that lovely woman w
as dead, but probably for the best.
He’d been the one to show her the way out of Halstrid when she’d set her mind to running, back when he was a wizard. It was pure luck, and the damn aging of his now human body, that had kept her from recognizing him in the fishing village. Now with her out of the way he could lead the Princess down whatever road he chose. He simply had to decide how he wanted this part of the drama to play out.
A sound many miles distant alerted him to change in the air. He lifted his chin and sniffed, easily catching the scent of horse and man. No, not any man, a gargoyle in the flesh. He bared his teeth at the thought of encountering one of the great follies of the Twenty. Those damned gargoyles had kept him from taking the throne. But now with the Princess at his side he might have another chance. He considered waking her to move further away from the road, but then thought better of it. The gargoyles were intimidating creatures even as men. Seeing one might only help Theda trust him more.
Theda woke at the sound of a horse’s hooves on packed dirt. Her eyes shot open and she reached for her dagger. Their campsite was cold and dark but she could make out a dark shape huddled against a nearby tree. She squinted to get a better view and Albain turned his pale face toward her before lifting one finger to his lips. She nodded before quietly making her way toward him.
They sat behind a large oak that stood well off the traveler’s road. The moon was dropping and sunlight was barely peeking over the horizon. The gloom hid many things but the sound of someone on the road echoed through the trees. There was no light to mark the stranger’s passage.
His shape was what she noticed first. Shoulders broader than anything she’d ever seen fit the man’s unnatural height. He’d tower over anyone she’d ever met and the size of his arms and chest told of his inhuman strength. He walked along beside a large black stallion that looked like a normal horse, though large. But how it could carry such a man was a mystery to her. They moved slowly, leisurely along the road. Even at the distance and in the dark she could see they walked with a purpose, just not in a hurry.
