The three girls, Mare Altan to their very bones never for a moment even contemplated being taken by anyone. They looked at each other in silent understanding. These young men were their friends, and good with bow and sword. The training that Rees had received from Jardine of the Stone Lion sept made him very good – but he was still the son of a blacksmith. Not a warrior. The first duty of the Mare Altan was to carry the honour of the village. The people of the district. These girls were highly trained and their very bearing spoke of coiled springs. Every man who had danced or arm wrestled with them in the common room had kept a smile on his face. None were fool enough to think they could take liberties with the Mare Altan. Those that thought they would be able to twirl the girls around the dance floor, more often than not found they were the ones being twirled.
Momentary flashes of finger talk between the girls had smiles back on their faces. Little more than a “As if we would leave our honour in the village by not protecting our friends!” Still, the three young men would be sorely embarrassed if they knew what was being said.
There was still no sign of Mei’An and Luan. They kept their own council and told the young people only what they felt they needed to know. The three girls of the Mare Altan knew that Wind Readers had powers that could be directed at enemies in the blink of an eye. Enemies could be spotted simply from their thoughts. For this reason all in the room wished that Mei’An had been in the common room with them.
After some further discussion, it was decided that a more careful eye would be kept on those around them. As fast as they were, as good as the Mare Altan were, and unseen arrow or flashing knife blade would kill them as surely as anyone else. Woe betide anyone who tried and missed.
The night was still alive with the sounds from the common room, so it was decided to go back and join the crowd. They would keep an eye out for anyone showing more than a passing interest in anyone of the group.
The three girls went back down the hall to the common room first. Antonin watched through a crack in the door. No one followed them. The hallway remained empty and dim in the weak lamplight.
Rees, Gaul and Antonin decided it would be best to come in again by way of the front door. If anyone noticed, they were less likely to associate them with the girls. Antonin led the way out through the smoke filled kitchen and into the stable yard. They were walking quietly, keeping to the deep shadows along the wall of the inn. A narrow passage ran along the side of the inn. A walking path only. The horse and carriage entrance was on the other side of the inn. Narrow high windows from the common room were wide open to the night and light and noise spilled into the alley way. The inn took up one entire side, while high walls and secure gates of private buildings lined the other. The alley was only wide enough for the three to walk shoulder to shoulder, with their shoulders brushing the walls and buildings on either side. There was no one out and about. No one to be seen. The boys stepped out of the alley and had almost reached the front door to the inn when Antonin spread his arms to halt his companions on either side. There was a person in dark robes, almost part of the night, peering intently in the window at the other end of the front of the inn. Antonin was sure this was the man he had seen watching him from the door earlier on. They hadn't been seen, so intent was the man on his interest in the common room. Antonin was almost upon him when the man suddenly whirled to face him. Antonin stopped in his tracks. The man's eyes blazed red as though lit from behind by inner fires. His face was deep in shadow from the hood of his cape, but as they swirled wide with his turn all could see the long blade suddenly glittering in his hand. Along its edge shimmered a crackling blue haze as though held in a lightning flash. The man stood. He had been crouching slightly in order to peer through the window, and had turned in that position. He looked to be at least as tall as Antonin, and about the same build. It was difficult to tell clearly, as the night and his dark cloak gave shifting impressions.
All three of the boys stepped back a pace as the arm of the hooded figure came into view on the light of the window. This was not the arm of any human. The green scaly hide and three clawed hand clutching the shining sword belonged to one of the elite guards of the Morgoth. These were the beings created in the Pit of Doom long ago by The Dark Lord. They were almost the stuff of legend. None of the boys had ever thought to confront one. Not in their wildest nightmares. It’s scaly clawed feet clicked on the boards as it took a step toward the three. It hesitated a moment, looking right then left. It’s breathing sounded like a snake's hissing. The boys were all but spell bound in horror. Antonin’s feet felt like they were nailed to the wooden boards. Rees strained against the worst fear he had ever known to try to draw his battle axe. Gaul was standing with his hands by his side as if mesmerised. His mouth hanging open, his eyes glazed. Suddenly Antonin realized the beast could only hold one of them in thrall at a time. This was why it hesitated now.
The Morgoth took another step. It hissed a warning and then Antonin realized it was speaking. The words were almost unintelligible. This beast was not designed for speech. The Morgoth repeated it’s words, this time Antonin heard them for what they were. Surprise etched his face as the words sunk in.
“The Keystone will be ours human. Mine. Not the thieves of Mordos.” The Morgoth warrior raised its sword ready to engage Antonin.
At that moment the doors to the common room banged open as a drunken wagon driver was thrown backwards through them. He landed in a heap right at the feet of the Morgoth. It had happened so suddenly that even this wary beast was surprised. The wagon driver clutched the robes of the Morgoth as he climbed to his feet. As he stood, swaying slightly, he suddenly saw who – or what he had hold of. He went as white as a sheet newly washed and fled into the night yelling at the top of his lungs.
“Another time, human.” Hissed the Morgoth and seemingly bending the very air where it had stood moments before, disappeared into a fold of blazing red than in an instant winked out. Nothing was left except some slight scorch marks on the boards.
Gaul was looking about in some surprise.
“Are we not going inside?” he said. He remembered nothing of the moments before.
“Where is Mei’An?” Was all the answer he got from Antonin as he stepped forward into the common room.
Rees looked at Gaul and shrugged.
“Didn't you see the warrior of the Morgoth, Gaul?” He asked in surprise.
“No, only some old crone peering in the window. Gone now though.” Gaul replied looking about for the old crone he was sure he'd seen at the window.
Gaul looked again at Rees and Antonin. “What is going on?” he muttered.
The trio entered the common room, the winged doors still swinging from the sudden exit of the wagon driver.
Festivities were still in full swing. The room was packed. The events seemed to have taken a life of their own. The three girls of the Mare Altan were again the centre of attention, although the serving maids and singers were now getting equal attention. Everyone was in high spirits, and although the songs were bawdy enough to make the village boy’s ears burn, nobody else seemed to notice. There was no sign that anyone was leaving yet, although the marked candle on the shelf above the rack of kegs indicated that there was still four hours to sunup. Four hours of darkness left. It was time to get some sleep. They needed to be fresh and strong if they were to face the Morgoth Warriors, and the many other helpers of the Dark Lord. It seemed the beasts of the Forrest of Gloom were involved as well. Who knew who else was after them, or after the Keystone. This was a development that Mei’An must be told of. That they were on the right trail was now not in doubt. It seemed others were also on the same trail. What had that fearsome creature known? “The thieves of Mordos.” He had said. This could only mean that the Tharsians from the Forrest of Gloom had taken the Keystone.
Not the Morgoth after all. What could Mordos, the Tharsian leader want with the Keystone. He was terribly unpredictable. The Tharsian had also been created long ago as warriors of the
Dark Lord, but now they obeyed no one but Mordos their own leader. They had been made completely without fear. A mistake on the part of the Dark Lord, because they had no fear of him either and soon went their own way in search of their favourite pastime. Killing and destruction. Now it seemed it was they who had the Keystone.
They had all been back in the common room only a short while, and Antonin decided it was time to catch up on some rest. They faced a long day. He signalled the others and one by one they left, retiring upstairs to their rooms.
Antonin was deep in thought as he lay back on the hard cot. If those beasts could appear and disappear at will the way that one had done, they would never know when or where to expect them. Antonin fell into a sleep troubled by strange dreams. The others fared no better, except for the Mare Altan. They took turns on guard in the hall of the rooms. Squatting motionless in the shadows at the end of the passageway, almost invisible. Ready in an instant to spring into action. With their short stabbing spears kept balanced across their knees any of the girls would be on an enemy before they knew it. The nights fun in the common room had had no effect on the girls.
●Chapter 11
The rest of the night passed without incident though, and the sounds of a newly dawning day came up from the street and stable yard as people began to prepare for a day's work.
Antonin came out of his room and headed for the back stairs that led down to the wash rooms. He showed no surprise as Elsa rose from her position and stretched.
“A good day ahead Antonin.” She said in greeting.
“A good day Elsa.” He replied.
Elsa followed Antonin down the stairs to the rear of the inn. Wash stands stood along the back wall. Simple basins on a bench on the wall each brimming with icy water. Antonin didn't think much of the “wash rooms” but he stripped to the waist and sluiced the cold water over his head and chest. Gasping at the shock in the icy dawn he wrung the water from his hair and shook his head like a dog to dispel the loose drops. He was pulling his shirt back on when he realized that Elsa was also stripped to the waist and was pouring the water from a basin over her head. She was leaning forward over another basin, the water streaming down her long hair and over her golden skin. The faint morning sunlight glinted on the droplets trickling down from her breasts.
Anton felt his face going red. He was getting tangled in his shirt in his confusion, and the sleeves seemed to have a mind of their own.
Elsa stood looking at Antonin, openly admiring his muscular build. Antonin didn't know where to look as Elsa towelled herself dry with her vest.
“I'll just check the horses.” He mumbled as he turned away, finally managing to get his shirt on without ripping it. He was sure his face was a beacon. Elsa just gave a soft chuckle at his departing back and started back up the stairs to raise the others.
“That Catharina was very lucky,” she thought to herself. “But,” Elsa thought. “Antonin is only a boy. Luan on the other hand is a man.” She smiled to herself. Elsa moved down the hallway, pounding on the door of each of the other rooms including that of Mei’An and Luan. Her fellow spear maidens were already up and about. The boys came out, and headed down to the wash basins. There was no sign of Mei’An or Luan. Elsa opened the door to Mei’An’s room. The bed had not been slept in. Checking Luan’s room revealed the same. Where could they be? Well, they could not move without Mei’An, for she was the only one who would know the Keystone on sight. Only she could sense it’s presence. She had said that both Antonin and Catharina would know immediately if they were near the Keystone. She had not said how though.
The group, minus Mei’An and Luan gathered into Antonin’s small room. There was a small window high on the wall, barely large enough to get a man’s head through. It was covered only by a wooden shutter. No glass. It served only to let a small amount of fresh air into the room. The walls, like all the other rooms, were bare boards fitted tightly together in a vertical pattern and held in place by cross beams. The cot along the wall served as both bed and seat. It was a tight fit to squeeze in six adults, but in the interests of privacy there was no choice. Antonin studiously avoided Elsa, going to great pains to be as far away from her in the confines of the tiny room as possible. He still had not forgotten Elsa’s casual teasing at the wash basins. He realized it had all been a bit of fun for Elsa, and could not work out why it had affected him so. Catharina looked at Antonin and Elsa in turn. A look of slight puzzlement in her expression, until Elsa flickered finger talk to her. Catharina chuckled and smiled sweetly at Antonin. Antonin would give anything to know what was being said, but all he could do was look at the ceiling and wonder what such a large number of spiders could find to eat in such a barren place as this room. Edina made a comment to Elsa about babies with rosy skin and all three girls burst out laughing. Antonin continued to count spiders while Gaul and Reese waited patiently, completely ignorant of what the joke was all about.
“Well,” said Rees finally. “We should find something to eat I think, then perhaps go out into the city to see what there is to see?”
He left the sentence hanging as a question and looked at the others in turn. Everyone was nodding. What else could they do? There was no point in trying to find Mei’An and her guard companion. They could be anywhere. None of the six had ever been to a city before and it was too good an opportunity to miss. After all, what trouble could befall them in broad daylight in a crowded city street.
Everyone trooped down the stairs to the common room. Surprisingly, it was already busy with serving maids. The room was filling with wagoners, drivers, teamsters, loaders, handlers, running boys, saddlers and blacksmiths. It seemed that everyone concerned with the movement of goods or wagons, or horses was in the inn for a morning meal. Huge dishes of steaming beef, vegetables and flagons of ale were on every table. Most of the men had been hard at work since before the dawn light had brightened the sky, and this was a good meal to get through the day on. There was little time to find their way home. For those who lived in the city as well as those just passing through. The process was simple. A standard fee was paid to the innkeeper and a person took what they liked, and ate what they took. Ale or wine was part of the price. There would be no heavy drinking at this hour though. There was still a hard day's work ahead for all, and the ale was just for thirst.
There were a few calls of welcome from some who remembered the girls from the previous night, but otherwise they were ignored. These were tough men in a hard world, and their thoughts were on the day ahead.
The group found a corner, and proceeded to help themselves to the abundant fare. None realized just how hungry they were. The trip from the village had been hard and fast, and little time had been given even since their arrival to personal comforts. The festivities of the night before had been a mixture of investigation and fun and had ended late. Antonin paused in thought with a piece of bread half way to his mouth. It was a long way from Xu Gui. Antonin knew it would be a long time before they returned to the comfort of their homes. He shook his head and put the thoughts out of his mind. Sitting back in his chair he munched on his bread and looked about the room. There were all types here together. Sitting alone or in groups, and getting on with the business of eating and discussing the days business, or simply exchanging news. Antonin’s eyes snapped back to a man sitting alone across the far side of the room. He was by a window in the far wall and the morning sun was full on him. It was a Trader. Unmistakable, in looks and dress. He seemed to sense Antonin’s look and turned to stare with unblinking gaze at Antonin.
Could the word have yet spread about the events in his village? Antonin doubted it. They had ridden hard to get here. Only the Wind Readers could send a message faster.
Antonin got to his feet and made his way over to the Trader. Standing by his table, Antonin said only one word.
“Trader?”
“Trader.” Grunted the man in reply.
The Trader ate alone. They made no friends in their travels, and their reputati
ons usually ensured that few would go seeking a Trader as one.
“Trader, may I sit? I have news for you.” Said Antonin.
“What news could it be that brings a boy to seek out a Trader?” said the man more to himself than to Antonin. "Sit.” He pointed to the opposite chair with his hunting knife. It was serving as his carving knife. Antonin eyed the glint along the razor sharp blade as he sat and leaned forward. He wanted to be sure only the Trader heard his words.
“Trader, one of your guild has given us his true name.” Whispered Antonin.
To a Trader this could mean only one thing. The Trader who gave out his true name had found what all Traders had been seeking since time in this age had begun. The Seal of The Creator.
This Trader doubted very much that such tidings would be carried by what he saw as a slip of a boy like this. Antonin was a strong and well built young man, but to the huge bulk of the trader he was truly but a slip of a boy.
Leaning forward and jabbing the air with a chicken bone for emphasis he growled “Don't fool with me boy. You dabble your toes in a very deep pond.” The Trader started to climb to his feet. He bent forward and thrust his face close to Antonin. He had his mouth open to speak when Antonin said quietly,
“His name is Annan Hamar, and he has found what all seek.”
The Trader sank slowly back into his seat.
“Boy, you could not know that ancient name unless what you say is true.”
Catharina’s voice came between the Trader and Antonin like a silken thread. She had appeared at the Traders shoulder.
“He speaks the truth Trader.” Calmly, but with a great menace hidden in the soft words. The Traders eyes flickered only long enough to take in the Mare Altan standing close beside him. The Mare Altan never lied. He knew this well. They had no need. They feared no one and nothing. If they said a thing was so – then it was so. He realized also that if he pressed this boy he would doubtless have to deal with the girl and who knew how many of her friends. He knew who would come out the victor and it would not be himself. So, it must be true. What news this was then. The Trader relaxed visibly and leaned back in his chair.
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