“No, no, no,” I said quickly as my scales disappeared into flesh again. “It is only a spell to protect me from magic.”
“What about the power?” he asked.
“It was just the staff,” I explained holding it up. “It is a staff made from the Forge of Kings in Balendar. I’m told that the forge makes weapons more powerful and magical. It must have been able to make my power stronger, trust me, I’m not THAT powerful.”
“How can I trust you?” Donkor asked lowering his sword a little. “Moumno are known for tricking people.”
“Demons also have glowing white eyes, trust me, I’ve fought possessed Mages before,” I explained.
He stared at me, struggling to make a decision.
You might want to change tactics, Cathy said.
“Look in your heart,” I said softly. “You said you wanted to help me because you felt that I was a good guy. Has your heart lied to you before?”
He lowered his sword. “I may not know much but my heart won’t lie to me like that. If you wanted to hurt me why save me for last. You would have attacked me with the others.”
I nodded and he returned his sword to its sheath on his back. He looked over the battlefield but shook his head as he looked at the Nature Mage stuck to the tree.
“Poor girl,” he said
“Yeah, what happened with her?” I asked as I put on my robe and hat.
“It’s the Kaliba tree,” he said. “Vines cause slow painful death after it freezes you.”
Too bad we can't take a section of vine with us, Cathy said. Sounds useful.
“I saw her attack you with the vines but you still move,” Donkor said intrigued.
“The scales,” I replied. “They protect against magic and poisons, for a short time.”
“Handy,” he said.
“Very,” I said picking up the backpack again. “Now, you mentioned a river.”
Chapter 24
Donkor took me to the river where I enjoyed a long awaited drink. After I was done, he cleared the blood off of his cleaver and I had the chance to talk to him about it.
He seemed confused that I would be impressed with the reflective power of the sword stating that it has always done that. When I asked where he got it, he simply answered that his mother had given it to him as a gift when he started adventuring. Studying the mighty cleaver revealed the white iron under the years of stains and use. He held a weapon that had been made in the Forge of Kings.
The King of Balendar must have sent this as a gift to the Emperor’s family during more peaceful times. Perhaps it had always been intend as a gift for Donkor, Cathy had suggested.
With the sun slowly setting, we pushed onward through the forest. The nocturnal sounds of the forest growing louder as the animals and insects started to wake up. I tried to stretch out my mind to find any danger but the hum of all the insect life was too distracting to narrow down on anything specific. We were relying heavily on Donkor’s knowledge. As the darkness finally took hold of the land, we broke out of the forest into the small village of Bauda.
Torches burned along the outside of the village to deter the forest wildlife. The clear land must, at one point, have been part of the forest but was now cultivated farmland and small bungalows. The night watchmen recognized Donkor as we approached but kept their eyes on me.
“I always like coming to Bauda,” Donkor smiled as he looked over the tiny farming community. “It’s so much more peaceful then the Kays.”
“Will we be able to find a place to rest for the night?” I asked.
“There is a nice old lady that allows me to sleep when it gets dark,” Donkor answered. “Do not worry. She will let you sleep there too.”
“That’s good,” I said. “It will be better then in a barn.”
“You can if you want,” he shrugged. “I don’t recommend it though. They are not as comfortable as they look.”
I’ll agree to that, Cathy chuckled.
I gave Donkor a look because I couldn’t give it to Cathy.
Don’t worry, I know you are doing it, Cathy said.
Good.
I’ve slept everywhere in my time, Cathy said proudly.
...any place that was surprising?
A bed of straw, Cathy answered.
Really?
Yes, she said. Horribly uncomfortable.
I chuckled and Donkor gave me a weird look. I waved him off dismissively as we stopped in front of a large bungalow with a small patch covering a hole in the roof. He knocked on the door and an older woman answered it.
“Simpwe Donkor,” she smiled. “What are you doing way out here at this time?”
“My friend, Andy, and I are going to save the Princess,” he answered.
“Andy?” she said confused as she looked around Donkor’s big frame to find me. I wave when she noticed me. “Good lord, there IS someone there. I thought you were travelling with your imaginary friend again.”
“No, Malu left two seasons ago to Kay Naro for study,” Donkor explained.
“That’s right, that’s right,” she nodded. “Please come in you two.”
Donkor entered the building and I hesitated for a second before entering.
Uh...
I know, Cathy said. I heard it too.
The modest house felt like home the second you walked into it. Decorated with a lifetime of possessions, it suited the grandmotherly look of the old woman. Her life story would be an interesting one to hear.
Well, we don’t have all season so you’ll have to ask some other time, Cathy said.
Don’t worry, I won’t start anything.
“Please, make yourself comfortable, Andy,” the old woman said. “I will throw on some tea.”
“Thank you, Ms...?” I said.
“Just call me Abuya,” she smiled. “No need for formalities.”
She stepped into the kitchen and I followed Donkor to the table. I dropped my pack to the ground and sat down on an available chair. Donkor dropped his pack and sat beside me while we watched the old woman work around the kitchen.
“What can you tell me about the outpost?” I asked him.
“Everything,” he answered.
Walked into that one, Cathy chuckled.
“What is the building layout?” I asked. “What can we expect when we get there?”
“Lots of bandits,” he answered. “The old barrack will be where most of them will be.”
“Where do you think the Princess will be kept?” I asked.
“The command centre most likely,” he replied. “It has the prison cells.”
I nodded slowly. “Tell you what. I’ll follow you in and cover your back.”
“Most of my enemies will come from the front,” he smiled.
I think he is screwing with you now, Cathy said.
It’s hard to tell.
“Don’t bring that staff though,” he continued. “Uncle will be upset if we destroy any buildings.”
“Plus I wouldn’t want to accidentally hurt you or the Princess,” I added.
“Yes, that wouldn’t be good,” he said. “Use that sword instead.”
He pointed to the short sword on my hip and I removed it and placed it on top of my bag,
“I’m not very good at it,” I said. “I would probably just end up getting myself hurt.”
“Really?” Donkor said confused. “Swords are easier then magic. I will teach you tomorrow before we fight.”
“I could use some lessons,” I agreed.
“Here you go,” Abuya said as she brought over a silver tray with the pot and cups.
She placed the tray on the table and Donkor grabbed a cup and poured some water into it. He motioned if I wanted some and I nodded. He poured my cup and handed it to me.
“I am glad you came by, Donkor,” Abuya continued. “I have a small problem with a hole in the roof.”
“Where?” Donkor asked looking around.
I felt my face twitch it confusion.
“O
h, just right over there,” she answered pointing to the obvious hole in the roof in the kitchen.
“Ah,” he said. “What caused it?”
“I followed your advice and moved it,” she explained. “It looks much better there.”
“Yes it does,” Donkor agreed looking behind me.
I turned around and noticed a tall statue of a soldier carved from wood leaning up against the wall. The spear it was holding was almost touching the ceiling.
“Gacoki was nice enough to help me move it but when he picked it up, the head went right through the roof,” Abuya explained.
“I’ll take a look at it when I’m done helping Andy,” he smiled.
You can stick around for this conversation but I’m out of here, Cathy said.
No! Take me with you!
***
“Keep the tip pointed at my neck,” Donkor said.
“It’s tough holding it out for this long,” I replied.
“That’s because your arm is out too far. Like this,” he said showing his arm in the shape of an ‘L’ beside his body.
As promised, Donkor was training me to use my sword for more then just swatting the air uselessly; as Cathy so elegantly put it. He took me to the town’s training ground and has been teaching me the most difficult part of sword training:
Standing.
“Feet apart shoulder length, body slightly angled away from your attacker, tip pointed at the opponent’s throat and weight shifted forward to your front foot,” Donkor recited as I shifted into his position. “Ok, attack me.”
I swiped the little wooden training sword at him and he blocked them easily. “Less wind up,” he said as I changed my swipes to quicker strikes. “Good.”
I stepped towards him and swung my sword down at him. He blocked me with his sword and I pushed down on it.
“Good strike,” he chuckled. “But...”
He pushed my sword back with all his strength and I staggered back and fell onto my butt.
“...You got out of position,” he finished with a smile. “The point of the position is so that you can’t be knocked around the battlefield. ‘You need to stand your ground or you will lose it’ as the General would always say.”
I stood back up and got into position. “How am I supposed to advance on you then?”
Keeping his upper body in the same position he walked forward a step then planted his feet firmly into position. “Just always keep your legs spread apart. Now attack me again.”
I swung at him again and he blocked me easily and took a step back. I stepped forward a little to get closer and he pushed my sword back. I felt myself being thrown back and hopped backwards and regained my balance.
“Good,” he smiled. “It is good you learn quickly.”
“You are a good teacher,” I said.
“Now, I’ll attack you and you stand your ground,” he said.
His attacks were slow but powerful as I deflected each one. He started to pick up speed and I was forced to start backing up. Keeping my balance, I maintained the position he taught me and blocked all his attacks.
He stopped and I stood waiting to see what he would do. He went to swing his sword and I anticipated where he would attack but he quickly changed the direction and came at me from a different angle. I ducked down in time to have the hat launched off my head.
He laughed. “Got you.”
I patted the top of my head to make sure I still had a head. “I can’t believe I fell for that.”
Donkor walked over to where the hat had landed and picked it up. The one side of the hat had now collapsed into the middle but as far as I could tell it was still wearable.
Oh joy, Cathy said flatly.
Donkor handed me the hat and I put it on top of my head. I could feel it slide off so I tilted it so the top part still pointed up.
“How does it look?” I asked.
“Not any worse than before,” he answered.
“Thanks, I think,” I said.
“You’ll be okay to save the Princess now,” Donkor said. “Well, not really, but you have magic.”
“Your faith in me is inspirational,” I said sarcastically.
Donkor looked at me oddly.
“Never mind,” I said. “You are a good teacher. I’m surprised they don’t let you teach others.”
“Oh, I’m not smart enough to teach they said,” he said sadly.
“They are just jealous because they know you could beat them,” I said encouragingly. “With that smart and simple logic of yours, you will be the greatest teacher. You should ask your cousin after we save her.”
“She won’t be able to help me,” he said.
“I don’t see why not,” I said. “She will be the Empress one day. Do people often say no to her?”
“No,” he said then slowly smiled. “I’ll ask.”
“Good,” I smiled back. “We should go save her then so you can ask.”
“We better hurry then,” he said dropping the wooden sword and running. “I want to be a teacher.”
I dropped the wooden sword and chased after him.
Do us a favour and always stay on his side of whatever army he trains, Cathy said.
That’s the best advice you’ve given.
I’d like to think not waving like an idiot at the Emperor was one of my best, she said,
Chapter 25
The outpost lay on the other side of the trees that surrounded Bauda to the north. The landscape became hillier as we were starting to reach the border between Archanion Field and Ghanlar Mountains. Further down the horizon the mountains grew towards the sky.
It was understandable why Donkor was upset with the bandits holding the outpost. Sitting on the border, it was the first line of defence against invasion. With bandits fleeing at the first sign of an army, the border, outpost and village of Bauda lay unprotected. The military needed to reclaim the outpost. Returning the fort to Nesqa was as much part of my duties now as retrieving the items for the Keeper.
With the School of the Elemental becoming more hostile and the threat of the Masters silencing Master Pryce, all four provinces of Kalanden could be thrown into a war against the Mages. It was important to make sure everyone was prepared.
Ooo, someone has become all noble and righteous, Cathy said.
It is only the truth. I won’t be able to hide or run away from it. It is as much a part of my life as you are.
So we will get to keep killing people? Cathy asked.
As long as we need too.
Then I’ll be right behind you, Cathy said. Well...inside you...but that doesn’t sound...
Quit while you are ahead.
Cathy chuckled nervously. I’ll shut up now.
Donkor and I stood at the edge of the forest, planning our way in. With its large stone wall and watch towers, the outpost was more like a castle. The gate was currently wide open as the bandits didn’t feel the need to keep the front door closed while they were coming and going. It was going to prove tricky to get into the place should the gate be closed.
“We need to charge now,” Donkor said. “While they are not expecting it.”
“If they shut that gate we are done for,” I explained. “And frankly, I don’t want to get an arrow in the butt.”
“They hurt,” Donkor informed.
“I believe that,” I responded. “So here is what we are going to do. I will disguise us with an illusion spell and we will walk into the outpost and hide.”
“What type of disguise would work?” Donkor asked.
“I’ll make us invisible,” I answered.
Donkor’s eyes widened in shock. “You can do that?”
“Yes, but we have to be very quiet,” I said. “They can’t see us but they can hear us.”
“And smell us?” Donkor asked.
“Yes but we should be okay as long as you don’t stick your arm in front of their noses,” I answered.
“Okay,” he nodded.
“With us invisib
le, we sneak in and you stay out of sight while I get onto the top of the wall,” I said. “I’ll take care of the archers so they don’t shoot you in the butt.”
“Arrows hurt,” he said.
“Exactly,” I nodded. “You ready?”
He pulled out his cleaver and smiled. “Always.”
“Follow me and don’t make a sound,” I said.
“Or smell,” he reminded me.
“Or smell,” I agreed.
I reached out with my mind and tried to tune out the hum of the forest. I crouched down low and started walking into the opening. I couldn’t make out any archers but they had to be in the towers by the front gate. I continued forward until I felt the faint hum of human minds. Targeting the closest ones, I planted my Illusion and picked up speed.
My goal was to make it to the side wall and only target the minds needed to get us in. I couldn’t make out how many minds in total were in the outpost, not without dropping the Illusion spell first, and I couldn’t trick everyone.
When I touched the warm stone wall, I smiled to myself briefly before continuing to the corner. I peeked around and saw the front gate was still clear of bandits.
I could get used to this.
Is Andy Holcombe ACTUALLY enjoying something? Cathy asked playfully.
I rounded the corner and kept pressed against the wall as I approached the gate. The hum of mental energy drew closer and I stopped and motioned for Donkor to crouch down. A bandit emerged and I used the Illusion spell on him. He turned around and faced the fort again to shout at someone but I couldn’t make out the words clearly.
After the bandit finished, he turned around and starting walking away from the fort. I could continue to trick his mind for a bit but he would soon be out of range. If he decided to come back after I had stopped the spell he would see us.
Motioning for Donkor to follow, I picked up my pace and made it to the edge of the gate. The bandit was almost out of range and I dropped the spell to focus inside the outpost. A different bandit was walking away from the gate and I could feel a couple of minds along the wall close by. I planted the Illusion spell and peeked around the corner.
There were two bandits at the forge, one was working while the other was inspecting the swords and talking. Further in was a large building, which I guessed, was the barracks and the command centre stood at the back. The courtyard was quiet and empty as the bandits must have either been out on raiding parties or sleeping while waiting for night. Either played right into our hands.
The Tower Of The Watchful Eye: The Legend Of Kairu Book 1 Page 20
