“It’s cornered. Don’t let it get away.”
“Erc! Look out!”
Suddenly Kaiden was free. He could see the men fighting the vyr. There was Erc and Thad. Oded and Tostig. Morten and Raul. Bo lay in a heap at one corner. Another man lay nearby. Why were they fighting it?
Kaiden stepped closer. It was no longer calling to him, but he still felt a strong urge, enforced by an after thought. He could remember the voice in his head. He still wanted to obey. He knew that was foolishness. He stood there frozen. Watching the fray.
The beast took hold of Tostig’s spear and flung him against the wall. Its huge paws lashed out. Erc went down with a deafening scream.
Kaiden could see the cave in the glow of the torch light, the rear of it opened into nothingness. Behind the vyr a faint glimmer of light reflected off a wall of bones. Kaiden knew this place. The back of the cave dropped off into forever.
Raul was next to meet the creatures wrath. He groaned in blood and spit, hitting the cave floor. Thad was sent sprawling across the ground.
Suddenly another man appeared in the cave. The newcomer faced the vyr as if the thing were just another man, an old opponent that would finally be dealt with. Kaiden knew that man.
Soren.
What was Soren doing here?
Morten and Oded tried to fend off the vicious claws of the vyr. Soren ignored the danger and bounded at the beast, sword in hand. He and the creature tumbled to the ground. The vyr slashed at him. Bit with his jaws. Soren hacked and stabbed. Kaiden watched it in slow motion, powerless to move.
Soren and the beast were back on their feet, facing each other in a dance of death. Soren leaped once again. The beast was too slow. Soren slammed his sword into the vyr’s chest. The blade sunk to the hilt. Soren twisted with his might. A scream of agony and protest pierced Kaiden’s ears, an inhuman sound that rose over the tumult of the cave. Vyr and man crashed as one to the rocky ground, hitting with bone jarring force, still slashing, stabbing, clawing, kicking. Soren and the beast slid and rolled, too close to the edge. Man and beast fought desperately for precious life. Tostig and Morten tried in vain to reach Soren, to pull him off the vyr. They were too late. A mass of fur, steel, blood and man tumbled over the edge. Soren and the beast twisted through the air in a death thrall and were lost to the darkness below. The vyr’s scream echoed in the chasm. Kaiden felt the life drain out of the strange creature, felt it die. In an instant his mind was his again.
Once again he was alone with his thoughts, the thing was gone. So was Soren.
“Is everyone alive?” Oded struggled to his feet.
Kaiden looked around. The cave was a bloody mess. Oded , Tostig, and Morten were all on their feet. Thad slowly picked himself up. No one else was moving. And never would again. Even Bo lay lifeless. Tears filled Kaiden’s eyes.
“I’m sorry.” Kaiden truly was.
Oded tried to be comforting. “It was not your fault.”
“Ow,” Thad grimaced. “I think my arm’s broke.”
“Be glad if that is all that is wrong with you.” Morten’s voice was unsympathetic. “We lost some good men tonight. My cousin included.” He stared blankly at the cave wall. Obviously he had been affected more than he wanted to let on. “Who was that man? He appeared out of nowhere.”
Oded and Tostig looked to Kaiden for an explanation.
“His name was Soren. He was one of my men.” A stab of guilt pierced Kaiden’s heart. Not a single man he’d brought on this hunt now survived. Not even a single dog. He could never lead the north. Never.
“He was a good man.” Morten finally sounded sympathetic. “He gave his life for ours.”
Kaiden would remember that. Soren died so others could live. So he could live. The vyr wanted him and these men saved his life once again. He owed them now more than he could ever repay. If it were up to him the north would be Oded’s to command until the Horde was sent back to whatever abyss it came from.
More men now poured into the cave, poised and ready to do murder.
Oded waved them down. “Put your spears away. It is done.” He motioned around the cave. “We need to give these men a proper burial.”
The newcomers jumped as if given specific orders. The bodies were soon covered and laid on stretchers much like the one used to carry Coen. Kaiden carried Bo himself. The dog had saved his life. Slowed the vyr long enough for Oded and the others to arrive.
The walk back to camp was silent, the mood grim. Kaiden was again left alone with his thoughts, blessedly alone. He wondered if he would ever forget the invasion into his mind. He shook his head trying to rid his mind of the thought, but the memory remained.
Camp was a joyous sight. For some reason it felt safer to Kaiden now than it did this afternoon. Kaiden finally decided he could trust these men. He no longer doubted. He knew Oded still kept back secrets, but Kaiden would trust him. His mind was clear on that, if not on anything else.
Tomorrow he could start for home. Someday, when he was an old man, he would have stories to tell that would give the young girls nightmares. The boys would pretend not to believe and the young men would openly scoff. Kaiden smiled to himself sadly. He couldn’t do anything to bring Soren back, but he could at least make sure Soren would be remembered. It was a small thing to do for the man who saved his life. His story would be told, and maybe someday he would even become a legend.
Chapter Eighteen
The camp packed up with the quickness and efficiency Kaiden was beginning to expect from Oded and his men. Maybe even a little faster than normal. No one wanted to stay longer than needed. Kaiden didn’t blame them, he didn’t want to remain longer than necessary either. Before long the whole encampment was on the move.
Traveling down the mountain took less time than climbing, but the going was still slow. The rocky switchbacks were treacherous to a horse, and just as treacherous to any man riding that horse. Consequently Oded was in no hurry and Rove kept up easily. His steady footing put Kaiden at ease. Well, at least at ease as he could be. Kaiden was relieved to have his faculties returned, but there was a lingering memory in the back of his consciousness, one he couldn’t shake. He knew he was alone again with his thoughts. The vyr was dead. He was sure of that. He felt the life drain out of it and the connection between the vyr and his mind was gone at that same moment.
Kaiden rode in silence. He occasionally felt a jolt of pain when Rove stepped down a steep embankment. The pain reminded him of Soren. And Donnell, Biv, Ralf, Lester, even the dogs. Especially Bo. Kaiden felt responsible for their deaths. They were in his charge. He failed them. They were all good men. Soren foremost.
Kaiden could sense Tostig was a little embarrassed Soren was able to trail them. Soren apparently had stayed outside the camp for days, undetected. Kaiden did not know why Soren did not make himself known. He must not have trusted these men. Kaiden understood that. He did not trust them at first either. He was finally sure they were being truthful to him about their cause. Kaiden was now convinced it was his own cause as well. They would stand united against the Horde. Without an alliance of some sort the north would fall prey to the Horde, just as the south did so many years ago.
Kaiden was sure his father would agree. He’d said as much before Kaiden left on this disastrous hunt. His father wouldn’t take much convincing, but the other chiefs might. Those men didn’t always agree with one another and didn’t exactly enjoy taking orders from the Lord of Azmark, but most should listen to reason.
Cray of the Halfen was another story. He was a dangerous and ambitious man. The Halfen didn’t help before and probably wouldn’t volunteer support now. Maybe the North would not need the Halfen if Oded possessed a force as large as he claimed. Kaiden had never seen that many fighting men in one place. He wasn’t sure he could even imagine it. How could they be hiding unnoticed in the mountains? If there actually were that many men they would not stay hidden for long.
They rode down the mountain, picking their way through the sn
ow covered firs and pines, the crunch of the horse’s hooves on the icy snow breaking the peace of the forest. A somber mood hung over the grim procession. That was how Kaiden imagined it. A solemn funeral procession. The men didn’t stay long enough to dig proper graves in this frozen earth, so the bodies of their companions were carried on horseback to meet with the main party. The only things missing were the drums and pipes playing a mournful dirge. Kaiden silently sang one in his head.
The evergreens became more sparse and were gradually replaced by oaks. That alone told Kaiden they had descended below an elevation where the snows would remain for most of the summer. The large oaks spread their branches overhead creating a canopy and obscuring the sky. Kaiden could no longer see the Emerald Sea, nor the Ocean Deep to the west. He would be home in another couple days, maybe less. He had mixed feelings about that. Kaiden longed to be there, but knew he would have to tell his father why he returned alone, something he was not looking forward to.
The trees ahead began to open up and Kaiden could see people moving about behind the cover of the forest. The forest continued to thin then opened into a meadow filled with people, tents, and horses. This must be the main group. They were much closer than Kaiden had thought.
Kaiden followed Tostig into the meadow. The mountain clearing spread wide to the north and south, narrowing through the middle. Kaiden scanned the view in front of him in amazement. The meadow was populated by a small city. There were people everywhere. Smiths and tailors and artisans of all kinds, with shops right along side stables and tents. Most were busily about their daily chores. Kaiden could even hear the familiar ring of hammer on anvil. Children were playing everywhere, dashing in and out of the makeshift shops, running along the paths and trails between the tents. Oded had not exaggerated, nor had he told the entire story. There were thousands here, and not just an army of fighting men. This was a whole culture, a people transplanted from another place, living here as if they had always belonged.
Oded’s men were received with greetings and cheers. Oded and Tostig stopped to say hello to a few then kept moving. Kaiden followed them closely. He didn’t want to become lost or separated. Most of the group began to peel off and go their separate ways. It seemed they all had somewhere to go or someone they wanted to see. Soon Kaiden was alone with Oded and Tostig. The three continued moving along and Kaiden nodded politely to those who looked at him curiously. Most nodded back. Some of the children gawked and pointed. He supposed he must look very strange to them.
Kaiden followed the two men to the center of the camp. At least what appeared to be the center. He couldn’t tell for sure since it was impossible to see from one end to the other. Oded and Tostig finally stopped in front of a large tent. They dismounted and two young boys ran up, took hold of their horses’ reigns and began leading them off. Kaiden followed suit. Another young boy looked askance at Oded. Oded nodded and the boy took hold of Rove’s reigns and followed after the two other boys. Kaiden let Rove go. It wasn’t like he was leaving soon and Rove could use some attention.
This must be Oded’s tent. Kaiden wondered how powerful a man he was to have servants to take care of his horses. Oded parted the tent flap and walked inside. Tostig followed. Kaiden did not want to be left outside alone. He pushed open the flap and followed on Tostig’s heels. Kaiden stepped through the opening and into a small room. The tent was divided into separate areas. Two guards stood in front of a hanging tapestry that divided the small room from the rest of the tent. One of them spoke.
“My lord is not here sir, I will tell the lady you have arrived.” He ducked through the tapestry.
I guess this isn’t Oded’s tent, Kaiden thought.
Moments later the guard reappeared. “The lady will see you now.”
Kaiden trailed after Oded and Tostig through the tapestry into a large well furnished room. It was much larger than Kaiden would have guessed from outside the tent. In the center of the room was Bet. A young boy hid in her skirts. He had the same coloring as Bet and many of the same features. He must be her son.
“My lady,” Oded and Tostig both spoke and bowed their heads to Bet. Kaiden tried to imitate them awkwardly. He wasn’t sure if he was supposed to since he was the son of a lord and for that matter was probably considered a lord by those from the south.
“You have returned,” Bet grinned. “The task is complete then?”
“It is.” Oded replied.
“Good.” She said and walked over to Kaiden, taking him by the arm. “I trust you have taken care of this.” She made a cursory check of his injury.
“Yes, of course,” Kaiden stumbled over his words.
“I would not like to see my work ruined. You must continue to rest.” She turned back to Oded. “What was it then?”
“I have never seen the like before. You will have to ask Kaiden.”
She wanted to know about the vyr. Kaiden wasn’t sure what to say. She must know nearly as much as the rest of the men did already. Kaiden wasn’t sure there was much more to tell.
“We can discuss it when the boys aren’t here,” Bet said.
“I’m old enough to hear,” a voice came from the corner. It belonged to another boy, slightly taller tan the first. Kaiden hadn’t noticed him before. He needed to be more alert.
“Your father will be the judge of that,” Bet said to the boy. “At any rate your brother is not. Come over here and meet our guest. Your manners should be better than that.”
The boy put down some kind of puzzle and came over to his mother. He looked to be about five winters, or summers as the case may be. Bet must have married young.
“This is Kaiden, son of Baiden,” Bet said to the boys. “He will one day be Lord of Azmark.”
“Hopefully not too soon,” Kaiden said, a little embarrassed at the formality.
“Pleased to meet you sir,” the older boy said. The younger hid his face further into his mother’s skirts.
Bet laid her hand on the boy’s head. “This is Elon, my oldest son.” She tried to pull the other boy free from her skirts, but did a poor job of it. “And this one we call Bo.”
Kaiden could see Tostig out of the corner of his eye, shaking his head slightly, pleading with him not to say a word about his dead dog. Kaiden possessed enough sense to keep quiet.
Kaiden crouched down to the level of the boys. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Bo shook Kaiden’s outstretched hand, he still didn’t say anything.
Elon shook Kaiden’s hand too. “Sir,” he said shyly.
“You boys go play. I need to speak with Oded and Kaiden.”
Bo trailed after his brother to a corner of the tent.
Bet turned to Kaiden. “Has Oded spoken to you about the Horde?”
“Yes,” Kaiden answered, “some.”
“Will your father join us?”
“I believe so.”
“But you are uncertain.”
“He may be concerned with such a large fighting force in his backyard. I think he will overlook what many might consider an invasion, but other clan chiefs may not.”
“We need all of the clans.” There was a hint of desperation in the lady’s voice. “Does your father lead them or does he not?”
“The north is more a loose confederation than a single nation, but I believe my father will can rally the other chiefs to our cause.” Kaiden realized he was committed to this fight now.
“It is good you consider this cause your own.” Bet sounded pleased. “Can you take Oded and Tostig with you to speak with your father?”
“Yes, I think the less people initially the better. I can send Oded and Tostig back with word of the clan chiefs’ decision.”
“You will not be returning with us?” asked Tostig.
“No,” Kaiden answered. “I have another task my father has set before me.” Kaiden was apprehensive about revealing too much concerning Haven Keep. Somehow it was key to victory. His father was sure of it. Kaiden was not. He did not want to have Oded and the rest of his
company following him there. What was at Haven Keep was supposed to be kept safe and returned only to the emperor. He was dead now and Kaiden was not sure these people had any right to it.
“Will that task take long?” Oded asked.
“A few weeks, maybe.” Kaiden hoped it would take much less, but winter was fast approaching, and was already here in the mountains. “In the mean time there will be a meeting of the chiefs. My father should be able to convince most of the clans to join the fight. I think the chiefs will all see the importance of uniting against the Horde. I do not understand why they have not done so already.”
“It is settled then,” Bet announced. “You must leave now. I apologize for not being more hospitable, but we do not have time to waste.” Apparently this lady Elizbet was accustomed to being obeyed.
Oded and Tostig made polite bows and retreated from the tent. Kaiden had hoped to at least get one normal night sleep before living out of his saddle bags again. He made his bow and started after Oded.
Kaiden reached the exit then turned back to his hostess and spoke. “So you are the leader of these men?”
Bet laughed, “No, no.” She sounded amused. “Oded has led us for many years.”
“But Oded follows your orders.”
“Oded says he is getting old, and has been prepping my husband to take his place. Oded has already tried to step down, but the men, including my husband, still follow him. He makes a show of obedience, but his word still holds more sway with us than he would admit.”
“I see,” Kaiden said. He really did not quite understand. These southern people had strange ways. Kaiden made another bow and left.
Outside the tent Oded and Tostig were already mounted on fresh horses. There was a new horse for Kaiden.
Haven Keep (Book 1) Page 25
