by H. A. Harvey
Riona relaxed and nodded with a laugh that was quickly joined by Ellia and the observers. The mirth was cut short when Amalthea the goblin called out from her tree-top watch. The little Orc nimbly dropped from branch to branch until she tumbled on the scrubby grass at the base of the tree. By the time she reached the ground, the camp of mercenaries and rescued townsfolk were gathered around in a small circle.
“Armies marching on Broadstone.” Amalthea said breathlessly, “From Spireward and Gateward.”
“This is too soon for a response.” Ulif said as he stepped to the front of the crowd. “Perhaps they are patrols, maybe reinforced by neighboring militia.”
“Not a chance.” The goblin shook her tightly braided raven hair. “Both clouds stretch across the plain. Each must be a thousand men or more.”
“A thousand . . .” Ulif muttered, “Deepwood’s traitor has been at work longer than we thought. That can only be a combined force from several city-states. This whole attack was a trap. But if we hurry to warn Broadstone, they can ride back out the way they came tonight before the Baedites surround them. The armies are sure to be largely infantry, and are easy enough to outrun.”
“No,” A deep voice came from the trees. Nian turned with the rest of the company to see Roderick, the tall Njord scout, approaching from the direction of the Crescent Ledge. “Dose soldiers ye warned of still camp behind the lip of the ledge. Most of my party was lost learning that they have men camped at the head of every trail up. Malor’s ramp has had the upper portion dug away from the cliff. Any riders would find themselves cut down at the base of the cliff or pinned in the trees where infantry could mow them down. If they have not left the city by now, there is nowhere to go.”
“Wait,”David chimed in, stepping forward, “We can’t go back up the cliff either then. And if the city is about to be sieged by that army, we’ll be discovered here once the troop on the cliff comes down to meet the main force.”
Everyone stood in somber silence for a long moment. Nian walked with Rowan and a few of the others to the edge of the treeline. The curve of the wood still concealed the group approaching from Gateward, but looking across the quarry, they could see a thin line of dust all along the Spireward rim of the stony plain. Nian stood awestruck as the dust cloud began to reveal a dark line along its base, Phoenix’ light glinting off metal here and there up and down its length. He thought to himself that if he lined up every person he’d ever met shoulder to shoulder, they couldn’t stretch so far.
“I think,” Rowan said quietly, clearing this throat a little before continuing, “I think I have an idea.”
In a matter of moments Nian, Ulif, Roderick, David and Kolel were all gathered around Rowan. The young Desaid scratched a sketch in the ground, mapping the region from the Crescent Ledge to Broadstone.
“The Crescent Ledge runs from this mountain,” Rowan began, pointing to the Spireward circle on the map, “Gateward to its sister here. Both of them have sheer cliffs along this valley, so the army isn’t likely to have the mountains guarded since there’s no risk of horses or even men escaping that way.”
“And the high peaks of these mountains tend to be thick with drakes of one sort or another.” Roderick added.
“Ah, well, we can hopefully stay low enough to avoid them,” Rowan continued, a little echo of uncertainty in his voice, “But what if I could get us up those cliffs? Between the Njord and myself, we should be able to pick a path through the mountain back into Tyre.”
“It could work,” Roderick nodded, “But those cliffs are close to glass-smooth. I don’t know how many of yer group are seasoned climbers, but without equipment, I wager none but a Buros could scale its face.”
“Alright,” Nian nodded, “It’s important to get these people back to Longmyst . . . but I’m not coming.”
“Nian,” Kolel said quietly, “I know you want to pursue your sister, but the bulk of that army lies between us and any road that she may be on. We can’t hope to slip through so many, and going around we would lose more time and have no chance of catching them. It’s wisest to save those we have managed to claim and perhaps return again.”
“No,” Nian shook his head, “Kadia promised I would see her again, but I can’t turn back the other way. When we get up the cliff, guide the others back safely, but I’ll go Clockward, and try to come down behind the army. I think your map said there was a Gateward road to Kadisvale. Maybe I can beat them there or find some way to free her.”
“Travelling farther into Baeden is suicide,” Ulif argued, “Especially if they are mobilized for war. There will be patrols on every road, military couriers, marching troops. Not to mention that the army is sure to see us coming down the mountain behind them. If that is where you are determined to go, we’ll follow, as I’ll not be the first Longstrider to break my word.”
“You don’t have to,” Nian shook his head, “I know the odds are against anyone getting through. While I have to try, I don’t have to drag anyone along to die. The run is over, your cubs were asked to help hunt down the slavers, and they have. I think the packs will be lucky to have these wolves back with them, and I’m sorry for those who won’t be going back.”
“You’re sick in the head if you think you’re leaving me behind.” Rowan stood defiantly in front of Nian.
“There is hardly much a handful of mercenaries will be able to do to help those in Broadstone.” Roderick countered. “I have a gully cloak you can use, and some bear fat to make a few more. You could use them to move unseen down the exposed slope.”
“What’s a gully cloak?” Nian asked, quite puzzled.
In answer, the Njord dug in his pack and pulled out a bundled piece of heavy cloth. When it was unfurled, the cloak looked on its inner side like any other cloak of cheap, brown cloth. However, the outer layer looked like a strip of the plain outside of Broadstone, complete with three or four tufts of scrub-grass.
“Ye rub the bear fat into the fabric and roll it in loose soil, then stitch a few bits of local plants to it.” Roderick directed, “Then as long as you stay low, keep your motions slow and smooth, and no one steps on you, it’s rather easy to move unseen. One of the wolf packs from the Tarnigne Wastes made them to conceal my scouts and the wolves so we could creep up on Broadstone.”
Kolel examined the gully cloak and used his hand to weigh Roderick’s bundle of bear fat. “I think I could reproduce perhaps five of these cloaks with what I have here. The rest of the wolves will have to escape with the villagers.”
“Um,” Nian interrupted, staring at the map, “What if they could make a difference?”
“What do you mean, my friend?” Kolel queried.
“I mean,” Nian swallowed, trying to collect his thoughts into sensible words, “There’s what, five hundred fighters with the wolf packs in Broadstone?”
“Between six and seven hundred.” Ulif corrected.
“Still, against thousands, the odds aren’t great I’d guess, even with stone walls on their side.” Nian continued. “The slavers were part of this trap, and so it’s part of why my mother is dead. I can’t help but think that it wasn’t a mistake that we didn’t overtake them until we were inside the trap as well, but not completely within it.”
“I’m afraid I still don’t follow.” Ulif scratched his head.
“The quarry.” Nian said, pointing to the circle on the map representing the massive chasm. “The prisoners were being taken here to be sold, and the thing is more than a mile across, I’m guessing there are more slaves inside. We haven’t seen any patrols around it since we arrived last night. I’m guessing most of the guards to the quarry were drawn off by the fighting at Broadstone. What if the wolves attacked the guards at the quarry entrance and armed the slaves? There has to be hundreds in there.”
“Armed with what?” Rowan asked, “We’ve a few swords from the soldiers we took down in the woods, and the slaver cudgel
s, but that’s it.”
“Well, it’s going to take a while for Kolel to make the gully cloaks.” Nian explained, “We could cut a few saplings for staves or to be sharpened into spears. It won’t be much, but maybe enough to get started, and the rest can take weapons from the fallen soldiers. We can’t give them a promise of victory, but at least hope for freedom. This way, Roderick can lead the villagers safely back into Tyre while I press on with Rowan and whoever else will come and the rest can help Autumn and the others in Broadstone, really help them.”
“Autumn huh?” Rowan laughed, “I wondered why you were willing to let the wolves off early before we found Karen.”
“Don’t laugh at me, Ro.” Nian responded, “I have to help them both. I feel like I’m running out of time to reach Karen. Since I can’t be in two places at once, this is the best I can do.”
The next few hours were filled with frenzied activity as those with axes or heavy swords cut saplings and straight branches for the rest to sharpen with knives. Kolel fashioned five gully cloaks with the help of Riona. By the time they had finished a small stack of makeshift spears and the cloaks, Phoenix had past her zenith and was winging Clockward to the horizon. The company gathered at the base of the Gateward mountain’s cliff.
Rowan knelt at the very base of the cliff face and drew out Karen’s doll. He smiled to see that it was nearly all healed, giving it a gentle pat before he plucked a leaf by its stem. The Desaid bent and touched the severed stem to the ground and whispered indecipherably to the plant. The stem thickened and lengthened, rooting itself in the earth as the plant twined up against the cliff face. Nian watched in wonder as the vine spread up and broadened along the face of the cliff until, after a little over a minute, its highest tendrils curled over the top and were lost from view.
“That,” marveled Kolel, “Is a thing I have never seen before.”
“It’s nothing really,” Rowan said as he stood, careful to keep a hand on the vine, “Elves balance on thread or stand and fire bows on the backs of running horses, Orcs ignore pain and become stronger when hurt . . . we herd plants. I always felt it was a little silly, but it works for keeping something alive when it shouldn’t be, or growing a ladder when you need it.”
“You’re too humble.” Ellia smiled, “The power to restore damage to ancient wilds is no small thing. Besides, I have heard legends of Desaid who used ivy to shatter castle walls.”
“Alright,” Nian said, “Roderick, you and the folk of Longmyst had best start climbing while we settle the rest. Myself, Rowan, Kolel and Riona are going on to Kadisvale. Your run is over and I think Ulif will vouch for any of you returning to your packs as wolves. However, we have two more cloaks if any of you wish to come.”
“I am coming.” Mitchel stepped forward quickly, “The Longstriders here talked it over. We felt that since you first approached our pack for help, it’s only right at least one of us stay to see this through. Thea is a goblin, and as quiet and quick as she is, bringing any Orc into Baeden is asking for trouble, and Xain will come up the mountain, but be of better use covering the valley from the high vantage point rather than sneaking along the ground under a cloak.”
As Nian nodded and Kolel tossed him a gully cloak, both Ellia and David stepped forward. Nian could tell by the look each had in their eyes that there would be an argument. Ellia’s skill would be invaluable, but how could he turn away David when he was the only one present with nearly as much reason to go after Karen as his own? Then, before the debate became vocal, Kolel stepped forward and handed them each a cloak. Nian blinked at the Sattal in surprise.
“I thought we had six cloaks.” He stammered in confusion.
“Indeed we do, my friend.” Kolel nodded as he unfastened his sword belt and curled it around the scabbard, “But you need people of singular purpose or prowess in this endeavor, rather than a fellow past his prime enjoying a lark. Besides, can you truly envision me crawling through the dirt for who knows how long with bear grease dripping on my clothes, and in silence no less! More than anything else, I’m certain I’d have to leave my hat behind and that I cannot abide. Riona, here’s a good girl, now restore Elliastrea to her brace of swords, you’ll find mine to be of comparable weight and it was forged by Dwarves of the Myrkhannon mountains, there is no finer heritage for a blade. I should manage well enough with one of these heavier Baedic works.”
“We couldn’t have gotten this far without you, Kolel.” Asserted Nian as he struggled to think of a way to convince the Sattal to come. “I know we’ll need your knowledge and silver tongue down the road.”
“Between Ellia and Rowan, you easily have my match in knowledge of the land and people of these parts.” Kolel replied softly, “And with a young and hale group you will move faster. For my part, we’ve started to backtrack across my path quite a bit. Perhaps our little slave rebellion can fight its way to the border of Tyre where I can resume my travels. I do wish you to have this, Nian my boy. Wear it in plain view and it will bring good fortune wherever you go.”
As he spoke, Kolel drew a small wooden brooch from his pocket. The dark wood of the brooch was masterfully embellished with swirling patterns of vines around a spinning coin. The Sattal pressed it into Nian’s hand with an almost ceremonial air.
“Now, no more on dragging me along through the dust.” The feline merchant smiled, “Lady Kadia draws many favors from her sister and her webs. If I’m needed again, I’m sure I won’t be able to avoid it. But whatever way your path leads, believe that She, at least, is with you.”
Riona buckled the silver-studded dueling belt around her waist as Nian sighed and, giving up on argument, clasped Kolel’s wrist and hugged him briefly about the shoulder. Rowan said his quiet farewell next, again trying to give back Kolel’s purse of silver and failing. Riona said her farewell last, wrapping Kolel in a long, tearful embrace, planting a soft kiss on his whiskered cheek as she finally let him go.
“That, dear girl, has made this trip more than worthwhile.” Kolel purred with a smile and a bow. “Take good care of these pigheaded boys, won’t you?”
Their farewells made, Kolel and the wolves gathered up their bundled spears and headed into the wood toward the quarry. Xain and the six companions made their way up the vine to where Roderick and the villagers waited. Roderick beckoned for Rowan and Nian to follow him and led them up to a small saddle on the Clockward face of the mountain.
“This is a curiously useful spot.” Roderick stated, pointing out over the high plain. “See that from this vantage, the plain itself is hidden, but ye can see the upper stories of Broadstone keep? Vision works both ways, a small fire lit back from the edge of this saddle would be seen by the keep but not the forces gathered on the plain below. I suggest you rest here at least partway through the night, use a fire to mark this trail for those in the keep and let them know help is out there.”
“Shouldn’t we try to cross as much of the plain as possible in the night?” Nian asked.
Roderick shook his head, “It sounds nice, but you won’t be able to move down the mountainside safely or quietly until the stars are bright. Better to rest and send our allies a glimmer of hope. You’ll still reach the plain with enough darkness to get underway and your cloaks will see you safely across from there. Leave the fire burning when you start down. There’s nothing but stone and earth this high up for it to spread.”
“Alright,” Rowan nodded in agreement, clasping Roderick’s wrist. “Thank you for getting them safely home.”
“I’ve done nothing yet,” The big Njord said with a grim look, “But I’ll be glad to be on a task that makes sense. These Gateward armies make little sense to me, huddling to die in a deserted city over a stretch of barren, stony earth.”
“Still,” Nian added, “Thank you.”
Roderick nodded to them both and headed back down the small goat trail to where the villagers waited. Rowan turned and started setting a
small fire, but Nian watched as the train of villagers wound their way along the mountainside. The Njord stayed off the trail to their side, moving up and down the line and shepherding the lowlanders along the uneven footing. Nian allowed himself a moment to feel triumphant, at least in part. Almost twenty people had been snatched back from the slavers, and if all went well, they would foil the trap the Baedites set for the Deepwood forces. As impossible as things seemed, he could not help but feel that echoes of Hope were moving along with him.
. . .
Captain Kaiden sat up weakly in bed. The dark veins of magic were gone from his flesh and he had regained consciousness, but was still pale and weak from the ordeal. Malor sat napping in a large embroidered chair next to the bed while Adair and the other Alphas from the three scouting parties stood around the foot of the bed. Autumn sat on the window and shifted her sore shoulder under the tight bandage. She felt singularly out of place among the commanders in their council, but Kaiden had insisted on her presence whenever possible once he woke. Malor had agreed that her actions had purchased her an unmatched level of trust. So she found herself in constant demand.
While she slept, apparently the spy Penn had revealed that she had been posing as Verrite since she had ‘returned’ from delivering their request for reinforcements to Highkeep. The message had never been delivered, and no reinforcements were coming. Lancer Adam’s body had been found in his quarters, his throat slit. The scouting parties had found three armies already on the march to Broadstone. A thousand infantry backed by five hundred archers approached from the Gateward road. Spireward were double the number of both pikemen and bows. The smallest force, but perhaps the most intimidating were the five hundred Kadis heavy infantry that approached along the Clockward road; with their heavy plate armor and broad shields of steel, they might as well be five thousand against the bronze-tipped lances of the Tyrian cavalry.
