The Elven boy approached Lord Teeg as the old Elf looked his mount over. The boy cupped his hands, bracing them against a bent leg. Teeg glanced at the makeshift stirrup and laughed.
“Boy, I was jumping onto the back of a horse a hundred years before you were born!”
The old Elf grabbed the horse’s mane and deftly threw himself onto its back. He chucked the stallion’s flanks with his heels and it pranced about the stable yard. Granu slid from the shadows of the yard’s edge and moved toward the group.
“Do you require a mount, Prince Granu?” offered Eidyn amiably.
From beneath the blackness of the hood, Kael heard the deep rumbling reply.
“No, thank you. I fear your delicate animals would have a difficult time bearing my weight.”
Eidyn protested, but was silenced by a warning glance from Teeg.
“I did not mean to offend,” continued Granu. “I’m quite used to walking and will not slow you.”
A snort from near the stables turned all eyes. Manfir stood smirking at the Keltaran and shaking his head.
“Do you wish to add a comment, Zodrian?” asked the hooded giant.
Manfir smiled and mounted his warhorse.
“I wouldn’t slow for you if you were sinking in quicksand,” snarled Manfir.
“Nor I for you, Zodrian. I’m glad you found this opportune time to delay us with your musings,” stated Granu flatly.
Manfir clenched his teeth and edged his armored horse toward the giant. Granu rose to his full height, gripping the center of his staff.
“The forces of Chaos mobilize around us,” grumbled Ader to himself. “Am I not burdened enough without the worry of you feuding children?”
The old man ignored the warrior’s protests, gathered his robes close and turned as Tarader approached him. The horse dropped to its knees and the old trader straddled its back. Immediately, Tarader rose and trotted from the yard into the palace grounds. Lord Teeg smiled and followed suit.
Eidyn and Kael glanced from one another to the pair of glaring warriors then back again. Eidyn shrugged and the two young men chucked the flanks of their mounts and trotted from the stable yard.
Within minutes they passed through the ring of Almar trees and moved out into the city of Luxlor. A moment later the hoof beats of Manfir’s huge black stallion echoed from behind. Kael stole a glance over his shoulder. The Zodrian prince sat ramrod straight and fought hard to prevent the stallion from breaking into a run as the animal tried to keep pace with the long stride of the Keltaran monk beside it.
The city was just coming awake as the forest sun filtered down to its streets. An old Elf walked along the streets carrying a jug. He deftly poured a few drops of thick liquid from the jug into some of the glowing glass jars that hung from trees lining the street. Almost immediately, the warm green glow from the jars faded. Kael greeted the man cheerfully, and the Elf’s drowsy eyes lit up as he recognized the group. He returned the greeting and fervently returned to his work, smiling and glancing over his shoulder at the departing group.
They slowly made their way through the Elven city. Manfir moved to the lead, followed by Ader, Teeg and Eidyn. Kael trailed behind the Elven prince and glanced over his shoulder to see the dark figure of Granu steadfastly bearing down on them from ten yards back. Kael knew immediately that the Keltaran wouldn’t be left behind, no matter the pace. However, Granu’s hooded presence silently pursuing him through the woods frightened Kael. The boy couldn’t shake the image of death chasing him all the way to the Zodrian capital.
After some time they arrived at the Efer. Kael remembered Ader’s words from their previous crossing. He scanned the woods and easily spied the figures of expertly camouflaged Elves. This time however, he kept his discovery to himself. Once again, Diom lay near a fallen log surrounded by shrubs. The lieutenant went overboard in his attempts to conceal himself. So many leaves and twigs were stuck to his body that Kael judged he looked like a crazed porcupine. The boy worked hard to suppress a smile but then felt shame. Because of Kael’s pride, Diom might endanger himself.
“Fonra, remove those buckles from your shoes. They reflect even this dull light. I discovered you easily,” called Eidyn. “And Diom, you look ridiculous! Return to the palace and get a day’s rest. I can’t afford to lose you, but obviously recent events impair your judgment. Ilan, command of the squad is yours.”
Kael’s shame doubled. They moved out of hearing range from the squad and Kael eased his mount alongside Eidyn’s stallion.
“It’s my fault,” said Kael.
Eidyn surveyed the boy.
“A warrior is responsible for himself in all matters,” stated Eidyn soberly. “Most important of these is his own death. Excuses for poor judgment don’t return the dead to the living. You’re no more to blame for Diom’s mistake than the lamplighter we passed in the city. Only Diom can take responsibility for Diom’s error. He’ll see that the training he received in concealment was adequate and he’ll return to that training. He’ll be a better soldier for having this lapse in judgment now, not when harm might come to him.”
The pair trotted forward in silence. Kael wondered what punishment Diom might receive from General Chani when the Elf returned to the city. When he looked up once more, Eidyn was staring at him.
“I can’t help but muse over our first meeting,” Eidyn commented.
“What about?” said Kael.
“You may refuse to answer me if you wish, but I must know a few things. Don’t misunderstand me, Kael. I’m not a vain man. However, I am a proud one. I take great pleasure in my skills. I work hard to perfect them. When you’re the heir to the throne of a kingdom, others hold you to a higher standard. I hold myself to that standard. I must know how you detected me in the woods,” said Eidyn.
Kael bit his lip while he mulled over the events in the woods two days previous.
“Well, it was just a feeling at first,” began Kael. “I relaxed against the tree and let my mind search for the sound of the Efer. I knew it must be close, but heard nothing during my trek. The more I relaxed, the more I allowed my mind to search for the sound of the river. Just as I sensed the sound of rushing water, I heard a loud crunch.
“It frightened me. I panicked and desperately needed to know whether I tricked myself or not. I searched for the sound to prove it a mistake, but heard even more noise. It was definitely footsteps, so I rose and sprinted toward safety. I decided my best course lie toward the river. It provided a barrier to interpose between myself and my pursuers. At least it would channel them into a narrow space.”
Eidyn furrowed his brow and stared at the ground sliding beneath them. Kael hoped his information helped but wasn’t sure he answered Eidyn’s question. The Elf turned once more.
“I hope I’m not too presumptuous, but you may encounter a similar event in the future and I wish to instruct you on some basic rules,” said Eidyn.
“Please do,” replied Kael, happy not to offend the Elf.
“First, you committed a terrible error heading toward the river. You’re fleet of foot and agile. To keep to the path is to hand the enemy a map to your position. Once you decide to flee, escape and concealment should be your goal.
“There is no shame in running, Kael, there is only shame in being caught. You were unsure whether the enemy on your heels could outpace you. If he could, the path is to his advantage. There were no obstacles to impede him. If he couldn’t, he need only outlast you. No matter how far you outstrip him, you’ll need to slow or stop. The enemy knows exactly where you are, the end of the path.
“Your enemy chose to pursue you. Therefore, you can assume he was confident he could kill or subdue you. If that were the case, your best option is a trek through the woods. You were unaware of your enemy’s size, but again you can assume he was larger than you if he chose to pursue you. Therefore, the dense woods create a greater hindrance to your foe than to you. Also, your small stature increases the opportunity for concealment. The fox must give
chase a hundred times before he finally lands a hare. Remember Kael, chance often favors the hare.”
“Your instruction resounds with truth, noble prince,” interrupted Granu, “but in reality the pursuer was neither larger than the boy nor confident he could kill Kael. By your own words you were puzzled by the boy’s abilities. Perhaps Kael’s best option was to turn and cut you down with the blade he possessed.”
Eidyn reined in his stallion and swung to face the trailing giant. The remainder of the group halted as well. The Elven prince stared placidly at the dark figure and tension filled the forest air. Suddenly, Eidyn smiled and laughed.
“Quite true, my Keltaran friend. But at the time, that was my little secret!”
The company roared with approval and even Manfir cracked a smile as Granu threw a forearm across his chest and bowed deeply to the Elven prince. Eidyn spun his stallion around and winked at Kael as he headed back down the forest path.
“Lesson number two, Kael,” whispered Eidyn. “Duty often compels us to attempt the foolhardy.”
CHAPTER 12: THE COMFORT OF SLEEP
They cantered on. Kael grew weary. The monotony of the forest took its toll on the senses and lulled him toward sleep. Once more Eidyn moved close to Kael and spoke softly.
“Your earlier description puzzles me more than ever,” said Eidyn.
“Why?” asked Kael.
“You say that you started to the sound of a large snap. Is that accurate?” questioned Eidyn.
“Um .. I ..er, know you are proud of your abilities Eidyn, but you must have erred and stepped on some dried twigs,” apologized Kael.
Eidyn smiled and shook his head.
“No, my friend. It is you who are mistaken. I want to learn the technique you used in the woods the other day. It’s not just any man that is able to hear an Elf shod in deerskin, tiptoeing on tree moss!”
“Tree moss,” repeated Kael. “That’s impossible.”
“Impossible or not, I took one step onto a patch of tree moss and you heard it,” laughed Eidyn.
“How could I hear tree moss? There is nothing to hear,” said Kael.
Ader slowed and glanced over his shoulder. He frowned at the two men.
“If you look closely, Kael Brelgson, tree moss is made of tiny leaves and stalks. It’s a plant like any other,” stated Ader.
“Are you telling me I heard the snapping of tiny ...”
“I’m telling you that tree moss is a plant like any other. That’s all I’m telling you. Conclude what you will.”
Kael rode on lost in thought. He knew he was gifted with special abilities. He knew no one else in Kelky could do some of the things he could. But he never really put any of them to the test like he did on his first trip out of that sleepy village. He wondered if Eidyn toyed with him. Possibly a little embarrassment would help square them up after Kael almost eluded the captain of the guard. There was no way he heard the agile Elven prince lightly stepping on tree moss over fifty yards from his position in a dense forest.
All he did was let his mind reach out. He was tired and extremely relaxed against the tree trunk, just as he was now. Slumped in the saddle, plodding along in this monotonous forest. Watching tree after tree pass by with no change in their height or color. He let his mind once again reach out and explore the sounds around him. The buzzing of insects, the drip of sap, the calls of the birds and scurrying of small animal life.
Suddenly, he was aware of a soft padding sound, matching the pace of his group. Possibly more than one! He panicked and glanced at Eidyn. The Elven prince appeared unaware of anything. What should he do? Was it his imagination this time? All of the previous talk put him on edge. What should he do?
Ader slid in beside him. He looked hard into Kael’s eyes.
“Let it go, Kael,” said his friend, good old Jasper. “You are well taken care of here. Try to relax. That’s it. Just drift off in the saddle. The chestnut will not let you fall.”
Ader’s words lifted a weight from Kael’s shoulders. He felt comfort wash over him and the exhaustion from the last several days seep into his body. Within seconds, Kael was fast asleep in the saddle.
The chestnut jostled along the road to Kelky. Kael woke and blinked as the bright rays of the sun momentarily blinded him. The group was moving along the Great Northern trade route.
“That must have been restful,” commented Teeg. “I never sleep in the saddle. I like to pay attention to what is going on around me.”
“It ... just hit me,” mumbled Kael.
“I’m sure it was better for you to sleep that leg of the trip,” stated Teeg nodding behind the group.
Kael turned to see the edge of the Nagur retreating in the distance. Turning back, he pursed his lips and nodded his agreement. A wave of emotion caught him as they rode on. He fought with sorrow, anger and confusion. What was happening? He slowed the pace of the chestnut and let the group move slowly ahead of him. He was afraid he might cry and didn’t want these hardened warriors to see him. As the imposing figure of Granu strode past the chestnut, Kael heard a deep chanting prayer from beneath the cowl.
After several moments gathering his thoughts and dealing with his pain, Kael looked up and nudged the chestnut to fall back in pace with the group. They crested a small hill in the road and to the East Kael recognized the grove of trees he and Aemmon used for shelter. Kael realized it was his last opportunity and reined his mount in on the crest of the hill. Slowly he turned to say goodbye to Aemmon. In the distance, passing clouds threw shadows across the edge of the ancient wood.
“Goodbye, Aemmon. I’m sorry,” whispered Kael.
A splash of sunlight caught a small portion of the wood’s edge. Kael’s keen eyes picked out the tiny image of two figures moving along the forest’s border. The distance was too great to determine specifics, but the smaller of the two wore dazzling white. The sun radiated off the clothes. The second, larger figure, wore the colors of the wood, dressed in browns and greens. The beam of sunlight was lost to the clouds and in an instant the figures were gone. Kael spun. All save Granu moved down off the crest of the hill.
“Prince Granu!” called Kael in panic.
The enormous figure wheeled and spun his staff in front of him. In two huge steps he stood next to Kael’s mount.
“There on the edge of the wood. Do you see them?” asked Kael.
The Keltaran prince threw back the cowl of his cloak and scanned the horizon.
“What is it you look for, Kael Brelgson?” replied Granu.
The remainder of the party reined in at the bottom of the slope. They were too distant to hear the conversation between Kael and Granu. The giant shielded his eyes from the bright sun.
“On the edge of the wood, I saw two figures. They strolled along, slowly heading west.”
“Were they human?” asked Granu.
“Yes.”
“Did you recognize them?”
“No, they were too distant.”
“Elves guarding the wood?”
“No, they were much too large.”
“Foolhardy woodcutters?”
“The large one dressed as such, but the other wore a dazzling white robe.”
“Unusual for somebody traveling through the woods. You can tell me nothing more?” questioned Granu.
“Nothing,” stated Kael.
The giant stroked the stubble on his huge chin and stared toward the woods.
“I leave it to you, Kael Brelgson. If you wish to inform the remainder of the party, you may do so. However, know that the Elves are bound to king and country. They may wish to turn back and investigate. My gut tells me we should make haste. Events are speeding forward.”
Kael stared at the Keltaran trying to determine a course of action. Certainly what he saw was important. The Elves would return, and the party would be severely delayed. Many other Elves patrolled the woods now. If these two travelers were up to no good, they would be confronted by General Chani’s roving squads. Granu’s stone face
broke into a smile.
“The first of many important decisions you’ll face, I wager,” rumbled the giant.
Kael let a faint smile pass across his face.
“We better move on,” said the boy.
They moved down the hill to the remainder of their group and fell into their usual positions.
“What was the delay?” questioned Manfir.
“Nothing,” stated Kael. “I believed I saw something near the edge of the woods. However, upon further inspection, it may be a trick of the light on the trees.”
Manfir narrowed his eyes at Granu.
“No matter,” said Ader. “Remain vigilant Kael for you and Prince Eidyn possess the finest eyes in the group.”
Teeg harrumphed and turned his stallion to move down the path.
“That is behind our estimable Master of Spies,” added Ader smiling.
Teeg turned in the saddle, grinned and nodded in Ader’s direction.
“So kind of you to say about such an old man,” exclaimed Teeg.
The group moved north once more and the late afternoon slipped away from them. The land turned from the breaks and gullies Kael and Aemmon scrambled through, to the low rolling hills of the farmlands around Kelky. Eidyn fell in beside Kael.
“Did something alarm you in the woods?” asked Eidyn.
“Yes, I guess something did,” answered Kael. “But I was overwrought and obviously needed rest.”
Eidyn glanced toward Ader and Manfir riding twenty paces ahead.
“I ... I feel uneasy as well,” stated Eidyn in a low voice. “I can’t place it, but sense we’re being watched.”
Kael was uneasy ever since he heard noises in the woods and saw the two figures at its edge. He believed they weren’t following his group, but the sensation of being watched was stronger than ever.
The Merchant and the Menace Page 15
