by Rick Brown
“Lenux, Brianna, and Farloc. Can you go back and hide any evidence that we left the road?” I asked.
“Got it,” Lenux agreed, as the three of them headed back to conceal our path.
“Well, if that’s the welcome we will get here in Alsselya, it will be a long trip,” Father Yagen moaned.
“These people look broken. It will take some time for them to get their courage back,” Whilhoit noted.
"Aye, Dommerians be hard masters," Orlik agreed as he nodded his head.
A few minutes later, Farloc came walking back into camp. “We have concealed the trail. Lenux and Brianna stayed behind to watch the road.”
“You have good people, Lee,” Orlik observed.
I smiled. “They’re the best the gods can provide.”
Chapter 5
(Brianna)
Taking a pine branch, I carefully wiped away the last signs that we had left the road. Luckily, it had not rained recently, so there were many overlapping tracks on the way. It would take an experienced tracker to notice ours had disappeared.
Lenux continued up the road, creating a false trail as he went. Trying to recreate any marks that we would have made had we continued to ride as we had been — kicking up fresh dirt here and there. All were techniques we were trained in at the guild.
“I think that does it,” he stated as he returned, careful not to leave any prints behind.
I glanced over the road one more time, just to see if anything looked wrong. No, it’s all good, I smiled to myself.
“Here comes my favorite part,” Lenux said gleefully rubbing his hands together. “When the squad that’s following us rides right on by.”
“We don’t even know if there is a squad,” I reminded him.
"There's always a squad. Otherwise, life would be boring," he argued.
We walked a short distance from the road, choosing a place where we could still keep watch, but were not likely to be spotted. I pulled up my hood, being careful to make sure my red hair was concealed. That had given me away at more than one of the guild’s war games.
“Well, this is a warm welcome to Alsselya,” Lenux said as he sat down.
I shrugged. “They live under a tyrannical government. It’s to be expected.”
"I think it will be fun, rebuilding a kingdom. I was worried at first, but Ryan's enthusiasm is rubbing off on me."
I smiled. “I think ‘Lady Brianna Aldrick’ has a nice ring to it.”
“Why not have Father Yagen go ahead and marry you two?”
“Oh no,” I said as I glared at him. “I am getting a proper wedding in a temple. I’m not getting married in the bushes out here.”
"Well, I think…." Lenux started, but we both froze as we heard horses in the distance.
After a minute or two, riders approached with two trackers walking in front of them, both carrying torches so they could follow our trail in the fading light. There was a total of twenty horsemen. While most were dressed in the gray uniforms of Dommerian soldiers, three wore the robes of priests.
“Sargent,” one of the priests croaked in a graveled voice, “your trackers seem very unsure. Would they maybe prefer to be a sacrifice to our god?”
"I'm sorry Father, they are just locals that hunt this area. Let's give them another hour. If they have failed to find the trail by then, I shall gladly turn them over to you,” the Sargent answered.
Lenux and I both looked to each other in concern. This was not the fun of watching lost trackers who were unable to find our trail. There were innocent men about to die.
Slowly, we slipped back into the woods and returned to camp.
“So, they are just going to kill those men?” Lee asked, a concerned look on his face.
Lenux nodded. “There’s no way they will find our trail. It’s too well hidden.”
“We can’t let that happen,” I pleaded to Lee. He only paused a moment before nodding.
“I’m their king, whether they know it or not. I will not let them be killed by our enemy,” he stated as he rose. “Even with three priests, they are no match for us. Lenux, ride ahead and find them, we’ll be right behind you.”
Lenux nodded. Grabbing his horse, he rode back out to the road.
“While I don’t want them to get too far ahead,” Lee continued, “I also don’t want us making a lot of noise following them and give them time to set a trap. Try not to engage the trackers, unless they attack you first.”
“Not that I disagree with your plan, Your Majesty,” Father Yagen interrupted. “I just want to be sure you are weighing all the facts. By doing this, you are announcing our presence.”
“Then let’s announce it,” Lee said with a smile.
I took the lead as we followed the Dommerians down the road, keeping an eye out for any signals that Lenux would have left. There were marks here and there indicating that the Dommerians were still on the road. As we continued forward, I could hear a horse approaching. Raising my hand, I signaled everyone to halt. A moment later, Lenux came riding back into view.
“They stopped just up ahead,” he said to Lee. “Looks like the priests are going to take their frustration out on those men. If you want to save the trackers, we better move now.”
Lee nodded. “This is it. Everyone ready? Abi, Father Yagen, ride next to me. I will raise a shield while the two of you strike the priests. Everyone else is on archer duty.”
“Awe,” Orlik moaned. “And just what do ya expect me to do. Sit here and look pretty? I’ve been doin’ that all day.”
“Don’t worry, Orlik. We’ll save you plenty. They are bound to go and hide in the woods. Then you’ll get your chance,” Lee said conciliatorily.
“Ahh… that’s better then,” Orlik agreed.
I once again rolled my eyes at the dwarf’s need to fight, but I kept quiet. Lee had a way of handling him that worked.
I pulled my new elven recurve bow from my back, nocking an arrow into place.
“Everyone ready?” Lee asked. I gave a nod as he glanced my way. “Let’s go!”
We charged forward, Lee taking the lead. I guided my horse with my legs, freeing my hands to hold my bow ready for the first target.
As we continued to ride, I spotted the enemy campfire down the road. It looked like the guards had taken captive the Alsselyians as the priest prepared for their sacrifice. One of the priests turned in shock as we came pounding toward them. Swiftly, he cast a fireball that headed straight for me. I had enough confidence in Lee now that I didn’t flinch as it bounced harmlessly away.
Raising my bow, I aimed at the first guard that was holding down a prisoner. The arrow pierced his back, killing him instantly. I saw another fall to Farloc's bow.
The sky was now lit as the magicians battled each other. I tried not to be distracted by the chaos surrounding me, taking down another soldier before he could make it into the woods. Lee’s shield blocked another ball of flame just before it struck me.
“Ok, Orlik,” I heard Lee shout. “It’s your turn.”
As Orlik jumped from his pony, I also dismounted. Hooking my bow to my saddle, I pulled out my short sword and followed Orlik into the darkened woods.
Getting far enough away from the magician’s fire, I sat and rested as my night vision returned. Looking about, I spotted a broken branch on the bush in front of me, telling me one of the soldiers had passed this way. I stood and silently followed the trail. It wouldn’t make sense for him to run too far, just far enough to regroup and attack.
Hearing a twig crack on my right, I quickly raised my sword to meet the soldier’s attack. He used his weight as he pushed into me, trying to knock me down. Instead, I grabbed his collar with my free hand and pulled him down with me. Using his momentum and my foot, I continued to flip him as we fell. He then tumbled over me and into the bushes behind us. I rolled over and swung my sword before he was able to get up, driving it deep into his shoulder. Pulling back, I landed another strike, killing him.
I quickly moved
away, for noise like that would attract attention. I waited, keeping an eye on the spot until another Dommerian entered the clearing. He frowned as he looked at the dead soldier. I pushed further back into the bushes as he scanned around, looking for me.
After a moment, he started walking back through the bushes. I carefully followed, slowly shortening the distance between us. I ducked and froze as he suddenly came upon another soldier.
“Who the hells are these people,” The soldier asked.
“Sargent said these were the ones we were looking for, Vaelin’s magic user,” the one I followed answered. “We better regroup. There’s no going back to Dommeran if we let them escape.”
I pulled out my dagger, quickly throwing it at the one facing me and striking him in the throat. He fell to the ground vainly trying to remove the blade. Rushing forward, I attacked the soldier I had been following.
He was very fast as he spun and parried my blow. I ducked low, swinging my boot to knock his legs out from under him. Falling over, he wildly swung his sword, landing a lucky strike on my shoulder. I fell back with a grunt as pain radiated down my arm.
Regaining his feet, he took a swing at my head that I was just able to block. Come on Bri. You are better than this, I thought to myself.
Still on the ground, I kicked out with my boot, crushing his knee. With a scream, he crumbled to the ground. Quickly, I swung, the blow cutting deep into his chest and killing him.
Examining my shoulder, I could see the cut went to the collarbone, breaking it.
There wasn’t anything I’d be able to do about it here. Ignoring the pain, I switched my sword to my left hand and continued to sneak around the camp.
I could hear more fighting up ahead, creeping forward, I found Whilhoit facing two soldiers, both with their backs to me. Taking a deep breath, I rushed forward, stabbing one in the back. Whilhoit used the surprise to take down the other soldier.
“Are you ok?” he asked as he looked at my shoulder with concern.
I nodded. “I am for now. I guess Lee will get some practice healing later.”
“Let’s head back to the Dommerian camp. Other than these two, things have been quiet for a while. Maybe we’ve got them all,” Whilhoit recommended.
We made our way back to camp, Whilhoit wisely called out ahead so one of our magic users didn’t zap us as we walked out of the bushes.
“Bri!” Barad yelled as he ran forward, stopping to look at my shoulder. “Lee! Brianna’s hurt.”
I had to admit I was thankful Barad grabbed my other arm as I was starting to feel a little woozy. Lee rushed over and helped Barad lay me down on a blanket.
“That does look nasty,” Lee said as he glanced at my shoulder. “I’m sorry, I don’t know how to deaden the pain while I work. It may hurt.”
“I understand. Before you do, I killed two in the camp and four hiding in the woods. Does that account for everyone?”
“Yes,” Lenux said as he leaned over Lee’s shoulder. “That makes twenty. We’ve got them all then.”
Taking a deep breath, I nodded to Lee. He placed his hand on my shoulder. Everything was quiet for a moment, and then I gasped as the bone suddenly snapped back into place. Barad knelt behind me, putting my head on his lap.
“It’s ok Bri. I’m right here,” He tried to soothe.
I reached out with my good arm, taking his hand. I could feel my flesh start to quiver as Lee magically pressed it back together and started healing. It wasn’t exactly painful, not like when I first received the blow, but it wasn’t pleasant either.
After what seemed an eternity, Lee removed his hand, showing nothing but smooth skin under my torn shirt.
“Well?” Lee asked.
“Next time let me have a drink first,” I said, only half kidding. Slowly, I started to swing my arm around.
"Careful," Lee warned. "It's mostly healed, but bone is a lot slower than flesh. I've just set in place and partly sealed it together. It will still take some time to heal fully."
I nodded in understanding. “I’ll take it easy.”
“She sure as hells will,” Barad said venomously.
I rolled my eyes in exasperation. This was going to be annoying.
Chapter 6
(Lee)
I gave one last look at Brianna for any further signs of trauma. Other than the broken collarbone, she seemed healthy. The trackers, on the other hand, definitely had experienced better days. Bruised and beaten, they sat by the fire, a look of defeat on their faces.
“Hello, Good Masters,” I said as I approached. “Do you have any serious injuries?”
“What does it matter?” the older one asked. “Whether you kill us or those Dommerians, we’ll be just as dead.”
I sat across from them with a smile. “Kill you? This was a rescue mission to save you. It would be a shame to kill you after all that work.”
The younger man, who was maybe eighteen and probably the son of the older tracker, looked up. “You won’t be killing us?”
I shook my head. "It was our intention just to let you ride past us, but then the priests were overheard planning your sacrifice, I couldn't let that happen."
“And why not?” The older tracker asked, a suspicious look in his eyes.
I straightened my shoulders in an attempt to look more regal. “Because, I am Lee Eberon, the last of the line of Eberon’s, and rightful King of Alsselya.”
“Ha!” the old one laughed. I wasn’t sure what I had expected, but it wasn’t that.
“Ha?” I asked incredulously.
“Ha!” He said again. “You people pop up every now and again, claiming to be Eberons. Get a lot of folks killed ridin’ under your banner. You all end up the same. Dead on the field.”
“Well, this is an interesting turn of events,” Barad said while laughing behind me. I turned and gave him a frown from over my shoulder.
Looking back to the trackers, I realized they had every right to doubt my authenticity. They’d be crazy not to, really. I thought for a moment on how to handle it. “So, I can understand your doubt. Then again, I guess once we part ways, it won’t really matter. The two of you are free to go.”
The older one again gave a suspicious look. “You just gonna let us walk away? Not make us join your army?”
“My army is forming in Vaelin as we speak. You are welcome to join them in Coneer, if you choose.”
“In Coneer? That ain’t in Alsselya,” he scoffed.
"No, you're right. I have an alliance with the King of Vaelin. He is forming his army to fight Dommeran with us."
“Vaelin ain’t ever fought for us before. Why now and why you?” he asked.
"King Kendrick and I have formed an alliance to drive Dommeran back to its original border. Same with the elves," I said as I pointed to Farloc. "I'm sure there have been times in the past when others have claimed my heritage, it might even have been true, for all I know. It will be different this time because it won't just be a rebellion of peasants. We have three well-trained forces preparing to attack Dommeran. War is coming, whether you believe me or not.”
“Well, be you crazy or the real king, I thank ya for saving us. If you don’t mind, I’ll be returning to my home,” the older guide said as he rose from his seat.
His son paused a moment, then stood. “I believe you. You just beat three Priests to save our lives. I never heard of someone that could do what ya did. Then you got an elf and a dwarf traveling with ya. Ain’t none of them others did that.” In a flash, the man knelt before me. “I, Herrin Bettir, accept you as my king.” Then he looked up slightly, “Did I do it right?”
Shocked by the quick change of events, it took me a moment to respond. “Yes, Herrin,” I said with a smile, “that was just fine.”
“Can I go join your army?” he asked, still kneeling.
“Please. I hope to bring a force of Alsselyian’s to join the other armies. We can use good men. You, and any others that you can gather, go to Coneer and ask for Arthur at the Fox
Guild. They are busy there training our soldiers. Tell him Lee sent you.”
The older tracker sighed. "I have to admit my son makes some good points. Besides, it probably ain't safe around here for us no more." With that, he knelt next to his son and repeated the oath.
“Is it ok to get up?” The old tracker asked after his oath.
“Of course,” I said as I reached down to help him up. “Will you two be able to reach Coneer?”
Herrin nodded. “There’s a reason those Dommerians hired us. Nobody around here can track like pa and me. We’ll make it. I got some friends too that are fed up with them Dommerians. Lots of folks are. I bet they come too.”
I waved goodbye as Herrin and his father marched off down the road to join Alsselya’s army, my chest swelling with pride. I realized these were the first two Alsselyians I had met, at least ones that had not sent priests hunting me. I hoped their bravery was inherent in these people.
“That went rather well,” Father Yagen said with a smile as I returned to the fire.
“It did,” I agreed. “Hopefully we will meet more like them.”
“And hopefully they won’t be leading priests to us,” Barad added. “They were onto us awfully fast. How many Dommerian’s do you think are around here?”
“The Alsselyians are brave people,” Farloc answered. “Dommeran has to use many of its resources to quell rebellions. As the old tracker said, there have been many attempts to overthrow Dommeran.”
“Well, we only need this one to be successful,” Ryan added.
“I’m starting to believe we can do it,” Brianna said as she twisted her shoulder to test it.
"Stop doing that!" Barad chastised. "It's barely been healed, and already you're pushing it."
“I’ll take another look tomorrow,” I said, looking at Brianna’s grimace. “Maybe I can give it a little more encouragement.”
“Thanks,” Bri said with a smile. “It doesn’t feel bad, considering it was broken only a few minutes ago.”
