A Leopard in the Mist

by S E Turner

  'What's the matter?'

  'It's nothing. Really, it's nothing.'

  'Is the baby all right?' He tenderly felt her swollen belly.

  'The baby is fine,' she swallowed her tears.

  'Then what is it?' he persevered .

  'I had such a vivid dream, that's all.'

  'You will have vivid dreams, you are with child.'

  'But this was so real, Namir. So very real.'

  'Tell me about it then,' he urged, sitting upright again.

  'I dreamt that men came. They were soldiers from Ataxata, and they wanted to speak to you.'

  'About what?' he asked.

  'They said that the Emperor wanted some information, and you were the only one who could help him.'

  'But the Emperor is dead, Skyrah. You know that.'

  'I know he is, but this was so real.'

  'Alright, so what happened next in your dream?'

  'They said it would only be for a couple of days, and that you would come to no harm. That you would be well looked after.'

  'And then?'

  'But you didn't return. After several days, you still hadn't returned. Then, in my dream, as if no time had passed at all, I was running through the tunnel, in the dark. It went on for miles. It was awful, I was so frightened. My legs wouldn't carry me. I was getting nowhere. I was trying to get to Lyall to help me.' She dissolved into tears again.

  'Skyrah, nothing will happen to me. You have described what happened to my father all those years ago.' He wiped her tears away. 'This is just a vivid dream. It won't happen.' He brushed her face. 'Skyrah look at me.' She turned to face him as he continued. 'The Emperor is dead. We killed him. No, you killed him, remember? I will not be imprisoned in a dungeon in Ataxata for two years like my father, and I will be here to see my child being born.'

  She sniffed back a runny nose. 'You promise.'

  'I promise.' And he held her close in his protective arms and watched her fall asleep.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  It was now two weeks since the wedding celebrations. Clebe sat on his stool in the goat pen, his hands drawing hot milk from the udder of the patient nanny goat, and watched the dawn spread over a misty land. The milk hissed into the wooden pail in rhythmic spurts, the sounds growing deeper as the pail filled. The goat munched on hay strewn on the ground as a hazy October sun struggled to rise above the rim of the far hills. The forest tinged and sparkled for a few moments until a cloud consumed the glow in one go, swallowing the golden scene for the rest of the morning.

  As he finished the milking of his herd and had poured the milk into large metal urns, he was aware of the sound of horses’ hooves rumbling into the camp. Looking up, he saw two soldiers approaching through the mist. As they got nearer, he recognised the uniform. 'Ataxatan soldiers, now what on earth do they want?' Knowing that the camp was greatly depleted, he went out to see what was going on.

  Ronu and Namir were already there while a stream of other men began to gather round them as well.

  'Are you lost?' shouted out Namir.

  The horses were reined to a halt and snorted loudly while one of the soldiers spoke.

  'I am looking for Namir.'

  'Who is looking for Namir?' asked Ronu.

  'I am General Van Piers, and this is Captain Alverez, and we come in peace on behalf of the Emperor of Ataxata.'

  'The Emperor is dead,' Alun's voice bristled. 'And most of Ataxata.'

  Cheers from the camp supported Alun's reaction.

  The General waited for the cheers to die down. 'Yes, you are correct, but I speak for his son, Cornelius, the exiled and now returned Emperor of Ataxata.'

  'His son?' frowned Namir, stepping forward.

  'Yes, he has returned and wants to personally thank Namir. It is because of Namir that the Emperor Cornelius has been able to return from exile, and His Highness wants to show his appreciation.'

  Namir smiled an embarrassed but unconcerned smile. 'Well, I am Namir, but I don't need to travel to see His Highness, thank you. I just want to live alongside him in peace now.'

  'He thought you might say that, but he wants an audience with you, as one leader to another. To ensure peace and harmony amongst our people. To form an alliance, so that these atrocities will never happen again.'

  'Tell him you have my word, but I can't leave my camp at this time.'

  'And why is that?' persisted Captain Alverez, his horse restless under the weight. 'Do you fear reprisals when you have gone. Do you fear attack from other enemies?'

  'I do not want to leave my people, and my wife is with child. Right now is the wrong time.'

  Namir turned, but the Alverez stopped him. 'On the contrary, it's the perfect time. To protect your loved ones, the safety of your child and your community.' His words followed his gaze as it navigated the camp.

  Namir's face sought clarification, so Alverez continued to explain. 'The Emperor invites you to sign a treaty. This treaty will protect your people. We will ensure their safety. Together we will become allies and form an allegiance against further uprisings.'

  'We have seen evidence of the former Emperor's crimes against your people and we want to ensure it never happens again,' added Van Piers. 'With your mark on the treaty, alongside that of the new Emperor, we can implement peace as soon as the document is signed.'

  Namir looked at his clan for answers. Most of them shrugged not knowing what he should do.

  'Why isn't Lyall here when I need him?' he muttered.

  Unable to hear more than a few murmurs and unplaced tones, Skyrah came out of their hut and looked at everyone. The horses took a few steps back and seemed to bow to her, as long arched necks dipped to the ground. Pulling up their heads, the soldiers kicked them in the side with hard boots. The destriers moved forward and shaking their manes stood to attention again. Van Piers and Alverez tilted their heads in respect. They knew exactly who she was.

  'What's going on here?' she asked with suspicion.

  'I have been asked to sign a peace treaty.' Namir started to explain.

  She looked levelly at him without a word then cast her suspicious gaze towards the soldiers.

  'Why?'

  'To ensure peace amongst our people so that we can live alongside each other in harmony.'

  'I still don't understand. Why do we need a peace treaty? Our word is sufficient, or is it not, gentlemen?' She threw her question over to the soldiers.

  Fearing her gaze contained a poisonous glare, they looked to the ground and did not answer.

  Her distrust was fuelled, so she pulled Namir out of ear shot and spoke with her voice held low. 'Do you remember my dream?'

  'I do, but this has nothing to do with a dream you had.'

  'I don't trust them, and I don't understand how you can.'

  'Well, I haven't said yes yet.'

  'But you haven't sent them on their way either, have you?'

  'Skyrah, this offer could mean peace across all the kingdoms. We wouldn't have to live in fear and be distrustful of our neighbours.'

  'I don't believe I am hearing this. Why would you believe them after everything that has happened to our people over the last three decades and more?'

  'It is time for peace, Skyrah. I am tired of fighting. I am tired of battles. I am tired of looking over my shoulder. I want my sons to grow up with freedom and prosperity. Not fear and constraints.'

  She sighed a heavy sigh. Had he not learned anything of human nature: that sometimes it was not always in everyone’s best interests to form alliances with the enemy, to act as if nothing had happened, to believe that people could change. 'You are a good man, Namir. You want the best for your people, I know that. But I urge you one last time not to trust these men of Ataxata. Let them return to their Emperor with your word as a sign of peace. But do not go with them.'

  'Skyrah, I must go and sign the document. I must put my mark on it for the future of our clans. It is the only way forward in these uncertain times.'

  She was doubt
ful of this ruse, but she couldn't keep arguing with him, and certainly not in front of everyone. He was the leader and she had to support him. 'It is your choice, Namir. But let me come with you.'

  He looked at her swollen belly. 'You know that is not possible.'

  She had to agree with him this time. He was still taking his remedies and she was with child, but she was not going to give in. 'I agree that I will not be able to serve you best, but I urge you to take a travel companion. It will be two against one out there, and then you face a long journey back alone. Even the Ataxatan soldiers travel in groups.'

  He looked over at the General and the Captain in their smart uniforms and sheathed swords. 'All right. I will agree to that.'

  She faced the soldiers as a tall, strong, defiant woman. 'Namir will travel with a companion at his side. I trust you have no objection. Until this treaty is signed, you can never be too vigilant.'

  They looked at each other, then the Captain replied. 'Of course, who will you be nominating?'

  She addressed the clan with her eyes. She didn't have to say anything. A mass of hands went up. 'Alun, please will you accompany Namir? It's for the journey back, you understand. He is still taking medication for his injuries and needs an aide.'

  Alun stood tall. 'I understand, Skyrah, and it will be an honour to ride alongside him as his protector.'

  She nodded to the soldiers with an air of majesty and they dipped their heads in response. She then disappeared into the hut, closed the door from prying eyes, and released her overflowing tears.

  Namir faced the officers. 'It is settled, then. I will return with you as the Emperor has requested… with Alun as my aide. Though I suggest you rest here for a few hours. Please take your horses to our stables and join us for breakfast. We will make haste straight after.'

  After a good nourishing meal, the soldiers were left to saddle up their destriers in the stables. While inside the leader's hut, Skyrah had brewed a month’s supply of herbal remedies.

  'You must take this potion of yarrow and iris, Namir. I have made enough to last you several weeks.'

  'I don't intend to be several weeks, my dearest. I want to be in and out as quickly as you want me to be.'

  'I know, but just in case the weather changes or your horse gets lame, I would rather that you have too much than not enough.'

  'What would I do without you, Skyrah?'

  'I never want you to find that out. Hold me, Namir. I want to remember this embrace until your safe return.'

  As they held each other tightly, the morning mist began to turn into a fog so dense that it chilled the very air. Skyrah lifted her head and breathed in the vapour. The horses in the stables clattered about restlessly. The goats in the pens rammed into the wooden enclosure. The clan became concerned.

  'This is no common fog,' said Clebe warily.

  'I agree with you,' said Ronu. 'I have a bad feeling about this.'

  'There are restless spirits in the air right now to be sure,' Clebe's voice trembled.

  'There was a time he would listen to us, but not now.' Ronu looked out to the invading mist. 'If Skyrah can't change his mind then nothing can.'

  Skyrah saw the fog as a warning and it unnerved her. It had consumed everything now—even the totems were being suffocated. Why couldn't he see it? Was the fog making him blind as well? Was there some sorcery at work that was clouding his judgement?

  'I do not like this, Namir,' she said fearfully. Even though the gloom was outside, it seemed to muffle the sound of her voice, making it small and hushed. 'The gods are warning you.'

  He hugged her tightly. 'My love, there is nothing to be afraid of. Why would the new Emperor want to hurt me? Besides, I have my totem protecting me. I have your blood running through my veins. I am well protected and will be back in a few days. I promise.'

  She leaned in to him and prayed, and she knew from that moment that she would be praying every minute of every day until he was safely in her arms again.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  The path was hazy, though the October day was free from rain. The journey shouldn't take them long at this time of year, but the fog was particularly dense and unnerving. The officers allowed the horses their rein to lead them back.

  'This is a bad idea, Namir.' Alun's voice was thin.

  'Not you as well,' Namir waned. 'I've had this with Skyrah ever since the soldiers arrived.'

  'But this fog isn't natural. Can't you feel it?'

  'Alun, you are supposed to be protecting me here, not the other way round. Look, the fog isn't going to hurt us.'

  'This is bad, I can feel despair and death, Namir.'

  'Then turn around, Alun, I will be fine.'

  But the air was sharp and cold and brimming with terror. Alun was fearful whichever direction he chose. He didn't want the fog to snatch him with fingers of death and devour him with its hungry tongue when he was on his own. Better that he stay with the group. But he didn't like it... not one bit.

  They pursued the barren road, heading south towards Ataxata. The fog clung to them, damp and cold. They passed misshapen objects spiralling out of the swirl and ending somewhere in the air above. Beyond that, half seen, were other shapes that looked like headless bodies and trees wielding swords and axes. The elements were distorting everything now.

  By eventide, the fog was still with them.

  'I suggest we stop here,' said Van Piers, unperturbed by the perilous gloom.

  Their resting place was a short distance from the road by a copse of stunted trees. Alongside it ran a narrow river, swollen by recent rains. The banks were shallow enough for them to water their horses, and the trees were dense enough to give the travellers shelter. But still the long grey fingers of mist were spreading far and wide.

  'Are you sure this is safe?' asked Namir warily, his own senses beginning to shiver.

  'I'm not sure it is.' Alun was deeply traumatised and ill at ease. All he could see around them was a swampy ground festooned with slimy white ghost-skin and endless quarries of mires, quicksands, and glistening swards. 'This is no ordinary fog, dear friend; you mark my words.'

  The soldiers vied each other surreptitiously. 'Here, take this.' Van Piers offered Namir a goblet of wine from a flagon. 'It will help you sleep.'

  Namir begrudgingly took the offering. 'And you, Alun, you will dream of orchards and vineyards ripening in the sun, and women so beautiful, they will be like the golden goddesses of the moon herself.'

  Namir and Alun drank the wine but didn't notice that the soldiers took theirs from a different flagon. They failed to see the exchanged wicked smile and knowing look. Namir didn't notice either how quickly he had fallen asleep and succumbed to a sequence of torment that followed the initial slumber. With dreams that were chaotic and disturbed, he saw something huge rising from the river, clad in black mucus dripping from its face, body and outstretched fingers. Giant frogs sat on the river banks guarding a castle: squat, grey, menacing creatures, with huge fat throats and saucer eyes. The castle was on the high ground, rotten and overgrown, its spires snapped off like broken spears, its walls covered in old man’s beard. A roofless tower appeared through the fog and then disappeared again. The hideous fingers of tar weaved through the hall doors, curled along the galleried landings, round the turrets, through archways, and over the buttresses like a sinister vine devouring the entire body.

  Amid the dense black he heard a high-pitched scream and felt the earth thud with a dreadful force, The noise was followed by the gnarled fingers of death reaching up from the water, taking a drowning man down to the depths.

  He tried to wake up, but he couldn't. He wanted to run away but was grounded. He felt water splash him, so he turned away. He sensed a commotion—a fight, a struggle—but still he couldn't move. His senses were heightened, but he was locked in a sleep so powerful it rendered him paralysed. In the end, he had to give in to the night and let his totem bring him out of the dream naturally.

  When he awoke the following mornin
g, he felt groggy. Sitting up, he rubbed his eyes and soothed an aching head. He reached for his medication that Skyrah had given and knocked back two of the ground down shapes.

  'Do you want water with that?' Van Piers handed him a flagon. Namir looked at him cautiously.

  'It's all right. It's only water,' said the General reassuringly. 'I think you had a nightmare. You were thrashing around a lot last night.'

  Namir didn't say a word—his eyes conveyed his thoughts.

  Alverez was cooking rabbit and field mushrooms close by. The fog had cleared, and Namir could see the land around him was red and gold with the colours of autumn. Beautiful trees spread their branches so they nearly touched the ground. Around them was a range of disused stone dwellings, and further along the stream sat an assortment of abandoned boulders.

  But he didn't see Alun. He stood up to look around. He couldn't see Alun's horse either. 'Where is my companion?' his eyes searched wildly.

  'He went back first light,' said Alverez calmly, putting the rabbit and mushrooms on to three metal plates .

  'Yes,' said the General. 'The fog really spooked him, you know.'

  'What? I don't believe you.'

  'Well, he's not here and his horse is gone,' barked the Captain.

  'Did he say anything?'

  Van Piers ripped a piece of meat off the thigh. 'He just said he wasn't man enough for the job. He asked us to tell you he was sorry.'

  The Captain handed Namir a plate of food, but he was too taken aback to eat anything.

  'I just can't believe he would do that.'

  'So, you think the fog monster took him?' Van Piers laughed out loud as escaped fat ran down his chin. He wiped at it with the back of his hand, took a swig from the flagon, and shook his head in amusement. The Captain laughed with him and sat down to gorge on his breakfast.

  Namir threw them a withered look, put his plate down, and went to stand by the stream. He was confused. His friend would not leave him. Yes, he feared the fog, but he wouldn't desert him like this. 'I need to find him,' he said at last. 'He can't be far away. There has to be a good reason.'