by Nova Rose
Chapter VII
Strangers in the Mountains
Tesnayr stood on a precipice overlooking the dark valley below as hoards of orcs filled it. Galbrok was there this time. He knew it. If only he could kill him then the war would be ended and his people saved. The chanting started again as the beasts beat their swords against their chests yelling words to frighten those under his command. The men around him shifted and squirmed from the building fear.
“Courage, men,” he yelled. “We will win this day. On this day Galbrok will be dead and the orcs shall be a memory!” That did it, thought Tesnayr. His men steeled themselves and faced their opponent with renewed fervor. “Charge!”
Thunder rose as thousands of horse’s hooves stampeded the earth while Tesnayr led the charge into the midst of the orcs. The horse beneath him breathed heavily with each gallop it took. Concentrating on the movements of the animal, he planted his feet firmly in the stirrups and gripped his sword tightly. Instantly he was upon the orcs. His arm jostled as it absorbed the impact of slicing through the beasts. He steered his horse through the mass of orcs cutting down any he came upon.
Quickly, Tesnayr turned his steed around and looked back as his men followed his lead. He charged through the orcs again swinging his blade mercilessly. The more dead, the better, he thought. His horse snorted from the exertion. Ignoring the animal, Tesnayr continued his onslaught.
Then, he spotted Galbrok. If I kill him, it is over. Kicking his horse hard, he charged toward the leader of the orcs. Bending low so that friction would not slow him down, he sped off toward the one that started it all.
Almost there.
A few more yards and he would be upon Galbrok. A sudden jolt gripped him as air left his lungs. Tesnayr found himself lifted from his horse and crashed hard upon the ground. Niht’anda! He couldn’t believe it. Tesnayr stared at the grotesque beast in terror. They had destroyed them, how could Galbrok have them under his command?
Scrambling across the black ground, Tesnayr snatched his sword and brought it up in time to block an attack by its massive claws. He rolled on the ground avoiding the crushing weight of the niht’anda’s massive feet. Tesnayr jumped to his feet and stopped. All around him more niht’anda swarmed the field picking off his men with ease. Time ceased for him as he watched with horror at what he had done. He had led his men to their deaths.
Instantly, the niht’anda grasped Tesnayr in its iron grip. It held him firmly, but did not kill him.
Galbrok chuckled as he rode up, “Did you like my little trap? Did you humans really think I would show myself on the battlefield unless I was certain I would win?”
“Coward,” spat Tesnayr.
“Winning is not cowardice,” replied Galbrok, “You will never beat me on the field of battle. Do you like my new allies? They are quite useful. Take them all away.”
Tesnayr struggled against the beast that held him but his efforts proved useless. Then, his world went black.
Violent spasms woke Tesnayr from another of his nightmares. He glanced about him reassuring himself that the dream was only a dream. Chills gripped him as he wrapped a blanket more tightly around himself. Morning had not yet arrived. One day, he assured himself, he will have Galbrok’s head.
“Tesnayr,” said Nigilin as he poked his head in the tent, “We have visitors.”
Tesnayr picked up his sword and rushed out into the cold night air. He could barely make them out in the dark, but people did approach with one horse. He thought he recognized two of the group as they drew near.
“Tesnayr,” said one as he held out his hand.
Idӕas’ sword sprung into his hand. He stood poised, ready to defend Tesnayr if necessary. Just as quickly, he lowered his blade. “Forgive me, my king, I did not know it was you.”
“It is perfectly alright,” said King Shealayr. “You have done well, and were only following my orders.”
“King Shealayr,” said Tesnayr, “What are you doing here?”
“Looking for you,” replied the king. “And it appears I’ve found you. Might we speak in private?”
“Would you rather not rest?” asked Tesnayr.
“What I have to say is of great importance.”
Tesnayr led King Shealayr to a secluded area of the camp while Idӕas fed the ragged group that had accompanied him. Quesha, naturally, followed King Shealayr remaining in the shadows as her mistress had taught her.
“What brings you here?” asked Tesnayr.
“The other kings and I have had a meeting at the Keep of Edrei. We wish to speak with you there,” replied King Shealayr.
“Really? What for?”
“We are losing this war, Tesnayr, and you know it. While the five of us continue to argue among ourselves we cannot hope to win. But there is one area in which we are agreed: we will give you leadership of our armies.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you,” replied King Shealayr, “In every skirmish you have had with the orcs, you have won. People flee our lands to join you; a man who has no allegiance to any part of this world. You are a stranger here and yet you have accomplished what most only hope for. You have unified people from the five lands in a way we never could.”
“That is because I am not busy trying to gain more land for my kingdom.”
“Fair enough. We need you Tesnayr. I’ve come to bring you to the Keep of Edrei deep within Hemίl.”
“Why should I go there?” demanded Tesnayr, “The last time I made a pact with one of you, I was betrayed. How do I know you will all keep your word?”
“Have I broken mine?”
Tesnayr thought for a moment. King Shealayr had him there. “No. You promised me the service of you elf and he has done well.”
“Yes, he has. Even to the point of killing his king should I bring harm to you. The elves have not harmed you in any way,” said King Shealayr.
“They have not done much to help me either, save one.”
“Would you have welcomed it? Come now, Tesnayr, we need your help,” King Shealayr pleaded, “Yes, King Slyamal will be there. Put the past behind you. He will not renege on this promise. You have my word that I will never betray you.”
“And the others?” asked Tesnayr.
“King Edrei is an honorable man. When he gives his word he keeps it even if it means his death. The others are that way as well. They care for their people and as long as the orcs roam free among these lands, their people will remain in grave danger.”
Tesnayr mused over the king’s words. He did not want to go, but yet he was already headed for Hemίl.
“We are desperate, Tesnayr. We need your help,” said King Shealayr.
“Of course I could bring you by force,” said Quesha stepping from her hiding place.
Tesnayr turned toward her. “You are just like your mistress. She should be proud that you just barge into conversations that do not concern you.”
“But this does concern me,” snapped Quesha, “The fate of the orcs concern us all. I do not know why you fight going with King Shealayr. You were already headed for Hemίl. A detour to the Keep of Edrei is of little consequence.”
“How do you know so much?” asked Tesnayr.
“It is my nature. And I have my ways,” replied Quesha.
“You brought refugees with you,” said Tesnayr.
“Yes, we found them on our way here,” said King Shealayr. “Mostly poor folk fleeing the orcs after their homes were destroyed. I could not leave them behind. As I’m sure you understand.”
Tesnayr understood. He had been picking up refugees since he started his campaign in the mountains. “I would not have expected less. Very well, I will meet with your kings. Will King Edrei provide shelter for these people?”
“I’m certain he will,” replied King Shealayr. “There is more than enough room for them at the keep.”
“It is decided then,” said Tesnayr, “We will go with you to the Keep of Edrei.
“I am glad you decided to come,” said
Quesha.
“It’s not as though I had much choice,” Tesnayr replied.
He went back to his tent and dressed fully, unable to go back to sleep. Afterward, Tesnayr checked their supplies and the horses they had left. With the influx of people, they had gained a wagon so he decided to let it remain as it could carry a lot of provisions.
At dawn the trip down the mountain spine continued. Though the road had widened, it was still slow going. Many limped along with barely the strength to stand and after four straight weeks of climbing and descending it was a miracle they still moved. Others slumped as they walked carrying what few possessions they had left. The wheels of the wagon creaked as they rolled down the bumpy road. Four soldiers controlled its speed so that it would not run away.
The ancient road made walking a little easier despite its crumbling brick. Potholes littered the cobblestone road with its faded and cracked bricks. Much of it matched the surrounding dirt.
Nelyn and Arnin walked together engaged in conversation. Tesnayr watched the two. A few months ago they would have killed each other, he mused. Now they seemed to be good friends, or more than that. He wished them well.
Tesnayr thought back to the day Nelyn had joined them. He had tried to send her home, but her stubbornness refused to let him win. He was glad now that she had stayed having proven to be a valuable addition to his army.
“It is nice to see them talking instead of arguing,” commented Jenel as she walked up.
Tesnayr chuckled inwardly. “Yes, it is,” he replied.
“I think he loves her,” Jenel said.
“What makes you say that?”
“He said as much. And Turyn might have overheard him privately conveying his love for her.”
“Is there a time when that cat doesn’t eavesdrop?” Tesnayr said to himself. “Still, at least they no longer fight. It has been more peaceful.”
“Imagine that,” said Nigilin from behind, “It is amazing what can happen when two people stop trying to kill each other.” He pushed past them and up ahead to check on the line of migrants.
Tesnayr and Jenel eyed each other awkwardly. “Do you think that was a hint?” she asked.
“I know it was,” said Turyn appearing from nowhere.
“You shouldn’t snoop,” said Tesnayr, annoyed.
“I’m a cat. It’s what I do,” replied Turyn. “Besides, I thought you would like to know that the path is clear up ahead.”
Tesnayr paced the camp later that night when they all bedded down after a hard day of hiking. It was his turn to stand sentry. He always performed some of the menial tasks himself; it let his men know that he was one of them. He always hated ranking officers that put themselves upon a pedestal and refused to get their hands dirty.
Nothing stirred. Not even the wind. He detested these still nights. They always made him feel as though something bad was about to happen. It never helped that something usually did happen. The vast expanse before shone brilliantly in the silver light of the full moon. Beautiful, he momentarily thought to himself.
The crunching of twigs disturbed him. Tesnayr turned around pulling himself back to the present.
“Captain,” said Nelyn. “We have a problem. A sickness has cropped up among the people.”
“Sickness?”
“Follow me.”
Tesnayr raced after Nelyn as she walked quickly through the camp swerving between tents and groups of people. She sped past the warm fires heading straight for a secluded area. The smell struck Tesnayr immediately; the smell of disease. His heart dropped as he noticed the people there. Already weak from weeks of travel and little food, they had now caught a disease.
“What is this?” he asked.
“It’s the Maladi,” replied Nelyn. “A terrible disease that crops up anywhere, unannounced. There is no way for us to predict when or where it will appear. It is very contagious. We could all have it.”
“Calm down,” said Tesnayr. “Explain it to me.”
“It begins with a persistent cough. Usually the person coughs up blood. Later a fever develops along with red welts on the neck. These welts can burst or ooze. It is very painful and almost always fatal.”
“Almost fatal?”
“Sometimes a person can contract the disease as a child and survive. If that happens they become immune to it. Such was the case with me.”
“Is there a cure?” asked Tesnayr as concern crept into his voice.
“No.”
“How quickly will the illness spread?”
“We could all be stricken with it by morning. We must segregate the sick from the rest. We may have to leave them behind.”
The last statement tore at Tesnayr. He had lost enough people on this venture and refused to lose more by leaving them behind to some fatal disease. There had to be a cure. Tesnayr meandered among the sick. Each of them ripped his heart in two. Their forlorn faces reflected his inner feelings.
“Are we all susceptible to this?” he asked.
“The Elves aren’t,” said King Shealayr. He rose from the side of a sick patient.
“No they aren’t,” said Nelyn.
“There might be a cure,” King Shealayr said.
“There is no cure,” piped in Nelyn.
“None that men might know of, but we Elves have stories of a mystical place in these mountains that can cure any illness.”
“You Elves always have stories about something,” said Nelyn, “But mysticism and legends will not solve our problem. And if this place existed, do you know where it is?”
“Sadly, I do not, but the fairies might,” replied King Shealayr.
“Quarantine this area,” ordered Tesnayr. “King Shealayr, you, Idӕas, Nelyn, and anyone else who is immune to this will minister to these people. Separate the healthy from the sick. Soldier, tell Arnin to take the rest of the refugees a good two miles away from here.”
A soldier saluted and sped off.
Tesnayr bent low scooping up a handful of dried leaves. He let them fall in the newly arrived breeze. “Duit’angen gachi,” he whispered.
The wind carried the leaves from his hands taking them through the mountains and away into the night. Nelyn watched him in astonishment. He knew what she was thinking. The only one smiling was King Shealayr.
“So they told you how to summon them,” said the king.
Instantly a white light pierced the darkness and dissipated leaving two women in its wake. They walked toward him gracefully. “You summoned us,” said one.
“Yes, Serein,” replied Tesnayr, “We have need of your assistance.”
The fairy held up her hand and silenced him. She glanced about her knowing immediately what troubled the man. She walked among the sick taking in every detail. “You have been busy since we left.”
“King Shealayr says that you and your sister might know of a cure for this.”
Serein touched the forehead of one as he shook from feverish chills. She had seen this disease before. Yet, she could not remember if a cure existed. “Sarwyn, do you know if the elf is correct?”
“There is a cure, but it is difficult to get to. Deep within these mountains is a giant waterfall. The waters there are said to be so pure that they will cure any sickness. However, if you drink from it for selfish reasons you will die,” said Sarwyn.
“Will you take me there?” asked Tesnayr.
“We cannot,” replied Sarwyn. “Fairies are barred from there. And so are the elves. Only mortal beings are allowed there, but few seek it out.”
“How do I get there?”
“That gets tricky,” said Serein. “All we have are legends.”
“Legends,” spat Tesnayr, “I am tired of legends being the only way to get anything done around here! I followed a legend to get us through the mountains and now must rely on another one to save these people. I—” Tesnayr cut himself off as he realized that his burst of anger affected those around him. “Forgive me. What do these legends say?”
“In the hear
t of the tallest mountain lies a waterfall of the purest water. To get there you must follow the ancient path and let your heart guide you. If what you seek is noble, you shall find it. If it is otherwise, you will wander endlessly until death takes you,” Sarwyn said.
You got to be kidding me! More Riddles. Tesnayr clenched his fist in frustration but kept his voice even as he spoke. “If I do not seek this cure, then we are all dead?”
“Yes,” replied Nelyn. “It struck my village once and killed half of the people. We could all be infected and cannot risk taking it to Hemίl.”
Tesnayr rubbed his beard. There was only one choice. He had to seek this mystical cure on the off chance that it existed, or they all would die. “I will go.”
“You cannot go alone,” countered Nelyn.
“I won’t be. Turyn,” Tesnayr said aloud.
Startled, the black cat dropped to the stony ground from the branch he had hidden on. “Since you are so keen to know everything, you can come with me.”
Turyn huffed. “I always get talked into these things.”
