《A King Remade》


 Chapter 1 - Stalked

    Aelred heard a faint sound in the thick, tangled woods. He called out to the sound and heard his dim echo. A full moon shone, but that didn¡¯t matter; the tangled canopy obscured most of its light. He could hardly even discern the ground beneath him. As Aelred waited for the sound to begin again, he heard another noise behind him.


    He hid behind a tree, able to run but feeling cornered. His sweaty hand gripped his sword¡ªwhich recent battles had made jagged and notched. Would he ever need it again? He drew it as silently as he could, but the dented edge rang like a distant bell. His anticipation magnified the note and it sounded even louder to him. Every nervous breath he took seemed like a shout from his quaking heart.


    Whatever advanced from behind him ceased to move at the nearly imperceptible sound, waiting, no doubt crouching at the ready, only waiting for terror to overcome its prey fully. Aelred closed his eyes and imagined the crackling fire from the small Rohian camp a hundred yards away. He longed to abandon his scouting duty and return to it. The soldiers, his friends after these last few awful weeks of their mission, rested not in safety, but in comfort. He knew better than to think any of them were safe. Perhaps they even managed to close their minds to the possibilities that could befall the scouts.


    His breathing grew rapid and his heart pounded in his chest. Should he stay and fight what confronted him? Should he cry out to warn the camp? Should he run? The sound behind him began again. Though whatever made the noise moved slowly and with great deliberation the footsteps sounded louder.


    Human, he could tell.


    The thing in front of him began to advance also. From far away it sounded more stealthy. There came a sudden rustling of leaves from close in front of him. Aelred raised his sword and turned his head aside, fearing what reckless attack he would have to parley with his back to a tree. Out of the bushes ahead of him lunged a hare which shook all over. As the rabbit took flight again, Aelred felt all the weight of worry removed from his chest; but then he heard it again.


    The sound in front of him again moved closer. Aelred¡¯s heart skipped a few beats as he realized that the rabbit had not been making the sinister footsteps. Whatever advanced toward him had awakened and terrified the animal.


    Aelred began shaking violently all over. He didn¡¯t know who or what confronted him, and he felt cornered in the woods. During his Rohian training he heard many stories lacking an ending with forests as their setting. His present position brought those thoughts to the forefront of his memory. He as the main character, though, gave his terrified mind reason to heighten the horrible memories.


    A twig snapped and brought Aelred¡¯s wandering thoughts back to the present. Whatever made the noise stood only a few yards behind him. He knew from his training that he should strike first to gain the advantage of initiative. He drew in a deep breath and hurled himself unthinking around the tree to fight until the end. He came to a dead stop immediately when he saw who had been advancing on him from behind. It was indeed a man, one whom he knew, and from his own camp.


    The two men stared at one another with swords raised for a few seconds, silently conversing what they both dreaded. Then¡ª Aelred spoke in a hissed whisper, ¡°Agar, what are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I heard a noise from this way, but it was only you.¡±


    ¡°No, there¡¯s something else over there.¡± Aelred pointed to where he had heard the noise.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    Aelred didn¡¯t need to answer. Both of the men heard the sound again¡ªa man¡¯s footsteps about fifty yards to their side.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Agar whispered affrightedly. ¡°Does it know we¡¯re here?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what it is, but we¡¯ll have to find out,¡± Aelred replied. Then, with much hesitation, he asked, ¡°Ready?¡±


    Agar gazed into the dark woods then back at the camp. He swallowed hard and said, ¡°No, only one of us should go. I will. You have a family. If I call to you for help, then come. If not, then¡­¡± His voice trailed off into the night as he realized what could happen in the dark woods with an unknown enemy after him. Though the night was cold enough to see their breath in the faint moonlight penetrating to their position, they both sweat, and Agar even more now.


    Aelred slowly handed another dagger over to Agar, who silently accepted it. He now held a dagger in his belt, one in his left hand, and his sword in his other hand. His sword also bore dents from the past few days¡¯ fighting. Aelred watched Agar creep slowly into the undergrowth and disappear from sight. A quarter of an hour passed, and then a half an hour, and not a sound came from the woods.


    Cold soon worked its way into Aelred¡¯s bones. He imagined the whole forest watching him, urging him to probe deeper into the woods to look for his friend. The darkness closed in upon his mind, asking, even demanding his surrender. Nothing but complete collapse would be enough for it. It needed him to give in, to renounce his will to live, and abandon everything he hoped the future held. The dread of his position filled him almost entirely. A loathing feeling of fear made him want to scream and run toward the comforting fire in the camp, but something held him back. His body would not move.


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    Aelred¡¯s thoughts started swirling in his head: ¡°Is that the fire from our camp? Or did the Shalmen overrun our camp while everyone slumbered? It could easily happen without my knowing. Quit that kind of talk; the camp is doing fine. Where¡¯s Agar? I should go look for him. But he told me not to. He didn¡¯t mean it. But he did. He did!¡±


    Aelred looked at the area where Agar had ventured into the trees and then longingly looked at the fire from his camp. While gazing toward the speck of distant fire, Aelred heard a gasping, choking noise come from the woods at his back and froze stiff with a nauseous feeling in his stomach. Something began thrashing in the woods, followed by silence, then a low, sinister chuckle.


    The feeling of loathing that descended upon Aelred enveloped him so completely he took every ounce of self control not to fall victim to the downward-spiral of terror. Abhorrence clung so tightly around his chest that breathing seemed impossible. He would suffocate from hatred for an enemy he never even saw. His stomach rejected this and hurled his stomach¡¯s contents to the ground. He heard another low laugh answering the first and gasped. The laughs froze his thoughts of helping Agar. Agar would never laugh that way, and neither would a simple enemy. A complete massacre of their force or getting close enough to safety is all that would stop this branch of the main army.


    Whatever got Agar, Aelred determined, would not get the rest of the men in the camp. Without glancing behind him, Aelred darted off through the trees in the direction of the fire. He didn¡¯t care about the branches that whipped him in the face or the terrible clamor he made. He only cared about getting back to the camp alive.


    *****


    ¡°Who are you?¡± an archer called to a man stumbling loudly through the trees toward the camp. He drew the string of his longbow back to his ear and held an arrow ready to lunge forward at the mere release of his fingers.


    ¡°Help!¡± the stumbling figure shouted as he came running closer to the camp.


    ¡°What? Who are you?¡± the marksman, Anthanasius, called, still following the runner.


    ¡°They got Agar!¡±


    ¡°Aelred, it¡¯s you. Who got Agar?¡± he asked as he eased the bowstring.


    ¡°They got him- we have to move!¡±


    ¡°Calm down Aelred, who got Agar?¡± the guard, Anthanasius, questioned as he held Aelred by the shoulders and looked into his terrified eyes.


    ¡°They got him! The Shalmen took him in the forest!¡±


    ¡°Which way?¡± Anthanasius asked, keeping his customary calm demeanor and asking a question to check his companion¡¯s wild fear and make him think.


    Aelred looked around and pointed to the place where he emerged from the woods into the clearing.


    ¡°Are you sure they got him? We don¡¯t want to leave without him if he¡¯s alright,¡± Anthanasius asked Aelred.


    ¡°As sure as I see you standing here. He said he would call for me if he needed help but he couldn¡¯t.¡± Aelred put significant emphasis on the last word.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± said Anthanasius, taking charge of the situation, ¡°You wake the camp and prepare the men to move north. I¡¯ll gather the other sentries from around.¡± With that, he turned and rushed into the forest. He didn¡¯t take time to hear the whole story from Aelred but didn¡¯t doubt its accuracy.


    Aelred rushed to the nearest soldier and shook him. He awoke with a start, grabbing for his sword. Aelred held his arm fast to prevent him from raising his weapon. ¡°We have to get out of here. Help me wake everyone¡ª we¡¯re leaving momentarily.¡±


    With that, Aelred rushed to wake the next soldier. The next man he woke naturally groped for his weapon also. Awakening to a friend, the fear in his eyes turned into relief and then back into fear as he got up and looked around at the dark forest. Only one reason could cause them to move during the night. Scant moonbeams shone through the clearing in the trees. Dying leaves rustled above with the gentle breeze. Within a minute, the small camp stood ready for a fleeing journey.


    Luke also rose from his resting place on the forest floor in the early hours of the morning. He only awoke seconds before, but they needed to clear their camp and continue the exhausting flight. Aelred, one of the soldiers who patrolled the outskirts of the camp at the time of the alarm, reported Shalmen presence. At least, that is what Luke understood from the story circulating through the agitated camp.


    The soldiers on guard arrived back from the forest to see everyone ready for further flight. The whole company stood together in the forest, minus one.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Agar?¡± the young soldier named Luke inquired, voicing everyone¡¯s fears. Luke cut a trim, athletic figure that had slimmed even more over the past few weeks with low rations, and kept his face clean-shaven when he could, but brown, rough, and ragged facial hair encircled his mouth and up to his sideburns. Many of the soldiers looked the same; unkempt hair, dark circles under their eyes, and mud and blood smearing their faces and clothing.


    ¡°We think the Shalmen got him,¡± answered Anthanasius, the highest ranking soldier in the group as he strode forward and decisively kicked dirt into the glowing embers of their companion fire. The last wafts of smoke rose toward the moon. Now only that pale light could guide the company¡¯s steps.


    Anthanasius stood taller than most men, and walked with an unfaltering stride that exuded confidence. The set of his head on his shoulders kept his shoulder-length dark hair out of his face. His dark eyes reflected the glow of the moon. He saw firsthand the glory of Rohia under King Hugh and its more recent year of struggle. His youthful appearance remained little changed from the hardships of the past struggles.


    Already assigned to missions requiring the greatest stealth despite his young age, Anthanasius rose fast in the king¡¯s favor. The new king assigning his leadership to this dangerous mission demonstrated the extreme trust his father imparted for this soldier in the former prince.


    ¡°We¡¯re heading to Echo Slope,¡± he said. ¡°That is our greatest chance of making it to safety.¡±

 Chapter 2 - Hunted

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Be swift and silent.¡± Anthanasius looked at one of the men in the circle, Siadhal, and said, ¡°Lead east and turn toward Echo Slope in four miles. I¡¯ll bring up the rear.¡±


    The party started off into the forest in as great a hurry as possible with three among them wounded from sword cuts a few days prior. They thought they had successfully evaded their Shalmen stalkers, but tonight proved differently. They all wanted a position far from the back but did not want to show it. Luke made to follow the man in front of him and almost disappeared into the forest when Anthanaisus called his name and held him aside. The others passed by with a glance but Anthanasius kept his hand on Luke¡¯s shoulder. Once the others walked past he let his hand off of Luke¡¯s shoulder and said to him, ¡°Try to keep an eye on Aelred; he doesn¡¯t seem himself. And I¡¯ll need you to guard the rear sometimes.¡± Luke nodded his head once in understanding, then turned and rushed into the forest with Anthanasius close behind him. He held his drawn sword and Anthanasius carried a longbow with an arrow notched.


    Once Luke caught up to the back of the group the person previously guarding the rear breathed in relief as he knew that another took the dangerous position. Luke looked back at Anthanasius. He held his bow in his left hand and touched the string with three fingers on his right hand. He rhythmically looked off to the sides; first to the left, then to the right, then stopped suddenly and watched behind him.


    Anthanasius stopped once again and watched behind the group. Looking back where they came from, he thought he could see the clearing from their camp but could not know for certain. He wanted to see it. If nothing else, it was familiar, even though they had only been there for a few hours and left in so much haste. The familiarity called to him to return, back into the clearing, back towards what they fled, and to find Agar. But he could not go back alone and knew they dared not go back there at all. Not knowing what befell Agar made him grow sad and realize his wariness.


    The retreating soldiers moved as swiftly as they could while keeping silent in the dark forest and didn¡¯t notice Anthanasius¡¯ disappearance. He fell behind by his own will and doing. He bore greater risk of harm while waiting at the back but did so in an attempt to prevent an unexpected assault from behind.


    Anthanasius fell far behind the retreating group as he waited, yet he stood silent and unaware, as if fallen prey to the forest. A deep melancholy filled his mind and radiated to every portion of his body. Standing alone in the forest, he felt all the anguish of the past weeks saturate his soul and urge him toward despair. ¡°Could this be what happened to Agar?¡± He wondered to himself before he shook off the feeling with an effort, became aware of his surroundings once again, and drew his bow string, bringing the point to face a distant oncoming sound.


    *****


    The group still moved as a single body when Anthanasius took up position beside Luke again with one arrow less than he previously held. He said nothing, and Luke asked, ¡°We¡¯re followed, aren¡¯t we?¡±


    For answer, he received only a look with a slight nod before Anthanasius turned again and stopped to look and listen.


    *****


    The group kept moving east for another mile. Luke¡¯s nerves from occupying the back of the hunted group kept him on edge. Several times he thought for certain he saw someone keeping pace with them through the trees. His weariness increased despite the adrenaline and he fell back a few yards. Not looking around for danger he now focused on the feet of the man in front of him. The muffled sound on the moist yellow leaves on the forest floor seemed deafening when he concentrated on it.


    He stepped over a log, ducked under a branch, and moved around a stone, all while following the man before him doing the same. He fell into the rhythm and let his thoughts wander for a few moments. Oh, if only rain would come and cover the sound of their footsteps. The misery would be intense, and they could be tracked, but they drew closer to safety with every second.


    A dispute between Aelred and another in the group wrenched Luke¡¯s attention away from the ground in front of him. Luke listened as the group stopped and talked in hissed whispers. Following last in line caused Luke enough anxiety while the group moved quietly to safety, but his blood now ran cold with the noise of the disagreement. Aelred, it seemed, wanted to lead everyone off to the left. The discussion grew louder as everyone gave their reasons for not following Aelred¡¯s advice.


    The man at the front of the line, Siadhal, commanded whenever Anthanasius was away. As soon as he realized Anthanasius¡¯ absence, he made his way back to consult the rearguard. He asked Luke, ¡°Where is Anthanasius?¡±


    Luke answered him as best and as quietly as he could, ¡°Guarding behind us. The Shalmen are still following us, but I don¡¯t know if there are any more.¡±


    ¡°He said nothing to you?¡± Siadhal inquired to make sure.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Luke replied.


    ¡°Then we must continue.¡± Luke gave as much approval as he could without looking relieved. With that, Siadhal marched past the waiting others and told them the decision, ¡°The path is the quickest way to travel as long as we can. We must continue.¡±


    As the first few began to run again, Aelred did not move. Luke looked behind expecting something horrible to jump out from the dense trees and rip through the company. After all, they already stayed long enough in one place. No sound or movement came from behind, but it certainly did from in front. Aelred shoved the man next to him over with a shout and ran into the trees to the left. The noise of the shout caused more alarm than the desertion, but several near him charged into the trees, tackled Aelred to the ground and disarmed him.


    Everyone filed off the makeshift path they traversed and huddled around Aelred several yards away. In the distance, several hundred yards off, the sound of a horn reached their ears. It began in a rising timbre that broke off just as fast. They knew that horn. Those wounded among their company shivered more violently than the rest.


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    Luke¡¯s heart felt like it jumped into his throat and plugged it. He could hardly breathe for the few seconds while the horn resounded. The cry had given away their hitherto unknown position and would surely draw their enemies in their direction.


    Anthanasius slowly crouched low on the damp mass of twigs and tree bark on the forest floor. His muffled movements still made some noise and he wanted silence. He heard a sudden shout far ahead in the direction of his men followed by a blood chilling blast on a horn.


    He remained a few paces off the path while he waited alone.


    ¡°Follow me, and hurry.¡± Siadhal whispered. They moved single-file through the densest trees, and two abreast where they could. Siadhal kept them moving in the general direction they desired, moving from one hill to the next and pausing often enough to keep the exhausted men in fighting condition, should that be necessary.


    Coming to rest in a slight clearing, several flung themselves gratefully on the ground gasping for breath. Everyone else rested against a bough of some large tree or another. Luke stopped by Siadhal for the break and said to him, ¡°Anthanasius doesn¡¯t know we left the path; I need to go look for him. I¡¯ll manage to slip through their lines.¡±


    He started to go but Siadhal grabbed his arm. Luke held the same rank but Anthanasius left Siadhal in command. ¡°You¡¯re worried about him being out alone so you think the answer is having someone else venture off alone? And don¡¯t insult Anathanasius¡¯ intelligence thinking that he wouldn¡¯t realize we left.¡± He pointed at a large oak tree some of the men leaned against and continued speaking,¡± If you want to be a hero then follow orders and climb that tree to look for torches.¡±


    Luke fumed at Siadhal¡¯s public rebuttal and made eye contact with no one when he walked to the oak. He jumped and grabbed hold of a low branch and swung his legs up onto the same. His pride kept him blind to reason until he neared the top, then his sense of duty returned by degrees and cooled his head.


    Siadhal turned next to two soldiers bickering over the trivial fact of who cut who off during the previous flight and set them each to keep keen ears on opposite sides of their resting place. Siadhal had served enough to know that during a time of panic and fatigue, the invisible forces within could weaken a company more rapidly than a camped army.


    *****


    Anthanasius stopped short of bringing a bite of barley bread to his mouth at a slight sound from his side. Moving from a seated position to crouched, he slowly reached for his bow and knocked an arrow. He scanned the horizon slowly, watching for any sign of movement between the trees and strained his ears to pick up any noise outside his imagination. Seeing nothing for a space filled his heart with more misgivings than a press of enemies. He wet his lips by passing his tongue through them and fingered his bow string with one finger above the arrow and two below.


    Standing erect and peering around the stout tree that afforded him so much concealment, he made out some movement following the path he tracked. These Shalmen scouts continued a forced march forward without a break while their company rested.


    If Anthanasius didn¡¯t know better, he may have mistaken this large party of scouts for the whole company chasing them. If he could draw the scouts off his friends¡¯ path and disappear into the forest, he could possibly reunite with them later.


    He loosed additional arrows in his quiver and quietly took one step forward from behind his tree. He raised his forward arm to shoulder height and slowly drew the hempen cord to his right ear. Anthanasius drew a deep breath and held it as he looked straight down the smooth shaft he intended to send through the leader¡¯s heart. Moving the tip smoothly to the side to keep pace with their walk, he breathed a prayer and calmly released his grip as the arrow sped forth.


    There was no turning back now; they would discover him and hunt him down to kill him mercilessly unless he kept the element of surprise long enough. Each shot revealed his location, but before their leader hit the ground, he, quick as thinking, reached for another arrow and drew it to his ear. He aimed steadily and let it fly at another bewildered foe. It took the second one in the neck. As it passed clean through, the thread holding the feathers broke, and the bare shaft stuck with a rattle in a distant tree.


    A terrible tumult arose now as each tried to shelter himself from the assailant and find from which direction he delivered death. Anthanasius fired four more arrows into the confused bunch and felled at least two more with true marks, if not others from fear they were next. His lethal messengers made their point clear, but also made known his location. The Shalmen, with a great shout, charged with minimal order onto their prey. Anthanasius loosed one final arrow then took to his heels with dizzying speed, calling aloud to ¡®follow me¡¯ to pretend he wasn¡¯t alone.


    *****


    Siadhal, after settling disputes, ate a small piece of bread while walking among the rest of the soldiers. Each ate small foodstuffs from their own packs, drank from shared flasks, and inspected their arms. All in the close-knit group quickly examined the yew bows for cracks and divided the remaining arrows.


    Luke descended the tree, and they prepared to push on again. As they formed up behind Siadhal, someone said earnestly, ¡°Quiet, I heard something. Quiet!¡± Siadhal nodded to Luke who walked to the back of the company in preparation for a rear defense.


    Luke lowered his ear to the ground to listen for approaching footsteps but heard nothing. As he returned to his feet, he stopped short at the sound of a distant twang followed by a thud. His heart skipped a beat from fear, but he heard the bow again, and, this time, angry, hoarse cries rose up.


    ¡°They haven¡¯t got him yet!¡± Luke whispered before leading everyone leaping down the winding trail they blazed just minutes earlier.


    *****


    After perhaps a half-mile sprint over rocks, around trees, and under branches, Anthanasius clapped his back up against an oak, breathless and alive with adrenaline. He stuck a few arrows point-first in the soft ground for quick access where he would make his next stand and waited with eager eyes and ears. A few dozen Shalmen could not move perfectly silently, try as they might, and Anthanasius received warning before he next drew his bow while calling for his invisible comrades to ¡°stand ready¡±. The Shalmen charged recklessly into his fire as their quickest option. After all, his devastating bow could only kill one of them at a time.


    Many of his shots flew true, and picking his last out of the ground, he spun around quickly and sent it from only a few yards away through one of the two Shalmen sneaking up behind him.


    The other charged at him with a steel blade that caught the moonlight and Anthanasius dove to the other side to miss the blow and then drew his own sword. He spun around off his stomach and made a quick cut at the back of his opponent¡¯s leg before parrying a cut aimed for his chest. He kicked at his opponent¡¯s bleeding legs and sent him toppling to the ground and jumped up, shaken but unhurt.


    He left his wounded foe where he lay, grabbed his bow from off the soggy moss and charged again into the forest. He moved swiftly at the intense alarm of feeling hunted and possibly surrounded. He ran on with sword in hand and bow across his back through the semi-dark forest that hid him, his enemies, and even his friends from each other.

 Chapter 3 - To Echo Slope

    ¡°Anthanasius!¡± Luke called repeatedly as he led the charge through the forest they hoped would be a rescue. Hearing a friend¡¯s voice in the exhaustion of battle may, he hoped, give his friend strength enough to defend himself longer than would have been possible otherwise.


    They heard another noise from a different direction and altered their course accordingly. Luke charged on as fast as his legs would propel him. He slipped a few times on the first of the fallen leaves but continued on as fast as ever. The others knew their commander was in danger and loved him for the trials he led them through over the last month. They followed close on Luke¡¯s heels in an attempt to save him.


    Coming perpendicularly to a head with the Shalmen, the leaders drew steel and charged, shouting, straight into the midst, while those following with bows stopped in a line and fired rapidly where they saw an opportunity to hit the enemy without risking their friends.


    Siadhal arrived last in the little clearing and immediately surveyed the situation. Some Shalmen continued on, and he charged after them with two comrades following. He lunged forward and cut one down unawares with an effort, and they charged onward. Siadhal called Anthanasius¡¯ name loudly and received a reply from close ahead.


    *****


    At the sound of his name, Anthanasius turned to make another stand and let his friends come up from beside his pursuers. He shouted a loud cry and turned savagely to the first enemy with his sword held in both hands. The enemy lunged at Anthanasius with a cry of hatred and met him in a fierce man-to-man duel where he forced his fatigued opponent backwards.


    Siadhal wasn¡¯t more than a score of yards away when he caught sight of the battle and commanded one of the men with him to stop and fire, while he and the other continued forward. The Shalmen soldier knocked Anthanasius¡¯ sword from his hands and smiled grimly at the small knife he drew before charging again as Anthanasius backed away to buy time and prepared to dodge. The Shalmen raised his dread weapon above his head and stood ready to strike, but before he brought it forward, Anthanasius saw a red arrowhead sticking six inches out through a diamond-shaped inlay in the pierced breastplate of his assailant, who fell slowly to the ground.


    The other Shalmen fell after a desperate struggle, but fell nonetheless. After a brief reunion with Anthanasius, the din of battle came back to their ears, and all hurried to help their friends in the fray.


    *****


    Luke thrust his sword desperately at whatever his enemy presented that appeared vulnerable. The meele soon turned into individual battles as the small groups spread to allow room for use of weapons, and the Rohian archers who stayed behind at first joined in at this stage to slowly but inexorably turn the skirmish in their favor.


    Though pressed hard toward the end, one Shalmen soldier found a moment to blow loudly on his battle horn to signal the larger company. A well-swung sword cut into his chest and caused the blast to falter, but not soon enough. A horn answered the now dead Shalmen from several miles away but still filled the spent troops with dread.


    Winning the battle brought a measure of relief but the two among them dead and the many with more or less severe wounds, combined with the horn blast, kept them focused on their precarious situation.


    ¡°Thank you for your rescue,¡± Anthanasius said collectively to all the survivors as he looked around at those who died for their kingdom, and more specifically for him, their captain. After the single horn call, silence reigned in the distant forest. In their immediate proximity, the surviving soldiers checked their perimeter, looked at their comrades without saying a word, and blinked fast to keep the tears from falling for their fallen friends. Anthanasius gave a brief order to tend to the wounded and then stepped over to Siadhal to consult what to do next.


    Siadhal kept a better sense the directions they moved and therefore provided valuable information for Anthanasius¡¯ decision. To his, and later everyone¡¯s, relief, Echo Slope wasn¡¯t between them and the distant horn call. Instead, if they fled the Shalmen, they would progress in the general direction of Echo Slope and arrive by midday.


    Anthanasius turned back to address the group. Some tended the worse of the wounded while others gathered arrows or wiped bloody blades on their fallen foes¡¯ tunics or clumps of stained grass.


    ¡°That horn answered from several miles away, but we musn¡¯t tarry,¡± he said. ¡°Those still fit enough will help to carry the dead and wounded who need support.¡±


    Everyone assumed as much and had already prepared to carry out the works of mercy as best as their situation permitted, but hearing an order spoken from their self-sacrificing leader energized them and directed their efforts more diligently to their work.


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to move out right away to stay ahead of the Shalmen,¡± he continued. ¡°Echo Slope is now close, and Lord Marillac will shelter us until we are strong enough to journey back to Rohalot. I know you¡¯re all tired nearly to death, but we are almost there. The Shalmen have proven they¡¯re not stopping while we¡¯re in the forest, so if we can¡¯t make it to Echo Slope by noon I don¡¯t think we ever will.¡±


    Even the seriously wounded met this optimistic order with renewed fervor. They set off at a measured pace once bandages were applied well enough. Siadhal led and Anthanasius helped others along the rough path they forged with the quick and confident step that they drew nearer to safety every moment.


    Siadhal stopped the company at the sound of another horn. This time, though, the horn didn¡¯t chill their blood. It sounded alike and yet different. Somehow questioning instead of commanding. They answered the welcome call with a long blow on their hunting horn. With the blast of each, it seemed as if they already rested safe in the dining hall at Echo Slope. It sounded again, in front of them, so they proceeded again on their way, their spirits rising like the sun.


    They heard the sound of a horse blowing in front of them. Luke and two others approached warily while the rest hung back as they could see no one. Luke spotted the horse as it exhaled again but saw no rider. They stopped, unsure of what to do.


    A moment later, a hunter clad in green moved from a tree and stood before them. In addition to the green cloak, he also wore brown leather boots, kept his head hooded with a cowl, and carried double-edges throwing knives in sheaths at his chest. What they could see of his face below the cowl looked friendly and better kept than their haggard features. Too exhausted to startle much, they stared at the lone man who seemed to be a friend.


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    ¡°Greetings soldiers of Rohia, with your wounded, do you make for Echo Slope?¡±


    He paused, waiting for them to affirm or deny his deduction. Luke stepped forward and answered, ¡°We do make for Echo Slope. Is that where you are from, friend?¡±


    ¡°I am Eymard of the house Galot. Echo Slope is a short ride south. Your wounded may use our mounts.¡± With that, he turned and led them a short way through the forest to a hunter¡¯s path.


    ¡°There are others then.¡± Siadhal said excitedly, feeling relieved some could now ride. Eymard looked at him with a smile and blew a series of short notes on his horn. They heard approaching hooves, and from the forest walked five men similar to Eymard: clad in green and brown, some clean shaven, and all with kind, unyielding eyes. Without even a sign from Eymard, they lined the horses along the path so the wounded could easily mount. Anthanasius spoke next, ¡°Luke, gather the others.¡±


    Belen, with his many wounds, received help up from the opposite stirrup and behind by the strangers without a request. Carefully removing the blood soaked bandage from his leg, one pulled out a new cloth and dressed the wound better than the previous haste allowed.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Anthanasius said, coming forward, ¡°Eshua will not forget this kindness.¡±


    Not wanting attention, Eymard nodded his head in thanks and signaled for a fellow hunter to lead out of the forest. As the company began moving, Anthanasius and Luke took positions by Eymard.


    ¡°The blood is fresh on some; are there more enemies near?¡± Eymard questioned, sensing their concern and wasting no time.


    ¡°Yes, though we know not how strong. I don¡¯t want to run into them.¡± Anthanasius replied, looking toward him. Eymard nodded.


    ¡°Aldous. Everard. We need a patrol to the west.¡± Two young hunters about Luke¡¯s age from in front of them quickly moved off the path to the right with an easy grace that comes from growing up in the forest. The two made less noise than a wild stag.


    Nearing the edge of the forest, the trees began to thin in a welcoming way, allowing the rising sun to penetrate to the soldiers¡¯ faces. Rowaton Forest, which so recently hindered their efforts, began to soften as they walked along an established route with Rohian hunters and a guard some distance away to warn of approaching danger. Even the air seemed to change; it felt hot and thick when stifled with anxiety, but now they acknowledged the coolness of the morning and noticed autumn wildflowers blooming at intervals along the side of the friendly route. Goldenrod, with its thousands of yellow stars bedecking the brightening forest, waved as if in welcome. Yarrow, with spindly stems holding up large spreads of white petals, lit up an expanse where no trees grew.


    Little changed except their travel companions, but the new faces lightened the load of worry from their burdened minds.


    ¡°My sons,¡± Eymard said proudly as he motioned to where Aldous and Everard walked into the forest. ¡°They are growing into great hunters and rangers.¡±


    Luke smiled and looked where they would be keeping watch but he could not see or hear their movements. Eymard spoke again.


    ¡°I also have three daughters,¡± The twinkle in his eyes grew even brighter thinking of his family, ¡°and the most beautiful loving wife a man could ask for.¡±


    Luke smiled through his eyes and from ear to ear while looking around thinking about what desires lay on his heart for the future. The rest of the way through the forest the rays of sunlight filtering through the now thinning trees dispersed the shadow of fear hanging above them.


    As much as anyone took time to think of anything but their proximity to Echo Slope and the safety it afforded, their thoughts ran on the casualties during their mission, those of the night, and most especially the loss of Agar.


    The group grew close over the previous weeks and loved one another as brothers. Losing Agar presumably alive seemed worse to all than the others known to be dead. All knew the enemy invaders and their thoughts rapidly traversed the possibilities awaiting him.


    *****


    The forest ended gradually and the full sun finally shone visibly to their left. In front of them they could see Echo Slope rising above the surrounding plains. Most from Anthanaisus¡¯ company, including him, visited Echo Slope before and knew it well, but past visits or not, all recognized the distinct fortress. An enormous rock sat at the bottom of a gently sloping meadow dotted with boulders, and three sides rose as sheer rocky cliffs. Only by following the winding path could horses reach the top.


    This natural formation led to the construction of an easily-guarded castle hundreds of years ago. A rather large village sprang up during construction, and after completion, the people took to hunting the forests, raising crops, and tending cattle.


    The grassy heath spread in a muted green from Rowaton Forest to Echo Slope, rolling as it went along. The war now seemed so far behind as they gazed along the path through cattle carelessly grazing, among the thatched houses, and finally up the path which narrowed as it led to the distant castle.


    Eymard broke the silence upon noticing his son¡¯s emergence from the forest, ¡°Come, your wounded need care.¡±


    The ragged soldiers walking through the town drew many stares. Here at Echo Slope the war seemed so small and so far away. Now, though, with wounded soldiers coming for refuge, the invasion finally seemed real.


    *****


    Eymard led Anthanasius and his soldiers up the slope leading to the castle. Many layers of walls and gates stood between the slope¡¯s bottom and the main keep, but they passed through easily. The guards recognized Anthanasius and the hunters and welcomed them. First they helped the wounded away to rest and have their larger wounds tended to. After the group thanked Eymard for his assistance, he and his band of hunters remounted their horses and rode off.


    Anthanasius and Luke remained with Thomas, the steward, while the others in good health went to wait for a meal. As the others walked off, Thomas broke the silence by suggesting an audience with the lord of Echo Slope. He led them past guards, through stone tunnels, up winding staircases, and finally knocked at a heavy door where they were shown in.


    Lord Marillac welcomed them kindly and listened intently as Anthanasius told all the events since their hasty departure from the clearing in the forest. Political reasons prevented him from telling much more, which Lord Marillac understood; he asked no questions.


    When Anthanasius finished speaking, Lord Marillac addressed both him and Luke, ¡°No doubt you are wary; you may wash and eat in the dining hall. Thomas will arrange beds for all your men before they are done eating. If you are heading to Rohalot Castle, the road between here and there remains safe, but you may rest here as long as you wish. I will send a rider this morning to inform them of your safety.¡±


    He continued on, ¡°You know, of course, Anthanasius, that the monks will take excellent care of your men. You still may wish to visit them.¡±


    Finished addressing Anthanasius and Luke, Lord Marillac spoke to Thomas, ¡°Show them where they may wash and eat; and see to preparing enough beds.¡±


    Thomas bowed slightly then turned to leave with Anthanasius and Luke following.


    Most of the other men already began their meals when they arrived in the dining hall after having washed. Anthanasius and Luke joined the group and received food promptly. The steward hovered around nervously for a while saying how delighted they were to have guests, and though they prepared a fine breakfast on such short notice, dinner would taste even better. They were to make no mistake about that. Finally, he eased into the knowledge of unexpected guests, excused himself, and left.


    The group all sat together at a long stout oak table but talked little. Hunger gripped them all so they ate rapidly, especially after hearing the steward mumble something about needing to prepare sleeping quarters.


    As each finished with his meal, Thomas showed each one to the room prepared for him with an invitation to a feast with Lord Marillac that evening.


    Luke finished eating last and when shown to his room, his head hardly touched the pillow before he fell into a deep sleep.

 Chapters 4 & 5 - The Infirmary & The Feast

    Chapter 4:


    Few men should have slept as well as Anthanasius did through the warm afternoon. After sleeping very little for the past weeks, always restlessly, with one hand on the hilt of his sword, and often in the open on a bed of twigs and leaves; not worrying about protecting the lives in his care and falling into white linen sheets seemed surreal.


    Anthanasius clutched his bed sheets as he woke. He looked around wildly and sat up. A feeling of dread hung over him and his heart beat rapidly with adrenaline. He concentrated on the floor in front of him for a few seconds to calm down and then on the beam of sun coming through the casement. The feast would begin in an hour and he needed to prepare to sit with Lord Marillac. He tried to restrain the memories of his dream from fading but failed as waking brought waves of quiet forgetfulness.


    Forgetfulness, yes, yet Anthanasius couldn¡¯t help but wonder what he dreamt. He knew from his fast beating heart that remembering the dream might do more harm than good. With resignation he swung his legs to the side and landed his feet on the hard wooden floor. Much refreshed from sleeping in a real bed for the first time in weeks, he walked over to the casement and leaned far enough out on the ledge to see the horizon.


    The afternoon advanced much while he slept and the sky began to show the first signs of the summer gloaming. Farmers were returning to their homes across the golden harvested pastures or along a winding dirt road. Shepherd boys drove their flocks expertly home to the safety of the town and closed them in the wattle fences for the night before becoming entirely different children, running and jumping with joy at seeing their friends and heading home to join their family in the cozy firelight.


    Anthanasius watched one farmer all the way from his field from the moment he set down his hoe, walking along a road talking and joking with friends, and part from the others with a happy wave. He walked farther down several streets and past many houses but when he came near one the door opened and three young children ran out to welcome him home. He picked up the first one to reach him under the arms and spun around, laughing. When he finished spinning, he set the girl down, held her and another of his children¡¯s hands, and walked to the door of their home where his wife waited for a kiss and a long hug before they turned together through the door and closed it.


    Anthanasius smiled and watched another man walk through the streets for a while until he decided to prepare himself for the approaching feast. He thought about Lord Marillac¡¯s suggestion to visit his wounded, and considered it while he changed.


    He changed from his long undershirt into striped hose and a shirt. Atop this he donned a brown leather vest and wrapped a thick belt about his middle. Enough yet not too much.


    He stepped out into the hallway and turned toward the main corridor. ¡°Hold up,¡± he said to the steward, not liking his task, but stepping in his way as the man hurried down the corridor with a large stack of linens under each arm. ¡°Where do I find the infirmary?¡±


    The steward handed him the linens from his right hand and bade Anthanasius to follow him. He took off again in the same direction with Anthanasius¡¯ heavy footsteps contrasting the steward¡¯s short light steps.


    Anthanasius began to wonder if the steward even heard where he needed to go when they arrived at the busy banquet hall, but without having to remind him, they handed most of the linens to another housekeeper. The steward took a deep breath as he looked around at the preparations for that night¡¯s feast then turned to Anthanasius, ¡°Thank you, not much farther now.¡± They started rapidly off again through a door on the opposite side of the hall. A few more turns led them to a door outside of which the steward stopped to catch his breath. He smiled, knocked, let himself in, and announced quietly to Anthanasius, ¡°The Oblates of the Holy Cloth.¡±


    He laid down his remaining linens and left, quietly closing the door behind him. Anthanasius always felt uncomfortable in infirmaries. He faced battles with little fear yet recoiled from visiting the wounded after. He silently cursed his forgotten dream for waking him early enough to have time before the feast started


    Anthanasius¡¯ men occupied nine beds facing each other along the walls and the rest remained happily empty. A small Rohian symbol hung on the wall above each bed. One of the nine leaned back against the wall while having his bandage changed and smiled as Anthanasius walked up to check on him.


    ¡°Hello, Belen, it appears they are taking good care of you.¡±


    ¡°Joseph¡¯s getting me patched up good as new.¡± Belen said, then gasped and recoiled in a grimace. He grit his teeth and calmed himself, looking down at the large cut on his arm as the monk in a dark brown robe wound a fresh white bandage across the wound, diligently trying to ease the pain.


    Oblate Joseph straightened up after tying the bandage off and joked to Anthanasius, ¡°It¡¯s an honor to take care of the wounded, sir, but not so many next time.¡± Smiling broadly, he walked off to prepare for taking care of his next patient. Anthanasius sat down beside Belen and asked him about Aelred. He looked around half-surprised not to see him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, sir. He was here.¡± They talked a few more minutes before Anthanasius excused himself to let Belen rest. He walked over to where he saw Joseph go and soon found him after walking past several others.


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    ¡°Joseph, do you know where Aelred went?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve not yet learned everyone¡¯s names, sir, could you describe him to me?¡±


    The monk¡¯s face fell as Anthanasius¡¯ description grew more detailed.


    ¡°Yes, we have him in another room. His mind seems in anguish from the stress of battle.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what happened early this morning,¡± Anthanasius said, ¡°but he says the Shalmen took his friend captive and we fled immediately.¡± He remembered his own guilt that nearly held him in the forest and a vague recollection of his dream.


    ¡°One of us will remain by his side until he recovers. Please don¡¯t be anxious.¡±


    Anthanasius bowed slightly and said to the young monk, ¡°If any of you are able, Lord Marillac is holding a feast tonight in the Great Hall and I would be delighted if some of you would join us.¡± Then, turning to leave, he again noticed the great care and deep cleanliness the oblates kept, and, turning back to Joseph as the latter walked to a wooden door with a basket of linens, he said, ¡°Thank you for taking such good care of my men.¡±


    <hr>


    Chapter 5:


    The shutters remained unfastened and the evening sun clung tightly to the last fragments of the day, as a small child who suddenly finds important amusements in the last few moments before bed and hurries through them, as they simply cannot wait.


    In the forest the upper branches filtered the initial riotous colors, but a few moments more, and it shone brightly among the trunks. Golden light fell across everything, broken by mile-long shadows, and enhanced by the yellowing fall leaves.


    Another few moments, and this halycon scene gave way to the evening gloaming, equal in beauty, but of another sort. The sky blazed red at the horizon and continued its intensity as the horizontal bars of orange streaked upwards and dimmed as they went, disappearing slowly and then suddenly into a darkening blue-gray sky.


    The heavy heat of the day already rapidly abated and gave way steadily to the cool refreshing aroma of a summer night. The insects settled high in the trees continued their centuries-old melody for any weary listener.


    Inside, the high table of the great hall presented a beautiful sight with fine dishes and crystal cups. Lord Marillac already occupied his place and motioned Anthanasius to join him on the raised platform at the far end when he arrived.


    Anthanasius walked carelessly along the outer edge of the great hall and initially greeted everyone he met. Walking along, though, he thought of all his missing men, but most especially of Agar. He stopped suddenly at the thought of Agar and felt extremely nauseous with another vague remembrance of his recent dream. He put his hand on the wall to steady himself until the feeling eased. Looking around, he noted no one seemed to take notice, and continued on to the raised table ahead of him with some relief, but still a great deal affected.


    Anthanasius sat down between Lord Marillac and another of his friends, Boniface, an adviser to the king on a visit to Echo Slope.


    ¡°Well, Anthanasius, I''m glad to see you again.¡± Lord Marillac said after he sat down from greeting his guests and commencing the feast in a loud voice. ¡°Boniface came here on pretext of relaxation time,¡± he continued merrily, ¡°but asked if I knew news of your company¡¯s situation before he even greeted me.¡±


    The steward and sewer next served the crystal cups with beautiful smelling wine. Lord Marillac and Anthanasius grabbed their cups as quickly as manners allowed, but Boniface said, ¡°I worried for a reason¡ªwe heard nothing of you for a month.¡±


    He then also took up his glass and diplomatically sipped at the contents. Lord Marillac spoke next, addressing Boniface, though beginning with more seriousness in his tone than previously, ¡°In truth, my heart grew heavy when you told me your fears.¡±


    He then turned to Anathanaius with a tone containing as much liveliness as his previous lacked it, ¡°but now you and your men are safe, look at them out there feasting! What gnaws at you, my boy? Didn¡¯t sleep much I suppose?¡±


    ¡°Haloa, steward, more wine for us.¡± He called, then laughed and slapped Anthanasius good naturedly on the back. ¡°Come now, what¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    ¡°Not all my men are out there feasting,¡± he answered wistfully. He then shook his head suddenly and sat up straighter. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m often this way right when I return home.¡±


    ¡°Feeling guilt as one of the survivors, eh? It always hits the commander the hardest.¡±


    ¡°I know, I¡¯ll be better soon.¡± He reached again for his cup.


    ¡°I led men in former days and won¡¯t tell you to not think about it. I still remember some dark homecomings. I questioned everything I did and didn¡¯t do. There¡¯s always one more decision you thought of too late,¡± he paused, ¡°but my lady¡¯s bright eyes soon made everything better.¡± He looked over to Lady Marillac a few seats down. She talked lively with her ladies in waiting and a few of her special guests who arrived on such a short notice. ¡°As they still do,¡± he finished.


    He turned back to Anthanasius. ¡°I don¡¯t believe I¡¯ve seen you with a lady.¡±


    ¡°No, not yet anyway.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m holding a tournament the middle of next month; a captain of the king should consider it his duty to enter and fight for the honor of a beautiful woman.¡±


    ¡°I have to report to King Nigel,¡± he replied evasively.


    ¡°Yes but then you come back here and live as my guest. The war isn¡¯t really all-consuming, is it? We¡¯d have heard more about it by now if it was.¡± Boniface looked significantly at Anthanasius. Lord Marillac continued without a pause. ¡°You¡¯re going to work yourself to death if you don¡¯t slow down.¡±


    ¡°Maybe not, here¡¯s the food,¡± Anthanasius said.


    Lord Marillac sighed and turned to receive the silver platters with roasted geese and smaller dishes with individual pork pot pies. The servers brought similar fare to the lower tables; Lord Marillac liked his reputation as a generous man even in unstable times.


    Lord Marillac glanced over to Anthanasius. He sat with his head down and the struggle inside him visible on his face.

 Chapter 6 - Return to Rohalot

    The next few days passed easily and Anthanasius made several more visits to his men in the infirmary. Lord Marillac all but insisted on it. Looking from his window early one morning, he looked over the sloping plain below and followed a pathway winding through fence-lined fields and ruminant-filled meadows cropping an early-morning meal with a dog stretched lazily close by until his gaze reached the forest.


    In the early morning, the forest lost most of the horror of the previous month, and Anthanasius recalled idyllic childhood days make-believing himself as a King¡¯s Ranger with his friends. No children played in the forest now, and his mind wandered to Agar¡ªnot for the first time since his loss.


    Anthanasius dressed in a tunic and descended to the prayer room to hear an early service. He sat in the back, but after the admonitions ended and the others dispersed he signed himself, made the short way to the rail, and knelt. Fervently breathing a few hopeful prayers for Agar, he rose to his feet and left, returning to his borrowed room to gather a few belongings before starting the journey to Rohalot Castle.


    *****


    ¡°Good morning, sir,¡± Luke said, seeing a good friend and traveling-companion for the day. ¡°I hope you slept well.¡±


    ¡°It certainly is a lovely morning and a perfect day for traveling,¡± he replied. ¡°How many are in our party?¡±


    ¡°Some twoscore I believe, and among them many stout soldiers who can bend a bow right well,¡± Luke answered, as the two walked together, ¡°I don¡¯t think we need to fear an ambush, especially on a highroad.¡±


    ¡°You read my mind,¡± Anthanasius said, laughing.


    ¡°Truly, it weighs on mine as well and I spoke mostly to reassure myself.¡±


    ¡°Attacks near the highroads are rare but one rightly grows more cautious the more he knows.¡±


    ¡°Is there something more you learned since we arrived?¡± Luke asked, slinging a quiver onto his shoulder and grabbing up his bow of yew.


    ¡°Nothing more, but it pays to be prudent.¡±


    A few minutes later, both Anthanasius and Luke sat atop lightly caparisoned horses and jostled around the courtyard waiting for the others. A bugle sounded and the group made its way smartly down the steep and winding access route from Echo Slope.


    Anthanasius, Luke, and several other soldiers urged their horses faster to reach the bottom quicker, their swords slapping at the horses¡¯ left flanks. The horses sensed the lightheartedness of the group and pawed the ground gently.


    The soldiers joined some merchants who waited at the bottom for the rest of the party. Luke turned to Anthanasius as the others arrived and asked, ¡°Was not Boniface coming today?¡±


    *****


    ¡°Please, Lord Marillac, I¡¯d like to have a word with you,¡± Boniface called as he jogged up behind him in a passageway.


    Lord Marillac never looked up nor gave indication that he heard Boniface. The letter at which he stared held his attention entirely.


    Seeing his preoccupation, Boniface slowed to a fast walk and made his steps fall heavier to try to gain attention. He called out again. ¡°Lord Marillac?¡±


    At this the man in front finally noticed his friend and turned about. ¡°Ah, Boniface,¡± he said, stopping to wait while folding his letter, ¡°it¡¯s good to see you; I thought you had left.¡±


    Boniface caught up and saw Lord Marillac looked distracted. He hated to bother him now, but needed to speak with him before departing.


    Lord Marillac urged him on. ¡°You wanted me for something?¡±


    Boniface replied, ¡°Well, what I have to say is private, urgent, and somewhat lengthy.¡±


    ¡°Then we better discuss it immediately so you can join your party. Shall we up ahead?¡± He motioned at the righthand side of a passageway they would soon come upon and opened the door when they reached it. Boniface locked the door and gave more than usual care to make sure only he and Lord Marillac occupied the room before finally sitting down.


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    He sat next to Lord Marillac and gazed out the window. He then drew in breath and sighed. ¡°It¡¯s about the king,¡± he said simply.


    ¡°Naturally.¡± Lord Marillac replied after a long pause.


    Boniface deliberated this meeting for weeks and already knew what he wanted to say, but all his preparation seemed to spill out the window now that he sat beside Lord Maillac. He couldn¡¯t delay any longer so he started.


    ¡°When did you last see the king?¡±


    ¡°Some months ago I suppose. It¡¯s been longer than normal¡±


    ¡°Right. Was he his usual self then?¡±


    ¡°I suppose not entirely now that you mention it. Surely stress from the war?¡±


    ¡°It might have been, but it¡¯s gotten much worse. He hardly seems to have a will of his own any more.¡± Here he stopped to see what Lord Marillac would say.


    ¡°Who has been running the kingdom?¡± he finally asked as he turned his head from the window to Boniface.


    A sensible question from the level-headed lord. ¡°I have been running it somewhat through the king along with his other two advisors.¡± Another minute passed before he spoke again. ¡°You remember Cajetan, do you not?¡±


    ¡°Yes, certainly. Why?¡±


    This conversation advanced more rapidly than Boniface planned, but he decided not to fight the current. He needed to word this carefully. ¡°Because,¡± he began slowly, ¡°Cajetan seems wiser in handling affairs than a certain other advisor.¡±


    ¡°I believe that,¡± Lord Marillac said. ¡°And what of the final one?¡±


    ¡°I try to hold with Cajetan. But you don¡¯t understand,¡± he said more rapidly, ¡°even since you last visited Rohalot the king¡¯s weakening progressed rapidly. He¡¯s no longer the same man. I hardly recognize him from the youth we watched grow up with Anthanasius and Luke. Semias stays constantly by his side and I think he is the main cause.¡±


    Silence reigned a few more minutes while Lord Marillac took this in. Finally Boniface spoke, ¡°You must think I¡¯m mad.¡±


    Lord Marillac took his turn to sigh. ¡°No, I think you are as sane as anyone. Of course you know I can¡¯t do anything about this.¡±


    ¡°I only ask that you be aware of it.¡±


    ¡°I shall. Now I better let you join your party.¡±


    They both stood and Boniface gave a short bow to excuse himself. He exited the room without another word. Lord Marillac soon saw him mount a waiting horse in the courtyard and gallop away through the gatehouse to join the rest of his traveling party returning to Rohalot.


    Lord Marillac watched him meet up with the others at the foot of the escarpment and begin to travel along the winding road. Momentarily, he reached into the folds of his robe and again pulled out the letter. His lightened brow furrowed again as he read it over from the beginning. The rising sun shone full upon his face as he watched them begin the journey back.


    The gray October day brought forth masses of clouds with the well-defined upper layer marching along in a steady, solemn rhythm. The lower layer danced in and out of view, gaily playing shadows across the meadow below, interspersing dark patches among the golden fields. The early-morning coolness not yet abated, the insects droned a constant melody of marching music for the clouds.


    This day dawned bright as all the clouds floated high enough to let the sun shine unimpeded for the first bit of day.


    Even if they didn¡¯t know it, the travelling group would recognize the coming to a great city with the increased number of people and the decreased distance between farmsteads. Such telltale signs greeted them and grew in number now as they journeyed the final miles to Rohalot Castle.


    They met with no ill incident along the road during their five day journey and passed by numerous friendly guardtowers. The garrisons stationed along the highroad reported no particular suspicious activity to watch out for and the journey continued as well as one could expect in those troubled days.


    Upon nearing the city gates, the group, organized for the trip, said cordial good-byes, and separated for each to attend to his own business. The group initially formed for traveling safety as, even though they took the highroad and the invading Shalmen remained to the north, the risk of bandits always loomed.


    Most of the soldiers, including Anthanasius and Luke, kicked their horses to a trot and headed to the open gates. Massive towers with rounded fronts and checked with arrow loops flanked each side of the highroad as it narrowed toward the town. The drawbridge rested atop the moat for the day and a few soldiers stood to the side, ready to refuse entry to any ruffians.


    The horses¡¯ hooves tramped hollow as the group passed over the ditch on the stout planks. Luke looked up as he passed under the artificial tunnel and saw two portcullises with murder holes between the slats. It made him shudder to think on the carnage of a possible assault.


    The inhabitants of Rohalot Castle bustled about in the pleasant morning air to complete their difficult work before the October sun reached the heights of its burning zenith. Accordingly, several squires ran to catch the soldiers¡¯ horses so they could dismount with more ease.


    Recognizing his face, someone shouted, ¡°Anthanasius is back!¡± Immediately all turned their eyes to search for him and they crowded around, desirous of hearing of his month long mission.


    Anthanasius and the soldiers on his mission replied with superficial answers to the many questions put to them and slowly pushed out of the crowd to have an audience with King Nigel.

 Chapters 7 & 8 - A Garden Revelation & Night Landing

    Chapter 7:


    ¡°Ah, yes, Lord Marillac, how was he?¡± the young king asked out of politeness.


    ¡°He¡¯s dead,¡± lied Anthanasius to see if the king listened. The members of the King¡¯s court looked startled and either stared at Anthanasius who looked back and shook his head to show his test, or King Nigel to see his reaction. Several seconds passed before he answered.


    ¡°Good, good, glad to hear. He¡¯s always been a good friend.¡±


    A few more minutes passed at the high table before two of the king¡¯s advisors asked Anthanasius to take a walk with them in the garden. He agreed and the three excused themselves.


    They arrived at the garden soon after and started walking slowly around the long path. Walking side by side with Anthanasius on the outside, the old friends bantered about nothing in particular until it slowly broke off.


    Taking the opportunity to change the subject to the real reason they wanted to talk to him alone, Boniface, the advisor closest to Anthanasius, breathed in audibly and began to speak.


    ¡°You realize, of course, Anthanasius, that we asked you to join us here for a specific purpose, and you may even have guessed.¡±


    ¡°I have some ideas,¡± he replied. He hadn¡¯t spoken with Boniface much on the highroad.


    The second advisor, Cajetan, continued, ¡°Well, you¡¯re probably right. You know as well as anyone that King Nigel changed. I don¡¯t mean the obvious ways, but even since you last left he seems more scared.¡± His voice shrunk to a hissed whisper as he went along and he leaned in so they could hear his words.


    His parent¡¯s death last year troubled the entire kingdom as almost everyone loved the king and queen. An accident at sea proved harder for his subjects to reconcile than the king dying in a glorious battle. The people universally loved the young prince as well and he stepped into his new role as king out of manly necessity, handling the responsibilities well though still in his early twenties.


    Anthanasius kicked a stone in front of him in disgust and shot back, ¡°We used to be friends and now he won¡¯t even look at me; what have I done to him?¡±


    Boniface spoke again, using the same anxious whisper Cajetan finished with, ¡°It¡¯s not what you¡¯ve done to him, but we think what he¡¯s trying to do to you. Once you left¡ªno, no, it¡¯s not that way¡ª¡± he said rapidly upon seeing Anthanasius¡¯ face, ¡°it¡¯s just that once you left, and even before somewhat but mostly after, we think someone is threatening the king.¡±


    They stopped walking now and stood looking down at a chrysanthemum with insects stepping across the delicate petals on some blooms. Cajetan cut in and took over, ¡°Not in huge ways, mind you, but cunning ways. Ideas and plans that seem brilliant at first thought, but are executed too hastily to be as effective as they could be.¡±


    Anthanasius started walking slowly and the king¡¯s two advisors followed him, ¡°Back to the King¡ªwhat do you think he¡¯s trying to do to me?¡±


    The two advisors with him looked at each other and finally Boniface spoke what they discussed privately for the weeks of his absense. ¡°We believe someone is trying to have him kill you. We¡¯ve been thinking it over and is it coincidence your last mission included as few men as it did? A coincidence he felt guilty to send you all on a mission he perhaps expected might cause your death? Another coincidence he took to his chambers the rest of the day after we learned of your safety at Echo Slope? The kingdom is weakening and we can¡¯t blame all of it on the Shalmen invaders. We have no proof, but it seems Semias is the one facilitating the destruction. He spends more and more time with the king and as Cajetan said, whenever he makes a decision, it cunningly backfires.¡±


    ¡°We grew up together,¡± Anthanasius said. ¡°I don¡¯t think he would try to kill me. Not even indirectly.¡±


    ¡°What if someone threatened him?¡± Cajetan asked. ¡°Is there any possibility he might? Any at all?¡±


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    Anthanasius kicked another rock off the path. He felt annoyed they asked him these questions. After all, he grew up with the former Prince Nigel. He spent time with the prince¡¯s family through the years and knew them all. Mostly he knew his friend and King Hugh. This could never come from the Shantal¡¯s.


    ¡°I suppose he may,¡± Anthanasius answered peevishly. ¡°Under dire circumstances.¡±


    ¡°Well then, how is that so far off?¡± Cajetan asked.


    ¡°How can a threat cause all this? Anthanasius asked him in return. ¡°And how can Semias blackmail the king for the whole kingdom? He doesn¡¯t even have a family anymore.¡±


    Cajetan started to answer but Boniface cut him off. ¡°It¡¯s true he doesn¡¯t have a family anymore. Everyone knows that. But what he does have is power. Semias must have come upon a way to threaten him. I don¡¯t know what that could be. Maybe a dark secret from him or his family. Anything might cause his desperation.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it is specifically against you, Anthanasius,¡± Cajetan said. ¡°You¡¯re just close to him. Maybe whoever is threatening the king thinks you are in the way. Close enough for him to confide in. As much as his father liked us, you and Luke are his closest friends.¡±


    Anthanasius sighed. He longed for the days when the three friends wandered around outside Rohalot while imagining they partook in grand adventures. Nigel wanted to grow into an older prince with time to learn to walk in his father¡¯s footsteps. He and Luke played the part of forest rangers and honed their craft with the bow. All practiced their swordsmanship.


    Once Anthanasius achieved his dream he realized he didn¡¯t always appreciate it. Especially at times like this and the previous month. Their childhood games never involved their friends dying or the future king plotting his friends¡¯ deaths.


    Boniface and Cajetan felt a weight off their shoulders as they finished the conversation. Some from seeing Anthanasius and Luke return from their mission, some from confiding their worries in another. Anthanasius kept his resolution to himself as he parted with the king¡¯s advisors.


    Chapter 8:


    ¡°Foleri, where is Helkin?¡± asked Vilimont, impatiently.


    ¡°Why would I know that?¡± retorted Foleri.


    Vilimont began pacing again and drew his cloak about him tighter. The two stood in the town of Kisdock, on the northern shores of Rohia in the region of Bronlum. All original inhabitants had been driven out or killed, and the Shalmen soldiers had immediately plundered the town.


    After months of Shalmen occupation, only the layout remained as a recognizable town feature. Filth filled the streets, houses were abandoned after rough use, and now winter threatened to overtake the autumn.


    Not that the Shalmen didn¡¯t know the rigors of a hard winter, for where they came from the winter winds blew colder, the snow piled higher, and the winter nights lasted longer. The entire country tested the citizens throughout the year, but even in this relative warmth their anger made everything worse.


    ¡°Get me a fire going,¡± Vilimont yelled at Foleri, wanting an outlet for his anger.


    ¡°There¡¯s no wood left, your highness,¡± sneered Foleri.


    Vilimont turned to him and would have cut him down there if looks could kill¡ªVilimont¡¯s almost could when at his worst. He stomped heavily toward his second-in-command and grabbed him by the collar, glaring at him.


    ¡°You. Will. Treat me with respect.¡± he said in a slow, menacing voice, scaring Foleri with his calmness. ¡°Do you understand that?¡±


    ¡°Yessir, yes, yes I do understand,¡± he stammered, trying to back away and turning his head partway to one side to escape the direct gaze, but Vilimont was not done with him.


    ¡°See that you remember it!¡± he yelled, shaking Foleri violently, ¡°Tear wood off these wretched houses if you have to! We¡¯re leaving soon!¡±


    He threw Foleri to the dock and turned sharply about to look across the water for some light. Foleri scrambled back a few yards before standing up and scampering to the nearest house.


    The biting wind didn¡¯t cool Vilimont¡¯s seething rage. Foleri could feel the man watching him even more keenly when he fumbled the flint and steel. He was one of the Shalmen¡¯s best tacticians, and burned with resentment from Vilimont¡¯s treatment.


    He got a fire going, but dared not gather in as close as Vilimont. They waited two more hours with Vilimont¡¯s anger never abating before they spied a light in the distance. It bobbed as it came closer, and before long they heard rough voices. Vilimont stood, walked to the end of the longest dock, and waited.


    As it finally came into view, they noted the boat held eleven men, eight of whom pulled at the oars. A man at the prow stood upon seeing Vilimont and remained steady in the rocking boat. His towering frame and missing eye revealed him to be the one for whom Vilimont and Foleri kept a frozen vigil.


    Before the boat even bumped the side of the dock, the large man stepped out, momentarily splashing the boat deeper into the water. He stood glaring at Vilimont, who critically sneered, ¡°You¡¯re late.¡±


    ¡°Are you calling me an idiot? You think I don¡¯t know that?¡± Helkin snarled back with a low rumbling voice.


    The two continued glaring directly into each others eyes for a time, willing the other to look away first, utterly ignoring the splashing about them from those disembarking. Finally Vilimont spoke, still not flinching his eyes, ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    In reply, Helkin turned to the side, reached into the boat, and drew out an ax. He rested the haft on the hollow dock with a thump and placed one hand on the top by the blade, almost a full half meter in width. It shone in the moon and glistened with fire. His devilish smile bespoke doom for someone.

 Chapter 9 - Regicide

    ¡°You sent for me, sir,¡± Luke declared as he entered Anthanasius¡¯ chamber, where he lay resting.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Anthanasius said. He stared at the ceiling with his hands behind his head.


    A log crackled in the fireplace at the far end of the room. Soot blackened the cracked hearth. The floorboards ran from the doorway, underneath some rushes of varying colors strewn about the floor, to a fireplace at the opposite end. Paths worn by years of foot travel made noticeable marks in the boards. The paths made a triangle from the door to the bed, the bed to the fireplace, and the fireplace to the door. Another path between the fireplace and the single window hinted at many decades of use.


    The solitary window doubled as an arrow loop. From its position on the top floor in the castle, it commanded an impressive view of the surrounding country. When one looked out the window and turned to the side, he would see a rocky road disappearing into a once-well-tended forest.


    Anthanasius continued speaking, ¡°Did you enjoy the feast?¡±


    ¡°Yes; very much, did you not?¡± Luke answered as he moved toward a chair by the fireplace.


    ¡°It was certainly better than my conversation with King Nigel.¡±


    ¡°Why, what happened?¡± Luke sat down with care.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t speak to me. Didn¡¯t even look at me the whole meal.¡±


    ¡°He spoke with few people at the feast. Don¡¯t take it personal.¡±


    Anthanasius suddenly sat up and looked anxiously at Luke. ¡°Will you come speak to the king with me?¡±


    Luke hesitated before answering. ¡°That¡¯s what you summoned me for, isn¡¯t it?¡± He turned and stared at the fire beside him for some time then asked, ¡®Why must you bother him? He knows what is going on. He heard what we said.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something on his mind.¡±


    ¡°Could it be that his entire kingdom is being invaded? Could it be that his people are dying and he thinks he is responsible for their deaths? Could it be that he thinks he isn¡¯t doing enough?¡±


    ¡°No, not that,¡± Anthanasius interrupted, dropping his feet to the floor and walking to the window.


    Luke looked at him with one brow lower than the other. ¡°You need more rest,¡± he said as he stood up to leave.


    ¡°No, wait. I mean besides the invasion. There¡¯s something else on his mind.¡±


    ¡°What then?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. That¡¯s why I want to talk to him.¡±


    ¡°Then why do you want me to come?¡±


    Anthanasius turned from the window. ¡°I don¡¯t know why.¡± He walked toward the door and turned halfway around to face Luke. ¡°Will you?¡±


    Luke didn¡¯t answer but walked toward Anthanasius and followed him through the door into the passageway.


    *****


    The door to King Nigel¡¯s chamber rested ajar and he stood alone. He didn¡¯t seem to notice when Anthanasius and Luke entered a few paces and looked around the large room. Rich furnishings abounded, with a large four-post bed along one wall and a heavy looking table near the center. Upon the table sat an ink bottle with a crisp falcon feather protruding from it, a lens, and a large map of the Rohian kingdom and its surrounding lands.


    Candlesticks with crying candles held the map down from the eastern and western edges. It was cold, and the map¡¯s edges seemed to try in vain against the candlesticks to curl back up. A particular chair at the southern edge of the map rested away from the table. Paintings of the king and his late family members hung from the walls. The paintings of King Nigel¡¯s parents hung on either side of the fireplace with his smaller painting directly above the mantle. His strangely-small painting commanded a view of the entire room and looked out through a window on the far wall. From that window, the southern sun entered and laid itself on the floor. It moved slowly, though imperceptibly, steadily making its way further and further across the room.


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    *****


    The king stood at the left corner with his back to the door. His head bowed slightly as he stared through the fire in the fireplace without seeing anything. He held his left wrist with his right hand behind his back. His crown was on his head and his cloak on his back; he remained dressed the same as at the feast.


    Luke tapped on the door to draw the king¡¯s attention to his visitors. He turned around with surprise at seeing his friends.


    ¡°Anthanasius. I¡­ And Luke, hello. I was just. I, uh. How did you enjoy the feast? The venison¡­¡± King Nigel sputtered out, his eyes darting between looking at their noses but not their eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Anthanasius demanded as he pushed the door partially closed  and looked directly into King Nigel nervous eyes.


    ¡°I. Oh, you know, the kingdom. The pressures that come from leadership.¡± He turned back to face the fire.


    Anthanasius went and sat down next to the king, who remained standing. He chewed on his upper lip as he stood there, a habit Anthanasius remembered he had from when they were children.


    After a few minutes of watching the fire, the king took a loud breath in and sighed. ¡°My actions haven¡¯t shown it, but I really am grateful you stopped to visit,¡± he said, turning to face Anthanasius, and looking him in the eyes for the first time since he returned. ¡°What did Boniface and Cajetan talk about with you this evening?¡±


    ¡°That someone¡¯s trying to kill me through you,¡± he said bluntly.


    King Nigel didn¡¯t show surprise if he felt any and sat down beside his friend.


    ¡°But you don¡¯t believe that, do you?¡± he asked suddenly.


    ¡°Yes, I do, but I don¡¯t believe you want to.¡±


    ¡°Certainly not, certainly not.¡± He stood and strode to the fireplace and leaned one hand against the stout mantle with great agitation. ¡°And do those two think the same as you?¡±


    ¡°Do you think they do?¡± Anthanasius queried.


    The king gave a hollow chuckle, ¡°Yes, I can see why they think that; they are observant¡ªvery worthy advisors¡­¡± He trailed off and pulled at his beard nervously.


    ¡°I really am glad you are here.¡± he repeated after a while, turning to look at both of his visitors with moist eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve missed our days together. When I sent you¡­¡±


    Just then they heard a man¡¯s scream from out in the passageway. The three jumped and Luke started for the door but the king called him back. ¡°Wait, stay here. It¡¯s probably nothing. Close the door.¡±


    Luke did as his king commanded and all three listened to the commotion from without. The king grew pale as he must have recognized some of the voices. He turned to Luke again and hoarsely gasped, ¡°Open the door again; hurry!¡±


    Luke ran to the door and opened it but several soldiers already ran towards the king¡¯s chamber with Semias Norworth at their head. They saw Luke open the door and Semias immediately called out, ¡°We heard a scream from the king¡¯s room; stand aside villain.¡±


    Luke held no weapon and provided a minimal struggle to the overwhelming numbers about him who held him fast and continued on through the open door.


    Semias rounded the door and saw the king backed against the fireplace and Anthanasius with a small knife in his hand, which he drew after hearing Luke¡¯s futile struggle.


    Semias¡¯ eyes danced with a sarcastic victory while his face feigned perfect seriousness as he intentionally misinterpreted this scene. ¡°We¡¯re not a moment too soon.¡± He said as the others began to enter the room. Immediately two crossbowmen leveled their weapons at Anthanasius and demanded he drop his weapon. From a half score of yards away he had no choice but to throw down his useless knife.


    ¡°Dear, dear, dear,¡± said Semias, monopolizing the conversation as the soldiers closed in around their next victim, ¡°is trying to kill our wonderful King Nigel the way you thank him for hosting a feast for your return? It¡¯s good I was nearby and had time to gather forces when we heard him cry out.¡±


    The newcomers held Anthanasius by each arm. He looked daggers at the wretched man who came closer during his taunt. Semias leaned in and whispered, ¡°Way to be a hero, you couldn¡¯t have made this any easier on me.¡±


    A powerful elbow broke from the captor¡¯s hold and sent Semias flying backward to the ground. The guards restrained Anthanasius again and Semias looked up gasping and bleeding. ¡°Take them away!¡± he yelled in a rage.


    The obedient soldiers quickly hauled Luke and Anthanasius from the king¡¯s chamber. Soon only Semias and King Nigel remained. The king glared from his spot by the fireplace and his advisor looked amusedly back. ¡°Two more out of the way.¡± he chuckled and stared at the shocked king.


    The king¡¯s face contorted in a flash of anger and he almost shouted but Semias moved in close to his face and growled, ¡°These two¡­ or your parents¡­ you can decide.¡±


    Slowly the king¡¯s angry look melded with one of helplessness and his face fell to the floor. Semias¡¯ mouth curled into a sneer as he saw the outline of the king¡¯s eyes going red. He turned to the door and slammed it as he left.

 Chapters 10 & 11 & 12 - The Army Comes & Release & Marauders

    Chapter 10:


    The two glared into each other¡¯s face until Vilimont finally spoke. ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    In reply, Helkin reached into the boat and drew out an ax. The damp steel glistened from the moonlight as shadows from the fire danced across the edges.


    Vilimont smiled then turned from the dock.


    ¡°Foleri,¡± he said, ¡°do you remember your orders?¡±


    ¡°Of course, sir,¡± Foleri answered.


    ¡°Make sure you don¡¯t mess them up. We¡¯re counting on you whether we should or not.¡±


    Foleri nodded his head. Vilimont tried to make everyone around him feel incompetent. He had experienced Vilimont¡¯s leadership enough to know answering such a dig did no good. He would get revenge later.


    ¡°Helkin and I are taking a group to talk with the boss,¡± Vilimont continued. ¡°Make sure my army is ready when I¡¯m done.¡±


    Foleri nodded again and watched them go. Real revenge. While he watched them go, he muttered, ¡®All good things take time.¡¯ He then turned back to face the water. From out of the mist a boat appeared. Then another. Then more. Foleri watched them come with an expressionless face.


    Chapter 11:


    ¡°The villain! The scoundrel!¡± Luke paced indignantly back and forth in the dungeon. His heavy footfalls echoed dimly off the damp dungeon lit from high in the wall above by a square of sunlight broken by a metal grate.


    ¡°The churl!¡± he continued before taking a deep breath. At that moment, Anthanasius, who previously sat quietly while watching Luke, started chuckling to himself. Luke ignored his friend as long as he could manage but wheeled about to face him when he broke into a full roaring laugh.


    ¡°What ails you?¡± Luke demanded, ¡°How can you laugh at a time like this?¡±


    Anthanasius slowly got control of himself and regained enough breath to answer. ¡°Did you see how good I got him? I¡¯ve been wanting to do that since I first met him!¡± He started laughing again and Luke couldn¡¯t help but break into a large smile and chuckle along at the memory of Semias tumbling backward.


    Luke left his strangely affected friend and made another pass through their cell. He looked in vain for a weak point. Besides the high window, the heavy door stood as the only break in the slippery stone walls.


    He searched for another hour before giving up and sitting by his friend. The two talked until Anthanasius fell asleep early in the night. Luke stayed awake longer and looked around the perimeter another time for a weakness.


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    ¡°Anthanasius wake up,¡± Luke hissed to rouse his companion, ¡°we¡¯re leaving.¡±


    Anthanasius blinked the sleep from his eyes in dumb amazement. ¡°Executed already?¡± he asked, not understanding at all.


    ¡°What? Of course not. It appears we have a friend. Get up.¡±


    Anthanasius awoke fully, grasped what Luke said to him, and saw their jailor standing beside him with a bundle of his possessions. He jumped to his feet in bewilderment and addressed the jailor. ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡±


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯ve no great affection for Semias. I¡¯ve been meaning to leave and this seems a good blow to that churl.¡± He smiled sidelong at Luke, who colored at having his loss of temper pointed out, but the darkness of the cell mostly hid his embarrassment.


    Though the jailor aided them, leaving the dungeon surreptitiously proved a difficult task. Few around the castle knew the man but he still tried to keep the three and their returned weapons hidden.


    To Luke, the familiar passages and corners seemed interminable before they came to the end of the final winding staircase and he breathed in the cool night air. He looked to the side and saw some score of sentires posted amongst the ramparts. From the distance no one paid them heed so the jailor produced a rope hidden about his person and secured it to the wall.


    ¡°Can you swim?¡± he whispered as he played the rope slowly and silently out.


    ¡°I can today,¡± Luke said, gathering his courage. Anthanasius nodded.


    Then the jailor slipped over the edge gingerly and Luke followed him closely. Anthanasius almost followed but stopped when a sentry turned a corner and headed straight for him. The sentry suspected nothing and walked casually up to Anthanasius with a casual greeting about the weather. Anthanasius strove to conceal the rope by leaning against the merlon and answered him in a rude tone, trying to get the man to pass him by.


    The sentry stopped, though, and asked for the challenge word to prove his position. Anthanasius saw his predicament and struck the man unconscious. He fell to the stone floor silently enough, but Anthanasius couldn¡¯t stop his helmet from falling off and clattering loudly along the wall walk. He grabbed the rope in one hand in alarm and jumped from the wall amid loud shouts from the towers. He caught it with his other hand but nearly slid down the rope in his haste.


    He hit the ground with a sudden thud and could have laid there an hour in pain but slipped instantly into the moat which Luke and their rescuer had already nearly crossed.


    When he reached the other side they helped haul him out. Just then a man from the wall threw a torch which flickered sparingly for a second before it hit the water.


    The three took to their heels and ran for the nearest cover, knowing archers waited for another light.


    A clatter of missiles hissed about them in the dark as they ran. A crossbow bolt fired randomly in the darkness tore through Luke¡¯s jerkin and grazed his arm. The three kept running and stumbled from time to time but the sounds of the arrows rapidly died away along with the angry shouts from the walls.


    Chapter 12:


    The first boat bumped into the dock and Foleri watched the men exit onto the dock. They carried weapons and supplies past him. Two men remained in the boat to guide it away and make room for the next.


    Foleri watched boat after boat come out from the darkness. Each brushed into the dock or crunched the gravel on the shore.


    When the boats stopped coming Foleri turned around and looked at the force spread out in the town. They had ventured deeper into the ruins while looking for shelter and firewood. More fires now dotted the open spaces between the buildings.


    Foleri walked toward the town. He looked around at the exhausted men he needed to form into a force capable of distracting the region of Bronlum for a few weeks.


    His heart beat lighter since the others left him alone. He knew he needed to let the men rest after their brutal journey under Helkin.

 Chapter 13 - False Refreshment

    The inn they happened upon was one of those off the main road meant for the unsavory characters who couldn¡¯t show their faces with the larger world for fear of the king¡¯s men.


    The experienced Anthanasius led the other two into this den, admonishing Luke to not let on he was a soldier. Though it was after midnight when they ducked into the inn, several men sat around a table boasting; some snored loudly with their faces resting directly on the smoothed boards and an empty cup in the other. More sat or slept individually around the fringes and others sat near the embers of the great fireplace, oblivious to the talk and jeers around them. Evidence of a thick smoke still hung in the air from poor ventilation and half-choked them upon first entry.


    Anthanasius prodded the innkeeper, who sat dozing with his feet up and ordered three pints of ale. They sat as apart from the others as they could and soon the innkeeper brought their ale, blinking sleepily and wanting payment. ¡®So ya¡¯ don¡¯ try ¡®n¡¯ slip off i¡¯ I sle¡¯p,¡¯ he said.


    They paid the score and sat brooding while listening to the rough voices around them. The largest man at the table pounded on the table with a great fist and called to the innkeeper to bring him another glass. One of his ears was missing entirely; evidence of poaching. This look gave more menace to his person, if he needed more beyond his scarred angry face, wild eyes, rough hair, and tattered clothes.


    Ulric pulled his hood low over his face suddenly and whispered to his comrades, ¡°I know that loud fellow; it¡¯s Viktor Blackwell. We kept him in the king¡¯s gaol a few years back for many murders and poaching deer.¡±


    While he said this, Viktor took to loudly abusing the innkeeper for his slow service.The listless starer about the fireplace didn¡¯t take any notice of this, as if Viktor commonly behaved this way.


    Just then as they prepared to leave, a small conniving man Luke noticed watching them from a corner by a window slipped into the open seat at their table and grinned around with a few teeth.


    ¡°My frien¡¯s, don¡¯t be going so soon.¡¯ he said in a creaking, laughing voice. ¡°This reelly is a jolly plac¡¯ and I¡¯d fain see yah stay long¡¯r.¡±


    ¡°We have places to be and cannot tarry,¡± Anthanasius said in a rough voice.


    ¡°Oh dear me, oh dear me. Three traveling a¡¯ night¡¯s dangerous business,¡± he began, mostly to himself. ¡°Whate¡¯r are ye runnin¡¯ from, and witho¡¯ horses if mine ears din¡¯ misgive me?¡± he finished with a questioning chuckle.


    ¡°Are there horses in these parts?¡± The jailor, Ulric, asked in a disguised voice.


    ¡°In sooth, I¡¯m jus¡¯ the man you thre¡¯ need. Ye¡¯ shou¡¯ bless yer stars Cyran the Just was near and offer¡¯d his priz¡¯d young nags to ye¡¯ fer on¡¯y...¡± here he took to coughing and wheezing all three thought was fake, and kept it up until Luke pushed his half-full cup to him in agitation. He drank it rapidly and sighed.


    ¡°Ah, I than¡¯ ye fro¡¯ me hear¡¯ fo¡¯ tha¡¯ kin¡¯ness, frien¡¯d. For an old man whos¡¯ spent ¡®is lif¡¯ fer oth¡¯es a mere goo¡¯dr¡¯nk¡¯s har¡¯ ta come by. When ya lay on yer de¡¯thbed I pray tha¡¯ the good saints rem¡¯ber the help ya¡¯ ofr¡¯d to poor Cyran the Just an¡¯ make yer pass¡¯ge tha¡¯ much mor¡¯ painless,¡± he continued on, biding his time and eyeing they over carefully, trying to gauge how much they would willingly pay. And how hurried they were. He rambled on; ¡°Once I, must a be¡¯n nigh a score a ye¡¯rs past, walk¡¯d fo¡¯ two whole days¡¯n ni¡¯hts wth¡¯ou so much a,¡± here Ulric interrupted him.


    ¡°You have three horses here?¡±


    ¡°Bless ya man, I do indeed.¡± He again took to coughing pitifully until Ulric finally slid his cup to the man, who drank it greedily. Anthanasius finished his drink at the same time, making sure Cyran saw all the drink at the table was gone. At the end of his second drink he sighed again as he did at the first but looked mournful at Anthanasius¡¯ empty cup, but quickly recovered at the next question.


    ¡°Are they for sale?¡± Luke demanded.


    Here was the chance he waited for. The three men desperately required haste. Not only that, but their faces spoke of a different life. One with more gold. He always relished taking advantage of people who sought to deal with him, especially if they held the short end of the stick.


    Cyran feigned taken aback, ¡°Wha¡¯, all thre¡¯? Ya¡¯ do me hur¡¯ I ca¡¯t refuse. Now how¡¯ll po¡¯r me take me goods to market. Hors¡¯s good a¡¯ these don¡¯ come oft to a king¡¯s co¡¯rt. If I sell me¡¯ young nags, I might r¡¯in mysel¡¯. Anoth¡¯r po¡¯r¡­¡±


    Anthanasius saw through the man¡¯s stories and doubted the horses wouldn¡¯t be worth even half what was requested. Cyran continued on with many more laments trying to pull the strings of their hearts until he interrupted him.


    ¡°We¡¯ll  give you two silver coins each and that¡¯s more than they¡¯re worth.¡± he injected bluntly.


    The man acted horrified and whined pathetically, ¡°Bu, but, m¡¯ hors¡¯s ar¡¯ so youn¡¯ and fit fer knights o¡¯ leg¡¯nd. I can¡¯t le¡¯ them go at such a¡­¡±


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    Anthansius stood up; it was now his turn to play the miser, so he said to his friends, ¡°If we can¡¯t afford horses, then we need to continue now.¡±


    The others stood up and made to leave but Cyran wouldn¡¯t lose so easily; two silver coins each he knew was well over what they were worth, but he made one last flattering pinch.


    ¡°Sers, ye se¡¯m in right tr¡¯uble an¡¯ I wan¡¯to ¡®elp ya out; I¡¯ll sell ya thos¡¯ three bea¡¯tiful horses ah mine with th¡¯ harness an¡¯ trap¡¯ings an¡¯ baggage includ¡¯e fer four sil¡¯ers each.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll give you seven for the lot including harness but you can keep your baggage.¡± Anthanasius replied while walking to the door. He knew well from Cyran¡¯s personality the baggage would be absolutely worthless, and didn¡¯t want it even if there happened to be something valuable in it.


    Viktor Blackwell and his crowd grew progressively more rowdy and he wanted to get at least Ulric out the door. He opened the door to keep Cyran¡¯s desperation up and let Ulric out.


    Just then from the table they heard a booming voice, ¡°We¡¯ll all have another one on them.¡± Cheering erupted as the inn suddenly woke from the stupor.


    Anthanasius grabbed Luke¡¯s arm as he was walking out, ¡°Get the horses ready and keep sharp ears.¡± He released Luke and handed him the necessary money to pay Cyran who eagerly followed him out. Anthanasius stood alone at the door with the crowd inside calling for him to buy them all more drinks.


    ¡°What do you look to a footsore traveler for? I just gave my money to buy horses from the small man outside,¡± he said.


    Viktor Blackwell and another large rogue with him acted as spokesmen for the group and strode forward.


    ¡°Well, maybe he¡¯ll want to buy us some too,¡± Viktor said as he and his friend each produced a short sword.


    The idlers pounded on the tables and hooted mockingly as Anthanasius pulled his own sword from under his cloak. Viktor was half a head taller than Anthanasius and his friend was nearly of equal height. They didn¡¯t expect to find their victim resist, though, and this set them looking sidelong while the innkeeper scurried forward to usher them outside.


    ¡°No, gentlemen, no. Please take this outside if you must, but not in here; I won¡¯t have my inn messed.¡±


    Anthanasius needed no second urging and began moving from his corner cautiously to give himself more room to use his weapon. He didn¡¯t doubt he could best the two giants before him, but he didn¡¯t trust them to fight with honor and they also might not follow him where his friends waited.


    But before he could, they lunged on him. He parried both cuts in one smooth motion and kicked Viktor¡¯s friend a hard kick in the ribs. Enraged, they pounced again and pushed him back a ways, but not without cost. Viktor took a grazing cut across his forehead which set blood flowing into his eyes. Viktor staggered back in surprise but gathered himself quickly for another raging dash.


    Anthanasius took this second to back through the open door, barely dodging an empty cup thrown at his head.


    ¡°Ha! Is a pint of your blood worth a pint of ale!¡± he taunted once he stood in the moonlit clearing.


    To Anthanasius¡¯s surprise, they charged through the door followed by three more large friends. Luke drew his own sword and ran to his aid. Perhaps it wouldn¡¯t have gone so well for them, but their five assailants¡¯ heads swam from overmuch ale and only knew the training of barbarity to pit against the two sober and battle-tested defendants.


    The horses waited while Ulric sat atop one and held another rein on each side. Cyran disappeared as soon as Ulric paid him as if fearing someone might make a design on his money and that left eight men out in front of the disreputable inn.


    Anthanasius dodged left and ducked under a sweeping cut from one of the new arrivals, giving him a slice to remember in his side. The man roared and fell to the ground clutching his gaping wound. Three others turned swiftly and bloody Viktor led the assault. The drunken man made up for his lack of swordsmanship with wild rage and hatred. Blow after crushing blow they rained down on Anthanasius¡¯s sword so fast he barely managed to move into fresh positions.


    They pushed him back with terrible blows. Neither party gave a wound but Anthanasius visibly began to tire.  He called loudly for Luke and fell on his back.


    Luke only faced Viktor''s first friend who proved a worthy match. He lept deftly from side to side dodging but couldn¡¯t get within his area of guard. Finally Luke saw an opening for a fraction of a second and thrust his blade at his opponent¡¯s sword arm. Blood flowed down and dripped on the ground in large red drops. Both knew Luke¡¯s victory was near when Luke heard Anthanasius call his name. He delivered a blow which would have ended the fight if he pursued it, but turning from his stunned enemy, he saw Anthanasius fall to the ground beset by three others.


    Luke ran wildly to his friend¡¯s aid while crying a warrior¡¯s yell and covered the score of paces in no time. Viktor turned to Luke and dodged out of his way barely in time to save his head. Luke wheeled around and defended his friend from overtop until he could stand back up.


    With both friends on their feet and together, another enemy soon fell wounded followed by another who fell dead from a cut in his neck. At this Viktor Blackwell, dripping with blood from many additional cuts, backed off and glared at them with hatred before going into the inn and slamming the door.


    In the end, Anthanasius and Luke didn¡¯t escape unscathed; each received a number of small cuts from lack of armor, but nothing serious. Ulric didn¡¯t take part in the battle for freedom but, as he had been the king¡¯s official jailor just hours before, he instinctively took a prisoner and bound him with his belt.


    Anthanasius chuckled at this and said they couldn¡¯t bring anyone with them, so they released him to join his other surviving friends for a miserable recovery in the inn. The three took flight on their horses before he reached the door of the inn and clattered off in the night.

 Chapter 14 - Flight to Safety

    Anthanasius, Luke, and Ulric rode on amongst the trees in better spirits at having taken some light refreshment at the inn.


    The sun¡¯s light only began to break over the eastern horizon and soon seemed to spread  brighter colours blazing across the sky. Fighting for their lives affected Anthanasius and Luke little, for these were rough times and, since they received little in the way of hurt, it hardly remained in their minds. True, all received wounds; some severe, and one they left dead, but everyone who fell did so only by his own willingness to cut another¡¯s throat for pride and drink.


    The sun seemed to reflect this new cleansing of the world as the yellow star flamed into view with more grand majesty than usual.


    The three rode quickly at first to distance themselves from the inn, but the horses tired easily and soon slowed to a trot.


    Anthanasius broke their silence first with the most necessary question all considered, ¡°Tell me Ulric, where do you mean to go now you are an enemy of the king?¡±


    Ulric scratched his head, ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking of that for a couple months. I¡¯ve no kin in these parts; perhaps that¡¯s best, but I have a brother by Tunmost far to the northwest I could bide with for a bit. Then I could take to a new trade and maybe even find me a wife. I haven¡¯t met many lasses as the king¡¯s jailor.¡±


    ¡°Luke and I are heading to Echo Slope. We¡­¡± Anthanasius started, but Ulric cut in.


    ¡°What madness makes ye go there! Don¡¯t you know that was King Hugh¡¯s second home?¡±


    ¡°The circumstances of our arrest were completely unfounded. I hope the king will drop the charges. And if not,¡± he said, falling into a brooding silence, ¡°if not, then I hope to reach Echo Slope before news of our arrest does.¡±


    Ulric broke the silence after a few more miles once their horses were sufficiently rested, ¡°By my sword, that scoundrel Cyran saw us coming a mile away; he said he only had these three horses but when I went ¡®round with him there were five. Of course he rode off with the best two as soon as I paid him.¡±


    ¡°In sooth,¡± Anthanasius replied, turning around in his saddle, ¡°these horses aren¡¯t anything special, but I more expected them to be small and starving.¡±


    ¡°We overpaid what they were worth, but to us moving quickly is worth whatever we have.¡± Luke said and kicked his horse in the sides to start into a canter with his friends following.


    They rode all day and woke early the next morning. After a few hours¡¯ riding between canter, trot, and walk, Ulric slowed and his new friends followed suit. They pulled on the reins of their horses to spin around and looked at Ulric; knowing, but not speaking for a space.


    He looked from one to the other and finally spoke, ¡°If you¡¯re ever up by Tunmost, my brother¡¯s name is Guerric. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll take a new name, but he¡¯ll surely know of you. And by my sword you two are the stoutest fighters my eyes ever saw; you saved me the trouble of dismounting to help you.¡±


    Anthanasius tossed a leather pouch onto the man¡¯s lap. It jingled when it landed. Ulric said, ¡°No, friend, I¡¯ve not much but you already bought me this horse. I couldn¡¯t take more.¡±


    He tried to hand the pouch back but Anthanasius kept one hand on his leg and the other holding his reins.


    ¡°We value our freedom more than those coins,¡± he began. ¡°You¡¯ll need them while starting a new life in Tunmost.¡±


    Ulric looked down gratefully and nodded his thanks. Luke rode closer and said, ¡°I pray we¡¯ll meet again this side of paradise.¡± Continuing with a twinkle in his eye he said, ¡°And I hope, Ulric, that you took no offense at us breaking from prison and holding you at knifepoint to escape.¡±


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    The light flashed even brighter in Ulric¡¯s eyes as he fabricated more of his story, ¡°You did make things look rather bad for me so I can¡¯t go back, but by my sword you can¡¯t be all bad to have released me.¡±


    They all laughed at this and embraced roughly from the saddles. Then Ulric turned his horse¡¯s head to a different path and galloped away through the thinning woods, turning around and waving his cap before vanishing from sight.


    Anthanasius and Luke rode on through the warming morning. They met a few people here and there over the next three days and more once they joined onto a more frequented path that would lead them to Echo Slope. Most groups they met paid them little heed as they passed on the dusty road, but an occasional passerby would watch them over his shoulder and wonder to his companions about the two men with ragged horses.


    They trotted their horses when they could, but those times became more intermittent as the day warmed. Occasional dirt paths wove through fields of young wheat and rye before widening out at last at a distant farmplace.


    Luke turned to Anthanasius and asked, ¡°Tell me Anthanasius, what protection will Lord Marillac offer us fearing wrath from the king? It concerns me much as it is my head concerned the same as yours.¡±


    ¡°Lord Marillac offered me,¡± he began slowly, ¡°or rather craved of me, to partake in a tournament later this month. If I can gain his word of honor to let us partake in it; I believe he would hold true.¡±


    ¡°And if the king ordered him to hand us over?¡± Luke pressed him.


    ¡°I¡¯d doubt he truly ordered it.¡± Anthanasius said simply and suddenly reined his horse onto its back legs and spun a quick circle on the path to the amazement of passersby. As soon as the horse¡¯s hooves touched down he reined back up but this time the exhausted animal collapsed towards its back. Anthanasius instantly slipped from the stirrups and landed safely next to the kicking legs as he sought to calm it.


    Luke stopped and laughed, ¡°Your opinion won¡¯t matter much if you¡¯re in a dungeon.¡±


    Anthanasius smiled at Luke, urged his horse to its feet and, still holding the bridle, started again.


    The two crossed over a muddy puddle between two hills when they heard a shout from behind the further hill. Looking to the sky, they saw a small white speck rising higher and higher into the cloudless sky. They recognized the speck as a falcon and hurried their horses to the top of the hill to watch.


    As the falcon spotted a target a half mile below, it rolled onto its back and swooped into a dive. A group of ducks at the edge of a pond in the distance fluttered and took to flight, but too late; the bird of prey chose its target and closed in at over two hundred miles per hour.


    It pulled up and skimmed the top of the duck, driving it¡¯s beak into the bird¡¯s back so rapidly the onlookers only saw it fall as the falcon passed overhead. The three friends heard the hunting party cheer again as it fell and saw it for the first time as the gaily dressed men and women rode towards the fallen bird seeking to reclaim their falcon and its prey.


    Anthanasius and Luke walked slowly through a meadow to reach the happy party and recognized Lord Marillac before they got close. He wore a heavy leather glove on his left hand to hold his prized animal. Aside from practical ware, they noted he wore a dark green jerkin and an ornamental hat, and sat upon a large white horse, richly decorated.


    ¡°Why hello, my friends,¡± he cried as they rode up. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you back before the feast of Firstwinter,¡± he continued, jumping from his horse and striving to reclaim his bird.


    He let it eat a bit of the duck it hunted before placing it back on his gloved wrist and tying the leather strap to its leg. His falcon secured, he stood up and walked over to the two newcomers to give them a proper welcome.


    He obviously expected nothing.


    ¡°Halloa, Luke. And you Anthanasius, have you come to partake in my tournament after all?¡± he laughed, beaming as Luke dismounted.


    ¡°I have.¡± Anthanasius answered, ¡°Indeed I need some time away from the wars. A tournament will be just the thing.¡±


    ¡°I crave your word that I may participate as well, mylord,¡± Luke said, bowing.


    ¡°Certainly you shall,¡± Lord Marillac responded. He then dropped his wrist down and a young boy standing nearby secured a hood over the falcon¡¯s head. A plume in the same rich colors as Lord Marillac¡¯s horse ornamented the hood. The falcon flapped its powerful wings a few times, pulling his arm up and ringing the bell attached to its foot before calming.


    ¡°A peregrine falcon, I believe?¡± Luke asked.


    ¡°Quite so, and one of my best.¡±


    The boy, having finished his task, walked a few paces away.


    ¡°And now, what happened to your horses? They look all but spoiled,¡± he chided them.


    Anthanasius hesitantly answered after a moment¡¯s pause. ¡°That may be better... answered in private.¡±


    Lord Marillac looked seriously at Anthanasius and nodded once before turning abruptly back to his waiting mount.

 Chapter 15 - Recapture

    Lord Marillac led his hawking party back along the now well-traveled road leading to Echo Slope. His good humor resumed once they began the ride and he chatted with his unexpected guests about nothing in particular. At Lord Marillac¡¯s order Anthanasius and Luke swapped for fresh horses with two of his attendants and rode along on either side of the lord.


    Presently, the party passed a score of archers from Echo Slope who greeted them in a rough jesting way. Anthanasius knew many of them and knew it to be an abrasive party, but all were good men and would willingly fight to the death to save a friend. Anthanasius guessed their object but asked Lord Marillac anyway.


    ¡°Those men are heading to reinforce a patrol in Rowaton Forest. After your close encounters I thought it prudent to increase our presence to show the Shalmen they can¡¯t mess with this region,¡± he said. ¡°Give me a warning of a few days to get my people inside with provisions and water and we¡¯ll wait years for them to grow bored of a siege! We¡¯ve a good well and large cisterns!¡±


    He continued his discourse on the defensive capabilities of Echo Slope with much passion. ¡°Certainly they can burn the houses around and block relief from coming, but they can¡¯t stop the sun. What with our stores and the interior space we¡¯ll allocate to crops if it comes to that we can wait without fear.¡±


    ¡°From atop that wonderful plateau so wonderfully provided to our people by Eshua,¡± he went on, motioning to the castle under his command, ¡°no marauders can reach us. Three sides protected with natural formations will defend as well as our wall atop, and the fourth side will be all but inaccessible to siege engines with my soldiers rolling boulders down at them. Our bows are marvelous enough as you both know; but firing downhill as the enemy fires uphill. Ha!¡±


    After the excited lord finished, he fell to talking with Luke, who showed interest before, about his falcon. Luke extolled it; noting in turn the pattern of its plumage, its solid legs, razor talons, and the powerful wingspan.


    They continued in this fashion, with Lord Marillac having a pleasant word for everyone they passed by, until the base of the plateau, where the ever-popular lord conversed so much with others that the idle talk of the falcon ceased rapidly.


    After passing through several progressively stronger and stouter gatehouses, the hunting party entered the opening of the keep. The same boy who previously secured the falcon to Lord Marillac¡¯s arm in the field now came up again to continue his work, but Lord Marillac declined his service.


    ¡°No, thank you, James, not this time. I will take him to the mews myself. It will be good for me to see the other birds again and wish to show some friends.¡±


    With that he dismounted and said, ¡°But you may help Gerard with this.¡± He handed the boy the reins then turned and walked towards the mews, followed by Anthanasius and Luke.


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    Lord Marillac pushed the door open and led the way into the mews. Dozens of grand birds lined most edges of the room and a workbench used the rest of the space. The lord walked to a grand pedestal and deposited his peregrine there among the others. He replaced the field jesses with heavier straps for the mews and the bird turned about peacefully to face the wall, resting content in the completed job. Many of the hawks and falcons stood on one leg, gripping the perch gently but immovably with their razor talons, and keeping the other leg tucked into their body.


    Luke felt as if standing among a company of knights, so noble was the sight of the hooded figures, awaiting, statue-like, the battle. The sounds outside the mews instantly ceased as his imagination overcame him and took him on a journey through mountain passes and across moors, tramping stately to battle the heathens of a faraway land. Steel clashed on steel and razor weapons stuck into wood with a thud amid a terrible din all about, but the line of knights stood like a bulwark, giving courage to their comrades against fearful odds. A strong breeze caught the banner and flung it wide as a rallying point, showing the insignia: a falcon.


    After the space of dreaming, Luke roused himself and heeded Lord Marillac, ¡°There we go. Now then, let¡¯s see what you know about birds of prey.¡±


    Luke moved in closer to see the birds with more ease as Lord Marillac showed his great interest and knowledge of birds. He motioned first to a plump bird, tawny on its back and cream-coloured underneath, beset with black triangular specks throughout and flanked by carefully folded gray wings.


    ¡°The kestrel is small compared to my peregrine, but hunts in a wonderful way of its own; it might stay low to the ground, waiting to stir up small animals the others can dive upon.¡± Lord Marillac said, motioning to two other kestrels, standing with their bright yellow feet gripping iron-like to their perches.


    ¡°And here,¡± he continued, moving down the line, ¡°we have a merlin for Lady Marillac.¡±


    Luke leaded closer to see a dark plumed bird with a curved beak sticking through its hood. It stood, hunched and brooding, but not asleep, and turned to face Luke as he leaned in.


    Luke stood back startled and turned to see Lord Marillac and Anthanasius laughing. ¡°A feisty bird for your lady, don¡¯t you think?¡± he asked, turning red and striving to avert their attention from his surprise.


    ¡°The female merlin beside that one is for Lady Marillac,¡± he answered, still smiling largely but mercifully moving on to show the goshawks. He continued showing them his birds for several more minutes, ignoring a slight disturbance out in the forecourt signaling the arrival of another party. Presently the door to the mew opened and a soldier they recognized stepped in and said, ¡°Lord Marillac, there is¡ª¡± here he stuttered as he saw Anthanasius and Luke, but he collected himself and continued, ¡°there is a messenger from Rohalot Castle here to speak with you.¡±


    ¡°Tell him I¡¯m busy with important matters.¡± snapped Lord Marillac severely. He waited a few seconds before breaking into his customary laugh. ¡°Oh all right, I¡¯ll come out in a moment.¡± Turning to address his companions he said, ¡°We¡¯ll have to conclude this another time, but I¡¯m not in a hurry. Anytime before the tournament works for me.¡±


    The soldier waited at the door for Lord Marillac to finish and turned to follow him without looking at Anthanasius or Luke.


    After a brief space of silence Luke asked his more experienced friend, ¡°What condition are the dungeons here?¡±

 Chapter 16 - Resolutions

    ¡°Not as bad as I thought they would be, really,¡± Luke said, trying to keep in good spirits in the dungeon. ¡°We have a window and even a dry floor this time.¡±


    ¡°I expected Lord Marillac by now,¡± mused Anthanasius.


    ¡°You still think he¡¯ll come, eh?¡±


    ¡°I think so; I said we had private business to discuss with him and we never got the chance. Plus he wouldn¡¯t have given you all these luxuries if he believed the story.¡±


    The two smiled at each other¡¯s jests then instantly, as if awaiting a summons from around the corner, they heard footsteps approaching. They were the steps of a single man walking with a purpose. The two recognized who they expected to see; Lord Marillac. He rattled a key in the lock and left it there while he stepped into their cell.


    He stood looking at them for a while and then spoke. ¡°You said you needed to discuss private matters with me?¡± He spoke calmly and without great concern, seemingly unaware of where they stood or the obvious topic of discussion.


    Anthanasius responded, ¡°I¡¯m glad you don¡¯t believe it, mylord.¡±


    Lord Marillac leaned against the wall and folded his arms; still keeping a kindly demeanor. ¡°None of my generals do either; I¡¯ve just come from talking with them. Why don¡¯t you tell me what happened?¡±


    Luke spoke up to Lord Marillac for the first time. ¡°Anthanasius went to visit the king and see what troubled him; he didn¡¯t look at either of us during the return feast and avoided us as best he could. The advisor Semias Norworth framed us with a cowardly scream when we were alone with him and had us arrested without a defense. We broke out of course, urm, alone and¡­¡±


    Lord Marillac smiled fully and nodded. ¡°With the jailor as hostage; I understand.¡±


    Anthanssius continued, ¡°We took lesser-frequented paths and happened on a disreputable inn where we bought the horses you mentioned earlier.¡±


    Lord Marillac waited for the story to conclude before speaking. ¡°That is nigh the same story as what¡¯s going about. You know popular opinion doesn¡¯t matter much when decisions are made for King Nigel. I¡¯ve not seen him for months but Boniface told me.¡±


    The two said nothing but nodded solemnly.


    ¡°It¡¯s a delicate business to be sure.¡± Lord Marillac mumbled as he looked distractedly at the stone floor. ¡°If I release you outright¡­¡±


    He shifted his weight and said in his commanding voice, ¡°I have no intention to let Semias harm you. If he forces us to join his game he will find there¡¯s one who can be more cunning than he. Follow me.¡±


    The two followed Lord Marillac without a word as he turned on his heel. This side of his personality had enabled him to rise to King Hugh¡¯s most trusted Lord. The jesting, good natured diplomat shone from his spirit most often, but when required, a lion sprang forth in decisive action that only the most foolish would doubt.


    His footsteps fell heavily and he said in the same low commanding voice which gave Anthanasius and Luke a thrilling tingle up and down their backs, ¡°There are good men left in Rohalot. He¡¯ll never hold an army to his back without a dagger sticking from it.¡±


    ¡°Thomas, have the messengers from Rohalot gone?¡± asked Lord Marillac as soon as he emerged from a passageway near them.


    ¡°I, sir I,¡± faltered the steward at seeing the unbending face of his lord and the should-be prisoners with him, ¡°I do not know, sir; I will find out directly.¡±


    ¡°Tell them nothing,¡± Lord Marillac said and then led on while the steward scurried away to inquire of the party.


    He stopped again and said in a more kindly voice, ¡°Young Percy, would you be so kind as to have your master come to the council room, and have Olin send Sir Rothbur, too.¡±


    Squire Percy stood a moment with a gaping smile before Lord Marillac at the honor done him to be sent on an important errand between the knights and the lord of the castle. He hurried off as rapidly as his legs would carry him after a word of urging from Lord Marillac.


    Lord Marillac, Anthanasius, and Luke continued on and soon came to the council room. The door stood mostly closed and Lord Marillac pushed abruptly in, disturbing those of his officers still left from before his interview with Anthanasius and Luke. One seated across the table nodded solemnly as they entered, as if fully understanding everything that would befall from the mere sight of them entering.


    After a few minutes mostly filled with a deliberative silence, Sir Rothbur entered quietly. His simple tunic didn¡¯t allude to his title, but his hard-set eyes and kindly smile betokened him a knight to those who didn¡¯t know him. He looked around as he entered and remarked simply, ¡°Mighty unexpected, this, but as good now as ever.¡±


    Squire Percy¡¯s master Sir Rowlin followed Sir Rothbur not far behind. With what speed he sat, one might have thought the thin man somewhat enfeebled, but all present knew that, when necessary, he would spring to a fight with sword swinging fit to cleave a limb should it hit home.


    As he took his seat the door opened and Squire Percy poked his head in and he said, ¡°Steward Thomas said the party from Rohalot Castle left an hour ago.¡± He left and closed the door without waiting for a reply.


    Lord Marillac stood at the head of the table and looked gravely around, speaking again in his unbending voice, his eyes still shining with determination. ¡°There comes a time in certain lifetimes when good men need to stand up for dignity. We¡¯ve been blinded for too long and know it now.¡±


    He paused a few moments, then continued with a more mellow voice, ¡°You all now know Semias is behind this, and he knows I don¡¯t like him more than pea soup. That¡¯s my folly. He wouldn¡¯t have visited even with the kingdom in peace, but now is apparently his time to act.¡±


    Sir Rowlin interrupted, ¡°If word reaches his ears¡ªwhich it will¡ªthat we caught wind of him, what¡¯s the king¡¯s life worth?¡±


    ¡°Not much, for sure,¡± Lord Marillac resumed, ¡°but if I know anything about Semias, he runs deeper than what we see.¡±


    He turned and faced Anthanasius and Luke, ¡°You two are the most recent here to visit Rohalot. Do you have any more information about current affairs?¡±


    Anthanasius shifted in his chair and leaned forward to the table, ¡°King Nigel isn¡¯t a puppet yet. When Luke and I talked alone with him for mere minutes preceding our arrest, he started to become himself again. As long as Cajetan and Boniface are there, things cannot degrade too fast.¡±


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    ¡°Semias wouldn¡¯t dare kill King Nigel,¡± stated Sir Rothbur. ¡°The outrage would be tremendous.¡±


    ¡°How is the King¡¯s position with the people?¡± queried another knight.


    Luke answered, ¡°I wasn¡¯t there long but I didn¡¯t hear a bad word spoken of him.¡±


    ¡°That is comforting,¡± Lord Marillac said simply, heading slowly toward the window. ¡°I wonder if Boniface and Cajetan are safe?¡±


    ¡°Did you speak with many of the knights there?¡± someone asked Anthanasius.


    ¡°A few; they all seemed positive and patriotic. Now that you mention it, our arrest wasn¡¯t with much hardihood by the soldiers I recognized. If Semias gave the king a chance to stop it he would have; it happened incredibly fast and we were out of his presence.¡±


    From his post by the window, Lord Marillac mused, ¡°So they only act on perceived orders and no-one apparently opposes the King. What¡¯s his game?¡±


    He leaned his palms heavily on the sill and hunched his shoulders, gazing to the forecourt below.


    He still stared out when Sir Rothbur spoke, ¡°We need to convey what we¡¯ve discussed to Cajetan, Boniface, and a few others in Rohalot Castle without delay. Some of us should go and I volunteer my services.¡±


    Another knight, Sir Brian, spoke for the first time and showed his willingness.


    ¡°We will be discreet, but of course there must be a pretext for going,¡± he said as he turned to Lord Marillac.


    ¡°Certainly, certainly,¡± Lord Marillac replied distractedly. ¡°Getting word into Rohalot will be the easy part, but getting the king away from Semias¡¯ control may prove impossible.¡±


    Lord Marillac turned suddenly away from the window and looked toward Anthanasius, ¡°Everything was fine when you arrived at the castle, but what about now that you escaped? Semias isn¡¯t one to let a moment for advantage slip by. Your fabricated regicide is more believable now.¡±


    ¡°The more reason to leave today,¡± Sir Rothbur said, standing up. ¡°Sir Brian and I can determine the mind of the people and talk with some knights.¡±


    ¡°Sit down, Sir Rothbur,¡± Lord Marillac said placidly, himself returning to his chair. ¡°I appreciate your willingness, but do not make so bold with a delicate mission. This doesn¡¯t appear life-or-death yet, though it may soon become that.¡±


    ¡°Here¡¯s what I have in mind.¡± He closed his eyes after he sat and continued, ¡°It would do the king good to get out for a change of scenery and distract his mind from the war. Where better to do that than Echo Slope, where he has not been for some time? Unreasonable? No. Possible? No, because Semias is not reasonable and he¡¯s certainly thought of that. We could have Semias killed outright, but he knows that as well.¡±


    He turned to Anthanasius and asked, ¡°You likely didn¡¯t notice many new faces at Rohalot?¡±


    ¡°It truth, sir,¡± he replied, ¡°I noticed a few, but there usually are some.¡±


    Lord Marillac rested his chin on one fist and crossed his chest with the other arm. After sitting brooding for a minute, he stood again and walked to the window. Reaching it, he turned around with conviction and said, ¡°I will send Sir Rothbur, Sir Brian, and Sir Amis to Rohalot. You three will communicate with Boniface and Cajetan what we just discussed. You are prudent enough to know what you should say. Further, as you all know, I¡¯m holding a tournament in three weeks. I will write to King Nigel expressing my desire to have him as my honoured guest. He likely will not come, but judge accordingly.¡±


    Lord Marillac turned and dictated a message for another to write. Once completed, he read it over then sealed it in wax with his personal stamp. He handed it to Sir Brian with the admonition of giving it directly to King Nigel.


    Sir Rothbur stirred in his chair but Lord Marillac arrested his movement with a gesture of his hand and additional speech. ¡°One more thing. I received word many days ago requesting troops to aid Brownstone Castle.¡±


    Sir Rowlin frowned and stirred for the first time. ¡°A message from Lord Cyprius? Why wouldn¡¯t he request troops? He¡¯s been fighting this war almost entirely by himself. I can think of nothing more logical for him to do.¡±


    Lord Marillac continued speaking to all, indirectly answering the knight, ¡°I found the message upon my desk with no indication of its origin. None of my stewards saw anyone near my chamber, either.¡±


    Anthanasius interrupted, ¡°Did it arrive before Luke and I left?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it did;¡± he said, ¡°immediately before. I stepped away from my rooms for a brief time that morning and returned to find it clearly sitting where I was meant to find it right away.¡±


    Anthanasius and Luke looked at each other, then to Lord Marillac as Luke spoke, ¡°Boniface was a little late coming down the slope...but he would never¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, certainly not,¡± Lord Marillac interjected. ¡°He was meeting with me.¡±


    ¡°What about?¡± Sir Rothbur demanded.


    ¡°He wanted to discuss¡­¡± Lord Marillac began, before drifting away to a million thoughts. Boniface initially sowed the seeds of treason they now discussed. Boniface wanted to meet in private immediately before departure. A divided kingdom would be easier to conquer, and what better way than to fuel discontent among the lords of the most powerful regions. Could he be working with Semias, trying to deflect the blame from the more obvious threat, obscuring reality?


    Lord Marillac¡¯s heart cried out to him for his treachery against an old friend, but in the instant those thoughts occupied his mind, Luke caught his hesitation and said, ¡°I would trust Boniface with my life, and don¡¯t suspect him of anything.¡±


    Sir Rothbur shrugged. ¡°I was just asking.¡±


    Lord Marillac shook his head lightly to refocus and said, ¡°No, I don¡¯t suspect him of anything either, I simply lost concentration there. He wanted to warn me about the king¡¯s unusual behavior¡ªjust make me aware of it. Besides, I had already found the letter by then.¡±


    ¡°So you think,¡± began another knight, Sir Amis, ¡°that it could be a trap? Did it ask for a specific number of troops?¡±


    In answer, Lord Marillac reached into the folds of his robe and produced an ordinary-looking letter. ¡°You all might as well see it,¡± he said. He reached forward to hand it to Sir Rothbur, who sat nearest.


    Sir Rothbur briefly examined the outside, opened it, held it to the light, and mumbled, ¡°Nothin¡¯,¡± before beginning to read as follows:


    Lord Marillac of Echo Slope,


    Please, my good friend, send reinforcements immediately to Bronlum. The king ignores my pleading. Our foothold is weak and grows more precarious with each battle. They keep coming.


    ¡°There is no signature nor mark of any kind to identify it,¡± Sir Rothbur said as he laid the letter in front of him.


    ¡°I should have said earlier that the writer mentioned the king,¡± began Lord Marillac. ¡°I¡¯ve also considered that Lord Cyprius could be testing my willingness to sidestep King Nigel¡¯s authority and take matters into our own hands. He is clever.¡±


    ¡°What concerns me,¡± Sir Amis stated, ¡°is how he says they keep coming. I¡¯m amazed he¡¯s been able to hold out so long¡ªdelighted, but still amazed and I think we should fully support our countrymen in their request.¡±


    A general murmur of assent passed around the table and everyone looked at Lord Marillac to see what he would do. He sat in his chair again and as he passed his eyes across the room to meet each one¡¯s gaze before speaking, he smiled inwardly at all these brave spirits.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad I have your support. We will send a company of tenscore men to Lord Cyprius¡¯ aid commanded by Anthanasius and Luke. More may follow depending on how many we send to Rohalot,¡± said Lord Marillac, again in his commanding voice. ¡°It will be good to get you two farther from Semias¡¯ knowledge. Take Siadhal with you and send word when you can. This is hardly treason given the circumstances, but we mustn''t act rashly. Sir Rothbur, Sir Amis, and Sir Brian will leave immediately for Rohalot. Tomorrow I will give the order to prepare for your departure, Anthanasius, and the following day you will depart.¡±


    ¡°As long as we can enter and leave Rohalot before Semias learns you¡¯re moving troops without the king¡¯s orders.¡± Sir Brian said, standing to go with Sir Rothbur and Sir Amis.


    ¡°We¡¯ll prepare the horses; send the letter along quickly,¡± said Sir Rothbur, turning and opening the door.


    All others stood and made to go. Before the three could leave, though, Lord Marillac said, ¡°Anthanasius and Luke never arrived here and must be in hiding as far as Semias needs to know. And I think, just to see how matters unfold, it would be best for you to stay there awhile.¡±


    Without saying a word, Sir Amis, Sir Brian, and Sir Rothbur bowed and left through the now open door. The others left also and Luke prepared to follow. As they remained the only two in the room, he turned to Lord Marillac to say something, but faltered at seeing a foreign expression on his face.


    ¡°How...¡± he began, ¡°What is it, mylord?¡±


    Lord Marillac replied, ¡°Spread thinner yet; what chance has a divided kingdom?¡±

 Chapter 17 - Threats

    Sir Brian, Sir Rothbur, and Sir Amis traveled the same route Anthanasius and Luke did preceding their arrest, but with greater haste as they traveled without the company of merchants and their carts. That, and they wanted to settle their business as far as possible before any alarm of revolt arose.


    Early the fourth day, they arrived at a welcoming city. All three knew it well from years of service to King Nigel, and riding into the yawning gate in the early-morning light with sounds of farmers calling to their animals, it seemed impossible the pastoral scene could disguise Semias Norworth¡¯s treachery.


    No specific reason caused the knights to stand out; many well-known knights passed through the gates daily without more than a simple greeting. The three sufficiently blended in, therefore, and proceeded to serenely seek Boniface or Cajetan. Sir Amis went one way and the others went the other way. Finding one of the two in the large capitol proved difficult and after searching for an hour Sir Brian and Sir Rothbur decided to sit and wait.


    They did not have to wait long, for from a large opening by where they sat, they heard voices. Recognizing one, they stood and waited when presently from around the corner stepped King Nigel, Cajetan, and Semias. Cajetan argued vehemently with Semias about something the two knights weren¡¯t familiar, and the king walked between the two. Under different circumstances it would have been comical to see King Nigel inching farther away from Semias with each step, but it alarmed the knights.


    Seeing the standing knights first, Semias unhesitatingly took control of the situation, diverting attention from the argument promptly after delivering his polemic.


    ¡°Welcome, good and faithful knights,¡± he said affably. ¡°What boon do you crave from our ever-just king?¡±


    Sir Rothbur tried to slow the conversation down immediately, and said, ¡°Greetings, King Nigel. I am pleased to see you faring well, and Cajetan also.¡±


    ¡°Delighted,¡± said Cajetan as he reached out his hand for a friendly grasp, coming up to the two knights. ¡°You are Sir Rothbur if my mind doesn¡¯t misgive me, and this is Sir Brian?¡±


    To answer, both bowed gently. Semias took their lack of verbal reply as an invitation to speak. ¡°Did you arrive from Echo Slope? How fares Lord Marillac?¡±


    Sir Brian looked him square in the eyes and replied, ¡°He is as hale as ever.¡±


    Looking into Semias¡¯ eyes, Sir Brian felt uneasy. His steady gaze never failed him; his abilities and sure knowledge of himself prevented intimidation but his eyes felt heavy. Not yielding to the urge, he broke his gaze sideways and looked to the king.


    Semias¡¯ eyes locked onto the letter the moment Sir Brian moved his hand. Sir Brian said, ¡°We bring you, O King, tidings from Lord Marillac.¡±


    He reached out to give the letter to King Nigel, but Semias snatched, rather than took, the letter before the king could take hold of it. Sir Brian grabbed it back forcefully and glared at Semias, ¡°If you don¡¯t have a brain we know at least you have ears. Lord Marillac wrote this letter for the king.¡±


    Sir Brian handed it to the king again, while still glaring at Semias. The king read it with a lively sparkle his eye lacked before Semias¡¯ rebuke. Once finished, he folded it and handed it to Cajetan, who stowed it without reading.


    King Nigel spoke for the first time. ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you both. Will you be staying long?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll stay a week or two as we both have some catching up to do with old friends.¡± answered Sir Rothbur.


    With that, the king thanked them for the visit and for bringing the invitation, mentioned he desired to see them again before their departure, and bid goodbye. As the three walked down another passageway, Semias turned around to glare back at Sir Brian, who looked back with equal intensity.


    ¡°Well, that didn¡¯t go so well.¡± Sir Rothbur fumed as the two knights walked down a street in the town connected to Rohalot Castle. ¡°Normally I¡¯m the one to lose it.¡±


    Sir Brian kicked at a piece of litter and snapped, ¡°Well what would you have done? I don¡¯t think there was anything confidential in the letter but he was even worse than I remembered. I couldn¡¯t just let him run the whole conversation; the king hadn¡¯t even said a word.¡±


    ¡°I know. I shouldn¡¯t have blamed you and I¡¯m sorry,¡± Sir Rothbur said.


    The two walked in silence for a while before Sir Brian resumed, ¡°I did silence him, though; he didn¡¯t say a word after that.¡±


    ¡°He said more with his eyes than he could have with words.¡± Sir Rothbur cautioned, ¡°You threw him for a turn there but you¡¯ll need to watch your head.¡±


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    Almost in answer, a plank from a roof fell mere feet in front of them with a dull clatter, bouncing briefly. Sir Rothbur stooped and handed it up to the workman on the roof, who offered them his apologies and thanked them heartily. This obvious accident, however, drove home the danger in which Sir Brian placed himself by chastising the kingdom¡¯s worst schemer.


    Later that day, the two fell in with Boniface, still ignorant of that morning¡¯s encounter. He listened with a grave air as they related the whole incident to him.


    ¡°I agree with Sir Rothbur,¡± he finally said, ¡°you will need to watch your back.¡± Laughing, he smiled through his well-kept beard and said quietly, ¡°I wish I could have been there to see his face when you grabbed the letter back, and also when Anthanasius pummeled him. It¡¯s no surprise such a happy sight put life back into the king.¡±


    Both knights smiled and Sir Brian took up the thread of conversation Boniface hinted at, saying, ¡°Anthanasius and Luke arrived at Echo Slope.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, I¡¯d meant to ask about that,¡± Boniface said. ¡°What happened to them?¡±


    ¡°A messenger arrived moments after them with news of the imagined regicide and Lord Marillac immediately arrested them. Once the messenger departed, though, he called a conference and soon after he himself went and brought the two to join us.¡± Sir Brian said, but, unable to continue his narration due to curiosity, he asked, ¡°What do people believe around Rohalot?¡±


    ¡°Their arrest and imprisonment is believed. Semias talked of their execution until learning of their escape which made him furious.¡± He immediately asked about the conference, diplomatically inferring much of what could come from such a meeting.


    Sir Brian opened his mouth to answer, but Sir Rothbur interjected, ¡°First, tell us, do you know anything of a request to send troops northward to Lord Cyprius¡¯ aid?¡±


    He spoke simply and in his usual unhesitating manner, so that both perfectly believed him. ¡°Lord Cyprius often asks the king for troops, but Semias always prevents their departure. Perhaps we wouldn¡¯t be in such a mess had additional men been sent to quell the Shalmen¡¯s initial landings.¡±


    He looked angry, but spoke, of course, of an entirely different matter, so Sir Brian briefly informed him of the developments of the conference. ¡°Immediately before you talked with Lord Marillac before your recent departure, he received an anonymous letter pleading for Lord Marillac to send men to the region of Bronlum.¡±


    Boniface frowned. ¡°Without the king¡¯s permission?¡± In another moment his face lightened and he said, ¡°I mean, ¡®without Semias¡¯ permission.¡¯ Something like that reaching so high in the hierarchy finds an impasse.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we agreed such a request is perfectly reasonable and Lord Cyprius may be testing Lord Marillac¡¯s willingness to circumvent King Nigel¡¯s authority. The lack of signature may be from Lord Cyprius¡¯ understandable desire to appear loyal should anything go amiss,¡± Sir Rothbur said, then quickly added, ¡°Which he is¡ªloyal, I mean.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Boniface said. ¡°Loyal to his country, but not to Semias¡¯ whims enacted through King Nigel. I¡¯ve faced the same dilemma and I¡¯m sure you have also.¡±


    ¡°Us and everyone at the conference,¡± Sir Rothbur said. He smiled broadly, but kept a low voice when speaking. ¡°Lord Marillac ordered Anthanasius to lead a company of two hundred men to Lord Cyprius¡¯ aid.¡±


    ¡°It might as well happen sooner than later, for I see no other way,¡± Boniface said, then sighed. ¡°Has he left?¡±


    ¡°Yes; he would have two days ago. but in the meantime, before Semias and some others find out, we need you to do everything you can to get the king to the tournament at Echo Slope. Once he finds out we¡¯re moving troops without his permission, I¡¯m loath to think what could happen to the king.


    ¡°Sure, and you ask Semias to step down from his leadership position,¡± Boniface retorted. ¡°That¡¯s just as likely to work as moving the king from their power.¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t have to go to Echo Slope immediately, just somewhere Semias isn¡¯t in complete control; even let him come if he wants,¡± Sir Brian said,


    Boniface shook his head, ¡°It¡¯s useless. I¡¯ve tried a dozen times.¡±


    Still not at a loss, Sir Rothbur suggested, ¡°You know what¡¯s going on here better than anyone. Why haven¡¯t you and Cajetan removed Semias from his position? The king would certainly support it and I can¡¯t imagine much fallout from the people.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps I¡¯ve been afraid.¡± Boniface said, dropping his head slightly and looking at the floor. ¡°But diplomatic affairs aren¡¯t as simple as that. Besides, have you seen Semias¡¯ bodyguard recently?¡±


    The two knights¡¯ looks to each other showed they hadn¡¯t, so Boniface continued, ¡°Before the invasion, he slowly replaced his bodyguard with men unknown to me. I thought nothing of it; I can¡¯t know everyone in the kingdom, but his guard grew so great that I questioned him where he found the resources to retain so many. My salary as advisor, you understand, is not a little, but now I believe he must hold fifty members personally.¡±


    The two gaped at each other. Neither ever heard of a fifty-man bodyguard for anyone in his rank.


    Boniface still wasn¡¯t done. ¡°And they don¡¯t keep to their business either; when off duty, they are rowdy drunkards; and when on duty, they aren¡¯t much better. I guess that¡¯s beside my point. Anyway, a bodyguard¡¯s duties seem obvious to me, and they are spelled out in the law, but Semias¡¯ behave more like marauders¡ªroaming the city, harassing the king¡¯s men, and even the people¡ªit¡¯s becoming insupportable.¡±


    Just then a knock at the door arrested their conversation and Boniface laughed loudly, but as he looked at the other two, his eyes showed no mirth. He whispered, ¡°I don¡¯t know who it is; we may have been talking about Anthanasius¡¯ escape. Just follow my lead.¡±


    He raised his voice to a normal speaking volume and said, ¡°Go see who it is, will you, Sir Rothbur?¡±


    Sir Rothbur rose from his chair and walked to the door. He opened it and said, cordialy, ¡°Semias Norworth, good to see you again; won¡¯t you come in?¡±


    He stalked in without saying a word, and Boniface stood up to greet him. Sir Brian glared at him but Semias immediately growled out an implied question to Boniface. ¡°I thought I heard my name as I walked by.¡±


    ¡°I was saying,¡± began Boniface, ¡°as I have said before to you, that you musn¡¯t act too hasty in sentencing Anthanasius once he is caught; he is beloved by the people.¡±


    ¡°By the foolish peasants,¡± Semias mumbled. ¡°I care not what they think.¡±


    He turned to go, but wheeled around and said sharply, ¡°See that you don¡¯t talk behind my back, and beware of that one.¡± Then, scowling at Sir Brian, ¡°He¡¯s got to learn manners.¡±

 Chapter 18 - The Brand

    Sir Brian leaned his palms on the stonework of his window and looked out to the east at the rising moon. The outer bailey stood nearer the keep at this side and from his third story window he could look over the wall and see the distant shore of the partial moat and the lapping water among the rushes. The moon played among the rushes; darting in and out between the reeds with a playful repetition on the wind-blown surface of the water. Occasionally, when the water flowed just right, the silvery moon reflected its waned arc full to Sir Brian¡¯s face.


    He watched this pleasant scene for a while and then bent to look more immediately below him. The wall dropped straight down for most of the way to the ground before angling slightly out as a batter. A few flimsy buildings leaned against the wall but the knight looked up a little and noticed a few geese wandering slowly along a lane. He tired of them after a time and withdrew into his chamber and prepared for bed.


    After completing his night prayers he rose, pinched out the last candle, and went straight to bed.


    After what must have been a few hours, Sir Brian awoke thinking he heard a noise.


    ¡°Sir Rothbur?¡± he said into the night.


    No answer. The room held a silence no different than the one he fell asleep to, but now it seemed, to his heightened awareness, to hold a mysterious secret.


    ¡®Don¡¯t be silly,¡¯ he thought to himself, ¡®or it will last all night.¡¯ And so, with a grunt, he turned onto his side and put all uneasy prickings away.


    He almost drifted back to sleep and started to breathe deep again when he thought he heard another sound; that of leather rubbing against another rough cloth. He opened one eye though his prior resolution protested, and his blood froze in his heart.


    A man inched closer from mere paces away. Though the moon was further advanced in the heavens, enough light found its way in through the unshuttered window and shone on each metal buckle, button, and clasp of the man. But worst of all it shone on the blade in his hand.


    All this he observed the instant he opened his eye and he flung his cover full in the face of the assassin and rolled out of the way of his lunge. He leaped from the bed and turned to face the man, drawing his own knife and calling, ¡°Ye knave! Face me in the day like a man.¡±


    The knave bounded over the bed without a word and hardly made a sound. He crashed into Sir Brian who stood ready for him. The knight knocked away a slice but the attacker held him by the clothes about his neck. He wrenched the grip loose with his free hand as he fended off the deadly knife thrusts with the other.


    Once he broke away he shouted, ¡°Sir Rothbur!¡± This time he lunged at his attacker who  flashed out of the way. He shouted again, ¡°Sir Rothbur!¡± The other knight appeared in the doorway and took in the situation before him. He closed the door behind him and ran to his friend¡¯s assistance but the precaution was in vain; Sir Brian struck his opponent and the knife went flying. The assassin flew after it and as he reached down to grab it, Sir Rothbur, running toward him, saw a distinct brand mark on his forearm. It flashed before his eyes for less than a second before the man parried Sir Brian¡¯s sword thrusts from his heart.


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    Sir Rothbur joined the fight and the two pressed him close but didn¡¯t strike where they could. The knave noticed that now with two to one they wanted to take him alive. With the sudden realization he broke toward the window. The two couldn¡¯t stop him and he jumped out. They both poked their heads out and looked down amidst a terrible crash and the terrified call of some chickens. The man apparently landed on a thatch roof and fell through into a stable. Still with chickens squawking to raise the street, the door opened and the man ran out headlong down the street and disappeared around a corner.


    Sir Brian moved to the bed and sat down heavily, his heart beating from his sudden scare as if he just ran miles.


    ¡°What was that about?¡± Sir Rothbur asked in a gruff voice, turning away from the window.


    ¡°I¡¯ve no idea,¡± said Sir Brian. ¡°I woke with him almost to my throat.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know this city had secret societies,¡± Sir Rothbur commented.


    ¡°You think it was someone like that, then?¡±


    ¡°I figure so what with the brand on his arm. He wouldn¡¯t have gotten that in decent company.¡±


    Sir Brian looked confused. ¡°I didn¡¯t see a brand mark.¡±


    ¡°I tell you I saw it,¡± Sir Rothbur said, facing his friend, ¡°when he reached down for his knife right when I came in.¡±


    The two looked at each other for a few wordless moments, then Sir Rothbur turned back to the window and looked out. ¡°There are alot of lights on but of course it''s too late; he¡¯s well hidden by now. Maybe the sentries will pick him up.¡±


    Sir Brian grunted distractedly and slowly rose from his seat. Sir Rothbur understood his friend¡¯s distraction but didn¡¯t turn back to the window; a score of faces at least would stare up at him and all he would do is look back.


    ¡°Was it... Semias?¡± Sir Brian mumbled, half to himself.


    Sir Rothbur answered gruffly, ¡°That¡¯s it! The scoundrel as much as told you to watch out for something like this. Won¡¯t this incense him when he finds out his plan failed. Ha!¡±


    ¡°If he wants me dead he won¡¯t give up that easily.¡± Sir Brian mumbled a little louder this time, but turned his head from the floor and looked at his friend. ¡°Well, I shouldn¡¯t sleep anymore tonight even if I wanted to and first thing in the morning I¡¯m going to tell Cajetan or Boniface about this.¡±


    ¡°My faith!¡± exclaimed Sir Rothbur, ¡°They¡¯ll know of this secret society. I just wish I saw that brand clearly.¡±


    ¡°I wish I saw it at all. I¡¯ll want you with me when I tell them this night¡¯s events,¡± Sir Brian said. ¡°Oh, how will I ever sleep again?¡± he mused and held his face in his hands.


    Sir Rothbur looked around briefly and said, ¡°There¡¯s a first-rate fireplace in my chamber we can get going. If you aren¡¯t sleeping more tonight we might as well sit up and talk; there¡¯s nothing like staring at a fire to let thoughts flow and hurts dissipate.¡±


    *****


    Early next morning the two went looking for their friends of the previous day. Out in a courtyard they had the lucky chance to run across both together. Sir Brian described the events from the night and asked the two advisors their opinion.


    Both held the opinion that Semias caused the attack. They wanted Sir Brian to watch his back and leave for Echo Slope as soon as he could manage.


    ¡°Calling Semias¡¯ bodyguard a secret society,¡± Cajetan said, ¡°is appropriate. They act like one.¡±


    ¡°I wonder where they meet,¡± Boniface continued.


    ¡°If we knew we could charge in there with a few hundred men and clear the nest,¡± Sir Brian said.


    The others laughed at his choice of words.


    ¡°I¡¯m only half-joking,¡± he said. ¡°His bodyguard wasn¡¯t formed to get revenge on one knight. It will cause worse trouble.¡±

 Chapter 19 - Left for Dead

    Four days passed since the decision to send aid to Lord Cyprius. Sir Rothbur, Sir Brian, and Sir Amis would be halfway to Rohalot by now. The rested and energetic Siadhal arranged most of the preparations in their brief time. Officially deciding to send aid only the previous day, they completed much in the final hours of the day while many others worked through the night gathering food, finding blankets, and amassing arms to see the company off in good order.


    Lord Marillac rode down the winding escarpment with Anthanasius. He was grave, but not overly so. He turned to his companion and spoke, ¡°I want you to keep me informed of developments and your need for men; we are making a bold move and I do not desire to see the kingdom divided further.¡±


    ¡°I will, sir. And thank you for trusting me with a mission so important,¡± he replied and then continued, ¡°You¡¯ll think this poor timing, perhaps, but I wasn¡¯t sure I would ever say it. You remember when I brought my wounded company to your gates recently?¡±


    Lord Marillac simply nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯ve not spoken to the others about it, but several times on Shalmen armor I noticed a design. It is simple enough; just a vertical diamond ringed with a circle. I thought nothing of it until two days ago when I noticed a similar design in the infirmary while visiting my wounded.¡±


    Lord Marillac¡¯s brows drew together greatly. ¡°Indeed,¡± he mumbled.


    The two continued on for another minute with Lord Marillac deep in thought. Anthanasius realized the knowledge might unduly trouble his friend and gave more information. ¡°The sign in Echo Slope appears very old, but still¡­¡±


    Lord Marillac¡¯s countenance lightened somewhat. ¡°That is good news¡­ or¡­ at least it appears to be...¡± he said.


    ¡°I just wanted to tell you in case something happens,¡± Anthanasius said, relieved of lightening his burden, hopefully reducing the anxiety he would bring into the stressful times ahead.


    Nearing the bottom, Luke and Siadhal rode up to the two and saluted. The company waited for the leaders to bid farewell to Lord Marillac.


    He understood his role and spoke first. ¡°I thank you all heartily, and wish you a safe return.¡±


    Anthanasius said, ¡°Do not take any unnecessary chances.¡±


    Luke and Siadhal bowed in agreement, not yet knowing the additional significance from what passed between the other two.


    As all turned to go, Lord Marillac said, ¡°May the gods guide your steps.¡±


    He in his turn swung his horse around and ponderously rode back up the winding pathway. Before entering through the gates he stopped and looked out over the plain. The crisp air stirred through his hair and lashed it against his face, but he stood defiant, staring ahead. Even his horse seemed to wait unbending for the interval.


    He could still make out the three leaders riding together at the front. He bit his bottom lip slightly and wondered. Perhaps Anthanasius now told the other two about the diamond mark? Maybe they remembered the same thing from their own time in the forest two weeks ago? Now they walked toward it again, and not a complaint slipped past their lips. His friends¡­ gone.


    He blinked hard after a particularly raw breeze and noticed how long the seeming instant lasted. The sky appeared a bleak blue-white of oncoming winter and an unwonted chill passed through him. The last of the company disappeared into the forest¡ªa full half mile farther than he expected.


    Rousing himself with a shake of his head, he pulled on his horse¡¯s bridle and gave it a gentle kick to continue into the castle. Inside, many walked about in lighthearted merriment without heeding the weather. ¡®Perhaps it was in my head,¡¯ thought Lord Marillac as he dismounted and tried again to shake the uneasy feeling that clung about him. Anyway, he couldn¡¯t bother with feelings; he needed to investigate.


    *****


    Anthanasius, Luke and Siadhal led their company into Rowaton Forest. Many times they came into clearings; some larger than others. The day passed quickly, and the night without event.


    In the meantime Anthanasius asked the two riding near him, Luke and Siadhal, about their impression of the Shalmen soldiers, not yet mentioning the parallels between their decoration and the one in Echo Slope¡¯s infirmary.


    ¡°Stout fellows to be sure,¡± Siadhal said immediately, ¡°There is much honor to be gained from overthrowing them.¡±


    Luke breathed in and waited a while before talking. Finally he said, ¡°They are mysterious. And I don¡¯t know why I say that.¡±


    He fell quiet and considered, but Siadhal interrupted him with a guffaw. ¡°Don¡¯t read too much into it, Luke. They¡¯re marauding invaders that need to be driven out or slain; and I wouldn¡¯t mind the latter.¡±


    Anthanasius steered the conversation in a more productive direction. ¡°Did you notice their ensign?¡±


    ¡°Hmm. I¡¯m not sure I heeded one,¡± Siadhal said, and then promptly followed up with an explanation. ¡°I tried not to get too close to them; seeing them from a distance is enough to recognize they aren¡¯t one of us and I only care if my arrows hit. An enemy is an enemy notwithstanding the armor.¡±


    Meaning this as decisive, but wondering nonetheless, he asked Anthanasius. ¡°Did they have one?¡±


    He shifted in his saddle and answered. ¡°It was my fault for not looking and I only noticed by accident; it didn¡¯t occur to me that the decoration pounded into his armor might be their insignia.¡±


    ¡°Whose armor?¡± Luke queried.


    ¡°One of my pursuers in the forest from which Siadhal rescued me,¡± he replied.


    Siadhal chuckled and said with a smile, ¡°That wasn¡¯t me but I thank you anyway for your gratitude.¡±


    Anthanasius smiled a mischevious smile to Luke and flamboyantly said, ¡°It was on the breastplate of a soldier someone other than Siadhal saved me from.¡±


    They all laughed at this, but Siadhal the loudest. He laughed with a delightful jollity similar to Lord Marillac. The mirth ceased but lingered and they all felt better for it.


    Anthanasius again caught the escaping conversation and pulled it back. ¡°Did you notice an ensign, Luke?¡±


    Luke had not and he said as much. Anthanasius proceeded to tell them what he said to Lord Marillac about the mysterious connection. All wondered about the possible link, but, as they could find nothing more out, they eventually moved on to a different topic of conversation.


    On the fourth afternoon, they noticed a chill slowly manifesting itself in the northwestern breeze. They wrapped cloaks more tightly about them and that evening hung closer to the fires.


    The next day the morning broke clear and bright on the already bustling camp preparing to continue its march. As the sun swung higher each hour they eagerly looked forward to its radiating warmth touching them through clearings in the fluttering canopy.


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    As the number of clearings lessened, so did the density of the trees. Even along a common road they grew at one point oppressively thick. Now, though, they passed out and continued in haste knowing they neared the end.


    They encountered no enemies and the country people heading south on the road reported squabbles around Bronlum region but no activity for a dozen miles ahead at least. Accordingly, they took no extraordinary precautions when setting up camp that night. They cooked a meal a little early that night as the initial cold made it a trying day. Shortly after eating, Luke decided to go for a walk in the surrounding forest; he wanted to think over what Anthanasius said earlier and clear his head to unwind and in preparation for a possible battle.


    He wandered among the thickly tangled trees, weaving a path in and out of the huge boughs, but heading more or less in a constant direction. As the sun already set, he just decided to turn back when he saw a large stag silently move from behind a bush. Its antlers spread broad and thick while the lean flanks moved in a gentle, powerful rhythm.


    It spied Luke and stared back for a few seconds before continuing on its way. It turned its head forward and walked along, perpendicular to Luke¡¯s desired path. Suddenly, though, the deer¡¯s narrow front feet sunk deep into the ground. It snorted and kicked wildly with its back legs, pulling out its front feet with pressure from its stomach, but then the whole ground below it gave way. The deer fell, but its horns briefly arrested the descent. It hung from its horns until one side snapped, enabling it to fall with a thud amidst the rustling of the collapsing sod.


    Luke¡¯s jaw dropped and he stood staring speechless. Edging closer to the hole, he speculated it could have been a forgotten well blown over with a superficial layer of silt, but coming closer, he saw no stone-lined rim.


    From out of the earth, he imagined he heard voices and saw a flicker of light. The deer still thrashed about with vigor, but it echoed much more than a well would have done. He leaned closer, not daring to stand too near the opening, and heard, ¡°Accursed deer; kill it!¡±


    He longed to stay and listen to this inexplicable development, but at such an inopportune time, the distant clash of steel and neighing of horses took hold of his focus and dragged it back to his friends. He turned to go but felt the grass beneath him shift. He dove forward in a panic, but his feet flailed helplessly in the air, only pressing against falling sod. His vision turned to a blur as he fell and he crashed onto a solid floor, miraculously landing on his feet, but instantly collapsing and getting half-buried with dust and dirt.


    He dimly heard a frantic scratching from behind him, but it quickly moved to the left. He brushed and blinked the dirt from his eyes so he could look toward the noise. He hadn¡¯t time to clear his vision before the noise passed over him and continued on his right side. He finally saw the deer skittering uneasily on a rough stone floor.


    ¡°What now!¡± a voice resounding in an open space said, freezing Luke¡¯s blood.


    He looked up towards the voice and froze. He knew the man who said it; a man with cold eyes, one with an ugly bruise, a crooked nose, and a sneering face, though bewilderment overtook it briefly. It was Semias Norworth.


    Luke jumped from the pile where he lay, collapsing once, aware for the first time of a sharp pain in his ankle. He tried to stand on it again and grimaced silently; it could bear no weight.


    He took in the whole room in front of him at a glance; rough furnishings lined the crumbling brick walls and an uneven floor sloped slightly towards Semias. Stone flags coated a channel in the middle of the floor where a trickle of water drained deeper down a tunnel devoid of the light the few torches in the larger room diffused with fitful resistance.


    Standing uneasily in the desultory glow, Luke felt an urge to explain the mistake; that he was innocent of spying; that he only fell through the ceiling by an incredible stroke of chance; and that his company waited near.


    He might as well not have felt this way, though, as Semias¡¯ wicked voice filled the room. ¡°Leave the deer; kill him instead.¡± He twisted his face into a cruel smile, and the echoey space gave worse chill to the words. To the command.


    Luke stood confused by this, not realizing why Semias spoke that way. A metallic sound behind him suspended his next heartbeat. He shuffled around to look behind him and, too experienced a soldier even for his age, felt surprise rather than additional fear.


    A giant of a man stood perhaps ten paces from him. One open eyelid showed a hideous dark cavern, but his present eye stared fixedly at Luke in an ungodly malevolence. In his hand he supported an enormous ax, and Luke¡¯s mind replayed Semias¡¯ cruel command, ¡®kill him instead¡¯.


    The man hefted his ax into both hands with a grunt and began to slowly circle Luke. Luke unsheathed his sword and hopped on his good leg to keep the foe in front of him. Semias taunted, ¡°You¡¯re too late and too helpless to save the king.¡±


    Unable to stifle his curiosity, Luke asked, ¡°You coward, what do you mean to do with him?¡± The man still circled and Luke kept spinning. He now stood with his back to Semias, who replied, ¡°O, I won¡¯t kill him¡­ yet. He¡¯s simply too useful, you understand, but once I¡¯m done with him¡­¡± He trailed off into a low chuckle.


    ¡°You just want more power¡ªa kingdom of your own¡ªis that it?¡± Luke demanded.


    ¡°How little you know,¡± Semias replied, moving closer to where he stood. ¡°How little you know about me. I was in line to be king. It is I who should rule.¡±


    Luke didn¡¯t know if Semias told the truth so he waited in silence while the man recited:


    ¡°Since years will pass,


    Men doth forget,


    That blood was shent,


    Sensian the bold,


    Nobly controlled,


    Opened the way,


    For the Right to rule,


    Lacking not courage,


    His Right Lineage,


    Needed room,


    So began the doom,


    Our banner dread,


    Signaled bloodshed,


    False king indeed,


    Traitorously freed,


    His rabble serf,


    One more than all.


    The ancient keep,


    Holds tunnels deep,


    Our downfall once,


    Their downfall then,


    Decades hence,


    We¡¯ll recommence,


    Our land to free,


    The earth to Right,


    Our work complete,


    Our land restored,


    We live in peace,


    We chafe no more,


    A hard-bought peace,


    Won by the Right,


    Paid by their lives,


    Those dreaming eyes.


    ¡°You may not have heard that before,¡± Semias continued after his recital, his voice now harboring more anger than scorn, ¡°but you must know about the war of our forefathers!¡± he yelled. ¡°Luthar Sensian held sway over all the land, but that backstabber Claude usurped him and banished him to Myst¡¯s Rim. His heirs¡ª¡±


    ¡°King Claude didn¡¯t defeat him. He brought about his own ruin,¡± Luke interrupted, his voice rising. ¡°Sensian¡¯s moniker was¡ªstill is¡ªpeople¡¯s scourge.¡¯¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about the people!¡± Semias interjected. ¡°Kill him now, Helkin!¡±


    The man lunged at Luke while swinging his ax. Luke moved to duck but collapsed out of the way. He sprang back to his foot and turned to face Helkin who already swung his ax. Luke ducked his head out of the ax¡¯s path and kept his feet this time. He swung his blade quickly at Helkin¡¯s back, but his enemy blocked the cut with the handle of his ax.


    Trying a new tactic this time, Helkin roared and lunged straight at Luke, holding his ax out in front of him as a shield. He hit Luke who couldn¡¯t move out of the way straight on and bowled him over, sending him flying backward several yards from the huge impact. Luke made a fine cut in Helkin¡¯s arm on his way down, but the force of the landing knocked his sword from his hand.


    Helkin stooped and picked it up. He hardly looked at it, paying as little heed to it as he did the wound on his arm, but threw it twirling at the stone wall, where it snapped in two. Luke knew his time to be short and commended his spirit to Eshua, signing himself. He heard Helkin¡¯s heavy steps approaching and lay on the ground where he fell and waited for the stroke.


    He forced his eyes up from the ground and thought he could dimly see Helkin¡¯s ax resting against the wall, but Helkin walking toward him. Raising his aching head with extreme effort, he saw that Helkin definitely stood above him.


    He choked mid-breath from a tremendous shock that sent him rolling. Helkin stepped rapidly forward again and violently kicked, sending Luke writhing back involuntarily. Again and again he kicked; each one should have been Luke¡¯s death as he took the brunt of Helkin¡¯s rage. The rapid explosions of pain grew constant until all impacts melded together. Each convulsive jolt seemed lighter until his body stopped moving.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go,¡± Semias said when Helkin ceased his merciless persecution. They each grabbed a few items, extinguished the torches, and left up the passageway, leaving Luke¡¯s body laying in a crumpled heap on the floor, his blood oozing to the ground.

 Chapter 20 - Another Brand

    ¡°Where did Luke go?¡± Siadhal asked Anthanasius while in camp for the night.


    The sun had almost set but looked like it already did from the clearing in the forest unless one looked through the treetops to see the last streaks of light across the sky. The men not assigned elsewhere gathered around the fires as the natural light abated where they talked and joked of their past military exploits.


    ¡°He said he was going on a short ramble through the woods to clear his head.¡± said Anthanasius, looking around at the numerous fires. ¡°Is he not back?¡±


    ¡°He is not.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not worried about him, are you? It is hardly past sunset and there¡¯s been no report of Shalmen near.¡±


    ¡°I actually am, sir, and I¡¯d like to take a party to look for him.¡±


    ¡°Really, Siadhal, I¡¯ve seen you running from a charging bear as calmly as if it were a mouse, and now you¡¯re trying to work me up about this,¡± Anthanasius truthfully teased.


    ¡°I know that,¡± Siadhal said emphatically. ¡°What worries me is that I¡¯m worried; it isn¡¯t natural. A feeling in my stomach if you will.¡±


    ¡°Take a few to go looking if you would like, but I think if you waited half an hour you wouldn¡¯t have to go at all,¡± Anthanasius conceded.


    Nevertheless, Siadhal gathered up half a dozen men willing to venture away from the cozy fires and set off into the trees to the east. They didn¡¯t go far before they heard a faint rustle from ahead.


    ¡°Luke?¡± Siadhal called.


    No answer. He looked to the man beside him who shrugged his shoulders and walked forward a bit toward the sound. Siadhal heard a twig crack somewhere above him a ways off and looked up. A man in characteristic Shalmen guise crouched on a limb and knocked an arrow with eyes fixed on the advancing soldier.


    ¡°Ambush! To the camp!¡± shouted Siadhal.


    Immediately the man in the trees fell to a Rohian soldier¡¯s arrow while several Shalmen jumped from bushes and ran towards them at their discovery. Some fell, but quickly the Rohian men turned back to the camp to regroup with the others.


    Everyone on the search party burst into the clearing to find the camp awakened and preparing for an attack. Anthanasius, in his calm brilliance, already doubled the sentries around the other reaches of the clearing while the main body mostly faced east after hearing the cry.


    Siadhal and the others joined into a defensive position with the others and no one stirred. The sun had now well set even in the sky above the woods and the brightest light came from the numerous fires behind them. Each man noticed the reflections of him and his companions dancing in silent pantomime on the leafy canopy around where they stood.


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    Anthanasius left his position and walked over to Siadhal after a brief interval and asked him, ¡°Shalmen?¡±


    Siadhal hardly needed to nod in answer for Anthanasius knew what danger his friend¡¯s uncharacteristic caution gave them notice of; they merely looked at each other.


    Anthanasius stood as if paralyzed as his mind transported him back to the night a few weeks ago in the forest. Most of the men waiting in the dusk for an unseen enemy didn¡¯t know one from among them was missing.


    Missing. First Agar and now Luke. Likely killed or captured unawares by the ambush party and now in the deepening darkness, the chance of finding him grew slim.


    The instant of paralysis passed and Anthanasius¡¯ eyes regained their determined look and showed the interior disposition of this man once he made up his mind.


    He spoke to his second-in-command in a quiet but steady voice. ¡°Get the fires out and send an empty horse back over the path. We¡¯ll take to the forest and work northward.¡±


    Siadhal nodded curtly and turned to gather assistants who he told to extinguish the fires and another who helped him remove all the remaining necessaries from a horse at the edge of the camp. He didn¡¯t look at Anthanasius when he received his order; he feared it might mean leaving a friend behind. He knew the necessity but didn¡¯t envy him making the decision.


    The circle of men knew from these preparations that flight was imminent and nearly let down their guard. They kicked the last fires into smoldering heaps of dust, but at that moment those near the northward road, and then all, heard the sound of many feet approaching in a rush. It didn¡¯t seem too many, but the entire company tensed up at the sound and those closest gathered themselves into a tighter, more defined line.


    The enemy came on without torches but some Rohians gathered together and attacked an exposed flank of the struggling mass, shortening the battle and likely saving a few comrade¡¯s lives in the process.


    The skirmish didn¡¯t last long and those who came forward quickly went back to their posts to await further orders. Anthanasius and Siadhal feared lest the rush prove a distraction and anxiously waited for others to break out on other sides, but none came. Struck by an idea, he hurried forward to the battle line and edged through his soldiers¡ªnone seriously hurt¡ªand dragged back one of the dead into the circle. Told to bring a light, Siadhal rummaged under the pile of earth kicked onto the nearest fire and felt around for a glowing ember and rekindled it to a small flame, which he brought to his commander.


    Anthanasius grabbed the branch and bent over the fallen foe¡¯s body. He scanned up and down the breastplate but didn¡¯t find what he sought. Undeterred, he pulled the dead man¡¯s helmet off and held it at an angle to reflect the firelight. Siadhal didn¡¯t know his commander¡¯s intentions at first but recollected the earlier conversation once Anthanasius solemnly showed him the textured insignia.


    ¡°Attach this helm to the horse before you send it back. Eshua willing, it will reach Lord Marillac.¡±


    Anthanasius and Siadhal both leapt to their feet; Siadhal to complete the order; Anthanasius because he heard a fresh noise.


    Preparing the company for flight didn¡¯t take long; they disappeared into the woods behind after merely giving parcels of food and supplies to random soldiers and informing a few dispersed men of the plan so they could spread the message of heading northward through the woods.


    The sound of a neighing horse from behind told Anthanasius that Siadhal completed his order and a further wait was unnecessary.


    The whole company slowly disappeared into the western side of the clearing but, had they more time to tarry, the forest would have revealed a further disturbing piece of information. The moon soon emerged from behind a cloud and lit the clearing where the fires played more clearly than if they had not been reduced to smoldering piles of dirt-covered ash. It also shone on the scene of battle, and on the helmetless man whose arm became exposed in the fight. It revealed a brand mark.

 Chapter 21 - Willing Spirit

    A thought weakly fluttered past his exhausted mind and passed without a trace. Another thought of a bright light passed before his eyes and through his closed eyelids he could dimly see the outline of something moving in the light. He involuntarily shuddered weakly and collapsed back in a faint.


    When he woke again, he hardly felt alive, but forced his eyes to open. His head ached and his whole body throbbed, but he could tell he remained in the underground space where Semias and Helkin left him.


    Alive! The thought came on him like a rush. He tried to deny it and fall back into oblivion, but the pain increased and soon he became aware of the moon above shining through the accidental opening.


    Luke heard a click from close by and his thoughts froze. The sound lingered and he lay there in dreadful expectation. He heard it again. Then a third time. With infinite effort he tilted his head forward and looked. One the stones in front of him stood the deer; still with a missing antler.


    Luke laughed in a weak exhale but that sent new pain shooting through his abdomen so he smiled instead. The sound startled the deer and it looked up from examining the pile of sod that fell through the roof. Luke noticed it cropped all the sod clean to the roots and he dimly wondered how long he lay unconscious. His throat ached with thirst and he saw stars from the opening; at least one day, maybe two.


    Inch by inch, resting and sometimes fainting after each effort, Luke slowly dragged himself a few meters to the trickle of water in the middle of the floor. When he reached it he stared for a long time, his head resting on the stones beside it, not wanting to faint and drown in the inch-deep stream.


    Finally he chanced it and tilted his head down into the channel. The life-giving coolness refreshed him immensely and he slurped greedily. Several times he pulled his head away and breathed in greatful gasps, ignoring the pain it caused.


    When his stomach could hold no more he looked around from his prone position on the floor. The moon moved on to shine on a different place on the floor and he saw the deer curled up on the fallen soil watching him intently. He thought it strange seeing a stag so close and with a missing horn. Feeling overcome by exhaustion, he let his cheek fall to the ground and slept.


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    Darkness still filled the room when Luke awoke- at least for the most part. Again, as with his previous awakening, he thought he could see light, but this light shone brilliant. It shone without wavering and far surpassed the sun in intensity.


    His limbs felt like lead and it took all his strength to roll to his side and open his eyes. Expecting to see a bright light from the hole in the ceiling, Luke turned his gaze upward, but the light remained behind him. He also felt a wet nudge on the back of his neck. Too overwhelmed to think anything of it, he turned farther and lay on his back to see more of the room. He looked away once and blinked hard several times as his eyes adjusted to the intensity of the light, but when he could look he saw the deer standing calmly beside him with both antlers in perfect condition. Between the great spread of horns floated a radiant circle.


    This sight shocked Luke¡¯s brain to jolt him back a space. He breathed in sharply and ignored the pain his movements caused. He looked steadily at the circle and then down at the deer. Looking back up at the glowing circle, he heard the words ¡®you are wanted¡¯. They seemed to come from everywhere and reverberated through the stone room in quiet grandeur.


    Deeply affected by all he survived, he lay on the floor in silence and simply stared. A few more moments and the vision faded, but the deer remained. It walked around Luke and snorted as if to encourage him. He moved his aching legs into a better position and remembered his ankle. He rolled over and raised himself to hands and knees. The pain in his ankle flared intensely, but abated with time and mellowed into a dull throb throughout his whole body.


    He lifted one hand forward and then a knee. He did the same with the other and nearly fell. He repeated the same motions a few more times and fell into a rhythm. Lift-pull, lift-drag. Lift-pull, lift-drag. Missing a beat and swaying, Luke reached out in a futile attempt to steady his crawl. He toppled over and lay limp.


    He collapsed and lay still from pure exhaustion and not a lack of will. Somehow sensing this, the deer came and presented its antler to Luke¡¯s outstretched hand. Finger by finger he gripped the hard bone and felt the strong neck holding the head perfectly still. His time had not yet come; there was much for him yet to do. He supplied a willing spirit, and the gods took care of the rest.


    The deer braced itself and slowly pulled until they both began moving. Luke had been crawling to the upward-sloping path, but the deer dragged him in a wide arc and steadily made its way to the other passage. Seeing this, and also from exhaustion, Luke released his grasp and lay still for a while, but when the deer stood again and presented the miraculously-mended antler he grabbed it and allowed the animal to drag him towards the lower tunnel.

 Chapter 22 - Investigation

    Lord Marillac thought of little else the past four days. He had been called away to the dwelling of a lesser lord on urgent business. He rode thither with an experienced escort and left Echo Slope in capable hands, but those near noticed a distracted aura about him. None guessed his anxiety at heading away at such an important time. Now finally back in his castle, he meant to investigate the insignia of which Anthanasius informed him.


    He headed, after greeting Lady Marillac, directly to the infirmary and met Oblate Joseph on his way out.


    ¡°Good wishes to you, Lord Marillac,¡± said Joseph.


    ¡°And the same to you, oblate,¡± he replied. ¡°Might I have your name?¡±


    He bowed and said, ¡°Joseph of the Holy Cloth, sir.¡±


    ¡°Ah, Joseph; a wonderful name. You must be new here. If it wouldn¡¯t trouble the wounded,¡± he continued, ¡°I desire to look around inside.¡±


    ¡°Certainly; no trouble at all,¡± he replied, smiling. ¡°Please follow me.¡±


    Joseph opened the door and led Lord Marillac in. It delighted Lord Marillac how few occupants there were; a sure sign of the monks¡¯ abilities. He passed a few encouraging words with some of the invalids and then continued following Joseph for the tour.


    Coming to the end of the room where it met another running lengthwise, Joseph started superficially describing all the various instruments, what each cabinet contained, and so on. Presently another older man joined them. He wore the same simple habit as Oblate Joseph and carried his prayer beads not in his cincture, but in his hand. Lord Marillac knew the man as Brother Walter.


    Lord Marillac listened with genuine interest to all the monks showed him, but he kept watching for the sign. At length the tour ended and Lord Marillac heartily expressed his thoughts. ¡°This is a wonderful place and I know you do great work for all under your care. I am exceedingly grateful for all your work,¡± he said, and then continued, ¡°I¡¯m also looking for a sort of sign, an insignia if you will.¡±


    He then proceeded to describe to the two the shape of what he sought and that Anthanasius saw it in the infirmary before his departure. Joseph answered. ¡°I believe I know what you seek, mylord.¡±


    He walked over to a point in the room they saw midway through the tour and stopped before a well-worn dark oak chest with many small drawers. The middle-aged and the older man followed. ¡°Could it be that?¡± Joseph queried as he pointed to a faded and worn engraving in the stone wall much above eye level.


    ¡°Yes, truly that is it,¡± Lord Marillac eagerly said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what it is,¡± Oblate Joseph said, leaning on a hunch that the lord would ask him but, still wanting to offer something useful, he volunteered, ¡°It¡¯s at least tenscore years old.¡±


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    He raised the pitch of his voice at the end of the sentence and looked towards the older man, indicating a question. He took the hint and said, in a calm and soothing voice, ¡°That is correct. This portion of the castle dates back to the civil war some three hundred years ago. I¡¯m not sure the original use of this room, but could search if you would like.¡±


    ¡°Please do- right away if you can,¡± urged Lord Marillac.


    ¡°I can,¡± he answered simply. ¡°Follow me if you wish.¡±


    On the way out, Brother Walter stopped to talk to every awake occupant. Lord Marillac marvelled at his tenderness. ¡°Luckily there aren¡¯t many,¡± he thought to himself, and by the time they stepped into the outer passage, he greatly increased his capacity for patience. Brother Walter didn¡¯t hurry, though, and walked with a measured step while passing his beads through his fingers.


    Lord Marillac walked behind with Joseph and talked intermittently with him. Though walking slowly the older man soon stopped at a door and turned to them. ¡°Do come in, won¡¯t you.¡±


    They followed him through the door to a well-worn room also in the older part of the castle. From the small bed to one side with an end table beside it to the table in the center with thick posts for legs, stout and sturdy objects filled the room. His chamber matched the old man admirably and he immediately made his way to another table against the wall. On it sat four books also perfectly matched to the room; thick, well worn, and faded.


    Brother Walter gently picked up the oldest of these and shuffled over to sit on the edge of his bed with a grunt, recommending the two chairs at the table to the others with a gesture. Joseph picked up the one that appeared newest before he sat down and he and Lord Marillac examined it.


    They discovered it contained a recent history of Rohia. Lord Marillac looked up and asked the brother, hunched over and engrossed in his tome, if they erroneously selected a journal.


    ¡°No; you may look at that one,¡± he said, looking up. ¡°My journal is over there.¡± And he indicated two books- closer to stacks of papers they were so tattered- sitting on his bedside table.


    He resumed work and the others did likewise. Joseph slowly flipped the pages but did not get far before Brother Walter made an exclamatory remark drawing them near in curiosity.


    ¡°Did you find it?¡±


    ¡°I did. I knew it was about here.¡±


    He said nothing for a while but pondered over the pages. Lord Marillac¡¯s impatience got the better of him and he asked, ¡°What does it say?¡± And he looked over to the pages the man turned ponderously through.


    ¡°This is difficult to read¡­¡±


    Lord Marillac looked closer and saw, despite the brilliant illuminative works in gold, red, and blues along the sides, the handwriting defied his ability. Looking yet closer he realized that even once he discerned individual letters he still couldn¡¯t recognize the words.


    ¡°Can you read it at all?¡± he anxiously asked.


    ¡°Most of it eventually,¡± he said. Then he looked up and continued slowly, ¡°I¡¯ve translated some for my own curiosity. It says Sensian¡¯s rebels resented all Rohians and not only King Claude. It will take some time to provide the rest of the translation, though.¡±


    Brother Walter set the book to the side and stood up slowly, bracing his hands on his knees. Lord Marillac stood also, picking up the book and handing it to his host.


    ¡°Thank you for your assistance; it is invaluable. I look forward to learning what more you come up with.¡±


    Joseph replaced his book on the table and Brother Walter said, ¡°We¡¯ll start right away.¡±

 Chapter 23 - The Weight of Worry

    Anthanasius and Siadhal pulled their men back into the forest as one group. Leaving the path to the west to escape an attack from the east carried its own risks and all present knew without saying that more enemy might await them at their rear. Accordingly those first into the forest scanned the forest trees above for any warning sign; the glint of moonlight on metal, recently broken branches, or a trampled path.


    They kept their vigilance at a peak for nigh an hour while moving in a nearly silent huddle. After that time their nerves wouldn¡¯t hold the strain any longer which necessitated relaxing a little. They didn¡¯t get sloppy, though, and still kept a sharp lookout and low voices. Having two hundred men moving through a forest at night, quietly, without light, in the correct direction, and keeping them and their horses as silent as possible while in their mental state challenged everyone. Each one knew the danger he could subject himself and his comrades to with a single false move.


    Soon Anthanasius left Siadhal in the rear while he made his way to the front and showed his face to those around him.


    ¡°We must continue north and eventually east,¡± he said, for reaching Bronlum region required no more western travel.


    Those near him quietly spread the word to their sides and began a slow turn which made the moon shine more on their backs than the left side of their faces. Anthanasius wanted to guard his men¡¯s retreat as he did back in Rowaton Forest a month ago but knew they required him in the front should an assault happen and troops need rallying. His stomach ached like when he left Agar though he didn¡¯t know Luke¡¯s fate. He tried to convince himself Luke could have been overlooked and walking among their number, but his heart didn¡¯t believe it.


    Anthanasius assigned Siadhal charge of the rear. His known capabilities caused Anthanasius no anxiety from that quarter.


    A man approached him from the company and he turned eagerly from his rumination expecting to see Luke. His soaring spirit fell when he noticed someone else.


    ¡°Siadhal said to inform you, sir,¡± he said, ¡°hat everything¡¯s quiet in the rear.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    The man turned to leave and a few seconds later Anthanasius asked the soldier next to him, ¡°How far since we turned north?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps a mile.¡±


    He nodded. His distraction took enough focus away already and he owed his focus to the men with him. He made the effort of noticing the ground beneath his feet and the feel of the air on his skin to draw himself out of an inward wallowing.


    The sky reached the deepest blackness of that night after they traveled several miles farther north. Anthanasius called a halt lest they start tripping on underbrush and lose vigilance from weariness.


    He passed the message around as he went to find Siadhal, ¡°Get what rest you can with your weapons in hand; otherwise remain on guard. We¡¯ll stay here ¡®till near dawn.¡±


    ¡°Any sign of Luke?¡± he asked when he reached Siadhal.


    ¡°None.¡±


    He looked past Siadhal¡¯s shoulder into the deep blackness behind them and stared wistfully.


    ¡°You can¡¯t go back, you know,¡± Siadhal said while placing his hand on his friend¡¯s shoulder. Anthanasius nodded while still staring back to the south.


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    ¡°An ambush while separated is an unlucky chance,¡± Siadhal continued. ¡°But Luke is strong and clever; he may still be alright.¡±


    Anthanasius took a deep breath. ¡°I know,¡± he said, ¡°I¡¯m still afraid for him after walking off the road straight into their ambush. But those thoughts do no good.¡±


    ¡°The first sign of the ambush came after I went to look for him. We hadn¡¯t heard anything before that and since we had no casualties it seems like we surprised them as much as they surprised us.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Anthanasius said, visibly brightening and now looking at Siadhal. ¡°He would have made some sound if he was wounded or captured. Perhaps he walked right through their line unknown to them or him. At the sound of the battle he would try to help us from behind then make his own way to Brownstone Castle to join us.¡±


    ¡°I believe it. I can¡¯t think that he is hurt,¡± Siadhal said.


    The men around them either lay on the forest floor, leaned against brush, or sat with friends to talk and keep a lookout.


    ¡°You need rest,¡± Siadhal said. ¡°Hopefully sleep so you don¡¯t start worrying.¡±


    Anthanasius smiled and took one look back along their path. ¡°You¡¯re right. Wake me when you think appropriate.¡±


    Then he turned and walked more toward the center of the lounging soldiers so he could fully relax and found a hard piece of forest floor where he went to sleep.


    *****


    Siadhal woke Anthanasius at first light the following morning and sat down beside his companion.


    ¡°Nothing of note during the night, sir. Everything is perfectly still like the forest should be.¡±


    Anthanasius sat up and looked around at his men. Ten score men rested in a thick part of the forest but he couldn¡¯t see most of them as Siadhal awoke him first. Those who stayed up talking together in groups lay on patches of moss, flat on fallen trees, or with their backs against upright trees.


    ¡°So quiet,¡± he said. ¡°Probably quieter now than during the night?¡±


    Siadhal caught his meaning. ¡°Staring around in a forest at night is less fun once you¡¯ve been hunted in a forest at night.¡±


    Anthanasius returned his friend¡¯s weary smile. ¡°Thank you for arranging the guard. Any sign of Luke?¡± he asked cautiously.


    ¡°None, sir. I do hope to meet up with him somewhere in Bronlum, though.¡±


    ¡°Let us choose hope,¡± he said as he stood. ¡°Let¡¯s rouse the men to leave immediately. We¡¯ll break our fast on the way.¡±


    ¡°Do you find it strange, sir,¡± Siadhal asked after they walked for some time, ¡°that the Shalmen haven¡¯t come upon our rear yet?¡±


    Anthanasius didn¡¯t answer for a moment. ¡°Yes, I do,¡± he said finally. ¡°I¡¯ve been puzzling that over in my mind and can¡¯t think of a reason why.


    ¡°It¡¯s almost like they weren¡¯t stalking us, maybe guarding something instead, or trying to sneak up on someone else. Something to have their deeper attention,¡± Siadhal said. ¡°I wish that they came across us in daylight.¡±


    ¡°So we would have stood our ground?¡±


    ¡°Assuredly. If Luke managed to slip through their ranks without him or them noticing it, it couldn¡¯t have been hundreds as we are. I¡¯m not blaming you for I would have done the same. Looking back from our relative safety it is easy to blame oneself for actions taken under fear.¡±


    Anthanasius remained in thought so Siadhal continued, ¡°I can¡¯t figure why they were in the forest in a number too small to be part of a main invasion.¡±


    ¡°Are they moving south?¡± Anthanasius said half to himself. ¡°Moving in small groups before assembling?¡±


    ¡°Going south to surprise Rohalot?¡± Siadhal wondered aloud.


    ¡°Surprise Rohalot perhaps,¡± Anthanasius followed. ¡°One could arrive at Rohalot within a few days from here; sooner if he hurried.¡±


    ¡°I think that unlikely,¡± Siadhal said. ¡°If Semias is at the bottom of this he knows as well as anyone the love the people have for King Nigel. An attack on Rohalot would only solidify resistance and serve to strengthen Lord Marillac¡¯s resolve. Indeed I have every confidence he is fit to take King Nigel¡¯s place as leader of the repelling forces should it come to that. Sending us to Brownstone Castle is proof of his willingness to act without direct orders.¡±


    They walked another mile before either said anything. Siadhal broke the silence, ¡°Do you Anticipate Lord Marillac sending men east to Rohalot?¡±


    Anthanasius gave a grim smile. ¡°I don¡¯t envy his position now. What a decision to have to make!¡±

 Chapter 24 - Twice Abandoned

    Luke released his grip again and his hand fell to the stones with a thud. The stag pulled him through the channel in the floor and the dampness eased his passage. Though he hung on for much farther this time, they still progressed slowly.


    Additionally, the deer dragged him through the dark passage lower down. It was almost pitch-black in the previous room after the cessation of the bright glow from the miraculous floating circle, but against the comparative light from the stars, several turns around this new passage recalibrated Luke¡¯s idea of darkness.


    After they both rested, and feeling a nudge, for he could only hear the deer¡¯s breathing, Luke tremulously lifted his hand and grasped the once-broken horn. He did so less gently this time from fatigue, but the deer didn¡¯t blench, and slowly started again.


    On and off they progressed for what seemed hours. At one point Luke fell into a faint and could not be roused. Upon awakening he knew not how long he lay still, though if the sun reached those depths he would have been surprised to see it rising. The faithful deer which watched him stood upon seeing him stir and presented its antler once again. Luke grabbed it, stronger this time, and the deer pulled yet another time.


    Stopping to rest and nearly ready to begin again, Luke thought he heard a noise. It came from ahead at no great distance. He remained still with his breath paused and mouth gaping slightly. He looked to the deer, which heard it also, but appeared less affected. It casually walked over to Luke, pressed its muzzle into his forward hand as if to say goodbye, and then he heard it trotting unconcernedly back up the tunnel with a steady click-click-click-click-click.


    Luke waited until he couldn¡¯t hear it anymore and laid in bewildered silence. His friend, the only thing on earth that knew he lived, dragged him, wounded, into the depths of the earth and abandoned him. He would have let a flood of tears burst forth had he not so recently heard the words ¡®you are wanted¡¯ and seen the circle. He heard the noise again.


    Spirit still unconquered, Luke grimly raised himself to a crawling position and started forward. He continued deeper into the tunnels and advanced to meet the cause of the noise. He progressed slowly due to the darkness around and the pain within. Many times he turned aside only after bashing his head or hand into the wall. He reached out and placed one hand on the wall as he rested and felt its cool comfort. Now back in the rhythm of crawl-hopping, he preferred it to the deer dragging him along, although it had certainly been faster.


    Luke leaned against the wall until the noise sounded again- very close this time. Words followed the noise- human words. The voice sounded threatening yet scared; ready to fight yet exhausted. In the depths a man¡¯s voice sounded. ¡°Hurry up and have your fun,¡± it said in a wavering voice.


    Luke didn¡¯t quit his place along the wall or move a muscle; his brain rejected the possibility of another human down in Semias¡¯ hideaway. He shook his head to refocus his thoughts and, he thought, to keep himself sane. He closed his eyes as straining them at this depth did no good. Midway through the first step away from the wall he heard the voice again and listened, ¡°Get it over with already.¡±


    Luke stopped again in dumb silence and pondered; he couldn¡¯t be mistaken this time; he certainly heard the voice. He voiced his confusion at the inexplicable words. ¡°What?¡± he said.


    He heard a splashing of water ahead and seemingly above him and started forward yet again, carefully reaching out his hand before every step.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you bring a light?¡± the voice asked again from directly above Luke. He hit against wood not twenty meters beyond where the deer left him and here he stopped.


    ¡°What are you afraid of?¡± Luke asked. ¡°And who are you?¡±


    ¡°You tell me what you want first,¡± demanded the voice in a scared but feigned courageous voice.


    ¡°I want out of here,¡± Luke said bluntly; for to him it seemed the most obvious thing in the world.


    ¡°Are you a prisoner?¡± the voice asked, and the water before Luke sat undisturbed for the first time since it began.


    ¡°Yes; are you?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± it said. And then after a few seconds, ¡°How did you escape? Help me.¡±


    ¡°Is there a light around?¡± Luke asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s a flint and steel by a torch by the doorway.¡±


    ¡°What door?¡±


    Luke heard water splashing again and felt a new urgency to find the torch. The voice said, ¡°Directly in front of me about five paces. It¡¯s on the left side.¡±


    Luke crawled in the direction he thought ¡®directly in front of me¡¯ meant and felt about. As he moved he suddenly hit the top of his left shoulder on a wall. He wanted to cry out in pain but instead said, ¡°I¡¯ve found the door.¡±


    He felt around until his hands discerned two objects on the ground. ¡°I have the flint and steel, but are you sure there¡¯s a torch?¡±


    ¡°Yes; in a hook on the left side.¡±


    Feeling his way up the wall and supporting with his good foot, he found a hook in the wall and grasped where the torch must be. Sinking down to a sitting position, he fumbled about with the metal and soon struck sparks off the flint. They burned at his weary eyes but he kept it up and soon saw the beginnings of a flame. Looking up once it grew brighter he saw what he feared; a large barrel of water looming above him. It might seem innocent enough at first, but Luke knew this method of torture.


    He got up again and placed the torch back in its holder so as to have two hands free. The voice gasped from behind him as he came into view over the rim of the barrel. Luke turned around and leaned against the wall for support. He knew what to expect and didn¡¯t gasp audibly at the victim¡¯s obvious pain, but at recognition of a soldier he previously served with. It was Agar.


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    ¡°L- Luke,¡± he stammered. ¡°How on earth? What¡­ but you¡­¡±


    Luke moved to help his friend and half-collapsed half-lunged forward. He tried to say something but a lump stuck in his throat making it even more painful to breathe. He crawled forward to the barrel again and drew his knife. The oak resisted the small blade well.


    Agar asked Luke, ¡°Can¡¯t you stand? You can just cut my bonds.¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯ll try,¡± he choked out.


    It hadn¡¯t occurred to Luke that he may be able to reach high enough on his one leg to reach the top but, using his knife, he clawed his way to the top. Concentrating not to drop the knife, he looked over the edge and saw Agar. Looking around for the ropes his eyes fell to under the water and he saw they fastened him to the floor.


    ¡°I can¡¯t reach them,¡± he said desperately, looking in his friend¡¯s eyes, both welling with tears at seeing the other in such a poor state.


    As he started to lower himself over the edge to resume hacking a hole, he noticed a rope at the top. Shaking the tears from his face, he mumbled, ¡°This isn¡¯t a normal barrel.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Agar started to say, but Luke already brought his knife to the rope and quickly sawed through the taught fibers.


    The barrel appeared to explode and water gushed out all around. The boards slapped Luke to the floor but thankfully didn¡¯t extinguish the torch. He moved to where Agar now stood; wrinkled and pale; soggy beneath his clinging clothes, and cut first one rope, then another, and then handed him the knife to finish the other ones as he collapsed onto the wet platform.


    After having cut the last bonds, Agar weakly stepped off the soggy platform and looked back to Luke.


    ¡°You¡¯re a prisoner too?¡± Agar asked again. ¡°I thought I was the only one.¡±


    Luke slid off the platform to the ground and sat on a wet board.


    ¡°No; me too.¡±


    Luke and Agar gave brief summaries of their respective narratives. Soon the obvious incongruities in their assumptions elicited more stories. Luke¡¯s contained more variety and took a great deal longer to tell Agar everything that befell since his capture but Agar too had a story to tell.


    ¡°Aelred and I were two of the scouts around our camp that night and we heard a creeping noise off in the distance. Of course I went to investigate and told him to stay behind just in case. I walked, crouched, and waited for quite a while without seeing or hearing anything. I turned back to Aelred when someone seized me around the throat and held my sword down. I stabbed behind me with my dagger but the grip was so tight I must have blacked out without much of a struggle.¡±


    Here Agar paused and Luke filled in a few of the details he needed.


    ¡°Aelred came running terrified into the camp saying you were killed so we left immediately for Echo Slope. We met a company of Shalmen and none escaped but we heard another larger force in the distance and thankfully evaded it.¡±


    ¡°I was there and heard the battle.¡± Agar resumed, ¡°I knew you fled without me- thank gods- you wouldn¡¯t have had a chance. They had my arms bound and me gagged and held me helpless with a rope around my neck between two soldiers. I couldn¡¯t get at either one.¡±


    ¡°Later that day a general and three others came up to my two guards and led us away from the rest of the group. I thought they meant to hang me, but we walked until night with nothing said of it. They obliged me to walk the next day as well and several after. I knew we headed east and a little bit north so I thought they meant to remove me to Myst¡¯s Rim. Right when I was sure of it, though, another Shalmen found us in the forest and led us down here.


    ¡±I was dead tired from rough treatment and moved slowly so I don¡¯t exactly remember the way. They left me with one guard at a time for perhaps a month.


    ¡°No one knew I was alive but I kept my despair from growing by knowing I remained in Rohia. Also in a not in a too out-of-the-way place.¡± He stopped and shuddered. ¡°Then a well-dressed sneering man came in with an awful looking fellow. The beasts dragged me bound down here and set me in this cask and filled it most of the way with water. The sneering man knew by my rank I didn¡¯t have any useful information but I guess the coward wanted his fun.¡±


    Luke wanted to affirm Agar¡¯s ill-treatment and said as much with a look. His friend¡¯s nobly-born suffering cast away the pain and self-pity he felt and replaced it with gratitude that they were both alive and free.


    Free. But were they? Deep in an underground prison, the chances of their survival even now seemed dismal. Luke voiced his concern and Agar echoed it.


    ¡°I think they¡¯ve gone...¡±


    ¡°When?¡±


    ¡°About¡­ um¡­ probably at least a day or two ago,¡± Luke offered, trying to piece his intermittent consciousness together. ¡°Did he give any indication where they would go?¡±


    Agar, now sitting against the wall with the torch in his hand and warming his frozen feet as best he could, replied, ¡°That¡¯s the last time I saw him. He said he was heading back to Rohalot soon. That must be where they¡¯re attacking next.¡±


    Luke started up. ¡°You mean you didn¡¯t know the well-dressed man?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Agar said simply. ¡°I don¡¯t know any Shalmen.¡±


    ¡°But he isn¡¯t a Shalmen. At least he wasn¡¯t born in Myst¡¯s Rim like the others. He¡¯s Semias Norworth- one of the king¡¯s advisors.


    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous.¡±


    ¡°He ordered this done to me in probably the same room they kept you prisoner for a month,¡± Luke said, gesturing to his bruised body. ¡°I know his face from an affair in Rohalot and am positive it was him. I¡¯ve known of him for years.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s working with the Shalmen?¡± Agar asked.


    ¡°Apparently. I guess that¡¯s why they keep finding weakness in our defenses and have such surprising victories. He couldn¡¯t help gloating before what he thought killed me and he¡¯s grudging Sensian¡¯s downfall.¡±


    Agar sat silent for a while concentrating on the torch¡¯s flame. It occasionally flared out to his leg and burnt the hair white but he didn¡¯t heed that- the warmth brought renewed life to his lower limbs- but presently he responded to Luke.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t he¡­ he didn¡¯t¡­ why didn¡¯t he kill you? You know somuch now.¡± Agar struggled to speak.


    ¡°I suspect he thought he had when he left. A body can only take so much beating.¡±


    He hung his head and held it in his hands with the recollection of the awful memory bringing the hitherto ignored pain raging back to a constant throb. He tried to raise his other leg to rest his arms on another knee but gasped in pain.


    ¡°Howwere youcaptured?¡± Agar asked, dumbfounded.


    ¡°I fell through a hole in the roof of that upper cave. My ankle fell away when I landed and I didn¡¯t put up much fight against Semias¡¯ monster,¡± Luke replied, but, knowing the dangers of melancholy, said, ¡°But at least their secret hideout is easier to find now and they might not come back.¡±


    He smiled and laughed weakly, but Agar, giddy at his release, laughed hard and accidentally touched the side of his foot with the hot end of the torch.


    ¡°Am I correctly,¡± he asked, ¡°in thinking we¡¯re¡¯re not too farfrom help?¡±


    Luke shook his head in the affirmative. ¡°We¡¯re within a mile of the high road between Echo Slope and Brownstone Castle.¡±

 Chapter 25 - Deception

    Two days passed. Sir Brian sat up with a jolt. Someone pounded on his door in the middle of the night. ¡°Brian! Sir Brian!¡± He recognized Sir Rothbur¡¯s voice and sprang to the door to unlock it.


    ¡°Arm yourself, the enemy cometh!¡± his friend said before he rushed down the corridor and turned a corner.


    More than a little alarmed, Sir Brian turned back to his room and grabbed his sword; about all his armament that wasn¡¯t in the armory. He then left the room and followed the path Sir Rothbur took.


    Presently he came to the armory and found it in a frenzy with more men arriving continuously. Knights shouted to their squires and each other and breastplates crashed together more than usual in the extreme haste. An incredible noise shook the room.


    Sir Brian tried to piece together the news from the knights and men-at-arms near him. The prevailing word from around the clamorous room said that distant scouts arrived breathless with news of the Shalmen army marching to Rohalot.


    Sir Brian threw on a linen and wool harberk, a shirt of chainmail, and a tunic overtop. He looked up with surprise to see Boniface in front of him. He started talking without drawing a breath. ¡°We¡¯ve got to get the king out of here; Cajetan is bringing him to the stables- meet us there and bring Sir Rothbur if you can.¡± Without another word he disappeared into the crowd.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Semias?¡± Sir Brian shouted after him but the din drowned out his words.


    Sir Brian soon ran up to the stables from the armory and found it fraught with similar chaos. What would likely begin as a siege wouldn¡¯t need many horses but the stableboys readied some anyway at Boniface¡¯s orders before he gathered the knights.


    The glare from the torches cast an unsteady light on the scores of men running about and he couldn¡¯t distinguish any but his closest friends beneath their armor.


    It took Sir Brian a while to notice that Boniface sat on a horse with a dozen knights already with him. Sir Rothbur¡¯s squire Olin helped both men into their saddles and handed them weapons.


    ¡°Godspeed,¡± he managed to say to Sir Brian before another soldier stepped between them in his own hasty preparations.


    Squire Joseph maneuvered between the armored men and out the far side of the room. He ran up several flights of stone stairs after a knight stopped him and asked him to find and bring his greaves. As he ran along he heard the words, ¡°Don¡¯t do anything stupid; you¡¯re far too useful to me to try anything now.¡±


    He rounded the corner and almost ran into two men. He dodged around them without looking and kept running along the passageway. ¡°Pardon me, sirs; looking for Sir White¡¯s greaves,¡± he called as he immediately rounded another corner.


    As he continued running he faintly heard in the same savage voice, ¡°Idiot squire. And to them¡­¡±


    *****


    The same moment as Squire Joseph left, Sir Brian noticed what he recognized as the king¡¯s party entering from the close side of the room. The king wore armor similar to the rest of the knights and not his gold-inlaid gauntlets or other such ornaments. Those with him almost carried him into a saddle in their haste. A few more knights joined the group, and the party set off to the gate to the west.


    A great commotion overtook the town as everyone, though already within the town¡¯s wall, wanted to move closer to the keep. The group kept the king in the center and pushed down a street lined with high houses and frightened citizens.


    Nearing the gate they could finally ride at more than a walk and once through kicked their mounts to a gallop. Moving faster, the distance between members increased out of necessity but still they kept the king in the center. Boniface looked back shortly after passing under the gate and saw a group of men riding at breakneck speed to the north. Four heavily armored soldiers rode around the central figure, who looked like a child next to his enormous escort.


    ¡®I hope some archers are keeping a good lookout for deserters,¡¯ he thought, assuming Semias Norworth¡¯s escape.


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    The group charged down the main road and traveled perhaps two miles away from the city when the leader tensed up and shouted to give the others the warning of that which all silently dreaded; an ambush. A body of horsemen emerged from a thicket fifty yards perpendicular to the road and bolted across the short stretch of plain to intercept the entourage. The moon shone enough to allow the group to travel rapidly. Now its light shone as if an impartial ally for both parties as the malefactors drew near.


    The leader and a few companions at the front veered off with hearty cries to meet the assault. If the likelihood of death crossed their mind, it didn¡¯t show with a single moment¡¯s hesitation; a king¡¯s escort hadn¡¯t that luxury. They met the onset with a crash, ready to sell their lives dearly to buy as much time as possible.


    The king acted as if he wished to repel his enemies himself, but the men on his sides continued on and left him no chance to risk his life.


    The remainder of the bodyguard continued on with even greater haste several miles farther along. Rounding a bend they spied a mass of people many miles distant, quite close to the castle now, with a great many torches among them. Standing still in the silent night while listening for hoofbeats and breathing their horses, the group realized the full import of the report of the scouts that woke the castle.


    Boniface spoke to the others. ¡°That was a close call; thank Eshua for our friend¡¯s courage. Hopefully they were victorious.¡±


    Wanting to make an impression to the others, he continued, ¡°I think I saw Semias fleeing just behind us as we left the castle and head north. He must have defected.¡±


    Some stirred in their saddles and mumbled to each other, but none appeared greatly affected; the soldiery held Semias Norworth in derision. Only the king acted concerned. He turned his horse around and made as if to go and talk to Boniface, but never did.


    Upon nearing Boniface he urged his horse forward and tried to break out through the others back the way they had come. A knight near him lunged for his horse¡¯s mane and caught two fistfuls of it as he passed by. The king beat at his hands and eventually drew his sword but the others surrounded him by that time.


    They wrestled his sword from his possession and held him still. They stood there in the dark night with the enemy host advancing toward Rohalot Castle. Preventing the king from returning to his people felt strange. He muttered a few threats then ceased to resist.


    Boniface spoke to reassure him, ¡°The sooner we can get to Echo Slope, the quicker we can send aid, mylord, but it is folly to go back.¡±


    Everyone stared for a few moments at the king whose armor rose and fell about his chest. He reached up to unbuckle his helmet and lifted it off. Everyone gasped and Boniface, who wore no helmet, lost all color.


    *****


    Boniface¡¯s color drained to deathly white and he looked like a ghost standing dumb in the moonlight. His mind raced to fit the pieces of treachery together. A deception caused them to escort another man out in place of King Nigel.


    Boniface involuntarily glanced back at the mass of torches miles away and realized with a great pain in his heart that they dared not return. He now felt the urgency of getting to Echo Slope to request aid more than ever.


    ¡°Bind him,¡± he said as he returned to his horse.


    ¡°Haah!¡± the man croaked, turning halfway around to see Sir Brian as one of his captors, ¡°I didn¡¯t get you but killing a king is better.¡±


    Sir Brian spun the bound prisoner around and looked him in the face. ¡°So it¡¯s you who tried to cut my throat in my sleep! You traitor- you¡¯ll pay for killing our king,¡± he said.


    ¡°His blood isn¡¯t on my knife, but giving myself up to you means your precious king is safe with us. Haah! My life for a king¡¯s.¡± He fell into a quiet muse while they set him atop a horse again.


    They eagerly wished to start again as they knew Echo Slope was the closest significant castle able to send assistance.


    ¡°Wait! Wait!¡± Sir Brian called to Boniface who had already turned and started to ride. ¡°There¡¯s no king to protect in our company now and as long as some arrive to ask for assistance the rest of us should stay here and help defend.¡±


    Sir Rothbur caught his meaning and continued, ¡°Lord Marillac will assuredly send aid but it will be 10 days before a relief force can arrive. Semias knows this and will make sure they¡¯re too late. If we don¡¯t have King Nigel safe before reinforcements arrive, their arrival will kill him.¡±


    All the men in the group murmured agreement and Boniface turned his horse to face them. ¡°How will you help in the defense?¡±


    ¡°Get back inside if we can and remove Semias from his position immediately with whatever means available,¡± Sir Rothbur said. ¡°Otherwise I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Stay out of sight as best we can and frustrate their plans.¡± Sir Brian said.


    ¡°If you enter, do so without notice lest your arrival have the same effect as reinforcements; Semias has some fifty in his bodyguard,¡± Boniface said. ¡°Godspeed. Now,¡± turning to the group in general, ¡°five with me to guard our prisoner and request aid from Echo Slope.¡±


    None desired to be thought of as cowardly and Sir Brian and Sir Rothbur immediately galloped their horses over the ground they just traversed, followed by most of the others. The last five remaining turned their horses west and rode with Boniface while making sure their prisoner stayed between them.

 Chapter 26 - Answers

    The comrades from Rohalot arrived at Echo Slope thoroughly exhausted, but the fresh adrenaline of arriving with a mission gave them renewed energy for the time ahead. They met with the usual occurrences and challenges from guards when riding up the winding labyrinth to the main fortress and soon arrived.


    Hearing that a group of knights arrived from Rohalot Castle, Lord Marillac didn¡¯t even need to be told they desired to talk with him; verily, he desired to hear news as much as they wished to give it. He didn¡¯t need the prompting of Boniface¡¯s presence to seek information.


    ¡°Boniface, it is good to see you,¡± he said, recognizing the king¡¯s advisor.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you as well mylord.¡±


    ¡°My steward informed me you arrived in haste from Rohalot,¡± said Lord Marillac, prompting right to the heart of the conversation.


    ¡°It could not be more urgent,¡± Boniface replied.


    ¡°Follow me then,¡± Lord Marillac said.


    Boniface turned to some of the knights still by him. ¡°Take care of the prisoner.¡± Then turning to a knight with Boniface, Sir Grimmore, said, ¡°You come as well.¡±


    Lord Marillac led the two men to the same consultation room as he dispatched the knights from twelve days before and closed the door.


    He began the conversation with a question. ¡°You brought a prisoner from the capitol?¡±


    The most obvious assumption begged an explanation and elicited a lengthy one from Boniface.


    Once completed, Lord Marillac sighed and laid his face in his hands. After a space he raised his head and spoke. ¡°Semias planned all this just as you said. I don¡¯t believe he would come with an inferior force as he knows all the defenses at Rohalot Castle.¡±


    He stood and walked to the window according to his custom. The weather changed significantly the last few days. An icy wind blew from the east and brought a slight rain that muddied up the courtyard and darkened the earth.


    Lord Marillac continued his train of thought, ¡°And, as we have seen, Semias has enemy soldiers in his bodyguard inside the castle. I pray Cajetan or those who turned around get the defending captain to arrest Semias¡¯ entire bodyguard immediately before they can sabotage anything.¡±


    He fell into another reverie pondering his next move. He didn¡¯t covet the title of first-in-command in the kingdom and still didn¡¯t hold it, but it appeared only he could provide relief.


    He turned and addressed his friend, ¡°Of course I want to send aid, but you may know, Boniface, that I recently sent two hundred men to Lord Cyprius¡¯ aid at his request and promised more; I didn¡¯t know of this force marching on Rohalot.¡±


    ¡°The siege has surely begun by now,¡± Sir Grimmore said. ¡°I only hope that a siege is their intent; which I doubt.¡±


    ¡°So do I,¡± said Lord Marillac. ¡°Semias is too clever to drag things out waiting for a surrender.¡±


    He looked to Boniface, ¡°You said you sent Cajetan to bring the king to meet you at the stables; were there any with him?¡±


    ¡°A few men-at-arms, sir.¡±


    Lord Marillac didn¡¯t berate his friend for only sending a few men on such an important task; indeed, his friend likely did little else on the entire journey. Holding his tongue in this moment of agitation showed his depth of character and part of what made him a great leader.


    ¡°So Semias uses him as a bargaining-piece. I can see little other intention as he had every opportunity to kill the king,¡° he answered immediately, not leaving a space of silence for the words to sting. ¡°But all that is useless speculation and cannot change a thing except paralyze us into doing nothing; I¡¯ll send aid as soon as possible. I have every hope the king is still living.


    ¡°But in the meantime we need to know what is happening there; whether it is a full siege or if the Shalmen have help from inside. I imagine it is both.¡±


    ¡°Likely Semias¡¯ guards conveniently patrolled as the Shalmen advanced toward the castle the way the force reached so close before the garrison was roused,¡± Sir Grimmore said with scorn.


    ¡°Certainly; a host could not reach so close to a city undetected even if there were no Rohian scouts,¡± answered Boniface.


    ¡°Did you see particulars of the Shalmen force?¡± Lord Marillac asked.


    The two shook their heads in the negative and repeated that they left in great haste.


    ¡°But you must have had a reason to attempt to evacuate the king,¡± Lord Marillac said while looking straight at Boniface. ¡°Did you think the city would fall?¡±


    Boniface paused and appeared to question his decision then said, ¡°Separating King Nigel from Semias had been a prominent goal for so long I now see I acted without thinking. My first thought upon awakening went to protecting the king. For weeks, evacuating him to Echo Slope meant protection.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps Semias didn¡¯t know of the plan to evacuate the king and stole him out anyway,¡± Sir Grimmore offered.


    ¡°There would not have been a replacement had there been no deception,¡± Boniface said.


    ¡°True,¡± said Lord Marillac. ¡°Realize I don¡¯t ask in order to blame you in my frustration. I simply want every possible detail before I make a decision.¡±


    ¡°Sir Amis is still there,¡± Boniface volunteered.


    While he spoke Sir Rowlin and another knight, Sir Chesterfield, entered. ¡°Knights,¡± Lord Marillac said, ¡°Boniface brings news from Rohalot Castle. Have you heard it from anyone?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve heard nothing, sir, except a murmur of gossip about their arriving company.¡±


    ¡°Rohalot is under attack; perhaps a siege, and we have every reason to believe King Nigel is already in the hands of the Shalmen,¡± said Lord Marillac quietly.


    Sir Chesterfield¡¯s face went white at the words and his mouth hung open slightly. Sir Rowlin knit his brow and mumbled, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect anything so large to happen so suddenly.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯d been talking before you entered,¡± Lord Marillac said, ¡°and agree that since Semias could have killed the king many times but hasn¡¯t, King Nigel¡¯s death is not the goal. We think he is alive.¡±


    ¡°If he¡¯s keeping King Nigel as a bargaining piece that could mean he doesn¡¯t have a force strong enough to take Rohia and is holding him for ransom,¡± Sir Rowlin said. ¡°The Shalmen hold a grudge against his ancestors and want more than a tortured king. If Semias is as pervasive as we¡¯ve been told and turned the king into the puppet I¡¯ve heard, he certainly had opportunities to not only kill him but steal him as well. But he did neither of those things and I know he¡¯s playing a deeper game.¡±


    ¡°A deeper game, yes,¡± Lord Marillac said. ¡°The grudge isn¡¯t just towards the king¡¯s ancestors but all people in the kingdom. The king led us in comfort previously but we¡¯ll follow his torment if we cannot save him. We¡¯ve all heard the horrors of Sensian¡¯s rebellion.¡±


    ¡°Do you think this is a new resurgence of Sensian¡¯s brand of Shalmen?¡± Sir Chesterfield asked.


    ¡°I do,¡± Lord Marillac answered. ¡°It¡¯s an almost impossible coincidence for the Shalmen to land around Bronlum right when the king buckles under pressure. Wouldn¡¯t you agree, Boniface?¡±


    Boniface shifted in his chair. ¡°Anyone close to the king,¡± he began, ¡°noticed a change in him a month or two before the Shalmen were first reported on our shores. It took me a while to notice it- I thought it was him grieving- but Cajetan asked me about it and I certainly saw the change from then forward. Even before they landed.¡±


    ¡°Semias cannot work alone,¡± Lord Marillac continued. ¡°He is crafty and cunning but doesn¡¯t have the power to sway the kingdom without outside help.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s where his bodyguard comes in,¡± Boniface said. ¡°He keeps a large bodyguard I¡¯m now convinced is his inside help.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    The conversation continued a while after this until Sir Rowlin and Boniface needed to attend other matters.


    Sir Grimmore moved the conversation to another vein after the two departed and Lord Marillac began to follow that. He told about how a man attacked Sir Brian in the middle of the night.


    ¡°Sir Rothbur helped defend him and though the man escaped they say they saw a brand mark on his arm. As if he is a member of a secret society. While evacuating the ¡®king¡¯ from Rohalot Castle you already know how it turned out to be a traitor. He all but admitted it was he who tried to kill Sir Brian that night.¡±


    Lord Marillac and Sir Chesterfield pondered this in silence.


    Finally Lord Marillac spoke. ¡°Well, about this secret society in Rohalot. It¡¯s now apparent it¡¯s affiliated with the Shalmen and Semias, but did either of you see the brand clearly?¡±


    ¡°Neither of us did.¡±


    ¡°I wish to see it and question this man,¡± he said. ¡°Won¡¯t you join me?¡±


    The three went to the courtyard and questioned a soldier standing there if the prisoner already occupied the dungeon and found out he did. They went down a passageway lit by torches and continued down to the farther reaches, passing by many empty cells and several guards who let them pass unchallenged at seeing the lord of the castle.


    Arriving at the cell, the three entered to find a man not raging as a recent prisoner, but one already resigned to his fate. He had the air of one who bears his suffering in the knowledge he brings about a greater good; he contented himself knowing he held a large part in the kingdom¡¯s weakening.


    Lord Marillac walked up to him and asked, ¡°Who sent you in King Nigel¡¯s place?¡±


    The prisoner smirked and turned part way around, saying, ¡°You don¡¯t need me to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Did he also have you try to kill Sir Brian?¡± asked Lord Marillac.


    The man glared back and said, ¡°I¡¯ll do it, too. Someday.¡±


    ¡°Did he also have you branded?¡±


    At that, the prisoner turned away and would not speak.


    ¡°Let us see it.¡±


    He stayed motionless, facing away with his arms folded. Lord Marillac took a step forward and so did the prisoner.


    ¡°Guards!¡± Lord Marillac said, raising his voice.


    Two guards instantly stepped into the cell and Lord Marillac spoke to them. ¡°Restrain him; we need to see a brand on his arm.¡±


    The two grabbed the man by each arm and turned him around. He struggled for an instant then realized the futility and complied without looking anyone in the face.


    The three looked at the man¡¯s arm and saw, sure enough, a brand mark upon the muscular sword arm. Lord Marillac silently delighted in the shape; a diamond beset with a circle. The brand looked fairly new, certainly within the last few years.


    ¡°When did you enter Semias¡¯ bodyguard?¡± Lord Marillac asked.


    The man stared straight ahead proudly and didn¡¯t acknowledge the question. Lord Marillac stood staring at the prisoner for another moment and let a smile slowly spread across his face. The prisoner remained mute but reddened slightly.


    ¡°That¡¯s all. For now,¡± Lord Marillac said as he motioned to the guards to leave the prisoner alone and turned on his heel and walked out smiling menacingly.


    The two knights followed him stalking away. Before they turned the corner they heard the gate close again and the guards resume their posts.


    Once the three traversed several corners and couldn¡¯t be overheard, Sir Grimmore asked, ¡°Why did you smile when he didn¡¯t answer your question?¡±


    ¡°Just to try a mind game with him. We¡¯ll see if he is more eager to talk after worrying over it for a few days,¡± he answered, but then continued, ¡°I have seen that shape before.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± he asked, surprised.


    ¡°In the infirmary; Anthanasius mentioned it to me before he left. He has also seen it on the Shalmen armor.


    Lord Marillac led to the infirmary and entered. They saw a few monks there, but not Oblate Joseph or Brother Walter. Lord Marillac inquired into their whereabouts and decided to wait for one to arrive, meanwhile visiting with the monks he knew, but mostly with the infirm.


    Brother Walter arrived first and greeted them, supposing the reason for their visit. Lord Marillac noticed he looked the same as when he followed him days before down the same passage. Together they walked down the passage and soon came to his cell.


    Lord Marillac noticed no change in the room either, and sat in the same chair as before; across from the man while the two knights looked on. Brother Walter reached to the side and picked up the old and tattered book. He opened it to where a piece of parchment stuck out and gave it to Lord Marillac, saying, ¡°This is the translation I came up with. Rohian hands did not write these words.¡±


    Lord Marillac knit his brow and read aloud:


    ¡°Whence the miserable traitors have been rightfully banished, now shall come a swift crushing of their pathetic host. Camp before our gates, horrid wretches, watching for a weakness. We won¡¯t show one as we haven¡¯t any. I look forward with eager expectation for your mad march up the hill; the second rank will be slipping on blood and make you foolish peasants even easier targets.


    ¡°Banishment was never enough and we should have known better. No matter; we won¡¯t make this same mistake again. This will be the final battle between the all-powerful Shalmen and the serf rabble huddling at the foot of our mighty fortress.¡±


    He looked up and said, ¡°Why, this must have been written at least 400 years ago. Could it be pages from Luthar Sensian¡¯s journal? That or one of his nobility?¡±


    ¡°I believe so.¡±


    Lord Marillac looked back down to the parchment and the book and then back up. ¡°This is wonderful history and I thank you for your work, but do you know what the ancient parts of this castle were originally used for?¡± he said, disappointed to learn only a few trivial bits of information.


    ¡°Open to the second parchment,¡± the older man said.


    Lord Marillac noticed for the first time another place marked by a sheet. He opened it to the same illumination he noticed on his first visit, pulled out the parchment, and proceeded to read:


    ¡°The gods be praised for Eusebius¡¯ sacrifice. They hurled him from the walls and pierced him with arrows as he tumbled to the rocks. Who knows what would have happened to our struggle had he not courageously sabotaged the Shalmen. He saved a score of people a thousand fold from a life of slow death under their lash.¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± he exclaimed, ¡°I never knew the name of the man who did it- only that a hero weakened the defenses enough for the assault to break in upon this mighty fortress.¡±


    He continued reading:


    ¡°We packed over the secret entrance from whence we gained access lest a traitor to our cause remains in our midst in this mighty city.¡±


    ¡°A different scribe wrote the rest,¡± Brother Walter interrupted.


    Lord Marillac looked and noticed, crammed at the bottom of the page, the scratchy writing of a different hand and the accompanying translation.


    ¡°In expanding the fortress to better withstand an assault, we modified the passage and tunnel to make it less impregnable should we Rohians ever require it again. Perchance a generation forgot about it until I discovered this tome.¡°


    ¡°So the passage is in the original section of the castle,¡± Sir Grimmore exclaimed.


    ¡°It would appear so,¡± answered Lord Marillac, excited, but more calm at the secondary discovery. ¡°You see at least one generation has forgotten about it since the second writing. The newer part of the castle is about 300 years old.¡±


    He looked to the translator as he finished speaking, who volunteered, ¡°I didn¡¯t know about the passage either.¡±


    ¡°Have you found it, then, since translating this?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve not looked for it,¡± he responded. ¡°We only finished the translation this morning.¡±


    Sir Grimmore interjected again with that boyish enthusiasm the words ¡®secret passageway¡¯ always inspire. ¡°The book says ¡®tunnel and passage¡¯, see!¡± he said, ¡°right there.¡± and he pointed to the words written by the second hand. ¡°That means our ancestors hollowed out a space in the stone below us.¡±


    Unable to share the same excitement of the knight, Lord Marillac still couldn¡¯t move his mind from the insignia. He said, ¡°The Shalmen once used the original section of the castle as a base for their military reign. If half the legends are real then great butchery took place here. How strange that our infirmary once housed those atrocities.¡±


    ¡°Praise Eshua it has become a place of healing- ¡®abusus non tollit usum¡¯, abuse is no argument against proper use,¡± Brother Walter said.


    ¡°Is the insignia that of the Shalmen, then, and nothing more?¡± Lord Marillac mused. ¡°That doesn¡¯t seem enough¡­¡± He trailed off in thought, tapping his finger on the edge of the Brother¡¯s table and stroking his brown rounded beard.


    Their host shifted in his chair and reached across the table for the book but pushed the parchment translation aside. He flipped carefully through a large chunk of pages and then back a few after reorienting.


    As he looked, he spoke, ¡°I don¡¯t remember what the Shalmen¡¯s insignia is supposed to be even five years ago, but there is a drawing Joseph and I discovered here with a description from the same hand as wrote about expanding the tunnel.¡±


    He found the page with the drawing he desired and pushed the book over to Lord Marillac who eagerly looked down but saw no translation.


    Sir Chesterfield bent over his shoulder and asked, ¡°So this is the ensign of the Shalmen after their defeat at the ancient Echo Slope? That doesn¡¯t seem to line up. Why would the defeated change the symbol of their unity after a crushing defeat?¡±


    ¡°I suppose we should have written out that translation as well, but it was unclear. Something along the lines of it being the new scourge of the Rohians; a band of disconcerted rebels from near Rohalot which nearly brought the budding city to the ground.¡± explained Brother Walter, chuckling.


    All four smiled broadly as everyone knew that section of history; a Shalmen remnant fled to the southeast of the country and laid siege to the new young capitol, trying to undermine its walls. The western part of the kingdom mustered a massive relief force to drive out the Shalmen once and for all, but they overdid the caution; the defenders fought with the strength of desperation, vaguely remembering the terrors of the previous reign and mostly drove them back.


    The relief army pushed the rebels to the coast but could not follow over the sea. Some returned home immediately to reinforce the weakened western half of the kingdom should anything befall while others helped rebuild the port town Rondyr, which the Shalmen torched as they fled, or the reconstruction of Rohalot.


    ¡°This must have been written by the lord of Echo Slope while restlessly waiting for word. It appears we have to deal with a new form of the original Shalmen,¡± said Lord Marillac gravely once the mirth resided, ¡°one seeking to reintroduce savage inhumanity.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d sooner die in battle a dozen times than be taken by those monsters,¡± said Sir Chesterfield.


    ¡°Most would. Even without knowing this,¡± responded Lord Marillac, ¡°and thank Eshua for that.¡±


    The anxiety to discover the long-lost passage still visibly affected Sir Grimmore. Lord Marillac looked to him and said, ¡°As there is no more to the text I see no reason to delay; let us look for the entrance at once.¡±

 Chapter 27 - The Search

    Searching for the entrance to the supposed tunnel gave a welcome distraction away from the caliber of enemy invaders. Any with the unlucky chance to fall prisoner could expect the most awful tortures known.


    ¡°At least a generation forgot about this passage as you said, mylord,¡± Sir Grimmore remarked, ¡°but we might look back thirty or more generations before finding memory if they dug it 600 years ago.¡±


    ¡°That is truly wonderful to think about,¡± he answered the knight. ¡°To think Rohia has survived since then is a marvel. One year can bring many adventures and I¡¯m honored to walk where for hundreds of years our ancestors have defended freedom. May we not let the length of years diminish our honor for what they went through to regain this fortress.¡±


    ¡°Hearing the heroic tales of men such as Eusebius always quickens my blood, sir,¡± commented Sir Chesterfield. ¡°I love luxury too much and a reminder of others¡¯ lives is good for me.¡±


    Lord Marillac placed his hand on the knight¡¯s shoulder as they walked side by side and turned to face him. He nodded his assent then turned forward again and continued nodding. ¡°I need frequent reminders, too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen the fire in your eyes extinguished,¡± Sir Grimmore said.


    ¡°Sometimes it dims,¡± he said then continued after a few second¡¯s pause, ¡°but it shines bright again. I can feel a great weight will be placed on our shoulders soon and we must be strong enough to bear it well. The kingdom is ready. Our people will bear the trial well.¡±


    As Sir Grimmoe said, the glow in Lord Marillac¡¯s eyes never diminished much but now shone brightly. His nose flared and his eyes opened wider as if in expectation of a tremendous challenge he must overcome.


    ¡°The people will look to you, mylord,¡± Sir Chesterfield said. ¡°You will bear the trials well and provide an example.¡±


    ¡°For them and for the King.¡±


    They continued their walk without saying another word until they got near the dungeon. ¡°According to Brother Walter¡¯s deduction from the ancient writings we should be nearing the upper entrance,¡± Lord Marillac said to his two knights.


    ¡°How will we discern it?¡± Sir Chesterfield asked.


    ¡°I hope we find an inscription. A carving rather, in the form of a diamond surrounded by a circle or a circle inside a diamond. Anthanasius found that symbol engraved into some Shalmen armor and Brother Walter discovered the same while translating the instructions to lead us here. The latter symbol is in the infirmary and who knows what other locations around this castle,¡± Lord Marillac answered.


    ¡°Why would the entrance not be in the infirmary?¡± asked Sir Chesterfield.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°It may, but this is where Brother Walter said the translation described as good as he can deduce. Besides, if the tunnel leads to near the base of Echo Slope, it would make sense to start from a low point in the castle.¡±


    The knights searched for two hours without finding anything. Lord Marillac stopped searching a while back due to another commitment around the castle.


    ¡°I¡¯ve had about enough of this,¡± Sir Chesterfield said. ¡°Let¡¯s get the squires to help; they¡¯d love it and surely search in different places than we would.¡±


    Sir Grimmore agreed and the two knights exited the lower storerooms and made their way up to the courtyard where they soon found squires Kay and Rasil working on their swordsmanship with blunted weapons.


    Sir Chesterfield got right to the heart of the matter and said, ¡°Boys, we need your help finding something. It¡¯s a secret tunnel down in the lower levels of the castle we think has been walled up for centuries.¡± The squires¡¯ eyes grew wide as the knight spoke in a way to deliberately create curiosity in their young minds. ¡°We need you to not tell anyone about what you¡¯re doing or where the entrance is.¡±


    Keeping such an exciting mission a secret raised their excitement to an even greater level. ¡°Where is it, Sir?¡± asked squire Kay.


    ¡°Perhaps in a storeroom. Come; we will show you what to look for,¡± Sir Grimmore answered before leading the way to the mostly-vacant infirmary. The two squires walked and bounced along behind the knights in their excitement and exchanged glances and pokes in the ribs with the excitement of their mission.


    Sir Grimmore quietly explained to them that while they hoped the same engraving as in the infirmary would mark the tunnel entrance, any inconsistency in the stonework of the walls or floor might be the only indication of where the tunnel once existed.


    ¡°Now let¡¯s go down to the storerooms,¡± he said as they left the infirmary.


    Once in the lower regions of the castle the knight spoke again. ¡°We¡¯re not sure exactly where this tunnel should be; Brother Walter translated an ancient manuscript for us and it points us in this direction. We¡¯re thinking a storeroom would make the most sense and that¡¯s where we are asking you to begin your search.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go into the dungeons,¡± Sir Chesterfield said. ¡°At least until you¡¯ve made an exhaustive search of the rest of the rooms. And then come get us to accompany you if you must.¡±


    The squires concealed their excitement as best they could and shuffled around with racing hearts before the knights even finished speaking. Soon they noticed the knights departed and they began to speak more than a whisper. They didn¡¯t fear discovery because their superiors assigned them this mission, but the sensation of secrecy kept them quiet until they knew they worked alone.


    ¡°What do ye think is in this tunnel?¡± squire Rasil asked.


    ¡°Sir Brian said the lower regions of the castle,¡± answered squire Kay.


    ¡°Yes, but isn¡¯t that where we already are?¡±


    ¡°Do you mean you think there is more to Echo Slope than what everyone thinks?¡±


    ¡°I think so. How could there not be with a tunnel leading downward from the lowest point in the keep.¡±


    Rasil spoke this last bit as a statement and Kay didn¡¯t feel any reason to question him; his mind, too, spun with the possibilities and enlarged it first into an underground city with people locked down there for centuries then quickly morphed it into a sort of catacombs. He made his voice sound brighter than he felt and called out, ¡°Having luck o¡¯er there?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Kay straightened up with a jerk from examining the floor between some barrels and ran over to see. ¡°What did you find?¡± he asked as he approached.


    In answer Rasil smiled mischievously and held up a worn and rusty horseshoe. As his smile turned into a laugh Kay gave his friend a light punch on the arm then laughed too.


    ¡°I can tell this is going to be a long job if we don¡¯t make it fun,¡± Rasil said, gazing around him. ¡°There are many storerooms.¡±

 Chapter 28 - Survival

    ¡°Good,¡± Agar said. ¡°And Anthanasius is there with two hundred men?¡±


    ¡°He was when I left,¡± Luke replied. ¡°I doubt they¡¯ll have kept looking for me this long. I¡¯m not sure what day it is or how long I lay unconscious. We did pass many people on the road though and we¡¯ll surely meet someone before long.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m able tost¡­ tost¡­and. To stand,¡± Agar said as he tried his legs. ¡°Do you think youcould walk if I help you support you?¡±


    Luke undid his boot and looked down at his swelling ankle for the first time. He moved it front to back and side to side with extreme care. He thought of falling through the high ceiling onto the rough stone floor and marveled that his ankle or leg didn¡¯t break. The pain that now blended into the constant throb of the rest of his aching body rose up at the movement and he winced. ¡°Yes I can,¡± he said. ¡°Give me a hand.¡±


    Agar crouched next to Luke who placed his arm around his friend¡¯s shoulder for support and Agar helped raise him to his feet whereupon Luke stood in a wobbly position leaning against the wall with one hand for support.


    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± he said while testing a minimal amount of weight on his bad foot. ¡°This won¡¯t be too bad. It must have been the shock of falling through the roof that hurt me the most initially. I don¡¯t recommend it.¡±


    Agar smiled with his mouth but his eyes showed a look of concern. ¡°We only have to make it¡­ a mile orso tothe highroad. You can, um, lean onme when we¡¯re ready to go and let me know when you need to break. I mean, needabreak.¡±


    He said this as Luke lowered himself to the ground. ¡°I¡¯ll be ready soon,¡± Luke said as he grabbed up his boot. He feared for Agar but tried to push the feeling away; they were already dealing with enough. ¡°You better find something for your feet. Your soaked skin would tear so easily in the forest and on the road.¡±


    ¡°We need to... wait and restfirst,¡± Agar said, moving about with the torch, then shivered violently. ¡°Neither ofus is¡­ can be good¡­ tomake it far.¡±


    Luke agreed to the wisdom in this; they both survived dreadful ordeals and needed to rest. He had been beaten almost to death and lay unconscious for he didn¡¯t know how long and Agar had been subject to prolonged submersion. He nodded his head.


    Agar started to remove most of his soaked clothing and Luke stared in amazement. Pale wrinkles covered his skin below his shoulders from contact with water for so long.


    ¡°How long were you in there?¡± Luke asked from his place against the wall.


    ¡°I think it was almost¡­ two years, I mean two daysago they didit,¡± he answered. ¡°Otherwise they keptme chained¡­ inanother room. Gosh I¡¯m cold.¡±


    He shivered violently while standing there in only his undergarment and holding the small torch. Luke whipped off his shirt and reached it up.


    ¡°Here. A dry one will help.¡±


    Agar accepted it and wrapped it about his shoulders. Luke got to his feet; he could see hypothermia threatened Agar from so long in the room-temperature water.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got to get you warm. Let¡¯s go up to where I fell through. There might be more garments or something to burn.¡±


    The two made quick progress to the topmost room considering their conditions, and Luke hobbled gratefully over to a corner where lay a pile of firewood and kindling. Agar found more clothing and was putting it on when Luke called to him with the good news. He stumbled once while slowly walking over and Luke already transferred a spark from the torch to a pile of tinder by the time he arrived. He sat, no longer shivering, beside the beginnings of the fire, with his new garment crooked to one side.


    ¡°What arrr you doin¡¯? Agar asked slowly.


    Luke looked up suddenly at this question and saw a confused expression in his friend¡¯s face. Luke knew hypothermia brings on confusion and he said, ¡°Getting the fire going for us. We¡¯ll get you warm soon.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Agar said.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be long now,¡± Luke said as the spark flickered into the flame and started lapping at a larger log.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Two hours later found Agar lying stretched out by the fire fast asleep with Luke sitting by his head to feel his forehead periodically. The last few days taxed his willpower more than anything in his life before. Now that Agar¡¯s troubled sleep subsided, Luke could focus on his own exhaustion. Relaxing for the first time, his mind wandered as his eyes looked over the rest of the room. Shadows flickered on the stone walls, and through the hole in the roof he could begin to discern daylight.


    Below the hole he saw the pieces of sod, some loose stones, and other debris from when he fell through days before. Not far away dry blood darkened the stones where he initially lay. The memory weighed heavily on him for a few seconds until the thought of the deer sent by the gods took its place.


    He harbored no doubt a deer occupied the room with him; he saw it fall through while his head held no troubles and he stood on solid ground in the forest. He found it strange that the deer didn¡¯t fear his presence and that a circle appeared floating between its mended antlers. He felt a strange sense of peace that only attended a few moments in his life before when he looked upon it. He could explain all that away with some stretches but the fact remained that it pulled him deeper into the chamber to find Agar who surely would have died without aid.


    Luke¡¯s head swam with half-formed thoughts in his exhaustion. Before letting himself fall asleep also he felt Agar¡¯s now normal temperature, placed a few more logs on the fire, and lay down on the opposite side. His head welcomed the support of the stone floor as a pillow and within seconds fell fast asleep.


    He awoke to find Agar stirring some newly-added twigs to the hot coals of the fire in an attempt to revive it. Luke looked up and to the side to see shades of dusk visible in the sky overhead. He, anyway, slept the whole day away and now sat up to ask Agar how he felt.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Good evening,¡± his friend said upon seeing him stir. ¡°How was your sleep?¡±


    ¡°Wonderful. And are you feeling better?¡±


    ¡°Still tired but refreshed.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve stopped shaking, I see. That was a close call.¡±


    Agar stopped tending to the fire and looked up. ¡°I don¡¯t think I remember everything when I got so cold. But I do know you saved my life. Probably twice.¡±


    Luke nodded his head and moved to help coax the fire back to life but Agar said, ¡°I mean it, Luke; I would have died in that barrel if you didn¡¯t save me and I¡¯m sure I would have died again if you didn¡¯t get this fire going once I fell asleep. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Luke answered with the awkwardness of someone receiving a compliment. He continued while standing up, ¡°I¡¯m glad Semias didn¡¯t come back; we¡¯re in no condition to fight his troops.¡±


    He walked with a serious limp over to pick up the two pieces of his sword then came back to sit by the new fire. ¡°I¡¯m still exhausted. How about we stay here until daylight?¡±


    ¡°Have some food first,¡± Agar said. ¡°They left some behind.¡±


    *****


    Luke awoke the next morning after another long sleep to find, once again, smoldering coals from their untended fire. He rekindled it for the last time with the remaining wood and soon after Agar woke to find him examining the pieces of his broken sword.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s almost sunrise,¡± Luke said.


    The two then got busy preparing food for the morning; both desperately needed food now that the pressing needs of sleep relented enough.


    ¡°Back to the highroad this morning,¡± Agar said. ¡°Then north or south?¡±


    Luke thought for a moment. The shorter journey to Brownstone Castle tempted him but the scene of battle interfering with their recovery changed his mind.


    ¡°South to Echo Slope,¡± he answered. ¡°Unless we hear about Bronlum region having been significantly liberated while we¡¯re on the way. We both need time to rest and Echo Slope is certainly a better location.¡±


    They gathered up a few items they scrounged and made their way to the surface. After so long underground, especially for Agar, the rising sun glared intensely in their eyes and made it hard to do anything but sit and wait to get used to it once again even though they walked away from the sun.


    The short walk back to the highroad took longer than it should have, which didn¡¯t surprise either Luke or Agar. Upon reaching it they were both simply grateful for reaching it at all. Neither expected the incredible escape from the underground chamber.


    After a quarter of an hour sitting by the highroad the two rose from their resting places and began to walk south. They hadn¡¯t gone more than a dozen yards when the sound of footsteps arrested their attention from behind. Sore and already eager for an excuse to tarry, they stopped and waited until the walker came into view. An older man with a large frame made the footfalls. His dark grayish-black hair surrounded the balding patch atop. He walked with a purpose though none too quick as he looked deep in thought.


    As he approached they could see his eyes looked kind but sad and they greeted him. He returned their welcome then asked, ¡°Where are you off to? You¡¯re heading the wrong way dressed as ye are. Not deserting, I pray?¡±


    ¡°Heaven forfend,¡± answered Agar. ¡°We were captured and are returning to Echo Slope to heal. We desire no time away from the war and would rather fight in a battle than waste away in a dungeon.¡±


    The stranger now reached their position and stopped. ¡°Ah, I spoke too hastily. I meant you no ill. Seeing such destruction about me is no reason for me to take out my frustration on you who seek to prevent it. A thousand pardons, I beg of ye.¡±


    ¡°We grant it, sir. Don¡¯t be too harsh with yourself in these troubled days,¡± Luke said. ¡°We¡¯ve not made it any farther north than we are now; perhaps you could tell us what has befallen Bronlum.¡±


    ¡°Were you captured in the battle three days ago?¡± the man asked.


    Luke almost answered in the affirmative but a thought entered his mind. ¡°What battle?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Perhaps not a battle according to ones such as yer¡¯selves, but fighting for sure. And killing, too, not two hundred yards north of here. When were you captured? And how did you not see the remnants?¡±


    ¡°I remember that now,¡± Luke said, turning to Agar. ¡°Right before my capture I heard the sounds of fighting from our camp.¡± Then he faced the traveler and explained, ¡°We were captured separately and held in the forest a mile east of here. We just reached the road and turned toward Echo Slope a score of paces back.¡±


    The stranger¡¯s face cleared of the questioning expression it assumed but instead of resuming a smile his look turned to one of concern. ¡°Held prisoner a mile from here? Are they after you?¡±


    Luke told him a few details including how they were left to die alone and that no one remained to pursue the fleeing prisoners. ¡°For all they know we¡¯ve both been dead for days,¡± he finished.


    The three talked a while longer with Agar joining back in after his annoyance. The stranger mentioned what they assumed; that he headed to Echo Slope. He even went so far as to offer to travel with them. As they welcomed a traveling companion and news from Bronlum they immediately accepted his offer.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid we¡¯ll slow you down, though, sir.¡± Agar said.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a bother at all,¡± he answered. ¡°And I should¡¯ve said my name earlier; call me Jim.¡±


    The journey with Jim began immediately and his naturally slow pace matching the limping of the two wounded soldiers didn¡¯t have him, Agar, or Luke feeling like anyone caused the slow progress.


    A few soldiers who Luke knew met them while heading north on private business and upon stopping to talk noticed how seriously wounded both of their brothers-in-arms were. Both parties exchanged news and before leaving a few of his friends insisted Luke and Agar at least have a horse for the journey back.


    Jim wouldn¡¯t take one and said he¡¯d just lead it along by the bridle if they insisted. ¡°Riding on a horse won¡¯t make me any younger. Shakes m¡¯ bones, too.¡±


    One soldier asked if they had food and as Luke and Agar carried none, the friends liberally donated from their own provisions.


    ¡°Thank you for your concern,¡± Luke said to them collectively. ¡°I hope I have a chance to return this kind favor.¡±


    ¡°He wants us wounded,¡± one muttered to the rest who all laughed. Luke shook his head and laughed as well.


    After the group of friends rode and walked off Luke¡¯s party turned southwest and started again at a pace set by Jim.


    The use of the horses enabled them to move as fast as Jim wanted which was faster than Luke or Agar would have guessed. As such they traversed the nearer familiar reaches of Rowaton Forest and came within sight of Echo Slope the fourth evening. Happening upon a camp beside the road they decided to finish the last bit of the journey the next morning.


    Accordingly, before the sun rose above the horizon the three friends packed away their cloaks and gear and took to the road. As the forest subsided and they came out onto the grassy plain before Echo Slope Luke looked far into the distance and let his eyes rest on distant clumps of trees with their last vestiges of leaves glowing golden in the morning light. He looked also at the imposing castle he departed a week and a half earlier under much different circumstances. The castle and rock formation on which it stood glowed other shades of orange and yellow and cast massive shadows stretching west by northwest over the plain.


    Luke grinned broadly as he thought back to a time in his childhood when on a visit to Echo Slope he had been out early enough one morning to chase the shadows formed by the conical roofs of the towers as the sun rose. The apparent speed of the sun in the morning hours combined with the shadows stretching far into the plain¡¯s rolling terrain sometimes meant the shadow traveled as fast as he and his friends could run.


    ¡°Fine, isn¡¯t it,¡± Jim said to them after a brief space. ¡°Here¡¯s where I¡¯ll leave ye.¡±


    After farewells he turned and made for a group of houses distant from the main village at the base of the castle. He walked through the sparkling dew-covered grass and left a trail where his feet disturbed the water droplets.


    The sun on the late October morning soon rose high enough for a thick mass of clouds to obscure it. Luke and Agar shivered as a light wind took them from the side.


    ¡°Nothing like a cold breeze to stir me toward a castle,¡± Luke said. ¡°Come; I¡¯m eager to see people¡¯s faces when they see you return.¡±