The Pool And The Pedestal (Book 2) (19 page)

CHAPTER 10:  THE CRADLE OF NIGHT

Several days later Manfir made one of his frequent visits to the Hold. The recruits were in the middle of their morning training when the prince arrived. Manfir waved Brelg off when the old sergeant tried to halt training and form the recruits into ranks.

“What they’re doing is much more important than standing at attention for me.” called Manfir. “Go on.”

The recruits returned to their exercises and Manfir strolled through the yard observing.

Kael found Ader on the rooftop looking down upon Manfir with a slight grin on his face.

“For years I thought you were his father.” said Kael stepping from the stairway. “And your current expression makes me think it once more.”

Ader turned with a question in his eye.

“Pride.” answered Kael. “You have a father’s pride written all over your face. It’s a look I’ve seen Brelg give to Aemmon countless times over the years.”

“It’s a look Brelg has given to you many times as well, Kael.” smiled Ader. “You were so absorbed by the tasks at hand that you didn’t see it.”

Kael bit his lip and smiled.

“I guess I do feel a bit like his father.” continued Ader. “ Manfir of Zodra and I spent a good deal of time together. I know him better than most men know their sons. We’ve been friends and counselors for a long time.”

“And now the counselor will leave him.” stated Kael.

Ader’s head dropped slightly and he peered down into the yard.

“Yes. It’s time for events to move forward. The Eru horsemen must be informed of the developments in Keltar as well as the possible Borz threat to the South. The movements of the main Ulrog force must be ascertained and someone must communicate with the Derolians.”

“Does Manfir know you’re leaving?” asked Kael.

“Not exactly.” replied Ader. “He knows like he knows there will be a first snow of the season. It is inevitable, yet always seems further in the future than its reality.”

“He’ll be fine.” said Kael.

“He’ll be better than fine.” laughed Ader. “And his real father seems to have a spark of faith back in his life. Perhaps together they can help save this kingdom.”

“Perhaps.” said Kael. “But as you always say, others must play their part.”

“True.” said Ader arching his brows.

“So where does my part take us?” asked Kael.

“Wherever you wish.” replied Ader. “That is for you to decide.”

“I’ve already decided.” said Kael.

“Oh.”

“When do you leave for the Erutre?” questioned Kael.

“That is my business and does not concern you.” stated Ader flatly.

“Of course it does!” exclaimed Kael. “You’re joking, right?”

“Just because you were able to glean some information while following me doesn’t mean you’re a party to the plan!” snapped Ader.

“That has nothing to do with it!” barked Kael. “I’ve spent months now trying to determine who I am and what it is I am to become. Finally, I’ve begun to discover just that , and you threaten to cut it off. Why did you begin to train me?!”

“So you could defend yourself!” replied Ader. “So you might understand your abilities and not depend on others so greatly. They may not always be there!”

“They won’t be there!” yelled Kael. “It’s obvious. Manfir has a kingdom to run. Cefiz and my father are soldiers. You’re leaving and Aemmon is gone. I’ve been exposed to whomever or whatever I am and now those who supported me are ....preoccupied!

I make no illusions as to what my future holds, Ader! I’m marked for death by a desert people I didn’t even know existed. Men dealing in sin want my life. I chose to train because I chose to defend myself. I don’t want to be dependent on others. I can’t stay here and do nothing while others prepare for a great battle. I need to learn more. I need to know everything.”

Ader stared into the boy’s eyes and sighed.

“I never wanted to ask this of you.” said Ader. “I .... I am unsure of your roll. I am the blind leading the blind. To follow me may be your calling, or it may be your death. I know not which.”

“Let me worry about my calling.” said Kael. “If it results in my death, I’m the only one to be held accountable.”

The pair stared at one another for a moment.

“We leave for the North in two days, Kael.” said Ader. “Take those days to think it over. I’ll continue to train you on our march North if you so desire.”

Ader turned to leave.

  “I’ll be ready.” said Kael.

The Seraph descended the stairs and Kael took a deep breath trying to fill himself with confidence concerning the future. The boy exhaled and turned to the yard.

On the cobblestones below Brelg stood staring up at him. Kael smiled at the old sergeant. Brelg smiled back and saluted his son with a flip of his hand. Kael returned the salute and descended the stairs to his cell.

The two days passed in the blink of an eye. Kael woke to the hazy image of Ader standing in the doorway of his room. Eidyn lay oblivious to the Seraph and continued to sleep soundly. Kael rose, grabbed his belongings and joined the Guide in the hallway.

Without a word the pair strode to the main hallway, turned right and passed through the darkened,  empty training yard. Within moments they stood outside the northern gate as a misty rain fell upon them.  Tarader and Kael’s mare stood patiently waiting in the plaza surrounding the Hold.

Ader waited as Lilywynn and Sprig approached them from a narrow alleyway. The pair silently moved across the slick and glistening cobblestones of the plaza.  Ader nodded and walked toward the main thoroughfare. Tarader followed the Seraph and Kael’s mare instinctively follow the huge gray stallion.

“Where is Chimbre?” asked Kael.

Lilywynn and Sprig glanced at one another then to Ader.

“You might as well tell him.” frowned Ader.

Lilywynn smiled and turned back to Kael.

“I’ve sent my brother back to our lands.” said the Sprite. “The Borz threat is greatest to the Elves and to my people. Chimbre will ready the Sprites in order to hamper any attempt the Borz make to navigate the Toxkri Swamp. Lord Teeg will return to Luxlor to discover what he can and manage his assets in the South.”

“Teeg is a fine warrior.” added the Seraph. “But his true expertise lies in information. He will assess the strengths and weaknesses to the South better than any other.”

Kael nodded and the group moved forward through the city streets. The city slept in the cradle of the night. Silence filled every corner. The only noise was the hollow clop of the hooves of the horses as they met the cobblestones. Kael realized that he could actually hear the breeze. It fascinated him that he hadn’t heard that sound in weeks. The crowds, the shouts , the activity all drowned out the noises Kael was so used to in Kelky.

As the group walked to the northern gate of the city, Kael absorbed the silence. It refreshed him. It calmed him. Until this point in his life, Kael never truly feared death. Even after all that befell him in the last several months, Kael never really believed he was in significant danger or that he endangered himself. But now, he marched to the battlefields of the North with the Guide and two Sprites on  his own decision. He felt fear the last two evenings. He felt indecision. However, walking along Zodra in the silence of the night invigorated him. Challenged him. Something in the sound of the soft breeze dancing past the buildings told him it would be all right.

The group stopped abruptly.

“Must all my affairs be meddled in!” exclaimed Ader.

Kael’s eyes left the silent towers and buildings of Zodra and fell upon two figures standing in the shadows thirty paces down the street. The first stood holding the reins of a bulky roan and absentmindedly flipping a small dagger in his hands. The other’s huge form leaned against a wall and created a massive black pool on the already darkened building. The pair remained motionless as the Seraph shook his head and continued toward them.

“We need no ceremony for our departure!” snapped Ader.

“Neither do we.” smiled Cefiz. “That’s why we stole from the Hold before sunup.”

“You weren’t asked to join us on this journey.” stated Ader.

“Nor were we forbidden.” rumbled Granu stepping forward.

“I didn’t think forbidding it would be required.” snarled Ader looking to Kael. “I was unaware this trip was public knowledge.”

“Don’t look at me!” said Kael. “I don’t know why they’re here.”

Ader narrowed his eyes and glared at the pair.

“Why are you here?” questioned the Seraph.

“I’m fulfilling a pledge.” stated Cefiz.

“We both made pledges to protect the boy.” added Granu. “Neither of us was released from our pledges. Therefore, we are honor bound to remain with the boy.”

“Nonsense!” exclaimed Ader with a wave of his hand. “ I release you now.”

“I’m afraid you can’t do that.” said Cefiz. “I made a pledge to Brelg years ago and only he can release me.”

“And I believe you witnessed mine in the halls of Luxlor.” added Granu. “King Leinor holds me to the pledge.”

“Trivial nonsense.” snarled Ader.

Cefiz opened his mouth in feigned shock.

“Our word and honor separates us from the Ulrog, my lord!”

“A monk of Awoi cannot dishonor his monastery.”

Ader visibly reddened and clenched his fists as he mumbled about “ridiculous mortals” and “baby-sitting grown men”. After a few moments, Ader barked at the men.

“You may accompany us! But do as I say when I say it, and promise to leave when I ask you!”

A deep, broad smile grew on Cefiz’s face. He slapped Granu’s broad back. The giant remained silent and eyed Ader critically.

“I swear to follow you and do as you say.” stated the giant. “As long as it does not contradict a previous pledge.”

The grin on Cefiz’s face fell.

“I agree to the same.” spluttered the lieutenant quickly.

“Fine!” gasped an exasperated Ader. “Let’s get on with it.”

The Seraph passed the duo and was quickly followed by Lilywynn and Sprig. As Kael passed the giant, Granu’s mouth turned into a wry smile and he winked at the boy. Kael tried to keep his expression grave, but broke and smiled back.

The group passed through the northern gate of the city without incident. Wynard’s units had resumed control of all crucial military installations and they readily allowed the well known group to leave the city. A few leagues later, the outlying buildings of the capital gave way to ranches and farms scattered widely across the land. Lilywynn and Sprig dodged off opposite sides of the road and were gone. A few leagues more and the land stretched out in every direction with rolling grasses and heather. No buildings were in sight.

Kael looked to his right and saw a limitless horizon framed by the green grasslands and billowing clouds painted crimson by the new sun. He wondered if the hills and plateaus of Astel looked up at the same crimson clouds. From here they looked beautiful, but beneath them a storm must be raging.

The first day passed without incident. The Great Northern Trade Route was a wide, heavily traveled, dirt road at this point. However, the group encountered no one on their ride North. Cefiz explained that messengers were sent out earlier in the week to call for the retreat. He was sure the entire northern contingent busily prepared for the withdrawal. Most of the supply wagons and personnel were already in the North helping with the retreat. Periodically, the group came across small towns or villages in the North country. They usually lay off the main road and were ringed by high walls or spiked timber. The Zodrian citizens living North of the Capitol wanted no visitors or surprises entering their lives.

“I highly doubt we encounter any supply wagons for another day.” said Cefiz. “They’ll be very busy up North.”

“I don’t have a problem with that.” smiled Granu striding alongside the Zodrian’s horse. “Although the recruits warmed to me, I believe hardened veterans might take a different view.”

“I’m a hardened veteran.” stated Cefiz. “My eyes weren’t clouded by prejudice.”

Granu smiled and grabbed hold of Cefiz’s still ample side.

“I’m not sure you are quite so hardened yet, Master Cook.” laughed Granu. “Two weeks in the training yard didn’t shed a decade of tasting your own goods.”

Cefiz snatched the giant by the wrist.

“I have my shield and short sword, Keltaran.” grinned Cefiz. “Are you still a pike man?”

The pair broke into deep laughter. A short time later Kael turned to Ader.

“It seems our campsite has been chosen.” said the boy.

Ader looked up and spied the diminutive Sprites standing a half league North in the middle of the road.

“It seems it has.” replied the Seraph.

As they approached, Sprig darted back into the heather and disappeared. Lilywynn led the riders to a small clearing near the side of the road. A fire pit had been dug and dry kindling was stacked near it. The young woman spent several moments in deep conversation with the Seraph then confidently stepped from the camp.

“For one so small, she is a woman of remarkable presence.” said Granu to Ader.

“It is inherited.” smiled Ader. “Her great grandfather never met a challenge he did not conquer.”

Cefiz sparked the kindling and the group settled into the camp. Kael was keenly aware of Flair’s absence and prepared as best he could. He had packed a sack with jerked venison and hardtack bread from the kitchens of the Hold. He passed it out and the group chewed in silence.

Kael felt the excitement of the journey North begin to leave his body and the exhaustion of a full day’s ride take over. He finished his meal and threw his bedroll next to the fire. Ader and Granu prepared sleeping places of their own.

“We near the Scythtar.” stated a puzzled Cefiz. “We should post a guard.”

The remaining trio looked to one another and smiled.

“I’ll educate you once more, Zodrian.” laughed Granu. “I’ve stated that Mistress Lilywynn is a woman of considerable presence. Trust me. That presence will watch over you tonight. It is futile to argue.”

Cefiz frowned then retrieved his own bedroll and settled in next to the fire. Within minutes the entire group was asleep.