Pug's thoughts had been troubled ever since that night Carline had come to his chambers. The sight of her so immodestly dressed had made it hard to think, and when she had kissed him…
He had never been so scared in his life. The thought of Duke Borric finding out where his only daughter had gone had given him nightmares. Not that anything more than a kiss had occurred; he had enough wits about him not to allow that to happen. In hindsight, he doubted Carline would have gone that far either.
Kulgan had been amused and had shared that, due to the recent improvements in the room and the addition of a modified smoke chimney, Pug's idea, which even Tanya had thought clever, the sound carried remarkably well. His master had also complimented him on speaking sensibly to Carline, letting her know that the path he was traveling as a magician was not one that allowed for many distractions.
He recalled that Carline had not quite bought it, even though it was the truth! She had even accused him of being fond of Tanya and had directly asked him what Tanya had that she didn't. Carline had been rather… insulting toward Tanya. It probably didn't help that Pug had laughed off the notion, but fortunately, he had calmed Carline down and explained that he viewed her as a sister, not as… what? A wife? Tanya?
It was the morning of their departure, and Pug ignored the light, wet snow that was falling, his mind still on Carline and that strange conversation. He saw Tanya helping Tomas with the light war-horse, showing him how not to pull on the reins so hard.
When did she learn so much about horses?
He was reexamining his interactions with Tanya over the years after speaking with Carline. The accusation that Tanya wanted to ensnare him so she could rise in station was nonsensical. The girl had never so much as hinted at any sort of fondness beyond friendship. And yet… she had certainly pushed to play a role in managing his future demesne.
"Pug," Tanya said, and he realized it was the second time. He flushed, wondering if she could somehow sense his thoughts.
"I believe his horse was incorrectly saddled. As a layperson, I do not wish to doubt masters of their craft, but these knots seem superfluous."
Pug cursed. "Who saddled this horse for you?" he asked Tomas.
"Rulf. Why?"
"I thought so. He's paying you back, he doesn't dare threaten me anymore, now that I'm a Squire, but thinks nothing of knotting your stirrup leathers. A couple of hours riding like this, and you'd be standing at meals for a month, If you didn't get pitched don your head and killed."
Tomas looked murderous. He dismounted and took a step toward the stable. "I'll thrash him within an inch of death!"
"More fighting?" Tanya said with contempt, looking at Tomas and then at Pug. Pug flushed. He and Roland had fought. It had been an argument over Carline. Pug had lost, badly, but his magical abilities had manifested again, and it had nearly strangled Roland to death. Ironically enough, afterwards they had shared some drinks, and the air had been cleared. Tanya had hounded him about the specifics of the magic employed, but he had been dizzied from blows to the head and could not recall all the details, much to her consternation.
She had also been free with her opinion of two Squires, court nobility, brawling.
"I'm not going to let him get away with it!" Tomas snarled.
"We don't have time for brawling." Pug said.
"Correct." Tanya said directly. "But we do have time for a word with the Master of Horse."
And with that Tanya quickly trotted over to that area to the bemused look on both their faces.
"Girls, they just don't understand how things work." Tomas said with a sigh.
"Say… Tomas, what do you think about Tanya. As, well, as a girl." Pug said, his face beginning to heat despite the cold.
Tomas gave him a look of incredulity. "Tanya? I mean… she's… I don't know, like an aunt who watches over you when your mother can't be around. Never thought of her like that."
"I haven't either; it's just that some people in Crydee are talking about it. You don't think there's some truth to her goal of getting ahead by trying to marry me?" Pug asked hesitantly.
Tomas laughed. "No, I can't see it. She's not doing the things that girls do to try to get with young men. She doesn't add that stuff to her face that some do. She doesn't dress prettily or steal glances at you and then giggle. You know, that sort of thing."
Pug agreed with his friend and then showed him some additional tips on how to manage his horse. In turns out the horse he had been given was temperamental, so Pug switched with him. He could manage better after all. Tomas looked much more confident now in Pug's eyes.
"Ho! Martin," shouted Tomas the Duke's Huntmaster walked into view. "Are you travelling with us?"
"For a short while, Tomas. I'm to lead some trackers around the boundaries of Crydee. I'll be heading eastward when we come to the south branch of the river. Two of my trackers were on their way an hour ago, breaking trail for the Duke." Martin replied.
"What do you think of this Tsurani business, Martin?" Pug asked.
His face clouded over. "If elves are given to worry, there is something to worry over." He turned toward the front of the assembling line. "Excuse me, I must instruct my men." He left the boys sitting alone.
The doors to the keep opened, and the Duke and Arutha came out, accompanied by Kulgan, Tully, Lyam, and Roland. Carline followed, with Lardy Marna behind. The Duke and his companions made their way to the head of the column, but Carline hurried down to where Pug and Tomas sat.
As was almost always the case, Pug was flummoxed by Carline's presence. He was better at hiding it now. Pug got off his horse and Carline threw her arms around his neck, holding him close.
"Take care and stay well," she said. "I'm sorry for what I said about your friend. I may be fully wrong about her, but remember my words if she tries anything while on your journey." She pulled away, then kissed him on the cheek. "And come home."
Tomas let out a theatrical whoop and laughed, while Pug remounted; the soldiers nearby attempted to restrain their own amusement.
"It seems the Princess has made plans for you m'lord," Tomas gibed.
"Oh?" Tanya asked, Pug glanced at her and saw that she had just arrived from speaking to the Master of Horse.
"The Princess… well… she, she is fond of me," Pug answered.
Tanya nodded. "Is that why you and Roland came to blows?"
"Yes, it was. I would have told you earlier, but you were focused on my mishap with my magic."
"That was the more important matter, Pug. But still, bad blood between court members is unseemly. However, with the prize being Princess Carline's hand, I can understand the desire to put yourself forward. Such a match would raise your importance considerably." Tanya said in an understanding tone.
"I'm not even sure I like her that way. I am fond of her, but…" Pug trailed off.
Tanya doesn't seem upset about me being with Carline, so it is just silly rumors.
Before he could say more Roland trotted up, and offered Tomas and Pug his hand.
"You two watch yourselves, now. There's plenty of trouble waiting out there without your looking for it."
They acknowledged they would and exchanged a few more words. Pug realized Tanya had moved off and was speaking with one of the soldiers. That was curious, and after a moment she returned.
"Everything all right?" Pug asked.
"Oh, yes. I just didn't want to catch Roland's eye and create awkwardness."
Pug turned his head sideways, looking at Roland's departure in fresh confusion. Sergeant Gardan came riding back with orders to move the column, and they set off. The Duke and Arutha rode in the van, with Kulgan and Gardan behind. Martin Longbow and his trackers set off at a run beside the Duke's horse. Twenty pairs of mounted guards followed, with Tomas and Pug nestled between them and the baggage train at the rear, with its five pairs of guards. Slowly at first, then with increasing speed, they moved through the gates of the castle and onto the south road.
***
Arutha was at home in the saddle and was enjoying the opportunity to ride. He had been sorry to see Martin go, as the man was both competent and had a wit about him that he could appreciate. Arutha was never one for the overly boisterous laughter and tall tales of the guards. But Martin's occasional cutting remark and dry tone could bring a smile to his features.
They continued to move east by south, as quickly as the terrain would permit. Arutha knew his father was concerned about reaching South Pass before the snows made it impassable, cutting them off from the east until spring.
"It is possible," Kulgan said, "the weather has turned more harshly than normal, but I believe we can beat the storms if we keep this pace up. My weather sense tells me it will be close, but it is manageable."
"Then we shall keep at it," his father said. Duke Borric was a man who thought things through. He had taught Arutha and his brother Lyam to do the same. Arutha knew they were pushing the horses hard, but remounts awaited them – assuming Baron Bellamy had followed orders. Arutha trusted his father and himself but had little faith in the competence of others.
"Are you and your apprentices weathering the cold and the hard ride, Kulgan?" Arutha asked.
Kulgan puffed on his pipe. "Bah, young Prince Arutha, don't worry over me. I've only the one apprentice, and Pug has practice in riding. He's tougher than he looks."
"I had thought the girl, Tanya, also sat in on Squire Pug's lessons," Arutha asked, raising an eyebrow.
"She does, but more's the pity she does not appear to have the requisite spark to do magic. Nonetheless, she has proven herself invaluable, helping to codify and shape how magicians learn of magic. Her intellect is remarkable," Kulgan said, his voice full of pride.
"That is well and good, but how is she handling the rigors of travel?" Arutha asked.
Gardan snorted from off to the side. "You don't need to worry over her. I thought the same as you and checked on her and the horse. The only one of that trio who seems sore is Tomas. The girl even makes herself useful around camp, despite me telling her it wasn't necessary."
Arutha found it intriguing. With only a few days of riding instruction before their departure from Crydee, he had expected her to struggle. Tomas facing some difficulty made sense, but he would have anticipated the same from her.
"Young Tomas," his father began, "Swordmaster Fannon speaks highly of him. He claims that in two years' time, Tomas will best everyone here – save for you, Arutha."
Arutha shrugged. "I'm quick, father, but I suspect you would account for more foes than I would in a real battle."
They traveled for several more days, now deep within the darkest part of the Green Heart. Arutha knew that even the elves ventured through this place only out of necessity or in great numbers. As sundown approached, he felt the unmistakable sensation of being watched. His eyes scanned the trees to the left and right, searching for any sign of motion, but nothing stirred. No one revealed themselves.
They reached the place of meeting just before sundown. It was a clearing of considerable size, with several tree stumps grown over with ground cover that peeked through the snow, showing that trees had been harvested long ago. The fresh horses stood in a picket, each tied to a long line, while six guards stood careful watch around them.
The sergeant of the six guards saluted. "Well met, my lord."
His father acknowledged the salute. "The horses?" he asked simply
"They are fit, lord, and restless from waiting. As are the men." The man's voice was openly confident, but there was a note of tension in it.
"Trouble?"
"None, my lord, but this place is suited for other than honest men. All last night we stood watches by twos and felt the crawl of eyes upon us."
So, it was not simply nerves; we are being watched.
"Double the watch this night. You will escort the horses back to your garrison tomorrow. I would rather have them rested a day, but this is a poor place," his father commanded.
Arutha shared what he had sensed earlier as well.
"In that case," his father turned to the sergeant, "it may be that we have been shadowed by a band of brigands, seeking to judge our mission. I will send two men back with you, for fifty men or forty-eight is of little difference, but eight is a far better number than six."
"I thank my lord."
***
I didn't like the Green Heart very much. Unlike the woods directly by Castle Crydee, these were far denser. This forest was dark and twisted, with choking underbrush that impeded travel. Much of it was shaded in gloom, thanks to the trees. For the past three days, ever since we picked up the fresh horses, I knew we were being stalked.
The Duke knew, but it seemed we had little choice but to continue. It was gratifying to know that the Duke had good men under his command. Sergeant Gardan, in particular, knew what he was about. Beyond his overall high level of alertness, he also inspected every horse each day to ensure none had injuries. This sort of attention to detail was something ingrained in officers at the Imperial War College.
Both Pug and Tomas were clearly unnerved by the last few days, but beyond projecting calm myself, I wasn't sure of the best way to improve their morale. We were nearing the second set of remounts when a shot rang out at the head of the column. Men drove their horses forward and pulled their weapons as I swiftly took up my sling.
The thicket made the advance difficult, and I saw Tomas curse and duck low on his horse to avoid a snow-covered branch. He fell a bit behind, and I made a mental note to check on him later. Battle had been joined ahead, and the remount horses on the picket line were neighing and trying to flee in all directions. Some of the stakes were even now being pulled up by their frantic movements.
Dark, shrouded shapes were slashing at the men of Crydee, and I sent a stone toward the nearest one. My aim was true, and the attacking man collapsed. I already had a second stone twirling as I moved my horse perpendicular to allow any soldiers coming up from the rear to pass by me. As my sling gathered speed, my mind processed the battlefield like only someone who had experience keeping track of hundreds of variables could.
Even though I didn't have access to analgesic formulae, my mind had been conditioned in my second life to process information with absurd speed. I realized quickly that these were not men attacking, but elves – more specifically, the Brotherhood of the Dark Path. The moredhel. I wasn't sure if there were actual genetic differences between them and the elves of Elvandar, but they did move with similar grace to those elvish visitors to Crydee.
My second stone smashed into another, this time clearly cracking the skull and almost certainly killing him. Pug was beside me, breathing hard and panicking as one figure broke off for him. However, Tomas had managed to win through the thicket after all, and his sling spoke facial ruin to the charging moredhel.
As we rode ahead, I saw more of the meeting point. The men who had been caring for the remounts had been slain before we arrived and propped up with stakes and rope. The ruse had worked, and Duke Borric had ridden straight into a trap.
My sling dealt death, or at least incapacitating injury, at an acceptable rate. That was the reason for the wide grin etched on my face, of course. Performing well was always a cause for celebration. I saw Pug let loose a few stones, though those mostly missed. The melee wasn't going all that poorly, especially with surprise on our foe's side. The Duke's men were disciplined, and fighting on horseback was a strong advantage. Unfortunately, arrows began raining down, and our party and I kept a sharp eye, ready to duck or even lean completely over the side of the horse if a batch were to head my way.
Lord Borric's voice rang out over the fray. "To me! To me! We are surrounded."
I joined the others but kept to the outside of the formation so I could continue sending my deadly projectiles at the enemy. Being stuck in the middle of the press of men and horses when a volley rained down would leave my fate in the hands of dumb luck. Not something I ever wished to do. If I was to die, it would be because an enemy bested me – damn it!
The screams of the dying echoed around me, and I heard Borric shout out again, "This way!" Archers were ridden down when they couldn't scramble away. I saw one of the moredhel smoothly roll away from the hooves of a horse, nock his bow, and would have fired into one of us had my stone not struck him in the temple.
My eyes scanned the horses and spotted Tomas and Pug.
Good, they are still alive.
We rode up a steep rise, and the Duke called a halt. Panting horses and exhausted guards surrounded him. Blood was on his bared blade, as well as on Arutha's more slender one. The Duke asked Gardan about their losses.
"We've lost a dozen men, and have several wounded. All the mules and baggage were taken."
Borric nodded. "Rest the horses a moment. They'll come."
Arutha said, "Are we to stand, father?"
No, that would be foolish. We don't know their numbers, but they felt confident enough to attack fifty mounted soldiers, so my guess is they outnumber us by quite a bit.
Borric shook his head. "There are too many of them. At least a hundred struck the clearing." He spat. "We rode into that ambush like a rabbit into a snare." He glanced about. "We've lost over a third of our company."
I took inventory of my stones. I had nearly emptied my first bag of smooth rocks. I was glad I had taken a second out of precaution. I saw Pug talking to a soldier, but before I could make my way over, voices shouted as the enemy appeared.
"They come. Ride!" Borric commanded.
We wheeled and rode off, again racing through the trees. I saw one of the moredhel in a tree taking aim, but my rock crashed into his jaw.
Not a killing blow, but he lost some teeth and I doubt he will play a further part in this battle.
Shouts rose from the trees in a harsh language, similar to that of the elvish one I had begun to study. I idly wondered if it was a different tongue altogether or just a dialect change. While I wasn't able to decipher their meaning, it was clear they were signaling to their comrades where we were and where we were going.
We crested into another snowy clearing, and the Duke signaled a halt. Gardan said, "Your grace, the horses can't endure much more of this."
Borric struck his saddle horn in frustration, his face dark with anger. "Damn them! And where are we?"
Arutha replied, "We must strike eastward, father, and make for the mountains."
Borric nodded. "But which way lies east?" The tall trees and overcast sky with its defused sunlight made it impossible to tell by where the sun was. Fortunately, I had an exceptional sense of direction.
I pointed. "That way, your grace."
The Duke turned to me. "Are you sure?"
Kulgan spoke up, "I can confirm, one moment please."
He closed his eyes as nearby shouts made the enemies presence known. Fortunately, Kulgan was quick with his spell. He opened his eyes and pointed in the same direction I had indicated.
"That way. There lies east, Tanya was correct."
Without further question or comment, the Duke spurred his horse in that direction, and we followed, into the darkness, harried by the enemy. I found the chance to lash out twice with my sling at runners who were nearby. One managed to tilt his head away from the oncoming stone in a display of absurd reaction time that made me snarl in irritation. The other runner I spotted did go down.
At one point, the Duke ordered Gardan to slow down the enemy's pursuit while they rested the horses, whose extremely labored breath meant that they had little left. Before anyone could say otherwise, I joined Gardan and his men. My stones took down a pair, and Gardan did for another. The others scampered off, using the trees as cover, and then we headed back.
"That ought to give them pause." Gardan stated with a smile. "By Ka-hooli, you're a demon with that sling."
I smiled at the dark-skinned man, despite the religious reference. Ka-hooli was the warrior God of vengeance in the pantheon that was followed by the Kingdom. It was good if trusted soldiers thought me capable and useful, despite the involvement of silly deific figures.
The whole situation was surreal and, for some reason, enjoyable. I hated war and battle, but I was good at it. The familiar rush of battle had energized me in a way that few things had in this life. We made it back to the Duke's party, and on we fled through the woods.
It became apparent that they were herding us northward, and I advised Gardan of this, adjusting our course. At one point, we turned and charged at our harriers, something our enemy had not expected. We scored a bounty of kills, and they fled back and away from us, but the echoing shouts across the forest made it clear that we were still vastly outnumbered.
We did have some breathing room, and Kulgan proved to be our salvation. He explained what he was going to do as he pulled out an amulet.
"I will bring forth a thick fog. Let every man and beast gather tightly over there. With fortune on our side, we will be missed in the confusion."
I watched with curiosity as he incanted the spell, and a fog began to manifest. It was no ordinary fog, but one that was thick and heavy. I was impressed, and, other than a close call with a passing moredhel, the ploy worked. As an added benefit, which Kulgan said was probably independent of his spellcasting, snow began to fall. That meant tracking would be made difficult even after the fog eventually cleared.
It would be a cold and freezing night, but we couldn't light any fires. Cold was never fun, but the Eastern Front had been chillier. The important task was to avoid frostbite and make the best use of body heat. I asked Pug to share a blanket, and the boy looked shocked.
"Nights this cold can be dangerous. One blanket goes on the ground to hopefully prevent moisture from chilling us. The second blanket comes above the two of us and our combined body heat will ensure we avoid the worst effects." I said to Pug.
"Oh, right. Yes. Body heat."
The boy was clearly in a state of shock over the battle and the flight. I had to remind myself that this wasn't the 203rd. As it was, I was quite impressed with the men of Castle Crydee. They had followed the Duke's commands, and no one had panicked.
Rest was important, so it only took me a minute or two to drift off. I had to be ready for whatever the next day would bring.