Hammerhold Tales: Thrallborn (16 page)

Every time they climbed to the top of the next hill, Sawain expected to see the forest's treeline in the distance. He was disappointed every time. They scaled a particularly steep ridge line that was slick from the ice. It took half an hour of careful climbing and maneuvering to get everyone and every thing to the top. Sawain still could not see the forest, only another ridge in the far distance, barely visible through the misty air. Between the two ridges was a large valley. The valley was dominated by a vast lake that stretched from the foot of the ridge they stood on to the far ridge. It also stretched to the left and the right for dozens of miles on either side, as far as Sawain could see. Sawain could see a solid sheet of winter ice covering the water's surface, but the most interesting feature was the mountain of ice that sat in the middle of the lake. It was taller than the ridge they stood on and took up around a fifth of the lake's surface.

Sawain was taken aback by the beauty of the lake. its beauty quickly turned ugly when he realized the only time effective way to deal with the lake was to cross it. He never liked the idea of crossing the pond at Mistveil Farm in the winter when it froze over since he fell through the ice one year when he was a child and nearly died from it. Crossing an expanse this massive was utterly terrifying.

Jatharr addressed the crowd of gawkers, “Welcome, one and all, to Glacial Lake, one of Hammerhold's natural wonders! That gargantuan mountain of ice never melts! The water stays frozen most of the year, only thawing out in the midsummer, even though it gets warm enough for the ice to melt by spring. Locals believe the glacier itself keeps the lake so cold that it is able to maintain the sheet of ice most of the year.”

Sawain shot Jatharr a nervous glance, “We don't have to cross that thing, do we? There's no way we could get across it in one day.”

Jatharr nodded, “Aye, we're crossing that beauty. I assure you, it's very safe, especially right now, as cold as it is. It shouldn't take more than two days to cross it. The sun is getting low now. We will set up camp at the base of the lake and start across it in the morning.”

Sawain was very uncomfortable with this idea, “Can't we just go around it? It's not like we can build a camp fire on the lake. How are we going to fix our food? And you don't expect us to sleep on ice, do you?”

Jatharr's expression shifted to an annoyed state, “Going around the lake would waste a few weeks. It would be midwinter by the time we got around it, and we'd most likely all be dead anyway. Ye won't need a camp fire, we cooked all the meat we have this morning, remember? And yes, I expect you to sleep on the ice. It's no colder than what you slept on last night. What's the matter, lad?”

Sawain shrugged, making sure to not make eye contact with anyone, “I just don't like open water. I prefer solid ground. That's all.”

Jatharr slapped Sawain on the back. It caused Sawain's mind to flash a mental image of Axel.

“Don't worry, the ice is plenty solid. I promise it won't be going anywhere. See that ridge over there?”

Jatharr pointed at the ridge on the other side of the lake. Sawain nodded in response. Jatharr continued his speech.

“When we are standing on the top of that ridge, the only thing you will see is an ocean of trees in every direction. That's right, Alfhaven is just beyond that little hill, and all you have to do is cross this little lake to get to it. We are so close to a safe shelter for my people and answers for your questions. It's just two days out now!”

The thought of almost reaching his goal encouraged Sawain. He smiled, trying to look brave.

“You think if we started across it at day break and moved fast we could make it in one day?”

Jatharr shrugged, “I'm not so sure. We'd probably only be able to cross two thirds of it even then. It might be possible, if not for the heavy loads we have to carry with us. It's not worth the risk.”

Sawain scowled, “It would be worth it to have less time to travel the next day. The sooner we can get across the ice, the better.”

Jatharr stroked his thin beard ponderously, “Can't argue with you there, friend. Very well, we will break camp at sun up and cross as much of the lake as our caravan can manage. Best not to push them too hard, after all.”

Sawain hummed in compliance, crossing his arms, “Fair enough. Let's get to the bottom of this hill and set up camp before dark sets in and it gets colder.”

The journey down the steep slope was more difficult than the way up. Gravity fought against the unfortunate travelers this time. An hour passed as they inched their way down the rocky, frozen descent.

They were half way down when Sawain heard a woman's scream behind him. He pivoted in time to see Timneas' aunt tumble head over heels, almost straight at him. He dropped the cargo he was carrying and shot out his wounded arm as she tumbled past him, catching her arm. He held on for all he was worth, grinding his teeth hard to endure the intense pain that threatened to tear his arm from its socket. Her momentum swept him off his feet. The two rolled down the rocky hill for about fifteen feet, being dashed on boulder and small stone alike.

Sawain finally found the break he was looking for after bouncing off of several rocks. A small, thin tree had worked its roots down into the rocky hillside at some point earlier in the year and was clinging for dear life. Sawain used his good hand to lash out at the sapling. He grabbed it and held to it as tight as he could.

It bent all the way to the ridge's surface, several of its roots breaking free of the frozen earth. The tree did not hold long, but it was enough to break their speedy fall and allowed Sawain to drop to the rocky ledge a few feet down without breaking his legs.

Jatharr called out from above, his tone was panicked, “Sawain! Marta! Are you alright?”

Sawain scrambled to his feet. He was shaking, but after a quick check, he did not find any broken bones, somehow. Just a surplus of bruises. He knelt down to check on Marta. She was not moving. Sawain put a chilled hand to her face and felt a gentle stream of warm air drift from her mouth. She was still alive, but in bad shape. She had a large gash just above her right eye and her left shoulder looked out of joint.

Sawain straightened back up and squinted up at Jatharr, “I'm okay, but Marta's hurt. I think the fall knocked her out.”

Jatharr shouted back from above, “You think you're fit enough to carry her to the base of the ridge?”

Sawain looked around. The slope here was more gentle than the steep ridge above. He could easily make out a somewhat safe route down to more level ground. He also noticed blankets and tent materials strewn about the ridge.

He sighed, glancing up to the ones above him again, “I can manage. Half of our tent is scattered on the mountain. I can come back for it once everyone is safe.”

Jatharr waved, “That's not a problem, we will both come back for it after we get down. Get going, already. Stay with Marta til I get there.”

Sawain nodded and turned to scoop up Marta's limp little body. She was lighter than he expected. He worked his way across the slippery rocks until he found a safe place to descend from. After another ten minutes of careful stepping, Sawain set foot on grassy terrain and had an easy time getting to the base. He found a short rock that jut out of the ground just at the foot of the ridge and cleared a spot to lay Marta on. Once he was confident she was safe, he turned his attention back to the ridge.

Jatharr and company had not made nearly as much progress. Jatharr worked the barrow inch by inch down the treacherous slope. After another hour of work, the entire convoy was reunited at the foot of the ridge with no further incidents.

Marta's family crowded around her with sobs and worried muttering. Jatharr pushed his way through the growing crowd. He placed a reassuring hand on Marta's husband's shoulder and spoke softly to him.

“Not to worry, Balt, She'll be fine. I will treat her with some first aid. You go help the others set up camp before it's too dark.”

Balt did not look comfortable leaving his wife, but the night was setting in and the arctic winds that cut across the frozen lake from the north were chilling everyone to the bone. He reluctantly did as he was told.

“You treat her well, Jatharr. Come on, kids. Let's go help set up camp.”

Sawain watched the three part from the makeshift infirmary on the rock and felt bad for them. He wished he could have done more to keep her from harm. His heart sank. He felt like a failure. He slipped away from camp to pick up the cargo he was carrying before the fall. He walked alone up the dark incline, stooping over to pick up a random reed here or a peg there, all the time thinking of what he could have done.

His mental barrage on himself continued for ten minutes or so as he wandered the hillside, looking for any parts he may have missed. Once he was convinced he had every part of the tent, he towed it back to the camp site.

While he was gone, the others had already cleared the snow and built a small turf fire using the kindling they brought with them from the grove. He found the spot to set up the tent and got to work. He was becoming familiar with how to pitch the tent already and could do most of it himself.

It was dark now and he was the only one that could really see well enough in the dark to work, so he continued pitching the tent. He worked until he got to the part he could not do on his own. He needed another on the opposite side of the tent to push against the reed in order to pull it up. He was about to go for help when Jatharr appeared beside him. Sawain was so lost in thought that he did not notice the halfling approach. The sudden appearance made him jump.

“J-Jatharr. Just the halfling I was looking for. Care to help me pitch the tent?”

Jatharr nodded, grim faced, “Aye, I can help ye.”

Sawain was disturbed by his grim countenance. He watched him quietly as the halfling leader walked over to the opposite side. He bent over and grabbed the end of the reed. They pushed together in silent accord, forcing the tent to rise. After hammering in the pegs with their boots, they proceeded to do the same on the other side. Sawain could not handle the silence anymore.

“How's Marta?”

Jatharr sighed, looking at Sawain with sad and worried eyes, “She's not in good shape. I did what I could for her, but she may be out for a day or more. We don't have time to let her recover. We must make for Alfhaven as fast as possible. In her state, she won't last out here for more than a few days. Looks like you get your wish. Tomorrow at daybreak, we will cut out hard for Alfhaven. We won't stop til we get to the far ridge, which means we will have to move throughout the night too.”

Sawain nodded. He was relived about not having to sleep on ice, but he was nervous about pushing the already ragged band of travelers. He could not think of a thing to say, so he didn't bother. They finished pitching the tent and Jatharr walked around it to Sawain. He gave Sawain a firm pat on the shoulder.

“Ye did well today, lad. If not for you, we might have been digging a grave instead of pitching a tent. She has a fighting chance now, at least. Thank you, Sawain. You just keep doing things for my people. We are all in your debt.”

Sawain's self-loathing washed away. He smiled, though in the back of his mind, he still thought of what he could have done. He nodded and returned the shoulder pat.

“It's the least I could do. I only wish I could have done more.”

Jatharr gave him a reassuring smile, “You've done more than your debt required already, since you saved us at Underfell Town. Now, let's get some dinner. Gotta build yer strength up for tomorrow. Come on, have some wolf steak on me.”

Sawain grinned and nodded, “You have yourself a deal. Lead the way, my friend.”

Sawain put his worries out of mind for the rest of the night and ate and talked and sang with the refugees for hours into the night. Despite their dire situation, everyone's spirits were lifted with the knowledge that just beyond Glacial Lake and over the far ridge was Alfhaven, the promised land of safety and rest. It was on everyone's mind and in everyone's conversation.

We are almost there. We are almost saved. In the morning, we will be on our way to a new home. We are on our way to a fresh start. Alfhaven is just beyond the horizon.

Chapter Fifteen

Sawain was awakened roughly from his slumber as he was shaken out of his dreams by the cold hands of Jatharr. He could hear the halfling's gruff voice through the waking daze.

“Get up, Sawain, it's time to break camp and make it across the ice, but we have a problem. Marta is burning up, I think she's sick. We need to make for Alfhaven now, before it's too late.”

Sawain blinked hard and shook his head, trying to clear out the sleep that clouded his judgment. The tent interior was still dark. He looked at Jatharr as if he was not sure who he was, though he was familiar. He let his friend's words run through his mind again, this time registering their meaning. His heart jumped in fear as he bolted up and scrambled to his knees, scanning the tent. He quickly found Marta, lying at the other side of the tent, bundled up in the wolf skins and other blankets. Her breath rose and fell in ragged gasps.

“What's wrong with her, Jatharr?”

Jatharr sighed, shaking his head, “I dunno, lad. It's possible the sickness got in through a wound or maybe the winter chill is too much for her in her weakness. Surely the elves can save her, though! Their druids know much about sicknesses and how to cure them. We need to make haste for the forest now.”

Sawain nodded and got to his feet, his head tilted at an odd angle against the tent's roof, “Right, we go now. Lets gather up the others and take only important things like torches and food. Leave the tent, we do not stop until we are in Alfhaven.”

Jatharr blinked in confusion, “Are you mad? We can't leave our tent! What if we get stranded and need a shelter? Are you willing to risk everyone's lives to save one?”

Sawain furrowed his brow glaring at Jatharr, “You said yourself that we could make the trip in one day if we moved quickly and did not stop to rest. You also said we can move faster if we are not laden with all of our heavy equipment.”

Jatharr retorted, “What about the wounded? The children?”

Sawain answered quickly, “There are still plenty of us with strong backs. You and I, as well as Balt, can each carry one of the wounded or children. Jatharr, we don't have time to argue. We need to get help for Marta!”

Jatharr's countenance grew redder, but he took a breath and lowered his head for a moment. When he looked up again, his expression was changed.

“Alright, Sawain, but the lives of all my people are in your hands now. You have brought us this far. Do not let us down. You will need to carry Marta. Timneas can ride in the barrow with Miss Lennoir. Balt can carry young Dendie if she gets tired. The others should be fine on their own. I will round everyone up and get things ready to move. Don't take too long getting your own belongings together.”

Sawain nodded and bent over to grab his pair of boots that sat inside the tent entrance. Jatharr stepped out into the cold early morning air. The chill caused Sawain to shudder as he put on his boots. He crawled over to Marta and checked on her. She was still asleep and her breathing was still ragged. He placed a hand on her cheek and withdrew it. She was very hot to the touch. This really worried Sawain.

I can't let you die, Marta. Timneas and Dendie need you. I will save you. I will.

Sawain scooped her up gently in his arms. She stirred feebly and groaned with exhaustion. Her eyes squinted open and looked up at Sawain.

“What's happening? I feel so cold.”

Sawain's heart sank as he held on to her, rising to his feet with some effort, “Don't worry, miss Marta. I'm going to take you to Alfhaven myself. We can find a healer there who can help you.”

She closed her eyes again and fell asleep. Sawain assumed his promise was enough for her. He desperately hoped he could keep his promise.

When he stepped out of the tent, the refugees were already running about, grabbing personal belongings and essential gear. Jatharr was standing behind the old barrow. Timneas and miss Lennoir were sitting side by side in the barrow. Timneas looked rather happy to be snuggling into the blankets in his new spot on the Caravan. When Jatharr saw Sawain emerge, he placed his fingers between his lips and let out a loud, sharp whistle.

“Right, that's all the time we can afford! Everyone gather round, stick close to one another. We will be moving at a quick pace!”

He waited another minute as final pieces of gear were grabbed and the others jogged to the spot he was standing. Once he did a quick head count and was satisfied with the numbers, he nodded and pivoted the barrow eastward and took off at a brisk pace across the snowy ice.

The others followed suit, some shooting nervous glances at the food and shelter left behind. Sawain followed in the back so he could keep an eye on everyone in the convoy. Jatharr made good on his word to keep a lively pace. Sawain could feel the strain on his legs twenty minutes in.

The others were struggling on the snowy ice as well. Some were slipping and stumbling, dropping armfuls of meat or blankets. Sawain ushered them along, urging them to leave behind their spilled cargo in order to keep up the pace.

Sawain tried to keep his mind off of the frigid water beneath the ice and on the ones above it. Marta awoke an hour into the excursion and blinked the morning sun out of her sable eyes. She looked up at Sawain again. Sawain noticed her moving and gave her an assuring smile.

“Good morning, miss Marta. Fine day for a walk across the lake, isn't it? How are you feeling?”

She furrowed her brow and tried to squirm around. Sawain held tight so he would not drop her. After a moment of squirming, she settled down and answered Sawain.

“I'm feeling better, will you put me down and let me walk with my husband?”

Sawain shook his head, “I can't. We are moving fast and I don't think you should push yourself right now. We will be over the ridge by nightfall and safe in Alfhaven Forest. Then we can slow down and see how you handle that.”

“Please, Master Sawain, I'm fine, put me down!”

Sawain was determined to keep her safe. He remembered what happened to him when he tried to jump up and wander around after being unconscious for days. He shook his head.

“I can't do that. I have to make sure you stay safe.”

Marta squirmed and argued with Sawain for the better part of an hour. Sawain was beginning to wonder if it was worth the waste of energy when the far ridge was still quite far. He contemplated letting her down, just to prove to her she was not ready, when the ice under his feet shuddered. Everyone must have felt it too. A cacophony of shouts and cries of alarm rang out from the refugees. They were all scanning their feet for cracks when Sawain heard Jatharr's voice call out in a yell to get everyone's attention.

“Don't panic! Don't panic! The ice will hold fine! It's nothing to worry about! The glacier is probably shifting! It does that sometimes. No need for alarm!”

Sawain prayed to Turin that Jatharr was right. His word was enough to calm the others down enough to keep the convoy moving, though now murmuring could be heard amid the crunching snow under their feet. Another hour passed and the winter sun was reaching its zenith. Sawain had his eyes trained on the large mountain of ice that rose up from the flat, white surface beneath his feet. It looked to him like a slumbering giant keeping watch over a vast, empty domain. It grew larger and larger as the next hour passed.

The sun was sinking again after several hours on the ice and Sawain's muscles were aching from the fast pace, coupled with the cold. He checked on Marta again. She was asleep and shivering. He placed a hand on her forehead. She was hot to the touch again. Her sickness must have taken hold again. This ill turn made Sawain push through his stiffness.

Sawain noticed that he was walking on an incline. The flat ground was slowly rising up in a slope around the massive glacier ahead and to the right. Sawain also noticed that Jatharr led them in a gentle arch around the main body of the glacier. He wondered why Jatharr would go through the effort to avoid the jutting icy crag. He guessed it would be too much for the others to handle.

The sun was setting and the far ridge was finally growing larger. Sawain was growing tired from carrying Marta and himself across this frozen wasteland. He let his mind wander to scenes of elegant banquets set in the warm halls of the elven lords and the sheltering warmth of Alfhaven. He felt the ground rumble beneath his feet. He ignored it. As he kept walking and daydreaming of the wild beauties of Alfhaven, the rumbling grew stronger, more constant.

His mind snapped back to reality when he noticed Jatharr stop after checking behind him. Sawain turned to see what caused the sudden halt.

A force greater than the winter chill froze Sawain's blood in its veins. The ridge line where their camp was left was set ablaze. Black smoke poured into the crimson sky. On the icy horizon of the lake, still a good distance off was a writhing black mass that was wider than the glacier it was approaching at a quick pace. Sawain noticed torchlight punctuating the ensuing mass. Fear gripped him and froze his feet to the ground. Jatharr's voice snapped him back to action.

“It's the Grey King's forces! They're on the move towards Alfhaven! We have to run! NOW!”

Panic broke out among their ranks as the refugees slipped and staggered on the slick ice. The stretch of lake between them and the ridge was devoid of snow. The bare ice was thinner here, as well. Sawain looked at his feet and could see the blue depths too well for his liking. He kept a quick, even stride, trying his best to keep from slipping. It was not an easy feat.

The others kept slipping and falling on their backsides, each time getting up a little slower. Sawain helped pick them up when they fell as he hurried across the rumbling ice. He glanced behind him and noticed the encroaching army was drawing nearer, as if the icy terrain was nothing to them. They were close enough now for Sawain to make out vaguely the individuals that composed the mass of the army.

Their thunderous march shook the icy plain Sawain and the refugees were desperately scrambling across. The solid land Sawain sought was not far away now. He estimated that they could make it there in ten minutes, but he was not sure if they could out-climb the undead army that was closing in on them every second. The ground shuddered violently. Sawain heard the cracking of ice beneath his feet. His unchecked fear forced him to look down into the depths.

The water beneath the cracking ice grew darker. Something was rising from the deep. A spine covered serpentine body brushed the surface of the ice. Sawain watched for half a minute as the scaly, shimmering body swam quickly beneath him until it vanished again. He knew what was coming and crouched down, trying to brace himself as well as possible.

The icy plain erupted several hundred yards behind Sawain. He chanced a look over his shoulder. Dozens of ice boulders soared high into the sky. A gargantuan geyser of water shot up just as high. Sawain saw the shimmering serpentine creature gleaming in the geyser. Then he looked down and saw the shock wave of shattered frozen lake rippling toward him. His voice found its courage.

“Brace yourselves!”

The shock wave hit them hard. The ice Sawain was standing on was upturned with great force. He used the momentum from the icy platform to leap to another large chunk of ice that was being pushed along by the ice wave. He held onto Marta with one hand and the slippery ice with the other. His grip on the ice was virtually useless, but the speed of the frozen raft kept him planted firmly.

He ventured a glance around the chaos to try to spot any of the others. He saw Jatharr clinging to a chunk of ice with one arm wrapped tight around Timneas and his other hand gripping the handle of the axe that he thrust into the ice. He also saw a few of the others being tossed around in the deadly churn. There was nothing he could do for them. He looked away to assess the rest of the situation. Solid land was approaching quickly. As long as those able to hold onto their solid ground did so, they would safely wash up on the dry ground shortly. He felt a small degree of relief and checked Marta. She seemed to be breathing still.

A loud crashing boom shook Sawain's ice raft and nearly threw him off. A large splash not far from him counteracted his smooth ride and nearly flipped him into the frigid depths. He held on well enough to stop at the edge of his ice platform. He quickly scooted back up some and pulled the dagger he had in his belt from skinning wolves the other day out. He slammed it into the ice and looked up in the sky. The large boulders the lake creature threw into the air when it emerged were raining down all across the lake.

Sawain held on for all he was worth as the crashing ice fell all around him. He glanced at the last place he saw Jatharr and Timneas. He was relieved to see his friend still holding strong against the torrent of ice slabs. He caught Jatharr's eye. Jatharr smiled broadly at him and nodded. Sawain smiled and nodded back. Sawain took a deep breath and opened his mouth to yell at Jatharr.

A boulder of ice roughly the size of the Anvilheim gate slammed into the lake, catching the edge of Jatharr's ice raft. He was wrenched from his axe and flung thirty feet into the air, splashing into the ice filled water beyond the slab.

“JATHARR!”

Sawain's heart leaped into his throat as terror gripped him again. The wave caused by the slab's impact rocked his own raft and nearly tipped it. He held on to the knife as tight as he could while the ice platform turned vertical. He looked above him and saw the snowy ground approaching. He planted his feet on the wall of ice and kicked off as it hit the ground.