Siege At The Settlements (Book 6) (8 page)

Chapter 18

E
ast. Clouds. Through stiff wind and stinging rain they galloped. Ben was right: the good pauses in the weather didn’t last very long. Still, the travel hadn’t been difficult. Nath’s biggest concern was encountering adversaries. The enemy seemed to have eyes and ears everywhere and when they passed people, they said little to them or nothing at all. Nath kept them in single file most of the time. Quiet. Halfway into the next day, he slowed to a trot.

“Shouldn’t we traverse the mountains?” Bayzog suggested more than asked.

“You can’t gallop in the mountains,” Nath said.

“You can’t hide in plain view either,” Bayzog responded.

“Well that’s what we have you for. Certainly you can hide us?”

“Well, I suppose—”

“It’s a joke, Bayzog,” Nath said. “Stop riding so close to Brenwar.”

Bayzog showed him an unhappy look. “I don’t think we need to make haste to get there.”

“Well, I’m excited to go somewhere different. And I don’t like looking back.”

Bayzog rode closer along his side. “What do you mean?”

“This is difficult. We are leaving so many opportunities behind. The people. Who will protect the people?” Nath said.

“Thanks to you and our efforts as well, more people are starting to take better care of themselves.” Bayzog poked him in the shoulder with his staff. “You can’t protect them all. But you can give them courage. And this isn’t all about them, Nath. What about the dragons. How shall we liberate them?”

Nath nodded. All his life, he’d dedicated himself to protecting the dragons. Lately, he’d been more focused on saving people. But there were more people than dragons. And the dragons were really well hidden. He hadn’t even seen a good one since he’d woken up from his last hibernation. He hoped they were at Dragon Home. A pit formed in his stomach.

Nath forced a smile.

“Are you truly worried about galloping in the open, Bayzog, or is this about something else? After all, I thought I was leading.”

“I just fear the skies have eyes.”

“The forest has even more.”

Bayzog nodded. He seemed content. Perhaps he just wanted to make conversation.

Nath continued. “If we’re in no rush, maybe we should go to Quintuklen. I’d like to see Sasha.”

Bayzog’s hand went to an amulet that was hidden under his robes. Nath had seen him use it to communicate with Sasha several times before. He knew that Bayzog could hear her voice, but didn’t know if he could see her too. Nath wished he could see her. There was nothing better than her company. It would warm a day like this.

“Don’t tempt me, Nath. And don’t tempt yourself. You are leading, after all.”

“Well, we’ll see this through first. And we’ll reward ourselves with a trip to see Sasha.”

The tight-lipped wizard showed all his teeth with his smile.

“Easy,” Nath said, blocking his eyes with his hand, “You’ll blind me. I hope our enemies didn’t see that smile.”

“I hope they did. The sooner we deal with them, the sooner I can see Sasha.” Bayzog dug his heels into his mount. The horse reared up. “Onward.”

They galloped through the plains, staying just outside the edges of the forests and the mountains. Nalzambor was a vast world and it wasn’t uncommon for Nath to travel sight unseen for days. Their enemies, though great in number, couldn’t control everything. What they could control were the places where most of the people were gathered. The largest cities had fallen victim to that already. At least that was what Nath had been told. No one wanted him to get too close to those cities. Those places tended to get him into trouble, and he could admit to that now.

Narnum and Quintuklen were lost. The dwarves in Morgdon held their own and the Elves in Elome battled with the orcs from Thraag daily to maintain their foothold. The people of the world went about their daily lives the best they could. Some fought for good. Others were recruited by evil. Families were split and divided. Seeing the change in people left Nath’s heart heavy. So much had changed in such a little time. He was astounded by it all.

They galloped until the first light of the moon, slowed, and then trotted in the shadows of the mountains.

“Jordak’s Crossing nears,” Bayzog said to Nath. He sounded concerned.

“Since when did you become such a world traveler?”

“It’s been twenty-five years, remember?”

Nath felt a little small for a moment. The Bayzog he’d known had spent all of his time inside the walls of his home. The elven wizard had been anything but inside ever since. He’d even become adept at hunting and fishing.

“Have you gotten accustomed to swimming yet?”

“Humph,” Bayzog said. “I’ve gotten accustomed to many things that would surprise you.”

“You’ve surprised me plenty already.” Nath turned to Ben, who had drifted back along their side. “Have you been to Jordak’s Crossing as well?”

Ben shook his head. “No, should I have been?”

“No.”

“Nath,” Bayzog said, “the Crossing is not what it once was. Our enemies control that spot. Just as well as most of the major bridges and intersections.”

“Your point being?”

“There are other ways across.”

“And I was counting on the fact that you didn’t know that,” Nath said with a smile. “I’m certain we can handle any obstacles in our path. Besides, any other avenue would be two more days out of the way.”

“The war is long,” Bayzog said. “We need patience.”

“My patience thins,” Nath said. “But I’m willing to entertain your worries, Wizard. Let’s ride and get a better look at your concerns.”

Hours later, in the dark, they stood on the edge of a deep chasm overlooking a river of what looked like lava. Nath could see its shadowy glow in his friends’ faces. Hard lines. The river Jordak was the only river of its kind. Its bright bubbling waters disintegrated skin from bone, and withered away bone thereafter. There was no swimming in the Jordak. There were no boats that crossed it either. The heat rising up from it felt like a fireplace, even from here.

Nath wiped the sweat from his brow and stepped away.

Ben held his nose. “Ew, that sulfurous smell is so strong. Do any fish swim in that thing?”

“Some things live within,” Nath said, “but you wouldn’t want to catch them.”

“I didn’t have that in mind at all,” Ben said, “Guzan, that’s hot! And deep. How do we cross it?”

Nath pointed.

North of them was the outline of a great stone bridge that stretched out like a fallen limb over the fiery gap. Massive rock columns supported it from waters below.

“That’s a bridge,” Ben said, gaping. “It must be huge.”

“It’s dwarven,” Brenwar said. “Some of our finest work in Nalzambor.”

Nath caught Brenwar’s eye for a moment, but the dwarf moved on. It left an uneasy feeling in him. They made their way within a couple hundred yards of the bridge and stopped. Nath could see soldiers shifting in the darkness of their posts. Odd shapes outlined the tower tops of the bridge that were stark in the night.

Ben closed his spy glass.

“There must be thirty soldiers.” He looked at Nath. “Maybe fifty.”

“We can take them,” Brenwar said.

Nath rubbed his chin. He had to admit that he hadn’t expected so many. The bridge was long and wide, and during the day it was full of people crossing back and forth. Perhaps they could blend in, but no doubt the soldiers were thorough and checking everybody.

“Can you get us across?” he said to Bayzog.

Bayzog huffed. “I can take one, but not another for over a week.” He frowned. “I could summon some bats, perhaps?”

“No bats!” Brenwar said. “I’ll not trust some winged rodent to carry me over fiery waters. Are you planning on flying the horses over too?”

“Good point, Dwarf,” Bayzog said.

“I suggest,” Nath said, making his way toward Brenwar. He tapped the chest on Brenwar’s horse. “We wait until morning and see what we can use that is inside here.”

“A potion?” Ben said. His eyes brightened in the darkness. “I wouldn’t mind trying something like that.”

Brenwar slapped Nath’s hand away.

“It’s not a toy chest.”

“Certainly not, but it does make for an interesting experience,” Nath said. “What do you think, Bayzog?”

“It bears us many options, but I hate to use the magic on such a simple matter. I would just as soon take a longer way around. Exercise caution.” He looked at Nath. “But I support your decision.”

“I’m with the elf,” Brenwar said.

“You support me.”

“No, we don’t use the potions. Last time I took one, it left my stomach turning like a grindstone.
Blecht.
Take the longer way. Enjoy the journey.”

Nath turned his attention back to the bridge, squinting his eyes. There were plenty of soldiers, and through the hot haze that rose from the river, he couldn’t see what was on the other side. There would be at least as many men. Maybe more perhaps. He nudged his horse toward the bridge.

He could make out the long tips of halberds and spears. Fangs and gritty teeth. There was nothing he’d rather do that charge the bridge and toss those fiends over the edge into the flaming waters. But he’d lost enough friends already and he wasn’t about to lose the ones that were with him now. Still, urgency stirred inside his head. He ignored it.

“Caution it is then,” he said, starting to turn. “We go south—”

He caught movement out of the corner of his eye and froze. Slowly, he turned his head back toward the bridge. One of the tower tops of the bridge moved. A pair of windows spread.

A dragon dropped from its perch and glided right toward them with fire in its eyes.

Nath’s words froze on his lips.

Great Guzan! That thing is big!

Chapter 19

F
ar away from Nath, horse hooves splashed through the water of an ordinary creek, making the only notable sound in the ravine. Gorlee’s teeth tingled. He wasn’t used to being a major player in these adventures. He pretty much kept a low profile, only showing up to help out when needed. He scanned the trees for birds and other creatures. Things seemed so quiet, like the moment before a storm. He swallowed and fanned a flying insect from his face.

They were on foot now, reins in hand. The dwarves, four in back, four in front, all in pairs, had him well protected. It made him feel like a prince or something. Each had a small shield in one hand, an axe, hammer or mace in the other. All their helmets had been donned the moment they entered the ravine.

He ran his fingers through his hair.
Perhaps I could use one of those.

Ahead, the creek bent and couldn’t be seen anymore. He could hear the waters cascading over the rocks, but nothing more. Usually Nath would lead. His eyes and ears seemed to pick up everything. Brenwar was no slouch either.

Gorlee sniffed the air.

It smelled like water, mud, horse, leather and dwarf. He frowned. He might look like Nath, but he was anything but that right now. Even blindfolded, Nath could find a particular flower among hundreds. Little things like that. Nath did many, and Gorlee hadn’t thought much about them before. Not until now. Without Nath or Brenwar or Bayzog, Gorlee had to admit he felt a bit naked.

A sword and scabbard bumped against the saddle of his horse. He didn’t often fool with weapons. They weren’t needed. He usually relied on his powers. Something crept between his shoulders. He looked around. The dwarves were looking too. He slid the sword free. The blade sounded really loud scraping out of the scabbard.

Pilpin looked back at him and winked.

Devliik and another followed the creek around a huge rock that formed a bend and disappeared. Ten feet ahead, Pilpin and another dwarf were waiting on him.

“I’m coming,” he muttered under his breath.

From the other side of the rock, a dwarf cried out. A loud splash followed.

Everyone burst into motion and pushed onward. Pilpin’s pair disappeared; two more dwarves passed Gorlee with weapons hoisted high. He dragged his horse through the creek toward the sound of the skirmish. Blood rushed through his ears.

“Get off me!” a dwarf cried out.

Gorlee bustled around the massive boulder, sword ready. The dwarves had gathered at the edge of the creek, where a pool of water had formed. Devliik and his horse were submerged to their necks in the middle. Devliik slung off a rope that had encircled him.

“I don’t know your rope,” he bellowed. He urged his mount forward, but it continued to sink. “What manner of creek is this! It’s deep as a river!” His head whipped around, checking the waters. “I see stones where there are none.”

Another dwarf tossed a rope around the horse’s neck and they began to tug.

“One, two—Heave! One, two—Ho! One, two—Heave!”

The horse nudged forward. Its hooves found solid footing and surfaced from the pool of water. Water ran out of Devliik’s armor and over the horse. The husky dwarf eyed the pool along with the rest of them.

Pilpin tossed a stone into the middle. It sunk in the clear water and settled only a foot below. All the dwarves were still with weapons ready. Gorlee breathed heavily and felt amazed. There were plenty of treacherous things in Nalzambor. Ways nature preserved itself. Or fed itself, perhaps.

Devliik said something in dwarven and moved onward.

“What did he say?” Gorlee said to Pilpin.

“Avoid the pools.”

“That’s it?”

“Is there anything else that needs saying?”

The dwarves formed columns on the left and right of the creek. Gorlee took the middle of the right column. He scanned the sides of the ravine. The faces were steep and ran upward hundreds of feet. He couldn’t help but feel that eyes were watching them from somewhere up there. At any moment, they would be trapped. Hemmed in on one side or the other. But he also had the feeling that Devliik wasn’t worried about a satyr. Not that dwarves would be worried about anything.

The soft rattle of dwarven armor came to a stop. Gorlee stopped as well. Something cried out ahead, like a wounded cat. Slowly, the dwarves proceeded forward. Ahead, the creek water rushed over the rocks, forming another pool of water. A woman hung on to a vine in the middle. She struggled and splashed. Something deep in the waters was pulling her down.

Her green eyes found the dwarves and she mewled again.

Gorlee forced himself up to the pool’s edge. The dwarves had funny looks on their faces. The woman in the pool wasn’t just any kind of woman. She had golden fur and was spotted like a leopard. Her long whiskers rested on the waters.

“My, look at her,” Pilpin said. He looked up at Gorlee. “Have you ever seen such a woman?”

Nalzambor was huge and there were plenty of rare creatures that the eyes of commoners had never seen before. In the case of this feline-like woman, he didn’t know.

“No, not like that.” He squinted his eyes. “I’d say we need a closer look.”

“She’s pretty,” Pilpin said. His hard eyes were wide. He started to wade into the waters. Others stomped their boots into the water as well.

She’s pretty?

The muscles in Gorlee’s back started to knot. Something wasn’t right. He’d never heard a dwarf call anything pretty before. He scanned the woodland. The trees, bushes, and giant ferns all seemed undisturbed. Everything was pleasant. Normal. The insects and critters chirped. Everything seemed to be in harmony. Even the wind that whistled through the ravine sounded like a flute.

The dwarves edged closer. Devliik tossed the cat-like woman a rope. Pilpin waded in. Gorlee pulled him back by the shoulder.

“What are you doing?”

“Don’t you think she’s pretty? She’s the prettiest I’ve ever seen.”

Gorlee looked at the woman in the water and scratched his head. “You’re certain? She doesn’t seem like your type.”

“Will you let go of me?” Pilpin said, jerking away and marching into the water. “I want to help her first. It’s been quite some time since I saw such a fair dwarven maiden.”

“Dwarven?”

Gorlee’s stomach began to knot and his forehead beaded in sweat. The ground felt loose beneath him. The horses nickered and stomped backwards. Shook their necks. The music of the wind became louder. The woman he saw in the water’s eyes drew him closer.

This isn’t right. Isn’t right at all
.

His fingers loosened around his sword, and the blade slipped free. The musical breeze licked at his earlobes, urging him toward the waters. He took a step closer, but kept one hand on the reins.

“Pilpin,” he said, raising his voice, “I don’t see a dwarf.”

Pilpin didn’t turn. He kept going.

The windy music tugged at his ears. Gorlee’s legs slackened. He felt it: magic. Rushing through him. Subtle. Seductive. Dangerous. He cried out to the dwarves but they heard him not. Their eyes were glossed over. The woman’s face in the waters darkened and shifted. Gorlee covered his ears. The woman sneered at him. The waters stirred and shifted.

“Get out!” he yelled.

Something terrible was about to happen. Spots in the forest began to stir.

Gorlee’s mind raced. He was Nath Dragon. What would he do? He summoned his magic powers. He couldn’t do most of what Nath could do, but he could do a fine impression of most of it. He sucked in his chest and let out a mighty dragon-like roar until he could roar no more.

Every dwarven head turned toward him.

“That’s no dwarven maiden!” He yelled. “It’s a trap! Get out of there, you fools!”

The dwarves shook their heads and turned back to the woman in the pool. She was gone.

“Where’d she go?” One dwarf said, wading through the waters.

Something jerked him under.

“What goes!” Devliik cried.

The woods and waters came to life.

Draykis, scaly and grey, were all over them.