The Soul Sphere: Book 02 - The Final Shard (21 page)

“As are we. Will you ride with us?”

“In time, but I have another plan for now. Am I right in assuming the Wandering River can only be forded easily far to the north?”

“Yes,” Alexis replied.

“Then we will ride ahead, and see if we can’t ease a crossing further south. It would save us a great deal of time.”

“Excellent idea,” Durst said.

“I have only one request. Would you ride with us, Alexis? I cannot say what border guards Lorgras may have in place. They may not take kindly to men of the Westerland building a path into Lorgras for a goblin army. Perhaps you might keep Lorgrasian spears from targeting my men.”

“Fair enough. I wish to return to my people as soon as I can anyway, to see how the war preparations go.”

“Take Lucien as well,” said Durst, “in case any messages need to be sent back. Unless you tire of his company.”

“I enjoy it.”

“Odd creatures, you humans,” Durst said with that leering goblin smile that would unnerve anyone who had not come to know it as well as Alexis had. “Lucien,” he said simply, with a quick thrust of his chin in Alexis’ direction.

“My honor to serve,” he replied to his pack chief. Then he nodded to Alexis, as if to say the same thing.

Soon the riders of the Westerland and their new escorts were thundering ahead, while the goblin army resumed its march, turning north.

Even riding hard, it would take them six days to reach the Wandering River beyond the Watchtowers. Zald mingled freely and comfortably among his men, and they acted as friends might, speaking easily with one another, sharing jokes and stories. But there was an unmistakable respect he commanded when he was among them. A respect only earned through deeds, Alexis was certain, not through empty words or by the iron fist he could wield due to his birthright had he so desired. As often as he could Zald rode with Alexis and Lucien, eager to learn all he could about what they had been through and their plans for defeating Solek. “My father keeps many things close,” he explained, “even where I am concerned.”

They were happy to share what they could with him, and soon were as glad for his companionship as for the thousand men he had brought with him.

Their journey to the river was interrupted only once. Zald saw it first, pointing it out without even stopping his horse. “Is that a Mist?”

As Alexis’ eyes shifted to follow the line drawn by his extended finger, several arrows were loosed. She smiled as they passed through the creature and fell harmlessly to the ground. “It is,” she answered.

“You described it well. Why the smile?”

“Your men react quickly and with deadly accuracy, if a bit rashly. Earthly weapons will do it no harm.”

Now Zald appeared concerned. “Then what hope do we have of defeating it?”

“None in direct combat. But it’s only a shadow itself, and can do no physical harm. They act as spies, so Solek will know we move. So be it.”

The riders began to slow, their focus now on the Mist. They stayed their hands, now understanding arrows to be of little use against it, but murmurs of concern began to ripple through the group. Having seen what it could, the Mist darted off south.

“It will find the goblins, most likely,” said Alexis, “then it will surely report back to its dark master.”

Zald marveled at Alexis and Lucien. “Your stories must be true. How else could one look on such an otherworldly creature in such a casual manner?”

“We will see enough of things with sharp teeth and claws, or sharp steel in hands,” said Lucien. “Save worry for them.”

“That I’ll do,” said Zald. “But I better spread the word about what that was. We’re losing time to uncertainty and fear.”

“Two of Solek’s favorite weapons,” Alexis said in agreement.

When they reached the Wandering River, they found it not as deep as it could have been, but running swiftly. Zald rode in the lead now, his eyes alert as they worked their way up the western bank of the river. Ahead he spotted something, then said, “There!” triumphantly. Before they could inquire as to what had inspired him, he charged off. Several of his men followed, calling for him to wait and not do anything rash. He turned once, only for an instant, flashing a playful, boyish grin.

Here the river was nearly a quarter-mile across, but a third of the way over a small island jutted out of the water, covered with thick grass and three large trees. Zald rushed his horse into the strong current, and the beast had no difficulty reaching the island. The water had soaked Zald’s boots and his pants up to mid-calf, but reached no further.

“Bring some rope,” he called to his men. In reply, several riders splashed across to the island, then pulled long coils of rope from their packs. Several cords were then bound together at his command, and then fastened tight to the trees. Zald then had one of the riders return bearing a coil of rope, which he slowly let out behind him as he returned. Once safely on the near bank again, the man dismounted, took the rope to a sturdy tree, and confirmed there was sufficient length to tie it there.

“Excellent!” Zald cried. “Those on foot can use the rope to deal with the current. They’ll be wet and a bit chilled, but it will save many days march further north and then back.” Before anyone could point out that reaching the island was not the same as crossing the river, Zald hoisted a second coil of rope that was fastened to a tree, tied the other end to his mount’s saddle, and then dashed into the wider section of the river. The horse struggled at times as the water rushed over his back, soaking Zald past the waist in the process, but eventually he reached the far shore, and Zald held up the rope triumphantly before tying it off.

“Some of us better go across, too,” one of the Westerlanders said. “Otherwise he might try to ride back and risk his neck again.” One of Zald’s lieutenants heard this and agreed, ordering half the men across and the other half to remain on this side.

Alexis moved close to Lucien. “I should go ahead. That’s Lorgras over there.”

“And I should wait here for goblins,” Lucien replied.

“I won’t argue that,” Alexis said. “But you’ll have to cross eventually. Is this going to be a problem? I mean, is it common for goblins to—”

He stopped her with a raised hand, even as his eyes fell. “My issue. Bad experience when young. Goblins have no more fear of water than any other race. We will cross here.”

“All of you?”

“I as well. Mounted and with eyes shut if I must, and clinging tight to rope.”

“Come now. Come across with me.”

“So goblins do not see me hesitate? Thank you for concern, but no. It is proper that I wait. I will cross when it is time.”

“Then I’ll stay too.”

“You must go, as you said. Lorgrasian patrol passing would be reason enough for you to be on other side. It is why you came.”

She nodded, reluctantly. “I’ll see you in a week or so.”

“Or sooner. Goblins march swiftly at need.”

On all counts, Lucien was correct. Mounted Lorgrasians spied the activity at the river within two days and made contact, happily surprised to find their High Queen among those gathered there. The patrol was wary, at first speaking to her as a commoner. She smiled and assured them they were among friends, and it was then revealed to the men of the Westerland who she really was. Many knelt before her to do her honor, including Zald. Embarrassed, she bid them rise, and found Zald beaming at her. “You knew,” she said.

He admitted it was so. “But it was your secret to reveal as you chose.”

The patrol was ordered back to the main Lorgrasian force to spread word that the queen had returned with an army of mounted men, and that they would soon be joined by a force of goblins. On the seventh day since crossing the river the goblin column arrived, and lost no time in starting across themselves. Lucien was good to his word, using his horse to take him through the river’s rushing water, and doing so without incident or hesitation. Even though he would not admit relief at having the passage behind him, Alexis was pleased for him.

The goblin army was safely across the river in less than a day. As evening fell, the pack leaders, Zald, and Alexis gathered to make further plans.

Grosh surveyed the Lorgrasian landscape, sniffing the air as if a hint of something foul lingered there. “If my memory is correct, the only way into Veldoon is through the Saber Pass, and the fastest way for us to get there is to pass along the southern edge of the Great Northern Forest.”
“You memory serves you well,” Alexis said.

“And you,” said Grosh, adding a bow, “were as good as your word. We crossed with no opposition. Will the journey through Lorgras be unhindered?”

“I sent a patrol with word of your coming. The main Lorgrasian army has several weeks head start on the remaining march, but I am impressed by the speed with which goblins cover ground.”

“We are not as swift as those mounted,” said Grosh, “but perhaps fast enough to reach Veldoon on the heels of your army.”

“I must now go ahead, to reach my own people as soon as I may. I want to be at the front of the column if Solek decides to strike a blow before we reach him.”

“You are warrior at heart,” Durst said, “but I sense you wish to be at front for another reason.”

Alexis nodded. “I am Alexandra, High Queen of Lorgras.”

Durst bowed, and the other goblins present followed his lead. “So we now know why you spoke so confidently about how Lorgras would act.”

Ast rubbed his chin, and brushed some saliva off the corner of his lip. “Why the deception?”

“There was no deception,” she replied. “A ruler may wish to travel anonymously in other lands. The other companions we have spoken of—Rowan, Tala, Demetrius, and Corson—did not know of my title until it came time for us to part.”

“A leader has that right,” Durst said. He quickly shifted subjects. “It is understandable that you wish to join main body of your army, but you should not travel without escort. High Queen would be great prize for Solek if taken.”

“I will link up with a patrol soon enough,” she answered. “They will ride with me.”

“Until then, a dozen of my men will,” said Zald emphatically. Seeing she was a bit surprised by his tone, he added. “If you will allow it.”

“Certainly.”

Zald dipped his head once in thanks, and then went on. “The rest of my men should ride before and at the flanks of the goblins, acting as scouts and a screen, in case an assault comes while we move.”

“That would be wise,” said Durst. “With your men doing this, we’ll be able to move with all possible speed, rather than moving in tight formations for defense.”

“A good plan,” Grosh said. The others sounded their agreement.

*          *          *

Alexis bid them farewell in the morning, amid promises and hopes of meeting again on the battlefield against a common foe. She spoke to Lucien last. “I will miss your company,” she told him.

“It has been my honor,” he replied.

She leapt upon her horse and raised her spear in salute, then rode to the east. He watched her go, remaining still even as the lead group of goblins began to pass by, their march already at the double-quick. As she vanished into the distant morning haze, he turned to his own horse, stroking his neck. “I walk for now,” he told his steed. He took the reins and led him forward.

The goblin packs began to spread out on the march. The Kabrinda and the Delosh led the way in a double column, followed by the Garrack and the Allagon, with the Salesh and the Omwee bringing up the rear. Mounted riders from the Westerland rode in front of and on both flanks of these columns, with occasional passes in the rear to ensure nothing approached the army from behind. It was one of these riders who came forward to report to Zald at the end of the first day’s march.