Elf Sight (12 page)

The carnage on the trail brought them to a stop. Farnell, who held the lantern hissed, “Ambush places.”

“What does that mean?” Shadow whispered as Carson led her and his horse into the bushes.

“That we don’t make an easy target of ourselves,” Carson said as soon as they were amongst the bushes. “Any magic?”

Shadow looked around. “No.”

When Farnell was alone on the trail, he called out. “This is General Farnell Serensten. Any survivors?”

“General? It’s Perrun.” Perrun lifted his hand so Farnell could find him amongst the bodies.

“Perrun. How bad is it soldier?” Farnell knelt beside him.

“Can’t feel my leg, sir. I must have blacked out at some point. Head feels like it’s about to explode. Saw Gwyn fall. And Roper. Don’t know about Clem or Wardell,” Perrun said.

“General!”

“Is that you Gwyn?”

“Yes, sir.” He raised his arm for a second and then dropped it again.

“Saw you fall,” Perrun said.

“Was Clem, sir,” Gwyn said. “He turned on me. I ran out to warn you, but he hit me with something. Said money talks louder than loyalty.” Gwyn struggled to sit up. Farnell helped him. Gwyn gingerly touched the back of his head. “Felt like a rock or something. Broke me head open good whatever it was.”

Farnell stood up. “All out.” The men came out of the forest.

Carson went first to Gwyn, checked his head wound and helped him to his feet. He knelt at Perrun’s side and stared at his leg. “Probably a good thing you can’t feel your leg, Perrun.”

“Don’t take it off, sir.” Perrun clutched at Carson’s sleeve.

“If we can’t get you to a healer in a few days we might have to. You don’t want to lose your life for the sake of a leg,” Carson said.

“Check for horses,” Farnell ordered the soldiers who could still see. “How’s your hand, girl?”

“Still hurts,” Shadow said.

“Girl!” Perrun glanced over to Shadow.

“Later,” Carson said. “Let’s get you out of this mess first.”

“Did you find my sword?” Perrun asked.

“We’ll find it,” Carson promised.

“Only two horses, General,” one of the soldiers reported.

“Check for weapons and gear we might find handy. See if you can find Roper or Wardell,” Farnell ordered. “And if any of you find Clem still alive, try not to kill him. I need to have a little talk with him.” His tone said the talk would be anything but pleasant.

Shadow knelt beside Perrun and looked at his leg. “Is there anything we can use to wrap it up? It’s still bleeding.”

“Starting to feel it now you’ve moved me,” Perrun said. “Might have been better off staying put.”

“Chin up, soldier,” Farnell ordered.

When Shadow was about to snap at Farnell, Carson put his hand on her shoulder.

“I’ll get something for binding. Wait here,” Carson said.

“What’s a woman doing traipsing around with soldiers?” Perrun asked.

“Escaping from other problems,” Shadow said.

“Looks like you’ve stumbled into worse,” Perrun said.

“Looks like it.”

“General. We found Roper and Wardell. They didn’t make it, sir,” one of the soldiers said. “And there’s no sign of Clem.”

“Lay them to rest as best you can,” Farnell ordered.

“Here,” Carson shoved a torn and bloody tunic into her hands.

“This is the best you can do?” Shadow demanded.

“The laundress is nowhere to be found,” Carson replied.

Perrun laughed.

Shadow glared at him. “It’s your leg I’ve got to wrap this filthy thing about.”

Perrun laughed again. “That’s clean compared to some of the things I’ve had to use for bandages. Beggars can’t be choosy.”

As soon as Perrun and Gwyn had been doctored as well as could be expected, they were helped onto a horse each, along with a still blind soldier.

“We should make better time now,” Farnell said as they set out.

By mid morning, the soldiers and Irlan could see again. They dismounted and let someone else have a turn riding. Irlan insisted Shadow take his place.

She eyed him up and down. His cheekbones were more prominent than usual. “Are you sure?”

Irlan nodded. “Yes.”

“Good.” She slapped him across the side of his head.

“What was that for?” Irlan rubbed the spot, glaring at her.

“Your stupid plan.” She hopped on the horse in front of Thornton.

“Isn’t this cosy.” Thornton put his arms around Shadow’s waist.

“Not for long.” Carson pulled his brother off the horse. “Go find another horse to ride on.” He swung up behind Shadow.

“That wasn’t nice,” Shadow said.

“He was asking for it,” Carson said. “Besides, you got to hit your brother.”

“That was different,” Shadow muttered.

Still on the snowy ground, Thornton laughed. “Your expression was worth every bruise I’ll have.”

“Men!” Shadow rolled her eyes.

“Have a sleep. The General will push us hard,” Carson warned.

“Why?” Shadow tilted her head so she could look back at him.

“We have to get out of here before we’re trapped by the enemy,” Carson said.

Carson was correct. The general pushed them hard. They alternated between walking and riding with riding the only rest allowed to any of them.

By the time they reached the clearing near the pass, the horses were being led, too exhausted to carry anyone other than Perrun. Farnell made his way immediately to the boulders.

He turned, issuing orders as he did so, “Thornton, Shadow. Stay here. Keep a look out. Gwyn, rub down the horses and see if you can find somewhere to tie them with a bit of grass, maybe under the trees. Carson, take two soldiers and head that way, Irlan, you go with the other three and scout the opposite direction. Look out for another way out of this valley. I prefer not to have to try and lower ourselves and the horses over that.” He pointed towards the area where the guards who had pushed the boulders over had been. “I’m going hunting.”

“Why do you get the fun job?” Thornton complained.

“Because I’m the general and you’re the heir to the kingdom. The one others lose their lives for.”

Thornton glared at Farnell. “You would have to remind me.”

“You can find a shady spot for Perrun to lie in if you want something to do.” Farnell strode into the forest, a crossbow ready.

“Anywhere in particular you want to lie?” Thornton asked Perrun as he helped him up off the ground where he’d been left.

Perrun grinned. “As close to home as I can get.”

“Home it is.” Thornton supported Perrun as he hobbled to a tree in the appropriate direction.

Shadow followed. “Thornton. Look. Oh, forget it. You won’t see them. Wait here.”

Thornton quickly left Perrun under the tree. “Wait up. We’re not to leave the clearing. Orders you know.”

“Stuff orders. There’s four horses magic hid,” Shadow said.

“It might be a trap.” Thornton fell in beside her.

“There were four guards here and this is the direction they were headed when they tried to escape.”

“Why didn’t you see the horses when you came through here?” Thornton asked.

“Because there’s a dip in the ground and I didn’t come over this far. Look, can’t you see the hay left on the ground for them under that tree?” Shadow pointed.

“I can, but I can’t see any horses. How are we meant to ride them if we can’t see them?” Thornton demanded.

Shadow shrugged. “Your problem. I’ll give two of them to you.” She grinned at him. “Wait here and I’ll untie them from the tree.”

Thornton watched as Shadow reached up and unwrapped something from one of the branches and then walked towards him, her hand held at the correct angle it would need to be to lead a horse.

“Here. Hold this,” Shadow pushed the reins into Thornton’s hand.

“Reins!”

“Of course. I did tell you.”

Shadow soon collected all the horses and they took them to where Perrun lay under the tree.

“How’re we meant to ride them if we can’t see to get on them?” Perrun asked.

“See.” Thornton grinned at Shadow.

“Oh, shut up.” Shadow frowned at the horses.

“What’ve you got?” Gwyn joined them.

“Horses. Four of them. There’s more hay over where we got them from.” Shadow gestured in the direction.

“I’ll get it for our horses,” Gwyn said.

“I’ll help you,” Thornton offered.

“My lord, the General expects you to wait here,” Gwyn said.

“Too bad, I’ve already left the area following her.” Thornton gestured towards Shadow.

Gwyn shook his head. “I can’t stop you, my lord, but…” He finished his sentence with a shrug.

When the two men left, Shadow continued to stare at the horses thoughtfully.

“What if you shot them with a crossbow? It worked with the men we killed,” Perrun said.

Shadow’s frown cleared. “That might work. Well, not shooting them with a crossbow, but making them bleed.” Shadow took her knife from her belt and stood uncertainly near one of the horses. “I don’t want to hurt him.”

“Find a good vein and prick it with the point of the blade. Won’t take much,” Perrun assured her.

Shadow nodded. “I hope not.” She closed her eyes briefly. You can do this, she told herself sternly. Come on. She opened her eyes, took a deep breath, held it and quickly did as Perrun suggested. Her breath whooshed out as she jumped away from the horse as it reared, whinnying in fright. “I’m sorry.” Shadow soothed the animal.

“I can see it,” Perrun exclaimed. “It worked. Quickly. Do the others.”

“Great,” Shadow muttered. “Three more to do.” She got on with the task and all four horses were visible by the time Gwyn and Thornton returned with their arms full of hay. The horses followed along behind the men, wanting the hay they carried to their own horses.

“Not a bad effort.” Thornton stood with hands on his hips as he looked over the eight horses. “We’ll all be able to ride. Only half of us will have to double.”

“If we can find a way out of here,” Shadow said.

“You know, you should be the one doing the scouting. How will they find a way out of here? It’s sure to be magic hid,” Thornton said.

“I didn’t think of that.” Shadow glanced around. “What if they run into hidden guards? We have to go after them.” Shadow looked first towards where Carson had gone and then in the direction her brother had taken. “I can only go in one direction.”

“Settle down. There’s nothing you can do about it,” Thornton said.

“But-”

“Come on. Let’s see what’s with all those boulders.” Thornton grabbed her by the hand and tugged her forward. “I’m not letting go so you might as well come quietly.”

“I’ll remember this,” Shadow muttered.

Thornton grinned. “I hope so. Having a nice hand holding romantic walk in a snow capped pine forest with the heir to a country shouldn’t be a forgettable moment.”

Shadow laughed reluctantly.

“That’s better. Come on. We might as well use the time rather than sit around wringing our hands and moaning.”

“I never wring my hands,” Shadow protested.

“What about moan?”

“What’s going on?” Carson strode ahead of his men out of the forest.

“Carson. You’re safe.” Shadow dashed forward and threw her arms around him.

“Well, if that’s the greeting I’m going to get every time I wander off it might pay to disappear more often.” Carson’s arms tightened around her as he bent his head to kiss her.

“What if there’d been magic hid guards? We have to go after Irlan. He can’t see them either,” Shadow said.

“I’m back.” Irlan came out of the forest in time to hear the last couple of sentences. “And what do you think you’re doing? Get away from my sister.”

“Enough,” Shadow snapped. “How did either of you expect to find a way out of here when you can’t find anything magic hid.”

“What I want to know is how you all managed to get in here in the first place?”

They turned to see a man on horseback enter the clearing.

“Pa!” Shadow tried to step away from Carson. His arms tightened around her.

“And who do you think you are? Get your hands off my daughter before I remove them permanently.” Gil wrapped his reins around his saddle horn and pulled his sword from his scabbard.

“That’s not a very friendly greeting.” Farnell held three hares by their ears. “And where did those extra horses come from?”

“This keeps getting better and better,” Shadow muttered.

“I should have known you’d be behind this.” Gil glared at Farnell. “And tell your soldier to unhand my daughter. And you,” Gil pointed at Irlan, “Have a lot to answer for.”

“Carson, let the girl go,” Farnell ordered.

“No, sir,” Carson said respectfully yet firmly.

“That’s an order,” Farnell said.

“Tell him where to go and I’ll abdicate right this minute,” Thornton said. “All I own will be yours. Only say the word and you’ll outrank him.”

“What’s going on here?” Gil demanded. “Abdicate? These aren’t the princes, are they?”

“I’m afraid so.” Farnell looked from one prince to the other.

“Then why aren’t they at the castle where they belong? And I’ll be damned if I let some man paw my daughter. Prince or not,” Gil stated.

Farnell gestured towards Gwyn. “Take these and clean them. You,” he pointed at another soldier, “Get a fire started. I want these cooked so we can move as soon as possible.” He turned back to Gil once Gwyn had taken the hares. “Your kids came to me offering their services when you turned down my offer.”

“Elf sight!” Gil roared. “Which one of you has it?” He leapt from his stallion and glanced between his two children, his sword pointed first at one then the other. “Tell me and I’ll put you out of your misery.”

“Me,” both Irlan and Shadow called out.

“Forget it Irlan. He’ll have to accept it. I’ve got elf sight.”

“Don’t be a fool. It’s me.” Irlan glared at his sister.

“Answer me. Or do you both have it? I’m not passing it along! Twice cursed trait.” Gil’s hand tightened on his sword.

“It saved our lives plenty of times,” Shadow said quietly.

“You, girl?” Gil looked horrified.

“Me.” Shadow pushed Carson’s arms from her and stepped forward. “And I refuse to hide it any longer. I’m proud of what I’ve done. We found the heir,” she gestured towards Thornton. “I found him. I found the path you didn’t want to look for. I saw armies hidden. A ravine, the passage Thornton was hidden behind. It was better than spending my time growing old serving ale in a tavern.”

Gil stared at her and his sword lowered. It was the first time his daughter had ever spoken back to him. “I’d expect this kind of talk from your brother. He’s always had a smart mouth. But not you.”

“And what has staying in the background gotten me?” Shadow demanded. “I’ve been the image of my name. Well, no more. Cut me down where I stand if you want. I’m not going back to the tavern. I’ve got to find a way out of this valley and get Thornton to the castle.”

“It’s always the bloody royals. See what they do to you?” Gil glanced at his empty sleeve.

“So what?” Shadow demanded. “They were willing to let their firstborn die for us.”

“They wouldn’t have,” Gil snarled.

“Yes they would. And I finally figured out why. It’s not because they want to rule the country. It’s because they know what it would be like if there wasn’t law and order. Even their sons fight over who’ll escape the duty,” Shadow said.

“They’re stringing you along,” Gil said.

Shadow turned to Thornton. “Do you want to be king?”

“Hell no!”

“Will you be?”

“Only if I can’t talk Carson into the chore,” Thornton said.

Shadow turned to Carson. “What about you?”

“Only if I have no other choice. I’ve seen what a nightmare it is. Give me a position in the army any day. Even if we were permanently at war. Much easier.”

“So, what’s an arm in the whole scheme of things?” Shadow demanded.

“Tell me that when you’ve lost one,” Gil said bitterly.

“I will,” Shadow answered softly.

“Crazy child. Must have got knocked around the head as a tot,” Gil muttered.

“And I know who did the knocking.” Irlan stared defiantly at Gil.

Gil took a step towards Irlan, his sword coming up. “You better watch that mouth of yours, boy.”

Farnell stepped forward and pushed Irlan back a couple of steps, his eyes on Gil. “No more talk of killing your offspring. Put away your sword. We’ll eat and be on our way. The enemy won’t be far behind. How’d you get in here?”

Gil stared at him a moment. “I’ll deal with this later.” He glanced towards Carson. “Without interference.” He sheathed his sword. “I got in up that way.” Gil pointed behind him. “Found the tunnel blocked and went further along. There’s another way in but not as easy as the first.”

“Looks like you can get a horse through there though.” Farnell eyed Gil’s stallion that stood patiently beside him.

Gil nodded then rounded on Carson when he saw him put his arm around Shadow’s shoulders. “Get your hands off my daughter!”

“Carson! One day of peace,” Farnell demanded.

Carson stared at Gil. “No more threats about killing her and I’ll keep my hands to myself. For now.”

“Permanently,” Gil ordered.

“One day of peace I was ordered.” Carson’s lips twitched and a smile erupted for the barest instant.

“One day. Then the truce is over,” Gil warned.

“Or renegotiated,” Farnell said.

“One day,” Gil and Carson both said.

Carson dropped his arm from around Shadow’s shoulder but stayed near her.

Once the meal was eaten, the horses were collected and they mounted. Gil would only tolerate Irlan riding with Shadow, no one else was acceptable apart from himself. Carson wouldn’t tolerate that plan.

“They’re driving me crazy,” Shadow said to Irlan as they followed their Pa through the forest.

Irlan grinned. “It’s good to see men who don’t fall at his feet in a quivering heap when he bellows.”

Shadow sighed. “I guess. I just wish I didn’t feel so much like the bone between two dogs.”

“Your farmer wouldn’t have made you happy. You need someone who’ll stand up to Pa. You wouldn’t respect anyone who couldn’t,” Irlan said.

“Maybe.”

“You know I’m right,” Irlan said.

“Oh no!” Shadow’s hand covered her mouth as she stared ahead.

“What?” Carson rode closer to see what was wrong.

“We’ve got to go through there,” she pointed to the stream ahead of them that appeared to go through an opening then drop over a cliff.

“Over a cliff?” Carson demanded.

“No. We’ve got to go through a horrible little tunnel the stream flows through. We’ll have to walk the horses. The stream goes fairly fast and the rocks are slippery. You really need to be able to see to get through here,” Shadow said.

“Their problem,” Gil snarled.

“I’m not leaving them behind,” Shadow protested.

“They’ll see once they get past the first few feet,” Gil said with an unconcerned shrug.

“We’ll have to help them through,” Shadow stated.

“I’ll help Irlan. The rest can find their own way,” Gil said.

Shadow slipped off her horse as they reached the edge of the stream. Her hands went to her hips and she glared at Gil, anger pooling in her. “What sort of man are you? I never realised how pathetic you are. You’d leave them here? The General? The princes? These men who follow orders. Even the poorest soldier has a better character than you.”

“Don’t give me no lip, girl. See this?” He pointed to his empty sleeve, reins held in his hand. “No, you can’t. That’s because it isn’t there. It’s because of the likes of these that it’s not there. What would you know about it all?”

“Perrun might lose his leg. Tell me Perrun? Are you going to hate the world if that happens?” Shadow demanded.

“Well… ah… I guess not,” Perrun stammered, embarrassed to be put on the spot.

“No backbone. That’s why it won’t bother him,” Gil said.

“No backbone! I think you’re the one with no backbone!” Shadow shouted.

Gil raised his hand to strike his daughter. Carson was there first, grabbing his wrist and bending his hand back.

“Don’t touch her.” Carson’s voice was deadly quiet.