Greyrawk (Book 2) (24 page)

Hobart's deft fingers dabbed the potion on several key places of the chain and he hustled back to the bushes to wait. He tried to identify the locations of the nearest Celaeri. Someone was talking to the warriors and drawing the attention of the guards. No Celaeri was facing Moria and Jaele's direction.

He could see Moria wiggle her arm now and then. The tone of the Celaeri speaker changed pitch and the voice of Jerue Adan seemed to come up from underneath Hobart. He couldn't understand the Celaeri language but whatever was being said made the hair on the back of his hands stand up. Moria increased her movement in response to the changes around them. The chains hit the stones below them but the voice was now so loud their escape could not be heard.

Moria and Jaele took a last look behind them and climbed over the stones and ran to where Hobart waited. He led them down his winding path into the mists below. Moria and Jaele kept close to the Tuor, almost too close; Jaele stepped on his foot when Hobart stopped suddenly.

The clicking sound rose around them and Hobart drew his bow. The Hiataneti were moving around the base of the slope, working themselves into a frenzy as the sounds and earth shaking from the summit reached the lowlands. Hobart whistled long and steady and then waited. To the west of their position an answering whistle sounded. Hobart motioned in that direction. The trio ran as swiftly as they could over the uneven ground and Loric awaited them, sword in hand. Jaele collided with a Hiataneti and fell to the ground. The creature released a mournful cry that was answered by its brethren. Moria pulled Jaele to her feet and ran after Hobart; Loric brought up the rear. The clicking was loud and furious and the sound of large bodies scurrying through the mists increased in volume.

"We aren't going to make it," yelled Moria.

"We don't have enough weapons to make a stand," replied Loric. "There must be dozens behind us."

The war cry of the Anetheans rose before them as they left the mist and Elberra ran to meet the Hiataneti, followed by Alarie Skye and Brandalay. Loric stopped in his tracks and turned to fight. The creatures slowed and did not venture out of the mist. Loric stepped forward to meet them.

"Wait Loric," called Dvorak Annis. The wizard began his incantation and the air freshened blowing toward Greyrawk Mountain. The branches of nearby trees swayed in the breeze and it caressed the damp grass. The heavy mist began to fall back and the Hiataneti dared not venture forth without their masters. They clicked loudly but kept hidden in the mist, which retreated across the fields. The threat faded back in the trees. Elberra put her arms around Moria and Jaele and escorted them back to their camp.

"Good work, Dvorak," said Hobart. "Bet that was thirsty work." He winked at Loric.

"Oh, yes. Very much so," said Dvorak. "I think we still have some venison we can put over the fire. Well, let's not tarry. The Celaeri will certainly know magic was done here and I don't want to miss dinner." The heavy wizard moved with surprising speed back to the camp. Loric looked back at the dark mountain of the Greyrawk's. He knew Jerue Adan had summoned the Vlakan to fight with the Celaeri. Loric just didn't know if he should explain to his friends what the Vlakan really were. Whatever he decided, it would end badly.

It is comical to think of the times Kerreth Veralier walked unnoticed in cities, freely mingling with the populace. Taller than most men, broad as two, usually armed to the teeth as the saying goes, but I've seen him bite during battle so don't discount his teeth. I believe the same innate ability that makes Kerreth invulnerable to magic also repels the gaze of an undetermined witness.

From Gerrand's Histories of Landermass.

They passed through the freshly painted green gates unmolested, a traveler and his servant, soiled by days of travel, moving confidently to the interior of Gornst in search of a tavern to quench their thirst. They passed the taverns closest to the gate that would have the higher prices and watered down ale.

"Where will the rest of your companions be?" asked Greyrawk. "I doubt they would wait around for Belderag to imprison them again."

"No, they would have moved on. The question is, are they still in Gornst, or did they find another sanctuary from which to decide the next course?"

"They would wait for you to return before they do anything, wouldn't they?"

"We have been together too long, Ian. The Talos Company will move forward with or without me. It is the task that guides them, not me. It is my job to catch up with them; they won't wait long in one place."

They entered the gates of Gornst with a group of travelers and made their way to a tavern towards the middle of town. Kerreth did not want to stop where the soldiers drank rather he wanted to hear the talk of the citizenry of Gornst. The tavern they chose was called the Grey Fox and it was crowded but the two of them were able to squeeze it along the bar. One man started to complain but took one look at Kerreth and gave way. The patrons were mostly merchants with a few young nobles hogging the best table. Their voices were louder than the rest of the patrons as they wished to draw attention to their higher station. The merchants talked about business and wondered what the troop movement meant. The rumors of a Greyrawk returning had reached everyone's ears but there was no talk of Celaeri. The prevalent thought was the Greyrawk had brought an army and would fight Belderag for control of northern Cresida.

Greyrawk sipped his ale and watched his companion who made note of everyone in the common room and any possible threat to them. Kerreth relaxed a little and quaffed most of his mug. He winked at Greyrawk, drained the last of the ale and asked for a refill.

"Where are you from stranger?" asked the innkeeper. "I don't remember seeing you before and I wouldn't forget someone of your size."

"I haven't been in Cresida for many a year. My name's Kerreth."

"I'm Colly Bulger, I own this place." The innkeeper was a large man, a head taller than Loric and as big around as Dvorak. His huge hand hid the mug of ale he placed in front of Kerreth. Bulger was younger than he looked; his head gleamed and tufts of grey hair bordered his ears and the back of his head. His cheeks were rosy and his face was creased with laugh lines. His deep blue eyes were clear and piercing.

"A satisfying living, if I may say so," said Kerreth. "I'm sure I would drink too much of the ale."

"Aye, I would as well if my daughter wasn't around to kick me in the rear. What brings you to Gornst, Kerreth?"

"I seem to end up where things get interesting."

"Ah, you mean Greyrawk and Belderag," Bulger kept his voice low. "I don't get too many high ranking nobles in here, but some of the Red Hawks drink here now and then. I hear Belderag is nervous, but I don't think it's just because of a Greyrawk. There are rumors of Celaeri going around."

"I've heard of Celaeri."

"We all have heard of them. They were cruel race according to the stories; enslaved the good people of Cresida. No one has seen them for several lifetimes, but the rumor is they've never left Cresida and are hidden up in the Black Heath. Not that anyone has tried to find out." He took a long look at Kerreth and the twin sword handles barely covered by his cloak.

"You are a fighting man," said Bulger. "Who's hired you?"

"I'd rather keep that to myself, but I will say it is an outside party."

"Ah, a profiteer ready to make gold off our suffering?" Bulger laughed. "Can't say that's any less disagreeable than any other line of work." Bulger served ale for the serving girl to take to the tables.

"Colly, do you have relatives on Anavar?"

"Why, I think I have relatives on every continent, even down in Breanen. You think you know someone?"

"Well, I used to frequent the Red Wolf Inn in a little town called Blackcrag. Conner Bulger was the proprietor."

"Still is. He's my grandpa."

"Yes, I thought you were striking in your resemblance to him."

Colly Bulger grinned and pulled a pint of ale for himself.

"Then I know who you are, Mr. Veralier. I heard a lot of stories about you."

"Well, Colly, I would appreciate no one else knowing exactly who I am. I have met Belderag, but I may not be able to identify his people."

"Not to worry. A friend of grandpa's gets special consideration. Now, there are a couple of Belderag's men in here right now to keep an eye on. Those two at the table nearest the door; Red Hawks out of uniform. Spies are what I call them."

"I'll be careful. How about another ale?"

"On the house," said Bulger.

Greyrawk had taken a vacated small table near the back door and tried to keep his long legs out of the serving girls' way as they brought out streaming bowls of stew. Greyrawk felt hunger pangs and searched for coin to buy a meal but the Celaeri had taken everything of value from him.

A large bowl was set down in front of him. He looked up at a homely girl, still gangly from youth, grinning at him.

"Your friend seems to be friends with Papa and you looked hungry."

"I am, thank you."

"I'm Danni."

"I'm Ian. Pleased to meet you Danni." She flushed slightly and hurried off to work. Greyrawk picked up the wooden spoon and carefully tasted it. He smiled and began shoveling it in to the extent he could stand the heat. Kerreth came and sat down, the landlord standing over them.

"I'm Colly."

"Ian."

"Careful with my Danni, now you young scoundrel." He winked at Greyrawk. "She's the best cook I've ever had and since her mother died, she's the lady of the house."

"Ah, your daughter," said Greyrawk. "While she would be quite a catch, I assure you Colly that my intentions are honorable and I only desire this hot bowl of stew."

"You aren't attracted to her? What's wrong with Danni?" Colly's voice grew rough. Greyrawk's mouth hung open. He looked up at the innkeeper's scowl.

"Kerreth, help!"

Kerreth laughed and Colly joined in.

"Ah, you're a good sport young man," said Colly.

"I'm afraid he's got his own family," said Kerreth. "He can't afford to be looking elsewhere. I know, I've met the lady. Quite handy with a sword herself."

"Oh, why didn't you say so? Enjoy the meal. I'll talk again later if I have the time." Colly went from table to table checking on his guests.

"He's awful big to be joking like that," said Greyrawk.

"It was funny. You turned whitish for a moment."

"I am pleased to be so entertaining. What did you learn?"

"Belderag is readying to march against the Celaeri. The rumors of the Celaeri have the folks jittery and no one has much confidence in Belderag. But he does have spies in town and we best are wary."

"What's our next move?" asked Greyrawk.

"I want to see what is happening at the castle. I need you to stay here; I have rented a room. Listen to the talk of the tavern and listen to Colly. There is a lot in that old head that is helpful. Regain your strength for when I return we won't stay long."

"I can help you."

"Yes, you can," said Kerreth. "But Belderag has seen you."

"He's seen you, too."

"Yes, but I am not his sworn enemy. He may view me as a nuisance perhaps, but not a threat to him. He might send a couple soldiers after me to see what I am up to, but he will not lose the chance to catch you. Stay here and rest."

Greyrawk sighed. "I will, but it will be hard waiting."

"I didn't say it was the easier job. I will first go to the compound where Brandalay and you stayed, and then I will find Belderag."

"Arenna's compound? There are many armed guards there. She is at odds with Belderag and not trustful. Be wary."

Kerreth grasped Greyrawk's forearm and left the tavern. Greyrawk walked over to Colly and held up his empty cup. Danni hurried over to refill it.

Kerreth walked at good speed but did not rush through the streets. Gornst was a large town, the largest in northern Cresida but small compared to giant Nantitet in Calendia. Still, the streets were filled with people and in places Kerreth had to pick his way through the masses although most moved quickly out of his way. His swords and his tusks opened a comfortable passage through town. He followed Greyrawk's directions and kept the south wall in sight as he moved toward the castle. Arenna's compound was snuggled against the south wall several blocks from the castle. She did not want her father to easily observe her activities.

Kerreth decides to walk up to the gate and ask for Arenna. Two guards appear when he nears the gate.

"What do you want," said one of the guards. His scowl softened when he saw the size of Kerreth.

"I want to speak with Arenna Aruk," said Kerreth.

"Who are you?"

"I am a friend of Brandalay's."

"I see," said the guard. "Let me give you some friendly advice; don't let Arenna hear Brandalay's name. A couple days ago, we would have let you right in, but Arenna came to us and told us to kill Brandalay on sight."

"Ah, that does change things," said Kerreth.

"Now, I don't know how it directly pertains to a handsome man like yourself, but I cannot let in anyone friendly to Brandalay and if I did, I might be required to put a sword to you. You appear to have some skill with a blade, judging by the quality of your steel. So it might have a poor outcome for all of us if you enter these gates. There are many more of us in the barracks. The odds do not favor you."

"I thank you for your honesty and I shall move on."

The guard exhaled and relaxed.

"Give Brandalay the warning if you see him. He was a good comrade while he was here, I'd hate for one of us to kill him."

"I will pass your words along."

"Tell him, Garbel wishes him well. Now go before we are required to act."

"I will move along. Tell me one thing, if Belderag rides to war against the Celaeri, will Arenna join him?"

"Celaeri? The rumors are true? I don't believe it. Until I see a Celaeri with my own eyes, I won't believe it. But if it were true; yes, I would think she would fight with him."