Greyrawk (Book 2) (31 page)

"Follow Kerreth's lead," said Colly. "This is much deeper than we know."

"That much I can see. We shall press the attack; otherwise they will continue this war." He called to his captains.

"NO!" called Kerreth. "The battle is over." He marched up to Beric Mallon who shrunk behind Colly. Kerreth rose to his full height, peering over Colly's shoulder at the Warlord.

"Let her speak her piece and leave. They are too weak to continue their war. It was by Jerue Adan's magic that the Celaeri returned. Now their source of strength is weakening and they shall return to the Black Heath and hide in the shadows again. Cresida will not be threatened by them again. I will not allow senseless slaughter. They are the last of the Celaeri. I will not allow genocide."

Beric did not say anything. Linna called to him.

"It is as Kerreth says," said Linna. "We will allow them to depart."

"But if any slaughter makes sense, surely this is it."

"Hush, Beric."

They stood alone on the bloody field, two tall Celaeri women and two tall Men with Celaeri heritage.

"You are my children," said Ioane Adan to Loric and Alarie Skye. "And you, Ian Greyrawk, are of my bloodline. All three of you are singular people and might have much to give to this world and could have aided the Celaeri greatly. I do not despise you, although I am disappointed in you. Each of you could have been so much more as Celaeri. Live among the Men if you must, but I will never claim you again. If we meet again your lives will be forfeit."

"Ever prideful Ioane Adan. I do not claim you as my mother. Go, while you can," said Loric. "Before Kerreth changes his mind. I would not be sorry if he did."

"Ah, yes, Holy Kerreth Veralier, the conscience of Landermass. Beware of Kerreth, my children. There are depths to him that you cannot guess. Ask him why he is the last true Zidar."

Ioane Adan noticed Jaele standing a few yards away.

"You girl, shall have little happiness with Ian Greyrawk. There is a curse on his family and now you carry it too."

Ioane Adan turned her back to her children and walked to her soldiers. The mist swallowed her and the Celaeri fell back into the shadows of the forest. The Vlakan were nowhere to be seen.

Some people are surprised that my life has not been spent in a cluttered room recording histories. Where do they think the tales come from? I have walked the length and breadth of Anavar from the three kingdoms of the Men to the Daerlan home of Arda across the deserts of Mordyn to Anethe. I have sailed north to Amloth and dined with the Men there and saw the new Daerlan home of Liannest and traveled east to where the Celaeri dwell. I set foot on the southern continent of Breanen populated sparsely along the coast with the artic wild lands over the coastal mountains. I even sailed around Landermass and visited the five kingdoms of the Men on Ryammar. As one of the last Zidar, my home is the Isle of Cothos, but my quill records the touch, taste, sound, sight and smell of all of Landermass.

From Gerrand's Histories of Landermass.

The return to Gornst was jubilant. The victorious soldiers received cheers from the people of Gornst. The Gornst soldiers received hugs and kisses as they returned to their families. Bold teenagers ran to and from the younger Haldane soldiers, shouting and waving. Hanging back, the families that lost loved ones wiped the tears from their eyes knowing their loss defended their city. And an announcement had preceded the troop's arrival that King Haldane would make payment to all widows and orphans created by the Celaeri War. Whether King Haldane knew of the terms of the announcement is unknown, but Princess Linna meant to see it followed through.

When the Gornst soldiers had entered the city and the Haldane soldiers began to set up camp in the town square, Beric Mallon, Colleson Bulger and Princess Linna rode through the gates. For most people of Gornst it was their first look at royalty. King Haldane seldom traveled north and only the eldest had memories of the King as a prince visiting Lord Aryar Greyrawk and passing near Gornst but not entering the city. Princess Linna wore leathers and a sword but smiled and laughed as she rode. The Warlord was equally impressive and nodded to well-wishers but did not change his expression. Old Colly everyone knew and the sight of the huge bloody blade strapped to his back gave rise to many heads nodding in confirmation of what was long suspected.

As Linna prepared to enter the castle, a woman stepped forward and blocked her way. The Red Hawks stood behind her. Linna raised an eyebrow and Beric Mallon stepped between them.

"Who are you?" asked Mallon. The woman walked past him to Colly.

"Where is my father?" asked Arenna Aruk.

"We believe he is dead," said Colly. "He fled with the creatures of the Celaeri."

"The Vlakan?" asked Arenna. "You fool, he is not dead, and he is safe with them. He is one of them and he did this to me." She held up her arm. "I have told everyone this for years. Is it only now that you can see he is a monster?"

She noticed Brandalay standing with Alarie Skye. She stared at the Celaeri and then spoke to Brandalay.

"I am glad you survived, Tarlac. Be at peace." She then walked back to her compound.

Colly returned to the tavern and found it packed with revelers. The loud joyful noise brought a smile to his face.

"Colly! You are back!" called Gez. "Get to work, we can't handle all the business without you."

Colly laughed and stepped behind the bar. The patrons noticed him and gave him a loud cheer. One merchant stood up and bought a round for everyone, including the owner. Colly toasted with his customers and began to wipe down the counter.

"Hi Colly," said Colin Festin. "I was worried for you."

"Colin, it's good to see you. To be honest I was worried for me too."

"Where's Danni? Is she alright?"

"Yes, she's fine. I believe Captain Picker is escorting her back here. A little slowly if you ask me." He winked at Festin.

"Picker eh? He's a fine man."

"I think so too. It's got my mind to thinking."

"Be careful old man." Colin laughed. "Don't want to hurt yourself."

"I'll take the risk, thank you very much."

"Well, then. Refill my tankard, barkeep," said Colin.

Colly caught up on the doings of Gornst from Colin and the tavern activities from Gez. He lost himself in the tasks of running the tavern and had a good sweat going by the time Danni and Captain Picker returned.

More cheers greeted Danni and Picker. Colly noticed Picker removing his arm from Danni's waist as they walked through the doorway. Colly then made up his mind.

Princess Linna picked at the food on her plate. She was excited to be in charge of Gornst. The life of a Princess back in Andara offered little of worth to hold her attention but now she had real work to do. It was several moments before she noticed someone standing in the doorway. She has a momentary flash of anger than her attendants did not alert her. Then she saw it was Ian Greyrawk.

"Come in Lord Greyrawk. I'm sorry I didn't notice you earlier."

"Thank you your Highness. It was my fault for coming unannounced. I did not want to disturb you but there is something on my mind."

"What is it?"

"Greyrawk Mountain."

"Ah, you want your family's land returned to you. That shall be done."

"Yes and no. I will be returning to Anavar with Jaele. We are more comfortable there and we own property. We opened an inn a few years ago; it was a dream of ours. Our children, Davan and Tera will be worried about us; we must return soon. However, Tarlac Brandalay lost his lands years ago. I would like Greyrawk Mountain to be Tarlac's property."

"Going back to Peradon? I am planning to reward Brandalay for his efforts but giving him the Greyrawk lands would be a huge gift. Are you sure you wish to do this?"

"I am not planning to return to Cresida. Jaele and I will continue to raise our family in Peradon."

"Consider it done," said Linna. "What reward would you wish?"

"Nothing for myself, Princess. I have all that I need."

"Very well. I will announce you have given your hereditary lands to Brandalay, but you shall keep your lordship. Whenever you return to Cresida you shall be honored as Lord Greyrawk."

"Thank you, your Highness."

After he left Linna felt elated and hummed to herself.

"You shall be a wonderful administrator," said Beric Mallon.

"Beric! Can you be trusted not to eavesdrop?"

"No, Princess, I cannot."

"I thought as much. That's why I didn't chase you out earlier. Are you hungry? I don't seem to able to finish my meal."

"Well, maybe just a bite or two."

Celebrations rang through Gornst for days but near the end of the first week, Kerreth was restless.

"Ask him," hissed Loric.

"No," said Moria. "When he is ready he will tell us."

"He's ready to explode and I do not want to be in the vicinity when that happens."

"Maybe Dvorak can spell it out of him," said Hobart.

"That never works," said Loric. "He will blame me as usual."

"What's the topic?" asked Greyrawk. He and Jaele entered the room and claimed a bench near the wall.

"I am," said Kerreth. He stood on the balcony above Loric.

"Wonderful," muttered Loric. "Damn ears of a fox."

"Loric is wondering what is troubling me. He knows it means work for the Talos Company when I am restless. He is correct in this case. I do not like loose ends to any of our operations and we have left a very large one. Dacu Belderag escaped from the battlefield with many Vlakan and our work is not done until he is caught."

"Or killed," said Elberra.

"Or killed. I plan to set out tomorrow to hunt him down."

"That means we are going too," said Loric. The others nodded and began to gather supplies and sharpen their weapons.

Kerreth would not accept any additional members to the company except for Greyrawk, Captain Picker, Brandalay, Alarie Skye and Colly. The Talos Company was mounted and ready to depart.

"You are certain you won't accept any of my soldiers?" asked Beric Mallon.

"No. We must move fast and I have fought with each of these riders. I am confident of their skill and will trust them fighting at my back."

"Very well. May your hunting be fruitful," said Beric Mallon.

They rode on the road to Greyrawk Mountain until they reached the narrow ford over the river near Colly's lodge. When they reached the lodge they could see the damage to the building immediately. Colly rode up and dismounted. He pushed open the broken door and stood in the doorway. The interior had been destroyed; furniture pieces laying about and even sections of the roof pulled down. And everywhere the claws of Vlakan left their marks deep in the wood.

Kerreth kept moving east and the others followed. Colly caught up to them in the next quarter hour. He did not speak of what he had seen.

The trail was cold but Kerreth followed some path visible to him, or maybe he could smell the Vlakan. Colly rode next to him but could not see what Kerreth saw. He tried to ask Moria but she guessed his question and shook her head. He looked at the other companions but no one seemed concerned where Kerreth was leading them and he was trusted beyond all measure.

The trail led them down a ravine where signs of passage could be seen. The Vlakan moved quickly through the foliage leaving a matted trail behind them. When it reached the trees to the north the trail disappeared.

"Belderag seems to have them under control again. There are many dozen with him. Hobart, make sure your arrows are within reach. Draw your swords and keep your hand on your dagger. They are not far off."

Kerreth entered the wood, both swords ready. They walked a short distance before Kerreth slowed and pointed just off the path. A Vlakan lay dead, a broken spear haft sticking out of its back.

They traveled another mile before their pace slackened.

Kerreth stopped near a cave and motioned for Greyrawk to join him. Greyrawk and Jaele rode up. The others dismounted and drew near.

"Ian, Belderag is in that cave. He is a Vlakan now." Kerreth pulled a sword from his saddlebags and handed it to Greyrawk.

"Grandfather's sword!" said Greyrawk.

"Yes, Jerue did not need it any longer. Here, take this sword and avenge your grandfather and your father. This is your fight only. We shall remain out here."

Greyrawk took the sword and entered the cave.

Dozens of Vlakan charged out of the forest, scattering the horses and attacking the company. Loric and Alarie quickly gained the advantage. Brandalay could barely keep the snapping jaws from his throat. Jaele stood behind Kerreth and Moria until her sword was out and she entered the fray. More Vlakan came up behind them and Elberra went down under the weight of several Vlakan. More creatures kept entering the clearing and pressed the company. The fighting was fierce and even Loric and Kerreth began to sweat from their exertions. Loric tried to break away and aid Elberra, but there were too many Vlakan. He could hear her battle cry but it was weak.

Kerreth roared and cut a path to the Anethean. Elberra was bloodied and could not stand. Kerreth kept the Vlakan from her and Moria joined him. Loric's rage fueled a blistering attack on the Vlakan. The Vlakan broke and ran. Loric cried out and leapt to give chase. Brandalay grabbed his arm to keep him from racing after the fleeing Vlakan. He pointed to the figure on the ground. The Talos Company gathered around Elberra.

"Loric?" Elberra's voice was barely a whisper.

"I'm here. We've beaten them. You'll be okay."

"No. I have fought my last." Her voice was very weak. Her trembling hand touched Loric's face. I wanted to tell you. I want.." Her eyes closed and she slumped back.

"Is she gone?" asked Brandalay.

"Not yet," said Alarie softly. "But very close. She may not speak again."

Loric held her head in his arms.

Kerreth walked off to hack at Vlakan bodies.

Greyrawk moved slowly in the dim light, his sword leading him deeper in the cave. He heard the attack of the Vlakan outside the cave but knew Belderag was the key. When him dead, the Vlakan would have no leader, at least that's what Greyrawk hoped. He thought he heard raspy breathing ahead of him and remembered Belderag had been badly wounded by Jerue Adan. The howls of the Vlakan fighting his friends called to him. He thought he heard words in their sounds.