Terry W. Ervin (39 page)

She shook her head. “I tried to talk him out of it. Told him protecting your sword was more important. He wouldn’t listen.” She spun around, getting further worked up. “Oh, and unless you have an afternoon to waste, don’t ask him about his beliefs.” She didn’t finish the thought. Instead she turned and strode through the trees. “He wouldn’t even let me hold your sword while he went and ‘liberated’ the slaves.”

“How far?” I asked, getting angry that Roos risked the Blood-Sword. Then I recalled how I felt after seeing the chained captives herded toward the city. Besides, nothing could be done about it now.

“I snuck up with the Crusader,” continued Lilly. “He stabbed the ogre through the eye while it slept. Shot three goblins that came at him. The shaman tried to spell the Crusader. He hacked off the goblin’s hands with his saber before chopping off its head.

“The Crusader said some kind of prayer and faded the marks on everyone’s forehead. All but—” she started, but didn’t finish.

“All but what?”

“Nothing,” she said. “You’ll see. They took most of the goblin’s stuff after I found the key to their manacles. Including the four riding goats.”

“We won’t need the goats anyway,” I said.

“What do you mean?”

Smiling, I mimicking her answer. “Nothing. You’ll see.”

Lilly led me south for about three miles through scattered hedgerows and meadows, and across farm fields, several of which were planted but unattended. We approached a sod hut. Roos sat on a rock outside the low, rectangular structure whose north wall and accompanying section of thatch roof had been torn down. Another man was squatting next to Roos, watching the Crusader clean his rifle. We were about ninety yards away when Roos noticed us and waved.

“Who’s that with him?” I asked Lilly.

“One of the men the Crusader rescued,” Lilly said, looking away, then at the ground.

“Does he know about the sword?”

“Not unless the Crusader told him.”

As we neared, I recognized the man standing next to Roos. He was one of the peasants ambushed in the wagon trap set by the goblins; the one who’d tried to escape on the plow horse.

“Why didn’t he leave with the others?” Lilly didn’t answer. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“We need help,” she said, looking straight ahead. “The Crusader isn’t enough.”

“What?” I asked, trying to keep my voice low.

“Safety in numbers,” Lilly explained. “Piyetten won’t hesitate to kill goblins. You saw that.” She stiffly gestured with her hands. “Remember?”

“Does he know I was the one who shot that goblin with my crossbow, then fled when the giant showed up?”

“Yes. But he doesn’t blame you.” She finally looked at me. “They beat him up pretty bad, though.”

I shook my head and let out a hiss of frustration. “It would’ve been better if he’d left last night with the others Roos freed.”

“Why?” Lilly challenged.

We were almost to Roos and Piyetten. “Later,” I said before greeting Roos. “I hear your evening was almost as interesting as mine.”

“Good to see ye again, Hawk,” said Roos. There was anger in his voice as he leaned on his rifle. “This is Piyetten,” he gestured. “Ye friend Lilly invited him to join us.”

Piyetten stood a little taller than Roos, but far thinner. An unsure smile crossed his bruised face, revealing a gap were several teeth had been knocked out. He wore the same ragged clothes as before, only now there was blood mixed in with other stains. Attached to a narrow belt hung a curved goblin sword. I guessed he was about the same age as Lilly.

Piyetten appeared confused. Knowing Lilly, he probably expected more than what I actually was. I might’ve felt the same way I decided as I leaned my spear against the sod hut and looked inside. Next to Roos’ gear sat the Blood-Sword, lashed firmly into its scabbard. “I’m glad you survived, Piyetten,” I said. “You’ll want to be on your way after lunch. I’ve some food if you need it for travel.”

Piyetten ignored Roos’ nod of approval. He pointed to Lilly. “She said I could join you. I don’t look like much, but I’ve a strong back to carry supplies and I can use this sword.” He clutched the hilt hanging at his side. “I’m ready to be a mercenary.”

“Does he know what to expect tonight?” I asked Lilly. I wasn’t sure I was ready for the full moon to rise, and I knew Lilly.

“It doesn’t matter what happens tonight or where we go,” argued Piyetten. “Crusader Roos said you’re a mercenary. You can teach me to fight.”

I was sure that Piyetten had experienced some terrible things; That didn’t convince me he was ready to fight. Goblins are one thing. Giants, zombies, and sorcerers are another. I frowned, knowing I couldn’t discuss plans with him around.

“No,” I said.

“Why not?” asked Lilly. “He’s like me. Has no family, nowhere to go.”

“It’s true,” said Piyetten, almost pleading. “I escaped the salt mine before the goblins came. They surrounded it and captured the earth wizard. They collapsed the mine before burning the town. Killed everyone,” he gulped, “and made them into zombies.” His voice fell to a whisper. “Even youngens.”

I understood the mixture of disgust and horror Piyetten displayed as he told his tale. I’d battled zombies, several of which had been friends and fellow soldiers. I looked to Roos. “You know what we’re up against. What do you think?”

He thought a moment. “Forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are stumbling to slaughter.”

I scratched my head, getting the gist of the Crusader’s advice.

Lilly’s glare said she got it too. “Abandoning him here to fend for himself? If you do, Flank Hawk, do you think he’ll survive?”

“I have no intention of abandoning him out here. Strength in numbers, you say? He should have gone with the others Roos freed.”

“Go with them?” asked Piyetten. “They’re the ones that ran when that goblin jumped me.”

“He’s here,” said Lilly. “And he can help us. You wanted to leave me behind too.”

“Is he the same as you, Lilly?” I looked to Roos who shook his head. “You still have no idea what we’re up against.”

“I will follow you no matter,” said Piyetten, setting his hands on his hips. “Just like Lilly.”

We needed to discuss this without Piyetten around. “Go for a walk.”

“What, so you can get a head start?”

“Lilly,” I said, “convince your friend to go for a walk.”

“He’s staying with us,” she said, standing next to him with arms crossed.

I’d had it. “Really? Us?” I began shedding my satchel, new blankets and sacks of food. “Piyetten can stay the night with us. We’ll see what he thinks of you after that. And I hope it’s favorable because he isn’t going, and you’ve convinced me that you shouldn’t either.”

Her jaw dropped in shock. “No!” She sent a venomous glare at Roos. “It’s been your plan all along to get rid of me. Flank Hawk, you can’t stop me.” A wicked smile crossed her lips before she added, “I can swim faster than any ship leaving shore. I know you. You won’t let me drown.”

I turned and walked back into the hut. “I won’t have to.” I strapped the Blood-Sword across my back so its hilt stuck above my right shoulder. While I understood her desire to bring Piyetten along, I couldn’t allow it. He’d be one more to die. And the fact that Lilly had already conspired with Piyetten, to follow over my objection? I felt betrayed. My stomach churned, sending burning fluids up into my throat as I realized the blow my trust in Lilly had taken.

I sat cross-legged in the shade of the hut, watching Roos load his revolver. The fact that he loaded silver bullets didn’t escape me. I wondered if they were less valuable than the blessed ones he carried. Lilly sat just out of our earshot, facing her newest friend, Piyetten. By his wide eyes, I guessed she was explaining what would happen tonight.

Roos slid his revolver into its holster. “I told ye friend Lilly of my silver bullets.”

“How did she take that?”

“Ye friend did not laugh.” He frowned. “My jest was poor.” While polishing his bayonet he continued, “Lilly claims born to her curse. A true-blood, she says.”

It seemed odd for Roos to consistently refer to Lilly by name or she, rather than it. Their time together must’ve had some impact on the Crusader. I pulled Guzzy’s dirk from my boot and tested its edge on my thumbnail. “What does true-blood mean?”

“Ye friend will take the form of her beast. Not a hybrid as would one bitten and cursed.” He nodded toward my dirk. “Has silver in it?”

I nodded. “It was my cousin’s. Never holds an edge long.”

“If ye friend decides to attack you, Hawk, that weapon will do little to fend the beast off. Not before ye would be inflicted with her curse.”

“Do you think we need to worry about Lilly after the rise of the full moon?”

“I believe not, friend Hawk. Thy friend Lilly has a fondness for thee.” He looked up toward her. “I counseled her against inviting the lad.”

Lilly turned to stare at Roos when he said that. Her eyes grew narrow when he said, “I pledged to slay ye friend should she threaten to bring the curse upon you or upon me. I will do the same if she brings it onto the lad.”

I looked away from Lilly, saddened at the turn of events.

Roos checked his steel cup. “Ye beans are finished soaking. I shall gather tinder for the branches ye gathered.”

I watched Roos march off the opposite direction of Lilly. I wasn’t sure what unsettled me more: Lilly’s impending change or Belinda the Cursed’s arrival and leaving Lilly behind. Deep down I hated to admit that our separation increased Lilly’s chances of survival. I wasn’t hungry.

All four of us sat around the fire, watching it flutter in a stiff breeze that hinted of rain. Without conversation, each of us was content to reflect on our own thoughts. I focused on plans to negotiate with the greater elf, a task that seemed totally beyond me. Bartering over the price of livestock or bushels of oats was one thing. When I matched wits with Belinda the Cursed, I was sure she somehow came out on top. What were my chances of obtaining something to stop the Necromancer King? I knew next to nothing about magic, and I was sure such knowledge would be crucial. Maybe Roos could advise me.

Lilly looked up, agitated at the darkening sky. A few heavy clouds raced past the stars coming into glitter. I followed her gaze and saw the rising moon just as she did. Her body stiffened. She stood, keeping her eyes on the round object. Taking shallow breaths, she strode away from the fire.

“Be careful, Lilly,” I said, not knowing what else to say.

She continued away from the fire without responding. Roos pulled the leather strap off the metal stud, releasing the holster flap covering his revolver. Piyetten sat with knees held tight to his chin, afraid to look away from the fire. I told him, “It’ll be okay.”

His gaze flicked toward me for a second before returning to the dancing flames. Roos pulled out his small metal cross with a man crucified on it and attached to a string of green beads. He mumbled a series of prayers in the Crusader tongue. I knew they were for Lilly.

Moments later, in the distance, Lilly cried out. It sounded more like anxious release than pain. The full moon rising provided ample light to see beyond the fire, and fifty yards away I saw Lilly drop to her hands and knees.

Her voice transformed to a squeal as she rolled and writhed on the ground. Finally, something sat up on its haunches, reminding me of a groundhog scanning the countryside. I shut the vision of the creature scuttling away on all fours from my mind, replacing it with the memory of Lilly at my side, fleeing the mudhounds. While it wasn’t a pleasant image, accepting that she wasn’t human felt worse.

Piyetten’s stare never left the fire. Roos packed away his cross and poked at the fire with a stick.

After about ten minutes, I asked, “Think she’ll come back?”

Roos adjusted his log seat, scanning the area beyond the fire. “Ye friend will return, when the beast withdraws.”

“I’m not so sure.”

“Ye friend is loyal, friend Hawk.”

“Tomorrow, early,” I said to Piyetten, “whether Lilly returns or not, I’ll take you to Sint Malo.” He glared at me, but I set that aside. “It has nothing to do with you. I’ll get you into the city, leave you with enough coin to establish yourself and make your way.”

“I won’t go.”

“You have no idea the dangers ahead. In all likelihood we won’t survive. One more death, your death, won’t make a difference.”

“I’m a man. It’s my choice.”

I shook my head. “You worked in the mines, right?” He nodded. “Dangerous, especially for one not trained?”

“It can be,” he said, crossing his arms. “But not if somebody shows a soft-hand the right way to do things.”

Piyetten’s wide-eyed expression said he figured out where I was going, but I interjected before he said anything. “There isn’t time for me to show you the right way. Veteran mercenaries trained me and I’m still not ready for what’s ahead.”

“Lilly said you need me.”

“Lilly doesn’t realize what’s in store for us. She’s smart and strong.” I took off my leather gauntlets and rubbed my hands together. The image of Grand Wizard Seelain came to mind. “You might do better to stick with Lilly rather than try Sint Malo. Make your way south to the Vinchie Empire. It’s unscathed by war.” I slapped my gauntlets against my leg, ridding them of any dirt before putting them back on.