The Fallen (Book 1) (22 page)

‘
I also thank you, Olwid,’ said David and Kelian noticed that David’s hair was soaked.

Kelian and David handed their water bags around and before long the group set
out once again across the sand, though Timbul and Araas insisted on carrying Kelian and David on their backs. Fifteen minutes later they came to water.

Kelian
couldn’t believe his eyes. The distant lumpy hills of black sand turned out to be a ridge of high black rocks. When they climbed over these rocks they stopped in awe of what lay before them. The rocks went on for miles, sloping up and down, broken in some places by patches of vegetation and occasional trees. It seemed there had once been a sizeable creek running through a long crevice not far from where they stood and as the men made their way forward they could see that there was still water in the crevice.

‘
Come a little further,’ suggested Olwid and he led them upstream. He stopped at a place where the rocks fell away like uneven steps and they were able to walk right to the edge of the water. A straggly but reasonably sized tyalla had grown in the most unlikely place imaginable, providing a large area of patchy shade. Partially in the shade, the little stream widened and a sizeable amount of water had pooled below a tiny waterfall, before spilling over a lip of rock and running away.

E
veryone drank and filled their water bags. Kelian left his pack in the shade and crouched down at the edge of the little pool, where David was now splashing water over his head and face. He looked down into the water. The pool was about ten paces wide and was deep enough to stand up in. He was just considering undressing and bathing in the water, when Alexander moved stealthily behind David and gave him a little push. David shouted in surprise and twisted around grabbing Kelian’s shirt reflexively as he tried to stop himself falling. The two men landed in the water with a colossal splash. Kelian came up gasping and looked up to see Alexander crouched beside the pool and looking down at the Prince in horror at the outcome of his little joke. Kelian gagged another mouthful of water when he saw the poor man’s face. He leapt forward and grabbed Alexander’s uniform, dragging him into the pool and pushing him under for a few seconds before releasing him. He turned towards Borgulnay and Gilgarry who were in fits of laughter where they relaxed in the shade. Timbul and Araas were beside the pool instantly, sporting identically wicked grins.

‘
Could we be of any assistance, Highness?’ asked Araas. His eyes flicked sideways towards the two laughing soldiers.

‘
If you would be so kind as to escort the two dirty, stinky soldiers to the water,’ said Kelian deviously.

Borgulnay and Gilgarry leapt to their feet as
Araas and Timbul flashed into position either side of them. Seconds later the two guardians wrestled them to the edge of the pond. Years of hard training had not left the soldiers without a trick or two of their own, and there was a combined shout of victory and dismay as the two soldiers dragged the two guardians into the water as they tumbled in themselves.

They were
all roaring with laughter when William returned. He had gone downstream to relieve himself and now he stood in mute surprise as he watched the fully clothed men splashing about in the pool of water. He glanced at Olwid, the only person not in the water. Olwid shrugged.

‘
What are you doing?’ asked William eventually.

‘
We’re washing our clothes,’ said Borgulnay and the men burst into laughter again. Borgulnay’s face became very solemn and his voice was quite serious as he said, ‘Actually, it’s a little embarrassing, but I’ll tell you privately what happened to me.’

Kelian
couldn’t believe the trader fell for the trap and as William crouched at the edge of the pool next to Borgulnay, Kelian saw Olwid raise his hands and look skyward in disbelief. The instant William knelt Borgulnay grabbed him by his shirt and threw him into the only remaining vacant patch of water. William came up coughing and did his best to throttle the massive soldier, who laughingly held him away with one hand.

Timbul
sat quietly beside Kelian on a submerged rock, staring ahead, his face peaceful. Kelian was pleased to see some of the guardian’s humor returning but he wondered if he would ever fully recover. Araas shrugged as he caught Kelian’s eye.

‘
The pain remains,’ said Araas sadly. ‘Tim will just learn to live with it.’ Timbul continued to gaze unseeingly ahead. Olwid stood up and moved to the side of the pool, taking care to keep out of arms reach of everyone.

‘
Prince Kelian, there are many paths through the wasteland to Nyinaku. I can guide you on another path if you wish. It will save you time and the fallen are less likely to track you.’

Kelian heaved himself out of the pool and sat with his legs dangling in the water.
‘Another path?’

‘
If you return to Sheldon’s Quest I doubt you will survive. The path I suggest comes out near Lake Khynol. This water comes down from the lake but it isn’t quite as simple as following the waterway. That would add days to your journey.’ Olwid moved another step away from the Prince and watched him warily.

‘
I won’t push you into the water, Olwid,’ Kelian assured him.

‘
I was considering getting in, but no, I have no desire to be pushed,’ he said, ‘or picked up and thrown in,’ he added, glancing at Borgulnay. ‘You are a strange people.’

‘
You’re an elder, Olwid. I wouldn’t bring such indignity upon you.’ Kelian pointed towards the men who were now sitting around in the water, talking quietly. ‘On the other hand, this undisciplined bunch of scruffy ruffians, well – someone has to attempt to keep them in line.’

There was laughter from the soldiers and Olwid
smiled.

‘
They’re your friends?’

‘
Yes. They’re my friends.’

‘
Ah, but there is more – is there not?’ Olwid turned to Araas. ‘What more, guardian?’

Araas
looked at Kelian curiously as he replied, ‘
Cairdeas, Dilseacht, Bráithreachas
. Our Prince values us far more than simple friends. He would die in an instant to save the life of any man here.’

‘Ah! Friends, but loyal brothers also. And is this attitude reciprocated?’

‘
Every man here would fight and die for the other,’ Araas confirmed.

‘
Except me!’ said William proudly. ‘If I could drown Borg, I surely would!’

There was another roar of laugher as Borgulnay
’s hand whipped out and dunked the little trader under the water. He came up coughing and laughing. ‘See, I could drown him if I wished to,’ the little trader coughed, ‘but I’m unwilling to embarrass him in front of his soldiers.’

There was more laughter and Kelian slid back into the water.
‘Olwid, this path you speak of, how many days to reach Nyinaku?’

Olwid dropped into the water beside Kelian.
‘Maybe three...four days.’

‘
Will your family be worried if you disappear for a while?’

‘
Only if I disappear permanently, Prince Kelian, and that is unlikely.’

‘
Then we’ll take the path you suggest, and we’ll appreciate your guidance. I now owe you my life twice.’

‘
And my people owe you our peace and freedom,’ said Olwid. ‘Araas, there is food in the wasteland for hungry men, if you know where to look. And with your swift legs this shouldn’t take long. Come with me.’

Chapter
23

Western Downs

‘
Please, oh please, let me die,’ pleaded Dale. ‘How long can this go on?’ Enri shoved the wooden pail into just the right position as Dale vomited violently.

‘
I’ve heard that seasickness only lasts a couple of days sir,’ said Enri, in his most optimistic and comforting voice.

‘
A couple of days!’ Enri winced at Dale’s hoarse shout. ‘Kill me now.’ His words were cut short as he heaved up what little remained in his stomach.

‘
Captain Galbraith said we’re stopping when we get to Western Downs, sir. Maybe the break will help,’ said Enri, as a sailor whisked the pail away and replaced it with a clean one. ‘Ah, and a clean bucket, sir – that’s nice isn’t it?’

Dale glared at Enri and leaned over the bucket. His knees were trembling from the stress of continued vomiting.
The very moment the ‘Swift’ had set sail, Dale became seasick. He’d been unable to attend the meeting with the Captain, but remained in his cabin until Galbraith sent his executive officer, a short, muscular man called Gillam, to find him. Gillam entered the Baron’s cabin to find Dale vomiting into a pail that Enri obtained from one of the sailors. Gillam gestured with his thumb.

‘
Up on deck!’ he said abruptly. He and Enri half carried Dale up into the fresh air and Gillam motioned to a nearby sailor to look after him, which at this stage had just been making sure Dale had a clean bucket occasionally. The ship’s cook took pity on him.

‘
Here lad,’ he said kindly, handing him a cup. ‘This is ginger tea, it should help a bit.’

Dale took a sip and immediately vomited into the bucket.

‘Well, keep trying to drink it anyway,’ the cook instructed. ‘You’ve been vomiting too much. You need to drink something and if you can keep it down, it will do you good.’

Dale groaned and tried to sip the tea. This time it stayed down for a good ten seconds. The bucket disappeared again and
another was placed in front of him. He looked up as Captain Galbraith appeared. Dale tried to stand but the ship rolled slightly and his legs betrayed him. He ended up kneeling in front of the Captain, who shook his head in sympathy.

‘
Baron, I would like you to come with me please. Squire, help him.’

Enri helped Dale to his feet and dragged him along
behind Captain Galbraith who paused beside his executive officer, and said, ‘Show Baron Dale what to do.’ Gillam moved Dale into position behind the ship’s wheel. Dale was surprised, but Gillam just shrugged and tipped his head towards the Captain, indicating that the Captain’s words were law.

‘
Take the helm, Baron. Firmly...don’t let her go. There. You have her.’ As Gillam released his hold Dale could feel the weight of the ship in his hands. It felt like the vessel was alive and he could feel that life pulsing through his body, like he had reached out and grabbed the very heart of the ship. Gillam smiled as he watched Dale’s face, which now held the look of a man who had just fallen in love.

Dale
didn’t move from behind the wheel until ordered so by Captain Galbraith. Gillam stayed beside him for hours and by the time the Captain reappeared Dale was able to follow Gillam’s basic instructions. He listened attentively as Gillam educated him in sailing terminology and explained how and why each sail was used.  Dale’s face was alight with interest and enthusiasm and he was reluctant to leave until the Captain pointed out that in addition to his cuts, bruises, blood and torn clothing, he smelt like vomit.

Dale sped down to his cabin to wash only to find the moment he went below deck he
was seasick again. Much to the amusement of the sailors he came hurtling back up the ladder and dashed after the Captain.

‘
Captain! Sir!’ Dale caught up with Captain Galbraith.

‘
Baron, I hoped that next time you appeared, you might smell a little better,’ the Captain said drily.

‘
Sir, I’m finding it a little difficult to go below,’ Dale explained.

Captain Galbraith understood immediately.
‘Why don’t you have Enri bring you some clothing? You can bathe up here and if you wish you can return to the helm, understanding you will be under full supervision of course.’

‘
Yes sir! Thank you, sir!’ Dale turned to look for Enri, who had made himself useful on deck whilst Dale had been behind the wheel. Enri was at his side in seconds.

‘
The Baron will bathe here, if you could arrange for some fresh water, and bring him some clean clothing,’ Captain Galbraith instructed Enri.

Enri dashed
away. Dale spoke eagerly. ‘Captain, when Mister Gillam first placed my hands on the wheel, it was like…I cannot describe it.’

‘
You don’t need to Dale,’ said the Captain. ‘She’s beautiful, isn’t she?’

‘
Yes sir, she is.’ Dale’s voice was fervent. ‘Captain, Mister Gillam suggested I might like to learn more about navigation. Tonight will definitely be clear,’ he said hopefully.

The Captain smiled.
‘Mister Gillam must be impressed with you, Baron. He wouldn’t make such an offer unless he felt you were an above average student. But if you’re going to be on deck tonight, you need to sleep now. You were at the wheel for a long spell for someone both new to the job and who has been violently ill.’

‘
I’m not looking forward to going below to sleep, sir.’

‘
We’ll find a spot for you up here,’ Captain Galbraith replied. ‘I’ve heard you can sleep anywhere.’

Dale washed and changed into the clothing Enri had collected from their cabin. Though he was unable to eat a great deal, the
small amount of toasted bread and ginger tea he managed to swallow stayed inside him, only making him feel vaguely queasy. He chewed the leaves of mint which the cook had provided and then rinsed his mouth and sat down on the deck, leaning against a large barrel. He closed his eyes, soaking up the early afternoon sun.

It was dark when Enri woke him. The first thing he noticed was that there were people scurrying around in all directions, nimbly avoiding the space where he lay. He was still on deck, wrapped in a blanket and rolled in
a piece of linen which had been made waterproof with flax seed oil. The linen had yellowed with age, but remained effective. His neck was resting on a curved cushion which prevented his head from moving from side to side. The next thing Dale noticed was that he was absolutely famished. He sat up and found he was no longer nauseated. He climbed to his feet, smiling with relief. Captain Galbraith gestured for him to come to where he stood talking to Executive Officer Gillam, King’s Marshall Danil and Lady Valeska.

‘I have a little something for you Dale,’ said Gillam. He held out his hand and passed Dale a small piece of wood which had been roughly carved. It was a piece of driftwood but fashioned into the figure of a man kneeling with his face in a bucket. Dale burst out laughing.

‘
It’s amazing! It looks just like me!’ he chortled as he admired the carving. ‘How on earth did you find time to do this?’

‘
I don’t sleep a lot Baron, and as you can see, it’s fairly rough.’ Gillam was pleased that Dale was impressed with his work.

‘
Thank you. I like it…though I’m not sure I need a reminder of how sick I was.’

‘
I’m pleased to see you’re recovering,’ said the Captain.

‘
Thank you, sir. I feel much better, just a little hungry,’ said Dale, glancing towards the hatch, from which was coming the most fantastic smell of food he could imagine. Captain Galbraith studied his face for a moment then turned to Enri, who was standing patiently behind Dale.

‘
Squire, if you could ask Cook for something for Dale to eat and bring it up on deck. Dale, don’t go below. I don’t think that would be wise just yet.’

‘
At least the weather will stay dry for a few days.’

‘
Yes, it will. You surprise me Baron.’

‘
My mother showed me how to read the weather when I was a child. She knew how important it was to know what was coming when we lived so close to the sea.’

Captain Galbraith
gave a grunt of approval. ‘Very wise. But the Baroness was always a very wise woman.’

Dale
looked up at Danil. He wondered what the outcome of the strategic discussions had been.

‘
I’ll update you shortly, Baron,’ said Danil. ‘We’re not far from Western Downs and I expect the Duke will also be keen to know exactly what’s going on.’

They arrived at Western Downs as the sun rose, and Enri was jumping with excitement. Guards had not
ified the Duke and Duchess of the approach of the ‘Swift’ and rather than sending an escort, Duke Percy and Duchess Vera were waiting for their arrival. Protocol was abandoned when Prince Galbraith himself took Enri ashore. The Prince smiled as the young Squire broke free and ran to his astonished parents, throwing his arms around each of them in turn and kissing his mother, who was moved to tears to have her son return so unexpectedly. Formal greetings were then exchanged and the group was taken in a large and rather grand carriage, to where a formidable castle stood perched at the crest of the highest hill overlooking the harbor. They were escorted onto what everyone referred to as ‘the wall’. It was in fact part of the original fortifications, a widened section of curtain wall which adjoined the original donjon. When the new keep had been built, this section of the donjon and wall had remained in place and the new keep had been added to the structure. New curtain walls had also been built to encompass the original donjon and walls, and the new keep. The widened section of wall adjoined the dining hall and in pleasant weather the Duke and Duchess preferred to dine here.

‘
So I hear my son has been made your Squire,’ said Duke Percy, as Dale stood looking over the view through one of the old crenellations in the wall. ‘I trust he has proven worthy?’

‘
Your Grace, Enri was appointed as my Squire not long before we left Castle. King Dannicus himself chose your son as the most capable of the Pages. He’s a credit to you.’ He could see Duchess Vera’s eyes shining as he spoke.

‘
I was afraid he wouldn’t be happy in Castle. That perhaps he wouldn’t fit in,’ said Duchess Vera, sounding relieved.

Dale
hesitated. ‘Enri isn’t happy in Castle.’ He gazed westward as he spoke, his eyes wandering from the pretty little village across the open farmland to the patches of woods. In the distance he could see the sparkle of a little river and beyond this the peaks of the Tabul Mountains. ‘It’s not difficult to see why he was unhappy. He must have felt like a wild bird, trapped in a cage.’

‘
And yourself, Baron Dale?’ the Duchess asked perceptively. ‘Is that also how
you
feel?’

‘
More than I’d ever allow anyone to see,’ Dale admitted. ‘I was raised in East Inlet and then taken to Emerald. Even Emerald seemed like a big city to me. But Castle…’ He sighed, remembering how uncomfortable he was when he first arrived in Castle. He saw only empathy in the eyes of Duchess Vera.

‘
It was a difficult decision to send Enri away. But it was important for him to gain a greater perspective of life. Is he to continue with you?’

‘
Yes.’

‘
I worry about him.’

‘
I’ll do everything in my power to keep him safe. And remember we’re going with three guardians.’

They walked to the other side of the wall where most of the old merlons along the battlement had been removed allowing a stunning view of the sea. Percy, Galbraith and
Callian were already seated at a large round table, and Danil and Valeska appeared a minute later and took their seats. Dale glanced around for Enri.

‘
I sent Enri to catch up with some of his friends,’ Duchess Vera explained. ‘I hope you don’t mind, but I don’t imagine you will be staying very long?’

Dale smiled.
‘Good idea. I know he has missed his friends.’

Danil filled Duke Percy and Duchess Elizabeth in on events to date. Three servants arrived bearing large platters of food and the group sat
silently as breakfast was served. They waited until Duke Percy dismissed the servants before continuing their discussion.

‘
So…the plan?’ the Duke prompted.

‘
We intercept the fallen as they come through Sheldon’s Quest, before they disappear into Nyinaku,’ said King’s Marshall Danil. ‘We must have sufficient numbers to stop them.’

Callian
’s face clouded with worry. ‘King’s Marshall, even with the soldiers from Castle, the garrison at Sheldon’s Mark, and any soldiers Duke Percy may be willing to send, I don’t think we can defeat the number of warriors Private Josif described. We need more guardians, more time.’

‘
We have neither,’ said Danil bluntly. ‘I guess we need a better plan.’

‘
They may not even be coming through Sheldon’s Quest,’ Duchess Vera observed, tapping a large map she had been studying. ‘They may take the Ice Coast.’