The Swans' War 1 - The One Kingdom (5 page)

No matter how many times he saw the massive horses of the Fael, Tam could not get used to them. The largest draft horses bred in the Vale stood eighteen hands, and these were full four hands taller, and some were six! At the shoulder they stood a foot taller than Baore.

Darkhaired children ran along beside the carts, and one—a girl of ten or twelve—took hold of the turning wheel, as tall as a man, and placing her feet quickly on the rim, turned a full circle before letting go. The origin of the cartwheel, Tam thought.

Up on the high seat of the wagon the older folk rode, awash in sunshine. Tam always thought the Fael, in their bright flowing clothes and tinkling jewelry, looked like birds of the air compared to the dull colors of the men and women of the Vale. And like the birds, they traveled to and fro across the land between the mountains, coming north in spring and returning to the distant south before winter.

Shiftless vagabonds and worse they were called by the hardworking people of the Vale, though never to their faces. The curse of a wanderer was feared.

Usually the Fael kept to themselves, but once a party of them had been caught by an early and nasty winter and had struggled through to the Vale, where they had wintered in the haylofts of various barns, unsettling many of the inhabitants, though fascinating a few. More than one young woman had lost her heart to the travelers' charms, and more than one Valeman made a fool of himself over a Fael woman. And Tam understood why. Had he not been only a boy he would have likely done the same himself. But the Fael had their own sense of honor, and the people of the Vale—their "rescuers"—they treated differently ever after. Not that the people of the Vale were welcomed into the world of the Fael, but at least they weren't treated with the disdain the Fael reserved for others. One of the massive carts pulled up as Tam and his companions appeared, the great horse taking a few steps to stop, like a ship under way. The Fael who drove the cart looked down on them guardedly.” You must be Valemen," he said.” I had heard your dress was shabby but. . ." The Valemen noticed their clothing for the first time: wet, torn, and filthy. The Fael children scurried up onto the high seat beside him, gazing with intense curiosity at the strangers. The Fael said a single word in his own tongue to his wife, who laughed and then quickly covered her mouth.” And I had heard the Fael were more polite to people who had saved their lives," Fynnol said quickly.” And that is true. But you have never saved mine or anyone in my family's. And you smell like the river." The man smiled at Fynnol.” I assume you are lost," he said, and pointed off down the road.” The Vale is a few hours' walk in that direction." Tam cut off Fynnol's retort.” We are far worse than lost. We were set upon by brigands in the night and our companion was murdered."The mockery in the wanderer's face evaporated, and immediately he sent his oldest child running off.

"How many were they—these brigands?"Tarn shrugged, looking at the others.” It was dark and they surprised us in our sleep. Twenty, at least, I would say?"Baore and Fynnol nodded.

The man tilted his head and snorted derisively.” These were not brigands! How would twenty men survive by raiding the north road? No one travels here but my people once every few years and the odd poor fool looking for gold in the mountains.""Nevertheless, we were set upon by armed men and they were intent on murdering us."The Fael shared a look with his wife. Just then a boy in his early teens ran up and spoke to the man in their own language.

"We will raise our tents here tonight," the Fael said.” And you can tell your story to the others. Do you fear these men are still about?"

Tam shrugged.” I don't know. We were camped at the old tower and haven't ventured back. We spent the night hiding among the rocks in the river."The man handed the reins to his wife and, fetching a sword and bow from the cart, clambered down quickly.” Who is the bowman among you?" he asked.” Tarn," Fynnol said quickly.

He handed his bow and quiver to Tam.” Show me this place," he said, and set off along the line of carts, sword in hand.

Word was spreading quickly of what had happened, and the faces that watched them pass were grim and not friendly. The Fael, whose name was Tuan, led the way over the bridge, passing perhaps another dozen wagons as they went. Two young men, both armed with swords and bows, dropped into place behind them; and on every cart bows appeared and children were lifted up into the backs of the carts, where their round, serious faces appeared, watching the strangers pass.

They found their camp in utter ruin—bags torn open, the contents spread everywhere. Alaan's horse and bags were gone. Only his scabbard was found, in a corner where he must have discarded it the previous night.” Alaan, you say." The Fael looked around the ruin, no longer unwilling to believe their story.” What sort of man was he?""He was well spoken," Fynnol answered, "well spoken and though he appeared at home in the wood he seemed a man bred to a different life." Fynnol stopped to think, creasing his forehead.” He had a pet bird with him—a whist, he called it. We never learned what brought him here or where he was going. I guess I thought we'd learn that in the morning, for he seemed in no hurry, nor did he appear concerned that he might be pursued." "And what was it you were doing here?" Tuan asked, eyeing Fynnol.” We were visiting with the ghosts of fallen warriors. In the Vale we believe this will make us strong." Tam flashed an angry look at his cousin.” We were digging for artifacts in the meadows. We've done it these past three years and were going to take what we'd found down the river to trade for horses. But our boat is gone." Tuan tilted his head a little, then looked off toward the river.” It seems unlikely these men came by water," he said. Tam agreed with this: the river flowed directly out of the Vale, and to journey any distance against the flow would have been impossible.” So one would hazard that they had come on horseback. It seems rather odd that men on horseback would bother to steal your boat." He crouched down, staring at the ground.” Perhaps your boat floated off on its own. If the river spirits are willing, you might find it stranded downstream a little." Tam and Fynnol glanced at each other, and Fynnol shook his head almost imperceptibly. Neither of them thought their boat had taken to the river on its own. It had been firmly beached and soundly tied to a tree.

Tuan stood, looking around the ruin, lost in thought, his dark eyes filled with sudden cares.” Gather up your belongings," he said, pushing a pile of clothing toward Fynnol with his foot.” The others will want to hear your story.""Perhaps we will do as you suggest," Tam said, "and search downriver. As you say, our boat might have run up on a gravel bar. Stranger things have happened.""Take my bow," the Fael said.” Who knows what might still be lurking in the forest."

FIVE HOURS OF FIGHTING THROUGH THICK UNDERWOOD CONINCED them their boat was gone. Just a league away lay the Five Gorges, and without steady hands to guide the boat, the rocks would have it. Their precious cargo, the fruits of all their labor, would go to the bottom, never to be seen again by men.

"I still don't know how Alaan managed to get from the ruin to the bridge without us plunging over a cliff," Fynnol said. It wasn't the first time he'd returned to this topic.

"It was dark and we were all frightened and half asleep," Baore said.” We must have come closer to the road than we realized."Fynnol shook his head.” No, we went out the east window, toward the river. We couldn't have been that turned around." He looked to Tam for support.

"You're right, Fynnol. We escaped out the east window, but we must have gotten confused in the dark. Either that or there is a path down the cliffs that we've never found, and a surprisingly gently sloped one at that." The walk back to the bridge was completed in silence, and it was near to evening when the Valemen made their way into the camp of the Fael. The wanderers looked up as the outsiders appeared, and then whispered among themselves.” Perhaps we shouldn't stay here this night," Fynnol said, and Baore nodded his agreement.” Let's find Tuan and talk to him a moment," Tam said.” If we don't sleep here, we're left with the open woods or the ruin. Neither appeals." Memories came back to Tam of the family of black wanderers who'd spent the winter in his grandfather's hayloft. He remembered going out there of an evening, clutching his grandfather's hand, curious and frightened, as though they were visiting a family of bears. The Fael seemed to have burrowed a home out of the golden hay, sleeping in the loft and living on the wooden floor beneath the massive old beams. Someone called his name, and there, among the hostile faces, Tam saw one smiling and familiar: Aliel. He felt oddly embarrassed, uncertain if she would greet him as a friend or treat him as the Fael treated outsiders.” Look!" Aliel said to no one in particular.” See what happens when Vale children escape being eaten by the Fael. They become giants!" She waved a hand at Baore. Aliel embraced Tam and left a soft kiss on his cheek, holding him at arm's length and gazing at him as though he were a long lost nephew. Her dark eyes shone, and a smile as sweet as morning spread across her face.” We've often wondered what happened to Tam and his curious cousin." She surprised Fynnol by nodding to him.” Oh, you've not changed so much," she said. But then her manner became suddenly serious.” But you've lost a friend," she said softly.”

Hardly a friend," Tam said.” He was a stranger who joined us at our fire. Who he was or where he came from we don't know.""Well," Aliel said, taking his arm and drawing him into the encampment, "sup with rogues and you will share their desserts."Fynnol laughed, flashing Aliel a smile of appreciation.

Aliel was not tall, smaller than Fynnol, but she was lithe and graceful, as the Fael tended to be. Like many of her people, Aliel's eyes and mouth seemed too large for her face, her nose too long; but Tam thought it gave a kind of drama to her beauty. She wore her long hair unbound, and jewelry dangled and sparkled about her.

Tam introduced Baore, remembering that Baore's father had wanted nothing to do with the black wanderers who had appeared at the gate in the late autumn snow. Baore took Aliel's hand with slight reluctance, but Aliel seemed not to notice and spoke with him as though he were an old friend.

They all took stools by Aliel's fire, and she stirred the contents of an iron pot that hung over the flames, then added a seasoning that was pungent and strange. Around the camp Tam saw the other Fael casting glances their way. Aliel's obvious friendship had not made these glances more welcoming.

"Pay them no heed," Aliel said, not looking up from her cooking.” They are suspicious of your people—thinking that you will rob them or steal their horses. They don't know you.""Nor do they care to know us," Fynnol said.

"That is true. They're happy with their own fancies and superstitions. My people are like yours in this way. Should I assume your day's labors have left you hungry?" She began filling bowls.

Aliel's husband, Cian, arrived at this moment, and Aliel poured him a basin of steaming water. He took a cloth and carefully washed his face and hands, looking up from his efforts to regard Tam.

"You will look like your grandfather one day," Cian said to Tam, apparently pleased to see the Valemen. Although Tam had once thought of the Fael as all appearing much the same, when they had stayed the winter he had realized that wasn't true. Cian was a perfect example of this, for his skin was lighter and his face surprisingly round without the high cheekbones and fine, long nose.” Tell us of your grandfather, Tam," Cian said.” Is he well?" "He is, though his hair is gray now and he walks a little slower—though just as far." "Give him our blessing when you see him, and tell him we've never forgotten his kindness." "You should visit him yourself, Cian," Tam said.” He would be delighted to see you again." Cian was suddenly absorbed in the washing of his hands.” We would like to visit him, Tam," Cian said quietly, "but these we travel with ... they would never understand." Fynnol caught Tarn's eye, eyebrows rising. Aliel served the meal at a low table, and they sat on rugs laid over the spring grass. Tam shut his eyes and let the first mouthful of his meal linger. He breathed in the aroma of it, a clear memory of his first Fael supper coming back to him. Aliel poured them all a light, clear wine, then raised her cup.” I'm glad of this chance to have you to ourselves for a while. Genn will want to speak with you. Any news of brigands on our favored roads is a concern. Let's drink to ... well, let us drink to the river, for last night it gave you refuge." "To the river," the Valemen said with feeling, and raised their glasses.” Who is Genn?" Tam asked.” She is our ... guide, I suppose you would say. Don't be concerned. Genn knows how many of us would have died if not for people like your grandfather, Tam." She began slicing a dense loaf of bread, which Tam realized must have been made without an oven.” Tell us about the Vale. Have you had other winters like the one that brought us to you?"For half an hour the Fdel tried to pretend they were interested in the doings of the Vale and Tam tried to find | something to tell them. Finally Cian took pity on him.” We should let these young men eat before Genn calls for them," Cian said.” Best not to go hungry."They ate in silence for a while, Aliel humming an odd, haunting tune, meeting their gazes now and then with her beautiful smile. As they ate, dusk stole into the Fael encampment, muting colors, brightening fires. The tents, formed like miniature pavilions, stood out against the growing shadows, their soft colors seeming to glow in the gloom.

Tam looked past Cian and Aliel at the other Fael moving about the encampment: the graceful women in their long, I flowing skirts and intricately embroidered vests, their I golden brown arms bare. The Fael women seemed terribly I exotic and beautiful to Tam. So unlike the practical women of the Vale in their no-nonsense clothing, hair pulled into a single, tight braid.

The dress of the men was only slightly less exotic, for they favored brightly colored vests over shirts with billowing sleeves. Even now, at the end of the day, the Fiel had a lightness to their step. They didn't seem exhausted by their toil, as did the men and women of the Vale. Yet they were industrious, despite their reputation. They produced beautiful fabrics, jewelry, instruments, and the finest bows in the land between, the. mountains.

In the growing dark, the great horses shifted, hooves making a muted sound upon the soft earth. Tam could see Cian and Aliel's horse staked out nearby, cropping the grasses contentedly. It was said that the Fael valued their horses above their children, and certainly when they had Hvnter&J in the Yak, Tam had been left with the impression that the horses were members of the families. The Fael took no chance that their precious horses might breed with those of the Valemen—leaving any half-breeds behind.

They were well-tended beasts, and much alike in color and conformation. Silky black manes and tails, varying degrees of white on their faces, shiny coats of burnished brown shading toward deep chestnut, and feathered white feet. Like most draft horses they were of calm disposition. Cian looked up as someone came near and nodded to him.” It is time to meet Genn," he said, rising.” Aliel and I will accompany you." Tam was half expecting to meet "elders," but the Fael they were introduced to hardly fit the image: one was a fairly young man they called Cynddl, not more than thirty despite his gray hair, and Genn was a woman of perhaps fifty years—hardly elders. They sat in chairs woven of willow wands, set beneath the spreading branches of a great beech. Colored candle lanterns swayed on cords, illuminating the Fael and the sweeping structure of the tree. Tam felt a bit self-conscious sitting there with the dark Fael eyes gazing at him. Genn had wrapped a finely woven shawl about her shoulders, and perched so elegantly on her chair that Tam felt clumsy and oafish just sitting near her. Tam didn't remember her from the Fael visit to the Vale, but Aliel and Cian deferred to her and listened respectfully.” I'm surprised your people would let you go digging on a field of battle," she said.” There are things in such places that should never be disturbed: old enmities, malignities that have festered over all the years the ground has been closed. Battlefields are places to be wary of. You can't know what you might unearth." Having experienced the arrogance of the Fael before, Tam knew there was nothing to be gained by reacting in anger.” We sought only to find a few trinkets we might trade downriver for horses," Tam said.” Certainly we meant no harm." "Let us hope you've done none. I'm also told you were set upon by brigands...." She looked at each of them in turn, as though this attack was somehow their own doing. She brushed a wave of graying hair back from her face.” Highwaymen don't ply their trade where roads are seldom traveled. Tell me how this happened."Baore and Fynnol both turned to Tarn, silently electing him spokesman. He told the story, surprised at how tight his voice became when he related their flight across the bridge and down into the river. When he was done Genn carefully straightened her skirt, saying nothing for a moment.” You say these men were all in the same dark surcoats and wore helms?" she asked at last.

Tarn nodded.

"Well, it would seem unlikely they were brigands, then. This was the livery of some noble family."Tarn hadn't considered this, for the nearest noble families lived many weeks' journey away.” I've never seen a man dressed in livery, but perhaps you're right."The Fael cast glances back and forth, and then Genn spoke again.” It would seem most likely that your chance companion, Alaan, had stolen something or offended some powerful family. Charm, you say he had, and though it is not the exclusive attribute of rogues, it is a trait they all must have in abundance. I fear, without meaning to, you fell in with a fleeing rascal. It would explain why he had traveled so far into the wilds. Unlike our people, few will come so far just for the journey."Tarn shifted in his chair, considering what she'd said.

"Alaan didn't act like a man being pursued," Fynnol said quickly. He leaned forward, his sharp features set and determined.” And when the men appeared, he held the bridge so that we might escape. Hardly the action of a rogue. He could have slipped away when first he heard these men and left us to our own fate.""Thieves and rogues are not all cut of one cloth," Genn said.” Some have a strange kind of honor, and even among your people only a few are utterly without remorse. It's not impossible that, though Alaan might steal from a wealthy \ family, he would not see innocent young men murdered for | his crime. The world is large. Such men exist."Cian cleared his throat. He was so soft voiced and quiet of demeanor that Tam had forgotten that this concealed the truth about him: he was nobody's fool, and quite capable of letting you know it.” Excuse me, Genn, but I think Fynnol is right. They say Alaan did not act like a man pursued; certainly if he had been chased into the wildlands he would have been more wary." "Perhaps." Genn shrugged.” Though he might have believed he had outdistanced his pursuers or that they'd given up the chase. More importantly, I don't think these men who fell upon him were robbers. They were men in pursuit of Alaan and no one else. Oh, they were prepared to cut down men who appeared to be Alaan's accomplices, but once they had Alaan they left these others in peace. It might be that they found their stolen goods in Alaan's baggage. I'm sure they're making their way south as we speak." "I am surprised that you didn't meet these men on the road," Tam said.” As you say, they would have gone south, back to their homes." He could see the Fael react to this. They were a secretive people and, by reputation, quite willing to lie to strangers.” We did not see them," Genn said after a moment, "but the men walking out before us saw signs of them. A troop of mounted men had turned aside into the forest. They must have heard us, though why they would avoid us I cannot say." "It makes me wonder if they had rightful cause to be hunting Alaan or to deliver judgment," Fynnol said. Genn shrugged.” The affairs of your people are of little concern to us—just or unjust." Cynddl caught Genn's eye.” But what of the whist?" he asked quietly. Genn shifted in her chair. She wore at least one ring on each finger, and now she tapped them one at a time upon the arm of her chair.” If this man had kept a crow or a jay there would be no cause for concern," she said.” But a whist is a bird of omen, to both your people and to ours. You must know the legends ... ?" she said to the Valemen.

"We don't," Tarn said, a bit embarrassed by this admission.

Genn regarded him a moment and then shook her head.” Well, they're old tales. Tales of both our peoples." She resettled herself in her chair. Darkness was now complete and the faces of the Fael were lit only by the colored lanterns.

"During the earliest wars of men, long before was forged, when the princes still ruled their own lands, there was a prince—a renowned warrior named Der borgil. He went to war against Prince Sifore, though his own mother was filled with foreboding and begged him to make peace.