Bronze Magic (Book 1) Page 55

  “Thank heavens for me that you do have a conscience,” said Tarkyn, as lightly as he could muster.

  The guardsman shrugged. “I don’t actually think it would matter much if I didn’t. You are strong yourself and very well protected. But even if I killed you, the woodfolk wouldn’t let me take in your body for the reward. So there would be no point to it.”

  The prince frowned down at his friend, “Danton, you are beginning to unnerve me. Why this fixation on the reward?”

  Danton glanced up into the depths of Tarkyn’s amber eyes, then looked back at the path ahead. “Because you still don’t trust me. I am trying to show you that you can.”

  “You have a funny way of going about it. You have me more worried than ever.”

  Danton pointed his finger at the prince, something he would never have done before. “There. You see. You are worried about me. I knew it.”

  Tarkyn sighed and smiled. “Stop it, Danton. You’re getting all fidgety. I do trust you. I am trying to trust you as well as I know how.”

  “You didn’t tell me how you escaped.”

  Light dawned. “Is that what this is all about?” Tarkyn considered him for a moment. “Why are you so anxious to know?”

  Danton gave a quirky little smile. “Because Stormaway wouldn’t tell me. He said it might give you one less chance next time.”

  “Which only holds true if you are the threat.”

  “Exactly. And I’m not.”

  “So you want me to prove my faith in you by telling you how I escaped, even though I have already proved it by showing you the woodfolk?”

  “Yes.” Danton took a little breath. “Please.”

  The prince shook his head, smiling, “Danton, you are hopeless. All right. I will tell you. But if you ever betray me, the world will not be big enough to protect you from the woodfolk.”

  Danton smiled sadly. “You see? And you are struggling so much to tell me. You keep avoiding it.” His voice became brisker, “Look, don’t worry. Let us leave things as they are. With luck, you will come to trust me again in time.”

  Tarkyn felt as though he was trying to clear a big hurdle but couldn’t. He had gradually come to trust most woodfolk but he had had no practice with the people who had betrayed him. He shook his head to clear it. “No. I’m not being rational. You are being tarred with the same brush as my brothers and those other two and that is not fair.” He took a deep breath and said quickly, “I translocated.”

  “Did you?” responded Danton matter-of-factly. “Well, that’s impressive. And I presume that’s how you escaped from the Great Hall as well? That explains why you left me no trail to follow.” The guardsman beamed. “So, well done! That is a marvellous skill to have. Maybe I could learn it.”

  Tarkyn let out the breath that he hadn’t realised he was holding and smiled, more relaxed than he had been since Danton’s arrival. “Maybe you could.”

  abBA

  n the day before the planned rescue, the sun climbed into a clear cold sky behind the dense foliage of the forest. As it rose above the tree line, the intensity of its light threw the woodland into

  relative shadow, making it almost impossible for any guard who might be scanning eastward for signs of life to see more than a few yards into the forest. There was no wind to carry the woodfolk’s scent into the camp.

  Just beyond the forest’s edge, Running Feet and Tree Wind flitted along the branches from tree to tree showing the other woodfolk, particularly those who would be involved in the raid, the layout of the encampment. They had planned their reconnaissance to be early so that when they approached from the east, the glare of the morning sun would shield their presence.

  Heated debates had raged, both vocal and silent, about what each person should do. The best marksmen and women would target the guards while the fastest, strongest and most level-headed were chosen to enter the encampment and carry out the actual rescue. Autumn Leaves would lead the rescue because he knew Golden Toad and thus would be most likely to keep the captive woodfolk from panicking.

  Rainstorm and North Wind had been relegated to keeping guard over Tarkyn. Despite their previous eagerness to be part of the home guard, neither one was happy about his role. For perhaps the tenth time, Rainstorm pointed out that he was an excellent marksman.

  Autumn Leaves nodded amiably, “I agree. You are. Which is why we need you to protect the prince.”

  “Thunder Storm will be there with him,” protested Rainstorm.

  “That is true,” replied Autumn Leaves. “And he too is an excellent marksman. But he will be minding the children while Creaking Bough helps with the rescue. You can’t expect him to abandon the children if they are attacked. We need more people with the prince, especially while he’s concentrating.”

  “Truth is that you’re still a little too hot headed to be in the front line, Rainstorm,” said Waterstone quietly.

  “Then I’ll be no use to the prince if we’re attacked, will I?”

  Waterstone heaved a sigh. “I’ll tell Tarkyn then, will I, that you aren’t prepared to support him?”

  Rainstorm shrugged, “Do what you like. He will understand completely. He’d rather be here himself.”

  “So what are you planning to do with yourself then? Because you’re not staying near the encampment, no matter what,” said Tree Wind firmly.

  “How are we ever supposed to gain experience if we aren’t allowed to take part?” demanded North Wind.

  Running Feet looked from one to the other. “You gain experience in hunting parties, where our kin’s lives and the whole future lives of woodfolk aren’t at stake.”

  “But this might be our only chance,” protested Rainstorm.

  “I would like to think that were true,” answered Waterstone gravely. “But I very much fear there will be other opportunities in the future. I don’t think these people are going to stop looking for us just because they’ve suffered a set back – if we’re successful.”

  Tree Wind glared at them. “The fact that you’re distracting us from our task at the moment is evidence enough of your inexperience. Just be glad you have been allowed to come with us now so that you can have some idea of what we’re dealing with.” She turned pointedly away from them and waved her hand at the camp. “See? There are hundreds of these white canvas tents. Golden Toad could be in any of those away from the perimeter. We’ll have to wait for further information from Stormaway and Danton before we make our final plans.”

  As they reached different vantage points, Waterstone went out of focus to share the information with Tarkyn. While they stood scanning the sea of tents before them, Waterstone suddenly jumped in fright, but quickly gave a short sigh of relief.

  “What was that all about?” asked Autumn Leaves.

  “That was our novice image-talker asking me where the wolves are. Tarkyn sent a truly fearsome image of a snarling wolf, followed by a query.” Waterstone gave a rueful grin. “I’m sure the delay between the two was unnecessarily long and the image of the wolf unnecessarily fearsome.I think our young sorcerer is feeling bored.” He swept his gaze across the tents, sending the image as he did so. “I can’t see the wolves from here but I can hear them from time to time. They must be around the other side.”

  Suddenly Rainstorm reeled back then quickly recovered himself.

  Waterstone raised his eyebrows in query.

  “An image of galloping horses coming straight at me, then a query,” replied Rainstorm laughing. “Well, at least that’s easy enough to answer. I can see a few from here. The rest must be behind that tent.” He sent the image to Tarkyn.

  Tree Wind shook her head, “I think you young men all belong together, well away from here. The prince is showing no sign of possessing the sort of temperament needed for this type of undertaking.”

  “Oh come on, Tree Wind. We’re just having a bit of fun,” protested Rainstorm.

  “My point exactly,” she replied repressively.

  Lapping Water relayed her view o
f this conversation minus the words to Tarkyn. The contents of the discussion were clear just watching Rainstorm and Tree Wind.

  Moments later, she saw Tree Wind’s eyes widen as she swayed and clutched at the tree trunk to stop from falling. A jet black raven soared up out of the trees and flapped its way slowly around the encampment. When it had finished its circuit, it glided lazily back towards the tree line. Just before it reached them, it flapped its wings to gain height then swooped down onto a branch just above them and sat calmly ruffling its feathers, watching them out of the corner of one eye.

  Tree Wind was scowling furiously. “That was not funny.” She received a strong sense of contrition mixed with laughter. Despite herself, she could feel herself beginning to unbend.

  “That must have given you a good view,” said Lapping Water innocently. “You may have to share that with us.”

  Tree Wind nodded reluctantly. “Yes. I know where the wolves are now. And you’re right, Rainstorm; the rest of the horses are behind that tent; tethered with those we can see from here. I still don’t know where Golden Toad’s tent is, preoccupied as I was with staying up in the tree here.”

  “How come you’re the lucky one to go flying with the raven?” demanded Rainstorm.

  Waterstone glanced at Lapping Water before answering, “I suspect Tarkyn thought Tree Wind needed the chance to mix work with fun.”

  “He’s an absolute menace, that prince of yours,” said Tree Wind with a half smile. “I nearly fell out of the tree.”

  “But you didn’t. And he may be my brother,” added Waterstone, smiling to take the sting out of his words, “but he’s your prince too.”

  Although she gave a small sigh, Tree Wind’s smile didn’t disappear. “Yes, I know.” She looked around at the other woodfolk. “And to be honest,” she said slowly, “I think we will be all right with him.”

  There was a shared moment of understanding. Although it was a small statement, it spoke volumes, as years of trepidation and apprehension were put to rest.

  As the moment passed, she brought her gaze to bear on Rainstorm and North Wind and said briskly, “And so, you two, it is not a trivial task that you have been assigned. We have an oath to fulfil, and protecting the guardian of the forest ensures that we will have his help in the future against an enemy that we would struggle to deal with on our own.”

  After an infinitesimal hesitation, Rainstorm blustered, “I’m under no oath to protect him,” he shrugged, “but I will, to help North Wind.”

  “Big of you,” said North Wind, rolling his eyes artistically.

  Watching their indifferent acting skills, Waterstone decided that a diversion was needed urgently. “So, now that we have settled that, let’s return to the job in hand. How far do you think it is from the tree line to the guards?”

  Lapping Water’s eyes narrowed as she estimated it. “We will have to shoot about one hundred feet. That’s quite a distance for the degree of accuracy we’ll need. Maybe we should use blunted arrows instead of slingshots. Then we won’t kill them.”

  “No, but we’d still have to find time to retrieve the arrows.” Waterstone thought about it. “I suppose you marksmen could retrieve the arrows while the rest of us are carrying out the rescue. It does slightly increase the risk of being seen, though.”

  “Let’s practise with slingshots and see how we go,” suggested Lapping Water. “We can decide after that.”

  Tarkyn was squatted down playing marbles with Sparrow and the three boys when the woodfolk returned to the campsite. As soon as he saw them, Tarkyn could feel something had changed. There was a sense of released tension in the air. He cocked an enquiring eyebrow at Waterstone but only received a faint shake of the head in return. Giving a mental shrug, Tarkyn returned his attention to the marbles just as quiet little Rain on Water flicked a cracking marble into his and shot it off out of the ring.

  The little boy glanced shyly up at Tarkyn and smiled, “You’ve lost all your marbles now.” He hesitated, “You can borrow some of mine, if you like.”

  “No he can’t,” protested Sparrow hotly. “That wouldn’t be fair. Tarkyn’s out and that’s all there is to it.”

  “I’m afraid she’s right. But thank you for your offer.” Tarkyn gave Rain on Water a friendly nudge before he stood up, “Just do me a favour and get Sparrow out next. Since I’m out, I’ll leave you lot to it, for the time being.”

  Tarkyn walked over to join the newly returned woodfolk by the fire and accepted a bowl of porridge from Thunder Storm. As he ate, his eyes roved from one to the other trying to work out what was different. Everyone seemed friendly but more relaxed and selfassured. He noticed that there were no longer any splits between the groups and although this was what he had worked towards, he feared that, in some way, in becoming unified, they had closed ranks against him. Since Waterstone had not responded to his earlier query, he did not ask again but determined to mention it later when there was no audience.

  Eventually he put his thoughts to one side and asked Tree Wind, “Did you like your trip around the camp with the raven?”

  “Yes thank you, Your Highness.” Tree Wind replied tartly. “Once I had saved myself from falling out of the tree. I can see I will have to become used to your levity.”

  Tarkyn took a quick look around to check who was listening, then rolled his eyes. “I hope you’re not like Summer Rain.”

  Tree Wind frowned, “I beg your pardon? What’s that supposed to mean?

  “No sense of humour,” replied Tarkyn dolefully.

  Tree Wind gave a short laugh. “Stop it. Summer Rain is a very skilled healer. She is a very serious person.”

  “Well I hope I don’t lose my sense of humour as I become more skilful at healing,” replied Tarkyn with a twinkle in his eyes.

  “I think you have such an overabundance of it, that a bit less wouldn’t be noticed.”

  “You have eased my fears,” said Tarkyn. “You wouldn’t have noticed that I had a sense of humour if you hadn’t one yourself. Now Summer Rain, you see, just thinks I make odd remarks.”

  “Hmm. I suspect she thinks we all make odd remarks from time to time.” Tree Wind smiled, “Now, these two young men have kindly volunteered to remain here as your protectors. So has Running Feet.”

  “Thank you, Running Feet,” said Tarkyn gravely before turning a quizzical smile on Rainstorm and North Wind. “Bad luck, you two. Drew the short straws, did you?”

  Rainstorm eyed him belligerently for a moment, clearly deciding whether to admit their reluctance or whether to act hurt. In the end, he gave a crooked smile, “As it turns out, this is not actually our first choice but seeing how useful your raven proved to be, I can see the value in protecting you.”

  “Thanks,” said Tarkyn dryly. “I’m glad you find me useful. Very heart warming.”

  Rainstorm almost but not quite stamped his foot. “I am trying to find a way to see protecting you as a contribution to the rescue.”

  Tarkyn smiled understandingly, “It’s a pain isn’t it? Not being allowed in the front line. I know just how you feel. If it makes you feel any better, I can assure you that I will be making a significant contribution from the back blocks here. And I will need people guarding my back whilst I concentrate.” Tarkyn scraped out the last of his porridge and set aside his bowl before adding, “And to tell you the truth, it will be good to have your company. With Thunder Storm and Running Feet, we should be a cheery little crew.” He paused as he thought for a moment. “That’s not many woodfolk to protect four kids and me. Are you sure your skills are up to it?”

  “Of course they are,” retorted Rainstorm hotly.

  “North Wind, you’re not saying much. What do you think?”

  “If you really want to know, Your Highness, I think we would be hard pressed if we really came under attack.”

  “I think you’re absolutely right. So you will have to be super vigilant because our only hope will be to have enough warning to avoid an attack, won’t it?” Tar
kyn frowned at Rainstorm, “How did your concentration go the other night when you guarded me against Danton?”

  Tree Wind watched in grudging admiration as Tarkyn took the boys seriously and melted their resistance like sun on snow.

  Rainstorm considered carefully before replying, “It was difficult at times. We might be better to give each other breaks from time to time. We could alternate guarding with minding the kids.”

  “Good idea. More fun and less boring, too. Still, it won’t be for all that long. Only three or four hours, I would think. So that won’t be as bad as a whole night on guard, will it?”

  Rainstorm grinned, “Nothing like it. The other night was the longest night of my entire life.”

  “And once the kids are asleep, I can share the images with whoever is not on lookout so you know what is happening at the encampment.”

  “Sounds a good deal to me,” said Waterstone. “Come on you two. Help me set up targets for slingshot practice. Then we can see what you’re really made of.”

  tormaway and Danton lay hidden behind a hedge of hawthorns close to the track leading to the encampment. They were both dressed in worn travellers’ clothing. Danton was seriously unimpressed with the cut of his jacket but had wisely decided not to comment. Stormaway had a glamour in place that made him look old and unkempt, his features altered sufficiently to make him unrecognisable.

  Every now and then a dispirited group of weary shaken travellers passed close by, flanked by armed men. The travellers did not seem to be prisoners. In fact, the armed guards were friendly, chatty and even solicitous.

  “This is very strange,” whispered Stormaway. “I don’t understand it at all.”

  “Perhaps the armed guards are escorts to protect the travellers on their journey.”

  The wizard shook his head. “I don’t think so. We are too far from the road… Why are they coming here?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe we’ll find out more once we’re inside.”

  “Maybe.”Stormaway glanced at the sorcerer. “Are you ready? We’ll fall in behind the next large group.”

  The sun was high in the sky by the time the next large group filed past them. Danton watched the armed men, looking for a moment when their eyes were elsewhere.