| |
––––––––
“What has Vesia done?” Tarek asked as they looked down over the valley filled with thousands of soldiers displaying Racah’s uniforms and banners.
Alyra shook her head, wondering if his sister had done this on purpose or had somehow been used to help them find the exact location of Shaydon’s army. The more she thought about it, the more she realized the sickening truth, Vesia was still on the enemy’s side, despite what her brother had told her.
“Why aren’t they attacking?” asked DezPierre who stood between them.
Alyra recognized this spot. Issah had portaled them to the nearby lake, and they’d had to climb down the nearly hundred-foot drop into the basin that lay between the edge of the cliffs and Conde. Dez was right, the soldiers below didn’t seem inclined to do anything more than to sit there and wait. But for what?
Would Darnel send more reinforcements? She glanced over to her guardian. Perhaps the Elderads were discussing the various possibilities between them.
Ri? What do you think is going on?
Tarek turned to her and seeing her gaze on Riyah, he turned toward them. “Will he tell you anything?”
How did he know? She smiled because he knew her so well, that’s how. “Not yet. I think he’s ignoring me for the moment.”
Such a smart girl. When I have something to share with you, I’ll let you know.
Alyra shook her head. “He doesn’t know, either.” She slipped her hand into Tarek’s. “I don’t think they mean to attack us. So long as we stay up here. But I bet if we advance....”
“They’ll pick us off as we climb down the trail.” Tarek lead them away from the edge to a more sheltered spot where they could sit beneath a tall elm. “There are so many, but I think we can still overpower them.”
“Not if we can’t get down into the basin. Maybe there is another way around to get into the valley.” She rested her head against his shoulder.
His arms went around her, hugging her tightly against his chest. “Probably so, but it’ll delay us.... Who knows how long? I wonder why the Elderads led us this way in the first place? Surely, there were other routes.”
Dez, who’d followed them like a shadow wherever they went, added his sage wisdom. “Our trail has followed an ancient path. One hidden, but still remaining. With so many traveling together, it was the best way for the Elderads to keep everyone safe. They draw on the power of the hidden road.”
“Tarek’s eyes narrowed. “How do you know this, DezPierre?”
“I watch. I listen. Nobody notices when I’m around. Not when I sit still.” A fissure opened on his barkish face from his proud smile. “This is always how I know things.”
“Mr. Eavesdropper,” Alyra teased. “I remember something I saw back when I was staying in Many Rivers with Marya the Healer. I’d gone to their library wanting to see if I could figure out how far it was to Aloblase. In the book, it showed all the White Paths. And I remember one going to Racah’s gates, which I found strange because I never saw any white stones there. I thought it was a mistake.”
“No,” Tarek leaned forward, his brows crinkling in that way they did when he was thinking hard about something. “I’ve seen how the Racans will cover a path with dirt. It makes it easier for them to walk in that place. But, strangely, the White Path never bothered me. Even when we came after you in Many Rivers. They kept warning me to stay away from any white rocks, but I felt nothing more than a bit of tingling.”
Alyra placed her hand over his. “Because it’s only harmful to those intending to bring harm to the Tree People. Deep down, you’ve never wanted to bring harm to me, or anyone else. That’s why you were spared.”
They grew silent for a moment. DezPierre called down their little messenger bird, Dart. His yellow feathers and pink face stood out like a lantern on a dark night no matter where they went. Because Riyah had blessed him with added strength, the little bird could fly long distances at a greater speed without tiring as he once did.
“I wish I could send him to Ethan to see how he’s doing. Or find out if he’d learned anything new. Didn’t he say he’d found Katrina? I wonder if they’ve tried to make an escape.”
Tarek grabbed her and pulled her to him. “Let’s worry about our own predicament. There’s nothing we can do about Ethan or Stitch. They made their choice. This is another reason I hope this doesn’t cause a delay. The sooner we get there...”
“Right.” Alyra sank into his embrace. “I know you’re right. But I can’t help but worry....”
“Worry,” said Dez with a shake of his twiggish finger, “Is lack of trust in the king you claim to serve my good Miss.”
Alyra sank lower against Tarek, burying her face in her hands. “I know you’re right, as well, Dez.”
Tarek brushed his fingers through her tangled curls with a chuckle. “When did the tree stump get smarter than us?” He winked at the Okbold, letting him know he was making a jest.
Dez smiled broader. “DezPierre may look like any ordinary stump, but he has lived the life of a towering oak. He knows things because he sees much. Not many people, aside from you, have bothered to see DezPierre’s value.”
“Well, you’re very valuable to us, Dez. But you haven’t always been right.” Alyra challenged.
“Oh, you is wrong, Miss. Did I not warn you the dragons wouldn’t listen to you?”
“I believe you were sure we’d be burnt to ashes.”
“True enough.” Dez gave a nod. “And they would have, if not for your medallions. I had not considered your tokens at the time. However, the dragons still did not listen to you. They kicked you off their mountain, did they not, with the promise that they would burn you up if you tried to come back?”
Alyra sighed. Blast him. He was right. She nodded in answer.
“See? DezPierre does know.”
“Very well,” Tarek chuckled. “If you’re so knowledgeable, what should we do about our current predicament?”
“Wait for the Elderads to do their job. They will figure something out.”
Soft laughter interrupted Alyra’s thoughts, and she realized that Riyah, despite his conversation with his companions, was still listening to her. She laid on the soft grass and rested her head on Tarek’s leg. “Fine, then I might as well take a nap while we wait.”
“Smart idea,” Dez said as he stood. “I will find us something for our evening meal.” He set Dart on top of his hat. “We probably could send the valiant Dart with a message. Alas, I fear it wouldn’t bode well for Master Ethan to receive a Messenger bird that’s obviously from Aloblase.” With that thought left hanging over them, DezPierre ambled off into the cluster of people setting up camp.
“Tare, what if they’ve been found out?”
“Hush.” He stroked her hair away from her face. “Let’s not add more worry. You heard what the wise ol’ Okbold said.” He chuckled.
“Ugh,” She covered her face and let the matter drop.
Eventually, DezPierre returned with a couple of other Okbolds. He held two bowls of stew in each hand which Tarek and Alyra took gratefully. Dez’s friends whispered to each other, as they looked her way.
“Who are your friends?” she asked, blowing the steam from her dinner.
“Oh, the folks from Yarholm have arrived. They came up from the south.” He pointed to the one on his left, “This is Joffa. He worked at the tavern. Sprig and Mulberry came with that stone-headed Jerin’s father. They work the farm with him. He is a more sensible man. Not sure where his son got his obstinate attitude from.”
The one called Sprig piped up in a high-pitched voice, “From his mother, I dare say. She was a rather large, formidable woman until she passed on to the lands of Everlasting.”
Alyra had never asked Jerin about his mother. Nor had he ever brought her up. “I’d like to meet his father.”
After they finished their stew and returned the bowls to the cook’s tent to be washed, DezPierre led them to a group sitting around a blazing campfire. The sun had set an hour ago, and people were beginning to settle down for the night. There’d be shifts, with a large number keeping guard in case the Racans decided to attack after all.
When they reached the group, General Marcel was among them. “We’ve sent out scouts to make sure they will not attempt an ambush. So far, they’ve found nothing to be concerned about. Another group was recently dispatched to search along the south, hoping to see if there might be a way around them.”
Alyra’s brows furrowed. Something seemed familiar about all this, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.
DezPierre went to an older gentleman and whispered something to him, pointing toward Alyra. He stood and walked over, followed by the two Okbolds, Sprig and Mulberry. “You are the young lady who helped my boy find his way to Aloblase?” He extended his hand. “I’m honored to meet you. Alyra is it?”
“Yes, sir.” She took his rough hand in hers. He was a farmer and showed all the signs of his work. “But it was your son who helped me, I must say. I’m not sure I would have ever found the King’s Highway on my own.”
“Isn’t it strange, how sometimes the most unlikely people are exactly what we need for us to find our way?” His smile was kind, and she could see Jerin in his eyes and mannerisms. Maybe her big friend was built more like his mother, but he had his father’s kind heart.
“Isn’t that the truth?” She introduced Tarek as her intended then updated him on the last letter Jerin sent. “He’s heading up from the south, sir. Traveling with our friend, Lotari. He’s a centaur and one of the leaders of the clan in Wilderland.”
Jerin’s father shook his head. “Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined my Jerin being willing to fight beside such creatures. But isn’t that what happens when we encounter King Shaydon and Prince Issah? Our whole world is turned upside down and right side out. Nothing we were so sure of is as sure as we once thought.”
Tarek laughed. “I like him.”
They stayed with the Yarholm group for a while. Later, she’d write Jerin and tell him about meeting his father. The talk around the campfire turned to more mundane things such as crops and relations with the creatures who were beginning to come out of hiding. Many Rivers boasted of a great increase of trolls and pixies in their woods since Lotari returned from his long absence.
The Yarholm people remembered their not-so-good relations with trolls but admitted the ones they had met were influenced by Racah and served the Dark One. They boasted about their improved relationships with the Okbolds, which made Dez smile.
“It is very good, indeed,” said the Okbold, “to see humans willing to listen to creatures again. We care about the earth and Shaydon’s lands. All along, we only wished to be heard.”
“Well my friend,” Marcel said. “You are being heard now. You are greatly valued. By the King and by us.” He suddenly stood. “Oh, you must excuse me. I’m being summoned by the Elderads.” With a low bow, he started to leave when Tarek asked, “Sir, do you know if there have been any movements from the army in the valley?”
Marcel shook his head. “No. My scouts have returned and wish to make a report. I fear, for now, we are stuck here. There is no way around without causing a delay of two weeks or more.”
“No way around. No way under...” Where had Alyra heard this before? “And we can’t fly over.” Katrina came to her mind. A memory of her sitting beside Stitch with a book in her lap. But didn’t she almost always have a book open? It certainly seemed so. And ol’ Stitch, he loved that Curian girl so much, he was always following her around like a puppy. Alyra grinned, sure that if Issah hadn’t sent him to Wilderland with Lotari, he would have followed Kat to Denovo instead.
He often said Katrina was the first human he’d ever met who didn’t look at him like some freak. She’d been the first to agree to allow him to join their little group as they escaped. Of course, Alyra had agreed right behind her.
Still, it was Kat who had the most patience with him, who told him what a smart centaur he was. She often bragged on him and encouraged him in his studies, telling him he could master his lessons and they’d benefit him in the long run if he’d only stick to it.
Alyra on the other hand was always ready to run off with Stitch, go explore and get as far away from those old musty books as they could. Alyra knew, that as much as they had fun together Katrina was the one who helped him realize how important he was to the kingdom.
Turned out he has been very important. Both of her centaur friends had brought about great changes in Alburnium. Trolls in Many Rivers! Okbolds working peacefully with humans in Yarholm. Jerin going to Wilderland to fight beside Lotari and his clan.
She closed her eyes, as she sat on the ground beside Tarek who gazed at the flickering fire, she sent up a plea to Shaydon. I need to hear from Ethan or Stitch. Please keep them safe. Help us find a way to get past this little snag. Her eyes flew open. Funny how familiar this all seemed.
“I’m going to take a little walk around the camp.” She told Tarek as she stood.
“Can I join you?” He’d been following her like a shadow the past couple of days. Did he suspect her of planning to slip away? Of course, that was out of the question now, but deep down, she knew she’d never be able to leave him. He was right, they needed to stick together. They were stronger together than apart. Holding out her hand, she nodded.
He tucked her hands around his arm, and they headed away from the brightness of the small fires. “Tell me what’s so captivated your attention tonight, love.” He looked at her in such a way, that she knew without a doubt that he’d figured her out.
“I’m not going to leave you, Tare. You’re right, we did make a promise.”
“Why would you consider doing so in the first place?”
She slowed to a stop, pulling him around so he faced her. “Darnel will kill you the moment he sees you, Tarek. He won’t hesitate again. But with me, it’s different. He thinks he’ll still be able to use me, I’m sure. Even though he convinced me I was a freak because of my Illuminate ability, he used it often for his purposes.”
“You don’t think Darnel knows that I can light up too?”
She thought about that for a moment. He probably did know. “I still think he’ll kill you. He’ll believe I’m easier to control. And if he knows too much about your lighting ability, he’ll know you’re the dangerous one. I can’t fight with my light. Not like you.” She grasped his hands in hers. “Tarek, you’re the one the prophecy spoke of. The child of light that will lead them to Darnel’s destruction.”
“Alyra, you know what Issah says about prophecies. One has to be careful how they’re interpreted. They are not always what they seem.”
She didn’t answer. The fact remained that if Darnel got his hands on Tarek....
He gripped her shoulders. “I think your plan is a good one, sweetheart.”
Her eyes flew open.
He chuckled and gave her a quick kiss. “Don’t look so shocked, love. I’m not sure how we can do it now, but I think we should break away from the others soon as possible and head through the secret dwarf passage into Racah. Between the two of us, we know all the hidden passageways to Darnel’s tower. We get to him first and strike him down. Once their king is gone, the rest will scatter.”
Could she actually kill Darnel? Her heart froze inside her chest, causing a shivering shudder to course through her body. “I don’t know if I can...” Her Poppy, even if he was evil. He’d raised her. She did have some good memories of him. More than she cared to acknowledge.
“I can,” Tarek said, and his tone told her he meant it.
Before she could respond, her book vibrated from within her pack. Lotari? She tore into her bag and brought it out. “Can you give me a little light, Tare?”
He snapped his finger, producing a flame in the palm of his hand. She tilted the book toward the glow. “It’s from Stitch.” As she read over the letter, she gasped. “Oh no. We need to go find Issah. Is he here?”
Tarek shook his head. “I don’t think so. Let’s go ask Riyah. If anyone can reach Issah, it would be him.”
They raced toward the edge of the cliffs where the Elderads and military leaders were all gathered together. “Ri! Where are you?” She called out searching the group. “Is Issah here? Does anyone know?”
Riyah was at her side like the flicker of a flame. “Issah is engaged elsewhere. What dilemma has you yelling loud enough for the enemy below to hear you!”
“Oh, sorry.” She looked down at the sea of soldiers also sitting casually around their campfires. The scene was so very familiar. Shaking off the sense of deja vu, she held her book open for Riyah to read. His silvery brows furrowed as his stormy gray eyes scanned the long letter. Finally, he stepped back and turned to his comrades. They spoke no words, but she knew an intense discussion was going on among them from the stern expression on their faces. Every once in a while, one would turn their face toward Racah, then back to the others.
“Well?” Alyra finally asked Riyah, drawing his attention back to her.
Fury filled his eyes. “Darsiderus may be stepping too far. Everyone knows we do not, nor ever should, breech the wall between this world and that... that underworld. If he has...”
“But he has, Ri. Where do you think he got the black powder from?” She lowered her voice. “He made me help him. I’ve talked about this before.”
Riyah pulled her aside. “But you are not there to help him keep one of the lesser pit demons in check. What Stitch is talking about is something greater, more dangerous. It will be nearly impossible to control.”
He gestured toward the valley. “Now I know why he’s set this obstacle before us. That conniver, he needs more time to complete his plan.”
Obstacle? Then she remembered that day clearly. But the valley she’d looked upon lay between her and Aloblase. Jerin, Kat, and Stitch were all stuck in the mountains, unsure how to get past Bezoar’s army. Then Kat.... “Tarek, do you still have my Book of King’s Letters?”
He nodded and reached into his pack for the small leather book. She took it, wondering where Kat had found that one letter. It was a promise. “I need light, Tarek. Just a little.” She didn’t want the men below to see them glowing like a beacon on the edge of the sea. “Oh, where is it?” If only she could write Kat and ask her.
“What do you seek, Daughter?”
Alyra snapped the book closed in her frustration. If only she’d read it more often, then she might be able to find those important letters. “I remember a time similar to this. We were trying to reach Aloblase, and Bezoar was blocking the way.”
Tarek looked at her as if she were speaking gibberish.
“We could see the White Path, but the Racans had camped on either side of it. Then Katrina found a passage in one of the King’s letters. It said something about if we walk along the King’s pathways we have nothing to fear. All during our journey, we kept hearing the same thing over and over. Stay on the path! Stay on the path, it won’t let you down.”
“But love,” Tarek waved his hands around. “There is no path. We’re not following one.”
“Yes, we are. Didn’t you hear Dez? Weren’t you listening? The White Road goes right up to Racah. I’ve seen it. Right, Ri?”
“Right, Al.” Riyah spun around, his wide-eyed gaze taking in the land spread beneath them. “We have been following what once was the main pathway to Aloblase. Unfortunately, it’s been covered by years of neglect, and its protective power is weak. Still, we’ve been able to draw some strength from it. It continues down this cliff. You followed it the last time you traveled through here with Issah. Only, it did not go into Conde, but rather around it.”
“So Dez was right.” Alyra gazed across the plain. “Maybe it’s not clear, but it’s still there. And if the path is there, shouldn’t Shaydon’s promise remain?”
“But what promise, Alyra?” Tarek took the book from her hands and started to flip through it. “I’ve only started reading it, so I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
Riyah answered, “She means the passage that reads: He will cover you as a mother bird covers her young. He will be your shield and rampart. Do not fear the terrors of the night, nor the arrows that fly by day.”
Alyra, finally remembering, finished, “Thousands may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand. But they will not come near you.” She gave a hop of excitement. “Yes, that’s the one Kat read. And we realized that we had to just walk on through.”
“But how?” Tarek gasped.
As if bidden by her words, the Okbold jogged up to her. “There you are. What is this I heard about the hoofer? Is Master Ethan with him? They must leave, shouldn’t they, Elderad Riyah?” He craned his head back as he regarded Riyah.
A small smile played across her guardian’s lips. “Indeed, wise DezPierre. Write Stitch and tell him this is his last chance to leave. If he chooses unwisely again, he may live to regret it.”
Clapping his hands, he added, “While you do that, let us figure out how we’ll walk right on through that army. King Shaydon’s promises will see us through, we have to believe that.”
Tarek shook his head. “I want to believe. I do. I’m going to need a lot of help with my unbelief, though.”
