Spring 965 MC
Gorath stood in the centre of the magic circle examining the gold and silver inlaid into the floor. "It is quite remarkable work, this."
"It is," agreed Hayley. "I understand Lord Aldwin was the artisan who crafted those runes."
"Lord Aldwin? Beverly's bondmate?"
"Bondmate? Oh, you mean husband? Yes, that's him."
"I had no idea he could craft magic."
"He can't. He's a smith. It was Lady Aubrey who empowered the circle."
"But didn't Aldwin forge Dame Beverly's hammer?"
"Yes, he made Nature's Fury from sky metal, but it was Albreda who gave it the power of the earth."
"This all sounds so complicated," said the Orc.
"I don't see why it should. Your own chief, Urgon, has an enchanted sword, doesn't he?"
"He does, though that was handed down by his forebearers."
"As Nature's Fury will be, I would imagine."
"So they're expecting younglings?"
Hayley laughed. "I suppose they will eventually, but I don't think they're in any hurry. There's a war on after all."
"And what of you?"
The laugh died, the High Ranger's face growing serious. "What about me?"
"Nothing," said Gorath.
"You can't get my attention like that, then ignore me," she warned. "Go on, say what you mean."
"I merely assumed, now you and Master Bloom are to be wed, your thoughts might turn to the raising of your own younglings."
Hayley blushed. "Children are the furthest thing from my mind at present. And you should at least give me a chance to get married first. Why is this so important to you?"
The Orc grinned, displaying his ivory teeth. "It is always a joy to welcome newcomers to the tribe."
"But I'm not a member of your tribe."
"And yet you are seen as such by the Orcs who serve as rangers."
"Am I? I had no idea."
"Perhaps, when we return, I shall suggest to Urgon he induct you into the Black Arrows."
"I would be honoured," said Hayley.
"It's very fitting."
"How so?"
"Well, you are a ranger, and the symbol of our tribe is an arrow. It must be fate."
"I don't believe in fate," said Hayley. "I think we make our way in the world by our actions, not some predetermined destiny."
"As do the Orcs," said Gorath, "but it doesn't hurt to have a little mysticism in your life every now and again."
"Spoken like a true Orc."
He bowed. "Thank you."
"Now, where are the others? You did tell them to meet us here, didn't you?"
"I did. They should arrive shortly. In any case, Albreda has yet to put in an appearance."
"Yes, but once she gets here, she'll be eager to leave. I shouldn't like to keep her waiting."
Outside, they could hear the guards challenging an arrival. A moment later, the doors opened, revealing four rangers: two Orcs and two Humans.
"Samantha," said Hayley, "I didn't know you'd finished your training?" She turned to Gorath. "She came from Bodden, you know."
The Orc gave her a puzzled look. "Do Humans lose their memory when they become engaged?"
"No, why?"
"I am the one who oversees the training of the rangers. I know all of them by name. Did you forget that?"
"Sorry, I suppose I did. Would you care to make the introductions?"
"Certainly. This, as you pointed out, is Samantha, though she commonly goes by Sam. Is this a common tradition amongst Humans? Shortening names?"
"I suppose it is."
"Then I will have to make more use of it. Shall I call you Hay?"
"I'd rather you didn't."
He frowned. "I'm still not sure what I should call you."
"Would you please get on with the introductions?"
"Certainly. This is Bertram Ayles; he comes to us from Stilldale. He is also a recent addition, having been trained in the same group as Samantha."
"Good to have you with us," said Hayley.
"Next in line is Urzath. She has been with us ever since we became allies. She is also one of the best hunters in the Black Arrows."
"Excellent," said Hayley. "I'm glad you'll be going with us." She looked at the last Orc, noting his small size. "And this is?"
"Skulnug," said Gorath. "An Orc renowned for his stealth. It is said he could steal an egg from a dragon without waking it."
"Have we any dragons in the area?" asked Hayley.
"No," said Skulnug, "but if we did, I would be tempted to steal its egg."
"Well, there's a lot to be said for confidence."
"There certainly is," came Albreda's voice.
They all turned to see her enter.
"I didn't hear the guards challenge you," said Hayley.
"Why would they? I use the circle often enough that they all know me by sight." She looked at the gathering. "Is this everyone?"
"It is."
"Good. Then let's get to work, shall we? Let me stand in the centre, and the rest of you gather around me." Albreda watched as they took up their positions, then grabbed Samantha by the shoulders, moving her slightly. "There, that should do nicely. Is everyone ready?"
They all nodded. Albreda closed her eyes, taking a calming breath. The rangers stood silently as words of power began tumbling out of the Druid's mouth. They were indistinct, but their very sound filled the room with energy. One by one, the runes began to glow, and then a solid wall of white light erupted from the outer edge of the circle, encasing those inside in a cylinder of energy. After pulsing twice, the light dropped to reveal a group of stones forming a circle in a forested clearing filled with the scent of fresh pine. They had arrived. A low growl erupted on one side, and Bertram Ayles hastily nocked an arrow.
"Stay your hand," ordered Albreda. "There shall be no hunting in this wood."
"It's a dangerous creature," insisted Ayles. "Surely we can protect ourselves?"
"That is no danger," said Sam, "that's Snarl."
"Yes," added Albreda, "and he's a dear friend. Harm him, and you'll never set foot outside the Whitewood again."
Ayles turned to Samantha. "How do you know him?"
"He would often accompany Albreda to Bodden."
"That thing? But he's a wolf!"
"Is he?" she said, her eyes going wide in mock fear. "I hadn't noticed!"
"Now you're pulling my leg."
"Are you two quite done?" said Albreda. "We do have a reason for being here, you know."
"Would you care to show us the way?" asked Hayley.
"Certainly. Come along, Snarl. Let's show them the quickest route, shall we?”
The great wolf let out a howl that echoed off the trees, then padded over to her side. The Druid gave one last look at the group, then started heading north, setting a brisk pace.
"Quite spry for someone her age," said Bertram Ayles.
"Don't let her hear you say that," warned Sam, "or she's likely to take a dislike to you."
"And what would that lead to?"
"Well, when Baron Fitzwilliam needed rescuing, she used her magic to tear down the portcullis. I'd hate to think what that spell could do to flesh and bone."
Ayles paled. "In that case, I shall keep my thoughts to myself."
Samantha smiled. "A good decision."
That evening, they camped under the watchful eyes of the Whitewood. Hayley marvelled at the way in which the animals were drawn to Albreda. The rest of the group looked decidedly more ill at ease.
After gathering sticks from the forest floor, they built a fire to keep the cold night air at bay. When they finally settled down for the night, Hayley insisted on setting up a system of watches despite Albreda's insistence they weren't in any danger.
This was how Samantha found herself staring into the shadows beneath the trees in the middle of the night. Hearing someone approach from behind, she turned to see Albreda, who had shifted closer to the fire while Snarl had chosen to lie nearby, his tail twitching while he slept.
"So," said the Druid, "what do you think of being a ranger? It's a far cry from being a simple archer."
"True, and this is much different than Bodden."
"In a good way, or bad?"
"I quite like it here, actually," Sam admitted. "There's a certain feeling of peace to the place." She looked over at Snarl. "Though I must admit it's a little odd having a giant wolf amongst us."
"Snarl's no giant, just well-fed."
"You mean there are bigger wolves in these parts?"
"Not in the Whitewood, but go north, and you'll see wolves the size of ponies."
"Like the queen's hound?"
Albreda chuckled. "Not quite that large. You know the Orcs of the Black Arrow sometimes have their younger hunters ride wolves, but as they grow to maturity, they weigh too much for the poor animals to carry."
"Do they have a lot of wolves?"
"They do, and they accompany them on the hunt from time to time much as dogs do for Humans. You should talk to Urzath. She could probably tell you more."
"How did you learn so much about animals?"
"It's this place," said Albreda. "It speaks to me."
"You mean with actual voices?"
"No, but over the years, I've felt a strange sort of connection here. It's as if I'm part of the land. When I stretch out my senses, I feel as though the forest is part of me. That's how I call on the animals, you know."
"Like Snarl?"
Albreda stroked the wolf's head. "He's easy to find. I've known his pack for years, ever since I entered the Whitewood. He's a descendant of my first friend here, Fang."
"Fang?"
"Yes, not the most original of names, I'll grant you, but I was only thirteen when I named him. He was such a devoted soul."
"Soul? You make him sound Human."
"Do you not think animals have souls?"
"I never really gave it much thought," said Sam, "but I suppose it makes sense."
"Of course it makes sense. All mammals have souls."
"What about fish or insects?"
"I never had much interest in them," said Albreda. "Although Snarl does like a nice salmon every now and again. They swim up from the coast, you know, but they're very seasonal."
"Is he good at hunting?"
"Fish? No, but he can follow the scent of a deer for days. I took him to Hawksburg once, but he refused to enter."
"But he's been in Bodden?"
"He has, but I think that's about as far into Human lands as he cares to go."
"Can you actually talk to him?"
"Of course! I can also share images, a gift I first discovered with Fang, as a matter of fact."
"How do you do that?"
"I place my forehead against his and then concentrate. The communication is very deep."
"So you read his thoughts?"
"More or less. I see images and feel emotions. I've become quite adept at learning to interpret them."
"And is this a two-way process?"
"It is. Of course, he also understands when I speak to him, though he had to learn that over time. He was a much more stubborn student than his sire."
"I suppose that means he has a personality?" said Sam.
"Of course," said Albreda. "The whole pack does."
"How many wolves are in this pack of yours?"
"The pack Snarl belongs to numbered twenty-three the last time I counted, although I rather suspect they've had some fresh pups by now."
"The pack he belongs to? You mean he's not in charge?"
"No, he's more of a lone wolf. He still visits them from time to time, but he spends most of his days wandering the Whitewood. He also visits the other packs."
"How many packs are there?"
"Three. One of them hunts just north of the river. We'll be passing through their territory over the next day. Perhaps I'll introduce you."
"So you get along with them, then?"
Albreda frowned. "Get along with them? What a strange thing to ask. Why wouldn't I get along with them?"
"Don't they compete for prey?"
"Not at all. In fact, they get along better than most Humans do. They all used to be one pack, you see, so they're truly one big family. When Snarl crosses the river, he's visiting his cousins."
Sam glanced at the sleeping wolf. "He seems so peaceful. Is he always this calm?"
"Usually, but sometimes things will set him off. I remember when a wildcat made its way into the Whitewood some years ago. He was quite incensed his home had been invaded."
"I hope it didn't lead to trouble?"
"Thankfully, I managed to intervene in time. His ancestor was badly mauled by a wildcat, you know."
"I take it you mean Fang?"
Albreda nodded. "I do. The cat had killed one of the pack's pups, you see. It also attacked me. Fang came to my rescue, but he bore the scars from it for the rest of his life." She fell silent, and Sam could see a sadness come over the Druid's face.
"Well," said Albreda at last, "I should get some rest. It's likely to be a long day tomorrow."
They were up at the crack of dawn, continuing their trek northward. By noon they had reached the banks of the River Alde, its swift current swelled by melting snow from its source.
"This is it," announced Albreda. "The border of Merceria. Everything north is technically part of Norland."
"Should we be alarmed?" asked Ayles.
"Of course not. We're still in the Whitewood."
"How much longer will we be in the cover of the forest?" asked Hayley.
"We shall turn northeast while we are still within the woods, allowing us to remain concealed until we are much closer to Beaconsgate. Another day or two, and you'll be able to see the city itself."
"What's it like?" asked the High Ranger.
"Dirty," answered the Druid. "The city grew haphazardly, and little has been done to improve its appearance. It's a strange sight actually—a grey smear against a rather pristine countryside."
"Will there be patrols, do you think?"
"Possibly. It has been some time since I was in that part of the woods." She held up her hands to stall any comments. "Of course, there won't be any patrols in the Whitewood itself. The Norlanders fear it."
"Why is that?"
"I have been the guardian of this area for some time. No Norlander has ever set foot in these woods and lived to tell of it."
"That's a bit harsh, isn't it?" offered Ayles.
Albreda gave him a stern look. "It's the law of nature," she said. "And besides, how else would I protect my domain? Send them a letter nicely asking them to leave us alone?"
"I suppose that's reasonable enough," the ranger grumbled.
"The water is quite deep," noted Hayley. "Is there a ford nearby?"
"There is. It's just up there." Albreda pointed. "Snarl will show us the way, as long as he doesn't get distracted."
"By what?"
"Knowing him, anything. Sometimes all it takes is a hawk or a gryphon, and then he loses track of what he's doing."
"You have gryphons in the Whitewood?"
"On occasion. They nest in the Wickfield Hills."
"I didn't know that," said Hayley. "You have me intrigued."
"I had no idea you were so interested in them. I'll have to introduce you sometime."
"You can do that?"
"Of course I can do that. I offered, didn't I?"
"So you did," said Hayley. "I'll hold you to that promise."
"And I should be delighted to keep it, but for now, we have more important matters to consider, don't you think?"
"Yes, certainly."
They proceeded eastward, following the southern riverbank until they came upon a series of small rapids.
"Here it is," said Albreda.
The small group halted, looking across the swift water.
"I don't see anything," said Ayles.
"That's because you don't know where to look," said Albreda. "Now, wait just a moment." The Druid closed her eyes, calling on arcane powers. The air began to tingle, and then a massive tree on the far side stretched out its branches, bending to reach the nearby bank. "I hope you don't mind walking along a branch or two."
Snarl leaped onto the tree's limb, crossing quickly. Hayley laughed in delight at the sight of the wolf up a tree. "Does he do that often?"
"No, just ignore him; he's showing off. Usually, he swims across."
They followed one at a time, with Gorath bringing up the rear. Once they were all safely across, Albreda released her magic, and the tree returned to its natural state.
"A handy spell, that," remarked Ayles. He was about to say more, but Snarl halted, his hackles rising.
Albreda knelt, searching the ground. She waved Hayley over. "What do you make of this?"
The High Ranger drew closer, her eyes looking down. "Footprints," she said.
"Yes, but they're not mine."
"No, they belong to soldiers. Note the nails."
"I'm not sure I understand," said Ayles.
Hayley turned to the new ranger. "The soles of soldiers' boots are nailed on rather than sewn."
"Why is that?"
"They march a lot. It makes it easier to replace the bottoms when they wear out."
"But surely there aren't soldiers here?"
"This footprint would seem to indicate otherwise. Spread out, all of you, and look for more."
They all began searching the ground.
"Over here," called out Urzath. She waited until Hayley was beside her, then knelt, feeling the ground. "These plants are freshly crushed. I would say they're nearby."
"How many?"
The Orc moved around on all fours, taking a closer look. "Close to a dozen, at least."
"What in Saxnor's name are Norland troops doing in the Whitewood?" asked Hayley.
"Something I'd very much like to know," said Albreda. "And more importantly, why wasn't I notified?"
"Notified?"
"Yes, the pack here should have given ample warning, yet I've heard nothing."
"I don't know," said Hayley, "but I suggest we tread carefully."