book title

Toryn looked along the line of the dozen volunteers for the Amayan mission. All had been sworn to secrecy as Elodi was certain spies still operated within Archonholm despite the warlock’s departure. He did not know most of their faces but was happy to trust any who met with Gundrul’s approval. But even if they were the most skilled fighters, riders, and trackers in the realm, much rested on Toryn’s shoulders.

Gundrul stood at his side. ‘Not a bad bunch of lads and lassies considering. Few Archonians have experience on horseback, but these folk from Lady Harlyn’s forces assure me they’re accomplished riders. And all will be better than me in a saddle, or I dearly hope so for their own good.’

Toryn nodded at Elrik, standing first in line. ‘And some not so bad at putting a shoe on them either. But you’ll be needing a shire horse to carry this big fellow.’

Elrik smirked. ‘I don’t recall you beating me more than twice on our races to the bridge.’

Toryn grasped his broad shoulder. ‘That was down to your ponies.’ He turned to Gundrul. ‘Elrik took his pick of the fast horses he shod, claiming he was testing his work for their owners.’

Gundrul sighed. ‘Your horse talk is wasted on me, lads. So long as my mount doesn’t throw me off its back at the first sight of danger, I don’t care how fast it is.’ Toryn moved on. Gundrul introduced the next in line. ‘This fine lady is one of Galabrant’s best scouts. If Janae can’t track it, it must be on wings.’ He laughed. ‘But I’d guess you’d still find it’s droppings, eh.’

Janae held a straight face. ‘I’ve yet to meet a beast that doesn’t leave a trail, Captain.’ Toryn held the steely gaze of a woman whose age he would struggle to guess. She may have been in her late thirties, but her eyes hinted many more years of knowledge. Janae shook Toryn’s hand. ‘Pleased to be of service.’

‘And we’re very pleased to have you with us. I imagine we’ll be relying heavily on your skills, and your knowledge of the east side of the mountains will be invaluable.’

‘I have traveled far and wide in my time assisting the Archonians.’ She looked along the line. ‘But few here will have seen as much of Galabrant as have I.’

Gundrul nodded to her horse. ‘Janae also has some of the finest birds for us to keep in contact with Archonholm. I reckon they’ll come in handy before long.’ The captain took a step. ‘This handsome chap is Lorek. Lorek of Tamforth. That’s in your neck of the woods I believe.’

Toryn clutched the young guard’s forearm. ‘Indeed, but at opposite ends of the River Tam. That’s close to seventy leagues apart. So, a tad more than a stone’s throw.’ He peered at the man. ‘Wait. Lorek? Did you have two brothers at Drunsberg?’

He bowed his head. ‘Dorek and Porek. Sadly they…’ he looked up. ‘Did you know them?’

‘Only briefly. I arrived at the mines on the same day of the attack that tragically claimed both their lives.’

‘Did…’ Lorek blinked, ‘Did they die with honor? And with sword in hand?’

Toryn winced as he recalled the look of shock on Dorek’s face as the blood had spurted from his sliced throat — a wound inflicted by a kitchen boy with the captain’s own blade. And the cries of Porek and his men as they were struck down by the green poison, still pained him. Toryn straightened. ‘That they did. And with bravery that couldn’t be surpassed fighting an enemy who vastly outnumbered us.’

Lorek’s jaw tightened. ‘Thank you. To hear it from someone who witnessed their end helps ease my grief.’

Toryn placed his hand on the young man’s shoulder. ‘And while I knew them for only a short time, it was an honor to serve with them. And seeing as you’re cut from the same cloth, it will be an honor to have you in the company.’

‘The honor is mine. I hope to avenge the death of my brothers at your side.’

Toryn looked back to Gundrul. The old captain grunted. ‘Winter will be upon us if you insist on hearing the life story of each and every volunteer.’ He glanced to the sky. ‘Dusk is nigh. All are briefed and know their duty… and the dangers. The official reason they’re here is for training for combat on horseback.’ He winked. ‘But we all know different, eh. And if we’re to leave under cover of darkness, I’d say we have time for a decent meal before we head off.’

Toryn nodded to the line of faces. ‘I assume you’re familiar with the legend of the Amayans, so you’ll know why this task is of utmost importance to the Five Realms. We face an enemy—’

‘That will hear us coming if our bellies are growling.’ Gundrul patted Toryn on his back. ‘Maybe continue your speech over a hot supper and a glass of ale, eh.’

Toryn beamed, glad to be back in the company of soldiers. ‘That sounds like a good plan, Captain.’

The clouds obliged, obscuring the near full moon to conceal their departure from unwanted eyes. While those in the stables were led to believe they were on night maneuvers, the bulging saddle bags, and back packs may have aroused suspicion. They led their horses to the postern gate on the east of the city where one of Gundrul’s trusty guards kept watch. As they approached, Toryn noticed a cloaked figure standing by the wall. His heart lurched as their torchlight fell upon a head of flaming, red hair. He gestured to Gundrul he would catch them up.

Toryn dismounted and went to her. He whispered. ‘I thought we’d said our goodbyes last night.’

Elodi sighed. ‘That was my intention, but I couldn’t let you go without… without saying…’ She looked away. ‘Am I justified taking command, Toryn?’ Her hand went to her sword. ‘I know I’ve been frustrated by Kernlow’s lack of action, but I’m—’

‘Elodi. There’s no one better suited to lead our armies. You have more experience than any, and your skill with a blade is second to none in the realms.’

Her eyes glistened. ‘But I lost my city. How can I be sure I won’t make the same mistakes?’

He clasped her hand. ‘You faced Dorlan, the real Dorlan. How were you to know he would be brought against you? And now we have Nyomae, we know more about the dark arts we’re likely to face. And you and I grow stronger by the day.’ Toryn looked into her eyes. ‘The first time I saw you, I knew I would follow you wherever you chose to lead. And I don’t know a guard, knight, or reserve, that doesn’t think the same. We believe in you, Nyomae believes in you, perhaps you should start believing in your yourself.’

‘That’s kind of you to say so.’ Her grip tightened. ‘But… oh, why do I find this so difficult?’ Her hand went to his face. ‘Toryn? Please take care. While Nyomae is certain the warlock has left Farrand, we both know this mission is fraught with other dangers. I had hoped we could fight every remaining battle side-by-side. I cannot bear to… the thought that…’

Toryn stepped forward and embraced her. He breathed in her fragrant hair, wishing beyond hope, they could ride off into the night and leave their troubles behind. But Hamar’s voice reminded him, duty, lad, duty. He spoke into her hair. ‘I will come back. I can’t accept this is the last time we’ll be together.’ He stepped back, holding her warm hands, gazing deep into her eyes. ‘I will allow nothing, not even the demons of the Underworld to stand in my way. I promise I will return.’

Elodi patted the horse’s nose. ‘I know you will. But we both know the dangers you and I will face in the coming months. I will look for you with my farsight.’ She let his fingers slip from hers and nodded to the gate. ‘You… you must go now.’ Elodi spun away and strode into the shadows. Toryn watched her leave, his heart yearning to go after her. But duty called.

Toryn turned and led his horse through the narrow opening and out of Archonholm. He mounted, glancing up to see the moon’s face appear briefly from behind a thick cloud. He recalled the night he and Hamar had sneaked out of Midwyche, listening to Elrik and his friends singing their hearts out at the inn. He glanced behind to see the towering walls looming over as if standing in judgement of him sneaking out of the city. On the night he had left Midwyche, he was blissfully unaware of what lay ahead. His trepidation had been tempered by the thrill of seeing the world beyond his village. Tonight, nothing could ease the pain and dread of what awaited them on the east side of the Kolossos.

Toryn caught up with Gundrul at the front of the line. The captain grinned. ‘Said your goodbyes, eh. She’s a fine lady, lad, but don’t let that be a distraction.’ Toryn stayed silent. Gundrul looked up to the sky. ‘Come tomorrow, we’ll travel by day. There’ll be more enemy eyes on us the farther we go north, but speed is vital.’ He nodded to Toryn’s belt. ‘How’s your sword work coming on?’

‘Progressing. Elodi taught me much in the limited time we had for lessons.’

‘Good. I know you’re skilled with the bow, but you can’t always rely on it. I reckon you’ll be looking your enemy in the eye before long.’

Toryn thought back to the wild eyes of the Ruuk he had faced at Drunsberg. ‘I’ve no doubt I will.’

Gundrul shifted in his saddle. ‘Remember this, our enemy care not for rules and fighting fair. You take them down any way you can, and as fast as you can. It won’t be pretty, but if you can walk or hobble away from a fight and the other fellow can’t, that’s a victory by my reckoning.’