Road To Shandara (Book One of The Safanarion Order) (29 page)

“I’m sorry for shouting at you." Aaron said finally. “The Dragon Verona and I met warned me against walking the path of vengeance, but the darkness in me is always present amongst the fringes of my thoughts. When I close my eyes I see the silver dragon emblem on the black uniform of those men who came to my home." It was pure luck that his sister was not at home when the attack came. Fate had been kind enough to grant that much at least.

“I don’t know if I will ever find peace." Aaron choked. “Would it surprise you to know that prior to a few months ago I never used any weapon to take a life or defend my own? None of this was supposed to happen.”

Sarah stood by his side with her hand gently rubbing his shoulder. It felt good, her touch whisking away the dark thoughts. She gave him a smile of understanding, “It hasn’t been all bad has it?”

His lips curved of their own accord, “No not all bad and I’ve met some pretty great people." The weight of the dead still weighed heavily upon his shoulders, but he felt he could bear it better now and for that he was thankful.

“Present company included?” She asked.

Aaron reached out taking her hand. “Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me, but part of me wishes we had met under different circumstances." He said imagining what life would have been like before Tarimus ever came.

“Better than not meeting at all," she said squeezing his hand and the sparkle in her eyes sent waves of warmth rippling deep within him.

They hiked through the woods keeping an ever watchful eye upon the sky hoping for a glimpse of the ship, but the skies were just a misty gray. The forest began to grow thicker and the canopy of trees all but blocked out the sky above. Sarah stopped and looked up scanning the surrounding trees.

“You know we could cover a lot more ground if we used the trees." Sarah winked, then launched in the air jumping from branch to branch reaching dizzying heights.

Aaron stared up at her from the ground. He had jumped before in the heat of the moment and wasn’t sure he could do it again.

“Are you coming?” Sarah called from above.

Aaron closed his eyes and stretched out with his senses, feeling the energy from the earth beneath him. He called it into himself and felt his medallion grow warm against his chest. He launched into the air and continued to push off the air beneath him. Where Sarah needed three jumps to reach the treetops he only needed one.

“Let’s go," he said smirking at her.

“Try and keep up, Shandarian," she said and took off barely touching one branch before launching to the next.

He launched after her and his shoulder took the brunt of his first leap. After a few more jumps and with his shoulder only slightly bruised from his collision with several trees, he began to gain on Sarah. He had to admit this was fun. He felt as if he were running taking great strides catching up to Sarah, albeit more clumsily than her graceful leaps. When he caught up to her, she sped ahead of him.

The treetop canopy kept most of the rain at bay, but the damp wind slicked his hair back. He was working, but not breathing all that hard. His body was the conduit tapping energy from wind and the trees. He drew it into himself and released it so fast that it was like a river rolling through him. They soared through the trees like two eagles on the hunt. He focused himself as if he were calling the bladesong with his swords and the forest ceased blurring by. He could see clearer and with heightened perceptions. He finally passed Sarah and came to halt atop a large branch midway up a tree, which was still over fifty feet from the ground.

“This is amazing,” Aaron said.

“Your instincts are really good. The first few times I tried to do this I crashed." Sarah admitted.

“I nearly did a few times. You make this look so easy. I bounced off a few trees just trying to keep up with you."

Sarah smiled at him, “All things with time Aaron.”

“I wish the others could do this." Aaron said.

“Maybe some of them can. Each person is unique and have varying degrees of ability." Sarah said.

“What do you mean?”

“Your bloodlines are ancient with ties to the Hythariam folk. You have strength that few achieve and you learn quickly. This is a good thing to have. The other’s abilities will reflect directly upon their personalities and strengths of character. Not everyone is meant to jump so high, nor would they want to. Could you imagine Garret doing such?” Sarah ask.

Aaron thought about it for second, “Not really, but Verona and certainly Sarik.”

“Perhaps," she said. “For some the effect is subtle. All people draw energy from the world around them. It’s just that some are more in tune with it than others.”

“Who are the Hythariam folk?” Aaron asked.

“They are strange race of men that many believe are from a place across the ocean. They have a darker complexion, almost reddish bronze with golden eyes or so the stories say. Many kingdoms sought to align themselves with them because of their knowledge and ingenuity. They were highly skilled craftsman that would make all the grandeur of Rexel seem like the work of children. They allied with Shandara and contributed greatly to building the first airships, but have since withdrawn from our world. They are a secretive race, but occasionally there are sightings amongst the fringes of settled lands.”

“Any idea why they allied with Shandara?” Aaron asked.

“Nothing concrete. More speculation, but I would have thought you would know more about them than I." Sarah answered.

“My grandfather didn’t tell me anything about Safanar much less the Hythariam." Aaron said bitterly. “It’s like he deliberately kept me in the dark.”

“I’m sure he was trying to protect you. It is possible that he believed that the doors to Safanar were truly closed.”

Aaron thought about this for a few minutes trying to put himself in Reymius’s shoes. Reymius couldn’t have told him anything, without revealing everything.

“I just wish I could understand more,” he said finally.

 
He wondered what his father knew if anything about Safanar. Knowing his father it wouldn’t have mattered to him, he would take it all in and deal with it one thing at a time. They made camp and ate a dinner of nuts, wild berries found nearby, and rabbit courtesy of Sarah’s trapping ability. Having no desire to remain wet, they built a small fire to keep warm and dry out their clothes. Each took turns keeping watch, but the night was quiet.

They set off the next morning to a clear sky before the sun had fully risen. There was still no sign of the ship or the Ryakul so they continued east hiking their way through the woods. The trees were much smaller and traveling as they did yesterday wasn’t an option unless one wanted to be impaled. Aaron learned that even though he pulled energy from nearby sources it was still taxing. He wondered how he could wake up this power in others?

“I wish we could signal the others somehow." Aaron said. “I know they will head east eventually, but I was hoping to see some sign of them by now.”

“Your captain is quite experienced. I’m sure he got them through the storm. We need to be patient." Sarah said.

They stopped to rest by a stream later in the day. Although the water was cool and refreshing Aaron couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever had launched the Ryakul attack yesterday was closing in on him. He scanned their surroundings and all was as it should be from the crickets to the gentle swaying of the trees. The warnings he received about the dark things that would hunt him since he arrived at Safanar began with Daverim, his ancestor. He had told him to keep the staff close as it would provide protection, only now the staff was safely aboard the ship and beyond his reach. He never took the time to explore the rune marked staff since he retrieved it. More like never had a chance, but the beast he saw when he first grasped it must have been the Drake. Aaron suppressed the shudder that ran through him. At least he still had his swords, the Falcons, which were no ordinary blades having helped him against Tarimus. The Drake murdered the Alenzar’seths to extinction, but how? By all accounts they were an ancient and powerful family with strong allies. How did the Drake track and kill all of them?

Aaron watched Sarah who was refilling their only water container. The sun blazed along her blond hair giving it a radiance all its own. He had failed to protect Bronwyn from Tarimus, would he be able to protect Sarah from the things arrayed against him? She must have felt his gaze on her because she turned to him and smiled. He had no choice because he couldn’t deny what was in his heart. He would protect Sarah till his dying breath, which wouldn’t be all that hard. What was hard would be for him to protect her from the price she would pay for his love. Though they hadn’t spoken the words yet, what was in her eyes was unmistakable.

“I can see smoke rising over there," she said and Aaron could see the smoke from several campfires. “We should check this out.”

“Are you sure? Maybe it would be better if we go around." Aaron said.

Sarah chuckled, “The world isn’t full of evil people bent on your destruction I can assure you." She said teasingly. “We’ll be cautious and besides perhaps those on the Raven will see it to."

Aaron nodded and also wondered if the Ryakuls would see the fires as well. The camp fires were further away than they looked and the better part of the afternoon had passed before they came upon the camp. The smell of cooking food made his mouth water as they approached. Aaron counted about thirty wagons constructed as small houses on wheels. All painted with bright colors that stood in stark contrast to the forest around them. There were children running around playing and people went along doing their daily chores. Echoes of wood being chopped could be heard on the far side of the camp. They were greeted by a bald older man blessed with a symmetrical head that his lack of hair enhanced. He was followed by a grizzly looking man with a beard that reached down his chest. He looked as if he could chop down an entire tree with one swing from the ax he carried or wrestle a bear, Aaron couldn’t decide which. The older man smiled in greeting while the other looked on calmly.

“Greetings strangers, I’m Tolvar," the older man said.

“Hello Tolvar, I’m Aaron,” he said shaking the man’s hand. “And this is Sarah.”

Tolvar’s eyes lit up, “Truly a sight to behold, you surely are the queen of beauty." He said with a slight bow gently taking Sarah’s hand. “This is my son Armel." Armel nodded to each in turn. “What brings you to our little neck of the woods?”

Aaron and Sarah shared a quick glance, “Chance I’m afraid." Aaron said and told Tolvar of the storm and how they became separated from their ship during the Ryakul attack. They were approached by an older woman whose black hair showed streaks of grey.

“Margret." Tolvar called in greeting. “Tonight we have honored guests. Victims of the recent storm and a dastardly Ryakul attack.”

“Good sir," Sarah said. “We seek not to impose upon your generosity. Perhaps there is some way that we may offer aid to your people in exchange for a place by your fire.”

“By the Goddess the sound of her voice is enough to still this old man’s heart." Tolvar said elbowing Aaron’s arm. “Or perhaps this young man’s, eh” he said letting out a hearty laugh and Aaron’s face flushed in embarrassment, but he noticed Sarah’s cheeks reddening as well.

“Enough Tolvar," Margaret said. “Of course you are welcome. Courtesy is not dead now is it. Come along with me dear, I’m sure the men can find something to occupy their time until supper.”

Aaron watched as Sarah allowed herself to be guided away by the older woman.

“Women, wives in particular." Tolvar sighed. “I’ve called that woman wife for more than thirty years and she still thinks of all men as misbehaving boys. Very well, come with me."

“Aren’t you worried that the Ryakuls will see your campfires?” Aaron asked.

“Nonsense, these are no ordinary fires my boy." Tolvar answered but didn’t say anything more.

They headed in the opposite direction with Armel bringing up the rear. They came upon a smaller wagon that held casks of which one was tapped. Tolvar grabbed three steins and filled them with dark ale. Armel took one silently and took a hearty swallow allowing the foam to gather on his mustache. Aaron took the proffered stein and sipped the dark ale. The rich bittersweet chocolate liquid rolled through his mouth leaving hints of malt in its wake. He took a bigger sip, nodding in appreciation to Tolvar.

“Thats good." Aaron said.

“Hits the spot doesn’t it." Tolvar answered and Armel sighed in agreement.

“I have a question about the fires. The ones you say won’t draw the Ryakuls." Aaron said.

“Let’s just say they burn with a little something extra to keep the beasts at bay." Tolvar answered aloofly. “Why are you so concerned with Ryakuls?”

“Let’s just say they have a knack of turning up wherever I happen to be." Aaron answered.

“Ahh, that is unfortunate and I now understand your concern. You’re worried that your presence here will put the camp and my family at risk." Aaron nodded back silently. “Well fear not we have ways to shield us from unfriendly eyes. You may take your ease here this night without worry.”

“Where were you heading when the Ryakuls attacked your ship?” Armel asked.

“Armel,” Tolvar admonished, “we mustn’t impose upon our guest’s privacy."

“It’s okay, really. We’re heading east." Aaron answered.

Tolvar nodded. “I’m afraid you’re heading in the wrong direction if you wish to avoid the Ryakuls.”

“I know this, but it’s where I need to go." Aaron said drinking the last of his ale, it really was quite good.

Tolvar raised his eyebrow for a moment at Aaron’s answer then looked at Armel. “Armel, please put that ax away. Perhaps now that we’ve had some refreshment you are up for a bit of fun? A game?” Tolvar said rising.

Aaron smirked in spite of himself. “Sounds good.”

After refilling their steins, Tolvar led them to a gathering of men who were throwing knives and hand axes. Armel picked up a couple of axes and handed one to Aaron.

“Care for a go?” Armel asked. When Aaron nodded the big man launched the ax with blurring speed, which buried itself in the center of the target.