The Guardians (Book 2) (35 page)

Chapter 41

Potential Danger

Dale placed his hand against the door and pushed. The door gradually opened, but he didn’t enter. He stayed crouched in the shadowy alcove at the side of the hall. He waited for another five minutes, but there was still no noise from within the room. Without standing, he eased himself onto hands and knees and leaned forward until he could see into the dark room, then he crawled through the doorway and stood up. He could hear nothing and there was no movement in the darkness. Reason told him it should be safe to cross the room, but instinct restrained him. He crouched and shuffled backwards until he was leaning against the wall, then he gradually moved sideways along the wall until he was completely hidden behind a pedestal which supported a polished pot containing a trailing plant. How long he stayed there he wasn’t sure, neither was he sure why he wanted to remain immobile, but he found he was unable to ignore the premonition of danger. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as his eyes discerned the shape of a man lying behind a long lounging chair.

Through the leaves of the plant, he stared across the room towards the body. Even in the darkness, Dale was sure
the figure was wearing a soldier’s uniform, but he couldn’t see the man’s head. He leaned forward wishing there was a little more light, then he ducked backwards as a face appeared at the window. His heart began to thump and he tried to breathe slowly as a leg appeared over the windowsill and a figure climbed into the room. An odd feeling of detachment flowed through Dale and he felt his body relax. He wondered if Callian had followed him or sensed his fright. The figure glanced around the room and then walked towards the door. Dale watched him emotionlessly as he disappeared through the doorway, then once again he pushed the leaves aside and squinted into the darkness. He gave a start and let the leaves fall back over his face as another body climbed through the window. This man was huge, but moved so gracefully and silently, Dale was sure he must be one of the fallen. He darted towards the doorway, following the first man. There was a muffled thud and a grunt, and Dale wondered who had returned who. His question was answered as the huge man dragged a body back into the room. He lifted if effortlessly and dumped it against a wall as if to get it out of the way. The man became motionless and Dale held his breath.

‘
You can come out now Dale,’ the man said and Dale’s heart contracted in shock.

‘
Little Rezon?’ he gasped, recognizing the voice.

‘
What are doing here? What’s happening?’ asked Rezon.

‘
I was just going out to the dunnigin, and I thought I saw someone sneak between the wall and this old donjon. Now who would need to lurk around that side of the donjon, I asked myself. There’s nothing around there. And when I crept around for a look there was no-one there, I guessed they’d gone in one of the windows. Obviously no-one was going to fit through the slit windows, so that only left one window wide enough for a man to crawl through, at ground level that is – and unless they grew wings… Anyway I decided jumping through the window might be a little stupid so I used the door. I didn’t see anyone until I came in here, but there must be at least one more person inside because that soldier was already dead when I got here, and this one you brought in here came in the window after that.’

‘
I see. Stand back behind the plant,’ said Rezon very quietly. He stood without moving as if lost in thought and two minutes later Ben crawled through the window.

‘
What’s happening?’ he whispered, glancing at the two bodies.

‘
There’s someone in here that shouldn’t be,’ Rezon explained.

‘
And you want me to find them?’ Ben moved towards the door.

‘
No idiot!’ Rezon reached out and grabbed his brother’s shirt. ‘I want you to keep Dale alive whilst I find them.’

‘
Oh,’ said Ben, looking slightly disappointed. Rezon disappeared through the door and moved soundlessly away.

‘
Who was the soldier?’ asked Ben.

‘
I don’t know yet,’ said Dale, and he took a step towards the body.

‘
No. Don’t move,’ said Ben, his eyes narrowing. Without standing too close, he leaned cautiously over the body.

With movement faster and more fluid than Dale could imagine, the
figure wearing the soldier’s uniform spun to his feet and leapt at Ben. Even in the darkness, Dale could see the pale skin which could only belong to one of the Nailmarni. Ben jumped backwards but the Nailmarni was upon him before he could draw his knife and they rolled across the floor, grappling for each other’s throat. Dale drew his dagger. He hesitated as he tried to get close to the struggling pair. It seemed Ben’s strength was at least equal to the Nailmarni’s but the creature’s movements were so fast, Dale could barely see what was going on. Then the two became still and the Nailmarni was leaning over Ben, choking him. Dale leapt forward and drove his dagger into the Nailmarni’s back, aiming his blow so the blade went up under where he imagined its ribcage should be. It rolled away from Ben and flung itself towards Dale who gave a shout as he stumbled backwards in fright.

The door beside them explode
d open as Rezon burst into the room. He let out a roar of anger as he saw Ben incapacitated on the floor and the Nailmarni advancing on Dale. The Nailmarni changed direction making an instant decision that Rezon was the greater threat. There seemed no fear in the huge warrior as he leapt towards the Nailmarni. His massive arms closed around the creature and he drove it against the wall. In a sudden cunning movement, he twisted the creature around so its back was towards him then he wrapped his arms around it once again and squeezed its chest until Dale could hear its ribs breaking. The creature snarled furiously as Rezon folded his arm around its head. There was a gruesome snap as he broke its neck. As if unconvinced the creature was dead, Rezon grabbed it by the front of its stolen uniform and slammed it headfirst into the wall. There was a horrible crunch as its skull shattered against the stone. Rezon fell down beside his brother.

‘
Ben?’ he said desperately, but there was no response.

‘
Callian!’ Dale screamed out, wondering if the guardian would hear him. Callian appeared seconds later and ran to kneel beside Rezon. He laid his hand on Ben’s chest then on his neck.

‘
Is he…?’ Dale whispered, looking at Callian in horror.

‘
No. He’ll be ok. I just need a little time…’ Callian frowned as he moved one hand to Ben’s forehead. He became completely still for a moment and Ben’s forehead and neck gradually filled with warm light. He opened his eyes and stared up at Callian.

Rezon gathered his brother into his arms,
and huge tears of relief cascaded unashamedly down his face.

‘
Rez, you’re crushing me to death! You might have just let the Nailmarni do it,’ Ben complained and Rezon grinned as he let his brother go. ‘Were there any others in the donjon?’ Ben asked curiously as he moved his neck warily from side to side.

The grin disappeared entirely as Rezon held up three fingers. Dale shook his head in disbelief.
‘You can’t have returned three of them, surely?’

‘
Well, they sort of made it easy. They were all conveniently in separate places, and none of them heard me coming.’

‘I wonder what they were up to.’

‘
They were probably scouts,’ said Callian. ‘If they attack, there will be a lot more of them.’

‘
Callian, we have to get the people out of here as soon as we can. We don’t have enough soldiers to defend against a Nailmarni attack. I’m sure our only hope is to risk the trek across to the Dwellings. What do you think?’

‘
I think you’re right. How prepared are the people?’

‘
As prepared as they can be,’ said Dale. ‘We have enough carts and horses to take everything we need, and Baker Ricard has made more than enough travel cakes to keep everyone alive for the time it will take to get there. I know we can’t move very fast, but if we stay here we’re dead. We’re all dead.’

‘
When do you want to move out?’ asked Rezon.

‘
Now.’

‘
Now?’ Ben repeated, looking surprised.

‘
Now. Before the rest of them find out their scouts are dead and we’ve gone. How much chance do we have of leaving unnoticed?’

‘
It will depend on whether they’ve formed a circle surrounding Emerald since I last looked,’ said Callian. ‘I should go back into the hills and have a look around again. I can be back here within hours. You can have everyone ready to move by first light.’

‘
Alright,’ Dale agreed.

‘
I’ll go with you,’ said Ben.

‘
You should probably get some rest before you go anywhere,’ said Rezon looking worriedly at his brother.

‘
No. I’m fine. I’m going with Callian.’

Callian
and Ben slipped out the window and melted into the darkness.

‘
Why did you come in here in the first place?’ Dale asked Rezon curiously.

‘
Ben heard you wishing you had Callian or some other of us with you,’ Rezon explained. ‘And you were rightly thinking how stupid is was to come alone and unarmed into an obviously dangerous situation,’ he added.

‘
Potentially dangerous,’ Dale corrected him.

‘
True!’ Rezon agreed, shrugging. ‘Skulking around in the dark with four Nailmarni is potentially dangerous.’

‘
I appreciate that you came after me.’

‘
Callian was already coming after you when I came around the back of the Donjon, so he thought he may as well have a quick look around to make sure there were no more of them wandering around inside the walls.’

‘
And?’

‘
No. He didn’t find any more.’

‘
So where did this Nailmarni get the uniform?’

Rezon
looked at it for a moment. ‘I think you can stop worrying,’ he said. ‘If it was taken from a soldier here at Emerald it wouldn’t be so ragged and dirty. I would guess that they found an old discarded uniform somewhere or took it from an already dead soldier.’ Dale nodded in glum relief.

‘
You didn’t get any blood on you when you stabbed it, did you?’

‘
Not a drop. I’m heading back to the new keep.’ Dale made his way out of the Donjon and across the courtyard with Rezon at his side. Rudiger and Eibhear were standing outside the room occupied by Lerise and Jade, and Dale was sure Lias would be inside with Physician Loreto. He was correct and as he and Rezon entered the room, Rudiger and Eibhear followed him inside.

‘
The Princesses seem to be doing well,’ Dale observed.

‘
Better and better,’ agreed Loreto with obvious relief.

‘
Can they be moved? If we go to the Dwellings now, would they survive the journey?’

Loreto turned questioningly to Lias.
‘I think so,’ he answered cautiously.

‘
They have more chance of survival than they would if we remain here much longer,’ said Rezon. ‘A whole bunch of Nailmarni managed to slip past the soldiers and into the old Donjon and it was only luck that Dale noticed them. One of them was strangling my brother to death when Dale stuck a dagger up under its ribs – thank you Dale,’ he said sincerely.

‘
I’m surprised you’re alive,’ said Lias sounding amazed.

‘
So am I,’ Dale admitted. ‘Rezon crushed the Nailmarni half to death before he broke his neck. Then just for good measure he smashed its head against the stone wall. I imagine by now it would have been ripping me into pieces and eating-’ He stopped speaking as he caught the sickened expression on Loreto’s face.

‘
Rez?’ Without taking his eyes from Rezon, Lias reached out and took Loreto’s hand and gently pulled her towards him.

‘
Ben’s throat was crushed and he was hit fairly hard on the head, but Callian didn’t have any difficulty with his injuries,’ said Rezon. ‘He has a great gift,’ he added.

‘
Where are Callian and Ben now?’ asked Lias.

‘
They’re checking if we have any chance of getting out of Emerald unseen.’

‘
Let’s gather the citizens,’ said Dale. ‘I want to be moving out by first light.’

Chapter
42

Kelian
’s Message

‘Where’s Borg,’ asked Gilgarry, looking around the nearly empty courtyard.

‘
He went out to test the situation with the Nailmarni,’ said Timbul casually, not looking up from the huge basket of fruit he was inspecting. ‘All good.’

‘
I beg your pardon?’

‘
I meant this fruit. It’s good – not spoilt. Borg went with Tiernan and King’s Marshall Danil.’

‘
To check on the Nailmarni?’

‘
To test their theory. They want to see if we can influence them or even force them to do anything.’

‘
How long ago did they leave?’ Gilgarry had slept for a long time after the grievous task of burying bodies.

‘
They left early yesterday morning.’ Timbul became motionless and inclined his head as if concentrating hard. ‘That’s strange. I can normally hear my father’s thoughts, even at quite a distance, but right now I can sense nothing from him.’ He frowned worriedly. ‘Perhaps he’s just too far away,’ he added doubtfully. He leaned against a column stared into the distance. His body became entirely still. A small gasp escaped the guardian’s lips and his hands curled into fists as if he’d been struck by unanticipated pain. Gilgarry watched him, feeling puzzled by the peculiar look that came over his face. He could feel an odd poignancy and he struggled to place the mass of emotions he felt flow from the guardian. With sudden clarity he sensed grief and disappointment, and strong regret. Timbul turned to look at him and Gilgarry was immediately sure that Timbul had not meant to share his experience. He wondered what had happened to make Timbul momentarily lose control. Timbul continued to look at him very seriously, and Gilgarry knew he was asking him not to speak of what he had felt.

‘
Of course I won’t,’ said Gilgarry. He pursued his previous thought. ‘You’re worried about your Father?’

‘
I can’t sense him at all. Not Father, not Danil and not Borg. I wonder if Araas can.’ He paused as though concentrating and a moment later Araas appeared, looking as confused as Timbul.

‘
I can’t sense them either,’ he said ominously.

‘
We go after them?’ asked Gilgarry.

‘
Tim and I will go and find them,’ said Araas.

‘
I’ll get my gear,’ said Gilgarry, turning away.

‘
Gil, you’re too slow. No offence intended,’ said Timbul.

‘
Offence taken! I’ll go by myself then!’

‘
It’s our job to go after them,’ said Araas shortly. ‘You’re worse than Kelian always wanting to do things that aren’t his job!’

‘
I beg your pardon,’ said an indignant voice from behind Araas. ‘What do you mean ‘worse than Kelian’ and how is it you didn’t sense me behind you? Or did you choose to be rude to me even though you knew I was standing here?’ Kelian folded his arms across his chest.

‘
Oh I knew you were there,’ said Araas with a grin. ‘But you were listening in on our conversation and already you were planning to come with us.’

‘
As King of Alkira I can come and go as I please,’ Kelian reminded him.

‘
As King of Alkira, you need to stay with your people,’ Timbul countered.

‘
As King of Alkira, I won’t have any people unless everyone including myself makes every effort to destroy the Nailmarni,’ Kelian reasoned.

‘
You won’t be King of Alkira if you go gallivanting around the forest and get yourself killed,’ said Gilgarry.

‘
If you get killed, Eijelin becomes Queen,’ Timbul observed and he raised an eyebrow as Kelian’s face lit up hopefully.

‘
Oh no, you don’t get out of your duties that easily Majesty. Kelian, I know why I need to go, but why do you want to come with us?’ asked Timbul.

Kelian face darkened and he
turned away. ‘Because I need to find my King’s Marshall and my Colonel, as well as Lord Tiernan. I am ultimately responsible for their safety.’

‘
We can find them,’ said Timbul, spreading his hands as if this was obvious.

‘
I know you can, but I wish to come,’ said Kelian firmly.

‘
Kelian, I really don’t think it’s a good idea,’ said Araas, glancing worriedly at Timbul. ‘I wish we’d left without you knowing.’

‘
We still could,’ said Timbul, grinning.

‘
I don’t think so!’ said Gilgarry crossly. ‘You won’t be going without me. My best friend – and soon to be brother-in-law is out there somewhere. I’m coming with you!’

‘
Now we have to leave without two people knowing we’re going,’ said Timbul wryly to Araas.

‘
Enough!’ Kelian exploded. ‘I
need
to come! I have to go with you. King’s Captain Gilgarry and I will get our gear and meet you back here in five minutes. This conversation is ended!’

‘Yes Majesty,’ Timbul and Araas answered simultaneously. ‘We’ll be waiting right here, sir,’ Timbul added.

‘
Good,’ said Kelian, still sounding cross. He turned and strode across the courtyard with Timbul and Araas looking at his retreating figure uneasily.

‘
Well, that certainly leaves no room for argument,’ said Timbul.

‘
We shouldn’t be arguing with the King of Alkira,’ Araas commented.

‘
I think of him as my friend. I guess we need to show more respect.’

‘
Tim, if something goes wrong, I intend to grab him and get him back here as fast as I can. I won’t be waiting for anyone else.’

‘
That should be my job. After all I’m-’

‘
You are not faster than me, Tim!’ snapped Araas. ‘Besides, if something does happen, you’ll need to get Gil back here as well.’

‘
You’re worried.’

‘
Or course I’m worried. The King of Alkira wants to leave the only relatively safe place in the entire land and go to what is probably the most dangerous. How could I not be worried?’

‘
There’s more to it than that.  What’s on your mind?’

Araas walked over to a low wall and Timbul followed. They sat on the wall and stared towards the beach for several minutes without speaking.
‘I don’t want things to change, now Kelian is King,’ Araas said eventually. ‘And I’m not sure he understands how dangerous this little venture might turn out to be.’

‘
You can bet he knows exactly how dangerous it will be,’ Timbul assured his brother. ‘I think we have to accept that he has a valid reason for wanting to come with us. We don’t know what his reason is, but we have to accept his decision.’

‘
And if he gets killed?’

‘
It will be over my lifeless body.’

‘
Wonderful! That makes me feel so much better. But it brings me to my next concern,’ he added and Timbul looked at him sharply. ‘I felt something a bit disturbing from you a few moments ago. Araas frowned as Timbul turned his face away. ‘What happened, Tim?’

‘
It’s nothing to worry about.’

‘
If there’s something wrong please tell me.’

‘
There’s nothing I wish to discuss.’ Timbul sighed heavily as he finally met his brother’s gaze. ‘Sometimes there are things we have to do that we don’t want to do, but we do them, because that’s what’s required of us.’

‘
You’ve been given a task? Or is it something more? I know something’s wrong. I worry about you. I don’t want you to do anything rash. I don’t want anything to happen to you. I don’t want you to hide things from me.’

‘
What
do
you want?’

‘
I want the King, the King’s Captain and my brother to stay here, whilst I go look for father by myself.’

Timbul snorted and then laughed.
‘Well, that’s not going to happen! I have things I need to do, and I won’t get them done by sitting here like a giant slug.’

‘
What things?’

‘
Things,’ Timbul said vaguely. ‘Things I’ve been told to do. We all have things we need to do. Things that are our duty to do, things we are asked to do…lots of things. Like I said, I can’t do what I’m required to do if I’m hiding in here.’

Araas
watched his bother suspiciously. He dropped his gaze as Kelian and Gilgarry walked into the courtyard.

‘
Your Majesty,’ said Araas and Timbul, rising to their feet and bowing their heads.

Kelian
frowned. ‘There’s no-one here,’ he said glancing around the empty courtyard. ‘Could we keep things a little less formal when we’re in private please?’

‘
Yes Majesty,’ Timbul replied politely.

‘
Kelian! My name is Kelian!’ Kelian took a deep breath. ‘I’m sorry. I just don’t want anything to change. You are two of my best friends, and I can’t stand the idea of not being able to relax, at least when we’re in private.’ He broke off as identical expressions of surprise crossed Araas’ and Timbul’s faces. ‘You were thinking the same thing, weren’t you?’ he added perceptively. ‘Well, right now, some more of my closest friends are somewhere out there, and they all need help, and I have to go and find them.’

‘
Kelian, what happened?’ asked Araas. ‘You are doing a mighty job of thinking a myriad of random thoughts to try to confuse us, but it’s not difficult to see you’re hiding something.’

Kelian
’s face whitened. ‘I thought I heard Danil calling me. I wasn’t sure, but I need to try to find him.’ He looked from Araas’ to Timbul’s face anxiously wondering if they would think him an idiot.

‘
Why would we think you an idiot, Kelian?’ asked Araas.

‘
Because I think I can hear Danil calling. Surely if I can hear him, you can too?’

‘
Not necessarily,’ said Timbul. ‘If he has chosen only to speak to you, we won’t hear anything. We’d better get going. If Danil’s calling you I’m sure there will be a good reason.’

‘
Why would he call me? Wouldn’t it be easier to call a guardian?’

‘
Probably because he’s your King’s Marshall,’ Timbul ventured. ‘But I’m sure that he doesn’t want you to go after him yourself! He must want you to send someone.’

‘
But what if he does want me to find him? What if he has a reason?’

‘Can you hear him now?’ asked Araas.

‘
No,’ said Kelian. ‘I’ve only caught hints of his thoughts, but each time I try to ask him where he is, he sort of fades away, like he’s almost unconscious.’

‘
That’s not good,’ said Araas. ‘So we have no idea where to start looking for him?’

‘
I’m planning to head in the direction of the Nailmarni and see if his thoughts get any clearer,’ said Kelian.  ‘What’s the safest way out of here?’

‘
Follow me. There are several ways that few know of,’ said Araas and he led them towards the beach.

By
mid-afternoon they were moving through the trees east of the Dwellings. Thick fog made it impossible to see far in any direction and drizzling rain quickly soaked their clothing. Fortunately it was a warm day and no-one minded being wet. It was quite dim under the bon-yi trees and the damp ground was soft under foot. They followed Araas to the top of a small rise before he stopped and turned to Kelian.

‘
Can you hear Danil?’

Kelian concentrated.
‘Yes. I think I can…yes I can. He’s…awake properly now…I think?’

‘
Can you ask him where he is, or tell him to let you see what he’s seeing?’

Kelian concentrated for a moment and then his eyes widened as a scene came into his mind. Araas placed his hand on his shoulder and reached out towards Timbul.
Timbul placed his own hand on Gilgarry’s shoulder.

The place Kelian could see in his mind was dark. All around him, within arm
’s reach, he could see stone walls. The walls were curved and seemed to stretch far above his head. At the top of the wall he could see a disk of light. He would see the dim outline of two other people who were leaning against the walls as if asleep and he saw they were Tiernan and Borgulnay. His heart accelerated as he noticed Borg’s uniform was stained with huge patches of blood. Tiernan opened his eyes momentarily and Kelian automatically reached out with his hand. He gave a start when Araas spoke.

‘
I think I’ve seen that place before.’

‘
It was as if they’re down a well,’ said Kelian. ‘Only it wasn’t a normal round well. It was slightly oval shaped. I don’t ever remember seeing one that shape.’