The Swans' War 1 - The One Kingdom (39 page)

"They've found us again!" Fynnol said, not the least bit uncertain.

An arrow glanced off the moving oar and passed Tam so closely that the feathers brushed his shoulder. He dropped down in the boat, peering over the gunwale.

"Get down, Baore!" Fynnol said. He too had collapsed into the bottom of the boat.

"Just a few more strokes." The big man grunted, pulling hard on the oars.

An arrow buried itself in the planking with a terrible thwack! A great splash sounded and a small wave rocked them: someone had fallen into the river. One of the women in the other boat screamed.

Tam raised his head, searching the darkness desperately, expecting an arrow to find him at any moment. Water lapped against the hull; the river smell was strong in his nostrils. Elffen was leaning out over the water screaming. He could just make her out in the darkness, and it was Gartnn's name that she was calling, over and over.

Baore dove into the river, leaving the oars to thud about drunkenly between tholepins until Fynnol took hold of them. Tam could still hear Elffen sobbing when three arrows buried themselves in the stern, a foot from his head.” They're in a boat!" Cynddl cried, and the story finder leapt up, letting arrow after arrow fly. Tam did the same, though he took a moment to find the boat in the darkness. Whoever manned the oars stopped suddenly and the boat lost steerage, wandering off its course, rolling over its own wake, and then it tipped as the men inside scrambled around; and they were all in the water flailing, some wounded. Tam heard Baore surface, draw in a lungful of air, and then dive again. He seemed to be down a long time, and when he came up again Tam could hear him gasping for air. Fynnol shipped the oars and brought their boat alongside the minstrel's. Baore clung with one arm to the transom, fighting to pull air into his lungs.” I can't find him," the big man managed, and then let go of the stern and dove once more.” Tam, take my place," Fynnol whispered, "and I'll man the oars in the other boat. We must away from here." He stepped over the side into Gartnn's place, taking their spare oar with him. Elffen was sobbing now, though into her hands, trying to drown the noise of it. The noise that endangered them all. Fortunately the current had moved them out of bowshot of the shore. Baore surfaced again, flailing the few strokes to the boat.” Come aboard," Cynddl said softly.” We won't find him now. Not in the dark." Tam saw Baore's head shake, his long hair plastered down around his face. The big Valeman looked infinitely piteable to Tam at that moment: trying desperately to save the life of some other, and failing. There was no thought of the cost to himself or of the insult Gartnn had paid him. He dove one last time, but was on the surface again almost immediately. Tam and Cynddl took hold of him under the arms and dragged him aboard, limp from his efforts. Without a word Tam took his place at the oars Elffen continued her soft sobbing. Angeline held her close, but Elffen suddenly pulled away from the other woman, crying so that she all but collapsed from her sorrow.” Why did we ever agree to aid you?" she sobbed.” He was worth ten of you!—you and your inbred family! The river take you!" And she struck out ineffectually at Angeline, but her anger was swept away by the storm of sorrow, and she fell forward over the sail that protected their belongings. Her cries sounded over the night river, and echoed back off the bank, and then echoed again and again, like the cries of a hundred women in mourning.

"THEY'VE HUNTED us DOWN THE LENGTH OF THE WYNND," FYNnol said, "through the wildlands and even down the secret branches of the river. We'll never be free of them."Tam saw an odd glance pass between Elffen and Angeline. The two boats were lying side by side, the current sweeping them slowly south. No one had recovered their nerve after the attack the evening before, and they had stayed to the river all through the night, pressing south, taking turns at the oars.

Tam had remained awake, listening to the night sounds, staring up at the moon and thinking what a pale, cold light it was—wondering if this was what the sun looked like deep beneath the river.

By morning they were all exhausted, and yet they'd dared only the briefest trip ashore for the convenience of the ladies. Otherwise they rested in the boats, letting the river take them, eating the bread and cheese and apples they'd bought in the town the day before. The day had passed this way, and night was drawing near—yet no one seemed inclined to go ashore.” But why have they chased you?" Angeline asked. She and Elffen did not seem to be at all estranged today—as though Elffen's outburst after Gartnn's death had never happened. Fynnol shrugged, bobbing his dark head.” A stranger came to share our campfire one night, and these same black-clad men-at-arms fell upon us in the dark. We thought the stranger had been killed, but later we learned he had escaped, stealing our boat in the bargain. We've come down the river looking for him, for we kept valuables in our boat," Fynnol said quietly, as though afraid someone would hear of this fortune.” Ever since that unlucky meeting we've been pursued. These men must think us allies of Alaan." "Alaan?" Angeline said, reacting in surprise.” Yes, that was the name of the rogue who shared our fire, then robbed us." Angeline and Elffen glanced at each other again.” And where do you expect to find this rogue?" "At the Westbrook Fair," Fynnol said.” Perhaps we might be able to help you," Elffen said, smiling at Fynnol.” Tell us about Alaan." "Perhaps you can tell us about Pwyll," Tam said abruptly.” He said he was a friend of Gartnn's friend and that you were to leave the river, and he would be your guide and protector." He stared at Angeline.” And your real name is Elise, not Angeline, and Gartnn and Elffen have been aiding you, though she cursed you for it; 'you and your inbred family.' " The two women looked about uncomfortably for a moment, and then Elffen drew herself up and met Tarn's eye.” I don't think we need tolerate accusations from men who are pursued down the river by men-at-arms and keep company with a river spirit. You have your secrets and we have ours— and I'll wager ours are far more innocent than yours." She looked pointedly at Cynddl.” Perhaps you'd like to tell us about the stories you've found along the river," she sneered.” I've found your story now," Cynddl said quickly.” Two young women on their way to Westbrook posing as minstrels . . . But why did you curse Angeline for Gartnn's death and not us, for those men-at-arms were after us—or were they? Perhaps they were after you—or after Elise in particular?"Elffen appeared angry now, and her eyes glistened.” What do you know of us or our purpose?" she said, but faltered. Angeline spoke in her place.

"You don't trust us enough to tell us your secrets—" she straightened her skirt "—and we don't know you very well either. It is true, we are in danger, and it might be safer for you to leave us to make our way to Westbrook on our own. We will manage."Tam spoke before anyone else could.” We're all traveling to the fair, Lady Angeline—or Elise, if that is your name. Unless you can swim you'd better stay with us so that Baore can keep your boat afloat and we can rescue you at need. Keep your secrets. Whatever they are I don't think your intentions are wicked, but you might think about this: the men-at-arms who murdered poor Gartnn wore the same black surcoats as the men who've hunted us." He glanced from one woman to the other.” If they were really after you we might share an enemy, and perhaps you know more of him than we do. Alliances have been built on less."They decided to travel by night and hide by day. The river was broad and lazy and hazards rare. Baore fashioned rope fenders to drop between the craft, and lashed the two boats together so that they drifted side by side. All four men could row then; one in the bow and one in the stern of each boat,but they tended to let the river carry them, trusting to darkness for protection. Tam was on watch and steered them down the path of moonlight that shimmered on the river, almost unbroken the surface was so calm. He thought the summer nights beautiful here in the south, without the cool air slipping down the mountains as the sun set. Here the nights could be warm and languid, with only the slightest breeze to trouble the trees. The river, too, was strangely silent, as though it drowsed between its banks, lulled by its slow, steady progress toward the sea. A fish jumped, dark rings rippling over the moonglow.” Tam ... ?" "Angeline?" Tam could just make her out, her head cradled on her arm, a blanket neatly wedged against the gunwale for a pillow.” You may call me Elise," she whispered.” Are the others asleep?" Tam cast his gaze over the still, dark forms and listened to their soft breathing.” So I would guess." She reached up and tugged him closer, so that she could almost whisper in his ear.” I will tell you my secrets if you will tell me yours." Tam felt his body react to her breath on his face, the nearness of her.” The secrets of the others aren't mine to tell. But such secrets as I have I'll trade with you." "That is fair." She hesitated, and a nighthawk cried overhead.” I am Lady Elise Wills," she whispered, the words coming out in a rush, "and I am escaping a marriage that might see our feud with the Renné rekindled." She let out a long breath. The nighthawk called again.” You might say something," she whispered. Tam was too dumbfounded to speak. Here was someone who claimed to be a member of the notorious Wills family, and she did not seem at all malevolent.” Were those men-at-arms after you?" Tam managed.

"That's what I assumed, until I heard your story." She shook her head, a strand of hair wafting down over her face. Tam closed his eyes without meaning to.” You see, it was a man named Alaan that helped me escape. And he and I were pursued by men-at-arms in black surcoats—they serve a man named Hafydd. No, that is not quite right: he calls himself Eremon now.""Alaan was the friend Pwyll spoke of?""So I would guess, but we'll likely never know now."Elise's eyes looked dark, dark and as mysterious as the river in this light.

"And did he travel with a small bird," Tam asked, "a whist?""He called it Jac."

Tam drew a breath.” This man seems to be known by everyone on the river, and he's everywhere at once.""He is some kind of sorcerer, Tam."Tam peered into her eyes, wondering if she jested.

"He is, or so I believe." She shifted a little and a wave of golden hair broke over his cheek, soft and cool.” You met him somewhere in the wildlands? Are you really from the wildlands?""Yes. Our home is at the headwaters of the Wynnd. We met Alaan not far from there, and, as Fynnol said, black-clad men-at-arms attacked us by night. They found us again at the ford at Willowwand, though there were others with them then—men-at-arms in purple livery.""Those serve the Prince of Innes. Hafydd is his counselor. But why are you on the river?""We came to carry Cynddl to the Wold of Kerns, but never found it. The river played us some strange trick and the Wold never appeared." He could see her nod in the dark, not surprised at all.

"And now you go to Westbrook, looking for Alaan because he stole your valuables?""Yes, though they are not really so valuable as Fynnol would have you believe."She considered this, then shifted so that she could see him in the faint light.” Tam? Listen to me. This man Alaan, and this other, Hafydd: they are dangerous men, each in his own way. Don't trifle with them. If you are innocent young men, as I believe you are, set out for your homes at once. Don't become involved in this matter. Men have died already, and more will do so, I fear; but this matter does not involve you. Go north with all speed.""But then I should have to cut your boat loose and let you fend for yourself...."She searched his eyes in the dark.” Yes, you should.""But I can't. We're all going to Westbrook.""Leave me there, Tam. I'm not jesting. I will not have your deaths on my hands. There are enough already."Just then there was a ripple and a hiss, and Tam sat up in time to see the nagar, not two feet away, its pale eyes staring at him in the moonlight. In a flash it was gone beneath the waves, but not before Elise had seen it and gasped so loud she woke the others.

"What? What is it?" Fynnol muttered, shaking his head.

"The nagar," Tam said.” It was following us again. Thea-son said it wouldn't venture so far from the Greensprings, but it's with us still, and I don't know how we'll get free of it now.""I say we take to the land, Cousin," Fynnol said.

"No!" Baore said quickly, and then more calmly, "the men-at-arms seek us there.""Baore is right," Cynddl said, an edge of resignation in his voice.” We go where the river goes. There is no choice.""Yes," Fynnol said softly, "river take us."

TUATH COULD SEE RATH RIDING IN THE CART BEFORE HER. HE SAT up in a chair that had been secured into place, like a king of old riding in state. He was the greatest living story finder of the Fael; almost a man out of legend himself. Nann rode beside the driver, twisting around constantly to smile anxiously at her charge, to give Rath water, or arrange the rug over his legs.

Tuath had been torn from her work on the tapestry to accompany Rath and Nann to the River Wynnd, and she was not even sure why. He will taste the waters, Nann had said, and it was not in Nann's nature to jest.

The line of carts rolled through the shadows of wood now, and Tuath removed her hood, noting the strange looks of the Fael around her. Here among the black wanderers she was an outsider—waxen white, like some being who'd floated down from the moon. And yet she was Fael, having even less in common with the fair-haired people than did others of her race. She was a vision weaver, a rare and distrusted calling among her own people. If she had been born among the fair-haired peoples she would have been burnt for exhibiting such a talent. Among her own people she was merely shunned.

I am the pale wanderer among the dark, she thought.

The path they followed joined another, its course paralleling that of a small river.

"The Westbrook," the man beside her said. He didn't speak with her much, but he was not unkind—or at least not cruel.

"Won't be long now. We camp not far from here. Will you go to the fair?" "What fair?" she asked, surprised by this sudden display of interest. They had been traveling together some days and he'd hardly said so much in that entire time. He gave her a sour look.” The Westbrook Fair, as you well know." "I... I've never heard of it." The man shook his head and flicked the reins, urging his horse on.” Then why have you come?" "Rath commanded it." The man did not have an answer for that. He might not respect her, but he respected Rath and wouldn't be rude to anyone accompanying the story finder. All the same, the conversation, such as it was, ended. It was near dusk when the procession reached the joining of the Westbrook and the Wynnd. There were already Fael camped in that place, and word spread quickly among the tents: Rath had come. Perhaps they might see him so that they could tell their grandchildren. The leaders of the different trains gathered to be introduced to the renowned story finder, but Rath would have none of that. He called for Tuath and, with Nann supporting him on one side and Tuath on the other, made his way to the River Wynnd. Without thought for clothing or footwear he waded directly into the water, bending stiffly, one hard hand clutching Tuath's shoulder. Rath cupped some water and brought it to his lips. He straightened, closing his eyes in the failing light. Tuath gazed out over the still river, a calm night, stars just surfacing on the water and in the sky. She could see boats traveling on the current, their occupants silent as though the stillness and beauty of the place had stolen all their words away. Sometimes the world appears that way, Tuath thought; there are no words that don't diminish it.” They are free," Rath whispered suddenly, leaning all his weight on the two women. Tuath thought he might slip into the river and be gone, such was the burden.” Caibre and Sainth . . . but Sianon, not yet." His head hung suddenly down, and he drew his breath raggedly.

"Take him to shore." Nann grunted, and then said, "Help us!" to the people who stood watching.

Rath was borne up into the camp and a bed made for him. Nann and Tuath stripped him like a sleeping child and lay the blankets gently over him. For a long time neither of them spoke but only watched the wisp of an old man as he lay, awaiting the breeze that would take him away.

Finally Tuath could bear it no more.” Why did he ask me to come?" she whispered.” What am I to do?"The old man's eyes flicked open, though they didn't seem to focus.” Taste the waters," he said.” Someone must find them. Someone must find Sianon and stop her before it all begins again." His eyes closed.” I haven't the strength to tell you their stories," he whispered hoarsely.” But Caibre and Sianon lived to make war. Only war satisfied their greed for glory. There was nothing else, and once their father had passed into the river they warred with each other. The ancient kingdom of Wyrr, the land we call the Greensprings, was split in two and brought to ruin, for they cared nothing for land, nor for the people who dwealt there. Their subjects were only useful as conscripts. The land was denuded to feed the beast of war. The bravest and strongest warriors were raised up, given lands, which they in turn brought to ruin to build their armies to please their lord or lady." Rath opened his eyes, glancing at the two women.” The damage wrought by the Renné and the Wills in our time is like a breeze set against a huricane. Release Caibre and Sianon and you will unleash a storm such as the land between the mountains has not seen in a thousand years." Rath's eyes fell heavily closed, and for a moment he didn't breathe. Nann put a hand to her mouth and looked up at Tuath. But then the old man drew a breath and then another: soft and small, like the breathing of a sleeping child.