The Troven (Kingdom of Denall Book 1) (24 page)

“What about Bendar?” Kaz demanded. “If those men are dangerous, he might be in danger.”

Odon clenched his jaw and motioned for Kaz to follow him. They walked to the middle of the field, and Odon began talking as soon as he saw most of the caravan representatives were within hearing.

“The bandits from the raid yesterday have escaped. Bendar, one of the young men who saved us, might be with them,” he added with a sympathetic look to Kaz. “We need to pack up camp and prepare for departure, and I’d like to send a group of scouts to track the bandits and find out where they are headed. When we have more information we’ll decide if we need to leave right away or not. For now, prepare your families for a quick departure.”

“I’ll track them,” Blade answered, stepping forward.

“I’d like to go too,” Farin added from the far side of the group. Odon and Blade both began shaking their heads, but before they could speak he continued, “If Bendar is in danger, I’m going. I can easily hear what they’re saying from a hundred yards away through the woods. I can help.”

Odon nodded, “Blade, can you get him a horse?” Blade nodded and motioned for Farin to join with him. “Everyone else, pack up and get things together.”

The small group dispersed and Kaz made his way to his friend. “I’m going with you too,” Kaz said as he approached Farin and Blade.

The older man shook his head, “We’re just tracking them to see which direction they went. It goes faster with two riders. We’ll bring back news as soon as we know anything.”

Kaz wanted to argue, but Blade didn’t wait around to hear what he was going to say, he just started walking toward the horse line. As Farin passed his friend, he stopped.

“Can you help Naida? Make sure her things are packed up? We’ll be back soon.” Without waiting for a response, Farin jogged away to catch up with Blade.

* * * * *

Farin and Blade galloped down the main road leading west. The tall, slim caravan member was dressed in casual, woolen work clothing that was a stark contrast to the sword that was strapped to his horse. The way he rode, and even the way he moved, seemed more like a well-trained soldier than a leather worker.

“They have a two hour lead on us,” Blade said as he rode next to Farin, “but when they left they did it quietly, and they have some injured men, so we can probably catch up to them when they stop to rest.”

Farin nodded and leaned down on his horse, urging it forward. They continued down the road, easily following the tracks of the men who had escaped. He kept his ears sharp for any sounds down the road, and also listened passively to the woods in case some of the escapees had hidden themselves to watch for pursuers. His heightened hearing seemed to work not only better than it ever had before, but he could also do more things at once with it. He smiled as he thought of the wonderful final gift his brother had given him.

As they charged down the road, Farin heard some rustling, and he motioned for Blade to slow down.

“Up ahead,” Farin whispered. He pointed out to their right in the woods. “Something is moving in the trees.”

Blade nodded and then dismounted, silently pulling his sword from his saddle sheath. Farin was amazed at his stealth as Blade walked smoothly through the woods, silently leaping from rocks to open spaces, never once snapping a twig or brushing leaves. Farin tried to copy his movements, but was not nearly as good.

“Shhh!” Blade whispered back to Farin as he stepped on a dried leaf that cracked in half. The sound would not be noticed by the strongarm thieves, but that was not good enough for Blade. The older man stopped and knelt down to the ground. “Remember,” he cautioned, “we are here to find out their plans.”

“What if Bendar is their prisoner?” Farin argued softly.

“Then we’ll go back for support,” Blade answered. “If we attack and get ourselves killed, we put the entire caravan at risk. Do you understand?” Farin nodded. “Can you hear them yet?”

Farin shook his head. “There is a lot of motion in the forest that direction,” he responded, pointing out into the trees, “but I can’t make out any words.”

Blade stood back up and continued moving between the trees, silently creeping up on the bandits. As they closed in, Farin began to hear indistinct chatter, then he began to make out the words they were speaking. He patted Blade on the back and they both stopped and crouched down to the ground.

“There are two men talking now. They are arguing about who is going to start the fire.” Farin continued to passively listen to the unimportant conversation. “Can we move closer?” he felt silly asking Blade for permission, but it had been very clear from the moment they left that he was in charge.

“Why?”

“If we could see them, we’d know exactly what’s going on with Bendar.”

Blade shook his head back and forth. “If we can see them, they can see us.”

Reluctantly, Farin nodded.

“I heard a ripping sound, like they are tearing fabric, and one of them is moaning softly.”

“They’re probably replacing his bandages,” Blade remarked absently. “Anything else?”

Farin focused his heightened hearing and scanned through the woods toward the bandit camp. He tuned out all the ambient noises and became excited when he found Bendar’s voice. “Bendar is whispering,” Farin said in a mix of confusion and happiness.

“What’s he saying?”

Fain began repeating what he heard from his friend, “… has nothing. The Algernons are too busy traveling and trading to study.”

Aldis responded in a voice just above a whisper. “What does studying have to do with this?”

“They don’t know anything about the Stones,” Bendar responded. “Why would they try to collect them if they don’t know their use or their worth? They travel light. Why carry rocks with them?”

There was a silence for a moment, then Aldis spoke again. “If you don’t have it, and they don’t have it, then what good are you?”

Bendar’s voice seemed to have some fear behind it as he responded to the threat. “The Algernons don’t have one, but I know where to find one, and I can help get it safely to Omer.”

“We’re not going to Omer’s keep yet,” Aldis argued. “First we need to recruit some help and go after that caravan.”

“That’s enough,” Blade said as he tapped Farin’s back. “We need to get back now and we need to get moving east.”

“Wait!” Farin said, almost forgetting to whisper. “We can’t leave now. We don’t know anything for sure.”

Blade put his hand on Farin’s shoulder, “We need to get back,” he said. For the first time in their trip his voice was soft and almost compassionate. “We know that they do want to come back after us, and we know that Bendar isn’t being held against his will.”

“Didn’t you hear what I said? That bandit threatened him,” Farin argued.

“Yes I did hear that,” Blade responded. “And I know how difficult it is to lose a brother and a friend within a couple of days, but you need to think about what’s happening over there. When the bandit asked what Bendar was useful for, Bendar responded by trying to convince him to keep Bendar with them. I don’t understand why, but it seems your friend wants them to take him to Omer’s keep.”

“Maybe that’s to lead them away from the caravan, to keep you all safe.”

Blade nodded, “That’s true, it might be to keep us safe, and they might listen to him, but it could also be for any number of other reasons, and they might not take him east. Either way it seems your friend is safe, for now, but the caravan is not.”

Blade looked at Farin for a long moment, and although the older man could simply command Farin to go back or leave him behind, it seemed to Farin that he did care what Farin thought and wanted him to see it was the only way. Farin thought about Bendar in the camp surrounded by the thieves. He knew that if Bendar was there, he had helped them escape. He didn’t understand why Bendar would do that, or what his plans were, but he did know that the intellect would not have gotten into that situation without thinking through every angle. Bendar was in their camp under their rule, but in some measure Farin felt sure Bendar was in control. He also knew that if he didn’t return to the caravan, he would be risking the safety of Naida and all the other Algernons.

“You’re right. We need to go.”

Chapter 22

Farin woke early in the morning and pushed open the flap of his tent.

“Come on!” Kaz moaned as the first rays of sun filtered through the opening. “We’re staying here for at least a couple of weeks. I want to sleep in till at least lunchtime.” For almost two weeks the caravan had been on the move. From the time Blade and Farin had returned with the news that they might be under attack, they had moved out early each morning heading southeast. Each day after an early signal that woke the whole caravan, they would strike camp and move as far as they could before setting up for the night. Kaz and Farin traveled with the Algernons and were given some work to do each day.

“Don’t you want to explore?” Farin asked as he held the tent flap open even further. Kaz didn’t respond, but instead threw his blanket over his face.

Farin dropped the tent flap closed and stepped out into the quiet morning. He looked around at the colorful wagons and tents that were set up around the edges of a clearing. He walked past the outskirts of the wagons and followed a brook. Farin jumped out onto a large boulder and watched as the shallow stream parted around him before it emptied into a medium-sized lake.

Farin sat and quietly listened to the water running down the stream and the distant sound of some people opening their tents and greeting the day with exaggerated yawns. He looked out over the lake and into the nearby woods and he could quickly see several good fishing holes and some chipmunks, birds and other small game. It was a good spot to stop and resupply.

With his enhanced ears Farin heard some footfalls and knew that someone was coming down the path toward the stream. After a couple of steps he knew it was Angela. The distinct way she walked with a light but solid step was easy to pick out. She slowed down, and her steps became more quiet, and Farin knew she was trying to sneak up on him.

“Hi Angela,” he called out without turning around.

“One of these days I’ll get past your super sensitive ears,” she promised. She finished coming down the path and stopped on the shore across from the rock. “Scoot over,” she called out as she braced herself to jump over to the large rock.

Farin moved a little and patted the rock. Angela easily leapt over the water and sat down next to him. There weren’t many people his age in the caravan, and he found himself spending a lot of his down time chatting with her.

“I thought you’d be sleeping in today after all the work you’ve been doing these past couple of weeks.”

“It’s been hard on everyone,” he responded dismissively. “I’m just glad to have something to do. You know, keep my mind distracted.” Some days were harder than others to wake up and not have Garin around. They sat for a moment in silence as Farin looked down at the rock and tried to not be overcome by the feeling of loss.

Angela stood up and jumped back onto the bank.

“Come on,” she beckoned. “Let’s check this place out.”

Happy for the distraction, Farin dusted off his trousers, rose to his feet and joined her on the grass. As they walked along the shore of the lake, Farin picked up a flat stone and threw it out over the water. The stone skipped two times before sinking below the water.

“What was that?” Angela asked with a raised eyebrow.

“That’s called skipping a stone. Do you want me to show you how?” he asked as he picked out another stone.

Angela picked up her own smooth stone and touched the edges. “This one looks pretty good.”

“Yeah,” Farin agreed. “That’ll do nicely, now you lean back and…”

Before he could say anything, Angela put her hands on her hips and tilted her head to the side, “I think you misunderstood,” she interrupted. “I know what skipping a stone is, I was just wondering what you just did.” She threw the stone out and it bounced off the surface of the water, skipping seven times before it finally stopped about half-way across the lake.

“Alright, strongarm,” Farin teased as he picked up another rock and attempted to outdo her display. His next rock skipped farther than his first, but still didn’t come close to Angela’s throw.

“I didn’t even use my gift,” she said pointing at her arm.

Farin picked up a third and fourth rock tossing them out over the water. “Ouch,” he said when he threw a fifth stone. He grabbed his shoulder.

Angela laughed loudly at him. “You should probably stop before you hurt yourself too badly,” she teased. “Although it would be a great excuse for losing a sparring match, I’d hate to have you injured on your first day of training.”

“Training? Are you serious?” he said with delight.

Angela gave him one of her infectious smiles. “Last night my dad mentioned that he was impressed by how much work you and Kaz were doing around the camp. Now that we’re stopped for a while and Kaz will be working on his archery with Boon, he said he’d be willing to talk to you about doing some sword training.”

Farin rolled his shoulders around and then bobbed his head from side to side as if he was ready to start the training that very minute. Each day of their journey Angela jogged next to the caravan company in full armor carrying her sword. When they stopped for breaks Farin often saw her doing sword forms. Some he had been taught, but most of them were far more advanced than anything he had ever seen. “That’s fantastic! I’ll go talk with him right now. Is he up?”

Angela smirked at him. “He’s awake, but if you go talk to him you really need to stop bobbing up and down like a jackrabbit.” She placed her hands on his shoulders and pushed him down as if the motion would make his excitement more grounded. “Be respectful and enthusiastic, but not giddy.”

“Got it,” Farin agreed. “This’ll be so great! I’ve always wanted to learn more with the sword, and it’ll be fun to spend some more time with you.”

Angela slapped him across the face. Before he could even think to rub his reddening cheek, she stuck her finger inches from his nose. “If you even hint that you are doing this to spend time with me, my dad will tie you to the front of our wagon and you’ll be pulling it for the rest of the season,” she said seriously. “Besides,” she added, placing her hands back on her hips, “if you do get in the practice ring with me, I’m not going to go easy on you, so I don’t think it’ll be much fun. Well, not for you at least.”

Farin backed away from her and held his hands up, ready to block any incoming attacks she might throw. He couldn’t believe she hit him, and by the continued sting on his cheek he was pretty sure she didn’t hold back. “I’m going to go talk with your dad now,” he said as he continued to back up. “And by the way, you are a very scary person,” he added with a friendly grin.

“I’m not scary at all compared to my overprotective single father. If you want to see scary, and feel real pain, just tell him you want to train so you can flirt with me. The reason he left the king’s guard and joined the caravan when my mother died was to keep me away from the soldiers and the barracks. That little tap I gave you is nothing, believe me.”

Farin looked over his shoulder up the path to the caravan campground.

“Maybe I’ll just take knitting lessons from Naida. It seems like that might be the safer thing to do.”

Angela walked up to him, turned him around by his shoulders and they walked up the path together.

“Since when were you interested in doing things the safe way? Just get up there, follow my advice, and you’ll be fine.” She continued up the path and Farin followed.

When they arrived at their wagons, which were set up to form the sides of a three sided practice ring, Blade was seated on the back of one of their wagons punching rivets in a piece of soft leather.

“Hello,” he greeted as Farin approached.

“Hi,” Farin responded. Up until this point he hadn’t had a lot of conversations with Blade and he didn’t know whether to call him Blade or sir. “What are you doing there?” he asked pointing at the leather.

“This’ll be some leather leggings, but I’m pretty sure that’s not what you’re here to talk about, is it?” he asked as he put down the leather and stepped off the wagon.

Farin shook his head, but was unsure what to say. He stood still as Blade walked around him, inspecting him carefully.

“Angela tells me that you are interested in training with us.” He continued to circle slowly around Farin as he spoke aloud his assessment, “You have good build. You’re a hard worker. I’ve seen you swinging some twigs and sticks as we’ve been walking, so I know you’ve handled a sword before.” He stopped in front of Farin and looked down at him. “The main question, young man, is what your intention is?”

Farin tried to swallow but his throat was suddenly completely dry. “What do you mean?” he asked. He wanted to look to Angela for guidance, but he didn’t dare.

Blade smirked a little as if he had some kind of private joke. “I haven’t heard much about your plans. How long are you planning on staying with Algernon’s Caravan?”

Farin released a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, “Oh, my intentions for staying with the caravan, yes. Kaz and I were actually just talking about that yesterday. We’re going to Norwell, and you are headed to Lexingar so we thought we’d stay with you at least until we get there. That is if it is all right with Odon. We haven’t really talked to him about it yet.”

Blade nodded. “Odon has already told you that you are welcome to stay, so that means that as long as you are pulling your weight, which it is obvious you are willing to do, you can stay. It is up to you, but if you do train with me, as long as you are with the caravan you must keep our rule in regards to defense of the group: ‘bruised or dead.’ You will need to learn to fight well, and to execute clean attacks. We only kill when absolutely necessary to defend life, otherwise your skill should be such that you leave your opponents bruised, but otherwise unharmed.  Odon takes life very seriously, and the chance to redeem a life has proven to hinge upon the mark being left with minimal injury.”

Farin looked back over his shoulder at his tent, and the wagons that were set up. “I’d like to stay, at least until we get to Lexingar, perhaps longer depending on where you are headed.”

Blade rubbed his chin thoughtfully and walked over to a small shelf where he retrieved a practice sword. “Here you go,” he tossed the sword, wooden blade first, at the young man. Farin dodged to the left and grabbed the hilt of the sword with his right hand and spun it around to point back at Blade. The older man nodded approvingly, “Good catch. Footwork needs some work, but overall, that was well done.”

“Thank you,” Farin responded.

Blade walked back to him and circled around him again. Farin wondered what he could possibly learn from his endless circles but he remained standing during the inspection.  When he was again standing in front of Farin, he held his hand over his mouth and tapped his forefinger on his upper lip several times before he spoke. “Three months isn’t much time, but I think you have great potential.”

“Three months?” Farin asked in surprise. “I thought the trip to Lexingar was only a month, or six weeks at the most.”

Blade dropped both hands to his side, “We’re not like a stage coach,” he began with a smile. “These past two weeks have been very different as we’ve been on the run. Usually our trip will take us up through some smaller villages where we’ll be stopping to trade, and from time to time we’ll set up camp and work on making our wares. We’re not planning to get to Lexingar until the tournament season.” He stopped talking and gave Farin a penetrating gaze. “Does that change your plans?”

Farin didn’t want to make any decisions without consulting Kaz, but he also didn’t want to turn down the chance for some real sword training. “Three months of training sounds great,” he responded. “When do we start?”

Blade’s grin widened into a full smile. “It started two weeks ago in the woods when you chose to follow me back to our group. Your sword training will start after your morning run.”

“Morning run?” Farin asked scrunching his eyebrows together in confusion.

Blade patted him on the back. “Try to keep up with Angela, and whatever happens, don’t drop your sword.”

Farin’s eyes lit up, “I get a sword?”

“Of course you do,” Blade responded. “How else can we do training?” Much to Farin’s dismay, Blade reached down and touched the wooden practice sword. “It’s right here. We’ll start with this, then move on to the real thing when you’re ready.”

Angela walked up next to Blade and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “We’ll be back in an hour. Love you, Dad.” As she passed Farin she reached out and slapped his practice sword to the ground, then began running out past the caravan wagons.

Farin bent over and grabbed the sword, holding the grip tight in his hand, determined to not drop it again. He started running without looking back at Blade, worried he’d get a disapproving look for failing to obey his first instruction.

* * * * *

Despite his claim that he wanted to sleep in all day, Kaz left the tent shortly after Farin woke him up. Each day of their travels, he had gotten more and more comfortable with the magical bow Boon had shown him, and now that they were stopped for a while, he wanted to see what he could really do with it.

“Are you up yet?” Kaz asked quietly outside Boon’s tent.

“I’m up here,” Boon answered from inside the bright yellow wagon. “I bet I know why you’re here.”