Conflicting Times: Secrets and Guardians, #2

By H. Chambers

(Book 2 of 3) The naïve King is led by events and circumstances beyond his control. Having no other option, he can only watch and wait. Those of myth and legend have their own agenda, putting right their mistakes from the past. But time is running out and the 'Rift' must be sealed. As plans are thwarted and choices dry up, desperate decisions must be made. Kerdred sits in Brinkton, filled with simmering rage, obsessed with retribution. There is no depth he will not plumb to have those he believes wronged him, suffer. Tensions continue to rise in the fast-paced second book of the Secret and Guardians Trilogy

• Language: English
• Publisher: H. Chambers
• Release date: Jun 11, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393674665

Book preview

Chapter 1

Using his left arm and leg Aharen dragged his battered and bruised body towards the oak tree. As he crawled ever closer, ever slower, he realised he was being watched. Helpless to do anything to protect himself, he carried on. Would they just watch his struggle? Enjoy his torment? Aharen became increasingly angry. He wasn’t going to beg for his own death nor did he like the idea that his efforts to reach the tree were proving entertaining. Aharen stopped. From behind him, movement. His back tensed waiting for the sword.

‘Uncle Aharen?’ the voice was no more than a whisper. Aharen rolled on to his back, raising his arm across his body he felt a hand take his own. As he tried to speak, words slurred from his swollen mouth causing him to cough. Pain shot through his chest.

‘Don’t try to talk, we must get you away from here,’ said Mallow gently.

‘And how are we meant to do that?’ came a woman’s voice from behind Mallow.

‘I don’t know, but we have to try.’

‘Move over, let’s see how bad he is.’

Aharen tried to look at the young woman who was now examining his body. In the darkness and with only one eye partially open he gave up. She obviously knew what she was doing. Slowly her hands moved across his shoulders, down his arms, across his chest. Unable to stop himself he groaned and tensed as she reached each injury. The right leg was the worst. Mallow tried to distract him.

‘She calls herself Brittle, ran into her a few days ago. That’s why I’ve got this black eye’ laughed Mallow. ‘She was hiding in a thicket and well, I thought I was being chased by some of Kerdred’s men. Never did find out as she knocked me out cold.’

‘There was no-one chasing you,’ said Brittle shaking her head.

Mallow was just about to argue when he realised the head movement had nothing to do with what he’d said. Brittle was looking at Aharen’s knee.

‘Is it bad?’ he asked.

‘Yep, the right knee is a mess. The left ankle is very swollen and along with some broken ribs, a possible broken wrist, a nasty head wound and probably a few bits and pieces that I can’t see. He’s going to find our attempts to get him away from here, very painful.’

‘But will he live?’ asked Mallow earnestly.

‘Depends if I’ve missed anything and what I find when I have a closer look at that head and knee.’

Aharen couldn’t decide whether what he had just heard was good news or bad. Having no other choice he lay still as they strapped something to his knee and then his wrist. Finally Mallow spat on a cloth and gently wiped some of the blood away from his eyes. Although his right eye was still too caked to open at least he could now fully open the left. Looking up at the moon and the stars he gritted his teeth. Mallow and Brittle took hold of him under his arms and began to drag him down the hill. They frequently stopped and argued, changed sides and carried on. Aharen found a place to exist out of his mind away from the pain. He knew morning had come but drifted away again, somewhere, nowhere.

‘This will have to do,’ said Brittle looking ahead at some bushes.

‘We didn’t manage to get very far,’ said Mallow sounding disappointed.

‘It’s far enough, your Uncle’s been through enough. We need to get him comfortable and have a proper look at his wounds,’ answered Brittle ‘Come on let’s find a place in here where he can rest.’

By the time they had dragged Aharen through some bushes and cleared an area big enough for him to lie down, it was mid-morning. Despite her tiredness Brittle turned to Mallow.

‘I need you to get water and see if you can find any daisies, dandelions or chickweed all three would be better,’ said Brittle. ‘Here take this,’ she added passing Mallow a water skin.

Mallow thought about complaining yet again about the way she spoke to him. As she was helping her uncle, he kept his mouth shut and disappeared through the bushes.

Looking down at Aharen, Brittle tilted her head to one side. ‘How are you doing?’ she asked. Aharen lifted his hand to his face.

‘No, when Mallow returns we’ll get that gunge off that eye. Better leave it for now.’

Aharen looked at Brittle he could see the concern on her face. She was probably a couple of years older than Mallow maybe seventeen or eighteen. Her brown hair was pulled tightly back in a ponytail. She had a strong face ‘good bone structure’ would have been Nathe’s description. The memory of Nathe and all those who had died in the battle caught Aharen off guard. Believing he was not long for this world, he had not been thinking about what was happening now in Riftdale. Even if Hylaw was able to defeat Kerdred, he realised his fighting days were over.

Brittle started to readjust and modify the splints around his knee and wrist talking as she worked.

‘I know he’s your nephew, but he’s a strange one. Grey, like a wolf. I know he’s not all grey, just his hair and eyes, but with the rest of him being so pale and skinny, I think of him as being..., well, colourless. Thought he was a ghost when he crashed into me that night. He was lucky I didn’t kill him.’ Brittle paused. ‘He seems to have a lot of uncles. We were on our way to Riftdale to meet another uncle. He also talked about another uncle who helped him escape from Brinkton and now here you are, another uncle. Big family?’ Brittle smiled inquiringly at Aharen.

Aharen managed to smile, he didn’t know how many ‘uncles’ there were. When Lyla fell pregnant she gave up her trade and married the Baker. As the Baker had recently lost his wife the arrangement suited them both. Lyla would cook, clean and help in the shop. The Baker would provide them a home and bring up Mallow as if he were his son. Anyone of these ‘uncles’ could be Mallow’s father, including Aharen.

Mallow returned with water, dandelions and chickweed. No sooner had he returned he was then sent back out to find food. Brittle laughed quietly as he begrudgingly disappeared again through the bushes. After cleaning Aharen’s wounds she began to crush the dandelions and chickweed into a bowl adding a little water. This she smeared over his bruises and swollen ankle.

‘Thank you,’ said Aharen quietly.

‘I’m sorry I have nothing for the pain,’ she said looking again at the now cleaned head wound. ‘You are lucky, it’s not too deep, thick skull.’

After giving him a much needed drink Brittle sat back, there was nothing left for her to do, just wait for Mallow to return. The afternoon wore on, Brittle covered them with her cloak. They both fell asleep.

Brittle woke up with a start and looked around, it was dark. Aharen opened his eyes.

‘Mallow has not returned,’ said Brittle ‘I should not have sent him back out.’

Using his left arm Aharen managed to get himself into a sitting position. He felt useless.

‘Leave me here, you go, see what you can find out’ he managed to say.

‘He won’t have gone back to the valley, would he? When I sent him out for food I just meant for him to pick berries and dig up some roots.’

‘Worried about me?’ said Mallow appearing through the bushes.

‘Where have you been?’ asked Brittle, relieved.

Mallow handed Brittle a small sack.

‘Food just liked you asked,’ smiled Mallow pleased with himself.

‘Well? You’re dying to tell me,’ said Brittle reaching into the sack and finding a lump of bread and some cheese.

Mallow waited, still grinning.

‘I also have a horse.’

‘What!? Tell me everything,’ said Brittle.

‘How about we start eating first?’ suggested Mallow looking at Aharen. ‘How are you?’

‘Hungry and sore.’

Mallow nodded, his uncle did look a lot better. His hair and beard were still matted with blood, but Brittle seemed to have done a good job cleaning his head wound and eyes.

Brittle passed Aharen some cheese and a dish with some bread soaked in water.

‘I think as soon as we have eaten we should get away from here,’ said Mallow.

‘Agreed, it will be a lot safer for us to travel at night,’ said Brittle holding out some food for Mallow.

When Mallow reached out for it she pulled her hand back, a questioning look on her face.

‘Well?’ she said giving him the food.

Mallow didn’t want to tell them everything. How he’d headed back towards the valley and found a dead soldier. He had probably fought alongside Aharen, his injuries were brutal. Mallow had wondered how the soldier had managed to make it so far. The food they were now eating he had taken from the soldier. It had felt wrong to steal from the dead, it had felt wrong just to leave the body lying like that. Mallow started his story from when he began to make his way back, with a few adjustments.

‘I was looking for some blackberry bushes when, across a field, I saw two horses. One was hurt but the other seemed fine. Didn’t want to be seen out in the open so I took my time. Crawled on my belly most of the way.’

Mallow took a bite of the bread then shoved some cheese in his mouth as well. Aharen and Brittle waited patiently while Mallow ate. Mallow however started talking before he had finished his mouthful.

‘The darn horse got spooked when she saw me, took ages to catch her. Spent the rest of the day hiding behind some trees. Didn’t want to bring her back until it was dark.’

Mallow put some more bread and cheese in his mouth.

‘Do you think you will be able to ride?’ asked Mallow spitting some food in Aharen’s direction.

Aharen was slowly chewing the softened bread. As he swallowed the food he looked at both Mallow and Brittle. These kids were risking their lives to save him.

‘It will be a lot easier than trying to walk. Where do you think we should head? We can’t go to Riftdale,’ he said quietly.

‘I think we should risk crossing the road further west. The forest is probably the safest place right now,’ suggested Brittle.

‘My mother wouldn’t agree with you on that, she says the forest is cursed. Full of demons,’ laughed Mallow.

‘Don’t be daft, you lot are so superstitious,’ said Brittle.

Aharen and Mallow both looked at each other. It was Aharen who spoke first.

‘Where are you from? he asked.

‘Here and there,’ answered Brittle. ‘And that is all you need to know.’

Mallow shrugged. He supposed it didn’t really matter. Aharen didn’t ask any more, her accent wasn’t strong but he had a fair idea of where she was from.

After they had eaten, Brittle strapped her short sword to her back, hiding it under her cloak. Mallow packed away their few possessions. Aharen readied himself. Using Mallow for support he made it to the horse. Aharen didn’t stop to think, using his left hand he gripped the saddle, the swollen ankle screamed at him as it took the weight of his body in the stirrup. His right knee and chest screamed even harder as he mounted. Aharen then leaned over to one side and was sick.

It took a long time to reach the forest. Once in amongst the trees, Brittle walked ahead trying to find wide enough gaps for the horse to walk through. Mallow was tired and nervous, he was sure the trees were watching him, never mind all the creatures lurking in their branches. More than once he jumped at a strange noise. The horse seemed totally untroubled and Mallow knew horses could sense danger. Focussing on that thought he kept his eyes on the tail ahead of him. When Brittle finally stopped, Mallow just lay down and fell asleep.

When he awoke some hours later, he had Brittle’s cloak over him. He could smell food and hear talking. Looking over towards the sounds, he saw two men sitting with Aharen and Brittle. They looked identical, apart from a scar one of them had on his cheek. Mallow listened, he recognised them, they were part of the circus act that had been in Brinkton.

‘I don’t know. When we heard the explosion we skirted around the back of Riftdale. The whole library had gone! Our orders had been to head across to the mountains and join the rest, but when we saw Ami we realised things had changed,’ said Ebblin.

‘Then they started looking for tunnels, we presume. Heard one man swearing, saying they disappeared into thin air. One of the other archers said Kerdred’s men had been spooked by a man who moved at impossible speed,’ added Ghale.

‘Then Kerdred was brought out of the forest, looked badly injured,’ said Ebblin.

Mallow got up from his resting place and walked over.

‘Hello,’ he said as he approached.

‘Ah, Mallow I’d like you to meet Ghale and Ebblin. They were on their way to the valley to see if any of our men are left alive,’ said Aharen.

‘Just you. There are some of Kerdred’s men. They were collecting the swords and stuff off the dead,’ replied Mallow.

‘Yes, Brittle has told them of our little adventure,’ said Aharen kindly.

‘Is the King dead?’ asked Mallow.

‘Brittle has asked us the same question, I’m afraid we don’t know,’ answered Ghale.

Mallow became distracted by the plate of food next to Ghale, Ebblin smiled and gestured for him to sit with them. Aharen watched as Mallow began to stuff food into his mouth, something Aharen was always getting into trouble for as a young boy.

If you are certain there is no point in going to the valley, we will head back. The other archers are keeping watch at Riftdale, not much else we can do,’ said Ebblin.

I don’t think you should remain here. If we found you then so could Kerdred’s men,’ said Ghale.

When Aharen has rested a little longer we’ll head deeper into the forest,’ said Brittle deliberately not looking at either Mallow or Aharen for their reactions.

We’ll come back and find you once it’s safe,’ said Ghale smiling reassuringly to Mallow.

After a few and quick goodbyes Ghale and Ebblin headed back. Mallow stared after them, they could really move fast through the trees.

My mother said I shouldn’t say who my uncle is in Riftdale, he may not want other people to know. Can I ask you not to say anything when we get there?’ said Mallow seriously.

I can understand that,’ answered Aharen.

Doesn’t bother me, but you do need to face the possibility that he’s dead,’ added Brittle.

Mallow just nodded. Aharen was saddened that one’s so young had to face so much death.

Mallow opened his eyes, it was late into the night, immediately he shut them again. He lay on his side, stock still and very afraid. He could hear Aharen snoring behind him and thought about giving him a nudge in the back. Slowly opening his eyes again, he bravely looked at the sprite hovering just above the ground in front of him. It was surrounded by a glow of orange light. Despite being no bigger than the palm of his hand, Mallow could see all of its features clearly. ‘Pointy’ was a good description. Pointy face, pointy ears, thin body with pointy fingers and pointy toes. Its beautiful shimmering pointy wings moved gently back and forth. The small almond shaped eyes were totally black. The sprite’s head kept tilting from side to side as it looked at Mallow. Then it smiled, clasped its hands together in delight, did a loop the loop and disappeared.

Mallow waited, not moving anything but his eyes to scan around. The sprite reappeared with another, this one was exactly the same except shone with a silvery light. It looked at Mallow curiously. Nodding its head excitedly at the other, they then both disappeared.

Mallow tried to keep his eyes open in case they returned, but exhaustion got the better of him. Before he fell back to sleep he decided to keep this to himself, Brittle would not believe him.

Chapter 2

Breaker watched as Bella again checked on the injured. It had been three days since they had escaped the fighting and entered the huge cavern. There had been plenty of food and torches. There was also an underground stream at the far end which provided fresh water, everything they needed. Breaker glanced around, he often thought of himself as being different from other people, Mankin understood. There had been arguments, moans, despair, questioning. King Hylaw really needed to take charge. He still had a lot to learn.

Penn appeared at the top of the steps, murmurs spread through the cavern. He may have rescued them, but many were now afraid of him. Fear as always brought out the worst in people. Breaker thought it was the staff rather than Penn, he had overheard some arguing about Penn being a wizard and how he could have defeated Kerdred with his magic. Bella had later pleaded with Penn to use the staff to save a badly injured soldier. No one liked it when Penn admitted having no real power over it. When a few hours later the man died, the staff became an object of mistrust.

Breaker closed his eyes and leant back against the wall.

‘Kerdred’s army has gone,’ Penn calmly shouted down.

No one would ask how he knew this.

‘It’s time to get your things together,’ added Penn.

Breaker felt a friendly thump on his arm.

‘Are you just going to sit there or are you going to help,’ demanded Bella.

When they emerged from the tunnels no one seemed to know what to do. The library lay in ruins. As they walked around, they could see Kerdred’s men had either taken, destroyed or burnt almost everything. Thankfully most of the buildings were stone, so once the roofs were repaired there would be some shelter. The main problem they would face would be the lack of food, not that anyone was thinking about food, with the sickening smell in the air from the pyres outside the walls. Hylaw sat on a stone slab. His uncle was dead, Ami captured and so many friends lost. Aberrling had told him he had no choice. Curse Kerdred.

Ghale and Ebblin along with the other archers dropped down from the north wall and headed straight for Bella and Breaker.

‘Ebblin! Ghale!’ screamed Bella, running to meet them.

After emotional hugs, they began telling each other what had happened over the last few days.

‘Wait, we should let everyone hear what you have to say,’ said Bella.

The thundering sound of horses stopped everyone. Haber and Bowles headed back to the tunnel entrance. It was no longer visible.

‘Where’s Penn?’ shouted Haber.

Hylaw’s soldiers formed a defensive line in front of their King. Ghale, Ebblin and Breaker stood in front of Bella. Will, Glint and Felspar stood with the dogs. Terrified, the rest ran off. Through the gates they came. The archers readied their bows.

‘Don’t fire!’ yelled Bella recognising her beloved horse, Hugo with Haystack riding.

When Haystack reached Hylaw, he dismounted. Making a slight bow he then grabbed Hylaw in a big bear hug.

‘Pleased to see you are still alive,’ said Haystack stepping back and looking around at everyone. ‘There was no point in following your orders when we realised Ami was missing.’

‘Kerdred has taken her prisoner,’ said Hylaw.

Haystack liked the anger he heard in Hylaw’s voice.

‘Is this all that is left?’ asked Hylaw looking at the some forty riders behind Haystack.

‘Oh no, what a battle! But I will only tell you when we are sitting with good food and drink in front of us,’ said Haystack gesturing to some soldiers behind him who were carry large sacks. ‘I also want to hear about you lot disappearing!’

‘How do you know? asked Glint.

Haystack laughed again ‘Not yet, one story at a time.’

Just then a black crow flew onto Haystack’s shoulder, a neatly rolled note in its beak.

‘Shade!’ exclaimed Glint.

The crow looked sideways at Glint and ruffled its feathers. Haystack stroked its head before taking the note. After reading it, Haystack lifted his arm, the crow hopped down to the waiting hand.

‘You take care of yourself,’ said Haystack tenderly. The crow appeared to nod in reply, then it took to the skies.

Haystack took control, ordering people here, there and everywhere. Anything that could be salvaged or repaired was sorted out. Makeshift shelters were built, wood collected, and fires made. The mood changed, even Hylaw helped, finding some usable pots and pans. Ghale and Ebblin returned from the forest with some rabbits. Will, Glint, and Felspar collected apples while Bella foraged for wild garlic and herbs. By the time darkness fell everyone was sitting around a fire, eating and drinking. Penn was still nowhere to be found. Ghale and Ebblin talked first with their news of Aharen’s survival and Kerdred’s injury. Hylaw then told of Penn and the underground cave.

‘Why do I get the feeling you already know about this as well?’ asked Hylaw suspiciously.

Haystack looked to his left, then slapped the back of the man sitting next to him.

‘Tosha let me in on a few secrets,’ joked Haystack.

‘You did have a sword to my throat at the time,’ said Tosha straight faced.

‘And you are?’ asked Hylaw.

‘Your best spy.’

‘Mm, my best spy, so you work for Aberrling?’ mused Hylaw.

‘Who works for you.’

‘True, but that doesn’t explain how you knew about the cavern.’

‘I had only just found out about it before I talked to Haystack. I had been to see Eldin, to tell him of Aberrling’s plan.’

‘Aberrling’s plan?’ asked Hylaw.

Ah, this is where I should begin,’ said Haystack.

Haystack began.