The Impending Storm

By Terry

Exinere is a land of wild adventure where recluse elves, mysterious satyrs, industrious dwarves, and men pursuing commerce and wealth dwell in relative harmony. Perhaps the fairest region of Exinere is the secluded plateau of Sliva Campestri. Fenced to the north and south by the dwarven mountains, the rolling plateau between them is the home to many prosperous towns and villages. But with every light, there is a shadow, an ever-present darkness lurking behind the beauty. An evil, known only to a few, has hunted the land. Few who find themselves among these shadows escape to the light . . . except for William Tarkington. When William was young, an attack on his family's farm destroyed his home and left him an orphan. Such was the beginning of William's long road to his role in the mighty guild of Johnstown where he will encounter the shadow once more. The long trend of violence around Johnstown""Campestri's most prominent city""has increased of late; and William will be put on the adventure of his life to find the cause. He will need every bit of his training and nerve to restore peace in the resource rich region of Campestri. He will be part of a select group of guildsmen assigned to find the menace behind all the bloodshed. However, they are blind to who they truly work for and to the real enemy behind it all. This quest will open their eyes to a greater conflict, but such knowledge comes at a grievous cost.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781645151630

Book preview

Chapter 1

Lady Mora casually walked down the school hallway. Her keen green eyes gazed out the tall windows on one side and passed classrooms and offices on the other. The late-afternoon sun shone through the window onto her long fiery red hair and bounced off her green summer robes. Though it was nearing the end of summer, Lady Mora retained her fair complexion. She had a long angular face, angular yet soft, with kind eyes and pinkish cheeks against her light skin. Lady Mora couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Professor Andrew’s face once she walked into the meeting late again. It was the only joy she ever got out of the event. Week after week, the meeting was held on the student’s behalf to help further their knowledge and learning. She rolled her eyes knowing that it was only a guise for Principal Director Andrew to stroke his ego.

She turned and walked through the open doorway. The classroom was full; all sixty kids who attended the school watched her in silence. The head of each discipline sat at the head of their tables. As she entered, she felt an aura much like her own. Professor Corington sat across the room from her. His dark blue hair brushed out of his face revealed piercing green eyes and sly grin. He sat upon his stool amused, though not at her expense, but he enjoyed seeing the reaction of that one specific professor in the room. He gave a slight nod of greeting, to which Mora politely returned a soft smile and wink. But it wasn’t Corington. He was no one out of the ordinary to her. No, it was someone else, someone that she had not yet the pleasure to meet. Glancing over, she spotted an older man sitting by Professor Andrew, a well-kept man with simple apparel. His eyes caught her attention immediately. They looked completely glazed over, giving the appearance of one who’s nearly blind, but she knew they never missed a detail. She didn’t recognize him, but he was definitely the other aura. She would have to find out more about this newcomer.

As she had designed, she had attracted the room’s attention, specifically Andrew’s; and to her pleasure, the professor looked exceptionally contentious. He wore a scowl on his long and bony face, and with his chin rested on his clenched fist, the man glared up at her.

Please forgive me, Professor Andrew. I was painting an oil piece in my office, and I couldn’t stop! I—

Thank you, Lady Mora, you have already wasted enough of our time. Take your seat, he growled. His star pupil sat across from the newcomer, twiddling her thumbs impatiently.

Lady Mora had only a few students, so her discipline didn’t have the prestige of the others, such as Professor Arking’s, whose discipline was evoking, which made up a third of the school.

All right, Professor Andrew began. This is the time of the week when we assemble for questions. Perhaps we could go into a little more detail about something we have already studied. Who’s first?

One of the younger students at Professor Arking’s table asked, Why are there so many evil breeds like trolls and canes? Where did they all come from?

Professor Corington, a recognized expert in evil breeds, started to answer, Well, first, you—

Good question, young man, Professor Andrew interrupted, straightening his collar. "You see, a troll is the result of eating too many sospitas berries. Though the berries have a miraculous healing effect, too many of them have very costly consequences. One will start feeling sick at first, which makes them crave the berries all the more until they’ve grown into a monstrous troll. Afterward, they are never in their right mind but become slower, ignorant creatures that roam the lands cursed for life.

Now evil breeds are blended beings. It was obviously done by a very cunning wizard that went too far, Andrew began. For example, in the case of a marmerite, as the elves refer to them, but the common man calls them dogmen or canes, a wizard must have blended a man and a dog, most likely a large type of mastiff. The blending obviously gave them their thin but strong build, with the body of a man but much taller and faster. They also have a large doglike face and the hind legs of a dog, but their clawed hands are those of a man’s only a bit larger. The trouble is, sadly, they did not keep control of these things. The creatures began to grow in number, and now they are the problem we have today.

Professor Andrew paused, as if to let the students applaud. When none of them did, he continued, It is the same with the ogre, or vistabova in the elven tongue—a mix with a man and an ox. This gives the ogre its large build, coarse, woolly mane. Its horns curl around its head, come forward at the jaw to give the appearance of tusks. aperjun are from a dwarf and a wild boar, which is why dwarves loathe them so. Also with the—

Are you sure it was a wizard that has done these things, Professor? Lady Mora asked.

Several students sighed with relief, thankful for being saved from Andrew’s rambling.

The professor, amused by her ignorance, smirked. Who or what else would have the brilliant mind to do so, might I ask? He chuckled. A cleric, a pixie? This drew laughter from many in the room, mostly his own students.

Lady Mora shrugged carelessly. A dragon could.

A tense silence stretched over the classroom. Professor Corington sat back in his seat, smiling at Mora’s challenge to the schoolmaster.

Dragons? Dragons? We all know very well that dragons, if they ever really existed in the first place, were nothing more than mystical creatures. They were said to be cunning and witty beasts but beasts all the same and had no real intellect to create such things, Andrew retorted.

Oh, come now, Professor! What do you know of dragons? Why, you’re over divination. This is Corington’s expertise! she chided.

I have had many conversations with much more knowledgeable folk than you or Corington about dragons! Take my friend and adviser, LO here. He has extensive knowledge in such things, Professor Andrew spouted.

Do tell, sir, what do you think? asked Lady Mora.

Oh, Andrew, you know I am only an appraiser, he said. I have a good historical knowledge of artifacts that were said to have been in the presence of a dragon but not much more.

Surely you can share an opinion on whether or not a dragon could create these things? she asked, as she did she saw defeat cover Professor Andrew’s face. Driving the victory home, she added, Nothing? Pity. She could feel the new aura pulse with irritation and then calm.

Corington coughed in his corner, doing his best to keep his laughter in.

Your questioning is unproductive, Mora, and I think the question has been answered well enough! Professor Andrew snapped, not taking his eyes off her.

His voice echoed through the hallways. Andrew looked around—the students were silent, staring wide-eyed at the professor. What are you all looking at? he asked sharply. Dismissed!

A loud murmur hummed throughout the room as students stood from their seats. All the students hurried out of the room, and the teachers casually dispersed, leaving professor Andrew and LO alone.

This situation is unacceptable. If I am to rise to prominence in the governing council, I can’t have that woman questioning me at every turn! Andrew hissed.

Andrew, do calm down, said the advisor calmly. How could this woman impede you?

Feeling foolish, the professor sighed. Leave me, LO.

The old man frowned. Andrew, please, you must know I’m looking out for your own good. This woman won’t hinder you fro—

Did you not hear me? Andrew asked.

LO sighed and, shaking his head, slowly walked out of the room.

Chapter 2

William bolted awake in his bunk; the alarm bell was ringing. He sat up and looked around the dark room to get his bearings. William could make out the other three men getting up. When the lamp was lit outside the door, he could see that they looked as groggy as he felt. The young man ran his fingers through his short blonde hair. This is the one part of the job that hadn’t got used to in the past three years. He reached for his clothes and realized he hadn’t bothered to take them off when he fell into his bunk four hours ago. He pulled on his studded leather armor. Captain Holloway leaned his head through the doorway, eyes bloodshot and weary. He looked at the flustered men sitting up in their bunks. The captain’s hair was still messy, and he only had cotton pants and an undershirt on.

Get up, boys, he ordered. We gotta be in the saddle riding out the gate in fifteen minutes.

What’s the trouble, sir? Adam asked as he retrieved his leather riding pants from the floor.

The signal fire at Dree, the captain replied, probably the logging camp just north of it. Get ready. We got to go.

Captain Holloway hurried down the hall, shouting the same orders in the next three rooms. William quickly pulled on his knee-length riding boots and wished, not for the last time, that he was back in his warm bunk.

Canes again, said the grim-faced Durin. Seeing the odd looks from his companions, he explained, Some of the guys from Smith’s patrol were talking about an attack that happened while we were out. They said it looked like canes.

Adam and Durin were dressing as fast as their weary limbs would allow. William finished fastening the silver-and-blue overlay that bore the crest of the guild, crossed hammers on a shield. He fastened his sword belt and checked to see that all was in place.

I’ll go grab some fresh qui— He looked up to see Eugene, the youngest member of their company at sixteen, sitting on his bunk struggling to get his studded leather shirt on while half asleep. William took a step over and pulled the doublet straight, then forced it down over Eugene’s head. He looked dazedly up at William; his eyes still squinted even in the dim lamplight. Er, thanks, he mumbled.

Wake up and get your head clear, William said, looking into his eyes. If they’re getting us up like this, there’s someone in trouble. He slapped Eugene on the shoulder. I’m going for fresh quivers and to fill the canteens. I’ll meet you three at the stables. You don’t have long.

William grabbed the canteens, his bow, and his helmet as he left. He hurried down the hallway to the small equipment room. He took four quivers from the rack and hustled down the stairs into the cool of the dark late-summer night. He filled the canteens at the fountain in the courtyard and met up with Frederick, another of the archers in his company, in the stable.

You heard what’s wrong? William asked, quickly cinching the girt.

Don’t know, something out toward Dree, Frederick grunted, mounting his horse. We’ll know for sure soon enough.

Four lancemen walked into the stables, their chain mail draped across their broad shoulders, and the moonlight caught the glint of their helmets and breastplates.

You ready for this? one of them asked and slung his stout oval shield across his back. They’re saying this problem is canes. Canes attack from behind, like mountain wolves. Are you sure you’ll be able to tack them with your twigs? The other three men gave broad smiles to their friend’s jest. The stableboys had their chargers ready and helped them into the saddle. Their swords sheathed at their sides and their long heavy lances in their hands.

If you can stay on your horse—Frederick laughed—we’ll keep them off your back.

They smiled and trotted toward the mustering field.

William heard the sound of familiar voices and turned to find Adam hurrying in along with Eugene and Durin at his heels. He was glad to see Eugene had his uniform on straight and his helmet polished to a shine. The stable boys had already set their saddles for them, and the fresh horses were at the ready.

It’s about time, William joked, handing each of them their quivers and canteens. They didn’t answer but only put the quivers onto their backs and continued to get ready.

William mounted his horse, slid his bow in place, and urged his steed on toward the forming column.

All fifteen, including Captain Holloway and his second-in-command, Tresser Bradford, were heading toward the Keep gates to start on the road headed to wherever they were needed.

"Archers, ready! yelled the gate tresser at the top of the gatehouse to the men manning the wall. Open the gate!" he yelled again, and as the creaking gates slowly opened, William heard the cocking of the mounted ballista at the top of the wall. At the captain’s order, the men rode hard out of the Keep’s south gate.

The pace didn’t let up after they heard the gate slam shut behind them. The fresh air off the lake and crash of the water breaking on the rocks greeted them just outside but faded when they descended through the pass at Marley Ridge, replaced by the earthy stench of the swamp, the domain of the lizardmen, as the patrol drew closer to the headwaters. They were in sight of the small port village of Elve Haven, south of the river, when they turned onto the smaller Nordkant trail that ran on the north side of the waterway and went all the way to the falls. They were barely out of sight of the main road, and the early morning light was still a few hours away when they heard the first ghoulish howls from the northern tree line.

The order came back to tighten up the formation. They rode three wide and five deep. Captain Holloway, Tresser Bradford, and the lancemen made the first three rows. Behind them were two rows of archers. William rode in the back with Eugene and Adam. In front of them were Durin, Frederick, and Matthew.

The area was dry and rocky with sparse patches of spiky dried grass. The dirt crunched under the horse hooves. They rode in such a tight formation that William could touch Eugene. William’s horse whinnied nervously. Calm down, he whispered, though he couldn’t hear it over the rumble of the hooves. He brought out his bow and nocked an arrow. Adam did the same. The barks and growls soon came from behind them. William heard the pounding of feet as their attackers ran faster still toward them.

In unison, William and Adam patted Eugene on the shoulder, giving him the signal. Eugene, riding between the two, leaned forward, reached out, and took hold of the bridle of each horse. When he was sure that he had a firm grip, William and Adam stood in their stirrups, and they turned around to shoot.

Eugene yelled, "Attackers in pursuit!" and stooped his head next to his horse’s neck. Frederick echoed him, and the message carried all the way to the front. Frederick grabbed the bridle of Matthew and Durin’s horses. When he had control, they stood up and turned their aim to protect the flanks of the column. The inky black of night started to give hints of the sunrise to come, and the archers could make out shapes of something like men running on all fours like beasts, with astonishing speed. Their legs were crooked like a dog’s, and their arms were longer than a normal man’s. They had no problem keeping pace with the horses, and were closing in behind them.

Remember! William shouted to Adam over the din. Don’t aim too high! They’ll run into your arrow, and don’t worry about where you hit ’em, just hit ’em!

Adam nodded. I can’t see ’em well enough to shoot, he yelled.

You will! Eugene replied, watching the center lancemen in the second and third rows light their torches.

He had no more said it than the torches blazed at the front of the formation, and the canes eyes shone brightly in the torchlight. It astonished them how many eyes looked back hungrily. Without hesitation, the whistle of arrows met the whines and cries of dogmen. Adam caught movement out of the corner of his eye. Looking over at Eugene’s horse, he saw a man’s silhouette in the firelight, but its head that of a dog. It leaped forward with its long arms outstretched and its mouth wide open, snarling, as foam leaked through its sharp fangs. Adam quickly nocked an arrow, flexed his bowstring, and let it loose, sending the pointed rod through the chest of the attacker. The marmerite whined and fell away into the night, but another quickly replaced it.

It was hard to see, even with the firelight blazing behind them. William only knew he hit a marmerite when he heard them cry out, yet he still wasn’t sure if it was a solid hit. He stretched his bowstring and searched for a target. Seeing a pair of glowing red eyes to his left, he loosed his arrow. He heard a whine. William pulled another arrow. Then he heard the cries that must have been retreat, and the marmerites backed out of the torchlight. They were losing the cover of night as sunrise approached and abandoned the hunt, disappearing like phantoms into the night. Adam, William, Durin, and Matthew sat back down in their saddles; Eugene and Frederick let go of the bridles.

Nice shot, William said to Adam.

Adam smiled. Thanks, I hope that’s the last we see of them.

Chapter 3

With the disappearance of the marmerites and visibility getting better, the order came back to stow weapons and spread the formation so they could pick up the pace. Within the hour, they were quickly approaching a small logging camp, fortified by high earthen walls and surrounded by a dry moat.

At the top of the wall, the woodmen used split logs to make a wood fence five feet tall. They almost arrived at the gate of the compound when William noticed several men working to fix a breach in the fence.

Looks like the canes got in last night, Adam murmured, watching the men finish the repair. I hope they didn’t lose anyone.

William nodded in agreement.

Quiet, men! Bradford called back to the column as they stopped at the gate Keep your thoughts to yourselves.

The gate swung outward, and a short burly man marched out with a grim look. What’s left of my company welcomes you, guildsmen, he said. Thank you for coming. Come in.

The captain eased his mount forward through the gate. Bradford gave the hand signal for the troop of men to hold their position, then turned and followed the captain.

Only a few minutes passed before Bradford came back to the column. He went row by row, checking for injuries and giving orders. William heard him send five of the lancemen to the top of the mound wall to stand guard and told the other two to tend to the horses. The tresser got back to the archers as they dismounted, and the young lancemen took their reins.

Keep your weapons with you. I counted at least twelve in that raiding party. That many may get brave enough to try to surprise us again before the sun is up in full, he said. These woodmen are packing up and hope to be moving everything south before the sun is high, but their oxen are made for pulling not running. We may have to fend off those wicked dogmen again before we return to our beds.

Durin, Fredrick, Eugene, Matthew, the tresser said. Go to the top of the mound wall and pair up with a lanceman to stand guard.

Yes, sir! they replied in unison.

Adam, William, come with me. Captain Holloway wants to see you, Bradford said. He walked them through the gate and toward Holloway, who was talking to the man that had greeted them at the gate a few minutes earlier.

Ah, good, my scouts, Holloway said when he saw them coming over. This is Bruce Connley, the foreman on this crew. Come have a look at this, William.

William quick-stepped over to him. They were looking at a map of the area. Holloway pointed. We’re here, he said.

As William looked over their position, he noticed some marks on the map that he didn’t recognize.

What are these? he asked.

That’s where we’ve already cut, Connley said, pointing at one of the marks. And this, he said, pointing north and west of that, is where we think the timber we’re looking for could be. In fact, I had two men scouting the area today…er… I mean, yesterday…before the attack.

Good, said Holloway. Where are they? We must know what they saw.

Well, they’re supposed to be back, said the burly man, straightening up and looking around, as if they could be right there. But I ain’t seen ’em.

Running his fingers through his thick, greasy hair. "Oy, Elroy! he yelled across the compound. You seen them boys we sent lookin’ for the wood?"

"Nope, ain’t seen ’em!"

The man grunted something under his breath before looking back up at Hollaway. Excuse my disorder.

William, Adam, we need to know where the canes are staying in the area. Make a scouting run as soon as you have enough light. William, head north to the tree line and head west. Ride the tree line past this point. The captain gestured to the area on the map where the two men had been sent. Then circle back around toward the river, and start your way back here. Adam, the captain continued without taking a breath, go with William, but head east along the tree line. Follow it to this point. He stabbed the map again. Circle south— A bright flash to the north caught their attention.

Thunderstorms blow up quick in these mountains, said the woodman stroking his whiskery chin with a gnarled finger. No thunder, so it’s still a fer piece off, but I bet it’ll be a wet walk to the river fer us. The farther we get before it starts, the better. Them oxen are mighty slow in the mud. I’m goin’ to light a fire under these boys. You can figure the rest of it. He hurried off, shouting orders to anyone he got close to.

The captain looked at Bradford. They’ll need an extra set of eyes. We can’t wait for the light now. We need two more. Who do you want to send?

These two have trained with Soelen and Peter, Bradford said, gesturing to William and Adam.

The captain turned back to the scouts. William, take Soelen with you, and Adam, take Peter. Adam, when you head back, go all the way to the river, cross it if you can, and take the river road. If not, then take Nordkant Trail, but be watchful. There are still canes out there. The north bank of the river is not safe. We’ll hopefully be crossing between Dree Toren and Grovan Toren," he said, pointing toward the two watchtowers that guard the forde at Raskvann Shoals.

William, do you remember the trail that runs through here? Holloway pointed to an area south of the tree line. Back west to the lake road?

William nodded. The captain continued, Take that trail to the Keep to report on our situation to the guard captain, and tell him I’m requesting any additional men he can send. Bring them back south. You should be able to cross at Elve Haven, and take the river road to the shoals.

Holloway scanned back over the map. It’s been a long time since the marmerite tribes have come down out of the mountains in any force of numbers, so this is probably just large a hunting party. They’re not too bright, but they are excellent hunters, so be on your toes. You need to leave straightaway, and with any luck, we’ll see you before we get to the river. He looked them in the eyes. Do not engage these things. You are there to scout, not fight, and make sure your lancemen understand that. He paused. Good luck.

Yes, sir, they replied.

Bradford, the captain said as the three men turned to leave, we should warn the Johnstown Garrison.

Yes, sir, the tresser replied. Do you think these dogmen pose a threat to the city?

I’m not sure, the captain said cautiously, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. Tell him to use every bit of speed that horse’s got. It’s a long run to Johnstown.

The archers hurried away to gather their horses and their fellows. Soon after, they were headed north toward the tree line and the gloom of the storm clouds. While they rode, Adam and William told Peter and Soelen everything that had happened at the logging camp. As they approached the outskirts of the woods, the morning sun started to claim the sky ahead of the storm front. This lessened the bleakness and improved their moods a bit until they came to the brush line and had to part ways. Wishing each other well, the two pairs headed off in opposite directions.

What do you make of all the trouble lately? Soelen asked. Seems to be a lot more going on than usual.

William, a bit preoccupied trying to see oversized dog tracks from the saddle, replied, What do you mean?

Well, the attacks on the caravans on the river road and Seven Bridges road are different, said Soelen. Usually, the thieves will bind the people and steal what’s there. But in this case, what wasn’t taken was burned, and everyone in the caravan was killed.

This got William’s attention. What raids are you talking about? he asked.

The seed-oil shipment for one, Soelen replied, they got eight large barrels of oil, burned the wagons, and killed all six men. There’s been at least one other like it. The councilmen from Morenport and Graywolf Bay were attacked outside the city as well. Thankfully, there were off-duty guildsmen traveling close behind.

When was all this? William asked, stunned he hadn’t heard about it.

While our patrol group was out toward the falls, some of the guys from another patrol group were talking about it last night when we got back, Soelen replied.

Was the other attack in the same area? William asked.

They didn’t say, but this is at least the third cane raid in two weeks, Soelen replied.

And this morning is as many as I’ve ever seen in one group, William said. As he finished speaking, they both saw it. A wide line of trampled grass and buckbrush stretched out in front of them, south, toward the road, and north, into the trees, just a few hundred yards from them. Soelen drew his sword and coaxed his charger on.

Hold on. Most, if not all of them, came through right here, William said in a low voice.

That’s why I don’t want to ‘hold on,’ Soelen replied. Let’s ease on out of here.

I have to mark this, William said, pulling out a rough map of the area. He made some quick marks for reference, rolled it up, and put it in the bag.

We need to look for blood trails. He prompted his horse to enter the line of the trampled brush.

William, for all we know every one of those canes we saw this morning are up in those trees, said Soelen.

William sighed. They probably are, but we need to know if we wounded any of them or if they have any of the woodmen that were taken last night.

If we stick around here too long, Soelen said in a apprehensive tone, eyeing the tree line, we’ll find more than we can handle.

Just keep an eye out for a minute, William replied, scanning the ground for any signs. I need to look this over before the rain washes it away.

Soelen nodded and eased his shield off his back and onto his left arm. William noticed the move and slipped his bow from its sheath, nocked an arrow, and continued his search. He found blood in many places, but there were so many tracks it was impossible to make out whether it was friend or foe.

William! Soelen whispered and pointed his sword at movement in a fallen tree top on the side of the trail ahead. They proceeded cautiously; but they hadn’t gone far when a humanlike head with high-set pointed ears and a long bloodstained snout emerged from the brush.

Got to go! said Soelen, and he spurred his charger into a sprint. He put his shield low to protect his leg and the horse’s flank. The marmerite stood to face them with a snarl, showing its long fangs under its loose blood-sodden jowls, a woodman’s ax in its hand. It gave a loud howl. Soelen charged. The cane jumped at him with surprising agility. Soelen had to raise his shield. The marmerite landed with most of its weight on his shield. It nearly unhorsed him. It planted clawed feet on his metal thigh plate and the back of his saddle. Soelen was able to get his sword flat against the face of his shield and keep his seat. A quick turn of the wrist and his blade was against the cane. As it brought the ax down into the shield, he put a deep slice across its chest. An arrow appeared in it hip. The cane fell, howling in pain. William’s horse was right behind Soelen’s. Having no shield nor attacker to block his view, he saw the woodman lying torn in the brush. Steeled by this horror, he put his second arrow in the throat of the dogman, silencing its howls.

They rode as hard as the rough trail would allow. They heard howling and barking behind them but saw no open pursuit. They didn’t stop until they were a good distance from the brush line. There was a small creek in sight of the lake road where they let the horses rest and drink. The wind turned cool, and the storm clouds prevented the sun from warming them. The thunder rumbled above them as the rain began to move in. William dismounted and noticed the claw marks on Soelen’s leg and his horse’s rear flank.

We need to split up, William said while looking his horse over for any sign of injury. You need to ride on to the Keep and let me scout the road south so that the reinforcements don’t ride into another ambush.

We just came through there a few hours ago, Soelen questioned, and now you want to go back?

Yes, and we got hit there, William replied. I need to make sure those dogmen haven’t come in greater numbers. Tell the guard captain that I’m on the lake road looking things over and will join the reinforcements before they reach the river. Noticing a fine line of blood on Soelen’s leg, he said, Will you be all right to get to the Keep?

It’s just a scratch, Soelen replied, taking a shirt out of his pack and handing it to William, who wrapped it around the injured leg, armor and all. I’m more worried about my horse.

We’d better get moving, William said, climbing back into the saddle. But don’t think for a minute I’m going to keep what happened back there quiet. By the time I finish telling this story, John will hang that shield in the main hall, ax and all.

They laughed, wished each other well, and went their separate ways.

Chapter 4

William rode toward Elve Haven to check with the guards at Drasland Toren. The men on watch said there was a commotion to the west at the edge of the swamp earlier, but they knew nothing more. He thanked them and rode up the lake road, hoping not to find any further sign of dogmen, but he hadn’t gone far when he found a fresh sign. By the tracks,