36

Judos recovered slowly. The doctors said that he would have to wait at least eight weeks before he could walk again, and only because he had been lucky enough to not damage his more important organs.

Throughout his recovery process, he was visited by friends. Horal, Ptolemy, and Ædall, upon their visits to Ætharr within the first few days of Judos' recovery, dropped by to visit him. They, like Ætharr, did not blame him for failing to save Ædron. Nobody seemed to do that at all, considering how valiantly Judos had fought alongside Rosheen.

Judos didn't feel like he had done especially well. But the kind words from those around him were helpful in overcoming his personal guilt concerning what had happened to poor Ædron.

Rosheen was also recovering from her injuries, but Ætharr and his children would occasionally visit. Ætharr was far quieter now, and much more serious and reserved. Judos could tell that the Ealdor was hiding something, some unresolved anguish over the death of his son. Based on how he also seemed more tired these days, Judos doubted that Ætharr would find peace.

It was not for lack of trying, apparently. According to what others said to Judos, Ætharr was apparently spending as much time as he could with his family. The armies were not marching, the defences were being enforced around Calador's borders, and there was a wary air of peace in the land of Calador. Most were confused by Ætharr's actions, and they wondered if their Ealdor was planning something.

As the days went on, and no signs of campaigning were evident, Calador slowly accepted this new stance, but still with much confusion. Word came to Judos, through Ptolemy's regular visits, that Blackaxe of the Jeri tribe, Cocoran of the Falcarragh, and Kazahley of the Hunan were all ceasing offensives and were focusing on defensive measures. The allied tribes were beginning a process of sealing themselves up from Vireo, even as they continued settling the new lands taken from the destroyed Loptrio and Millar tribes.

Judos wondered what could possibly be happening. Ætharr would never let such a terrible thing go unpunished.

Saying as much to Ptolemy, Judos wondered if the weasel had an idea of what was going on.

The weasel shrugged, "If I knew, Judos, I would tell you. But I haven't been told anything, except to continue training as usual, and keep the fyrd on alert in case the enemy strike us again."

Judos thought about it, "Ibos must be terrified. Surely he's realized that Ætharr will kill him? He must be screaming for help from Salamandastron."

"The question is, will they receive any help," Ptolemy mused.

Judos had been informed by Ætharr of what had happened, so he offered his opinion on the matter, "Roaveen sounds like a much more duplicitous Badger Lord than usual, but then again, he could just be playing Ibos for the fool. It just doesn't make sense. The alliances between our tribes have not been broken except for Vireo, and they now face four tribes. The hares of Salamandastron have helped them score crucial victories against the Jeri and Hunan, but they have failed to destroy either tribe. Our borders are damaged, and Ætharr's been demoralized by his son's death, but in the grand scheme of things, it's gone terribly wrong for Vireo."

Ptolemy nodded, "Perhaps Roaveen was hoping that Ibos was more competent?"

"If that's the case, then Roaveen deserves Ibos," Judos replied scornfully, "He's made a huge mistake in putting his faith in that fool."

Ptolemy nodded, "Now it's just a matter of what Ætharr plans to do about this issue."

"I don't know," Judos said, "But something tells me that he's brewing up a terrible vengeance." He looked at Ptolemy's thoughtful expression, and decided to change the topic, "How is your family, Ptolemy?"

Ptolemy smiled, "They are well. They are growing up. My eldest son will be eligible for the fyrd soon."

Judos nodded, "I hope he will be safe." It was a different compliment than the sort usually given in Calador. They would often wish for glory upon each other's children, or a good life which would reflect well upon themselves and their family. After all he had seen, Judos merely offered his hopes that they would be alive and well. Ptolemy appreciated Judos' well wishes with a grateful smile.

A doctor came into the room, "Theign Judos? Forgive me, but lady Selma is here to see you again."

Judos smiled. Selma came to see him more frequently than any other. Even though they would not- could not- act upon the love they felt for each other, Judos and Selma had remained close friends throughout their time together. Judos, early in his recovery, had inquired about whether he could bequeath his belongings to Selma if he ended up dying, and Ætharr had assured him that it would be done should the situation arise. Judos wasn't sure if Selma had been told, and she never hinted at it, but it was enough that she would have been well cared for.

Selma entered the room, carrying a book from Judos' now-famous library. She gave a respectful curtsy to Ptolemy, who politely departed.

"Here's the one you wanted to read," Selma said, offering Judos the book.

Judos smiled his thanks, and asked how his theignship was doing.

"There aren't many disputes. Oswold's father passed away so he has inherited the land. There was an objection from Oswold's aunt, so a settlement was eventually paid. Gerhard is late on paying his debts, but that's because of his poor harvest, so I elected to give him an extension..."

Judos encouraged her to tell him everything that was going on back in his theignship. He wanted to be held up to speed on what he would be coming home to when he recovered. Selma was a very good administrator in his absence, and Judos had heard that those under his rule considered Selma his wife. The thought greatly amused the two of them.

After Selma informed him of the goings-on, Judos asked her about the education program.

"It's going along as usual. I've taken on part of the lessons so that the replacement isn't too swamped with work."

"Replacement?" Judos asked.

"Oh!" Selma said, surprised, "I didn't tell you? I'm so sorry. It's Ben. I just knew that you'd have no objection with him, he knows your curriculum."

Judos tried to picture Ben teaching the Calador weasels his curriculum, and he had an urge to laugh. As if Judos wasn't a strange enough sight in Calador!

"Did he volunteer for the position?"

Selma nodded, "He heard about your injury, and so he offered to fill in your place until you got better. He also said he'd visit you one of these days when he's free."

Judos raised an eyebrow, "Free? Free from what? The lessons are only five days a week."

Selma wasn't sure what kept Ben busy in between his lessons, which left Judos to ponder on the mystery. It most certainly had to do with Ætharr somehow, he just knew it.

In the meantime, as a week turned into five weeks, Judos was more preoccupied with his recovery. The process was slow, and he grumbled under his breath most of the way, but after two weeks, Judos was able to limp from his bed to a table where he could begin to have proper meals. Six long weeks after that, Judos was training with weapons again to build up his strength and agility. The doctors attributed his fortunate recovery to their own skills and a great deal of luck. Judos didn't dispute either of those ideas.

As he was staying in Æthelly during this time, he often did his weapons training with Ætharr and other members of his family. Rosheen served as an equal in terms of regaining her fighting strength, and her children were more than happy to practice with their guardian. Several times, all three had thanked Judos for keeping them safe, and Judos had been increasingly reminded that while he hadn't been able to save one, he had certainly influenced the survival of the other three.

It was, overall, a very pleasant eight weeks. Judos was able to spend a great amount of time with those whom he cared about, even as his responsibilities were postponed in favour of his recovery. He still worried for Ætharr's changed attitude and behaviour, but based on the way that his children were quickly returning to normal, Judos knew that Ætharr's affectionate presence was helping them immensely.

Ædelmær in particular was coming into his own. He, along with his brother and sister, was often found with his father, discussing topics or training with weapons. And in the evenings, Ætharr was a regular sight, taking long walks with Rosheen.

He seemed to be making up for whatever time he had lost in the past, Judos reckoned. Ætharr had always spent time with his family whenever he could, but his responsibilities had often kept him occupied, as had the education of his children. Now that their education was almost completed, he kept them very close. Or maybe he was just worried that he would not have much time with them anymore.

The death of Ædron still weighed heavily on Ætharr's mind. Judos knew that it reminded him so much of his father's death, and the emotional weight of both these deaths was proving very heavy. Not to mention the fact that Roaveen and Ibos had seemingly got away with this murder.

It all stemmed back to Judos' suspicion that Ætharr must be planning something.

After eight weeks, Judos went back to his theignship to resume control. He thanked Selma for all her hard work, and Ben for his voluntary assistance in training the youngsters of the province.

The raccoon smiled, "The pleasure was all mine, Judos. They were excellent students."

Judos returned the smile, but then looked serious again, "Ben, Selma told me that you were very busy in between lessons. May I ask what you were up to?"

Ben's smile also faded, and he shook his head, "I was told to tell nobody. Not even you."

That settled it. Ætharr was up to something big. And that Judos was not to be informed was an even bigger sign that there was something going on. Ætharr had almost never kept Judos out of something unless it was top-secret or something that he knew Judos would disapprove of. Often those two qualifications went paw-in-paw.

"So you can't tell me anything, Ben?" Judos asked.

Ben shrugged, "I was told that if you were to be informed of anything, he'd make sure you knew. But until then, it has to wait."

And so Judos waited. Weeks continued to pass, and Judos got caught up in mundane routines of his duty and role as theign. He still visited Æthelly frequently to visit Ætharr, Rosheen, and the children, as well as visiting Ptolemy at his home. It was a very quiet and normal life he had begun to lead. And yet there many times where he could not help but feel anxious. Just like many in Calador, Judos was waiting for what Ætharr was planning.

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If the people of Calador were wondering what was going to happen, then those outside it were paralyzed in silent terror.

In Vireo, especially, folk fearfully looked to the borders, expecting raids to come out from Calador or Hunan or Jeri. But it did not happen. Little news reached them from Calador, except rumours that Ætharr was mourning the death of his children. Others said he had only lost one child, and the others were being raised to feel hatred for all Vireos. Still more rumours proclaimed that Brownhide's raid had been completely for nothing, and they had all died without doing any damage, while others insisted that Brownhide was still waiting within Calador, a fugitive within enemy territory, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Roaveen had left a long time ago. Ignoring the worries of Ibos, he had remarked that the ferret had failed in his task of destroying Ætharr and his allies when he'd had the chance. Now he would go and regroup at his home, where he was needed.

"You can't just leave us to face Ætharr all by ourselves!" Ibos yelled when Roaveen had declared he was going back.

Roaveen looked at him with a bemused expression on his face, "Are you telling the Badger Lord of Salamandastron what he can and cannot do?"

Ibos stared at him for a second, torn between rage and fear. Finally, he seemed to decide, "I had your word that you would help us! We have taken the brunt of the fighting, we have been victories on several fronts! We must push forward now, while they continue to give us the advantage!"

"Advantage? Do you call this an advantage?" Roaveen asked, smirking. "Your general is dead, or if he's not, he's trapped in Calador. We have no word on what happened to Ætharr's family, but regardless, it's been confirmed that Ætharr is still alive."

"And who's fault is that?" Ibos said accusingly.

The amusement fled from Roaveen's face, and with a dark growl he stepped forward. In a flash, Ibos retreated from the Badger Lord's approach, drawing his sword. As if he could possibly defend himself against a fully grown badger.

Roaveen's anger left him, and he stared contemptuously at his former ally, "Look at you. A stupid, incompetent ruler who clings like a leech to better warriors. You might have had promise once in your life, or so they say, but now you've lost everything. You gave it all away out of arrogance and foolishness. I'm not going to stay here and let my hares die for your cause anymore. I thought you might be useful to me in destroying the real threats, but I was wrong. That's that, then. The vermin tribes you've attacked can have their revenge, and if their march upon Vireo leaves them thirsty for more, they are welcome to follow in the footsteps of so many others who tried to take Salamandastron! We'll see just how brave they are when their enemy isn't a cowardly ferret that made too many mistakes."

Ibos had paled beneath his fur at all what Roaveen had said, his jaw quivering at the insults and threats of revenge. Satisfied, Roaveen turned his back and began to leave. A piercing yell from Ibos suddenly rang out.

"You've made a terrible mistake as well, badger!"

Roaveen stopped where he was going, and turned around.

Ibos was pointing an accusing claw at him, his eyes alight with sudden malice, "You may be right that I'm not what I once was, so let a supposed failure tell you something useful. I once marched with Ætharr of Calador, and I have yet to meet a warrior that can kill him in battle. You underestimate the lengths to which he'll go for revenge and conquest. You call me stupid? Then you're twice the idiot for thinking that Salamandastron will keep you safe from Ætharr's vengeance! One day he's going to come for me, but when you hear about that, start counting off the days to when he arrives outside your door! You can every one of your precious hares at him but they will all be slaughtered and their deaths will be on your head!"

Roaveen stepped forward with a snarl, raising one of his paws, but then stopped. He lowered his fist, and he smiled coldly. Nothing he could do to this ferret would be comparable to what the other vermin would do to him. So he simply left Ibos and the Vireo tribe, taking his hares with him.

So the delegates of the Mountain Regiment returned to Salamandastron, with their stories of their adventure ready for embellishment.

Korari, who had been told to manage the mountain while Roaveen was away, welcomed his brother back to Salamandastron, "It's been a while, brother. What news from your campaign?"

Roaveen was curt, not wishing to bring much attention to what he had been up to, "We subdued vermin threats, and we extended our influence into the vermin tribes. It will give them a second thought should they try and challenge us."

Korari nodded, accepting that information. He knew that Roaveen would not speak to him about these matters, but he knew two creatures that would.

Sophus and Ormond, the two friends who had gained rank and experience in the vermin lands, still counted themselves as good friends of Korari, despite what Roaveen would have said about it. One day, far from the eyes of Roaveen or his lackeys, Sophus and Ormond met with Korari, Col. Seahawk, and Lt. Col. Jackers. They spoke of everything that had happened during their campaign. It took a good many hours before everything had been told, Sophus and Ormond taking turns with their narrative, often finding contradictions before being able to finish.

At last, however, Korari thought over all he had heard. It unsettled him, especially the Calador leader. He was a danger above the likes of Ferahgo the Assassin or Swartt Sixclaw. This Ætharr had been present in several warnings that Salamandastron had received through prophecy. The three-axed killer, the one whom Roaveen's visions had spoken of. Korari remembered them, even if Roaveen had seemed to have held them in little regard.

"You think he will march upon us?" Korari asked his two friends.

Ormond nodded, "From what we 'eard about this warlord, we can expect him to pop his ugly 'ead around Salamandastron."

Jackers sighed, "Bally troubles ahead of us again, wot! An' this one seems to be especially dangerous!"

Korari looked at the old officers, "We don't know how many will march upon us, but we should be prepared for anything."

Seahawk and Jackers both nodded in agreement. Seahawk spoke up for the two of them, "If it comes to a right scrap, sah, then we'll need allies. Allies we can trust, that is," he added scornfully, thinking of Roaveen's diplomacy along the coastline.

Korari nodded, "Thornback has no love for Roaveen, but if Salamandastron is threatened, he will help. He knows what would happen if Salamandastron fell. He'd certainly persuade King Priam of the Highlands to come to our aid. But I don't think Priam would need convincing. He's reinstated the King's Scroll of allegiance between the Mountain and Highlands."

Jackers nodded, impressed, "But how would we send 'em any word if we gets attacked?"

Korari looked at Sophus and Ormond, "You two know the way, and you're both still fit runners."

Ormond looked worried, "If we ran off to go find Thornback, Roaveen would notice us gone. 'is Nibs won't appreciate his officers abandoning the mountain when they're needed most."

Korari sighed, "True. But how do we send out the message?"

Sophus looked up, suddenly, "I say, what about that feathered comrade we encountered before? That bird who guided us there in the first place."

"Walla," Korari said, nodding, "But how could we contact her? She could be anywhere."

Jackers frowned, "Well, if'n we don't think of somethin', an' this Calador weasel does decide to challenge us, it's long odds in favour of it being a one-on-one match. We'll have to fight the good fight together."

Seahawk scratched an old scar across the side of his head, "We'll fight together, an' bally well die together if need be."

Ormond and Sophus nodded solemnly to the words of the old hares. Korari sat with his four friends, and thought of what folk always said to describe Salamandastron hares. Perilous. Yes, Korari thought. They certainly were perilous.