CHAPTER I: STRANGERS THAT TALK TO ME?
Slowly opening his eyes he saw that he was on ground. Quickly he turned his head to see where he fell of horse but soft voice was calling him.
"Be at rest. We stopped for the night"
Turning towards that voice he saw a woman. At least he thought it was a woman by the tone. All he saw was simple white robe, large and beautiful dark eyes and a small golden ornament with in shape of three quarters of circle on forehead. Those eyes were locking him and were giving him for some reason feeling that he can trust her. It was strange to find himself unable to break that eye contact. She smiled at his attempts to regain control of his sight and added
"Don't fight it, it is just a little trick to make you stay put. You need rest."
He remembered. That ornament is sing of priestesses of Marfa. He understood his feeling of security he got a moment ago.
"Rest is not necessary, this is not the first one like that"
"I noticed, scars on your arm tell tales of great pain. Marfa had a lot of work with you"
"Marfa had other business, those have nothing to do with her"
Although he couldn't possibly see her face in this darkness her body showed that that last remark gave her some discomfort. Leaning forward she looked like she wanted to say something he cut her off.
"Don't get me wrong lady, I am grateful for your time spent in taking care of me. It is just that my opinion about gods differs from general one. I thank you for all you did for me"
"Just lie down for now." She said and smiled "Rest defiantly won't hurt you. I'll send someone with food to you a little later. Bearing all that blood loss is not a easy for your body" and she went off. Her white robe was making tremendous contrast to almost moonless night.
"Who was she?" he wondered "She had to help me, that is their way but did she have to stay by me?"
Merry chatter could be heard just a little further as others were eating, drinking and enjoying themselves. He could see rather large campfires but he was just too far away for light to illuminate this area. As his eyes gotten used to dark he managed to notice a few things. He was on the edge of some small wood, just 100 or so trees, and on directly opposite side from fires. In front of him a valley was going on as far as his eyes could see with just shrub here and there breaking dullness of its grass surface. To the left a sound of water could be barely heard. Judging by slowness and softness of that sound it was one of those wide and lazy valley rivers.
It is good that he is separated. After what happened in battle there is no question that something bad would happen.
"I wonder is this Yestller's doing?" he taught "He promised to keep me healthy until we reach Lord Dorric. He's a good man. Good tactician too, only puts too much trust in people. I warned him this would happen if I were putted in charge of scouting party but my skills made him reckless. Having him as an enemy is very unfortunate, but that is already decided.
Next time I'll leave my reputation do the work, not my showoff skills. I'm looking for battle and death in one but lives of others are stupidly wasted around me. Why can't they understand that what I do has nothing to do with them? Why they always follow my mindless charges even when ordered to say put? Oh the irony of mercenaries being so reckless"
In the darkness a dull flash appeared. Looking in that direction he wanted to see it again to be sure but weight of his body was already transferred onto his arm his right bent under his body and his body leaned forward. Perfect position for fast reaction from almost lying position. There it was again, reflection of some curved blade. Now being sure no good is coming from this he reached for his swords. But his hand just swung past their usual place of rest.
"Where are the Sins? Where are my swords?" he yelled but for some reason his yelling didn't get loud. Then he sniffed air and smelled only stench of blood that was there already. Lying back he said to himself "So this is not the night"
"Look under your head" came deep, rough voice. With his right hand Gaof could feel two swords warped up in clothing used as pillow. From darkness owner of that voice came forward carrying a pot of food. He carried plate mail of color of metal, which lost its shine over the years. Underneath that there were dark green clothes with leather boots. On head he carried strange ornament. A circlet outlined his blonde hair and from it hanged a brooch with beautiful face, two hands with swords and a small pot in which fire burns on it carved in some deep red stone. From his belt hanged short but heavy double-sided axe made of blue steel. Looked like dwarven craftsmanship but that was nearly impossible since dwarfs don't like selling their weapons.
"Here, Anna sent you this food. Eat it, you are going to need it." said man and burst into laughter. Gaof was looking strangely at the man.
"Sorry" he said. "Just a little joke. But what is going on is not a joke. Today you made lots of enemies. Right now they are deciding what to do with you. Some very nasty ideas came public." there was grin on man's face "Not to worry, at least for now. They won't take action yet. They have seen your skills and besides commander promised his personal wrath to anyone who touches you before you get rest of your money and his responsibility ceases. But then... "
"I see" Gaof said simply "and who is Anna? That woman that takes care of me?"
"What are you thinking of? I just said that your future look as dark as insides of a chimney and you ask about woman? They are talking how long are they going to torture you before you die! Current bid is between two and three years!"
"That would be inconvenient, I'd prefer to die soon. But is doesn't matter since it won't happen. I'm used to this."
Taking a seat beside Gaof and leaning against a tree he lowered his head slightly and started talking, this time in more quiet voice. "They said you had a death wish. Although there are quite a few rumors for your reasons I can't imagine one for someone of your skills and calmness rushing into oblivion. I know it is none of my business but why do you want such a death so badly?"
"As you said it is none of your business"
"True. Butt... Lets let it go... Your Gaof, aren't you? I'm Marsh of the Fire tribe"
"My name is Gaof. But why are you so friendly with one who causes so much pain?
Marsh looked insulted for a moment and then returned his calm looks "Guess I can't blame you for being suspicious. If your whole life was like this, friends are not something you find occasionally. All I can say I mean no harm to you. I was curious what drives you to do this. And this" he added showing fresh wound made across old scars on left arm.
"Didn't you lose someone you knew because of me?" asked Gaof ignoring the question. He said that somewhat out of curiosity, but mostly out of wish to remain alone. He felt best alone. When you are alone there are no enemies around you, you don't know about.
Rising his head Marsh make a glance at Gaof's face. "Why he tries to irritate me?" was the question in his head but he calmly answered, "I did. He was a good hearth, but a foolish lad" Again lowering his head he continued, "You were kind of a hero of his. He didn't mind all the stories about you. All he heard were your skills and courage. When he heard that you would be in on this, and leading scouting party he insisted on joining scouts. For him it was like a dream come true, to fight side by side with you. For that dream he paid with his life."
"I am sorry for your loss. He was Carr? A foolish lad in deed. He was ordered to carry news to our main force. It's not my fault that he followed me."
"I know that. I overheard your conversation with commander. You are right but that is beside the point. Point is that he paid for his recklessness. And as much as I would want to pin the blame on you, it was his decision. Can't say that I like you because of it, but can't blame you either. And again you look sadder than the most. Is a life such a burden on you?"
Again avoiding the question he said "What of Anna, is she the woman who has taken care of me?"
"Yes. She is priestess of Marfa. She came along to cure both sides. Thanks to you her job was cut in half since you left no prisoners. Maybe she took such a good care of you out of gratitude for easing her job" said Marsh and burst in laughter. Again his joke got a cold reception. Seeing that his chat partner had no intention on laughing he said "But she looked somewhat distracted as she returned. What happened?"
"Conflict of opinions" he answered bluntly
"She is usually good at that. Are you sure there wasn't something more. She is a beauty you know." he said and laughed slightly.
"First of all, women are not my sphere of interest right now. Second in all this darkness all I really saw was her white robe and her eyes. An third if you want to tack off priest hit on gods, since they take them for granted." Gaof answered but the tone of his voice did not match his words. There was not a single trace of being ticked off.
"This guy really doesn't have a sense of humor" tough Marsh and then said, "Thanks for the tip, but I don't think I'll be using it. What's that stuff about you and gods?"
"They just don't mean much to me. Their business is being gods, doing whatever they want etc. What do I have with them or what do they have with me? Especially when they are all dead."
Now Marsh was really confused. Took him a whole minute to collect his thoughts. "YOU SAY WHAT???"
For the first time small and quick smile went across Gaof's face.
"You are strange as they said. Guess talk with you was worth the time. I'm going to sleep so see you tomorrow. Besides here comes Anna with bandages for your arm." he said and slowly disappeared in to the darkness.
In Marsh's place seated Anna, carrying a torch. Although torchlight was weak and flickering he could somewhat see her face. She was beautiful indeed. And that robe together with her life dedicated to helping people no matter what or who they are made her look like an angel. But that had little to do with him. He was just curious was Marsh right. Events in his past made him uninterested in women.
"Here, let me change that rag with a real bandage" she said
"No" he said pushing her hands away. "Only this ribbon or a "rag" as you call it will be used as bandage. That was how I healed in past and I don't intend on changing that way. But if you would be so kind to get me some water to wash blood of it I would be most grateful"
"Then I'll wash it for you" she said and slowly started unwrapping ribbon. "The wound is stopped bleeding but is still fragile. The fact that it stopped bleeding in three hours without magic if amazing. Your body heals quite fast you know."
"Yeah, gods always grant you wishes you never wished for. Guess when they do look at me it is time to have some fun."
She was ticked off again. "Everyone is entitled to his or her personal religion" she said but it sounded terribly ironic.
"Sorry, I did it again. Didn't mean to but it has something to do with me. It's just how I am. Sorry."
Now she was confused "He seems so determined, but also he bounces between harsh and sweet so quickly. Can't make anything of it" she thought. After a short time she started talking again. "I was not offended, just surprised. Your view is quite opposed to ours." After short speech she finished unwrapping ribbon. Walking slowly towards the sound of some flowing water she turned her head back and added. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Try not to open the wound while I'm busy there"
When she left he lied down enjoying the beauty of loneliness. Shutting his eyes he tried to clear his mind of every thought. All that is left was blackness. He felt so relaxed. Isolation from everything is what he enjoyed most. That lasted quite some time. And then that picture came again. In that still darkness without any light whatsoever edge of some long blade started shining. Quickly he opened his eyes only to see Anna's smiling face over him.
"How long?" he said
"About half an hour. I was wondering how long it would last. You looked so calm and peaceful, almost innocent. Hard to believe you are same person that started that battle so frantically turning it into mere slaughter of an enemy. Marfa does choose peculiar people to protect."
He wanted to say something but stopped for it was not his wish to offend her again. "Rest of people here have a slightly different opinion on whose slaughter I started" he said finally.
"Well can't blame them for that. They lost a lot of friends and you did make an initial charge. As of my point of view... Slaughter is slaughter, no matter who is executioner and who is victim. In any case Marfa surely doesn't like it."
Again he had to hold back. While they talked she finished washing his wound in fresh water and started bandaging it with black ribbon.
"Blade shines in still darkness of the night. Smell of strange blood files the air. As you reach for your sword you know it is the end... What those words mean to you?" She said so quietly it was barely hearable.
"Where..." he started but went quiet as he remembered that she had a ribbon in her hands.
"It was written on the ribbon. What does it mean to you?" after some time she rushed and added "I'm sorry, it sounds personal. It was not mine to ask such a thing"
"It's just a prophecy" he said again becoming emotionless.
"Who's prophecy?" she asked shy
"Mine" he said and looked the other way.
She become quiet. After some time she finished attending his wound and said "I'm going to sleep. You should too" The she started walking toward fires.
"Thank you." he said but got no answer. Closing his eyes he quickly went in a world of dreams.
Tomorrow morning Anna quietly took a look at his wound. After that he was left alone during a whole day. He didn't mind. Actually he preferred that way. But this time his thoughts were returning to last night. It was quite strange. That man, Marsh actually talked to him without anger after his charge led his friend to death? And no mater how irritating he was, he just could not drive him away. And that priestess was so kind to him. "Oh well in her case it was her job" he thought .I got to stop thinking about that. Got more important thing on my mind.
After some thinking he concluded that he would leave the party at the next stop, which should be inn at a first civilized place they will come across. The tension is too much so to avoid unnecessary losses of lives he will take half deal and disappear (half-deal - take half of a money from a supreme leaving him other half when he takes money in your name). With the fact that half of money was paid upfront he will lose only one quarter of his income. Considering that Lord Dorric offered really handsome amount of money for his services it wasn't bad option at all. And the fact that this way he will put more space between him and the rest (although the fact was that only one he wanted to avoid is commander ) was not for forgetting either.
Evening came and they stopped for the night again. This time he separated himself. While everyone was in the clearing in the wood they were going through he went somewhat deeper in darkness of the trees. Along the way he was making sure that even child would be able to follow him. for Anna asked to take care of his wound again. Finding a stream some 50 meters from clearing he took his cloak off, dropped it on the ground and laid on it. Putting his lantern somewhat back so he would have his darkness and to help Anna find him he slowly let himself go.
Relaxing his body and his mind his eyes were looking around finally lifting their sight up. Sky was without stars. His sky in this moment was green roof of this dense ancient forest. Sound of nearby stream was so pacifying and song of night birds was so sweet that he took his belt with Sins on it off throwing it slightly aside. After that followed his dagger and that horrible jagged and dull blade that he used to tear his arm. Finally he took his boots of together with large knife cleverly hidden in them. Now he had no weapon on himself. He felt like he was able to leave this world for some other place. Closing his eyes he reached with his mind for that place of calmness. Reaching it he embraced it with all his strength. Time lost meaning as he felt ultimate fulfillment.
Loud voice that yelled "Anna" made him leave that place. Slowly rising his upper body he opened his eyes and there she was. Sitting on the grass, back leaned on a tree, with her hands warped around her legs holding them tight under her chin she looked more like a young peasant girl then priestess of Marfa. She was looking at him smiling. He smiled back.
"How long was it? 5 minutes? 5 hours? There is just no way of knowing. And why she acts that way?" he thought finding himself unable to find any answers.
Marsh came from behind and without even looking at situation started his prepared speech "Where were you until now and..." Only then he realized the oddness of situation. His mouth left opened and no sound was coming out of them.
Finally Anna spoken "He was so calm that someone would thought he never had a single worry in his life. It was relaxing just watching him. I wish I could relax like that."
Marsh looked at Gaof waiting for an explanation or something at least, but Gaof remained silent. He was still shocked with this scene and her words added more to his shock. Looking at him relaxing?
Again she broke the silence slowly getting up "Let me look at your wound"
He putted his hand in front of him and she slowly started unwrapping the ribbon. Slowly his mind started working again and he revised whole scene in his head over and over still unable to believe what he saw. At the end she unwrapped ribbon and started carefully to look at wound. Gaof reached for his lantern to give her better light. Now he could see her face again. She was fully concentrated on her job. No trace of cheerful girl from just a minute ago.
"It's healing rather miracuasly. Maybe there is connection between this rapid healing and the fact that your hand was cut on that same place so many times." Standing up and slowly turning away from him she said "I'm going to wash this ribbon again." and left towards stream and little downstream were she saw well-placed rock for her intentions.
When she left Marsh knelled beside Gaof.
"What happened here?"
"I don't know. Your voice made me open my eyes and I saw her there. Ten seconds later you came along."
"What were you doing?"
Looking around himself Gaof noticed his weapons on a pile some two and a half meters to the left. He was remembering what happened. "Everything around here made me somewhat calm. Closing my eyes I saw this place in my mind. My thoughts went towards it and felt calmness like I never thought possible. It was like you're in your luckiest moment of your life, time standing still."
"One long moment that was. It was more than an hour since she left clearing"
"Over an hour?"
"Yes, and she didn't exactly follow you soon after your departure."
"Suddenly I don't like this place any more." Looking around he added "But there is no more of that calmness that embraced me." Deeply inside he was sure that he had another attack. "Two of them in two days. Something is happening here I don't like one bit. Tomorrow we reach that inn. I can't stay around here waiting for this to repeat." he taught while looking at a green ceiling of this forest.
"I understand you. But what she saw there is what's bothering me. She couldn't relax just by watching you."
"My opinion exactly."
"Unless... nah, that is not possible" he smiled and continued "Anyway you'll have some things to discuss with her I expect, so I'll remove myself from your presence" he started walking away and then turned to add "I'll come later when she returns, something is on my mind"
He turned his head and saw her coming. "She hardly could do more for a man than say something like she said on the second time thy met. Not that it means something to me but I should be polite. If nothing else then to keep promise to myself" went on his thoughts.
She seated on her feet and started silently to wash his wound. She looked somewhat depressed. Looking her like that he felt need to say something.
"Yesterday I wasn't quite polite, were I?" he said and she raised her head slightly stopping the tending of a wound. "I'm sorry about that." he added. She looked at him with clear question written on her face.
"When you asked me about those words I reacted harshly. Do you remember those words?"
"Yes I remember them but..." she started but he cut her off.
"There was no reason for me to act that way. I still don't know why I did that but that is no excuse." That last sentence was a blunt lie and he knew that too well. His usual emotionless voice and face deceived her, or so it seemed to him. Since she worked around him so much risking to be marked among this company he felt like he had to do something to her in return. Somehow he was convinced that giving her part of his secrets would make her happy.
She was looking at him without a blinking and her mouth were open and slightly moving but no sound could be heard.
"It is a prophecy just like I said. A prophecy given to me long time ago"
"A prophecy of your death?" softly she asked.
"Yes. I know some would like to know when will they die, but for me it is a curse. I guess you know why I did what I did two days ago"
"I have heard that. I have heard a lot about you. Lots of those things don't really make sense"
"I always join for battle for same reason. And every time the night before the battle I await for those signs but they never came. There was time when out of nothing blade would shine in darkness, and there were nights when I could smell strange blood, even those two together but never have I reached for Misfortune, my old sword that was broken in the name of prophecy. For that I get frustrated and angry. Then next day I try to relive myself by killing every enemy I have in sight. That was what happened two days ago too. That is where my reputation comes from."
She was still looking at him for a time and then continued attending wound "So that is why you did that" she said while here voice shown that there is unanswered question left in air.
"Yes, and that is why people around me seem to die. Once I tried to control it but it was no use. Only thing gained is that I had that scene haunted me in my dreams for few months." he said leaving clear that question must remain unanswered. Although he didn't say anything terribly new he did put the puzzle of time order straight. At least she was sure what was the direct cause of his fanatical killing in the fields of battle.
She finished attending his wound and risen her face again "That is a sad reason, but one nevertheless. I can understand how you feel but can not approve of your actions." Her face was empty as she was deep in her thoughts. "I'll be returning to clearing now, there are others injured" she spoke and left. There was some satisfaction in her voice and he felt somewhat good about that.
"She seemed satisfied, that's good. And I really didn't tell her anything new. Even if I did it wouldn't matter. Judging by what I saw until now she doesn't seem like one to tell tales and tomorrow I'll probably see her for the last time in my life.
I should probably go to sleep, this is serving no purpose. No, Marsh said he will come. What is with him. He knows that it is dangerous to hang around me. The very least he'll get is being marked as a friend of mine. And I made obvious that I don't need company the first time but he stayed. I must be careful about him. But there is this thing about him and Anna. He seems getting around me because of her. What is the relationship between them? Ah, I'll just ask him."
The birds are stopped singing, only owls and few other true night creatures could be heard. Stream was joyfully flowing as always. Air was getting cooler and more refreshing. Darkness felt somehow deeper and more present. Closing his eyes he started relaxing again. Searching his mind he could not find that spot of peacefulness again. Nevertheless he was just lying there doing nothing, thinking nothing. Shun in shoulder made him get back to reality.
"Hey, don't sleep. We should talk" said Marsh.
Sitting up and leaning on tree Gaof replayed "Yeah, we should"
"First of all Anna seemed out of it again. What is happening between you two. I haven't seen her like that for a long time. Come to think of it I have never seen her like that."
"I expressed my gratitude for her help. Guess she was surprised considering all the talk about me."
"May be, but it doesn't seem that way"
"That is what I did. Anyway what is there between you and Anna. You are always asking about her."
Looking at Gaof under half closed eyes he thought "That is none of your business" and then said "She is my childhood friend. Since we are in this together I thought it is only normal to keep an eye on her. You know, mercenary army is not quite healthiest place for a woman to be. And she is a beauty too add on fire."
"And by keeping eye on me you keep eye on her. Noble reason in deed."
"Well you know you don't exactly have a reputation of a kind hearted man. And while she is always in the crowd, when she comes to heal your wounds she is alone with you. I don't mean anything by it but is suggestive."
"True, and my reputation is well deserved, but no harm will come to her from me."
"Truth is that I have heard a lot of bad even horrible tales of you but none included something like that. Nevertheless I..."
Gaof raised his hand to stop him from continuing his thought. "No need to explain that is perfectly normal."
"If you say so. Still when I talk to you for some reason I can feel you don't want to hurt people. Funny since killing is what you do better than anyone else."
"Could we change the subject, this is not one of my liking."
"Then I will tell you what was on my mind then.
Boys kept quiet about you this evening. That means they reached decision and that means it is time for you to leave. I know you got only half the money but is money really worth finding out what they have stored for you?"
"No need to worry about that. I saw that coming. It is always like that."
"So you have prepared for that already."
"Yes. One question though. Why are you telling me this? This has nothing to do with Anna."
"Well he couldn't possibly know" thought Marsh but spoken something totally different "Nothing more than honest trade. I give you information and other things and you give me what you have"
"And that is?"
"Are you mocking me? Your skill with sword of course."
"But you wield axe"
"Sword, axe, what is the difference. Skill is still skill and I need one."
"I would show you what I know but the time will be a problem. Tomorrow I separate myself from the rest and go my way." he said thinking "Logical, nothing comes free. At least price is low"
"That is a problem but if we meet again you could teach me then"
"If we meet again I'll find some time to spend with you. You have my word."
"Then see you tomorrow." he stood up and left
Lying back on his cloak Gaof said to himself "Well, the truth finally showed her ugly head. It's not too ugly for now, so lets hope it stays that way"
Grabbing blanket from his pack he covered himself and went sleeping. Last thought he had was "Tomorrow it's either quick escape or a bloodbath"
Slowly opening his eyes he saw that he was on ground. Quickly he turned his head to see where he fell of horse but soft voice was calling him.
"Be at rest. We stopped for the night"
Turning towards that voice he saw a woman. At least he thought it was a woman by the tone. All he saw was simple white robe, large and beautiful dark eyes and a small golden ornament with in shape of three quarters of circle on forehead. Those eyes were locking him and were giving him for some reason feeling that he can trust her. It was strange to find himself unable to break that eye contact. She smiled at his attempts to regain control of his sight and added
"Don't fight it, it is just a little trick to make you stay put. You need rest."
He remembered. That ornament is sing of priestesses of Marfa. He understood his feeling of security he got a moment ago.
"Rest is not necessary, this is not the first one like that"
"I noticed, scars on your arm tell tales of great pain. Marfa had a lot of work with you"
"Marfa had other business, those have nothing to do with her"
Although he couldn't possibly see her face in this darkness her body showed that that last remark gave her some discomfort. Leaning forward she looked like she wanted to say something he cut her off.
"Don't get me wrong lady, I am grateful for your time spent in taking care of me. It is just that my opinion about gods differs from general one. I thank you for all you did for me"
"Just lie down for now." She said and smiled "Rest defiantly won't hurt you. I'll send someone with food to you a little later. Bearing all that blood loss is not a easy for your body" and she went off. Her white robe was making tremendous contrast to almost moonless night.
"Who was she?" he wondered "She had to help me, that is their way but did she have to stay by me?"
Merry chatter could be heard just a little further as others were eating, drinking and enjoying themselves. He could see rather large campfires but he was just too far away for light to illuminate this area. As his eyes gotten used to dark he managed to notice a few things. He was on the edge of some small wood, just 100 or so trees, and on directly opposite side from fires. In front of him a valley was going on as far as his eyes could see with just shrub here and there breaking dullness of its grass surface. To the left a sound of water could be barely heard. Judging by slowness and softness of that sound it was one of those wide and lazy valley rivers.
It is good that he is separated. After what happened in battle there is no question that something bad would happen.
"I wonder is this Yestller's doing?" he taught "He promised to keep me healthy until we reach Lord Dorric. He's a good man. Good tactician too, only puts too much trust in people. I warned him this would happen if I were putted in charge of scouting party but my skills made him reckless. Having him as an enemy is very unfortunate, but that is already decided.
Next time I'll leave my reputation do the work, not my showoff skills. I'm looking for battle and death in one but lives of others are stupidly wasted around me. Why can't they understand that what I do has nothing to do with them? Why they always follow my mindless charges even when ordered to say put? Oh the irony of mercenaries being so reckless"
In the darkness a dull flash appeared. Looking in that direction he wanted to see it again to be sure but weight of his body was already transferred onto his arm his right bent under his body and his body leaned forward. Perfect position for fast reaction from almost lying position. There it was again, reflection of some curved blade. Now being sure no good is coming from this he reached for his swords. But his hand just swung past their usual place of rest.
"Where are the Sins? Where are my swords?" he yelled but for some reason his yelling didn't get loud. Then he sniffed air and smelled only stench of blood that was there already. Lying back he said to himself "So this is not the night"
"Look under your head" came deep, rough voice. With his right hand Gaof could feel two swords warped up in clothing used as pillow. From darkness owner of that voice came forward carrying a pot of food. He carried plate mail of color of metal, which lost its shine over the years. Underneath that there were dark green clothes with leather boots. On head he carried strange ornament. A circlet outlined his blonde hair and from it hanged a brooch with beautiful face, two hands with swords and a small pot in which fire burns on it carved in some deep red stone. From his belt hanged short but heavy double-sided axe made of blue steel. Looked like dwarven craftsmanship but that was nearly impossible since dwarfs don't like selling their weapons.
"Here, Anna sent you this food. Eat it, you are going to need it." said man and burst into laughter. Gaof was looking strangely at the man.
"Sorry" he said. "Just a little joke. But what is going on is not a joke. Today you made lots of enemies. Right now they are deciding what to do with you. Some very nasty ideas came public." there was grin on man's face "Not to worry, at least for now. They won't take action yet. They have seen your skills and besides commander promised his personal wrath to anyone who touches you before you get rest of your money and his responsibility ceases. But then... "
"I see" Gaof said simply "and who is Anna? That woman that takes care of me?"
"What are you thinking of? I just said that your future look as dark as insides of a chimney and you ask about woman? They are talking how long are they going to torture you before you die! Current bid is between two and three years!"
"That would be inconvenient, I'd prefer to die soon. But is doesn't matter since it won't happen. I'm used to this."
Taking a seat beside Gaof and leaning against a tree he lowered his head slightly and started talking, this time in more quiet voice. "They said you had a death wish. Although there are quite a few rumors for your reasons I can't imagine one for someone of your skills and calmness rushing into oblivion. I know it is none of my business but why do you want such a death so badly?"
"As you said it is none of your business"
"True. Butt... Lets let it go... Your Gaof, aren't you? I'm Marsh of the Fire tribe"
"My name is Gaof. But why are you so friendly with one who causes so much pain?
Marsh looked insulted for a moment and then returned his calm looks "Guess I can't blame you for being suspicious. If your whole life was like this, friends are not something you find occasionally. All I can say I mean no harm to you. I was curious what drives you to do this. And this" he added showing fresh wound made across old scars on left arm.
"Didn't you lose someone you knew because of me?" asked Gaof ignoring the question. He said that somewhat out of curiosity, but mostly out of wish to remain alone. He felt best alone. When you are alone there are no enemies around you, you don't know about.
Rising his head Marsh make a glance at Gaof's face. "Why he tries to irritate me?" was the question in his head but he calmly answered, "I did. He was a good hearth, but a foolish lad" Again lowering his head he continued, "You were kind of a hero of his. He didn't mind all the stories about you. All he heard were your skills and courage. When he heard that you would be in on this, and leading scouting party he insisted on joining scouts. For him it was like a dream come true, to fight side by side with you. For that dream he paid with his life."
"I am sorry for your loss. He was Carr? A foolish lad in deed. He was ordered to carry news to our main force. It's not my fault that he followed me."
"I know that. I overheard your conversation with commander. You are right but that is beside the point. Point is that he paid for his recklessness. And as much as I would want to pin the blame on you, it was his decision. Can't say that I like you because of it, but can't blame you either. And again you look sadder than the most. Is a life such a burden on you?"
Again avoiding the question he said "What of Anna, is she the woman who has taken care of me?"
"Yes. She is priestess of Marfa. She came along to cure both sides. Thanks to you her job was cut in half since you left no prisoners. Maybe she took such a good care of you out of gratitude for easing her job" said Marsh and burst in laughter. Again his joke got a cold reception. Seeing that his chat partner had no intention on laughing he said "But she looked somewhat distracted as she returned. What happened?"
"Conflict of opinions" he answered bluntly
"She is usually good at that. Are you sure there wasn't something more. She is a beauty you know." he said and laughed slightly.
"First of all, women are not my sphere of interest right now. Second in all this darkness all I really saw was her white robe and her eyes. An third if you want to tack off priest hit on gods, since they take them for granted." Gaof answered but the tone of his voice did not match his words. There was not a single trace of being ticked off.
"This guy really doesn't have a sense of humor" tough Marsh and then said, "Thanks for the tip, but I don't think I'll be using it. What's that stuff about you and gods?"
"They just don't mean much to me. Their business is being gods, doing whatever they want etc. What do I have with them or what do they have with me? Especially when they are all dead."
Now Marsh was really confused. Took him a whole minute to collect his thoughts. "YOU SAY WHAT???"
For the first time small and quick smile went across Gaof's face.
"You are strange as they said. Guess talk with you was worth the time. I'm going to sleep so see you tomorrow. Besides here comes Anna with bandages for your arm." he said and slowly disappeared in to the darkness.
In Marsh's place seated Anna, carrying a torch. Although torchlight was weak and flickering he could somewhat see her face. She was beautiful indeed. And that robe together with her life dedicated to helping people no matter what or who they are made her look like an angel. But that had little to do with him. He was just curious was Marsh right. Events in his past made him uninterested in women.
"Here, let me change that rag with a real bandage" she said
"No" he said pushing her hands away. "Only this ribbon or a "rag" as you call it will be used as bandage. That was how I healed in past and I don't intend on changing that way. But if you would be so kind to get me some water to wash blood of it I would be most grateful"
"Then I'll wash it for you" she said and slowly started unwrapping ribbon. "The wound is stopped bleeding but is still fragile. The fact that it stopped bleeding in three hours without magic if amazing. Your body heals quite fast you know."
"Yeah, gods always grant you wishes you never wished for. Guess when they do look at me it is time to have some fun."
She was ticked off again. "Everyone is entitled to his or her personal religion" she said but it sounded terribly ironic.
"Sorry, I did it again. Didn't mean to but it has something to do with me. It's just how I am. Sorry."
Now she was confused "He seems so determined, but also he bounces between harsh and sweet so quickly. Can't make anything of it" she thought. After a short time she started talking again. "I was not offended, just surprised. Your view is quite opposed to ours." After short speech she finished unwrapping ribbon. Walking slowly towards the sound of some flowing water she turned her head back and added. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Try not to open the wound while I'm busy there"
When she left he lied down enjoying the beauty of loneliness. Shutting his eyes he tried to clear his mind of every thought. All that is left was blackness. He felt so relaxed. Isolation from everything is what he enjoyed most. That lasted quite some time. And then that picture came again. In that still darkness without any light whatsoever edge of some long blade started shining. Quickly he opened his eyes only to see Anna's smiling face over him.
"How long?" he said
"About half an hour. I was wondering how long it would last. You looked so calm and peaceful, almost innocent. Hard to believe you are same person that started that battle so frantically turning it into mere slaughter of an enemy. Marfa does choose peculiar people to protect."
He wanted to say something but stopped for it was not his wish to offend her again. "Rest of people here have a slightly different opinion on whose slaughter I started" he said finally.
"Well can't blame them for that. They lost a lot of friends and you did make an initial charge. As of my point of view... Slaughter is slaughter, no matter who is executioner and who is victim. In any case Marfa surely doesn't like it."
Again he had to hold back. While they talked she finished washing his wound in fresh water and started bandaging it with black ribbon.
"Blade shines in still darkness of the night. Smell of strange blood files the air. As you reach for your sword you know it is the end... What those words mean to you?" She said so quietly it was barely hearable.
"Where..." he started but went quiet as he remembered that she had a ribbon in her hands.
"It was written on the ribbon. What does it mean to you?" after some time she rushed and added "I'm sorry, it sounds personal. It was not mine to ask such a thing"
"It's just a prophecy" he said again becoming emotionless.
"Who's prophecy?" she asked shy
"Mine" he said and looked the other way.
She become quiet. After some time she finished attending his wound and said "I'm going to sleep. You should too" The she started walking toward fires.
"Thank you." he said but got no answer. Closing his eyes he quickly went in a world of dreams.
Tomorrow morning Anna quietly took a look at his wound. After that he was left alone during a whole day. He didn't mind. Actually he preferred that way. But this time his thoughts were returning to last night. It was quite strange. That man, Marsh actually talked to him without anger after his charge led his friend to death? And no mater how irritating he was, he just could not drive him away. And that priestess was so kind to him. "Oh well in her case it was her job" he thought .I got to stop thinking about that. Got more important thing on my mind.
After some thinking he concluded that he would leave the party at the next stop, which should be inn at a first civilized place they will come across. The tension is too much so to avoid unnecessary losses of lives he will take half deal and disappear (half-deal - take half of a money from a supreme leaving him other half when he takes money in your name). With the fact that half of money was paid upfront he will lose only one quarter of his income. Considering that Lord Dorric offered really handsome amount of money for his services it wasn't bad option at all. And the fact that this way he will put more space between him and the rest (although the fact was that only one he wanted to avoid is commander ) was not for forgetting either.
Evening came and they stopped for the night again. This time he separated himself. While everyone was in the clearing in the wood they were going through he went somewhat deeper in darkness of the trees. Along the way he was making sure that even child would be able to follow him. for Anna asked to take care of his wound again. Finding a stream some 50 meters from clearing he took his cloak off, dropped it on the ground and laid on it. Putting his lantern somewhat back so he would have his darkness and to help Anna find him he slowly let himself go.
Relaxing his body and his mind his eyes were looking around finally lifting their sight up. Sky was without stars. His sky in this moment was green roof of this dense ancient forest. Sound of nearby stream was so pacifying and song of night birds was so sweet that he took his belt with Sins on it off throwing it slightly aside. After that followed his dagger and that horrible jagged and dull blade that he used to tear his arm. Finally he took his boots of together with large knife cleverly hidden in them. Now he had no weapon on himself. He felt like he was able to leave this world for some other place. Closing his eyes he reached with his mind for that place of calmness. Reaching it he embraced it with all his strength. Time lost meaning as he felt ultimate fulfillment.
Loud voice that yelled "Anna" made him leave that place. Slowly rising his upper body he opened his eyes and there she was. Sitting on the grass, back leaned on a tree, with her hands warped around her legs holding them tight under her chin she looked more like a young peasant girl then priestess of Marfa. She was looking at him smiling. He smiled back.
"How long was it? 5 minutes? 5 hours? There is just no way of knowing. And why she acts that way?" he thought finding himself unable to find any answers.
Marsh came from behind and without even looking at situation started his prepared speech "Where were you until now and..." Only then he realized the oddness of situation. His mouth left opened and no sound was coming out of them.
Finally Anna spoken "He was so calm that someone would thought he never had a single worry in his life. It was relaxing just watching him. I wish I could relax like that."
Marsh looked at Gaof waiting for an explanation or something at least, but Gaof remained silent. He was still shocked with this scene and her words added more to his shock. Looking at him relaxing?
Again she broke the silence slowly getting up "Let me look at your wound"
He putted his hand in front of him and she slowly started unwrapping the ribbon. Slowly his mind started working again and he revised whole scene in his head over and over still unable to believe what he saw. At the end she unwrapped ribbon and started carefully to look at wound. Gaof reached for his lantern to give her better light. Now he could see her face again. She was fully concentrated on her job. No trace of cheerful girl from just a minute ago.
"It's healing rather miracuasly. Maybe there is connection between this rapid healing and the fact that your hand was cut on that same place so many times." Standing up and slowly turning away from him she said "I'm going to wash this ribbon again." and left towards stream and little downstream were she saw well-placed rock for her intentions.
When she left Marsh knelled beside Gaof.
"What happened here?"
"I don't know. Your voice made me open my eyes and I saw her there. Ten seconds later you came along."
"What were you doing?"
Looking around himself Gaof noticed his weapons on a pile some two and a half meters to the left. He was remembering what happened. "Everything around here made me somewhat calm. Closing my eyes I saw this place in my mind. My thoughts went towards it and felt calmness like I never thought possible. It was like you're in your luckiest moment of your life, time standing still."
"One long moment that was. It was more than an hour since she left clearing"
"Over an hour?"
"Yes, and she didn't exactly follow you soon after your departure."
"Suddenly I don't like this place any more." Looking around he added "But there is no more of that calmness that embraced me." Deeply inside he was sure that he had another attack. "Two of them in two days. Something is happening here I don't like one bit. Tomorrow we reach that inn. I can't stay around here waiting for this to repeat." he taught while looking at a green ceiling of this forest.
"I understand you. But what she saw there is what's bothering me. She couldn't relax just by watching you."
"My opinion exactly."
"Unless... nah, that is not possible" he smiled and continued "Anyway you'll have some things to discuss with her I expect, so I'll remove myself from your presence" he started walking away and then turned to add "I'll come later when she returns, something is on my mind"
He turned his head and saw her coming. "She hardly could do more for a man than say something like she said on the second time thy met. Not that it means something to me but I should be polite. If nothing else then to keep promise to myself" went on his thoughts.
She seated on her feet and started silently to wash his wound. She looked somewhat depressed. Looking her like that he felt need to say something.
"Yesterday I wasn't quite polite, were I?" he said and she raised her head slightly stopping the tending of a wound. "I'm sorry about that." he added. She looked at him with clear question written on her face.
"When you asked me about those words I reacted harshly. Do you remember those words?"
"Yes I remember them but..." she started but he cut her off.
"There was no reason for me to act that way. I still don't know why I did that but that is no excuse." That last sentence was a blunt lie and he knew that too well. His usual emotionless voice and face deceived her, or so it seemed to him. Since she worked around him so much risking to be marked among this company he felt like he had to do something to her in return. Somehow he was convinced that giving her part of his secrets would make her happy.
She was looking at him without a blinking and her mouth were open and slightly moving but no sound could be heard.
"It is a prophecy just like I said. A prophecy given to me long time ago"
"A prophecy of your death?" softly she asked.
"Yes. I know some would like to know when will they die, but for me it is a curse. I guess you know why I did what I did two days ago"
"I have heard that. I have heard a lot about you. Lots of those things don't really make sense"
"I always join for battle for same reason. And every time the night before the battle I await for those signs but they never came. There was time when out of nothing blade would shine in darkness, and there were nights when I could smell strange blood, even those two together but never have I reached for Misfortune, my old sword that was broken in the name of prophecy. For that I get frustrated and angry. Then next day I try to relive myself by killing every enemy I have in sight. That was what happened two days ago too. That is where my reputation comes from."
She was still looking at him for a time and then continued attending wound "So that is why you did that" she said while here voice shown that there is unanswered question left in air.
"Yes, and that is why people around me seem to die. Once I tried to control it but it was no use. Only thing gained is that I had that scene haunted me in my dreams for few months." he said leaving clear that question must remain unanswered. Although he didn't say anything terribly new he did put the puzzle of time order straight. At least she was sure what was the direct cause of his fanatical killing in the fields of battle.
She finished attending his wound and risen her face again "That is a sad reason, but one nevertheless. I can understand how you feel but can not approve of your actions." Her face was empty as she was deep in her thoughts. "I'll be returning to clearing now, there are others injured" she spoke and left. There was some satisfaction in her voice and he felt somewhat good about that.
"She seemed satisfied, that's good. And I really didn't tell her anything new. Even if I did it wouldn't matter. Judging by what I saw until now she doesn't seem like one to tell tales and tomorrow I'll probably see her for the last time in my life.
I should probably go to sleep, this is serving no purpose. No, Marsh said he will come. What is with him. He knows that it is dangerous to hang around me. The very least he'll get is being marked as a friend of mine. And I made obvious that I don't need company the first time but he stayed. I must be careful about him. But there is this thing about him and Anna. He seems getting around me because of her. What is the relationship between them? Ah, I'll just ask him."
The birds are stopped singing, only owls and few other true night creatures could be heard. Stream was joyfully flowing as always. Air was getting cooler and more refreshing. Darkness felt somehow deeper and more present. Closing his eyes he started relaxing again. Searching his mind he could not find that spot of peacefulness again. Nevertheless he was just lying there doing nothing, thinking nothing. Shun in shoulder made him get back to reality.
"Hey, don't sleep. We should talk" said Marsh.
Sitting up and leaning on tree Gaof replayed "Yeah, we should"
"First of all Anna seemed out of it again. What is happening between you two. I haven't seen her like that for a long time. Come to think of it I have never seen her like that."
"I expressed my gratitude for her help. Guess she was surprised considering all the talk about me."
"May be, but it doesn't seem that way"
"That is what I did. Anyway what is there between you and Anna. You are always asking about her."
Looking at Gaof under half closed eyes he thought "That is none of your business" and then said "She is my childhood friend. Since we are in this together I thought it is only normal to keep an eye on her. You know, mercenary army is not quite healthiest place for a woman to be. And she is a beauty too add on fire."
"And by keeping eye on me you keep eye on her. Noble reason in deed."
"Well you know you don't exactly have a reputation of a kind hearted man. And while she is always in the crowd, when she comes to heal your wounds she is alone with you. I don't mean anything by it but is suggestive."
"True, and my reputation is well deserved, but no harm will come to her from me."
"Truth is that I have heard a lot of bad even horrible tales of you but none included something like that. Nevertheless I..."
Gaof raised his hand to stop him from continuing his thought. "No need to explain that is perfectly normal."
"If you say so. Still when I talk to you for some reason I can feel you don't want to hurt people. Funny since killing is what you do better than anyone else."
"Could we change the subject, this is not one of my liking."
"Then I will tell you what was on my mind then.
Boys kept quiet about you this evening. That means they reached decision and that means it is time for you to leave. I know you got only half the money but is money really worth finding out what they have stored for you?"
"No need to worry about that. I saw that coming. It is always like that."
"So you have prepared for that already."
"Yes. One question though. Why are you telling me this? This has nothing to do with Anna."
"Well he couldn't possibly know" thought Marsh but spoken something totally different "Nothing more than honest trade. I give you information and other things and you give me what you have"
"And that is?"
"Are you mocking me? Your skill with sword of course."
"But you wield axe"
"Sword, axe, what is the difference. Skill is still skill and I need one."
"I would show you what I know but the time will be a problem. Tomorrow I separate myself from the rest and go my way." he said thinking "Logical, nothing comes free. At least price is low"
"That is a problem but if we meet again you could teach me then"
"If we meet again I'll find some time to spend with you. You have my word."
"Then see you tomorrow." he stood up and left
Lying back on his cloak Gaof said to himself "Well, the truth finally showed her ugly head. It's not too ugly for now, so lets hope it stays that way"
Grabbing blanket from his pack he covered himself and went sleeping. Last thought he had was "Tomorrow it's either quick escape or a bloodbath"