Chapter 7

Spies and Allies

The facts were these. Travis' prize and reward had escaped. Somehow, no doubt with the help of that worthless street rat, she had wriggled from her bonds and made a dash for the forest. This was now the question. Where was she now? He had already sent forth troops to scour the forest. No sign of the wretches had been found. They must be found, and soon! Travis stormed out of his tent. He was not happy. He walked through the camp, releasing his anger on any soldier who chanced to come across his path.

Stephen had heard the rumors that the princess had escaped. This must be the reason for Travis' upheaval. This was good news. A smile came to his lips as he went about his business. He had looked upon this new mission at first as just another everyday adventure behind enemy lines. Typical espionage stuff. Then when the Princess had been captured, he had thanked the Creator for sending him here, while also cursing his inability to assist her escape. His cover must be conserved. Now she had done it without his help. Stephen had come home from a job in the east and had been ordered, instantly to map Yorde's movements. He had enlisted with the army shortly after they began on their path of destruction, claiming to be an outlaw thirsty for revenge. Now he had been promoted to the rank of officer and was among the first to know of the army's movements. He had heard that this was a personal mission. The princess had something that King Abram wanted, although no one, not even Travis knew what. Things are not looking too good; Stephen smiled for Travis and Abram.

Kathryn was barely able to keep her eyes open as the sun broke the horizon. She had traveled all night, and Cedric had been setting the pace. Perhaps that had been a good thing though. They had to be at least, a good twenty miles away from the Yorde camp. Many things came with the dawn light, the sound of the birds in the trees, the smell of the morning dew covering the ground, and the site of Kathryn's own weary feet. She just could not walk another step; she slumped down onto the ground. Hmm… How soft the ground felt. It reminded her of her large bed back in the castle. She lay her head on a soft bed of moss at the foot of a tree. Sleep was creeping upon her swiftly.

"We can't stop." Cedric said turning around and staring at her.

"I'm so tired," she replied with a yawn. No…must…not… fall… asleep…Her mind told her, she fought to keep her eyelids open. But why not? A small voice in her head spoke softly, almost soothingly. Just a short nap. Just five minutes. No…She continued to wrestle with herself. Must… remain… awake… must… keep…moving… Her eyes closed, she stopped resisting. Kathryn gave in.

Kathryn was wandering through a field covered with clover. The clear blue sky was powdered with large fluffy clouds. Bees buzzed from flower to flower as two red tailed hawks soared overhead. The light breeze blew across the meadow bringing with it the scent of fresh rain. The peace and tranquility was suddenly shaken. The birds chirping in the trees became silent, the crickets singing their lovely songs ceased. All was quiet for a moment, when a single loud squawk sounded across the air. Kathryn glanced skyward. A single black raven flew across the sky. What's the big deal? Kathryn wondered; her question was quickly answered. The air was suddenly rent with loud squawks, as thousands upon thousands of flying ravens blacked out the sky. The sound was maddening. She covered her ears, but she couldn't block out the devilish sound. The sound crept into her ears sliding into her mind. Kathryn screamed as she suddenly writhed in pain on the ground. A hand was clamped over her mouth.

"What are you doing?" She heard Cedric hiss in her ear. Kathryn opened her eyes; her face was drenched in sweat. Night had fallen while she had been asleep. All was dark. "Quiet! Someone is out there!" Cedric franticly whispered. " Come on! Under the bush!" The two scrambled behind the bush hiding them from view. "What happened? You were moaning and squirming all over the place." Cedric asked as he peered around the bush looking for their would-be watcher.

"Nothing," Kathryn whispered still trying to catch her breath. "It was nothing, just a dream."

"Get down!" Cedric hissed to her as he crouched down behind the thorn bush. By the dim, ghostly light of the crescent moon Kathryn could make out the outline of a tall figure. This new obstacle in their path to freedom was about five feet, ten inches tall. Nothing else could be discerned due to the lack of light. Kathryn glanced at Cedric with a look of question on her face. She said nothing for fear of being heard and discovered. Cedric grasped the meaning of the look and swiftly searched the ground at his feet. He picked up two rocks of considerable size and handed one to Kathryn.

He wants to attack! Kathryn realized. There was then an agonizing moment of silence. Suddenly the sound of a large object hitting the ground came from the opposite direction of where Kathryn and Cedric were hiding. The figure whipped a crossbow from his back and in an instant had it loaded, ready to fire. The two were about to dash out and attack the assailant, when he spoke aloud.

" Come out from your hiding spot. I mean you no harm," the figure spoke with an unusually deep voice that had to be no less than two octaves beneath bass.

"I have been watching you since you fled the Yorde camp and I assure you that I am no friend of the Yordens,"

"Stay down here," Cedric told Kathryn. "I'm going out there," Before she could protest against this course of action Cedric had drawn himself up to full height.

"You say you are no friend of the army, but can I trust you?" Cedric asked the strange figure.

"Whether you can trust me or not is your decision, not mine," the figure replied. "You must follow me if you are to accomplish your goal of escape. You may dispose of your weapon you shall not need it." Cedric extended a hand in this man's direction.

"My name is Cedric. I shall not travel with you unless I know yours." The figure replied in the deep voice once more.

"My name Robert Anspach, but I shall not shake your hand. As a ranger of the forest, my life is governed my many rules and principles, one of which is 'Never shake the hand of any creature in the dark'." Cedric, puzzled, addressed their new companion.

"I respect your rules,"

"Then come. Follow me. You, and your friend behind the bush." With that, Robert started off into the forest. Kathryn stood and walked to Cedric's side.

"How did he know I was back there?" She inquired. Without turning to face her, Cedric spoke in a cold tone of remembrance.

"He is a ranger. My uncle lived the life of a ranger until he met my aunt. They know all about the forest, from the plants needed to heal the gravest of wounds, to the herbs that season an edible stew. They can hunt a bear by smell alone. A ranger can hear the footfalls of a deer that is miles away. They are the masters of the forest."

"Can we trust him?" Kathryn asked quietly.

"No, we can't," Cedric muttered. "But we must follow him. When a ranger speaks, it is wise to listen."

They walked, following this mysterious ranger for what seemed like hours.

Finally he led them to a small clearing just big enough to hold a small cabin that was sitting deep in the forest. Robert rushed forward and opened the door leading inside.

"Quickly. Hurry inside. We may have been followed," he gestured to the open door. Cedric and Kathryn stepped over a bed of small stones resting outside the door into the dark cabin. Robert followed them inside searching the outside area for followers as he closed the heavily carved door. After lighting a lamp the cabin was exposed to be quite roomy. A small fireplace with the blackened remains of a fire about three days old sat in the far-left corner of the one room cabin. A bearskin rug covered the floor. A table constructed from split logs rested in the center of the room, three stools sat around the table. Numerous weapons hung on the opposite wall. Many elegant bows worthy of use in King Vincent's own bodyguard, along with crudely carved daggers, and a collection of short swords were among the sharpest and well-worn weapons. But amongst this deadly array was a weapon that caught Cedric's eye. In the very center of the wall, hung on a metal hook lay a crossbow so large he swore it must have been wielded by the Titans of legend.

"Come, sit. We don't have much time," Robert indicated the stools setting around the table. Cedric and Kathryn seated themselves close to the door. Robert placed the lantern in the center of the table, and took the seat opposite of them. The long shadows it cast across the room gave the entire cabin an air of mystery.

Robert leaned across the table and began to speak in a low tone.

"You have little time left. You are being followed…"

"By you," Cedric interrupted.

"Let me speak!" Robert growled, "You are being followed. The entire army whose clutches you just escaped is following you with a single-minded purpose, to kill you! I have seen them coming, tonight even. They are but miles away. I can provide you with direction and supplies that is all. You would find refuge from them nowhere but in the great black city, Waria."

"Waria!" Cedric shouted as he stood up. "Waria is over one hundred leagues away! The journey across the plains of Doath alone would defeat us! Even if we made it safely there is still the Igios swamp, and beyond the mountains of Hun. We would never pass the haunted watchtower, Mount Zegula. They say the ghosts of the Areo Dragons hunt in the mountains."

'There is no other option," Robert returned calmly.

"It's impossible!" Cedric roared.

"There is a way," Robert exclaimed.

"What way? There is no safe passage across the mountains!" Cedric continued to insist.

"Please, Robert tell us of this route through the mountains." Kathryn interjected suddenly. She had remained quiet throughout the entire explanation. Cedric resumed his seat.

"There is a gap in the mountains through which runs a stream of clear water down into a tight valley. This pass is unknown to all but the rangers of the area. They are friends of mine you can trust them. If you begin travel you could reach the entrance within four days. This valley is hidden for it is completely surrounded by the mountains. To reach it you must pass through a cave in side of the mountain."

Robert stood up and began to fill two packs that lay against the wall of the cabin.

"You will need provisions, blankets, fire material, and most importantly weapons," He removed a longbow and presented it to Kathryn.

"Do you know how to handle this weapon?" he asked solemnly.

"I know enough to protect myself," she replied stringing the weapon over her shoulder. Robert turned again to the wall covered in weapons and selecting a light short sword he turned to Cedric.

"This sword has seen many battles. Use it well. Now be on your way, and may the Creator spread his blessings on the road before you," suddenly Robert stood alert. The sounds of a horse's footfalls could be heard.

"Quickly!" Robert rushed to the far corner of the cabin and opened a trap door in the floor. "In here! Hide and be silent!" Robert urged. Cedric and Kathryn squeezed through the small opening into a tunnel underneath, just barely tall enough for Cedric to stand upright inside. The trap door was swiftly closed and the two companions were plunged into darkness. The sound of a heavily mailed fist pounding on the door could be heard from above. The sound of Robert shuffling to the door could also be heard. The door squeaked open and someone stepped into the room.

"What is the reason for the intrusion?" Robert's voice could be heard. The voice that replied filled Cedric's heart with fear.

"I am in search of two runaway criminals. One a sixteen-year-old boy with closely cropped brown hair and the other a sixteen-year-old girl also with brown hair," Hissed the oily voice of General Travis.

"I am but a simple hermit wishing only to be left alone." Robert snorted "What do I know of escapees?"

"They could be hiding near by," retorted Travis

"They are not here. I would have seen them," Robert almost laughed.

"Well, watch the area," Travis replied turning to the door. "I shall return, I promise,"

The sound of footsteps was followed by the sound of the door slamming. Once the sound of the horse's trod faded into the distance the trap door was opened once more and Cedric crawled out then he helped Kathryn out.

"You now see. Even Travis himself is searching for you." Robert spoke swiftly as he filled another pack. "We must not delay. We must leave now."

"Wait. We?" Cedric inquired.

"Yes! We! Did you not hear him? He will return, I can't stay here!" Cedric was about to protest but Kathryn cut him off

"We would be a great deal safer if you were to accompany us. We are privileged to have you by our side. Welcome Robert,"

"We have no time for useless words," The three shouldered their packs, Robert seized the magnificent crossbow from the wall, grabbed the lantern from the table and they disappeared into the dark of the forest.