Thank you to everyone who reviewed last chapter! And to over 1000 hits. That means alot to me as well! As usual a huge thank you to my Beta who I swear must head desk at times with my spelling and grammar issues!
So please enjoy, and again, review. It helps!
Chapter Six
It took weeks to flush out the Scanran raiders from the mountains, caves, and mines. Each time the maidens rode into battle, Kel joined them. Her body ached to the bone from the cold and the constant training and work, but it felt so good to be sore again; to have something to work for.
As days passed Erikk created wards and protection stones to bury and place around the warehouses and walls of Stonefist to protect its people and newly arriving resources. It was Byron who had to negotiate troops from Stonefist to aid in protecting Wintersbane, and Wintersbane in supplying Stonefist with amulets, runes and wards every few weeks.
By the time Kel got her first few days of rest, she sung at the prospect of a real bath; the kind with soap, salts, hair oils, and scrubbing every inch of the mud and cold off and out of her body. But, as things usually go, the moment she was dried off and cuddled around a book, Erikk had sent someone to get her and of course Byron came tromping into her room without knocking.
"Kel, suit up. We need to ride out." He declared boldly as he pulled a set of clean clothes for her from the closet. She didn't move, being rather nude under the thick blankets and furs, she had no intention of showing such to the prince. "Come on we need to find what's spooking the stock."
"Spooking?"
"Rogue wolf, probably sick, or another group of bandits moving in. Westly wants it dealt with before damage is done and Erikk says something's off in the forest." He stared at her for a moment before a man cleared his throat in the doorway.
"My lord, I think she wishes you to leave in order to change." The masculine voice purred as Byron looked toward the shadowed figure.
"Oh, right. Sorry Kel." He bowed quickly and shuffled out the door closing it behind him. Kel was left wondering what spooked the prince that bad, and who the man was before reality sunk in and she rushed to armor up.
Kel looked down at Onna and the other hounds as they followed the trail into the thick forest.
"Wolves never venture this close to a village." Haden said gently, even he was on guard as he scanned the tree line, and even the branches.
"Haden's a bit scared of the wolves, Kel. Stories you see, spooked him when he was young." Ian grinned at his brother as Haden shot him a look that should have pierced his very soul.
"Really?"
"Aye about wolves that walk as men, they feast on the innocent and can not control their very beast." He teased as Haden just sat up rather ridgedly.
"Enough lads, it's probably just ill." Erikk's growl was enough to get Ian to stop teasing his brother and return to his normal stone face. Kel had only ever seen a normal dog ill once, never mind a wolf, and even then the outcome was grim as her brother was forced to put it out of its
misery.
Even Peach was on edge as he picked his way through the woods and snow, as if testing each step he took. Swearing she saw movement, she raised her bow and spun to the left. Peach stopped as Onna was transfixed on the underbrush. Maybe it wasn't movement? Maybe it was just one of the scent hounds, she kept telling herself. When Onna didn't move Kel looked to the forest once more.
"What is it girl?" She whispered before Peachblossom's ears suddenly pricked up. The beast started to shift and prance in place like a young stud half his years, catching the attention of the others. Huntsmen called out as bows and crossbows were raised, spears pulled from packs. It was then that a single brown shaggy wolf slipped from the brush, staring them down. No hound, wolf, or dog dared rush it.
"This close it's definitely ill." Erikk managed as Kel could feel the sudden pressure of his magic's swelling. It felt odd, like the pressure one felt with old wounds from a coming storm. Peachblossom seemed to not care as he tossed his head up and strode forward, showing off as he did.
"Rein in Kel." Westly snapped as she tried to do as he asked, but Peach ignored her. "Keladry rein in!" He bellowed now and, much to her protesting, the beast of a horse refused. It took another second for everything to click in her mind.
"Drop your weapons!" She yelled slipping from the saddle as she rushed the wolf. She could hear the protests in the background.
"Madness the beast…"
"Trust me and drop them!" She snapped before dropping to her knees before the wolf as it just stared at her. "Daine?" She whispered. The wolf just let out a yip and licked her face before proceeding to look her over. Once that was through, Kel turned to look over the men and maidens as they just stared at her. "Let's head back, and then I will explain."
She declared before going back to Peach and mounting up. Daine bounded forward in wolf form, sniffed Onna over before the two turned tail and started back toward the fief.
"You, have a lot of explaining to do." Westly laughed as they road after the two wolves, he always did find humor in the strangest occasions.
By the time dinner was laid out and underway, Kel joined the men followed by Daine, wearing clothing far too big for her form.
"May I introduce Daine, a wild mage."
"Wild? Or Wolf Walker?" Erikk quipped.
"She is one with animals, so to speak." Kel smiled as the maidens' dogs massed around Daine, exchanging sniffs, yips and even a few grumbles as the pups tried to rush to the front of the pile.
"Odd to see a Wolf Walker, we thought they all died out generations ago." He managed in Common as Daine let a sigh of relief pass her lips.
"Thank the gods you speak Common. But no, my Pa is one so to speak." With that Westly smiled and started to relax, her pride and stubbornly raised chin when she spoke of her Pa seemed to calm his nerves. "You see, our King worries for Keladry. Since magic cannot pass your gates, he sent me."
"Ah, he wishes to see if she came willingly, or as a captive, as well as what we are doing with her. He sounds like a wise and very admirable man. However consider yourself lucky the king was not on this venture, he would not take kindly to spy from the west passing our gates." Westly spoke up as he pushed a bowl of stew toward Daine. "Eat." He motioned as she just stared at him. When she hesitated he dipped a large spoon in it before taking a bite himself. "Eat; we will leave you two alone so you can talk without our influence. If you are to report we want it to be truly her words to the King, because this will be the last contact he has before the time comes." He stood at that as Daine bowed her head respectably. The men started to leave the room as Kelland snuck up between them and threw an arm around Kel, giving her a hug.
"Glad to see she didn't eat you." He said in Common before laughing and starting out the door. Rolling her eyes she took a seat as Daine started to nibble on the soup and bread.
"You seem at peace here despite everything." She spoke suddenly, spooking Kel out of her daydream.
"It's like home, back with the Own I mean. Only, they are all Raoul's size, even the women!" Daine laughed at this as she shook her head.
"And you're… safe with them?"
"Very. They have an order similar to the goddess's, only more along the lines of a Knight if that's fathomable. They are training me." Daine perked a brow as she looked to the playful pup that nipped her hand.
"And their High Mother blessed you." She turned to look at Kel before laughing. "Onna as you call her. She's a very smart and good choice of a companion for you. I swear the animals here are all touched."
"The shamans. They are rooted to the earth and its creatures. Some have an affinity for certain animals, like the horses or hounds."
"Shamans? Like from the south?"
"Sort of, I mean add them with a bit of mage, yourself, and the elements."
"Ah, well that could explain it and the strong guards against magic for this land."
"They are very protective, for reasons I don't even fully understand yet." Kel spoke as Daine just nodded. It took her several minutes of silence before she finally spoke up again.
"And the men, what of ill…" She started but stopped as Kel burst into laughter.
"A few have tried, but the ritual has set them in their place."
"Ritual?" Daine just perked a eyebrow at that. Kel just cleared her throat as if she was repeating something word for word.
"Any man who wishes to court a woman must first best her brothers, father, and then herself in a show of combat. Be it combat of arms or wits. At any time and to anyone, the woman may choose to accept the challenge or deny it." She smiled at Daine as she looked her over.
"I've never seen you so, emotional." She said quickly before Kel started to put her mask back up. "No, no its good, but your brothers…"
"The maidens have a saying when they take their vows, 'Through the goddess we can discover our strength, enlighten our minds, own our bodies, and celebrate our emotions.' The Yamani became my people when I was there so I adapted the stone mask, but here it's so different. Emotions make you strong here; they keep reminding me that the goddess is more than a woman in a gown guiding her daughters." She ran her fingers nervously through her growing hair. "It feels good to feel like a woman and a knight at the same time. Tortall the balance was… I wasn't balanced. And even the Yamani teach the need for balance."
"These barbarians seem to be nothing of the sort. Perhaps we have always underestimated the north." Daine frowned at this before taking a bit more soup. "The king is not going to like this at all."
"As for brothers, Haden and Ian have taken it upon themselves to be my brothers at arms with Westly my father. The king approved of them doing so and anyone that's stupid enough to challenge the King's champion and some of the two best fighters in the land well…" She giggled as Daine just leaned into her. "You can meet them all, and see them practice tomorrow morning." Daine nodded before stifling a yawn.
"Sounds wonderful, but Kel are you sure about all this?"
"This?"
"This here, these people and what you're doing. Everyone is worried about you; the King is scared they will mark you as a deserter. He's scared they will use you as a pawn against Tortall. What if they are only gaining your trust to learn and invaid?" Kel just looked to Daine and nodded. "That's why I'm here, to find out whats going on, your safety is first in my opinion, but we need to weight the balance of the entire kingdom."
"How are they?"
"Furious, outraged, angry and worried. I came with Alanna, Raoul, Neal and Dom." She could see Kel stiffen at the mention of Dom."You know they are dear friends and love you." She smiled a bit. "They all stood up for you, even Wyldon." Kel looked positively shocked at that.
"Really?"
"Yes really." She paused to look over Kel's expression. "You know the king's men aren't allowed to wed. It's often hard of them to express attachment or emotion once they've come to the conclusion they can't have that."
Kel opened her mouth to respond before Daine just held up her hand. "When men rarely get to see a woman more then twice a year it's hard to think of anything besides a tumble in the hay."
"But... I'm not a tumble woman."
"I know, most of us are not. We are emotionally bound as well as our honor. It's hard for some men to see that because we, you especially, hide it all behind a strong mask. You miss home don't you?"
"Oh gods Daine so much…" She took a deep breath as her emotions tried to come crashing down in one swift moment. "As much as I miss home, being here feels right. I know I am to be a part of what's coming and I need to prepare here."
"What's coming Kel? You need to tell me."
"A war, Scanra has always been at war with Gaul. It's resources and lands a perfect gateway, never mind stronghold, to the south east. If the warlord's son were to wed and bind himself to Tortall it means he's got links to Carthak. He'd wedge them into war against the east and work his way there. I know he's already in contact with the Carthaki's for their aid. Many dislike the emperor and wish to see a true man back on their throne."
"So the peaceful warlord's son…"
"Is like his father. The man spent what, ten years or more uniting the tribes to try and take Tortall. He had all this time teaching his son, and he's learned very well. He's smart and tricky. And now with the Yamani alliance…"
"Things are falling perfectly into place for him. It's as if he couldn't have even planned it better."
"Exactly, he's carrying his father's greatest plan!" Kel let out a strangled cry as Daine just nodded, her hands on the heads of wolves seeking some comfort from the news.
"So we tell our King."
"And the war in the north starts again. No, Baltasar is right, we need to out trick the warlord at his own game. If we can do that…"
Daine just shook her head as a frown pulled at the corner of her lips. "And here I thought the war was over…"
"Maybe if done right, and my being here, we can save countless lives."
"So how do we keep Scanra from ripping itself apart if we do succeed?"
"When you get to Corus, seek Miles of Olau out. Tell only him what I told you, and tell only him this. We must send messages to his spies, seeds of a council ruled nation must be planted. Where each tribe leader has a seat on a high council and an opinion; where the council rules the land together, as a true nation."
"So the seeds are ready when the time comes."
"Aye, Gaul does not want war Daine, they want to avoid it as they have for centuries. But they will fight if it means keeping their lands." Kel sighed as Daine just returned to her soup.
"I will do my best to make sure such happens then Kel, I feel fate has it's hand on you."
The next morning Daine followed through with her promise and joined for morning training. While she sat on a fallen log with a pile of dogs around her feet, the maidens and men started to stretch.
"She wants to see a feat of strength from us?" Haden muttered as Kel looked over at Daine, her self-proclaimed mother. Haden said nothing as he watched Daine from a distance. "I understand the reasoning, but a duel will do little to prove such."
"No bars held then." Ian turned to face the group as Rianna just nodded. "She's a Wolf
Walker; we should respect that and honor her wishes. If the gods sent such here to verify the safety of Keladry in our care then we must do so to the best of our ability."
"Wise words Ian; you are growing in leaps and bounds these past few months." Erikk spoke as he nodded lightly toward Ian. "I would say your sword sister is having a good effect on you."
"We are learning off each other. Is that not the point of her presence?" Haden interrupted before turning on his heel. "Let's get going then!"
While Kel joined for the first part of morning drills and sparing, she was dismissed shortly after. Most of the remaining troops wandered toward the edge of the clearing while Westly, Haden, and Ian were left dead center.
"Westly is the King's own champion. The champion is never appointed but must fight for the position here. He can be challenged at any time and should he be defeated he will give up the position to the victor." Kel explained as Rianna joined them on the log. Her wolf hound strayed from Daine's side to nuzzle its massive head under its mistress's hand.
"And the younger men?"
"Haden and Ian are twins, they are part of the guard and I've never seen anyone but Westly bring them down. As a team, even he struggles." Rianna's head turned at the sound of the boys names.
"She's asking about Haden and Ian?" She asked in Gallic, only to get a nod from Kel.
"Haden and Ian show such great promise they are being personally groomed by Westly." She spoke and paused to let Kel translate. "Haden is a master with his axe, and Westly sees him as the next champion to the future king. Ian is nearly as deadly, but he has the elements on his side. Erikk trains him in such arts. It is the hope of the men that the twins will take up the mantle of champion and high shaman to stand beside Prince Byron when the time comes." As Kel translated Daine narrowed her eyes at the men. A group of guards entered the field first, varied weapons.
The minute they attacked everything happened quickly. The attack didn't last but a few minutes as the men were slammed into the snow and not getting up, clearly content with declaring their loss. When the last fell the twins turned on Westly. Kel had seen them in the practice field, but this was very different. They didn't hold back with there swings as they worked against Westly, tiring the old man out.
It was when the maidens joined the fight that it got interesting. After nearly ten minutes, the last maiden standing managed the perfect blow against Ian, pulling his axe from his hands. However her victory was short lived when Haden defeated her as he and Westly saluted each other, then turned to salute Daine.
"They will do." Again Kel translated and left Rianna nearly crying from laughter as she put an arm around Daine and both women fell into a fit of giggles.
Supper that night was somewhat depressing. Daine had announced she'd be leaving with the dawn, so no expense was spared to have a huge fire and celebration.
While Daine didn't eat the venison, she was all too happy for the fruits, nuts, and stews that were served up. You could see her eyes widen as they even produced puddings and cakes at the end. By the time the fire died down, so too did the dancing as most couples and people sat around the fire now
"Wolf Walker." Ian greeted Daine as she and Kel entered the circle to find a seat. Daine seemed surprised by his choppy common but bowed her head as murmurs started to dance around the fire.
"Why do they call me Wolf Walker?" She asked finally. It was Westly however that moved to sit next to her.
"You came to us as a wolf. There are tales among our people of such, Lycanthropes, Skin Walkers, Wolf walkers." He nodded as Erikk started a tale in his native tongue. While people quieted Westly dropped his voice to translate.
"Long ago, after the land embraced the Maiden and Horned one, creatures of power began to rise. Some threatening our people, other swearing allegiance. The first to visit the first son of Gaul was a Raven, he perched upon the boy's cradle and looked down over him. When he looked to the parents he bowed his head in respect to the man he had followed through battlefields so many years ago. 'I wish to aid you Horned one. I see much and wish to bring you word and wisdom.' The Raven spoke gently so as not to stir the child.
"While the man looked the bird over, he was wary. 'You are a bringer of war, you feast from the dead, why should we trust you?' he spoke swiftly as the bird just ruffled its feathers. 'From death, comes life. It is part of the great circle and we all must play our part.'
It was then the maiden smiled and offered a hand to the Raven. He moved to settle in it and looked up as she soothed his feathers. 'You shall be our eyes, to fly over our realm and tell us what you see. You will be the symbol of our greatest warriors, protectors. Though they bring death, they do so to protect life.' When she spoke the Raven bowed its head with great honor and left the keep. They have been such ever since." He paused now to take a drink as Kel and Daine just leaned in. Daine seemed transfixed on Erikk as he spoke, his hands motioning to the sky, forest, and snow as he spoke.
"Next came the Great Bear. It approached the prince and bowed its head, leaving one of its great claws at the foot of his cradle. 'Horned god of men,' she spoke with strength and conviction as she looked into the eyes of the greatly feared man. 'The war has claimed the lives of my people. Mortal men slay us in our dens for our hides. They destroy the power and balance the Great Mother found with men when the world was born. The men slayed my mate and cub.' she wailed. The maiden began to cry as the man bowed his head. 'I am sorry for your loss great one, but I swear that the people will no longer hunt you. Your mate and cub will be remembered by the gods and their loss will not be in vain.' With that, the bear presented the King with the pelt of her mate. True to his word, never again was a bear killed in Gaul less it entered a village and claimed blood. The stars even honored the Great Mother's loss and placed them among the stars to watch over the people of the north, guiding them with there patience, power, and wisdom.
"When a Fox came to pay its dues the queen turned the beast away. Though the Fox pleaded she was curt with him. 'The Raven told me you pledged loyalty to the men who seek to kill us all. You are cunning and cleaver, but in our lands we wish for trust, honor and loyalty.' The Fox was taken aback by the queen's quick words for he never met one who dared oppose him. And so he departed from their presence.
"The Horse came next, its head high as it looked to the man it carried into battle some years back. 'I have rode with you, I have rejoiced with you. I shared meals, and spilt blood. I wish to ground you to the earth you now claim and carry you through this world.' he declared as the king smiled and nodded. 'I would have it no other way friend. Is it true that the great warriors are reborn as a horse's spirit?' he asked but the stallion never answered."
Westly looked over to the girls who were leaning so far forward to watch they looked ready to topple over, leaning out he couldn't help but tweak Kel's nose. "You're just like my girls when they learned this tale." He whispered before looking at Erikk. The shaman had twisted and played with the fire, the images of each animal formed in the flames and parted as another came to view.
"Lastly, the Wolf approached the prince but did not bow its head. This enraged the king as the beast just locked eyes with the maiden. 'My pack took you in, fought to keep you safe for the gods plan. But we know your lands will force our own packs to move. Many will die as your world grows. I ask to call in my life dept to protect my people.' The rage the king felt was replaced with familiarity of the war they just fought. The beast was wise and honest, its loyalty only matched by the horse. 'We can protect your people, if you protect us in exchange. Life for life, Brother Wolf.' the queen spoke now as she slid to meet the beast eye to eye. 'Then so be it.' The wolf agreed. But he knew it meant casting his pack and feral nature aside. He did not hesitate and stood beside the queen for the rest of his years.
"As time passed the shamans began to gather, some becoming so in-tune with the world they could shift into the bonded animals of Gaul. The brave were marked by the Bear, the clever the Raven, the noble the Horse, and the loyal the Wolf.
"It was as the maidens took guards, the Skin Walkers came. Wolves who could take human form and protect their charges. Over time though, the Wolf's true always won. The feral nature claiming their soul as they would leave the maiden and a unborn child for the call of a pack." Daine frowned as he finished before sitting back.
"So that is why they fear me, because I took the shape of a wolf? They are scared I'll bring out others..."
"And kill yes, the Skin Walkers were said to turn on people when their natures conflicted."
"Interesting..." Was all she managed to say.
The next morning Kel joined for training as usual before Daine joined them. She wore very loose clothing today as she gave Kel a tight hug.
"I've faith in you Keladry." She whispered as she pulled back. "Any special messages?"
"Just that I am safe, well, and I'll return home soon. Please, just tell the king to have faith and trust no one." She smiled as Westly put a arm across Kel's shoulders. Daine just smiled at the man.
"You will know when we are coming." Erikk nodded to the woman. "Avoid the villages, the word of an ill wolf spread and they may be on the look out."
"I've no intention of traveling by land." Daine had a rather devious grin. "I'll look for your omen." She said as her body started to twist and contort. Within a few beats of ones heart a pile of rather lumpy clothing lay in the field. Many stared as it started to move, the shirt being tossed aside to expose Daine in the form of a raven. It let out a single 'caw' before taking to the sky. Circling for a moment, she tipped her wings before catching a current and flying west.
"She's a master of forms?" Erikk spoke over the silence the awe clear in his voice.
"She's a wild mage." Kel just responded.
That night around the fire, instead of tales of Gaul, the men pressed for stories of her homeland. She told them of the Lioness, of the great Immortal War, the gryphons she had helped, and Daine's dragon companion. It felt good to talk about home, it was as if just talking about them brought up the fact that she was doing this to protect them and for that she couldn't help but feel a swell of pride.
So again, I will ask you the reader for your opinions and ideas. A few have expressed not seeing day to day life in Gaul, or it's people. Not being able to see everything Kel is facing there. Should I start filling with more of that? Or keep it streamlined and to the point? Honest opinions please, I would like to know how my readers would like to see this story filled out! Thank you, Huginn!