Warriormage: Book Three of the 'Riothamus' trilogy Read online

  Warriormage

  Book Three of the ‘Riothamus Trilogy’

  Rosemary Fryth

  Copyright © Fay Parkyn 2011

  Smashwords Edition September 2012

  Brisbane, Queensland

  Australia

  I’d like to dedicate the ‘Riothamus’ trilogy to a number of people who have helped

  (either deliberately or inadvertently) in the creative process.

  Thanks to Linda, Elizabeth, Sue, Erin, Joanna, Marion, Ian, Nadine, Sean,

  the Brisbane Medieval Reenactment groups, and the ‘Fireside’ ghosts and denizens.

  Special thanks to Claire and Mat, and of course to my family and my husband Richard

  for all his love and support, cups of tea and all the useful battle information.

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Chapter 1—The Ritual of Making

  From the previous book ‘The High King’

  “My lord King Arantur,” Archmage Maran said gravely and formally, “I am most saddened by this leave taking.”

  Aran’s lips quirked imperceptibly at that, but nevertheless he courteously inclined his head, “My lord Archmage, we go to do battle against our greatest enemy,” he replied equally formally. “Will you give us the Blessing for the Road?”

  Maran nodded, “I shall, but first you must know that the mages of Glaive have not been idle over the past few hours.” He pointed over to the pack horses, “You will find already secured all necessary backpacks, furs and equipment that will ensure your survival in the mountains. There is fresh food packed that will see you through to Glade, and for the mountains we have prepared in especially sealed and oiled packages, portions of dried meats, vegetables and fruits that you will be able to either heat or eat as they are.”

  Bini spoke up, “My lord…my aim with the bow is true. We will feast every night on wild fowl and other game.”

  “Plainsman, there will be little game in the winter mountains,” Drayden interrupted, “So we will not feast, but instead dry your kills for later meals.”

  Aran saw Bini shrug at that.

  “Glade will also supplement your supplies,” Maran went on, ignoring the interruptions. “Out of the fibres of their plants they make some of the lightest and strongest ropes. Ropes you may well need when you reach the walls of Erie.”

  Aran nodded, “The small leather emergency tents have already been packed. They will accommodate two, besides each man has an oiled, leather groundsack in which to sleep.”

  He then turned to stare at the distant Trident Range, “We will take as much as we can carry into the mountains, if it proves to be too much then we will have to dig caches in the snow to off-load any unnecessary gear.”

  “Then there is little else I can do to assist you,” Maran said at last. “I am so sorry that it has come to this, but by the Goddess it is the only way the Province will be ensured peace.”

  Aran nodded and stepping up to the Archmage, firmly clasped his shoulder.

  “Then wish us well and all speed.”

  Maran returned the clasp, “Ride a safe road, and May the Goddess and Andur’s name protect you all.”

  “And everyone here” intoned Aran formally, “Look for us in the spring!”

  Then, with sudden and swift motion, the group of sixteen soldiers and mages mounted their horses. Looking about and seeing that everyone was at last ready, Aran held out his arm to indicate all should ride on. With scarcely a word or even a backward glance, the group rode from the Legion camp. Silently, the remaining Guard and legio watched the small group leave the relative protection of the fort. Few knew of their mission, although most guessed where they were bound. Those who knew muttered prayers for the safekeeping of those bound on that perilous western journey.

  And so the story continues...

  Once clear of the diggings and fortifications around the Legion camp, the small group spurred their mounts to canter easily across the hard and wintry ground. Ahead of them, the northern most expanse of the forest was like a dark smudge on the otherwise featureless vista of the plains. The green-black heaviness of the forest gave lie to the whiteness of winter’s grip that elsewhere cloaked the land. Leading the group was Aran, with Drayden at his shoulder ready to scout the way, once they drew into the forest itself. Behind the two leaders rode Darven, Alissa and Bini, and behind them were the knot of five mages mounted on a rag-tag collection of horses. At the rear of the group, were the six volunteer Guardsmen riding three abreast in well-drilled military formation. The elite soldiers were cheerful and laughing, happy to have this break away from camp, and eagerly anticipating future action behind enemy lines.

  Within an hour’s easy canter, the first of the great boundary trees were sighted, and before long the party was drawing up amongst the pioneer species that the forest was sending out into the vastness of the plains beyond.

  “Wildings,” Drayden murmured, gazing about him at the dozens of oak, elm, ash, and beech saplings that dotted the grasslands that edged the woodlands. “Every year Nay Forest creeps ever northwards, given time it will surely engulf even Mount Solstice.”

  “It will not gain any of central Andur,” Aran replied confidently. “I know the farmers will not give up one acre to the trees.” He grinned, “Many generations have farmed those lands. They will be loath indeed to give an inch of their land away.”

  Drayden peered into the heavy, green darkness, “Despite the denseness of the trees, I sense paths and clearings through which we may easily travel. The forest will not hinder our route.”

  “Shall we go via East Glade?” asked Alissa, nudging her black mare forward. “I have heard there is a well maintained path that joins Eldenton to that forest village.”

  Drayden shook his head, “That settlement is far to the south of us. It will be quicker for us to go into the forest here, than to travel south then bear west again.” He looked around and then abruptly motioned for the rest of the party to ride up. Seeing that everyone had gathered, he quickly called for silence.

  “As you can see we are now on the outskirts of Nay Forest,” he began. “Given the season, this will not be a perilous time to journey into the deep woodlands, however…” and he looked up to make certain everyone was paying attention. “For a non-Earthmage, the deep forest does have its dangers, and it should not be taken lightly. For the safety of the party I will urge you all to ride together, and not lag behind. In fact to make certain of this I will lead the group myself, and I will ask Mage Theaua to ride rear guard to make certain we don’t lose anybody.”

  He smiled at the nodding faces and continued on.

  “Most of the paths I will be taking will be the native ones favoured by the beasts of the woodlands, so riding will be necessarily single-file. I will take advantage of any clearings that lie upon our route so the horses may feed, and it will enable us to take meal breaks or prepare overnight camps. Although the Trident River does flow through the very heart of this forest, other small streams are infrequent, so I ask you all to conserve your water
and to drink sparingly.”

  “How soon to Glade?” asked Jede, a young, but serious-faced Guard belonging to Wolf Company.

  “Three days,” said Drayden confidently. “There will be two overnight camps.”

  “What about the wolves?” asked Guard Kunek. “I have heard they can be a trouble to travellers!”

  Those of Wolf Company sniggered at that comment from a member of Bear Company, but Drayden shook his head when he saw the guardsman unconsciously fingering his sword.

  “You can put that sword away soldier,” he replied abruptly. “There will be no killing of wolves today, or any other day whilst we are in Nay Forest. Whilst Earthmages ward this group, no wolf would dare attack any member. However,” and he glanced at the guardsman again. “I cannot vouch for your safety if you fall behind or become separated from the group. The Abilities of the Earthmages are only effective at close-range.”

  Guard Kunek glanced towards the frowning face of Wolf Leader Darven and swallowed hard.

  “Don't worry Mage Drayden,” replied Darven smoothly. “I can vouch to you right now that the Guards here will not make one step away from the group without your permission.” He smiled dryly, “Despite their obvious enthusiasm for hunting, they know that it is more than their life is worth to disobey a direct order from one of their commanders.”

  Aran turned around and frowned at the guardsmen, “See that you do so,” he said shortly. “Whilst we travel through Nay Forest, any Earthmage’s word or command carries as much weight as mine, or Wolf Leader Darven’s. See you obey it without question.”

  At that comment there was unanimous agreement and nods from all members of the Guard.

  Earthmage Drayden turned back to his contemplation of the forest. “So now there is little more you need to know,” he said at last. “You will soon see that this is a primal oak forest, but there are other dominant species present, such as beech, ash, hazel, elm and sycamore.”

  Alissa rode up her eyes on the nearest tree, “Drayden, something’s been irritating me since we’ve been in sight of the forest and only now have I worked it out.” She waved her arm vaguely at the forest, “This is obviously a deciduous forest, why are the trees still leafed? I mean most trees I am familiar with have lost their leaves by this time of the season.”

  Aran nodded at that, “That’s true. It hadn’t occurred to me until Alissa just mentioned it.”

  Drayden smiled enigmatically, “This forest is a living, breathing Entity. Indeed there are aspects to it that are unique and little understood.”

  “Still people live within it?” Bini asked wonderingly. “I understand possessing oneness with nature and all life, I mean the plainspeople live by that law every day of their lives, however you say this forest has a consciousness?”

  Drayden nodded, “It is a simple and rudimentary consciousness; but yes, it is aware of everything that moves and happens within the living energy of its whole.”

  Aran shook his head in amazement, “So that is why the Thakur did not strike through it.”

  Drayden nodded again, “Exactly, the forest has ways of protecting itself and all the animals and people who live within it.”

  Darven surveyed the trees apprehensively, “Are you so certain this forest will be safe for us?”

  “Of course,” Drayden replied smoothly. “The Sages have an agreement of sorts with the forest Entity. Besides there will be no harm extended to a party which is warded by Earthmages.” He glanced briefly at the guardsmen who returned his gaze with nervous grins, “Just so long as we stay together, and no-one tries to take any pot-shots at game.”

  “So how will we hunt?” Bini frowned, whilst furtively fingering his bow, “I mean we must eat.”

  Drayden stared at the young warrior, “Every time we hunt we must ask permission of the forest.” His brow creased suddenly, “Which reminds me, it is vitally important to remember that fires must only be lit in the clearings and glades, and any timber collected for burning must be deadwood from the forest floor. To do otherwise would exact sudden and terrible retribution from the forest Entity.”

  Drayden spoke a soft word to his mare, who immediately stepped into the dark verdant shadows. Hurriedly the others urged their mounts forward, eager not to be left behind.

  *

  The group was not a hundred yards into the trees, before Aran was clearly noticing that the forest itself seemed to be opening up hidden pathways and tracks under the will of the High Earthmage. Each time Drayden seemed to lead them into a tangle of bramble, holly and hawthorn, the way would suddenly open out, and the forest would allow them easy passage even deeper into its dark, green depths. Despite the season, and the bitter early winter-cold of the plains, the temperature amongst the trees was milder, warmer, even late summerish. Aran reached out with his mage sense, and immediately felt a gentle heat emanating from each gnarled tree trunk, and the leaf-strewn forest floor beneath his horse’s hooves. If this warmth was an instinctive reaction by the forest Entity to protect itself against the cold, then Aran could readily understand why the deciduous forest was still heavily in leaf this close into winter. As they rode through the darkness of the woodlands, Aran could hear in the distance heavy crashing as a large beast smashed through the underbrush; and then later, gazing overhead he could hear the piping of birds, and see occasional movements of the canopy as wind gusts penetrated this vast, leafy domain.

  *

  “We are being observed,” said Alissa suddenly into the group’s silence.

  “The forest is aware of us and will not hinder our way,” Drayden answered.

  “And it is closing the path behind us,” called out Theaua from the rear of the column. “Mind we all stay together, it would not be an easy matter searching out an errant horse and rider in this heavy brush.”

  Aran looked up and down the column and did a quick head count.

  “Do not be concerned Earthmages,” he said quickly. “We are all here and none of us are lost.”

  “Ah, but the Lady Alissa is correct, we do have company my lord,” Drayden said pulling his horse to an abrupt halt. “Stay still and be quiet everyone, there is a Presence near us.”

  Aran reined in, and immediately sat still on the nervously twitching Spirit, whilst carefully casting his farsight out to the forest about them. For a moment only he did sense an alien awareness, then the contact was lost into the rapidly rising warmth generated by the forest itself. Suddenly there was a brief rustle of foliage off to one side, and an enormous she-cat walked unconcernedly into their very midst.

  ‘I am curious, the Elder Forest has never before seen such a gathering of other-mages,’ the cat commented clearly and suddenly to the astonished party. ‘Is this to do with the evil-over-the-horizon?’ she asked.

  Drayden bowed awkwardly from the saddle, “Greetings Mother, and yes, it is everything to do with the evil.”

  The large black rock cat sat down on its haunches, and purposefully began to wash its face. Suddenly it looked up, and its green eyes seemed to stare directly into Aran’s own.

  ‘Your leader-male is here. He has done much killing.’

  “He has the old Abilities, Mother,” Drayden replied gently.

  ‘Ah, so the land-force rises,’ she growled. ‘This was not unexpected given the presence of the evil-over-the-horizon.’ She stared long and hard at the others who were trying to calm equally nervous mounts.

  ‘He is not alone in the old Abilities!’ she said abruptly.

  Drayden nodded, “We know Mother, and we suspect others will be found.”

  ‘Look close,’ she advised calmly, going back to her grooming.

  Finally her chore finished, she looked up at Drayden, ‘So what do the outside-men do about the evil-over-the-horizon?’

  “We go to do it battle, Mother,” the Mage said.

  The she-cat inclined her black head at that.

  ‘Then it is good that there are others of your kin here,’ she said directly, first looking at Theaua then at
Alissa and finally Bini. She stared long and hard at the startled plainsman, ‘It has been many generations since the people of the plains came into the Elder forest. Tell me, what brings you here young one?’ she asked.

  Bini glanced towards Drayden, his mouth opening and closing without words coming out.

  ‘Cat got your tongue?’ she asked archly, and there was the hint of a smile in her words.

  ‘Never mind,’ she said taking pity on poor Bini. Suddenly she stood up, and her movement was supple and lithe, ‘Go inwards to the forest mages,’ she said addressing Drayden one more time. ‘They will give you aid.’

  Drayden nodded and bowed again, ‘We go directly to them Mother.’

  ‘Good,’ she said, and then in one fluid motion, leapt upwards towards the startled horses. In the flicker of an eyelid, the cat dissolved into a swarm of bees which immediately disappeared into the green darkness.

  “That, I assume was the forest Entity,” said Aran dryly, once he had recovered his voice and his equilibrium. “Although I guess that wasn’t its true shape.”

  Drayden nodded, “You are correct in your assumption my lord. The Entity is formless; it must create the likeness of a creature to converse with a sentient race.”

  “Good likeness,” Bini chuckled nervously.

  “And the forest mages are the Sages,” asked Trenny interrupting coldly

  Drayden nodded, “They are.”

  The old Weathermage shook his head in annoyance, “I am more than a little angry that the Earthmages should keep the knowledge of such a Power to themselves. Surely all mages should know of the existence of such an Entity.”

  Drayden rounded on the other mage in sudden exasperation, “What would you have done with the knowledge, High Mage? This is of no consideration to the other disciplines on Glaive, in fact outside the Earthmages, only the Archmage himself knows of the Entity’s existence, and even then his knowledge is usually lost with his death.”