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8
The Journey Begins
Assard strode over to Alundi and Little Annabel who had joined him in the attempt to heal Knorrest. Assard willed Alundi his magic. Alundi wished to ignore it but he needed him and the healing magic he could do. He glanced up at the residents of Stone Bay slowly filing out of the far end of their wooden cage. Assard noticed Bella run from the door straight into the arms of Nix who had jumped from his horse. Tears were streaming down her face. Tears of joy Assard hoped. But after seeing the start of all this through her eyes he doubted it. Seven had taken to stand around the Strem that had surrendered. Some of the others had started helping the residents out of their cage. The rest were watching Alundi heal Knorrest. Assard decided to take command for the moment at least.
‘Burton, make up teams of five and clear the houses. If you find anyone give them the chance to surrender but I want not one of us hurt.’ Burton nodded and started assembling the teams. For over an hour Alundi and Little Annabel did not cease their attention to Knorrest. Assard's strength wavered and Alundi blatantly refused his influence. Six pirates were found within the homes of Stone Bay. Two were killed. Assard turned his attention back to the two horsemen that had been struck from their horse. One had died, a Man who went by the name of Harold. The other was healed.
There were screams of horror as the eyes of the Stone Bay residents fell on a small pile of bodies the pirates had made. Assard walked over. Ten lay on top of one another. Sobs echoed throughout those congregated. One, an elderly woman, walked over to Assard helped by a girl no older than Little Annabel.
‘How did you know?’ It almost took an age for the question to come out. She was shockingly weak. Assard placed his hand on her forehead and sent a good measure of healing magic. There was a noticeable difference.
‘A young boy by the name of Nash was picked up by two brothers on the track between Kolpan and here. He was taken to Mountain Rise where Alundi and I have been staying. We left almost as soon as they arrived.’
‘I can vouch for that.’ Nix said turning from the pile of corpses, Bella shaking with sobs in his arms.
‘They made their best speed here. Assard, thank you and you Alundi.’
Assard spun round to see Alundi striding towards them holding Little Annabel tight to his side.
‘Knorrest?’ Assard asked.
‘We have done all we can. The outlook is good.’ Alundi answered out loud. Assard noted the pain in Alundi’s voice. It was subtle but for Assard easily noticeable. Many around hung their heads.
‘Who can speak for Stone Bay?’ Alundi asked.
‘I can.’ A tall brown haired woman said stepping forward, her eyes swollen and red with tears.
‘Two ships. The other will return. You, all of you must leave Stone Bay, for Assard and I cannot remain.’
‘Why not? You are Galahad of Camelot…’ A slight hum passed through the crowd.
‘…you are charged with protecting the innocent!’ Nix yelled.
‘And you are not the only innocent in this world! The five villages here have lived in relative peace but no longer. The Strem will return and an Elemamtel spy was in Four Points last market day.’
A sharp intake of breath echoed through the crowd.
‘He is dead but Stone Bay is no longer safe.’ Alundi glanced at Assard.
‘Take the wounded and young Little Annabel back to Four Points.’
Assard nodded and took Little Annabel from Alundi’s side. Her legs started to give and Assard pulled her up quickly. Wrapping his arms under her legs Assard carried her towards the carriage where her mother waited. Two Men were carrying Knorrest on a stretcher. They passed Assard and Alundi who could not help notice how weak the blacksmith really was. Alundi retrieved Excalibur from the ground where he had rested it. The blade was covered in blood. He grasped the handle and magic sizzled where he touched. The blade glowed a shocking white for only a second and then returned to normal. The blood was gone. Burton walked over but said nothing for a while. Both just stood with the littered bodies of pirates around them. The sun was at its highest when finally their silent reflection on the day’s events was broken.
‘Alundi what shall we do with the bodies?’ Burton asked in a hushed tone.
‘Pile them up, Iruc and Pousin on top and burn them.’ Alundi responded in a similar tone.
They got to work. All were silent as the bodies of the pirates were carried and rounded up and piled in the middle of the main road right in front of the harbour. Weapons and valuables were taken from the dead. Alundi saw nothing wrong in this as some of their homes were now lost and most of their belongings already taken or destroyed. As the sun began to set only two bodies were not on the pile. Burton went to move them but a stern look from Alundi stopped him. Alundi grasped the belts of both Men. Summoning the little magic he had left he flew steadily into the sky. Hovering over the highest point of the pile Alundi dropped them both. All watched. He gracefully landed a few paces from where he had lifted off. Unsheathing Excalibur Alundi placed the tip on the floor and muttered.
‘Popalas-bleic.’
Blue flames erupted from the blade of Excalibur and reached forth towards the bodies. The blue flames crept over the fallen without scorching or burning their flesh. As the flames touched Iruc’s body the blue haze instantly changed to an orange blinding glow and the bodies began to burn. Alundi turned and walked straight over to those pirates that had surrendered, now eleven in total. They cowered as Alundi closed, fearing the worst. He studied their faces for a number of moments and then sheathed Excalibur.
‘I can think of only one way to guarantee your silence and just in case you are too simple to know what that is, it’s joining them.’ Alundi pointed to the growing fire that was their comrades.
‘Can any of you think of a different way?’
They searched but Alundi was not going to humiliate them by getting them to beg for their lives.
‘I thought not. Stand.’
They all reluctantly did.
‘You are free, but only if you travel south. The peoples in the south are welcoming to the right kind of person. If you are willing to work, a good life you can build. Burton!’
He walked over,
‘Give these Men a small blade each and a single bow.’ At first Burton did not move but eventually after another stern look from Alundi he did as he was asked. As they were given their weapons Alundi drew Excalibur once again, just in case any of these Men were insane enough to fight. They were not. They walked single file towards the south passing the inferno that was their comrades. Before he could say anything Alundi turned to Burton,
‘What has happened here will become common knowledge throughout the lands before winter's end, Burton. Killing those eleven that have witnessed this will not stop that. The journey between Kolpan and Heeden is a long, hard and treacherous one. I know, I have walked it. The quickest, easiest and best way to invade all your villages is by this harbour.’ Alundi sheathed Excalibur and walked to the edge of the stone wharf. The Strem’s ship was now only a few large pieces of wood floating within the harbour. Some still smouldering from its destruction.
‘Are they leaving Burton?’
‘They are Alundi. Their dead have been as good as buried. This is not the end, is it?’
The pain and anguish in his voice stung Alundi. Burton, the always impenetrable rock was in turmoil.
‘No my friend it is not. I can make a few suggestions that will help all of you.’
Burton nodded his control back at least partially.
‘Post at least three Men on the hilltop overlooking Stone Bay at all times. Build a shelter on the northeast side so it cannot be seen from here. Make sure they have fresh horses and rotate them every two days. That will give you all, at the very least, three days warning of any invasion. After that it is your choice what you do. Assemble your riders and meet this invasion. Or run south or east
. Neither would be easy and so either would be honourable. Now come, it is time to leave, a bitter cold is coming from the sea.’
Alundi stood at the edge of the stone of the harbour of Stone Bay. This was the breach point. He drew Excalibur, taking note of how weak he really was but this needed to be done. Alundi had already made the decision. Summoning what magic he had left, Alundi violently swung Excalibur towards the edge of the harbour. A deafening crack broke the silence of Stone Bay. Alundi sheathed Excalibur, turned and walked away. As his feet left the harbour the stone and wood of the wharf shattered and fell. A convoy of residents walking away from their homes could be seen heading for Four Points. Many looked back in pain and anguish as the wharf that was their key to life fell into the water. The sun had begun to set and sparked the sky in a faint orange glow. The fire of bodies was now a smouldering pile of charred flesh and bone. The remnants of the ship had now completely sunk.
‘Father, we have made good time and are now not far from Four Points. Many have arrived from Kolpan and Craven Mount.’ Assard's voice broke into his mind.
Alundi now knew just how weak he really was.
‘Stay in Four Points for the night. Do not let young Little Annabel out of your sight. Check on Knorrest.’
‘Will do. Father, get some rest. That was far too easy.’
Alundi hated it when Assard was concerned for him but more so when he was right, Assard had not needed to force his mental contact with his father.
‘Will do. Be safe Assard.’
The moon was at its highest by the time Alundi had rode his way into Four Points. There were still many in the street and most were armed. Alundi noticed Burton arguing with three Men next to a laden carriage. Alundi rode over to them.
‘…needs to be done. We need someone there at all times to watch for any activity. You three will be relieved in two days. And I will arrange for a shelter to be built, until then you’ll have to use the tent.’
‘Look I said I was willing to help but I am not staying on a hilltop for days on end waiting for…’
Alundi jumped down from his horse and said, interrupting the man,
‘Burton pick someone who is willing. But it can wait until morning. And get some sleep.’
He did not argue. Alundi glanced at the three Men and then spun on the spot and returned to the side of his mare. A young boy ran up to him from the crowd.
‘I will take her my Lord.’
Alundi bowed his head and surrendered the reins. He quickly grabbed the arm of the boy a little too harshly perhaps as he winced at the contact.
‘Young one, my name is Alundi, do not call me Lord.’ Alundi made his way slowly to the Cross Road Inn where he now knew Little Annabel, Assard, Annabel and Knorrest were. He bowed his head as many called his name. Paulk shook his hand, the ones that were not from Mountain Rise just stared. The fact that he carried Excalibur and the fact he was in fact Galahad of the Round Table was now common knowledge. In their eyes he was a saviour.
The task now was far more difficult. A plan would have to be formulated but first rest was needed.
Alundi checked up on Knorrest. Many were with him. Brisclim who had grown up with Knorrest was at the end of his bed, Conner sitting on the floor resting his back on the bed. Samuel was also there as well as Brigan. Alundi placed his hand on Knorrest's brow and closed his eyes for a long moment. When he opened them all eyes in the room were on him. Conner’s and Brisclim’s glistened with tears.
‘His mind is safe. The magic is healing his body. It will be a long road to recovery, but he will not die of this. Of that I am certain.’ Alundi left abruptly. After speaking with Alan, Alundi found the two Annabels asleep in the same room they used on market days. Assard sat crossed-legged on the floor his hands resting on his knees, his eyes loosely closed. Alundi entered and closed the door quietly. He assumed the same position as Assard directly opposite him.
‘Sleep father. I will do it.’ Assard's voice pierced Alundi’s mind.
He gratefully unrolled his legs and lay flat on his back. To his eternal joy sleep was found quickly. The sun was at its highest when Alundi finally woke. The two Annabels were not present. As Alundi’s eyes fell on the very still, sleeping Assard he leapt to his feet.
‘Rest Alundi, they are very safe.’ Excalibur quickly called. Alundi walked over to the bed and slowly sat at the end. A new plan was needed.
‘Assard, you must wake. We have things to discuss.’
Little Annabel sat in between Alan and her mother. To Alan’s right was his wife, Mary, cradling a small baby boy, born just two nights prior to their arrival in Stone Bay. Little Annabel had checked over the boy who was named Mace and found no problems. He was a perfectly well baby. The Inn was packed and many had taken to sleeping on the floor of the bar area. All were Stone Bay residents. Little Annabel could only feel sympathy for them. Most, if not all, had lost a loved one or a dear friend and everything they were. Everything they had strived for all their lives was gone to them. Yes they could start over but she doubted it would be easy. Alan had been welcoming to them all, but he as well as they knew they could not stay here. Winter's grip was firmer now and they knew they would have to make other arrangements. For some it meant swallowing their pride and asking for help though Little Annabel knew it would be given without any hesitation. For others it meant calling in favours. For most, however, it meant a very difficult and harsh winter ahead. They would have prepared for winter. Almost every house within Stone Bay was built with a cellar so salted fish could be stored and preserved. Some had been able to retrieve their stocks but most had been consumed or poisoned by the Strem. The Battle of Stone Bay was the first time Little Annabel had seen death. She pained for Harold the rider from Kolpan that was killed, and for the ten Stone Bay residents that had died. But the most pain she felt was for Knorrest. She liked the blacksmith though she never knew him well. What did puzzle her was the fact she felt no sympathy for the Strem. None at all. Some must have been slaves that were serving against their will. But still she felt nothing for them. Unlike Alundi and Assard she did not hate them. She hated what they had done to the people of Stone Bay. She hated the fact that Alundi had to cut his way through so many, a pain that she felt from him when they were both healing Knorrest. She hated that Assard had to do the same though it did not pain him as much. She knew she was ignorant to the Strem's previous atrocities and could easily understand and agree with her friends’ hate for them but still she did not feel it herself.
So lost in her thoughts was she that she did not notice Meredith walk into the Inn until her mother had stood and embraced her. She quickly jumped from her seat and did the same. All the Stone Bay residents on the floor were waking. Meredith offered her services in the kitchen, Alan gladly accepted. Annabel also joined them knowing that many had to be fed. Breakfast was a noisy and crowded affair but eventually everyone had eaten a hot meal without stepping out into the cold.
Alundi and Assard did not surface from their room until past high sun. In no way did they look fatigued after yesterday; actually Little Annabel would describe them as fully fit and almost joyful. Assard nodded at Little Annabel and anyone else who looked at him and left the Inn. Alundi strolled over to Little Annabel who was sitting with Mary, the baby still cradled in her arms.
‘He looks well.’
Mary just beamed at him.
‘Little Annabel I need to see you and your mother as soon as possible, come to the room.’ Alundi did not look at her when he asked.
Alundi spun slowly on the spot still not looking at Little Annabel and headed back to the room. It took an hour to get her mother alone to tell her what Alundi needed. Both walked up to the room. Fear gripped them both suspecting what was coming. Annabel held her daughter's hand tight in anticipation. As they entered Alundi was sitting on the bed with his chest uncovered. Annabel regretted entering without knocking but Alundi quickly beckoned them both inside. His chest was covered w
ith fresh scars and bruises obviously from the battle. He placed his hand over each one for a few moments muttering some words neither of them recognised and as soon as he removed it the scar or bruise was gone. Little Annabel noticed much older scars around his chest and stomach.
‘Alundi, can your magic heal your old scars?’ Annabel had obviously seen the scars before but did not ask the same question. Alundi grinned.
‘It can. I could heal them right this moment. But I do not wish to.’
‘Why not?’ Little Annabel asked immediately. Again Alundi grinned.
‘Compared to every single being in this world that is not of magic, I can be considered a god with this strapped to my side.’ Alundi tapped on Excalibur as he stood, strolled over to Little Annabel and took a knee.
‘It is the same for you young Little Annabel. I keep these scars to remind me that, though I have great power and with this power I could have whatever I wished, I do not have the right to use it for gain or ill.’ Alundi stood and gestured for them to sit on the bed opposite him. They did so as Alundi pulled his tunic over his chest. He sat opposite them both and for the longest moment did not say anything. The trials of the past day had sunk in, and though physically he was well the events had tired his spirit. He took a long breath and met Annabel's eyes.
‘We will need to leave within a few days.’ He could see her heart sink through her eyes and though he knew that it would when he finally told them they had to leave, he had hoped that it would not have been until winter's end.
‘The events in Stone Bay will not go unnoticed. Young Little Annabel is in more danger now than ever before. If any come to investigate it is my hope that they will assume that Knorrest and his horses rid Stone Bay of the Strem. They will know however that I was present and they will try to find out why. I trust the folks of Mountain Rise and the others not to reveal that you are the reason I was here, but trust will not be enough. Our enemy has ways of extracting information if necessary.’
Annabel took a sharp intake of breath and Alundi put his hand up to calm her.
‘Young Annabel, I have placed magic within Meredith. As soon as we leave it will take effect and in essence she will forget you both until she sees you again.’
Horror gripped Annabel's face but again Alundi raised his hand to calm her.
‘This was her choice, young Annabel. You both will see her again. And when her eyes fall on your faces her memories will return. The joy of that moment will be something that she will remember to the end of her days.’
This did soothe Annabel but not a great deal.
‘The others will forget your names but know of what you are. Our preparations have been made. Assard has ridden to Mountain Rise he will ready everything for our return.’
‘He journeys with us?’ Little Annabel asked excitedly.
‘Ahead of us. He will leave as soon as he has prepared everything for us. His journey will take him to Elves where he will request an escort to meet us at the Rubicon Falls. Come young ones. It is time to head home.’
The journey back to Mountain Rise was slow. Over thirty of the Stone Bay residents were going to Mountain Rise as well as all that had travelled to Four Points. Snow had started falling in the late afternoon and even Alundi cursed himself for not leaving Four Points sooner. It was long past midnight when they all arrived in Mountain Rise. Meredith offered all a free bed for the night all graciously accepting not wanting to disturb others on their late arrival. Knorrest was taken to his home and Alundi checked him over once again. He assured Conner that though it would take a long time, Knorrest would survive this and he would be back to his old self. Alundi gathered everything he had left in his room at the Inn and left noticing Meredith's horror-stricken expression. Annabel welcomed him into her home. Assard had left a small note telling them that he left a little after the snow had started falling. Little Annabel was fast asleep and Alundi told Annabel to do the same and quickly afterwards he followed, taking a moment to return Excalibur to its resting place at the window. The morning came too early for Alundi’s liking and he chose to waste a number of the morning hours catching up on some more sleep knowing that he would be getting little in the weeks to come. The Annabels had both awakened and were slowly packing a few extra things for their journey. Meredith had come over after breakfast was over. They all sobbed when they told her that they would be leaving within a few days. Still Meredith knew it was the only thing that could be done and though it pained her greatly it was better than never seeing them again. Alundi slipped out unnoticed and headed for the forge. It was no surprise to see Conner was hard at working shoeing two old stallions for their return journey to Four Points. His eyes were swollen and bloodshot by old tears. Knorrest was a rock in Conner’s life and to see him in such a way would be hard to bear, Alundi knew this.
‘Conner.’ Alundi said softly.
He turned his head quickly, after realising who it was he continued with his task. Alundi waited until both sets of shoes were complete until stepping any further into the forge.
‘I leave soon Conner, but your training is incomplete. If you wish I will teach you how to make a scabbier.’ For the first time since the night of Alundi’s birthday Conner grinned.
Two nights after their return to Mountain Rise all the preparations were made. Alundi completed the magic protection needed so if others came looking for Little Annabel at least there would be no one who could bear witness. He doubted any harm would come to them. Whether Darz or some other servant of his came looking they would not destroy for the sake of destroying. At least that part of his enemy Alundi respected. They would rather control then kill. They would be watched for certain.
Conner had taken to making the scabbier much faster than any of his previous training. For someone so young to have that amount of drive happily surprised Alundi. Conner would be fine. His skill in the forge was brilliant. He would do well. He had checked on Knorrest each day and though his situation did not change overmuch he was healing slowly. Many had taken in friends from Stone Bay and all were working hard. As there was hardly any chance to preserve the fish that the Stone Bay residents had brought with them everyone's house smelled of steamed fish. Alundi loved the smell and hoped it would linger around him and the two Annabels well into their journey. As he entered the Annabels' he was greeted by an even more pungent smell of fish. He pulled in an entire breath through his nose savouring the scent. Billows of steam hovered in the kitchen. As he entered he found Annabel pulling ladle after ladle of fish smelling stew into a number of pots. Little Annabel was covering each one with a thick cloth and sealing it with wax.
Alundi left them to it, walked upstairs and slowly grasped Excalibur. A warming feeling stroked its way over Alundi’s skin. He grinned broadly, sheathing Excalibur he took another long look out of the window and left. Striding into the kitchen the steam had subsided but the pungent stench of fish still lingered. There was no talking. Annabel had been crying, as her eyes were red and swollen. Their life here and everything she had strived for would have to be abandoned. She knew more than any that she had to leave to protect her daughter but that reason could give only so much comfort. What would have happened if Alundi had not come? Yes, she would have had longer here but the spy would still have come whether Alundi was here or not. This was the only course that could be taken.
That evening flew past all too quickly. Alundi returned to his room within the Inn, packing his things and taking time to wash and dress then sat on the edge of his bed and waited. He had helped the Annabels sleep but he knew he would not get any himself. As the night darkened Alundi stood. He took a long look around the room he had spent almost two months in. His eyes fell on a small letter he had written to Meredith. He had taken care not to give her any information that could be prised out of her. Under it sat a small money pouch with a number of gold coins in. She will be fine, Alundi reassured himself. The air was surprisingly warm for a winter night. He strode with deter
mined purpose, his large travel bag strapped over his left shoulder and Excalibur hanging off the right side of his belt, towards the Annabels' house. Entering he found their bags packed and waiting next to the front door. Next to the two bags lay the tent they had purchased at the market day. Alundi climbed the stairs quietly. He entered Little Annabel’s room to find her mother sitting on the side of the bed staring at her daughter. She glanced at him and instantly her eyes filled with tears. Alundi opened his arms and she stood. He embraced her. The pain he saw in her eyes was almost crippling. He wondered what comfort he could give her by the embrace but it did not matter. Through all the ill to come, this moment Annabel would remember as a moment of consolation. Alundi loosened his arms and she looked him straight in the eyes.
‘Than…’
Alundi quickly placed his finger on her lips to silence her.
‘Do not thank me yet young Annabel. This is not the time.’
Annabel took a step closer and wrapped her arms around him once more. He returned the embrace.
‘When will it be?’ She muttered softly. Alundi squeezed her tighter for a second and met her eyes for a second time.
‘You will know when it is time. We must leave, now.’ Alundi said softly.
Annabel stood a little straighter and shook Little Annabel. She woke instantly showing no sign of tiredness. The smile on her face became infectious and before long all of their spirits lifted. They exited to find the air still surprisingly warm. Alundi had pulled the tent onto his right shoulder, his right arm wrapped around it. His travel bag strap wrapped around the same arm. It pulled his whole frame down to the right but it meant that neither of his burdens hindered his ability to grasp Excalibur. The two Annabels walked two paces behind him, Little Annabel holding her mother's hand. Silence had enveloped them as their journey began.