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Chapter 4, Chronicle III - Straight Arrow By William Black Will was back in the camp in no time. The sentries continued their silent vigils not suspecting any intrusion into their well-fortified camp. The enemy they sought was to the south five days journey. They had been warned about possible magic, but also assured that if any resistance of this type were given, it would be ineffectual and short-lived. The Druid crept along the ground, keeping to the shadows of the tents. The grass was wet and he felt uncomfortable. His cloths clinging tightly to him. If he had to run for it, the wetness of his trousers would cause him a lot of difficulty. He angled north and then crept clockwise to the east. For now, he ignored the tent in the center of the ring. When he was at the back of the eastern most tent in the circle, he stopped and made his preparation. He removed a pouch around his waist and took out a small vile of Monkshood. He also removed some gummy pitch laced with dried grass. He set his box to one side and took two arrows from his quiver. To the first one he molded the pitch to the tip of the arrow. He opened the vile and dribbled a few drops of Monkshood over the sharp arrowhead of the second. Then he waited. Reaching out with his thoughts he tried to determine where the leader of this army was. The only thing he received back were images of his old mentor Morlyn. He tried again, this time thinking of Lord Banon as High Priest to Loki, and his servant Sir Gardain. This time his probing was rewarded. The Master of this army was indeed inside the tent he now sat by. With a little more luck, the Master would soon be dead. The drums continued their rhythmic beating, and Will thought his plan going quite well. It was then the screech from the night sky occurred again. The drumming stopped as Will looked up at the dark heavens, but saw nothing. The sound of the creature echoed through the valley. What or who it was searching for remained a mystery. He prayed that the creature had not spotted Morgan. The camp went still as soldiers casts their gaze up to the night sky. The screeching continued and seemed to be getting closer. Movement from inside the tent sent Will flat to the ground. He waited and hoped that no one would venture out to the backside of the tent. "What is all this about," sounded a rough commanding voice. "I don't know Sir. The Winged One has not revealed the nature of his alarm. He just circles the camp as if waiting." "Waiting for what? And where is Morlyn? He should send that vile beast away." So, the winged creature was not servant to Lord Banon, but to Morlyn. Will tried to remember his old mentor's abilities. He was a Druid, thus knew how to communicate with all living creatures, but never had Will heard of a Druid communicating with a creature like the one circling above. Was Morlyn searching for him? At this point in his adventure he doubted it. Most likely the creature was just making sure all things were well in Lord Banon's camp. Just as Will sensed the creature directly above his position, the screeching seemed to fade away. He let out a sigh, then concentrated his mind to the task at hand. "Good, that filthy beast is gone. Still, I want you to find Lord Morlyn for me. Tomorrow we cross the Sapphire, and I need him to be at the head of the advance." As Banon turned to re-enter his tent Will made ready the first arrow. The drumming resumed. With a piece of iron and flint, he ignited the pitch on the arrow. Quickly he strung the dart, took aim at a spot over Banon's tent, and let it fly high overhead. He silently prayed Morgan would see the missile. Banon's voice could be heard cursing, "What the hell?! Where did that arrow come from? Guards!" Will strung his second arrow. He launched himself into the open before the startled Lord of Damtree. Will only had a fraction of a second before his target realized the danger he was in. He let go of the arrow with a loud twang. It hissed through the air, striking its victim squarely in the chest. The soldier Banon had been talking to was upon Will in a flash of steel and hatred. Shouts cracked the stillness of the night as deformed warriors ran to the aid of their fallen leader. Will feinted and parried his attacker's thrusts. More soldiers were arriving, but appeared to not know exactly what to do. Then a loud howling caught their attention. All seemed to turn in unison towards the source of the wail, and then confusion took over. Will struck the nearest soldier a vicious blow across the neck, sending the larger man to his knees. The Druid then turned to leave but stumbled over a mass of dark figures rushing in to defend their leader. Will scrambled to his feet, twisting and turning to throw off the groping hands of the enemy. He broke free and ran with all his might into the shadows of the camp, hoping that they would afford some protection against the search parties sure to be let loose at any time. Mass confusion ensued as Morgan continued her din up on the hillside. The soldiers were getting ready to mount a full scale assault on the hill when Will sprinted up the rise towards the rope that was tied to the outcropping of rock. He shouted to Morgan to make ready. He prayed she would be on her way back to their camp before he got to the top of the outcropping. He could hear shouts and cursing behind him and knew his pursuers to be closing in. The rope had to be close by. The shadows cast by the enemy made it difficult to see, but he stumbled across the rope more by accident than knowing where it should have been. The slope was wet and slippery, making pursuit difficult and slow. Will also found it hard to climb. The dark creatures however used their claws for traction. They were gaining on him. Using the rope added his ascent. He was soon near the top of the outcropping. The lead attackers noted his use of the rope and attempted grabbing it for their own use. One, then two, creatures pulled themselves closer to the rocky overhang. Then two more gripped the rope. Will gazed down at them as more and more made their way up the hill. He couldn't wait, nor could he head back toward his camp for fear of leading them to Morgan. He would rather die than put her in danger. So he took off in the opposite direction just as the outcropping gave way. Horrified shouts of pain and rage exploded into the night, as boulders and rocks were dislodged and sent careening down the slope into the oncoming attackers. Will could hear bodies being smashed by the onslaught of the rocks as they tumbled down the hillside. Torches flew out of the hands of the warriors and into the air, sparks marking their trail, just to go dim as they hit the cold wet earth. Will swerved and raced down the backside of the hill and up the next. Not stopping to see if he was being chased. His lungs felt like they must exploded, and he gasped for air. Once on top of the next rise, he went down on one knee to catch his breath, and ventured a glance back. It was dark and little light from the enemy camp reached this far, but he couldn't detect any movement on the hillside he had just left. Uneasily he tried to stand, but his legs felt like rubber. He knelt again and wondered if he was fully recovered from the battle with Gardain. Probably not, he chided himself. Then a whisper out of the night came to him. "Will, over here." He looked about but didn't see anything. Again the voice, "Will, come over here, please. I'm trapped." "Morgan," he shouted in a whisper. "Is that you?" "Will, please hurry." The knight tried to focus in the dark, but it was hard. He could hear his heart pounding in his ears. He knew the voice concealed a trap, but doubts entered his mind. What if is was Morgan? And why would it be a trap? If someone knew he was out here, why not just attack and have done with it? "Will, hurry!" The Druid wanted to call on his magic, but suppressed the desire. Instead, he focused his mind on the Lady Morgan. He searched her out with his thoughts, trying to imagine where she might be. Not exactly magic, more like intuition, he comforted himself. The answer was that wherever the voice was coming from, it was not Morgan. He turned and raced away from the area towards where he and Morgan had made camp. Whatever set the trap was content not to follow. Will slowed to a walk and again tried to catch his breath. It was hard to listen for pursuit when the blood pounded away in your ears. Yet he comforted himself that at least his mission was accomplished. Lord Banon was either dead or seriously wounded. The army was deprived of its primary leader. Now, as far as Will knew, there was only Morlyn to lead. And Morlyn was the more dangerous. Will jogged towards the grove where he prayed Morgan waited for him. But as he neared, some sixth sense warned him of trouble. He slowed and grouched down to the ground. "Why not, I'm already drenched," he thought to himself. He crept to the edge of the grove and tried to hear what might be hiding within the trees. Time was running out. Search parties were sure to be sent out in all directions searching for the assailant of Lord Banon. Will didn't want to be caught alone. "Damn, where is Morgan." He muttered to the wind. As if in answer, he heard the rustling of grass behind him. He turned slowly, dreading the appearance of one of the dark warriors. To his amazement, Morgan was creeping towards him. She motioned him to follow, apparently afraid speaking would give away their position. She led him away from the grove and into the open. There in the dim light of the stars, Will could make out the outline of Aspen and another horse. Morgan got up and slid into her saddle. Will too mounted, and they were off into the night. They kept to a steady gallop wishing to put as much distance between themselves and the enemy camp. After a short time they slowed to a trot. Will looked over to Morgan and grinned. She was unaware of it, but he felt she was the most splendid woman he had ever been fortunate enough to be around. All he said was, "Thanks. You were wonderful back there." "Not so bad yourself." "So, what was hiding in the grove?" Morgan thought a moment and turned to him as they road. "It was a wood demon. I doubt Lord Banon or Morlyn sent it. It didn't seem to want anything but the horses. I promise I didn't use magic, but I did speak with it. I promised it something much more valuable than mere horses." "What did you promise it?" Will started to get a familiar, but uneasy feeling in his stomach. "I promised him you. Oh, don't be so surprised. You know how I work, and I would never have given you to it anyway. You know this. Besides, I care about those creatures, and you would have left a bad taste in its mouth." She nudged him with a laugh. She had the uncanny ability to tick him off, then make sure that any anger or irritation he felt soon melted away. "There was something else." "No there wasn't!" She sounded offended, "I would have known." "Then your senses are off, my Lady. There was something else out there. Something on the hill. It whispered to me, telling me to come quickly. It sounded like your voice." Morgan trotted away from him, "Well, it wasn't me. So there." He caught up to her. Don't fret, I wasn't accusing you. I was informing you of something that knew of our presence. It might have been a trick of Morlyn. I can just see him allowing us to take Lord Banon out. Making it easy so he wouldn't have to share any of the booty. A fallen Druid is at his best when he can get others to do his dirty work for him." "Oh, do you speak from experience," she laughed at him. "Or is it common that Druids fall from grace." "No to both questions. But Druids are just as human as you and I. They are subject to the same frailties that others are. And when they fall, how great is the fall!" Will fell silent remembering his old mentor. Remembering the teachings he had learned so well from the man that was now his greatest enemy. But the idea of Morlyn letting him kill Banon was disturbing. Why allow it? Why not take the Lord of Damtree out himself and save unnecessary bloodshed and risk? The answer was too clear. Morlyn had become a demon himself. Bloodlust drove him and if he could achieve his ends with more bloodshed, then so much the better. Will was afraid that he was becoming just a pawn in this game. Morgan brought Will up short, pointing into the night. "Look at those clouds." Will squinted into the darkness. Stars could be seen peeking out through breaks and crevices in the clouds, but what bothered him was a dim pool of golden light reflecting on the clouds far to the south east, but not as far as he hoped. "It must be Morion's troops." He looked over to where Morgan sat motionless in the saddle. "If the light can be seen from this distance, then they must be working through the night to get the traps set." He went cold at a sudden realization. "Morgan, the enemy knows." "Knows what?" Morgan's voice responded doubtfully. "They know about the traps. That winged creature that we heard, it would be able to spy all of our troops' movements and trap deployments," Will paused to consider, "unless." "Unless what?" Morgan was growing impatient. "Unless Arrow and the other raptors kept the beast at bay. It's possible they have, but not unless they were expecting to be watched." "Beloved, it doesn't matter. Let's just get back to our people so we can help with the battle to come." Will laughed, "You forget, they don't want my help." "Bull crap!" Morgan rounded on him in the dark, "They don't know what they want. Anyway, you have already helped them more then they will ever know. I say we go and help. Are you up to it my beloved?" "Hmmm, I couldn't turn down an offer like that, well, not made from the likes of you at least." He set Aspen into a light gallop and left Morgan to catch up. It was well into the early morning hours when Will called a halt to their journey. "We need to sleep. It doesn't appear that it will rain again, so let's bed down here. I will take the first hours watch and you can take the second." "Only an hours worth of sleep? Your heartless," she purred jokingly. Will dismounted and helped Morgan down. The stood facing it other in the dark, both wishing for what they knew they could not have. Will turned and got a blanket from Aspen's saddle, then handed it to Morgan. "Good night, my Lady. Pleasant dreams." "Good night, Will." She took the covering and laid down on a level piece of ground. Will sat down beside her and kept silent vigil. He was pleased when he heard Morgan's deep restful breathing. The hour past quickly. Then two. Will finally shook Morgan awake. "Love, it's time we continued our journey." Morgan blinked the sleep from her eyes. The first rays of the sun were just appearing over the eastern horizon. Will had taken a few paces out from the camp and stood facing the east. He lifted his hands in greeting to the new morning. Morgan joined him. "Old habits die hard, don't they." Will finished by making the sign of illumination. "Beloved, it is not a habit. God created the day and I will rejoice and be glad in it." "He also created the night," she raised an eyebrow speculatively with a grin playing across her lips. "I honor the night too, silly. Now let's get going." Will went to his saddlebag and offered Morgan a light breakfast of travel bread, water, and dried fruit. She accepted them without complaint. He then stowed the blanket away and mounted Aspen. "Are you ready?" Morgan gave him a sly wink, leaped into her saddle, and raced off in answer. Will urged Aspen to catch up. They traveled easterly, but kept off the main road for fear possibly encountering Lord Banon's advance scouts. The sun continued to rise, chasing the few remaining clouds from the sky. By all appearances they would make good traveling time. The air was cool, but the sun kept them plenty warm. They spoke little as they rode, each knowing that their adventure together would be soon over. Will didn't want it to be, but he couldn't be selfish either. Morgan truly did belong to another, and he had no right. It was mere grace and fate that allowed them to have this last time together. Yes, soon it would be over. Will didn't like to think about this, but the thoughts continued to intrude into his heart. He could use magic to banish the thoughts once for all, but he vowed never to do that. For in doing so, he would have to say goodbye to her, and that was another thing he vowed never to do. She could say goodbye to him, but never the other way around. Morgan started to peer hard at the vista before them. "Will, do you see what I see? There - on the horizon." Will brought Aspen to a halt and stared. It appeared to be a dark blotch on the golden floor of the valley. As he strained his eyes he could make out that the dark spot seemed to be undulating. "At a guess I would say we have found our troops. But that means that we have a little better than a day to get ready for the advancing army. If I know Morlyn, he will drive his troops to the breaking point. They can't be that far behind." He spurred Aspen into a rhythmic trot. Morgan followed at his side. It took the better part of an hour for Will and Morgan to make their way to the front most positions of Morion's troops. The laborers were hard a work finishing the construction of the ditches Will had ordered. As they approached, a man road out to help guide them in and avoid the already camouflaged traps. "So, you've decided to join us anyway." Captain Tactus didn't seem at all surprised to see them. "You two look a sight, what have you been up too." He turned his mount and led them through the maze of covered trenches, every now and then looking over his shoulder at them. "We've been out crippling Banon's leadership." Morgan offered slyly. Tactus brought his horse up short and turned to face them. "What? How?" "Will here snuck into Banon's camp and eliminated the problem." Morgan beamed with pride, but Will fidgeted uncomfortably. "I set up the diversion." Will shook his head and interjected, "I think my old mentor also aided us. It was just too easy. I think Morlyn is behind all of this, and he is vastly more dangerous then any High Priest of Loki." Will paused, "And there is something else. A dark winged creature, the one that flew over Morion during the festival. Have you seen it about?" Tactus glanced towards the east. "Yes, last night something flew over frightening the horses and setting the men on edge." "Well then, Morlyn knows about what we are up to. But if I know him, he won't care. His army is numerous enough to loose a few hundred men without even missing them." Will started off again for the camp. Tactus took the lead and soon they were in the middle of the camp. Sir Robert and Alan were sitting by a campfire off to one side of a large tent. Robert was on his feet immediately to greet his Lady. "Beloved, where have you been." It was Captain Tactus who answered, "It appears these two were off causing mayhem among the enemy troops." He said laughing as he rode off on other business. "What's this about? Is it true?" Alan approached his brother and held on to Aspen's reins as Will slid from the saddle. "Yep, afraid so. Morgan was a great help. She set up just the type of diversion we needed." Will could see the shock on Robert's face, "and she also saved us from a wood demon." "But Will did the dangerous stuff," she said trying to alleviate her lover's fear. Sir Robert just stared at her. He looked as if he were about to say something, but then turned away and walked into the tent. Morgan followed him in. Will, not wanting to interrupt, grabbed his brother's arm and walked away. "Alan, Morlyn knows what we are up to. At least in part. I think we should pull back a soon as possible making sure this area looks as undisturbed as we are able. We should be as far away as possible. By the way, where's Arrow? And why aren't you back with the falconers?" "I sent Arrow to scout ahead. I didn't want that bird to give away the position of our knights, so I came forward." Will tilted his head at his brother, "Always thinking of others, eh?" Alan looked at his feet, "I don't think we can win Will. From all reports, there are just too many of them. Even with your tricks, it won't take long for them to recover. You know what they say about a wounded animal. We'll hurt them all right, but at what cost to ourselves? To Morion? Will considered whether he should reveal his plan to his brother, then decided to keep it to himself. "We'll give them a fight they'll not soon forget. The others, those realms that were overrun, they didn't have enough notice. Nor were they the main target. But with us, we have time on our side. And hopefully a bit of luck." He nudged his brother lovingly. "Don't worry, okay?" Alan just looked at his younger brother, as if trying to peer into the heart of an enigma. He nodded his head as they continued to walk towards his tent. "Will, you look tired. Why don't you catch a few winks before we break camp?" Will suddenly felt very weary. A rest would do him well. That and a bite of food. The food could wait however. "Yes, I think I would like to rest." He went into his brother's tent, curled up, and fell fast asleep. It was late in the afternoon when he awoke to a loud voice commanding the breaking of camp. The voice was rough and unmistakably Tactus'. Will sat up, stretched, and then headed outside to see how things were going. He felt refreshed and ready to start the journey. He saw men lowering tents, putting out fires, and saddling horses. Carts were being loaded with excavation equipment. All in all, a very efficient operation. Tactus was a fine organizer. "Will!" Morgan came running up to him, "I hope you got some rest." He smirked at her, "I hope you did too." "Yes, as a matter of fact I did, thank you. Robert saw how tired I was and, well, left me alone." She winked at him. "Do you mind if I invite Robert to ride along with us?" "You don't have to ride with me, my Lady. Your presence during our little raid was wonderful and more than anyone could have ever dreamt for. No, you spend you time with Robert. "Don't you want me to ride with you?" She looked hurt. "Yes, but I also cannot expect.." "Oh yes you can, just this once." With that she trotted off to find her lover. Will stared after her. He wanted to think it was his company that attracted her. He was happy for the offer nonetheless. "Brother, come over here," Alan's voice carried over the noise of the laborers getting ready to leave. He was standing with his arm outstretched. A great eagle resting comfortably there. "Arrow! How are you ol' buddy?" Will greeted the bird and went into a kind of chirping singsong. The eagle tilted his head this way and that listening to the sound of his friend's chirps. "I cannot see the images he has to offer, but he has been out scouting, so must know something." Will took the eagle from his brother and focused his eyes intently at the great bird. First, he could sense only confused images and colors, but then they started to coalesce. He could see from a birds-eye-view the enemy breaking camp and start to move southward. Their leader rode on a black horse, very much like that of Sir Gardain's. The rider had a blue robe on and had a long black staff strapped to his back. Will caught site of massive war machines getting prepared to role out. He also saw the horrible image of the dark winged creature. He could see it diving at Arrow, as the eagle dodged and weaved. It was as if he himself were flying. The imagery so intense that as he weaved to escape the dark thing's talons, he fell, sending Arrow squawking into the air in protest. "Are you all right?" His brother ventured, helping him up. "Yes. Sometimes Arrow's images are so vivid, it is as if I am actually living them." He explained. "Let's go." Will and Alan went to their horses and got them ready. As they mounted, Sir Robert and Morgan arrived. "Shall we?" Will led the way out of camp, as the others trotted to catch up. The whole army of laborers was ready to set out also. As they went, a crew of men stayed behind to clean up and make sure the area looked as undisturbed as possible. They used brooms to sweep the ground, branches and small shrubs to landscape the surroundings, and anything else they could find to make the area look like it hadn't seen the passing of man in ages. They were extra careful to make sure the area didn't look more 'natural' then the surrounding areas. It was a fine balancing act. As the troop traveled south, the traps were left far behind. One lone outpost remained. It would watch as the enemy encountered the traps, then report back to Morion's main force. Now all that remained was the assault from the air. Everyone knew Morion's forces had to attack first. Surprise. That was Tactus' key. That was Sir David's hope. The first wave would come in a few hours' time. The images Arrow had related to Will were enough for him to direct the attack. Now that he was here, he couldn't believe Sir David would try to send him away. He could direct Arrow and the falcons better than any present. The first wave had to be at his command. It had to be devastating. Traveling south the group would periodically stop and quickly set up other outposts equipped with a little food, water, and enough horses to afford the men who were stationed there a mode of quick escape. Tactus and Alan had taken the lead, leaving Will, Sir Robert, Morgan to ride together. The trio rode in silence, each keeping to themselves what they thought of their chances. Will was still uncertain whether he should stay or go. If he stayed, he could direct the aerial assault, as if he were the eagle leading it; however, Sir David really didn't want him there. As if reading his mind, Robert spoke up, "Will, we're all glad you're here. Regardless what anyone thinks, you are needed and wanted." Robert looked at Morgan, his eyes revealing what they all knew. "You will stay, of course." "Yes, I'll stay." Just then Tactus came galloping back to them. "We've spotted Sir David's camp and reported to him personally. The troops made better time then we allowed for. He is coming out to greet us." Then he turned to Will, "My Lord, he was none-to-pleased to hear of your arrival. But after I told him of your little jaunt, I believe he will think twice about sending you back." Tactus gave him a friendly pat on the arm then rode back the way he had come. "Don't worry Will, I will speak up for you too." Morgan nudged her mount over so she could take his hand. "Love, I have no worries about this. I just want to make sure all of this is over as soon as possible, and that we are on the winning side." Will squeezed her hand firmly. "Let's make haste. The falcons need to be on their way soon." He spurred Aspen into a lively gallop, one that could easily be sustained by the sturdy war-horse for some time. William Black © Continues... 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