Forest & Kingdom Balance (30 page)

“My estimate is that it would take you a minimum of
ten years to make your way back to the coast. Although I think I
can lengthen that. If you thought that brief two year swim you had
awhile back was arduous, it will seem like a holiday compared to
what I will do to you. After that, at least an additional three
years to get men from across the sea before you could begin to
reenter the mountains.” The Caretaker said with determination then
added casually, “You will need a steady stream of replacements as
you try to move forward of course.”

The Knight smiled. “And I would pave that trial of
yours with the bodies of Mindow slaves, to make travel a bit
easier.”

“That was a given.” He returned the Knight’s smile.
“What makes you think I would leave you, personally, alone once you
reached the coast, or for that matter, the other continent?”

“Which reminds me,” the Knight leaned forward, “how
did you manage to keep Emperor Kale in power that long?”

“A word here, an unmasked spy there, a few whispers
of just the right information at just the right time, it proved not
to be difficult.” The Caretaker waved his hand.

“My compliments on an excellent campaign.” He sat
back. “I do see a slight flaw in your timetable for my conquest of
the mountains though. I have the same abilities as you, do I
not?”

“Similar perhaps, however it will take you centuries
to discover and develop them to an extent where they would
interfere with my efforts.” The Caretaker lied.

“I have plenty of centuries. Shall we begin?”

The Caretaker shrugged, “If that is your choice,
however there is one option we have yet to discuss.”

“Such as?”

“The Mindow are willing to negotiate with you. If
you humans can settle your affairs without me, then my involvement
would not be necessary. As you said last night, I would then be
free to continue my existence without humanity’s interference. To
accomplish that the Mindow would have to freely accept any terms
that are negotiated. That would fulfill my obligation to them.” The
Caretaker put his mug down. “I believe we have discussed all the
options that are available to you.”

The Knight considered his position for a few
moments. “As I see it, the negotiation option in no way deters or
changes the first option. It can be implemented at any time. Do you
agree?”

“Obviously.”

“Then there’s no need for us to begin our battle
today. How do the Mindow wish to proceed with the
negotiations?”

The Caretaker rose from his chair. “I will give the
location to your captain. It is a week and a half’s journey from
here. Just follow the road.

“Until you choose to take the option of direct
conflict with me, you have my safe conduct.” The Caretaker then
showed his adversary what the gaze of a powerful immortal feels
like from the receiving end. “So that you understand, my commitment
to the Mindow is still in effect, and your safe conduct only
applies to my actions. As far as I am concerned, the Mindow are
free to act as they please.” He released the Knight.

“The Mindow delegation will include twenty guard,
their captain, the negotiator, and I will be present to observe. Is
that acceptable?”

“Yes.” The Knight shook his head to clear mind.

“Good. Please have two horses saddled and put
Yamikura’s saddle as baggage on one of them.” He went to the
corner, picked up Yamikura’s pack and sword, then left. The Knight
followed him out.

A short time later Ular led two horses to the
Caretaker. “These are the horses the slaves rode, my Lord. They’ve
gotten used to those two hanging on to them for dear life.” He left
the horses with the Caretaker and withdrew.
“I
gotta admit,”
Ular thought of the slaves as he left,
“those two were kind’a easy to get use
to.”

“I would have to agree.” The Caretaker said as he
strapped Yamikura’s belongings onto the horse.

It was early afternoon when the Caretaker came upon
his three wayward charges. He was surprised to find them on foot
with their horses walking behind. Yamikura met him as he rode up,
and shrugged when he saw the Caretaker’s expression. “We’re
actually making better time this way.” He grinned.

“I believe we can get you on your way.” The
Caretaker smiled as he dismounted.

“It is an honor to meet you sir.” Yamikura bowed, “I
thank you for saving our lives.”

“Please call me Caretaker, and since I was the one
who put them in danger, I thought that it was the least I could
do.” They walked over to the two teenagers. Atheria was excited
while Simon looked wary.

“Simon,” the Caretaker took his hand, “your flame is
pure and bright. Palinar would have been proud of both your actions
and the instincts you showed the night of the Red Knight’s arrival.
The Mindow will need good warriors and good leaders in the coming
years, you will be both.” He turned and gave Atheria a hug. “You
young woman, are the only person in all the time that I have been
Ward of the Mountains who’s first impression of me was that I am
warm and cuddly. That is a thought I will cherish always, thank
you.” The Caretaker allowed her to experience the warmth and
affection he felt.

“Here they are!”
Catherine’s message was sent to all four.
“Look
out below!”
Eight great eagles glided down to the road, each
dropped a bundle near the group and flew off. She thanked her
fellow Forest Dwellers then returned her thoughts to Yamikura.
“It may not be well cooked, but it's a few
meals.”

“You are truly a woman of your word.” Yamikura was
thankful for the supplies, but even more for her presence.

“I still owe you a well cooked
meal and a smile. I think I’ll make something special, and I may
even bring in a little help to do it! Unassisted, my cooking tends
to taste like camp rations. The smile of course, will be all
me!”
Yamikura felt her gift of joy.
“You
should pack quickly. I’ll keep you updated on how far ahead you
are.”

“Yes, we need to get you three moving.” The
Caretaker went back to his mount. “Yamikura, please saddle your
horse, here is your pack, and this.” He untied Yamikura’s sword and
handed it to him. “I sincerely hope that there will be no
opportunity for you to use this any time soon. However we must be
ready for any eventuality.” Yamikura strapped on his father’s sword
and felt as if his soul had been returned.

The Caretaker picked up a bundle and started working
on Atheria and Simon’s saddles while the other three packed
supplies onto the spare horses. They were ready to ride in no time.
Yamikura walked Atheria over to her horse to give her a boost.
“Excellent!” He said as soon as he saw her saddle. Both the Mindow
saddles were fitted with belts.

“The Red Knight’s company is only about four hours
behind and making good time.” The Caretaker said as he strapped
Simon in.” I’ll come with you until you can widen the gap.” He
undressed and put his clothes in one of the bundles on a packhorse.
A flash of emerald green came from behind them just before a great
white stallion flew past.

“Go!”
With that thought,
all five horses set off at a fast gallop to catch the stallion.

II

In a camp west of the Kingdom and a fair distance
from the road, the Royal Guard Elite were in full mobilization as
the Elites readied for departure. Twenty-one riders mounted as John
rode in. Tre and the Elite Lieutenant rode up to meet him.

“Peter, are we ready?” John asked his
Lieutenant.

“Ready, willing, and able Captain!” Peter replied
with a head bow of crisp, military precision.

“Proceed.” John ordered.

Tre looked John over as the Lieutenant left to join
his men. “You look good in that get up.” He noted with a grin.

“Shut up. I’m tired. I left very late last night and
flew from Spirit’s Vale non-stop. I barely had time to eat, get
dressed and get here.” John yawned. “Besides,” John reminded his
friend, “my uniform will look quite sedate next to the costume
you’re going to be wearing when we get there.”

“Don’t remind me.” Tre had a sour look on his face.
“The councilor has been using me as a dress dummy for two days to
get just the right look. Tre turned to John as the pair started off
to follow the column. “Hey! By the way, I don’t even get a
sword?”

“You’re a negotiator, not a warrior. A diplomat does
not carry a sword.” John felt himself join in the cadence of his
horse. “That’s what those twenty men are, they’re your sword. You
are, theoretically, so important that you need a personal guard.
Their sole purpose is to protect you.”

“Okay, so who’s going to protect
them?”
Tre didn’t share his comment. “I’ll still don’t like
it.”

“What?” John yawned again. “I missed that.”

“Let me see if I have this correct?” Tre crossed his
hands on the saddle horn. “You just spent a week, an entire week,
in the most beautiful, magical, enchanting place in all the world.”
Tre paused and cocked his head to the side. “What world is the
Forest in anyway? Never mind. You just spent a week in a magical
land with the most beautiful, most wonderful woman to exist in any
world, and you want me to feel bad because you didn’t get your
beauty sleep. Did I get that right?”

They rode along in silence while John smiled.
“Sorry.” John said. “Your question reminded me of something.”

“Cruel. You are truly a cruel man.” Tre laughed and
let John doze off.

The Elite company arrived at the first night’s camp
area as the sun was setting. The warriors worked with efficiency
and discipline as they went about their tasks. Tre couldn’t
remember hearing a single order spoken the entire time. Once the
company was bedded down, he took a seat with John in front of the
fire.

“You did an incredible job.” Tre said as he filled
his mug from the pot next to the fire. “I swear, these twenty men
could face all the Palace Guard in Kingsport, and they’d own the
place without breaking a sweat.”

“Yes, They’re the best.” John’s voice was
reflective. “But they won’t be facing the Palace Guard. The men
they’ll face are a select group of warriors from a land of constant
war, men that are battle hardened and experienced. As long as the
Red Knight is willing to talk, the Caretaker and Catherine will not
bring in any of nature’s reinforcements. So if a conflict starts
we're on our own until the Knight decides to take what he wants the
hard way.”

John refilled his mug. “If he does, then all is
lost. On the other hand, if every one of us dies, but a solution is
found, then we’ll have lost twenty-one to save thousands. Not a bad
trade, what do you say Trader?”

“Twenty-two.” Tre answered. “What, do you think I’d
let you leave me all alone with the Red Knight? Once the
negotiation starts, my part is done. I may not be able to carry my
sword but I will certainly know where to find it.”

John lifted his mug in acknowledgement. “Of that I
have no doubt.” He laughed softly, “Yes, the hard part with you
always was keeping you out of a fight.” John’s mood turned somber
again. “I told you what happened with Yamikura last night, the Red
Knight didn’t even let him speak. If he decides to take on the
Caretaker, winner take all?” John left the question unanswered.

“The thing about it is, it’s not even the
Caretaker’s fight. You and I fight for our lives, our loved ones,
even our way of life, but he is an observer, a natural force,
should the wind choose which side of a conflict to fight for? Does
the sea make moral judgments as to who has the more righteous
claim?” Tre listened as John’s inner conflict sought release in
quiet words.

“If everything goes bad, the first who will suffer
will be the coastal Mindow. The Caretaker told the Knight that it
would take him ten years to reach the coast and centuries to learn
enough of his own abilities to negate the actions against him. My
estimate would be closer to two weeks for the Knight to learn, and
six weeks tops to get to the coast. Then the Mindow slaves would be
slaughtered, and at that point there will be nothing we can do to
stop it.” John suddenly yawned wide.

Tre got up and poured the leftovers from his mug
into the fire. “Tomorrow John, a new perspective for a new day. Get
some rest my friend.”

John rose and stretched. “It wouldn’t be bad if it
was just last night, but I haven’t gotten much sleep this entire
week.” John entered his tent, obviously enjoying a roguish
reminiscence.

“Did I mention that you were cruel? I’m pretty sure
I mentioned that.” Tre left to find his sleeping roll.

III

Catherine closed the door and peeked around the side
to check the shutters.
“All set.”
She
noted. A couple of quick knots and the camp gear was stowed on the
second packhorse. Before she could mount, a sparrow flew by and
circled around for another pass. “Angela! How marvelous!”

The sparrow stopped about five feet in the air and
in a flash, her student appeared. Catherine saw that her feet were
six inches from the ground at the same moment that she dropped and
fell over. “Are you all right dear?” She reached to help her
up.

Angela sprang up instantly. “I’m fine.” She said
much too quickly, and took a moment to discreetly brush some dirt
off, then gave Catherine a big smile. “I wanted to say good bye
before you left and to thank you for all your help.”

Catherine’s heart filled with the purity of Angela’s
flame. “Thank you!” Catherine said as they shared a heartfelt hug.
“I think I enjoyed our time together more than you did.”

“Can I take care of anything while you’re gone?”
Angela asked.

“I can’t think of anything, but if I do, I’ll drop
in on you. It will be a big help to know that I won’t need to come
all the way back just for an errand.” Angela was so happy that even
Catherine’s kiss on her forehead didn’t bother her. “While I’m
gone, try practicing your change over the pond so that you finish
straight up and your feet just touch the surface, it will save you
a few bumps and bruises.” Catherine tousled Angela’s hair and
mounted her horse.