Hawkmoon (The Hawkmoon Chronicles) (27 page)

                                                    The Company Goes Forth.

Enoch  arrived in  conversation with the King. The two of them looked as thick as thieves Chattto leaned to Hawkmoon and whispered:” I don’t remember including him in this”

“We will have need of him before this is over. That fellow comes and goes as he pleases. Every chieftain from Seareach to the Icelands knows him.  .”

The wizard had a mane of hair   and a flowing  white beard. Past his middle years, yet  he carried himself with the bearing of a younger man. He had a new staff, carved from ebony, topped with silver... He was wearing the same clothes he arrived in, tattered and travel stained. Despite  efforts to clean and patch them he looked like a hill  farmer. 

Servants had arranged the chairs. A map had been moved from the wall and placed in front supported by a wooden trestle. Bowing to the King  a frail woman stood  before the assembly.. She spoke with the modulated tone  of those who have passed their lives in places of learning.

”Your Majesties, honoured guests , our business today is to devise  a means of reaching  the  site  discovered by Hawkmoon .

We have been working on a translation of a document sent to us by the Queen of the Dasatii. Her people were unable to understand the language. In truth we too have struggled  with it. However we have  made some progress. Al Jiddah  has provided  reference points in the part we have translated. There are  problems, however To start with, the country he describes does not exist. There are two possibilities. Either  al Jiddah was wrong or  the desert has  spread to cover the original site. The latter is the stronger possibility. The theory was strengthened when we received a note from Hawkmoon   with reference points for a structure in the sands. If I place them on the map like this…” She pinned them to the   cloth” …you can see that they coincide. Hawkmoon had moments to mark the positon when he passed over the site . It has been  years since al Jiddah  found the place. . In that time the sands have come right to the edge of the Challon River.   The river has  had little influence in  halting the spread of the desert. It flows through  canyons   of  Granite with layers of Porphyr  which prevent water from leaking. The city was  founded in the Elder days. It may contain devices that might be adapted for purposes of war. The Wampyrhii have at least one. We must take possession of anything else… An army could not cross and yet we must go there.”

Aladan spoke. “I understand the need for haste, yet I would counsel patience until the scouts return. I am concerned that Reivers might still be at large... It has been a hard Winter but they are a hardy folk. A number of our scouts will return in days. They will have word of the country between here and Reenavanna. The main troop will leave when they are fully assembled. They will go to  see your  friend” Aladan said looking at Hawkmoon

. “She’s no friend of mine”

“She has odd ways but no one hates the Wampyrh more …. We   know about the   Elf impaled before her cave however it was not she that murdered him. He was alone when the Reivers came on  him. They ate parts of him She found the bones and set off to hunt them None of them survived She will hand over the remains and he will be brought home.”

The company assembled the following morning. The mood was  sombre. Sara stood at Hawkmoon’s side as he strapped  on an assortment of weaponry. A  bag of arrows went  over one shoulder, an Elven Longbow on the other. The ponies carried a thousand arrows in the supplies and the scouts had been well equipped. The axe was propped against the butt of the wall. The elves passed giving it  glances, some in awe, some with distaste. Weapons assembled, equipment secured he turned to Sara.  Her face was pale and wan, the glint of tears in her eyes He held her while she leant against him, her body trembling

He had lived with Elves over the years. Their women were tall and lovely. Some of them had shared his bed. He had loved none of them. Why was it different now? What had happened?  A man not given to introspection, he doubted if he would ever understand.

I know here… “she touched her forehead “that you should go. The quest must be fulfilled. All I ask is that you return” Hawkmoon held her out so that he could see her face. “I would cut my way through the Underworld.” He drew her back in his arms. 

Sara  rested her face against his shoulder. “I had the strangest dream. I was  in a cave with a fire burning against one wall. I could smell the wood. I stood and looked around.  An old  lady sat at the far side stirring a pot. She was mumbling to herself. I stood close to her but she ignored me. She pointed at the wall and it  disappeared  I was looking across a valley,  covered in flowers . A young man sat close by. It must have been you at an early age, without your build, but so handsome. The vision changed . I watched him as he looked down at a farm below. Men came out in strange uniforms. From the way he concealed himself I knew they were his enemy. The door of the building opened and a young girl came out with a basket. She had red hair and she was lovely. As she passed the men one of them must have said something to make her angry because she slapped him. The others laughed but the one she hit pointed a club at her. He held it strangely but I sensed that it was a weapon … A smaller woman came out and there was an argument. The one that the girl struck grabbed her  but another man stopped him.. A carriage came out of a barn. It was moving without horses…The vision cleared. I was standing in the cave on the same spot.  The old one spoke. She said she could send you there and I could go with you”

Hawkmoon took her by the hand and led her out of the company . Water rushed  beneath the arch of the bridge, giving them a measure of privacy.. He tightened his arms around her.  “Darling, that was a dream, just a dream. You’re upset and worried”

He sat her on a  flat stone warm in the morning sun. Kneeling in front he gazed  at her.” I  have  lived in a wasteland for so long it never occurred to me that I could be happy . Don’t be sad. I will come back; nothing will stand in my way”

Aladan  stepped onto a stone dais. “My friends, many miles  stand between you and your return to peace and safety. No one would think less of you were you to refuse your part in this quest. No one has ordered you  nor sought to persuade you to this course.  Some  who  cannot go are saddened at the prospect of parting. I am in the way of knowing that some of you will not return . I do not know  who they are. “

Three elves came with   carved wooden boxes.

“It is our custom to bid our guests farewell with gifts.”Aladan went to stand by Chatto, who started to dismount. “Stay on your horse Dhampir. The page opened the chest and the King took out a small pouch. “The Queen of the Dasatii has gifted  your people lands in the south that you may settle and live  free . That was nobly done. For our part we would see those lands fertile and bountiful. This contains  the seed of Mallorn and all the fruit and flowers  of our lands. Take this as a mark of honour for the courage of your people and our undying friendship.” People gasped in wonder at the gift. Chatto made an awkward bow.

Aladan looked at Enoch smiling. He nodded at the wizard’s staff.” My friend, you have your gift.” Finally the Elven Lord turned to Hawkmoon.

“My Lord, I have all  I need.” Hawkmoon said holding Sara’s hand.Aladan looked at his sister who blushed. . “Let it be so.” Aladan lifted both hands. “The spirits of water, air and land bless your going forth. May you return in victory and joy.”

The company were mounted on  Elven ponies.. Centuries past the Khan of the East sent four stallions to breed with the horses that grazed in the long meadows to the south of Elfhome.  Chatto, and Hawkmoon had  mounts to suit   heavier riders. Shadrach smiled  at a woman and two  boys who regarded their father with solemn eyes. Logan waved to an older couple who  looked at him gravely.

Enoch came to stand with the king as the company turned their mounts and rode across the bridge. Those who remained waited as they climbed the road and faded among the trees .

                                                    Meeting in the Wild.

They were up there. He could smell them.  Hard to say how many but enough. He cursed to himself for  taking the easy route.. It couldn’t be more than two, three at the most; otherwise they would be charging…

The twigs of a sapling bent.  He fired, a grunt of pain  coming from the bushes. Bolts snapped from the brush, one parting his hair another glancing from his ribs. He grunted feeling the links of the chainmail.  A scream came from above. A Reiver raised up, and  toppled forwards, a long arrow in his back. Two figures  leaped from the bushes , charging  at him. As he raised  the crossbow the bolt slipped from its groove. He grabbed for it  and fired   taking the first  one  in the hip. The other was too close. Dropping the crossbow he reached for the longsword knowing he was  a dead man.. The Reiver checked, stumbling in the slush.  A shaft  spanged from the Rivers breastplate, knocking him off balance. As he steadied himself a second  took him at the neck.

Bekter lay panting with fear and exertion.  A shadow loomed across his body followed by a scent of perfume.

“You can get up now”. Sara unstrung the longbow. Bekter watched her. In the soft climes of Elfhome she was soft and womanly.  Here she had the poise of a warrior.Her hair was gathered in a thick braid.  She wore calfskin troos and a green tunic. 

“My Lady Sara” She crouched, touching the rip in his jacket. Her eyes widened as she opened the cloth to see the mailshirt.

“A princely gift, Solomon Bekter”

“It seems, no matter what anyone says you will have your way” He scolded.

“I think we’re past that, don’t you? They…” Sara gestured to the dead Reivers, “have been tracking you. I have been tracking them.”

“I presume I will have to take you with me “

“No, but you can come with me if you wish”

“I thought they were all accounted for”

“Not yet.”

“In that case we are in for trouble”

“Don’t worry dear” she said “I’ll mind you.”

                                                                    END

                                                    Appendices

Journal of the Institute of Vampirism and Vampirology. University of Karak. Vol 57 Pages 141-161

Origins of the Wampyrhii.

Roman Blebkinskip(a). Chulgetei  Ramsoran, (b)

a, Department of History, Faculty of Educational Studies. University of Karak.

b, Vice Chamberlain to the Court of Tsubodai, Emperor of the East.

    The following was submitted as part of Conference proceedings at the University of  Karak in  the spring of  31,426. It is a review of the origins and history of the Wampyrhii. It forms part of  a preliminary to  the introductory lecture given by Professor.Blenkinskip.Events of recent times have lent   a more than Academic interest to the research. Representatives of the Court, Government and the Armed Forces attended They contributed at various times over the  next four days. From an academic viewpoint certain statements made by these parties did not have the standard of scholarship that would satisfy normal Academic rigour. However these are not normal times.

The Conference was honoured at its conclusion by  an address by His Royal Highness Duke Ement Valron,  Prince of the Inner Sea, and King of the Confederation of the Independent Cities.

My Lords, Ladies, members of the Government, esteemed colleagues.

I wish to establish a  framework of principles to act as a  structure for the work we hope to accomplish in the coming days. It is my profound hope that these proceedings will be remembered as, if not the most academically pristine event of its kind, as one of the more useful. During the course of my working life I have been asked, by pupils, colleagues and my paymasters to justify the status of History.

The study of History defends itself by rigorous adherence to the facts as they are known. If we have no grasp of the significance of past events, how are we to prepare for what the future has in store? Before proceeding I would like to welcome old friends to our Conference. The Kingdom of Silverlode has been absent from our deliberations. We commend their success in rebuilding their state. We welcome the representatives of the Dwarf Queen as friends and allies.

  I appreciate that the reason the Free Cities exist and the Kings of the West hold their thrones is that for every soldier we supply to counter the Vampire threat the Eastern Empire contribute fifty. Theirs is the greater sacrifice. I am assured that the court of the Khan   appreciates the work of our Rangers. I recognize the work of my co author, Chulgetei Ramsoran, without whose contribution the present research would not have come to light.

We welcome a new participant in the person of Lurum Hai, representing the Reiver Confederacy. Finally I must express my regret at the absence of friends that have graced these proceedings since their inception. I speak of the Woodland Elves. Their representative was given access to an advanced copy of this address and, on instructions from their High Council, declined to attend. I believe, and nothing will dissuade me that the High Council has no case to answer and that their absence was neither expected nor called for. I would ask the conference to keep in mind that the information supplied came from the Elves.

A Brief History of Vampirism.

Let me say at the outset that there are more questions about Vampires than facts. Vampirism is not an evil  safely contained within the Icelands; it is present in the lives of all of us. Cemeteries and graveyards throughout the Land are locked with silver gates. Graves are sprinkled with salt lest  corpses  are opened to be eaten or to prevent the occupants from returning to a state of unnatural animation.

Habitation, close to, or in forests are prone to attack .How a person, who in life exhibited no tendency to Vampirism could return on their deaths to prey on family and friends is not understood. There is speculation that where true vampires have been, they leave traces of their infection to be passed on to some hapless victim. Hence the use of salt and silver at burial grounds. Attacks are more common in poorer regions that cannot afford prophylactic measures. . In these regions the dead are buried face down in the belief that when they wake they will attempt to dig deeper thus not emerging at the surface. Studies have shown that such measures are effective to a limited degree (Roy 31,5002).  It has been found that the quality of Vampire, if I may be permitted such a phrase, is largely dependent on the quality of the person before their death. A stupid person will make a stupid vampire. A man who was a soldier will make a dangerous vampire. (Ibid). Rangers employ the same procedures as those used in the Empire. Decapitation is followed by cremation with Shamanic ritual. This procedure is successful if adhered to. Shamanic intervention however, is expensive.

Where and how Vampirism originated has been a question that has occupied  more than academic interest. At one time there were none. This is so because studies of ancient history  contain no references. It is inconceivable that they would exist without being referred to in some record or artefact, no matter how tenuous The Vampire is a secretive creature, preferring    remote areas. Sunlight kills them although no one knows why.  They are known  by  their attacks and reports from the few who survive. We know that in the Elder Days the Land was inhabited by people vastly advanced in Knowledge. After they brought the Land to destruction they dedicated themselves to the prevention of the re-emergence of Science. ((al Jiddah 31.5075). Re discovering their science has become an academic discipline in its own right. A paper will be presented tomorrow by one of my colleagues. He does so on behalf of a man whose work  did not receive the recognition it deserved.

Most of what we know of the origins of the Wampyrhii is taken from  the work of Allatius, Roy,  and al Jiddah The recent research is derived mainly from work by myself and Chulgetei Ramsoran

Scholarship is vague on precise dates but the accepted view is that  the Age of the Vampire began after the period that marked the conclusion of the Second Burning. At that time the Land was beginning to recover from  Solar Prominences... Populations were rising and grass was recolonizing the plains. Growth was returning to the forests  . Commerce and Trade was increasing. Populations were rising. Every nation had sworn to the Vow of Peace .

A thousand miles beyond the present border of the Northern Elves lived a clan known as the Valvornii. Their origins were Elvish with the tall frame and bearing of their southern kin. They lived quiet lives, having little to do with other tribes. They bothered no one and no one bothered them.They were different   in other ways; one of which was the retention of a Shaman. The Valvornii centred all the power in the hands of one man. Many have argued that this led to the catastrophe (Allatius 31,4070) but others have proposed that  critical errors were made by other parties (Blenkinskip 31,580)

Shabag  was found, abandoned  in a manure pit. As a child he demonstrated remarkable aptitude for Magic. So great was his talent that forest demons would come at his command. One, a Trickster spirit whose name was never known, gifted him with occult power. As the shaman’s power grew so did his fame and the awe in which he was held by the people Finally the Trickster, took Shabag into the forest. It showed him a great crystal that had come from between the stars. It advised the Shaman to cut his finger and let a droplet of blood fall on the crystal.  The demon proposed that Shabag  choose the greatest tree and bend it to his will. Shabag chose the mightiest oak in the forest and commanded it to tear itself up by its roots. The forest rang with pain until the tree stood before him.

The demon whispered. It told Shabag of a tribe of starving humans, outcasts all, who lived to the East. If he could achieve so much with a single droplet what could he do with the lifeblood of an outcast that no one would remember? Shabag approached the men of the tribe. He coaxed and persuaded. He told them of those that lived in the East. The females were theirs to do with as they wished… The rest were to be kept in a cave in the woods. 

In a short time it became evident that the demon had lied (Allatius 31,4070).  The stone was insatiable. Where it performed Magic for a drop of blood it now demanded a potful. Where a potful had sufficed, it demanded a life. What of it? The savages were outcast degenerates. As Shabag grew in power so did his reach. The wilderness became an abode of demons.

One day his hunters raided a settlement on the Namur River.  In one of the huts, tended by a young girl, they found a man of warrior bearing. He was young and, except for a fever, in good condition. Shabag would be pleased. Shabag was pleased. The young man was the first to die.

When the raiders left that settlement, they were trailed by men used to moving with stealth They would not have stood against warriors and that was what hunted them. They came too late to save their officer.  That unfortunate youth was the son of the man  who  would later became known as the Unifier (Chulgetei 31,425)

No one could have suspected that this would be the first step that would end in Unification and the rise of the Empire (Ibid). Having assembled the evidence a letter was drafted to be delivered to the Elven High Council informing them of the activities of their brethren in the North. (Blenkinskip 31,580). Summarized the letter informed the High Council that:

      1.    One of their clans was using Blood Magic.

2.It was the responsibility of the Elvish High Council to deal with this.

3.Until this happened a state of war would exist between the  tribes  and the Elves

What followed has been characterised as   a nadir  in the history of the Elves ( Allatius 31,4070. Roy 31,5002). A race which gave the Land Medicine, Horticulture, Poetry, and Music stood accused of unspeakable crimes. The consequences remain today.

We have lost towns, villages and hamlets to Vampire raids. Whole families have disappeared.  Husbands have returned to infect their wives. There have been cases of mothers returning to attack their children (Roy, 31,5002). Our population is infected with the curse of Vampirism. Kings have been seduced, governments suborned. Our efforts  would count for nothing without the armies of the Khan. The sacrifice of the peoples of the East are not fully recognised (Marmaduke 31,588)

For the High Council the immediate question was how this could have taken place without their knowing. With reflection it became obvious that a great evil had been at work in the northern forests; one that was powerful enough to conceal itself from the acuity and vision of Elvenkind. (Allatius 31,4070) . 

The Elves made two mistakes. First, they assumed that the evil was known and could be dealt with. The second lay in their dealings with the Valvornii. The custom in these matters was trial and execution of the malefactor. As they did not know who  had participated in the Shaman’s activities it was decided that the entire clan would be exiled.

A thousand elves were sent north .When they reached the White Valley Shabag had disappeared. Scouts were sent out but no trace of the Shaman could be found. The Valvornii began their journey to the Icelands. Some tried to escape by stealing away in the middle of the night. They were caught and brought back. Later they were executed as they were found. Historians have wondered at the cruelty of Elven troops (Blenkinskip 31,580)

  It is possible that the catastrophe that befell the army might have been averted had the High Council possessed the foresight to send magicians with the troops. Others argue that the Shaman had become so powerful that no Elven Lord would have been able to stand against him (Chulgetei, 31,425)The weather turned colder as the year declined. The first blizzards caught the clan unprepared Thousands died, mostly children and old people. Shabag followed in the forest.

The demon returned in the night. It whispered to him of a way to destroy the army. It promised a gift for his people; one that would make them invincible. They would be feared. They would be the hunters not the hunted. It called the wolves of the North. They surrounded the army. As greater numbers   came the attacks became more serious. Finally the elves were surrounded  and cut off .

Of the thousands that had left the   Valley only fifty four remained. The demon spoke to Shabag, telling him to bring his people to a tree in the forest where the gift would await them.

First Shabag stood before the tree. A branch lowered itself. A twig from the branch bent  over his head. A drop of white liquid oozed from a leaf. It dropped onto the side of his neck to be absorbed through the skin. The others followed .. Mothers with children were dragged, screaming. When everyone had stood beneath the tree they lay down and slept.  They awoke with a sense of great hunger. The demon whispered, reminding them of the bodies that lay at the battleground . Walking through the night until they came at last to the place of slaughter. 

There was pain in the light. Scrabbling with bare hands, they dug holes to hide before sunrise.

We will recess for lunch.

When we resume I will chair a debate.