Myrkron (Volume Two of The Chronicles of the Myrkron) (42 page)

Michael turned instantly.  The tone in Branik’s voice was one he had never heard before
.  It sounded almost timid.  “What is wrong, Branik?”

“That is what you did for me
, wasn’t it?”

“
In essence it was, though you had actually stopped breathing and your wound was much greater,” Michael admitted.

“Chieftain Karg is truly a great leader.”

“Though I cannot argue the outcome of his action, it makes me shudder to think what would have happened if I hadn’t been able to heal him in time.”

“It is pointless to contemplate the what
-ifs after the deed is over.  Be thankful for what is and that so many stand behind you,” Branik said softly.

“Were I fearless like you and the rest of the Avari
, then maybe I could do that, but I am just a man, Branik; a man that has known more fear in the last few months than I have in the entirety of my life.  Sometimes, I just want to curl up in a ball and forget everything that is happening.”

“What have I to fear when my brother can raise the dead?”  Branik replied with a smile.

“I cannot raise the dead.”

“You brought me back from the dead.”

“I revived you.  There is a significant difference.  Had your heart not started beating again, there would have been nothing I could have done.”

“That too is a what
-if,” Branik stated.  “And as for fearless, it is a nonsense word. For nothing is truly without fear."

"Well spoken, Avar Branik.  I knew you would one day make a good teacher."

Branik turned to see Micah approaching accompanied by Colonel Bastise.

"My lord, I was merely trying
…" Branik began.

"To instruct a sydoj as you ha
ve been instructed.  Why fight it, Branik?  There is a circle to knowledge as well as to life.  When you can see those cycles, you find the key to wisdom," Micah explained with a slight smile.  "I always knew you had it within you.  It was never…" Micah paused suddenly, listening.

Branik quickly drew his swords and placed Michael between himself and Micah.  He strained his hearing
, but could only detect the approach of Karg and Mardak. He knew his lord's senses were much more acute than his own.

Micah slowly drew his own swords
, causing Michael and Colonel Bastise to do the same.  Both men jumped as Micah let loose a low rumbling roar and took off into the marsh so fast it almost seemed he disappeared.

Branik drew closer to Michael.
  "Lord Micah has caught a scent," Branik relayed, not taking his eyes off the marsh ahead.

"Shouldn't we try to help?"  Colonel Bastise asked hesitantly.

"We would only be in his way," Branik said shaking his head.

"I am glad that one is on our side," Karg rumbled from behind them.

"If he were not, I would seriously consider going home," Michael replied.

The sound of a horn came from
further behind them.  All of them turned toward the sound with the exception of Branik.  By the sparse firelight, they could see mounted men riding out of The Slot.  After the last rider, Michael could see Merric and Mathis, followed by infantry.  "What was the horn?"  Michael asked.

"Herald of the King.  It signifies the King has taken to the field of
battle," Karg answered.

Bastise was awestruck by what he was witnessing.  He
'd read about ancient battles of knights and men going to war, but reading about it was far less impressive than seeing it in person.  His face split into a huge grin.  "This is going to be magnificent."

Karg looked at Bastise and smiled himself.  "Do you not have battles where you come from?"

"Of course, but they are often fought from afar and with very different weaponry.  Rarely do we get to stare our enemies in the eye as we fight."

"Sounds like no place for a warrior
."

"I am beginning to agree with you, Chieftain."

Michael, too, found himself transported to a distant time.  The knights on horseback carrying lances held upright; the infantry with spears and shields.  If it wasn't for the fact that some of these men would be dead soon, it might have been a glorious sight.  Michael turned to look out on the marsh.  Nothing moved.  He was beginning to worry for Micah.

King Brose led his horse over to the small knot of men.  Commander Salic and Captain Hamil accompanied him.  "Chieftain Karg, are your men ready?"

"Aye, your majesty."

"What are you men looking at?"  King Brose asked straining his eyes
, trying to follow their gazes.

"Lord Micah has gone after something," Branik replied still not taking his eyes from the marsh ahead.

"From what I have heard of the man, if he has gone after something, then he will find it.  I suggest you all ready yourselves," King Brose said then turned his horse and trotted back to his lines.

"I will return to my people, Myrkron," Karg informed Michael.

"Just remember my plan, Chieftain, and thank you for your help."

Karg bowed deeply to Michael and walked off.  Mardak remained behind watching his brother go.  "Myrkron,"

"Michael, remember?"

"I want to thank you for saving my brother.  He can be impulsive
, but it is always for a good reason.  I want you to know that if you ever need anything that is within my power to grant, you will have it," Mardak said sincerely.

"You could do something for me."

"Anything."

"Watch over Dain for me.  He has a tendency to place himself in danger when others need him.  Do what you can to keep him safe."

Mardak smiled.  "Gladly, Myrkron," Mardak replied then followed his brother.

"I am beginning to worry about Micah," Michael revealed to Branik.

"Worry not for Lord Micah.  He will handle whatever it is.  In fact, I see a rider approaching.  It is one of the scouts, I believe."

Michael squinted trying to see what Branik saw.  A few moments later
, he thought he could just make out the shape of a rider coming at speed.  As the horse drew nearer, Michael could see a man bent over its neck.  A horn blast sounded from behind.  Unlike the heralding note he had heard, this one was louder and much harsher.  Michael turned to look and saw Micah approaching from the King's line.  All of the knights were lining up and the men were adjusting their shields.

"Micah, what is going on?"  Michael asked worried.

"Yon scout ran into a bit of trouble in the form of a couple of Weres.  I took care of one and questioned the other.  It seems they have advanced scouts of their own, and they are of a type we were not expecting.  If you see any snakes, kill them."

"Snakes?  You mean to tell me Mortow is using snakes to scout for him?"  Michael asked confused.

"Yes and no.  The snakes are scouting for him, but they are Weres.  The man is sneaky enough to almost warrant admiration."

The scout slowed his mount as he came within hailing distance.  Both mount and man looked tattered and worn out.  It was obvious they ha
d been in a skirmish.

Michael held up his hand for the man to stop.

"I am sorry wizard, but I must report in," The scout said apologetically, slumping over the saddle horn.

"I have already made your report, master scout.  Let Michael tend to you and your horse," Micah said maintaining his distance from the frightened animal.

"Were you not the one that just saved my life a few miles back?"  The scout asked looking hard at Micah.

"The same.  And you're welcome by the way.  I was almost afraid you would be unhorsed when I slapped the flank of your
mount.  Seems you held on just fine," Micah said smiling at the exhausted scout.

"How did you return before me?  You were not even mounted."

"I fear you will get no good answer out of the Avari Lord.  He tends to enjoy being cryptic," Michael told the scout, putting a bit of emphasis on the last word.

"It is good to see you have not yet lost your sense o
f humor, Sydoj," Micah retorted and then walked off toward the King's line.

Michael helped the scout down out of his saddle while Branik held onto the horse
's reins.  "Are you injured?"

"I don't think so
, but my horse is."

"My name is Michael.  I will fix him up good as new," Michael told the scout as he sent a short burst of energy into the man.

The scout stood up straight and stared at Michael.  "What did you do?  I feel like I just slept for two days."

"Just gave you a bit of a boost.  Now let's take a look at your horse."

Branik had been looking the horse over and detailed the animal's condition.  "There are scratches and a few bite marks on his flanks.  Other than that, he just looks to have been frightened."

"He is not the only one.
Thank you, Michael. I am Pete."

Michael inspected the horse's flanks. 
It had several large gashes and a deep bite wound.  He laid his hands on the horse and passed some energy to the frightened animal.  The horse instantly perked its ears and swung its head back to look at Michael.  Michael smiled as he got the distinct impression the animal had thanked him.  He concentrated on healing the injuries.  It seemed child's play compared to what he'd just done with Karg.  As he saw the last gash close seamlessly, he felt the horse shiver.

"You are welcome," Michael said
patting the horse’s rump.

Pete inspected his horse's flanks and was astounded to see the wounds completely gone.  "I don't know how you did what you did
, but I am grateful."

Just as Michael was about to reply, Branik's sword flashed over and down near Michael's foot.  Looking down, Michael saw a snake writhing on the ground, its head still near his foot.

"You had best get yourself and your mount to your lines," Michael said ushering the scout up on his horse.  "Be safe, the both of you."  When Michael turned back, he was shocked to see a headless woman's body, and he nearly tripped over the severed head.

"It seems they are here," Branik commented unnecessarily.

"Even with everything I have seen, it is still unsettling to see the Weres change to human form after their death," Michael admitted.

Branik merely grunted an affirmative
as his gaze was drawn to the marsh once again.  The landscape seemed to be playing tricks on his eyes because it seemed to flow and move in the darkness.

Michael's eye went wide.  "Branik, what is that?"

"I do not know, but I assume it is nothing good."

The camp went silent as all were now staring at the stra
nge movement out on the marsh.

It gave Michael an eerie feeling because it was completely silent.
  Squinting to try to make out the mass, Michael clapped his hands together over his head and shouted, "
Lumen!
"  A burst of pure white light shot from his upraised hands and streaked out high over the marsh, gaining intensity as it traveled.  What he saw gave him chills and made it difficult to swallow.

What was moving was not a single mass
, but rather thousands of animals moving quickly toward them.  As the light illuminated the mass, the creatures gave vent to loud roars and cries.

"There must be thousands of them," Michael said in awe.

"More like tens of thousands.  Prepare yourself brother.  Think not upon their numbers.  Remember what Reek and I have taught you.  The only enemies that matters are the ones immediately around you.  Do not stand in one place, move always and never let your swords sit idle."

"Speaking of Reek, where is he?"  Michael asked
, looking around.  He felt naked and exposed without both of his friends.

"He is coming," Branik said pointing to the lines of King Brose.

Michael saw Reek sprinting in their direction.  He had apparently been engaged with Merric and the King in some discussion.  Reek covered the distance in mere seconds and wordlessly took his place opposite Branik on Michael's side.

"I am not one to give you instruction in magic
, but I believe now would be a good time for that shield of yours," Reek commented watching the Weres' rapid approach.

Michael quickly spoke the words to raise his shield.  As he did
, he heard Karg bellow out.  "Brothers and sisters!  Behold the enemy that would enslave you to tyranny.  Allow yourselves no thought of tomorrow for all that you are is a warrior on the field of today.  Your only purpose is to make this day the last day.  Let none escape your just wrath.  Show them all the unmitigated rage that oppression sires."  As Karg finished his speech, he turned to face the charging enemy.  He raised his massive war hammer over his head and let loose a deafening roar of challenge.  The other ogres followed suite and then they were charging out to meet the enemy.

"I feel as if I should do something," Michael said in sorrow.