The Descendants Book One: The Broken Scroll (49 page)

“You are a strong woman, my lady,” Egan said, smiling.  “I trust that you can do it.  We are all are becoming people we never expected to be these days.”

She did not take long to respond, and Davin didn’t expect her to.  Backing down from a challenge wasn’t in her nature. 

“I will do what needs to be done.”  

The crowd turned to face their leaders, awaiting their command. 

Niahm smiled knowingly.  “I believe they wish to hear from a Descendant.  You are the ones that give them the most hope.”  

Egan started forward on his horse automatically.  Davin pulled up in front of him and blocked his way. 

“No, I will do it.” 

Egan waved him on proudly. 

Davin gulped.  He didn’t know what exactly to say, but the crowd didn’t care.  They would listen intently because of who he was.  As a Descendant, he inspired these people by his mere presence. 

“I have no profound words of encouragement to tell you.  But I will say this.  None deserve to live under our King’s madness.  You should be proud of yourselves for being the people that were willing to make the first move against him.  I never expected in my wildest dreams that I would have helped to ignite a rebellion, and yet here you are.  We may not be many, but we will make ourselves be heard.”  After assessing that he had their rapt attention, he concluded w
ith, “Onward, friends!  To the capital city!” 

The air was crisp and the sky overcast as they rode.  The plains whirled by as they kept a steady pace. 

Most were not in the frame of mind to talk and kept to themselves.  The little conversation that did take place happened when they would spot travelers in the distance.  Egan and Davin kept their eyes observant for any signs of behavior that said people were suspicious of the group riding northward.  Most didn’t even notice, and those who did paid them no mind. 

***

“When we reach the Greenlands, we will have to be more careful,” Egan said as they rode.

“But we won’t be going
through
the Greenlands,” argued Davin.  His head ached from the stress of looking for travelers that might sell them out. 

Druce interjected.  “Oamlund is on the eastern edge of the region.  Our path will take us very near it.  This isn’t something we should press our luck about.” 

Davin looked sour, not in the mood for Druce’s opposition to him.  But it was a trivial matter, and Druce was merely looking out for their group’s wellbeing, so he let it go. 

They called the halt for the fourth night out when the moon was high in the sky.  The gloomy, overcast weather the day had held passed into a clear winter evening.  A slight wind had moved the clouds out and brought quite a chill upon them.  Everyone rummaged through their belongings, pulling out extra blankets and clothes to warm themselves.  Only a single fire was allowed, which did not please most, even though they understood their safety depended on it. 

While riding the last couple of days, complaints had been kept to a minimum.  But after a while at the pace they kept, many began to let their poor attitudes be known.  Davin thought best to just leave them alone.  The people of Lemirre weren’t quite as difficult, but Davin knew they were just trying to be strong for him. 

Instead, he sat and ate a quick meal with Prack and Prack’s son Rainn who had quit the Acadeem and returned home to join his father in the fight.  Niahm sat with them as well.  They talked casually about how the rebuilding of Lemirre was going, and how they missed their haven in the foothills.  Davin told them about how the Ancient Forest wasn’t ever really haunted, and how he’d like to show them the natural light that glows from within its depths.  It was a pleasant time, and Davin only excused himself when he caught Egan, Druce and Governor Seamus sharing a private conversation not far away.  

“This is the same exact weather that was present when I was a captive in Daust,” said Egan, gesturing lazily around him.  He glanced at Conn Seamus.  “Maybe I’ve got to kill another mad governor.” 

At first, Seamus glowered at Egan for his attempted joke, but his face finally broke into a delayed grin.  “I’ve not gone mad yet, but I’ll be sure to inform you when I have, shall I?”    The two men chuckled.  People looked around for the source of the laughter, smiling even though they didn’t know what was happening. 

“It’s good for morale,” said Davin, catching on. 

“Exactly,” said Egan. 

After many of their numbers had fallen asleep, Davin and Egan retreated away from the group to spar and practice Driocht.  They actually had to walk some distance to make sure their clatter didn’t wake anyone.  It was a good session that left each of them sweating in the end. 

Egan told him that when it came to Driocht, he was quite proficient at this point.  But there were little things like reaction time and imagination that he needed to work on.  

Davin took part several exercises where Egan would perform a combination of quick attacks with his sword and Davin had to block them with only magical defenses.  He found it took more out of his than he had expected, and greatly wished to increase his stamina. 

On the way back to the camp, Egan advised Davin as he had every night since they left Swift River.  “This may be the last time we have to practice before the Capital, so let me tell you this.  Do not drain all the orbs’ powers right from the start.  Spread them out.  I haven’t taught you sword technique for no reason.  And make sure your bow is fit, you may need it as well….”

The scenery of the plains gradually changed.  After three more hard days of riding and short nights they were camped next to a river on the eastern edge of the Greenlands, only a few leagues from Oamlund. 

Now that a meal had been consumed people were beginning to put tents up all around.  Davin wandered through the midst of the activity as he stretched out with his hearing.  He got up when he heard Egan whispering intensely, not wanting to miss any more information.

“…don’t think it would be wise, even if we sent only a few in,” he said. 

“We don’t want to be caught off guard.  Constant information is necessary, and Oamlund might be able to give it to us, without even trying too hard,” said the Governor Seamus.  “And in a best case scenario, we might be able to add to our numbers.” 

Davin stepped up to Egan, Governor Seamus, and Druce, sharing his opinion as well.  “I think it’s a good idea.  Niahm could go with a couple of others.  No one would pay them any mind at all.” 

“Well said, lad,” said the governor boisterously.  He seemed very pleased to have Davin’s approval.  Davin’s felt his ego swell slightly at the revelation. 

“I don’t know,” groaned Egan.  “There are a number of risks, not counting tipping off the wrong people about us.  All of our secrecy up to this point would be for naught.  We might as well sent messengers and march a parade up to the gates of Eire announcing our arrival if we are found out.”

“Why would anyone have reason to be suspicious in Oamlund?” Davin asked exasperatedly. 

Egan sprang back quickly.  “Because the messages that Druce sent out could have been intercepted, or their recipients could have turned on us.  Even the guildsman in other towns could have stayed loyal to the King.  The Guild Leaders are still advising him, after all.  Who knows what could happen?” 

“You are paranoid,” blurted Davin before he knew what he was doing.  “We know what must be done, and we need this information.” 

Druce raised his finger and pointed.  “Gentlemen, maybe we should ask Niahm herself.”                They turned the direction his finger was pointing and saw Niahm and Kayleigh coming toward them.  

“My ladies, how would you feel about gathering information from Oamlund?” Druce asked, suddenly.  Both of the women looked skeptical. 

After a moment’s pause, Niahm said, “Is this a joke?”  Her eyes flicked to the four of them in turn. 

“Not all at,” answered Druce innocently.  “We discussed how important it would be to have an update as to the goings on at the Capital.  Oamlund has always been very knowledgeable.  There is a strong political presence there.  It shouldn’t be too hard to find out any new details of O’Hara and Deverell’s dealings.”

Egan spoke when he saw Niahm look anxious, as if it wasn’t a good idea.  “I do not like it either, but I cannot deny our necessity.”  He paused.  “We will ask a handful of able bodied men to join you for protection.  I am sure you are aware why none of us can go.”               

“I am aware,” she said solemnly.  “You would likely be recognized.” 

“We will go,” answered Kayleigh, after Niahm still hadn’t given a reply.  Niahm looked shocked for a moment that Kayleigh had volunteered her.  They looked in each other’s eyes and Niahm’s expression changed to that of resolve. 

Within a couple minute’s time they had gathered some provisions, personal items, and their weapons.  Egan asked for volunteers from several of the burlier men in the group, which included Prack.  They did not look happy about this task.  Davin wanted to offer encouragement, but figured it would have been received with a sneer, so he refrained.  Not many understood how much of a fugitive he actually was.  They only saw him standing in the shadows at the moment when he should be acting bravely. 

“May speed and cunning be with you, my ladies,” said Egan.  “You have a two hour ride in front and in return.  The Ancients guide you quickly back.” 

“Do not worry, we will return before the sunrises tomorrow so that you don’t have to wait for us,” said Niahm. 

Most of the people watched them ride off, probably thankful that they had not been volunteered.  Druce, Egan, and the Governor return to their belongings, and each lost themselves within books or documents of one sort or another. 

Davin felt this was an odd choice for conflicts being so eminent.  They should be taking every opportunity to prepare for what lay ahead.  With a determined huff, he made up his mind.

He began to stroll around to various people sitting on the ground and offered to take turns training with them.  He received several declines before people began to agree.  His enthusiasm was contagious and quickly many that had said “no” originally began to change their minds.  By the time he had made the rounds, two-thirds of the group had joined him, Swift River and Lemirre citizens alike. 

Egan and the other two men even decided that this was a smarter use of time also.  They hurried to replace the books in their hands with swords and fell into step with Davin at the front of the crowd. 

“You make us look bad, Davin,” said Egan said to Davin in a low voice.   

Governor Seamus said with a false airiness, “I don’t know about you gentlemen, but I could use the practice.  That’s all I care about.” 

Davin requested that Druce and Egan help sort everyone into fighting groups.   The archers were told to make make-shift targets to carry out their practice as well. 

As they started, Davin made the rounds and requested Egan to give tips on better technique to those who seemed to be struggling.  It turned out to be quite productive for them.  Egan was a master swordsman after all. 

The moon was low in the sky when a woman named Sarai of Swift River, whom had been acting as a lookout, rode toward them swiftly on a pooka.  Her haste told them that it was urgent.  Davin waved at the group to stop what they were doing, but most had seen her coming already and turned to face her. 

“Riders approach from the west.  I could not tell who they were yet when I left, but I would guess it was our people returning from Oamlund,” she said, slightly breathless.  Her voice was low and not
very womanly, but it matched her features. 

Davin, Egan, and Governor Seamus rallied the people back to the camp.  By the time they arrived back in the campsite, the riders from Oamlund were nearly upon them.  It was their scouting group that had been sent just hours before.  The lot of them looked grim at best, and Davin prepared for the worst. 

After dismounting, Niahm and Kayleigh greeted Davin and the other leaders that had stayed behind. 

“The news is not good,” said Niahm
mysteriously.  “Oamlund is not what we expected.  The city is quite deserted except for some lingering mothers and children.  It seems the majority of the town up and left when the king asked for citizens to volunteer to serve him as a militia force.” 

Egan
cursed.  “That settles it; the king must know of us and wants to make sure we are crushed beyond belief.” 

“Not necessarily,” said Druce.  “The people you spoke to could have lied.  There are many reasons for the people to leave.

“I agree.  You haven’t heard everything yet, my lords.” 

“What other news do you have?” asked Governor Seamus, ignoring the previous complaint. 

Kayleigh spoke again.  “We saw with our own eyes the sketches of people on the execution list.  Roland and my father are both at the top of it and Davin and Egan have been added.  The instruction is to kill the two Descendants on sight.  The sketches are accurate enough for you both to be recognized with ease.”  She paused.  “My blood boils at the idea that my father is receiving this punishment for no reason.” 

“He has served his purpose to the king.  That is the only reason for it,” said Egan, solemnly. 

Governor Seamus suddenly looked angry, “I am tired of all this, friends,” he growled to the group at large.  “I want to know the truth to all of these uncertainties.”