“No, Charles. I’m afraid we’re unlikely to cross the river without meeting resistance. Vindrake won’t waste time searching for us in the wooded areas, knowing the river lies between us and Laegenshire. He’ll send his warriors down the road to intercept us.”
“Can’t we just follow the river down and wade across instead of crossing on the bridge?”
“We’ll do just that, for there may be a hundred Water Clansmen lying in wait this side of the bridge. We’ll attempt to ford the river at the low-water crossing. Unfortunately, during this season, the river runs fast and deep. There’s but one place where the water is shallow enough to cross, and Vindrake’s warriors have the same knowledge.”
“What are we going to do?”
“I wear Darielle’s sightstone, so she can see through my eyes. She knows we are coming. We won’t have to fight the Water Clan warriors alone; Stone Clan
will be there.”
Though Graely spoke in a whisper, Charles could hear the confidence in his voice.
“I hope you’re right.” I’m just a liability, now. No more helpful than Markaeus and Haegen. At least the boys will be valuable when they develop their major gifts. I’m pretty much worthless unless I can sneak up behind someone with my knife.
As if Graely could read his thoughts, he spoke over his shoulder. “We’re not far from the river crossing. Can I count on you to keep the boys safe? They may want to join the fight, but they mustn’t. It’s a rare occurrence for the ungifted to win against the gifted in close combat. Had we some spare arrows, I might allow the boys to participate at a distance; but we have precious few, and I dare not let them be wasted.”
“I’ll keep an eye on the boys.” I wonder if he made up that task to make me feel better.
The group hiked in silence for another thirty minutes or so before Morvaen called for mid-day break, setting Ochraen, Worster, and Flaeren to guard the perimeter while they stopped to rest and eat. Charles moved closer to Markaeus and Haegen, who insisted on eating the food from Markaeus’ pack, despite its less than palatable condition after being dunked in the water.
“We don’t have enough food to share.” Markaeus tone revealed his sharp disapproval, despite the whisper.
“I’m only giving him part of my portion.” Haegen hugged his arms closer, and Charles noticed what appeared to be a long greyish potato root extending from the crook of his elbow. “Grey Nose is only a baby, and he’s lost his mother.”
“A baby? If he’s this big as a baby rat, he’ll be your size when he’s grown.”
“I’ll do without food if I must. I don’t wish him to starve to death. Perhaps if I take care of Grey Nose, someone else will take care of Furry and her babies. I left without saying goodbye, and she’s probably wondering where I’ve gone.”
Charles was tempted to intervene with a sarcastic comment about no rat ever starving to death, but his heart melted when Haegen turned his head, wiping his eyes on his sleeve. “I’ll make sure you don’t run out of food, Markaeus. We’re almost back to Laegenshire.”
“We don’t wish to be dependent on charity.” Markaeus lifted his chin. “We’ll earn our keep.”
“Of course you will. I’m certain Graely will put you to work.”
“I shouldn’t have left Furry…” Haegen stroked the disgusting rat like it was a sweet puppy. “I didn’t even tell him goodbye.”
A cry from the forest made Charles jump, his bread slipping from his fingers. “Water Clan! Water Clan!” Worster burst from the thicket into the clearing, drawing his sword.
“Run for the river! Follow me!” Arista yelled as she darted past them, nocking an arrow as she ran.
Markaeus and Haegen were fast on her trail, and once again Charles struggled to keep up, his sore muscles protesting. I’ve got to start working out.
“This way!” Arista flew through the forest on a non-existent trail, dodging the trees.
The branches the boys pushed aside flew back to slap at Charles as he followed. I guess Arista knows where she’s going. If not, we’re in a heap of trouble.
Charles heard heavy boots pounding the ground behind him. He slipped his hand into his pocket, withdrawing a knife. Not that it’ll do me any good against a sword.
“On your left, Charles.” Flaeren zoomed past to catch up with Arista, an amazing feat considering her pace. At the edge of a clearing, Flaeren held up his hand, and they skidded to a halt. He ducked to the side, nocking an arrow, and Arista followed suit. “Get down! Water Clan warriors!”
Charles dove to the ground behind Markaeus and Haegen, landing hard on his right hip and scraping his elbow through his coat. The knife flew from his fingers to be lost in the thick bushes. He cursed out loud, flinching when Markaeus and Haegen turned to stare at him with wide eyes.
“I’m sorry, boys. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Does that mean the same thing as ‘glare it’?” asked Markaeus.
Haegen gave him a sharp elbow. “Don’t say that. Grandfather would be disappointed if he heard you.”